Annual Report • Jul 31, 2024
Annual Report
Open in ViewerOpens in native device viewer

Annual Report and Accounts

Corporate governance Financial statements Shareholder and other information
The Board has adopted a refreshed corporate purpose – "to keep our customers moving, smarter" which embodies our ambition for the next phase of our strategic journey.
We continually innovate to provide new products, greater simplicity and efficiency benefits across an increasing range of mobility solutions.
Avril Palmer-Baunack Chairman
ZIGUP is the new corporate name and brand for the leading FTSE250 integrated mobility provider, previously called Redde Northgate plc.
The name change took effect in May 2024, following a shareholder vote.
It reflects the changes that have taken place since 2020 in the business and in the markets in which we operate.
Read about our new brand Page 18
ZIGUP plc Annual Report and Accounts 2024
Financial statements Shareholder and other information

203 Glossary 206 Shareholder information

Chief Executive's review A strategic refresh to position us for future growth.

How we create value From harnessing structural trends, to generating value creation and the impact we have as a Group on our stakeholders.

A brand new us A new Group identity underpinned by a revised purpose.

Financial performance Measuring the success of our strategy execution.

Sustainable mobility Doing business in a responsible manner, aware of the impact we have on the world we live in.
Underlying profit before tax
£180.7m +8.9%
Total revenue
ROCE
+10.4%
Underlying EPS
61.4p
14.5%
Operational highlights
Fleet size ('000)
128.2 -1.9%
Utilisation
+0.4ppt

Throughout this report, we refer to underlying results and measures. The underlying measures allow management and other stakeholders to better compare the performance of the Group between the current and prior year without the effects of one-off or non-operational items.
Underlying measures exclude intangible amortisation from acquisitions, certain adjustments to depreciation and certain one-off items such as those arising from restructuring activities and the tax impact thereon. Specifically, we refer to disposal profit(s).
This is a non-GAAP measure used to describe the adjustment in depreciation charge made in the year for vehicles sold at an amount different to their net book value at the date of sale (net of attributable selling costs).
A reconciliation of GAAP (reported) to non-GAAP (underlying) measures is included on pages 51 to 52. A further explanation of alternative performance measures and a glossary of terms used in this report can be found on pages 203 to 205.
A customer-centred focus on delivering mobility, smarter, supported by responsive delivery and transparent performance.
See our business model Pages 28 and 29
Growing responsibly
Taking into account the impact on our people, the communities in which we work and the world in which we all live.
See our sustainability overview Pages 66 to 68

03 ZIGUP plc Annual Report and Accounts 2024

Corporate governance Financial statements Shareholder and other information

04 ZIGUP plc Annual Report and Accounts 2024
To be the leading supplier of mobility solutions and automotive services.

We are focused on placing the customer at the centre of our business, offering a broad range of services that can be flexed and tailored to the needs of each customer.
See our customers Page 7

Our strategy centres on leveraging the benefits of ownership of a range of complementary businesses, which together deliver integrated mobility solutions across the vehicle lifecycle.
See our strategy Pages 16 to 17
We reward our colleagues and business leaders against a range of relevant financial metrics, and where appropriate also against a number of personal and strategic objectives.

Our corporate values promote an inclusive and supportive culture of teamwork, integrity and support.
See more on supporting our people Page 32

We look to create sustainable value, investing in the business for the benefit of our diverse stakeholder groups and our social environment.
| Strategic | Corporate | Financial | Shareholder and |
|---|---|---|---|
| report | governance | statements | other information |
We have grown both organically and through acquisition to become a market leading provider of a diverse range of related services which customers increasingly choose to take as an integrated mobility solution.

Vehicle rental, service and maintenance across the UK, Spain and Ireland to a range of blue-chips, public sector and corporate fleets.
Very broad fleet options including small to large panel vans, customised vans, e-LCVs and specialist vehicles including refrigerated, traffic management and support.

Management of the performance, compliance and maintenance of commercial fleets such as service scheduling, telematics, driver liaison, training and downtime management.
Additional fleet support services, EV fleet consulting, plus EV charging and solar installation for businesses and consumers.

Claims support and accident management
End-to-end handling of any accident claim on a UK customer fleet or policyholder's behalf from initial incident reporting to repair and insurer management.
Legal support services for vehicles, drivers and passengers involved in a motor incident such as personal injury claims or uninsured loss recovery.

Replacement vehicle
Replacement vehicle provision following an accident, either through credit hire arrangements or direct hire for insurer's own policyholders.
Like-for-like replacement vehicles in event of a non-fault accident, or where customer has subscribed to upgraded courtesy car policy.

Bodyshop repair
Vehicle damage repairs, for cars and LCVs including structural, aluminium and body repairs.
Vehicle damage repairs for cars and LCVs, including plastic welding, structural and aluminium body repairs, together with mobile repair, glass repair and replacement services.

Extensive range of used vans and cars offered to businesses and private individuals through retail sites in UK, Spain and Ireland and online auction platforms, with comprehensive aftersales support.
Principal disposal route for the Group's fleet, also used by other fleet operators for fleet disposals.
Shareholder and other information
We keep our customers mobile through meeting their regular mobility needs or by servicing and supporting them when unforeseen events occur.

Renting vehicles to corporate customers from the largest of blue-chips through to SMEs.
A broad cross section of industries from support services to infrastructure, construction and logistics.
Fleet management services to corporate fleets ranging from below 25 vehicles to over 1,000.
Incident management to corporate and dealership fleets.

An accredited public sector provider through a number of framework agreements.
Providing rental vehicles to many government agencies, NGOs and local councils.
Specialist 'blue light' recovery services to 12 emergency services in the UK.
Support to National Highways on major incident management.
We are trusted by customers across many sectors and industries, building long term, growing relationships through being trusted for customer excellence and efficiency.
We partner with a broad range of leading motor insurers, fleet operators and leasing companies, as well as a diverse customer base from government agencies and blue-chip companies to SMEs.
| Insurance and leasing |
Consumers |
|---|---|
| Working with many of the UK's leading insurers and insurance brokers. |
Principally a B2B provider, also offering certain vehicle solutions direct to consumers, as well as engaging with individual drivers and policyholders. |
| Supporting fleets of many of the largest contract hire and leasing companies in the UK. |
Supporting accident claims handling for individual referrals from our insurance partners. |
| Extensive product range from incident management to claims and repair handling. |
In Spain, renting vehicles and providing workshop services to retail customers. |
| Providing complete management of an accident and claim across both credit and direct hire and repair. |
Installation and support for EV charging infrastructure across the UK to retail customers. |
| Strategic | Corporate | Financial | Shareholder and |
|---|---|---|---|
| report | governance | statements | other information |

| Strategic | Corporate | Financial | Shareholder and |
|---|---|---|---|
| report | governance | statements | other information |
shared location
Our operational scale and reach provides significant benefits and greater responsiveness for our customers.
We provide vehicles from a very broad range of automotive manufacturers to give our customers the greatest choice, with a growing number of EV and hybrid models.
| Group fleet ('000) | |
|---|---|
| UK&I Rental | 46.6 |
| Spain Rental | 65.1 |
| Claims & Services | 16.5 |
| Total | 128.2 |



Fleet risk management
Vehicle sales
LCV Fleet management
battery storage
Fuel Cards
Fault/Non-fault repair
Damage assessment
TP Claims management
Specialist traffic management
Repair solutions
Data & telematics
Vehicle provision Refrigerated vehicles
Accident management Service & maintenance Fleet incident management
Specialist vehicle recovery Replacement vehicles Legal services Vehicle repair
Credit repair
RTA recovery First notification of loss (FNOL)
Statutory recovery
Micro-mobility Solar and
EV infrastructure

ZIGUP operates across a number of disparate but connected markets where customers have a variety of routes to access both passenger and commercial vehicles, and to accident and incident management services, including claims and repair; but very few players can provide an integrated service for most or all of the customer needs.
Within our diverse markets, ZIGUP has developed a market-leading reputation as a large, integrated specialist operator focused on the LCV fleet rental segment across the UK, Ireland and Spain, together with provision of accident claims, hire and repair services of all vehicle types to large corporate and insurance partners in the UK.
ZIGUP's owned end to end mobility services offering is a key asset in this context. This includes a substantial vehicle fleet totalling nearly 130,000 vehicles, over 1,400 claims handlers and one of the largest combined branch network and repair capabilities across its geographies.
Our platform provides our customers both with greater flexibility and cost benefits, derived from the greater efficiencies and national presence that our platform affords; and our clients can minimise operational friction, and benefit from greater responsiveness by choosing to take multiple services from us.
Financial statements Shareholder and other information
Our customer base is growing as the Group increases its share in the segments it operates in; from acquisitions and also as a result of underlying market growth as outsourcing continues to grow (see page 26).
Clients are attracted to the multiple services they can access from ZIGUP's integrated platform, the simplicity this brings to complex processes, and our specialist technical expertise.
ZIGUP has relationships with over 40 automotive OEMs and is one of the largest single purchasers of LCVs in the UK and Europe, outside of the traditional OEM dealership networks. This strong supply-side relationship network means that the business typically has early access to new vehicle supply at scale.
While the left-hand drive markets, including Spain, have recovered much of their new vehicle supply chain liquidity post-COVID-19, the right-hand drive market of UK and Ireland is improving but remains substantially undersupplied.
This has continued to have consequences for both the new vehicle market and also for used vehicle pricing, although these are expected to gradually normalise in the medium term.
With the implementation of the ZEV mandate in the UK in early 2024, designed to support vehicle decarbonisation, there is greater emphasis from OEMs on selling EVs with a potential cap on the number of ICE vehicles they can sell if EV demand is weak. An ability to acquire both EV and ICE vehicles offers an attractive solution for manufacturers.
There are many businesses in the UK and Europe offering such leasing and rental services, from single-location through to large multinational operators, where LCV supply is part of a larger offering of a broad range of vehicle types.
Fleet customers from UK, Ireland and Spain have traditionally chosen to own their vehicles directly, but have increasingly taken out multi-year long term lease contracts or rented products for portions of their fleet.
Rental offers greater flexibility in managing fleet size with lower capital expenditure compared to ownership; and as part of the sharing economy, renting reduces resource consumption and contributes to sustainable development.
This is combined with the benefits that ZIGUP can offer customers in terms of additional fleet services, efficiencies, and vehicle supply and choice, including advice on managing the fleet's net zero transition.
Our EV charging infrastructure business operates in a highly fragmented UK marketplace, and differentiates itself through being a nationwide provider, with both commercial and home installation capabilities, and significant partnerships with key energy and company car scheme providers.
The UK market is highly competitive, with a broad range of participants ranging from smaller single garage service centres and bodyshops, through to large independent national chains, as well as in-house operations within large insurance companies. In recent years, these in-house operations have been viewed as non-core by insurers and major fleet providers, increasingly aligned with the outsourced model used by insurance brokers and smaller operators.
There has therefore been a growing trend to outsource such requirements to networks of independent repair centres or to regional or nationwide bodyshop group operators, such as ZIGUP.
We differentiate ourselves from our peers in the breadth and quality of services we offer from our platform, however there are large competitors within the different elements of accident and claims management and repair.
In Spain, the legal framework does not support credit hire and repair services, and repair centres tend to be more local operations.
UK LCV registrations
341,000 2023
Spain LCV registrations
141,000 2023
Number of UK RTA claims
2.2m 2023 annual average UK registered EV and hybrid vehicles
1.8m 2023
Number of UK bodyshops
3,250 2023
References to 2023 represent the 2023 calendar year.
Financial statements Shareholder and other information

Chairman
Improving vehicle supply conditions across our markets enabled the refreshing of older cohorts of our fleets and was complemented by investment in growing our operational footprint. We have also invested in our people, with enhanced training and infrastructure support to help them deliver the best customer experience, and through expansion of our apprentice programme to support the next generation of technicians.
We have positioned ourselves to capitalise on future growth opportunities across our geographies. With technology innovation ranging from more connected vehicles and repair processes to greater EV use cases and micro-mobility solutions, we see outstanding opportunities to better support our customers with ever more joined-up solutions.
Our businesses operate in markets undergoing significant structural change, and benefit from secular trends such as greater outsourcing, connectivity and a growing focus on sustainability and low carbon energy transition. It is an exciting time for the automotive and mobility sectors.
The new strategic pillars of Enable, Deliver and Grow reflect the ambition and energy that I and my Board colleagues see whenever we engage with leaders across the business.
They provide a framework for the business to embrace opportunities both externally and internally, and ensure they are aligned to our strategic vision as the leading provider of integrated mobility solutions delivering customer service excellence.
We are a business operating in a sector where leverage is an essential element of the capital structure and financial firepower brings substantial purchasing capacity and flexibility. This can often be a competitive advantage when responding rapidly to new vehicle supply, or taking advantage of inorganic opportunities.
Our disciplined and conservative capital allocation approach to leverage has brought great benefits and remains an important priority for the Board. We enjoy strong support from our lenders who are attracted to our significant asset base, allied to a prudent leverage target profile lower than all major industry peers.
Shareholder returns are also important constituents of our capital allocation framework. Our strong financial performance meant that the Board felt it appropriate in July 2023 to launch our third £30m buyback programme since 2021. This completed in June 2024 and has in total acquired some 10% of the Group's ordinary share capital. We will keep further share repurchase opportunities under review.
The Board sees significant opportunities for the business and remains highly optimistic for the Group's ability to deliver continued underlying growth, for which the Group has a strong track record.
Corporate governance Financial statements Shareholder and other information
Reflecting this optimism, the Board has proposed a final dividend of 17.5p, which together with the interim dividend of 8.3p, represents an 7.5% increase over the prior year.
We recognise our significant responsibility to assist our customers in reducing carbon emissions in their transportation activities. Additionally, we play a crucial role in the supply chain for many leading insurance and leasing partners. We therefore serve as both a direct and indirect enabler of the energy transition.
Over the past year, we have made considerable strides in building out a robust framework and effective approach to our ESG reporting based on sound ESG principles and practices and guided by a double materiality assessment. This helps us consider the impact we have on the planet and the communities we operate in. As a Board, we have approved ESG commitments and new environmental policies, helping the operations make consistently thoughtful and responsible decisions.
The Board recognises the value and magnitude of the dedication and efforts of all of our colleagues across the UK, Ireland and Spain in achieving the progress that the business has made over the past year. This comes through clearly when we visit operations across the Group.
We understand the importance of a Group culture that promotes the best behaviours and a positive work environment that values the contribution of all our people. The new ZIGUP brand will support further progress on developing a unified Group identity. Its brand characteristics of being expert, trusted, agile and imaginative are ones which are well established in the business and we see demonstrated by our colleagues every day.
Employee engagement is an important indicator of a positive and supportive culture and our overall engagement score in our employee survey remains strong and growing at 75%.
We benefit from the diverse skillset and experience of our Non-Executive Directors, including depth across automotive, technology and people. I will continue to explore further opportunities to enhance the breadth and skills of the Board.
We ensure we properly understand the perspectives of our key stakeholders through both direct Board engagement and the Group's investor relations programme. The strong support from shareholders for our Remuneration policy at the 2023 AGM was greatly welcomed and was a reflection of the importance placed on engagement and consultation with major shareholders and other key stakeholders.
The business has recently introduced an Executive Committee to focus on the strategic oversight of growth opportunities and investment decisions. This Committee will enhance the strategic analysis of the increasing number of opportunities we see before us and help shape the next phase of growth.
The Group has a healthy prospect pipeline across our businesses and demand for our services remains robust.
The Board are confident that our proposition will continue to offer sustainable returns and that we will benefit from our differentiated position in the market.
Chairman 10 July 2024 CASE STUDY
This annual report showcases our recent name change and new brand, which received endorsement from over 99% of shareholders voting at our General Meeting on 15 May 2024. These changes bring a forward-looking and modern feel to our Group profile.
This rebranding should be seen in the context of significant progress over the past four years since we brought vehicle rental, accident management and repair businesses together, including the six acquisitions undertaken since 2020 and a significant expansion of our product and service offerings.
The new brand better reflects the strength and depth of the enlarged group of businesses which are working together in a more seamless way to provide a differentiated proposition to our customers. This was further enhanced by a closer alignment of our UK and Irish and Claims & Services businesses through a unified reporting structure introduced in March 2024.
Read more about our new brand Page 18
Corporate governance Financial statements Shareholder and other information
Financial statements Shareholder and other information
In March 2024 we undertook a UK and Ireland focused management reorganisation, bringing everything under a simplified reporting structure. This will help us to deliver an increasingly unified service to customers, and enhance our cross-selling opportunities.
We also introduced a group-wide Executive Committee to focus on the strategic oversight of growth opportunities and investment decisions.
See our governance structure Page 90
While the core strategy remains the same, the new strategic pillars reflect the ambition and energy of the Group and its forward looking approach to the next phase of growth.
This provides a refreshed framework for the business to embrace opportunities and projects both externally and internally. It will ensure all our actions are aligned to our strategic vision as the leading provider of integrated mobility solutions delivering customer service excellence.
See our strategy Page 16
The new brand was launched in May 2024. It better reflects the strength and depth of the enlarged group of businesses which are working together in a more seamless way to provide a differentiated proposition to our customers.
This launch comes alongside a refreshed corporate purpose "to keep our customers moving, smarter" which embodies our ambition for the next phase of our strategic journey.

Financial statements Shareholder and other information
The management reorganisation brought the UK&I Rental and Claims & Services businesses together into a more streamlined reporting structure. This reflected the work undertaken since 2020 to integrate our branch networks nationwide, where now the majority of our branches have both Northgate and Auxillis teams onsite and increasingly working as one team, together with better alignment of the businesses acquired since 2020.
By bringing these businesses together, it is enabling us to simplify our customer offer, so we make it easy for our customers to access products and services right across our Group.
We also introduced an Executive Committee to focus on the strategic oversight of growth opportunities and investment decisions. Comprising of the leaders of the UK&I, Claims & Services and Spain businesses, alongside Strategy and HR, this Committee will help us make informed strategic decisions as we pursue growth and investment opportunities across our geographies, products and into new areas.
ZIGUP's corporate strategy has been focused on delivering differentiated mobility solutions across the vehicle lifecycle, through an integrated platform. Since 2020, we have delivered significant cost savings, operational efficiencies, new large contract wins and embraced new opportunities through six acquisitions that have delivered meaningful value and enhanced capabilities.
We believe now is the time to step into the next stage of growth. We are helping our customers "move smarter" and this includes increasingly present more of our products and services as packaged services, moving the thinking away from simple verticals such as van hire and accident management.
Our new strategic framework recognises our progress in automotive technologies and mobility solutions, our core focus on delivering a differentiated customer experience and the growing opportunities we see as an integrated business. It also reflects our commitment to investment in infrastructure and training to ensure that our colleagues develop the technical skills and expertise that best support our customer proposition, now and in the future.
Alongside a growing focus on sustainability throughout automotive and mobility supply chains, this framework will help us to deliver greater value to customers and grow our business capabilities, responsibly.
Pillar one: Enable.
Joined up, sustainable mobility solutions.
Develop products, services and operational capabilities which embrace technologies to enable increasingly connected smart mobility within our customer proposition.
A differentiated and responsible customer experience.
A broad range of leading, complementary services, trusted to provide customer service excellence which exceeds expectations, and delivering industry-leading responsiveness and operational efficiency.

Broadening customers and markets, and an expanded product offering.
Exploring opportunities to responsibly grow the business breadth, size and capabilities, including into both complementary and new products and geographies.
We ensure our people and facilities are equipped with the right tools and skillsets to work in an increasingly complex and connected mobility environment.
We develop imaginative mobility products which use the power of digital and connected technologies to provide greater efficiencies and insights for customers.
Investment in our infrastructure to ensure we are well placed to benefit from advances in technology and the automotive energy transition.
See how our strategy supports our ESG framework Page 66
Have customer service excellence at the heart of our integrated product and services offering.
Maintain a reputation for expert and reliable delivery of support to ensure customer mobility.
Seek continuous improvement across our network of modern and increasingly energy efficient branch operations and vehicle fleets.
Expanding relationships with our existing customers, built on trust, partnership and shared benefits of scale and benefits of the integrated mobility platform.
Extending our customer base and our operational footprint across our current regions through differentiated products and services.
Being agile in exploring opportunities in complementary and new products and geographies.
Corporate governance Financial statements
The new corporate brand was introduced at our leadership conference and subsequently supported by over 99% of shareholder votes at a General Meeting.
We wanted a single, memorable word which supported our revised corporate purpose of moving smarter. We also wanted this to work brilliantly in different languages and across different geographies. A brand that gives a sense of modernity, positivity and that works digitally, reflecting our agility and forward thinking.
This is supported by a symbol which is part of our new visual identity and will be used both internally and externally to connect people back to brand.




We have a huge breadth of talented colleagues; experts in their field who work across teams through connected businesses to help us deliver on our promises. We use our knowledge to understand, anticipate and deliver solutions that adapt to the changing needs of our customers.
As experts in mobility, we understand that we too need to stay flexible. Adapting to the changing landscape to be able to provide an evolving suite of products, services and solutions that align to our customers' present and future needs.
As a business enabler for our customers, we take great responsibility for being reliable, consistent, and helpful in everything we do. We work together so customer get to see the best of us, always.
Always thinking ahead, staying curious and looking for new ways to make our customers' lives easier, now and in the future. Constantly thinking of new ways to add value. We build partnerships with our customers and work with them to understand their needs, answering tomorrow's questions, today.

We recognise the value attached to our well-known operating brands to stakeholders and so will continue to operate through them. We instead have created a visible connection back to our new ZIGUP name, so that there is a connection to the values and attributes of the ZIGUP Group.






Financial statements Shareholder and other information

The Group has delivered stand-out operational performances across many areas with significant volume growth in our accident management business and rental revenue growth in both UK&I and Spain reflecting continued strong demand across our geographies.
Martin Ward Chief Executive Officer
The importance of customer experience remains at the heart of the Group's commercial proposition and has been a key driver of the Group's performance in recent years. Our strategic and operational actions this year have focused on continuing to enhance our delivery of a differentiated and market leading suite of end-to-end mobility services for our customers. This commitment to the client proposition has driven strong growth in underlying profit before tax of 8.9%.
Continued volume growth in our Claims & Services business and in rental revenue in both UK&I and Spain together reflect the ongoing strong demand across our geographies and the attractiveness of our integrated mobility platform. This is underpinned by the structural trends of growth in outsourcing, and increasing connectedness within the mobility environment and also in vehicles themselves. This connectedness enhances the benefits for customers taking multiple services from us, reducing operational friction, and the potential for greater cost efficiencies from further growth of the platform.
We have also introduced greater process automation and are developing further digital tools to expand the customer proposition and streamline our organisational structure, delivering simplified customer relationships and focused account management priorities.
Vehicle supply dynamics improved throughout FY2024, enabling greater fleet replacement. This is where our strong balance sheet gives us a competitive advantage and flexibility in quickly responding to fleet opportunities.
The shortfall in industry supply continues to impact parts availability and supports long-term residual values.
Alongside fleet, we have made significant investments into our locations, people and processes which are designed to grow capacity, build efficiencies and improve the customer journey. We are very mindful of the importance of long-term customer retention through providing high quality value-added services. We have sought to mitigate cost inflation through procurement activity and changes to processes within branches; these have been supported by careful pricing increases.
Our new strategic framework and brand refresh was launched in May 2024 including the new corporate name, ZIGUP plc. It reflects our growth aspirations and forward-looking purpose, focused on keeping our customers mobile, smarter.
A continued rebound in automotive production has supported greater vehicle supply availability and improved future visibility. As a result, average UK lead times from order to delivery reduced from over 150 days in early 2023 to below 50 days by the end of the financial year, closer to historic levels. While list prices have continued to rise, the frequency and scale of increases has reduced, along with greater manufacturer incentives to support high volume purchases. Spain has seen a similar trend and a return to 2019-lead times for most vehicles.
In both markets, residual values have softened as expected over the course of the year, but there remains a shortfall of vehicles in the used market in the short term. We expect residual markets to remain strong due to this shortfall in used supply combined with higher pricing of new vehicles and also potentially more limited volumes of traditional LCVs as manufacturers move away from ICE production.
Corporate governance Financial statements Shareholder and other information
Model availability also improved in the second half of the year with an increase in the supply of smaller vans into the UK which are in high demand, increasing to a quarter of new vehicle supply. With the implementation of the ZEV mandate in the UK in early 2024 designed to support vehicle decarbonisation, there is greater emphasis from OEMs on selling EVs.
As a result, these are becoming more commonly bundled with petrol and diesel (ICE) vehicles for volume sales. This has created attractive opportunities for purchasers of our scale and we expect to benefit from access to greater bundled volumes and support on internal combustion engine vehicles from OEMs impacted by limitations from the ZEV mandate.
Since 2020, our corporate strategy has been focused on delivering the benefits of our end-to-end range of products and services, which together offer differentiated mobility solutions across the vehicle lifecycle, through an integrated platform and which has achieved substantial underlying revenue growth over this period.
In early 2024 we put in place a simplified reporting structure and established an Executive Committee in order to better assess and capitalise on the breadth of opportunities before us. Alongside the rebranding exercise we also introduced a refreshed strategic framework under three new pillars, with progress under these described below:
This encompasses developing sustainable products, services and operational capabilities that embrace technologies which enable increasingly connected mobility within our customer proposition.
Within UK&I Rental we have been focused on improving workshop and branch productivity and connectivity, with customer-focused digital apps and providing more data insights and emissions data to fleet customers to support their fleet management and reporting requirements. In Spain Rental we are preparing for the launch of an enhanced e-auction platform for fleet disposals to improve the experience for prospective used vehicle purchasers, and we have migrated our telematics offering to a next-gen provider to maximise the use of data intelligence.
Investment within our Claims & Services business has included further deployment of robotics within claims process management, connected analytics within the bodyshops, along with tooling such as plastic bumper welding to reduce the cost to repair and level of waste.
Deliver is centred around being trusted by our customers to provide expert advice and service that exceeds expectations, delivering industry-leading responsiveness and operational efficiencies.
Throughout all businesses we have been reinforcing our 'customer first' culture with enhanced training and tools to support the customer experience. Against the backdrop of constrained vehicle availability, the rental businesses have worked tirelessly and customers have understood the challenges facing the sector. Our strong feedback routes have reflected the significant efforts made to keep our customers mobile, with Auxillis NPS at over 65% and 'Excellent' UK&I rental Trustpilot scores significantly above industry levels.
Further enhancements include simplifying access to the full range of products and ancillary services and streamlining and digitalising processes and customer channels, such as a direct hire booking app.


We have recently opened nine new locations across the business, from Inverness to Cadiz and added over 230,000 sq ft of branch-based capacity including service locations, bodyshops and new rental branch operations.
The strategic aim is to create a mix of larger sites that can generate more capacity for our growing services, combined with a work environment that is appealing and provides the right experience for our customers.
Our expanding property network and investment in modern equipment including taking a growing number of EV repairs, also delivers workflow efficiencies, enabling us to be more productive.
For further details on our website www.ZIGUP.com/case-study/newbranches
Financial statements Shareholder and other information
We believe these actions will help grow our share of wallet from existing customers as we provide a broader range of services through a single touchpoint and with a more holistic view of a customer's total needs. This has already been seen at Blakedale where the top three customers each grew their fleets over 30% with us and we broadened the range of vehicles provided. Spain has invested in a new CRM system to better monitor and respond to customer requirements, and expanded to two-shift workshop patterns to increase capacity.
We are continually exploring opportunities to responsibly grow the business's breadth, size and capabilities, including into both complementary and new products and geographies.
During the year we opened nine new facilities across the UK and Spain, expanding the footprint and increasing capacity in a number of key locations. We will add further locations in the coming year and continue to explore inorganic opportunities to grow the business, focused on achieving long term earnings growth and sustainable shareholder value.
Claims & Services added further specialist segments to its customer base and continued to expand the number of customers taking more than one service from us on multi-year contracts. Our product offering was further expanded through the acquisition of FridgeXpress at the start of the year adding refrigerated solutions to the UK rental proposition.
This was enhanced both by the launch of a corporatefocused car rental solution and the introduction of a broad range of micro-mobility rental solutions offering light electric vehicles suitable for urban and pedestrian-focused areas such as waste management and parks, where a number of our customers have contracts. Our pipeline across the business remains very strong.
For customers, our Drive to Zero programme supports fleet owners in identifying the right strategy and first steps in utilising EVs, or improving their fleet management and driver behaviour to reduce emissions. Over the year, we held 10 open days and driving courses with over 300 customers attending with the opportunity to test out new vehicles.
In the UK&I, e-LCVs on hire more than doubled in the year to c.1,000 units with a number of fleets renting EVs at scale; the largest now has over 100 EVs and continues to grow with more orders after the year end. In Spain, the business won EU grants to support the purchase of 500 additional EVs and 3,000 telematics units. The business is also preparing a fleet software tool to allow managers to continually assess the potential to migrate vehicles on their fleet to EVs. Our ChargedEV business added solar and battery solutions to its product portfolio, and we have developed a range of key partnerships with energy providers to offer bundled solutions for domestic and commercial customers.
Corporate governance Financial statements Shareholder and other information
Within our business, we have also made clear progress in meeting our sustainability ambitions. Over 90% of our company cars will be EV or hybrid vehicles by the end of the current year, we diverted 99% of our waste from landfill, switched to a more sustainable paint supply and introduced a new waste and resource efficiency policy to promote the greater use of circular economy principles. EV charging is now installed in 75% of our UK sites and in most of our Spanish urban sites, and over a third of all employees have undertaken EV awareness learning modules.
The Sustainability Committee completed its first full year of meetings, setting out our future ambitions through a suite of measurable ESG commitments and targets and putting performance dashboards across the Group in place, driving action towards more energy-efficient operations and behaviours. Spain piloted a carbon reduction analytical tool to support the costing of carbon reduction expenditure and we have refined our approach to Scope 3 emission measurement, utilising Green NCAPs Life Cycle Assessment methodology to determine embodied vehicle emissions more accurately, one of our three largest categories. Finally, we have also developed a Group Policy Framework and updated key ESG policies to support a more unified approach to governance.
Our people are critical to our continued growth, and we invest in their training and career journeys as we know these are key elements in maximising retention in a challenging labour market. One third of roles filled in the year were sourced internally, with the majority achieved through promotion. Our key people-engagement metric rose again, up 1ppt to 75% on a strong 83% engagement.
Notably, there was a 13ppt increase to 75% in those stating they understood the Group's success criteria and their role in it, and over 80% felt the Group was well positioned for growth. The number of industry awards won across the business is testament to the talent and commitment of our people.
Our apprentice schemes are a key route for us to develop new technical talent, and there are now over 400 apprentices and trainers working in the Group. Over the past year, the retention rate for apprentices exceeded 90%, reflecting the importance we placed on providing clarity and support for a career with ZIGUP from the start. Over 2,000 days of technical training were undertaken across the Group, as we ensured all of our workshop and bodyshop teams were properly equipped to manage what is an increasingly technical and connected automotive environment.
We adopt a conservative and long-term valueoriented approach to capital allocation, which is appropriate for the industry in which we operate and where leverage is a natural part of the business model. We have a strong balance sheet which provides the business with the ability to be both long-term in our organic investment approach and highly responsive to the increasing range of fleet acquisition opportunities as well as agile in our approach to M&A opportunities.
EBITDA of £446m for the year delivered substantial cashflow to support business growth, progressive dividends and share buybacks. Our balance sheet and business model is attractive to lenders, with a diverse customer base and an asset-backed profile supported by £1.3bn of vehicle fleet compared to net debt of £742m. Leverage remained well within our 1-2x target range, finishing the year at 1.5x, in line with the prior year while also enabling substantial investment in the fleet and returns to shareholders.
Given our continued confidence in the outlook for the business, subject to shareholder approval, the Board has proposed a final dividend of 17.5p per share (2023: 16.5p) to be paid on 27 September 2024 to shareholders on the register as at close of business on 30 August 2024, bringing the total dividend to 25.8p (2023: 24.0p), a 7.5% increase on the prior year.
The Board continues to view share buybacks as a useful element within our capital allocation framework alongside a progressive dividend and will keep further share repurchase activities under review. The third £30m tranche of our buyback programme was completed in June 2024 and in total across all three programmes has acquired 25.3m shares since 2022, equating to 10% of ordinary share capital as a risk-free enhancement of shareholder returns.
Chief Executive Officer
10 July 2024




Corporate governance Financial statements Shareholder and other information
Shareholder and other information
We operate in markets undergoing significant transformation, both through changing business models and customer expectations for smarter and increasingly sustainable mobility.
Across vehicle provision and claims and incident management segments, we have a strong reputation for trusted and expert advice and customer service.

Strategy
Our new strategic pillars of Enable, Deliver, Grow seek to best position us to harness key structural trends and maximise business opportunities in our marketplaces.
By embracing new technologies and smarter integrated mobility, we will deliver the best customer experience, growing our product offering and customer base.
See our strategy Page 16
We offer a broad range of mobility solutions throughout the vehicle lifecycle on an integrated platform, provided through a nationwide presence in the UK, Ireland and Spain.
In our markets, this differentiated proposition is highly valued by a broad range of customers and strategic partners. Our scale delivers significant advantages, including greater responsiveness and the ability to support the largest of customer fleets and policy holder groups.
We seek to take advantage of the structural trends prevalent in our markets, delivering sustainable value and positive impact for all our stakeholders.
from changing consumer expectations and technology to resource efficiency and energy transition.
How we generate revenues, our key resources and core competencies.

The contribution we make to stakeholders including customers, employees, investors and communities.
Page 26 Page 28 Page 30

| Strategic report |
Corporate governance |
Financial statements |
Shareholder and other information |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Competencies key Integrated mobility platform |
Vehicle lifecycle management and execution | |||
| Systematic claims and repair | Supporting energy transition | |||
| Future automotive skills development |

Advances in technology applications are driving significant organisational change. Opportunities from digitalised processes increase the ability for efficiencies, better understanding of data and can offer competitive differentiation.
Recent uncertain economic conditions have further expanded demand for outsourcing solutions, with businesses seeking out external expertise for non-core areas. The trend is also shifting towards building strategic partnerships with fewer outsourcing companies.

Changes in business models and rapid technology advances have led to a rise in skills gaps in areas needed to create the digital, electrified and sustainable mobility of the future.
This can be seen in areas such as vehicle repair and is shaping organisational training programmes. This reflects the greater necessity for vocational training to manage increasingly complex vehicles combined with the transition to electrification.

How consumers view and then purchase goods and services has transformed over the past 20 years with the substantial growth in online shopping, and rapid delivery services.
This has prompted growing awareness and concern about the environmental impact of consumption and logistics, with campaigns to "shop local" and for zero carbon deliveries. E-commerce companies are increasingly seeking to decarbonise their transportation and logistics, especially in urban areas.
Customers are developing much higher service expectations across their interactions with businesses in all sectors, expecting connected customer journeys with consistent and seamless interactions across organisations, departments and sales channels.
Customers also look for better personalisation of services and data as technology advances, expecting companies to understand and adapt to their changing needs and preferences.

Relevant core competencies Relevant core competencies Relevant core competencies Relevant core competencies
See our competencies Page 29


The global economy is consuming a diminishing supply of non-renewable natural resources. This is driving an increasing focus on efficient resource management and pursuing circular economy principles, including shared ownership, outsourcing and repurposing.
There are many high-value materials in vehicles which are already captured and recycled, but this is being extended across the supply chain, with an increasing focus on minimising landfill and reuse or repair of non-degradable elements such as plastics.

Mobility remains a fundamental societal need but unconstrained growth in mobility is increasingly unsustainable if it translates into an increase in traffic and in carbon emissions. Around 60% of the world's population lives in cities and urban areas where 70% of greenhouse gas emissions are generated.
The densification of living and traffic congestion are a growing issue for cities to tackle, dealing with challenges like air pollution. Delivering cleaner, safer, more inclusive mobility systems allied to affordability and accessibility are key to future sustainable mobility development.

Financial statements Shareholder and other information
report
Integrated mobility platform Systematic claims and repair
Future automotive skills development

Significant global research and expenditure has been focused on finding lower carbon alternatives to ICE vehicles. Technology research has expanded from focusing principally on EV battery technology through to other solutions such as rapid battery replacement and alternative fuels, as issues of range and payload continue to remain a significant challenge.
New OEMs are emerging with technology solutions, putting pressure on the traditional market leaders and may redefine this market space, including an erosion of traditional dealership and servicing business models.
Relevant core competencies Relevant core competencies Relevant core competencies Relevant core competencies

Policymakers are increasingly confronted by real and perceived trade-offs between energy security, affordability and sustainability, giving rise to a slower and more disorderly energy transition, creating uncertainty in many business sectors, including automotive.
There is currently insufficient public investment in charging infrastructure, in both urban and rural areas. This is compounded by increased charging costs related to rising energy prices, all of which has undermined lower carbon total cost-ofownership savings.
See our competencies Page 29
Our business model
Stakeholder impact
Structural trends
We generate revenues by providing vehicles and other mobility services through an integrated and differentiated service across the vehicle lifecycle.


Financial statements Shareholder and other information
Our scale and longstanding expertise across vehicle rental, incident and claims management and repair provides significant value to our customers.
The development and operation of an integrated platform delivering a seamless suite of mobility services to B2B partners and their customers and policyholders across the vehicle lifecycle. Simplifying their procurement and operational processes and achieving greater cost efficiencies.
20m Policyholders supported
900,000 Vehicles under fleet management
Deep understanding of the market dynamics and expertise in the management of purchasing, holding and disposal of large-scale LCV and car fleets through market cycles in the UK, Ireland and Spain, achieving lower hire costs for both rental and replacement vehicle fleets/customers.
128,200 Vehicles
31,100 Vehicles purchased in FY2024
All statistics are as at 30 April 2024 unless otherwise stated
29 ZIGUP plc Annual Report and Accounts 2024
Longstanding expertise and development of an industry-leading, highly structured and fully documented claims and repair processes, delivering cost and audit transparency for all parties involved in a claim and repair.
600 Total repair network
197,000 Vehicles repaired in FY2024
Supporting energy transition
Enabling LCV fleet transitions towards low carbon mobility with industry-leading advisory and EV vehicle capabilities through to turnkey charging installation and management services.
5,800 EVs and hybrid vehicles
9,600 Charging points installed in FY2024

Remaining at the forefront of advancing automotive technology through industry-leading training and two IMI accredited technical training centres. A vocational recruitment and training team, supporting our unparalleled commitment to developing and mentoring the next generation of vehicle technicians.
87,000 Training hours in FY2024
400 Apprentices

Customer-focused branch and quality assured repair networks and delivery teams trusted to be the direct point of contact and primary engagement for customers of our outsourcing partners. Highly responsive turnaround times, supported by 24/7 customer service centres.
1,400 Customer service centre employees
24/7 Customer service team

Strategic report
Financial statements Shareholder and other information
Understanding value chain impacts and stakeholder expectations is critical to our long-term success.

Customers and consumers are central to our business; from sole traders, large multi-national fleet owners and their drivers or policyholders of our insurance partners.
We strive to provide the highest levels of customer service and a flexible range of mobility solutions to keep them mobile and focused on what is important to them.
We aim to build long lasting customer relationships and collect direct feedback, feedback from partners as well as through surveys such as TrustPilot which we review at both branch and business level.

We seek to build mutually beneficial relationships with all our partners and key supply chain partners, enabling us to focus on every step in the full supply chain and to operate efficiently. We have responsible business and supplier policies and commit to working in a transparent and consistent way.
We engage on a regular basis, including regular meetings to review performance and improvement plans, and collaborate where there are issues to improve delivery and customer service.
Key partners and suppliers have designated account managers; dialogue increasingly includes reviews of sustainable alternatives for products and adherence to our policies.

We look to engage with governments and regulators to maintain a constructive dialogue and ensure we understand an ever-changing landscape for mobility.
Policies relating to the EV transition is a key focus, together with operational safety compliance aspects and personal data handling.
On policy matters we engage principally through our active participation with industry bodies including BVRLA in the UK and AEDIVE in Spain.


ZIGUP is highly active member of the UK industry body, BVRLA, with a key voice on issues around commercial vehicle regulation, including the 2022 Van Plan and 2024 launch of the ZEV Van Plan. This has helped shape government approach to infrastructure and support for energy transition in particular, representing views from our customers and the industry as a whole.
See the case study at: www.ZIGUP.com/case-study/ regulatorychange
Working alongside Direct Line Group and Motability Operations, providing tailored accident and response support for people with disabilities.
See the case study at: www.ZIGUP.com/case-study/ tailoredsupport
| Structural trends |
Our business model |
Stakeholder impact |
|---|---|---|
| Strategic | Corporate | Financial | Shareholder and |
|---|---|---|---|
| report | governance | statements | other information |

We are dedicated to recruiting and nurturing talent from diverse communities, investing in a learning and development program that balances technical and behavioural training to foster business growth, enhance customer service and bolster our competitive edge.
See the case study at: www.ZIGUP.com/case-study/ourtalent
Supporting customers through the installation of smart EV charging infrastructure, user-friendly charging interfaces and effective usage tracking.
See the case study at: www.ZIGUP.com/case-study/smartcharging

We are committed to promoting investor confidence and understanding, to enable both equity investors and lenders make informed decisions.
We seek regular dialogue with market participants to communicate our strategy and business objectives and maintain regular dialogue with lending institutions. The CFO maintains regular dialogue with key lenders of the Group.
Engagement is supported by the award-winning corporate website.
Our Executive Directors met with over 80% of our major active shareholders in FY2024, and we hosted an in-depth session on the Claims & Services division in January 2024.

With over 7,900 people across three countries and 184 locations, our colleagues are central to our business performance and our ability to provide customer service.
We are focused on attracting and retaining talent in competitive markets and ensuring colleagues fulfil their potential.
We promote a transparent, twoway communication approach with our colleagues, through townhalls, internal communications and in-person events such as the recent leadership conference and other site visits.
We also engage in formal communications through an Employee Engagement Forum and the Have Your Say survey.
We are continually looking to develop our team members with appropriate development opportunities.

We engage with the local communities in each major location we have a presence, including local schools, business groups and community organisations.
We aim to positively impact our communities by encouraging our employees to volunteer locally, both individually and as part of team activities.
We seek out and engage directly with community group leaders and enterprises to determine how we can best support social and environmental projects.
Activities includes the loan of vehicles, volunteering and fundraising activities.

Our continued success is achieved through our people's hard work and dedication with their growth in knowledge, prosperity, health, and wellbeing being central to this.
As a large employer of over 7,900 people, we create significant economic value for society, investing in the productive capacity of the economy. We remain at the forefront of advancing automotive technology through industry-leading technical training, development, and apprenticeship schemes.
We are committed to providing a secure and safe working environment and service for all our people and customers and giving back to our communities.
We recruit and nurture talent from diverse communities, offering progression routes that allow all our people to realise their potential. A balanced technical and behavioural training mix can drive business growth, improve our competitive edge, and reinforce our values.
In the past three years, we have invested significantly in a group-wide learning and development programme to empower our employees to learn, innovate, and provide exceptional customer service.
We have created specific learning and development pathways, including a comprehensive resource library with over 144 courses to support self-directed learning. Additionally, we have developed 34 short courses facilitated by our internal trainers, which have been attended by approximately 2,220 individuals, marking a 300% increase from the previous year. Thanks to our enhanced learning and development resources, we have successfully provided 87,000 hours of training across the Group.
+300% Increase for attendance on our short courses
+67% Increase in facilitated learning hours

We aim to promote from within our own talent pool, where there's a high degree of organisationspecific knowledge in business-critical activities. We continue to advance our in-house leadership programme with five development pathways. These pathways are strongly linked to our succession planning, which helps us identify and retain talented individuals.
Building a culture where people get every opportunity to earn more continues to be our focus. And whilst we will always encourage fresh talent to join our business, around a third of our roles over the past 12 months were filled internally, many of which were promotions. This year, we'll continue to invest in and encourage our people to step into bigger and broader roles with greater earning potential.
We continually invest in developing and promoting an early careers programme that attracts young people to our industry and provides them with an inspiring and rewarding career. We believe that high-quality and rewarding apprenticeships and trainee experiences will reduce the number of internal vacancies and secure a talent pipeline to support our ambitious business growth plans.
Our commitment to this is reflected in the growing number of apprentices and trainees we have taken on in the UK, Ireland, and Spain this year, which has increased to 403, up 49% from last year. During the last two years, the average age of our technicians has fallen from 54 to 46 years of age, reflecting our commitment to creating a sustainable workforce.
The key to retaining apprentices and trainees is to create an environment where they can develop and thrive. To enable this, we designed mentor training in the UK, which was formally recognised by the Chartered Management Institute. In FY2024, our total apprentice attrition was 10%, meaning we retained approximately 90% of apprentices, significantly higher than the national average.
We sponsor the WorldSkills Competition to promote a culture of excellence and quality in our apprentices, drive interest in the automotive sector, and, importantly, showcase our outstanding female vehicle technicians.
ZIGUP won two industry awards for its apprenticeship scheme, the North Yorkshire Apprentice Awards: Large Employer Apprentice of the Year, and the North East HR&D Awards: Excellence in Apprenticeships award.
90% of our apprentices retained
Shareholder and other information
Number of employees

Headcount and apprentices as at 30 April 2024
group-wide technical capabilities. 87,000 hours of training provided in FY2024 175
There are increasing skills gaps in the electric vehicle mobility ecosystem, particularly in repair and maintenance. The need to remain at the forefront of advancing automotive technology has shaped our organisational training programmes, with vocational training and instruction programmes becoming increasingly essential to service and repair complex vehicles.
Our IMI approved training centres along with the training team in Spain, have undertaken and coordinated over 2,000 days of technical training. This has helped our technicians develop their skills and knowledge, ensuring we continue providing our customers the best possible service.
2,900 people completed EV Awareness e-Learning training. This year, 175 technicians were trained to level 3 across the UK in IMI EV and hybrid vehicles, covering 95% of technicians in the UK rental business. In FMG RS 151 technicians completed BS10125 kitemark reaccreditation courses.
In FY2025, we will increase deployment level 4 training across the organisation, enabling technicians to work on EV and hybrid vehicle high-voltage systems and components. In addition, we will continue to advance our

700 Technicians at 30 April 2024
Number of EV-trained technicians in FY2024
2,900 Employees completed EV awareness training in FY2024
Financial statements Shareholder and other information
We deeply value our employees' mental, social, and financial wellbeing.
Our commitment is fostering a workplace where they feel engaged, truly valued, and cared for. We are actively promoting our Employee Assistance Programme, which offers 24/7 access to health services, an online GP, counselling, and support services.
We have made larger pay increases to colleagues at lower salary levels (between 3% and 9%) and a capped 3% rise at mid- to senior-level levels. This is testament to our commitment to supporting our employees in investing in our Group. We continued to make awards under our SAYE and Free Shares programmes for the second consecutive year. The SAYE encourages share ownership at no financial risk and under the Free Share scheme we awarded £500 worth of shares to all eligible employees. Both schemes provide a tangible financial benefit to our colleagues.
We introduced Wagestream, a platform to improve workers' financial wellbeing by giving them access to fair financial services based on flexible pay. This platform lets people track their earnings in real-time to understand how much they will get paid, helping them plan and budget better.
The platform also makes it easy for our people to put money into a savings pot, earning a 5% monthly boost to their balance. In the first month of being rolled out, 28% of UK employees enrolled, with 53% of our colleagues who enrolled having already set up a savings pot.
The opinions of our people count so we are always looking to engage with them to create a more positive working environment and employment experience. Over 6,350 colleagues completed our engagement survey, representing 83% of the workforce. This year, the overall employee satisfaction rating increased by 1ppt to 75% (for further details see page 88).
One of the most significant improvements in the survey was our people's enhanced understanding of the Group's success criteria and the role they can play in contributing to it. This increased by 13ppts to 75%. Additionally, 82% of respondents believe that the Group is well-positioned for growth over the next two years.
We believe that by prioritising our values, building a more diverse and inclusive culture better positions us to boost employee engagement and productivity, and have an advantage in attracting and retaining skilled talent. We have evaluated our recruitment and development processes.
As a part of this, we reviewed all job advertisements to avoid exclusionary language, reconfigured interviews to minimise bias and expanded training programs to include inclusive leadership and unconscious bias.
In FY2025 we will build on this by developing targeted recruitment strategies focused on reaching more diverse talent pools. This is part of a wider plan to develop a comprehensive strategy where diversity is recognised, valued and celebrated, proactively advancing equality and inclusive practices.

| 2024 | 2023 | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Group workforce | Male | Female | Total | Male | Female | Total |
| UK and Ireland | 4,309 | 2,250 | 6,559 | 4,055 | 2,068 | 6,123 |
| Spain | 906 | 441 | 1,347 | 846 | 411 | 1,257 |
| Total | 5,215 | 2,691 | 7,906 | 4,901 | 2,479 | 7,380 |
| 2024 | 2023 | |||||
| Senior managers | Male | Female | Total | Male | Female | Total |
| Directors | 12 | 4 | 16 | 5 | 3 | 8 |
| Senior managers | 18 | 14 | 32 | 32 | 15 | 47 |
Information as at 30 April 2024.
Senior managers comprise members of the Executive Committee and the Group Management Boards.
Financial statements Shareholder and other information
We encourage and support our people to generate positive social impact in their communities, through volunteering and working in partnership with local charities. We are proud to be board members of Darlington Cares, a local initiative dedicated to improving the community where we are headquartered. We delivered over 300 volunteering hours to help transform Stanhope Park, and we were honoured for this work with a Contribution to the Environment award.
We participate in the Darlington Employers Environment Partnership (DEEP), which champions the Darlington business community in achieving a just transition to net zero and reducing environmental impact. We hosted an EV open day at our Darlington head office in collaboration with DEEP and Darlington Council, including a visit from the Mayor of Darlington.
Our business in Spain recently organised two treeplanting events in Malaga and Coruña. These events were part of the Northgate Forests initiative, launched in 2022 to promote environmental sustainability. So far, we have planted 3,000 trees in various locations, including Girona, Madrid, Gijón, and Bilbao. These two most recent planting events have contributed to the initiative's success in offsetting a total of 670 tonnes of CO2 .
3,000 Trees planted through our forests initiative


There are increasing skills gaps in the electric vehicle mobility ecosystem, particularly in repair and maintenance. The need to remain at the forefront of advancing automotive technology has shaped our organisational training programmes and encouraged us to significantly invest in developing and promoting an early careers programme that attracts young people to our industry.

2,000 Days of technical training in FY2024
403 Apprentices, up 49% from last year

Systematic claims and repair Integrated mobility platform
Future automotive skills development Nationwide customer service

In the UK, there are 2 IMI approved technical training centres in the UK, providing accredited training to our operational teams.
We continue to invest in these facilities, having installed Advanced Driver Assistance Systems calibration equipment to train vehicle repair technicians and created a dedicated EV training room.
Our continuing commitment to early career is reflected in the growing number of apprentices and trainees we have taken on in the UK, Ireland, and Spain this year, which has increased to 403, up 49% from last year.
Corporate governance
Corporate governance Financial statements Shareholder and other information
| Key performance indicators | |
|---|---|
| ---------------------------- | -- |
Financial statements Shareholder and other information
Our core financial KPIs measure progress of our strategic priorities in delivering profitability, revenue and returns.
5. Regulatory environment 6. Technology and digitalisation
| 2024 | £1,520.6m |
|---|---|
| 2023 | £1,336.9m |
| 2022 | £1,093.6m |
Underlying revenue includes hire of vehicles and claims and services revenue but does not include sale of vehicles at end of rental life.
Underlying revenue measures levels of Group activity across internal organic growth and acquisitions and excludes the distorting effect of revenues from vehicle disposals which can vary depending on timing of fleet replacement.
Underlying revenue growth included increased volumes from annualisation of prior year contract wins and new business wins in Claims & Services and managed pricing increases across the rental businesses.
Underlying profit before tax
£180.7m +8.9%
| 2024 | £180.7m | |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | £165.9m | |
| 2022 | £151.3m |
Underlying PBT is stated excluding exceptional items and other recurring amounts including amortisation on acquired intangibles and certain adjustments to depreciation.
Underlying PBT is our key measure of profitability and performance and identifies the success in delivering business growth, efficiencies and operating margins.
Underlying PBT grew due to an increase in disposal profits, rental profits and Claims & Services profits, partially offset by higher interest costs.
Underlying earnings per share
61.4p +10.4%
| 2024 | 61.4p |
|---|---|
| 2023 | 55.6p |
| 2022 | 50.8p |
Underlying EPS is calculated as underlying profit after tax, divided by the weighted average number of ordinary shares excluding shares held in treasury and employee trusts.
Underlying EPS is a key measure of value creation and helps the Board consider how to allocate capital including returns to shareholders.
Growth in underlying EPS came through growth in profit after tax together with the positive impact of the share buyback programme.
14.5%
| 2024 | 14.5% |
|---|---|
| 2023 | 14.1% |
| 2022 | 13.9% |
ROCE is calculated as underlying operating profit divided by average capital employed.
In a capital intensive business ROCE measures how efficiently the Group allocates capital; it also provides a comparable metric across the Group's divisions.
The improvement in ROCE reflected our focus on maintaining strong cost control and a disciplined capital allocation approach.
| Risks | Risks | Risks | Risks |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 7, 8 | 1, 2, 3, 7 | 1, 2, 3, 7 | 1, 2, 3, 7 |
Our financial metrics form the majority of the elements within Executive Director and leadership team performance compensation: 75% of annual bonus is based on PBT targets and 25% from non-financial objectives, including both operational and environmental elements whose outcomes are seen within our non-financial KPIs; Long term incentives granted prior to FY2024 are focused equally on PBT and EPS targets with those granted FY2024 onwards weighted 75% on EPS targets and 25% on TSR. (Read more in the Remuneration report – pages 110 to 122).
Utilisation 91%
-1ppt
Our non-financial KPIs consider both operational performance and how we manage sustainable growth.
People Employee engagement 75%
+1ppt
263 -1.4%
our total fleet.
footprint.
Why it matters
How we performed
How we calculate it
The emission intensity of our operations relative to revenue (excluding vehicle sales) and the average fuel economy of
Year on year increases in the provision of more fuel-efficient and low emission vehicles will enhance the environmental sustainability of our operations and reduce our carbon
Usage of more efficient vehicles and a reduction in distances travelled has resulted in a 15% reduction in Scope 1 and 2 emissions. This coupled with growth in revenue which is not linked to our fleet, reduced carbon intensity by 24%.
-24%
Operational
128.2
Fleet size ('000)
-1.9%
The growth in our fleet across both rental and accident management segments, while rental utilisation looks at the average percentage of the Group's rental fleets on hire in the year.
Fleet growth is a key indicator of achieving growth, while rental utilisation reflects operational and asset efficiency.
The fleet size reduced in UK&I and Claims & Services mainly due to the availability of new vehicles, whilst the fleet was grown in Spain where this issue is not as pronounced. Maintaining rental utilisation above 90% is a key operational target, with 91% close to optimal level.
| Risks 2, 3, 4, 6 |
Risks 4, 5 |
|---|---|
We look at a range of customer feedback channels including Trustpilot and other surveys to provide an aggregated picture of how customers find our service provision.
Recommend our service 89%
+3ppt
Customer Customer experience rating1
4.2
-0.2pt
High levels of customer service are key to ensuring customer and contract retention, and feedback helps us to identify areas where we can do better.
While the Group customer experience score reduced marginally, it was pleasing to see an increase in score within UK&I from 3.9 to 4.7 following the launch of the Customer First initiative.
| How we calculate it | |||
|---|---|---|---|
How our people perceive the support, recognition and reward they receive for their efforts and in turn, the impact this has on their desire to remain with ZIGUP and build a rewarding career.
Attrition
-1ppt
24%
If we engage well with our people and they feel valued, they are more likely to remain with us, which has wide-ranging benefits for skills, retention and customer service.
Our key people engagement metric has increased again, up 1 ppt to 75%, and the attrition rate improved by 1 ppt to 24%, reflecting the positive impact of our efforts to enhance our employee value proposition.
| Risks | |
|---|---|
| 1, 2, 3 |
Risks 1, 2, 3
Our strategic priorities are centred around operational efficiency, business growth and expansion into new areas and technologies; we have quantifiable metrics against these, both in terms of financial performance and returns, and non-financial KPIs which underpin different aspects of our strategic progress – these form part of regular Executive and Board review.
1 The customer experience rating is a weighted average scoring of a number of different satisfaction scores such as Trustpilot and Google reviews with a maximum scoring of 5.
Financial statements Shareholder and other information

By keeping our customers moving smarter, our integrated mobility platform delivers value to our stakeholders. The Group continues to demonstrate its financial strength, with growth across both vehicle provision and claims and services, strongly positioning the Group to seize future opportunities as they arise.
Philip Vincent Chief Financial Officer
| Year ended 30 April | 2024 £m |
2023 £m |
Change £m |
Change % |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Revenue – Vehicle hire | 649.3 | 610.5 | 38.8 | 6.4% |
| Revenue – Vehicle sales | 312.5 | 152.9 | 159.6 | 104.4% |
| Revenue – Claims and services | 871.4 | 726.3 | 145.0 | 20.0% |
| Total revenue | 1,833.1 | 1,489.7 | 343.4 | 23.0% |
| Rental profit | 109.7 | 102.3 | 7.4 | 7.2% |
| Disposal profit | 61.9 | 51.5 | 10.4 | 20.2% |
| Claims and services profit | 51.4 | 44.5 | 6.9 | 15.4% |
| Corporate costs | (10.6) | (11.6) | 1.1 | (9.4%) |
| Underlying operating profit | 212.4 | 186.7 | 25.7 | 13.8% |
| Income from associates | 1.3 | 2.5 | (1.2) | (48.6%) |
| Underlying EBIT | 213.7 | 189.2 | 24.5 | 13.0% |
| Underlying EBIT margin1 | 14.1% | 14.2% | (0.1ppt) | |
| Statutory EBIT | 195.1 | 202.0 | (6.9) | (3.4%) |
1 Calculated as underlying EBIT divided by revenue (excluding vehicle sales)
Total Group revenue, including vehicle sales, of £1,833.1m was 23.0% higher than prior year while revenue excluding vehicle sales of £1,520.6m (2023: £1,336.9m), was 13.7% higher than the prior year.
Hire revenues increased 6.4% mainly due to pricing actions to address cost inflation; average rental VOH was 1.6% lower than the prior year. Spain was able to grow VOH due to wider availability of new vehicles, whereas the UK reduced the rentable fleet as the oldest vehicles were defleeted with less vehicles being available to replace them. Claims and services revenue growth of 20.0% reflected increased volumes from new business wins.
Vehicle sales revenue increased by 104.4% driven by a 102.2% increase in vehicles sold as we defleeted our oldest cohort of vehicles.
Financial statements Shareholder and other information
Statutory EBIT reduced by 3.4%, while underlying EBIT of £213.7m increased 13.0% compared to the prior year; reflecting higher disposal profits and volume growth in Claims & Services. Statutory EBIT included a credit of £46.5m in the prior year for adjustments to depreciation rates which was £nil in the current year, amortisation on acquired intangible assets of £18.6m (2023: £20.2m) and other exceptional items of £nil (2023: £13.5m).
Rental profit increased £7.4m to £109.7m (2023: £102.3m) with a £4.1m increase in UK&I and an £3.2m increase in Spain. Claims & Services saw volume growth particularly in fleet management services, coupled with efficiencies in repair services resulting in an £5.7m increase in underlying EBIT, including income from associates, to £52.7m (2023: £47.0m).
Total disposal profits for the year of £61.9m were 20.2% higher than the prior year with 36,800 vehicles sold (2023: 18,200) with residual values softening in the UK as expected, whilst continuing to be strong in Spain and remaining higher than pre-COVID-19 levels in both businesses.
Underlying financial highlights

Financial statements Shareholder and other information
| Year ended 30 April | 2024 £m |
2023 £m |
Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Revenue – Vehicle hire2 | 384.4 | 367.7 | 4.6% |
| Revenue – Vehicle sales | 226.9 | 104.9 | 116.2% |
| Total revenue | 611.4 | 472.6 | 29.4% |
| Rental profit | 59.8 | 55.6 | 7.4% |
| Rental margin % | 15.5% | 15.1% | 0.4ppt |
| Disposal profit | 34.0 | 37.8 | (9.9%) |
| Underlying EBIT | 93.8 | 93.4 | 0.4% |
| EBIT margin %3 | 24.4% | 25.4% | (1.0ppt) |
| ROCE % | 15.1% | 16.3% | (1.2ppt) |
| Year ended 30 April | 2024 ('000) |
2023 ('000) |
Change % |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average VOH | 45.1 | 48.9 | (7.7%) |
| Closing VOH | 43.8 | 46.5 | (5.8%) |
| Average utilisation % | 91% | 93% | (2ppt) |
2 Including intersegment revenue of £9.2m (2023: £9.9m)
3 Calculated as underlying EBIT divided by revenue (excluding vehicle sales)
Rental revenue rose 4.6% compared to the prior year, including strong growth in specialist vehicle operations and ancillary revenues. Together with carefully managed pricing actions this more than offset headwinds from limited LCV supply. With demand remaining robust across all customer sectors, the business worked to maximise availability to deliver on customer requirements, including growing customer interest in e-LCVs where vehicles on rent more than doubled.
The acquisition of FridgeXpress added refrigerated vehicle solutions to the overall customer proposition, which is increasingly offered to rental customers through more unified relationship management. Ancillary revenues grew 15% with continued take-up of telematics and Blakedale grew its specialist fleet by over 35% to 600 vehicles. These combined efforts coupled with a strong focus on cost discipline contributed to rental margins rising 0.4ppt across the year.
Rental fleet totalled 46,600 at the end of April 2024, 8% lower than the prior year as we chose to defleet vehicles, but with much greater supply visibility developing through the year. Vehicle supply improved in the second half of the year, allowing for greater fleet replacement activity with over 10,000 new vehicles purchased and a reduction in closing fleet age (excluding leased fleet) from a peak of 36.7 to 34.0 months at the end of the year. Our financial capacity has delivered opportunities to acquire vehicles at scale, including supporting OEMs operating under the new ZEV mandate.
LCV residual values softened but continue to be well above historic levels, reflecting both increased list prices for new vehicles and continued undersupply. Disposal profits were £34.0m (2023: £37.8m) with increased volumes of LCV sales offset by lower PPUs including defleeting of Auxillis cars (these have more predictable depreciation with minimal PPUs) through expanding the lower cost Van Monster online platform.
The business has also invested in its locations, processes and people with a clear focus on delivering an improved customer experience and maximising vehicle and workshop availability. Trustpilot scores have improved significantly to 4.7, well above industry averages of 3.3 in the van rental category. Two new locations were opened alongside a refocus of Van Monster branch operations.
A car rental initiative targeting a new customer channel was launched in the year. The business also launched a micro-mobility solution and widened ancillary services offered in Ireland. ChargedEV added solar and battery installation solutions and saw a 50% increase in domestic and a 150% increase in commercial installations, helped by new key energy sector and facilities management partnerships.
Vehicle hire revenue in UK&I was £384.4m (2023: £367.7m), an increase of 4.6%. A 13.3% increase in average revenue per vehicle reflected fleet mix, rate increases, and was partially offset by a 7.7% reduction in average VOH.
Average VOH of 45,100 was 3,800 lower than the prior year reflecting the continued shortage in supply of new LCVs.
UK&I's minimum term proposition accounted for 42% of average VOH (2023: 37%). The average term of these contracts is approximately three years, providing both improved visibility of future rental revenue and earnings, as well as lower transactional costs.
Rental margin was 15.5% compared to 15.1% in the prior year. Margin reflects the change in business mix and was maintained through operating efficiencies and by increasing hire rates to offset cost inflation.
Shareholder and other information
The closing UK&I rental fleet was 46,600 compared to 50,800 at 30 April 2023. During the year, 10,900 vehicles were purchased (2023: 4,800) and 15,900 vehicles were defleeted (2023: 8,600). The leased fleet increased by 500 vehicles.
The average age of the fleet (excluding leased vehicles) was 34.0 months at the end of the year which was a 1.7 month decrease from 30 April 2023 as we have begun to recycle the older cohorts of the fleet upon supply availability improving in early 2024.
A total of 22,200 vehicles were sold in UK&I during the year which was 118% higher than the prior year (2023: 10,200) including 7,000 cars and other non-fleet vehicles (2023: 300) including those which had been defleeted from the Claims & Services fleet and sold via Van Monster.
Disposal profits of £34.0m (2023: £37.8m) decreased 9.9% compared to prior year with an expected reduction in residual values being partially offset by increases in sales volumes.
| Year ended 30 April | 2024 £m |
2023 £m |
Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Revenue – Vehicle hire | 274.0 | 252.7 | 8.4% |
| Revenue – Vehicle sales | 84.5 | 47.3 | 78.8% |
| Total revenue | 358.5 | 300.0 | 19.5% |
| Rental profit | 50.0 | 46.7 | 6.9% |
| Rental margin % | 18.2% | 18.5% | (0.3ppt) |
| Disposal profit | 27.8 | 13.7 | 102.7% |
| Underlying EBIT | 77.8 | 60.4 | 28.7% |
| EBIT margin %4 | 28.4% | 23.9% | 4.5ppt |
| ROCE % | 14.2% | 12.9% | 1.3ppt |
| Year ended 30 April | 2024 ('000) |
2023 ('000) |
Change % |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average VOH | 55.7 | 53.6 | 4.1% |
| Closing VOH | 57.6 | 54.7 | 5.2% |
| Average utilisation % | 91% | 92% | (1ppt) |
4 Calculated as underlying EBIT divided by revenue (excluding vehicle sales)
Continued positive market conditions helped Spain Rental achieve rental revenue growth of 8.4% with total revenues up 19.5%. Our differentiated rental proposition, focused on the customer experience, encouraged strong demand for the flexible rental solution in what is a higher interest rate environment for customers. Revenue growth was supported by much improved access to vehicle supply and rate increases achieved for both flex and minimum term offerings which helped to mitigate cost inflation.
Financial statements
Recent new business lines have continued to develop, with rental fleet supplied through our B2C digital offering up over 110% and revenues from third party servicing in our workshops rising over 50%. The telematics service was consolidated through a partnership with a market leading provider, with 11,400 vehicles (+46%) equipped by the end of the year.
Rental margin of 18.2% remained close to the prior year record of 18.5%. This followed the normal seasonal profile where a higher volume of repair costs are typically booked within the second half. Margins were supported by a clear focus on mitigating cost inflation through hire rates, whilst optimising utilisation levels and strong cost discipline, including a greater saving from using green recycled parts in repairs.
The vehicle supply market was relatively stable throughout the year, allowing 17,600 fleet purchases from a broad range of OEMs. Closing VOH was up over 5% and the average age of the fleet fell to 30.1 months in April 2024, down 2.8 months from the peak in November 2022. The increase in disposal profits to £27.8m (2023: £13.7m) was principally due to vehicle sales volumes of 14,500, 84% higher than in the prior year, together with continuing strength in residual values. This was reflected in disposal PPUs rising 10% to £1,900.
Investment in new locations saw the León branch open in the first half, followed by a new branch in Barcelona and the relocation and expansion of the Cadiz branch. This capacity growth was also supported by a recruitment drive for workshop technicians in a tight labour market.
EV and hybrid vehicles within the fleet increased 65% over the year, as part of a range of low carbon initiatives. This included a partnership with Iberdrola to provide an end-to-end vehicle and green energy infrastructure offering. The business also won grants (EU funds programme) to support buying EVs and installing telematics in fleet vehicles to help optimise fuel efficiency.
Hire revenue in Spain increased 8.4% to £274.0m (2023: £252.7m), driven by the increase in average VOH and managed increases in pricing. Closing VOH increased 5.2% to 57,600.
Spain's minimum term proposition accounted for 36.6% (2023: 35%) of average VOH. The average term of these contracts is approximately three years, providing greater certainty of future generated revenues.
The rental margin was 0.3ppt lower than the prior year at 18.2%, with pricing increases partially offsetting cost inflation.
The increase in hire revenue resulted in a 6.9% increase in rental profits to £50.0m (2023: £46.7m).
The closing Spain rental fleet was 65,100 compared to 61,400 vehicles at 30 April 2023. During the year 17,600 vehicles were purchased (2023: 13,200) and 13,900 vehicles were de-fleeted (2023: 9,400 vehicles).
The average age of the fleet at the end of the year was 30.1 months, 2.6 months lower than at the same time last year, as vehicle availability has improved and we replaced the oldest of our fleet.
A total of 14,500 (2023: 7,900) vehicles were sold in Spain during the year, 83.5% higher than the prior year reflecting a higher rotation of the fleet with new vehicles being more readily available.
Disposal profits of £27.8m (2023: £13.7m) increased 102.7% due to the increased number of vehicles sold and continued strength in residual values, resulting in an increase in PPU on disposals to £1,900 (2023: £1,700).
| Year ended 30 April | 2024 £m |
2023 £m |
Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Revenue – Claims and services5 | 882.3 | 738.9 | 19.4% |
| Revenue – Vehicle sales6 | 77.9 | 31.0 | 151.7% |
| Total revenue | 960.3 | 769.8 | 24.7% |
| Gross profit | 171.0 | 151.5 | 12.9% |
| Gross margin %7 | 19.4% | 20.5% | (1.1ppt) |
| Operating profit | 51.4 | 44.5 | 15.5% |
| Income from associates | 1.3 | 2.5 | (48.6%) |
| Underlying EBIT | 52.7 | 47.0 | 12.1% |
| EBIT margin %7 | 6.0% | 6.4% | (0.4ppt) |
| ROCE % | 17.6% | 15.9% | 1.7ppt |
5 Including intersegment revenue of £10.9m (2023: £12.5m)
6 Including intersegment revenue of £76.9m (2023: £30.3m)
7 Gross profit margin calculated as underlying gross profit divided by total revenue. EBIT margin calculated as underlying EBIT divided by total revenue excluding vehicle sales
Claims and services revenue increased 19.4% on the prior year, with increased volumes from existing customers together with new contracts going live early in the financial year. These included full-service contracts for Abacai insurance and Lex Autolease which quickly reached expected activity levels. Externally owned fleet vehicles covered by our repair and claims management services now total over 900,000, broadly equally split between insurer and other fleets.
One of our key insurance partners extended their credit and direct hire multi-year contracts out to 2026, and other renewals included a blue-light incident management contract, reflecting the breadth of our offering and customer base. In the first half, the business also expanded its product offering to one of its largest insurance partners, adding repair capacity support to a new specialist customer segment. Vehicle sales of £77.9m reflect recycling of the car fleet, the majority of which was sold through Van Monster.
The business has worked hard to manage cost inflation, making progress in productivity metrics, including in our repair centres. Improving timeframes within parts supply chains helped reduce repair lead times, also resulting in average replacement hire lengths moderating closer to historic levels.
Our key customer partners appreciate the challenges presented by cost inflation and labour shortages, with agreements on price increases in place. This was also reflected in industry guide to retail charges noting a 12% increase in repair labour rates in the first half. EBIT grew over 12% while EBIT margin of 6.0% was 0.4 ppts lower than the prior year. This principally reflects greater direct hire and repair, and fleet management services within the product mix rather than cost inflation, as the business worked hard to achieve supply chain cost efficiencies, such as for paint and vehicle parts.
There remains a pipeline of contract opportunities in active discussion across the product and margin range, as existing and potential customers see the benefit of working with a trusted, multi-service and expert partner.
The business has invested in its processes and people, introducing a greater use of robotics and new client facing apps and client digital interfaces to further digitalise and automate highly process-driven activities within claims management. At the same time the business continues to support its people with enhanced training and expansion of our apprentice scheme, where there are now over 135 apprentices within the business. Repair capacity was also expanded through investment in three new bodyshop repair facilities as well as workshop tools supporting higher productivity and parts reuse.
Revenue for the year (excluding vehicle sales) increased 19.4% to £882.3m (2023: £738.9m) reflecting the full impact of recent contract wins. These favourable variances were offset by a reduction in credit hire length in comparison to the prior year. The prior year was affected by macro challenges in supply chains for parts and labour with those conditions seeing improvement in the current year.
Gross margin of 19.4% declined 1.1ppt (2023: 20.5%) due to volume mix across each business within the segment.
EBIT increased 12.1% to £52.7m reflecting both growth in repairs services driven by parts and paints margins coupled with technician efficiency and fleet management services with full year impacts of recent contract wins. EBIT margin lowered slightly to 6.0% versus 6.4% in the prior year due to volume mix.
The total fleet in Claims & Services was 16,500 vehicles at the end of the year (2023: 18,500) and the average fleet age (including leased vehicles) was 16 months (2023: 15 months). This reflects the lower fleet holding period than in the rental businesses due to the different usage of vehicles and the optimal holding period of this vehicle mix.
| Year ended 30 April | 2024 £m |
2023 £m |
Change £m |
Change |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Underlying EBIT | 213.7 | 189.2 | 24.5 | 13.0% |
| Net underlying finance costs | (33.0) | (23.3) | (9.7) | 41.7% |
| Underlying profit before taxation | 180.7 | 165.9 | 14.8 | 8.9% |
| Statutory profit before taxation | 162.1 | 178.7 | (16.6) | (9.3%) |
| Underlying effective tax rate | 23.0% | 22.6% | – | 0.4ppt |
| Underlying EPS | 61.4p | 55.6p | 5.8p | 10.4% |
| Statutory EPS | 55.2p | 60.3p | (5.1)p | (8.5%) |
Financial statements
Underlying PBT was 8.9% higher than prior year reflecting the higher EBIT across the Group. Statutory PBT was 9.3% lower than the prior year, with £nil net adjustment for changes to depreciation rates on the older fleet compared to £46.5m credit in the prior year.
During the year, there were no items that were recognised as exceptional items. Exceptional costs in the prior year of £13.5m arose from the impairment of goodwill and other intangibles of NewLaw.
Amortisation of acquired intangibles is not an exceptional item as it is recurring. However, it is excluded from underlying results in order to provide a better comparison of performance of the Group. The total charge for the year was £18.6m (2023: £20.2m). Depreciation rate adjustments of £nil (2023: £46.5m credit) on vehicles purchased before FY2021 have been excluded from underlying results in order to better compare results over time as explained further on the following page.
Financial statements Shareholder and other information
When a vehicle is acquired, it is recognised as a fixed asset at its cost net of any discount or rebate received. The cost is then depreciated evenly over its rental life, matching its pattern of usage down to the expected future residual value at the point at which the vehicle is expected to be sold net of directly attributable selling costs.
Accounting standards require a review of residual values during a vehicle's useful economic life at least annually, with changes to depreciation rates being required if the expectation of future values changes significantly.
Matching of future market values of vehicles to net book value (NBV) on the estimated disposal date requires significant judgement for the following reasons:
Due to the above uncertainties, a difference normally arises between the NBV of a vehicle and its actual market value at the date of disposal. Where these differences are within an acceptable range they are adjusted against the depreciation charge in the income statement. Where these differences are outside of the acceptable range, changes must be made to depreciation rate estimates to better reflect market conditions and the usage of vehicles.
Residual values have increased significantly in recent years due to the disruption of new vehicle supply that has increased demand for used vehicles. Uncertainty to the extent and longevity of this buoyancy in residual values meant that there were a number of vehicles on our fleet where the depreciated book value was below or very close to the expected residual value at disposal. In line with the requirements of accounting standards and as previously disclosed, a decision was made to reduce depreciation rates from 1 May 2022 on certain vehicles remaining on the fleet which were purchased before FY2021.
The actual phasing of the adjustment will change if these vehicles are held for a longer or shorter period than anticipated. The depreciation rate change is expected to impact the statutory income statement over the remaining holding period of those vehicles as follows:
| £m | FY2023 | FY2024 | FY2025 | FY2026 | FY2027 | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Reduced depreciation | 55.1 | 38.3 | 15.7 | 4.1 | – | 113.2 |
| Reduced disposal profits | (8.5) | (38.3) | (40.5) | (22.3) | (3.6) | (113.2) |
| Updated expected impact on | ||||||
| statutory EBIT | 46.6 | – | (24.8) | (18.2) | (3.6) | – |
| Previously expected impact on statutory EBIT | 46.5 | 12.7 | (28.3) | (26.4) | (4.5) | – |
No further depreciation rate changes have been made on the existing fleet since the impact on EBIT was outlined last year. The updated phasing of the adjustment relates to an updated expectation of refreshing the older fleet more quickly than originally envisaged. This has been the case in the current year due to better availability of new vehicles than previously expected.
The impact of the changing depreciation rates on this component of the fleet will re-phase statutory EBIT over this five-year period but will have no impact on underlying results, no overall impact on statutory profit over the life of the fleet and does not impact cash.
Depreciation rates on vehicles purchased in FY2025 will be set based on management's best estimates of future residual values when those vehicles are sold, with holding periods ranging from 12 to 60 months.
Net underlying finance charges increased to £33.0m (2023: £23.3m) due to higher average debt and the increase in floating interest rates over the year. Interest rates are significantly sheltered due to holding approximately 65% of borrowing as fixed rate debt.
The Group's underlying tax charge was £41.6m (2023: £37.6m) and the underlying effective tax rate was 23.0% (2023: 22.6%). The statutory effective tax rate was 22.9% (2023: 22.1%).
Underlying EPS of 61.4p was 5.8p higher than prior year, reflecting increased profits in the year and a 1.5p in year impact of the share buyback programme. Statutory EPS of 55.2p was 5.1p lower, reflecting the movement in underlying EPS being offset by the movement in exceptional items and credits recognised in the prior year with respect to deprecation rate adjustments which are not included within the underlying results.
In May 2023 the Group acquired 100% of the equity capital of Fridgexpress (UK) Limited for provisional consideration of £5.0m. The provisional fair value of net assets acquired was £2.9m resulting in the recognition of £2.1m of goodwill.
The Group completed its initial £60m share buyback programme in December 2022. A further £30m share buyback programme commenced in August 2023 and was completed in June 2024. During the year to 30 April 2024, 7,104,291 shares were purchased for a total consideration of £24.9m.
Net assets at 30 April 2024 were £1,043.4m (2023: £994.6m), equivalent to net assets per share of 459p (2023: 434p). Net tangible assets at 30 April 2024 were £816.4m (2023: £752.9m), equivalent to a net tangible asset value of 359p per share (2023: 328p per share).
The calculations above are based on the number of shares in issue at 30 April 2024 of 246,091,423 (2023: 246,091,423) less treasury shares of 18,981,862 (2023: 16,877,571).
Gearing at 30 April 2024 was 90.9% (2023: 92.2%) and ROCE was 14.5% (2023: 14.1%).
| Year ended 30 April | 2024 £m |
2023 £m |
Change £m |
|---|---|---|---|
| Underlying EBIT | 213.7 | 189.2 | 24.5 |
| Depreciation and amortisation8 | 232.6 | 223.0 | 9.6 |
| EBITDA | 446.3 | 412.2 | 34.1 |
| Net replacement capex9 | (280.2) | (155.6) | (124.6) |
| Lease principal payments10 | (65.0) | (65.1) | 0.1 |
| Steady state cash generation | 101.1 | 191.5 | (90.4) |
| Working capital and non-cash items | (5.6) | (0.3) | (5.3) |
| Growth capex9 | (1.7) | (122.6) | 120.9 |
| Taxation | (33.4) | (36.6) | 3.2 |
| Net operating cash | 60.4 | 32.0 | 28.4 |
| Distributions from associates | 2.0 | 3.1 | (1.1) |
| Interest and other financing cash flows | (28.0) | (20.6) | (7.4) |
| Acquisition of business | (4.1) | (10.0) | 5.9 |
| Free cash flow | 30.3 | 4.5 | 25.8 |
| Dividends paid | (56.2) | (52.2) | (4.0) |
| Payments to acquire treasury shares | (24.9) | (53.0) | 28.1 |
| Add back: Lease principal payments11 | 65.0 | 65.1 | (0.1) |
| Net cash generated (consumed) | 14.2 | (35.6) | 49.8 |
Financial statements
8 Depreciation and amortisation excludes £nil (2023: £46.5m) of depreciation adjustment credits and £18.6m (2023: £20.2m) of amortisation of acquired intangibles both excluded from underlying results
9 Net replacement capex is total capex less growth capex. Growth capex represents the cash consumed in order to grow the fleet or the cash that is generated if the fleet size is reduced in periods of contraction (excluding leased fleet)
10 Lease principal payments are included so that steady state cash generation includes all maintenance capex irrespective of funding method
11 Lease principal payments are added back to reflect the movement on net debt
Steady state cash generation reduced to £101.1m compared to prior year (2023: £191.5m). Increases in underlying EBIT have been offset by increases in net replacement capex as we recycle the fleet.
Net capital expenditure increased by £3.7m at £281.9m reflecting a differing mix between net replacement capex and growth capex as detailed below.
Net replacement capex was £280.2m, which was £124.6m higher than in the prior year. This was due to both volume increases as well as increases in average replacement cost due to change in mix of vehicles and the impact of price inflation. Net replacement capex was £77.4m higher in UK&I, £81.3m higher in Spain and £34.1m lower in Claims & Services.
Growth capex of £1.7m (2023: £122.6m) included £48.5m to grow the fleet size in Spain offset by a £46.8m inflow in UK&I and Claims & Services where the fleet size was reduced.
Free cash flow increased by £25.8m to £30.3m (2023: £4.5m) with growth in underlying EBITDA and a reduction in financing of acquisitions offset by movements in net capital expenditure as explained above, increases in working capital and increases in interest and other financing due to higher interest rates throughout the year.
Free cash flow is stated after taking account of investments that have been made in the year which will return future cash flow at a sustainable rate of return ahead of our cost of capital. This includes investment in net replacement capex of £280.2m, lease payments of £65.0m, growth capex of £1.7m, the acquisition of FridgeXpress of £4.1m and working capital in Claims & Services.
Removing the impact of growth capex in the year, the underlying free cash flow of the Group was £32.0m compared to £127.1m in the previous year due to the increase in net replacement capex.
Net cash generated of £14.2m (2023: £35.6m consumed) includes £56.2m of dividends paid (2023: £52.2m) and £24.9m (2023: £52.9m) for treasury shares purchased under the share buyback programme. Leverage has been maintained at 1.5x (2023: 1.5x).
Net debt reconciles as follows:
| As at 30 April | 2024 £m |
2023 £m |
|---|---|---|
| Opening net debt | 694.4 | 582.5 |
| Net cash (generated) consumed | (14.2) | 35.6 |
| Other non-cash items | 75.1 | 57.8 |
| Exchange differences | (13.1) | 18.5 |
| Closing net debt | 742.2 | 694.4 |
Closing net debt increased by £47.8m in the year driven by net cash consumed, non-cash items and exchange differences. Other non-cash items consist of £73.3m of new leases acquired and £1.8m of other items. Foreign exchange movements reduced net debt by £13.1m.
As at 30 April 2024 the Group had headroom on facilities of £244m (2023: £290m), with £582m drawn (net of available cash balances) against total facilities of £826m as detailed below:
| Facility £m |
Drawn £m |
Headroom £m |
Maturity Borrowing cost | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| UK bank facilities | 493 | 251 | 242 | Nov 26 | 6.1% |
| Loan notes | 320 | 320 | – | Nov 27-Nov 31 | 1.3% |
| Other loans | 13 | 11 | 2 | Nov 24 | 4.9% |
| 826 | 582 | 244 | 3.5% |
The other loans drawn consist of £10m of local borrowings in Spain which were renewed for a further year in November 2023 and £0.5m of preference shares.
The above drawn amounts reconcile to net debt as follows:
| Drawn £m |
|
|---|---|
| Borrowings | 582 |
| Unamortised finance fees | (5) |
| Leases | 165 |
| Net debt | 742 |
The overall cost of borrowings at 30 April 2024 is 3.5% (2023: 3.1%).
The margin charged on bank debt is dependent upon the Group's net debt to EBITDA ratio, ranging from a minimum of 1.45% to a maximum of 3.25%. The net debt to EBITDA ratio at 30 April 2024 corresponded to a margin of 1.95% (2023: 1.95%).

| As at 30 April | 2024 £m |
2023 £m |
|---|---|---|
| Euro | 522.2 | 388.0 |
| Sterling | 224.9 | 313.2 |
| Borrowings and lease obligations before unamortised arrangement fees | 747.1 | 701.2 |
| Unamortised finance fees | (4.9) | (6.8) |
| Net debt | 742.2 | 694.4 |
| As at 30 April | Threshold | 2024 | Headroom | 2023 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Interest cover | 3x | 8.3x | £132m (EBIT) | 10.6x |
| Loan to value | 70% | 41% | £429m (Net debt) | 42% |
| Debt leverage | 3x | 1.5x | £195m (EBITDA) | 1.5x |
Financial statements
The covenant calculations have been prepared in accordance with the requirements of the facilities to which they relate.
Subject to approval, the final dividend proposed of 17.5p per share (2023: 16.5p) will be paid on 27 September 2024 to shareholders on the register as at close of business on 30 August 2024.
Including the interim dividend paid of 8.3p (2023: 7.5p), the total dividend relating to the year would be 25.8p (2023: 24.0p). The dividend is covered 2.4x by underlying earnings.
The Group's objective is to employ a disciplined approach to investment, returns and capital efficiency to deliver sustainable compounding growth. Capital will be allocated within the business in accordance with the framework outlined below:
The Group plans to maintain a balance sheet within a target leverage range of 1.0x to 2.0x net debt to EBITDA, and during periods of significant growth net debt would be expected to be towards the higher end of this range. This is consistent with the Group's objective of maintaining a balance sheet that is efficient in terms of providing long term returns to shareholders and safeguards the Group's financial position through economic cycles.
The function of the Group's treasury operations is to mitigate financial risk, to ensure sufficient liquidity is available to meet foreseeable requirements, to secure finance at minimum cost and to invest cash assets securely and profitably. Treasury operations manage the Group's funding, liquidity and exposure to interest rate risks within a framework of policies and guidelines authorised by the Board of Directors.
The Group uses derivative financial instruments for risk management purposes only. Consistent with Group policy, Group Treasury does not engage in speculative activity and it is Group policy to avoid using more complex financial instruments.
The policy followed in managing credit risk permits only minimal exposures with banks and other institutions meeting required standards as assessed normally by reference to major credit agencies. Group credit exposure for material deposits is limited to banks which maintain an A rating. Individual aggregate credit exposures are also limited accordingly.
The Group has sufficient funding facilities to meet its normal funding requirements in the medium term as outlined in the borrowing facilities section above. Covenants attached to those facilities as outlined above are not restrictive to the Group's operations.
The Group's objective is to maintain a balance sheet structure that is efficient in terms of providing long term returns to shareholders and safeguards the Group's financial position through economic cycles.
Operating subsidiaries are financed by a combination of retained earnings and borrowings.
The Group can choose to adjust its capital structure by varying the amount of dividends paid to shareholders, by issuing new shares or by adjusting the level of capital expenditure.
The Group's bank facilities, other loan agreements and lease obligations incorporate variable interest rates. The Group seeks to ensure that the exposure to future changes in interest rates is managed to an acceptable level by having in place an appropriate balance of fixed rate and floating rate financial instruments at any time. The proportion of gross borrowings (including leases arising under HP obligations) held in fixed rates was 65% at 30 April 2024 (2023: 62%).
The Group's reporting currency is Sterling and 80% of its revenue was generated in Sterling during the year (2023: 78%). The Group's principal currency translation exposure is to the Euro, as the results of operations, assets and liabilities of its Spanish and Irish businesses are translated into Sterling to produce the Group's consolidated financial statements.
Financial statements
The average and year end exchange rates used to translate the Group's overseas operations were as follows:
| 2024 £:€ |
2023 £:€ |
|
|---|---|---|
| Average | 1.16 | 1.15 |
| Year end | 1.17 | 1.14 |
Having considered the Group's current trading, cash flow generation and debt maturity including severe but plausible stress testing scenarios (as detailed further in the notes to the financial statements) the Directors have concluded that it is appropriate to prepare the Group financial statements on a going concern basis.
Chief Financial Officer
10 July 2024
| Strategic | Corporate | Financial | Shareholder and | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GAAP reconciliation | report | governance | statements | other information |
GAAP Reconciliation
| Year ended 30 April | Footnote (below) |
Statutory 2024 £m |
Adjustments 2024 £m |
Underlying 2024 £m |
Statutory 2023 £m |
Adjustments 2023 £m |
Underlying 2023 £m |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Revenue | (a) | 1,833.1 | (312.5) | 1,520.6 | 1,489.7 | (152.8) | 1,336.9 |
| Cost of sales | (b) | (1,400.2) | 312.5 | (1,087.7) | (1,054.1) | 106.3 | (947.8) |
| Gross profit | 432.9 | – | 432.9 | 435.6 | (46.5) | 389.1 | |
| Administrative expenses | (c) | (239.1) | 18.6 | (220.5) | (236.1) | 33.7 | (202.4) |
| Operating profit | 193.8 | 18.6 | 212.4 | 199.5 | (12.8) | 186.7 | |
| Income from associates | 1.3 | – | 1.3 | 2.5 | – | 2.5 | |
| EBIT | 195.1 | 18.6 | 213.7 | 202.0 | (12.8) | 189.2 | |
| Finance income | 0.6 | – | 0.6 | 0.1 | – | 0.1 | |
| Finance costs | (33.6) | – | (33.6) | (23.4) | – | (23.4) | |
| Profit before taxation | 162.1 | 18.6 | 180.7 | 178.7 | (12.8) | 165.9 | |
| Taxation | (d) | (37.1) | (4.5) | (41.6) | (39.5) | 1.9 | (37.6) |
| Profit for the year | 125.0 | 14.1 | 139.1 | 139.2 | (10.9) | 128.3 | |
| Shares for EPS calculation (Note 11) | 226.3m | 226.3m | 230.8m | 230.8m | |||
| Basic EPS | 55.2p | 61.4p | 60.3p | 55.6p | |||
| Footnotes | Footnote | Adjustments 2024 |
Adjustments 2023 |
||||
| Adjustments comprise: | (below) | £m | £m | ||||
| Revenue: sale of vehicles | (a) | (312.5) | (152.8) | ||||
| Cost of sales: revenue sale of vehicles net down | (a) | 312.5 | 152.8 | ||||
| Depreciation adjustment (Note 28) | – | (46.5) | |||||
| Cost of sales | (b) | 312.5 | 106.3 | ||||
| Gross profit | (a)+(b) | – | (46.5) | ||||
| Exceptional items (Note 28) | – | 13.5 | |||||
| Amortisation of acquired intangible assets (Note 28) | 18.6 | 20.2 | |||||
| Administrative expenses | (c) | 18.6 | 33.7 | ||||
| Adjustments to EBIT | 18.6 | (12.8) | |||||
| Adjustments to PBT | 18.6 | (12.8) | |||||
| Tax on exceptional items (Note 28) | (4.5) | (2.1) | |||||
| Other tax adjustments | – | 4.0 | |||||
| Tax adjustments | (d) | (4.5) | 1.9 |
| Year ended 30 April | 2024 £m |
2023 £m |
|---|---|---|
| Underlying EBIT | 213.7 | 189.2 |
| Add back: | ||
| Depreciation of property, plant and equipment | 231.3 | 175.1 |
| Depreciation adjustment not included in underlying EBIT | – | 46.5 |
| Loss on disposal of assets | (0.1) | 0.2 |
| Intangible amortisation included in underlying operating profit (Note 13) | 1.4 | 1.2 |
| EBITDA | 446.3 | 412.2 |
| Net replacement capex | (280.2) | (155.6) |
| Lease principal payments | (65.0) | (65.1) |
| Steady state cash generation | 101.1 | 191.5 |
| Working capital and non-cash items | (5.6) | (0.3) |
| Growth capex | (1.7) | (122.6) |
| Taxation | (33.4) | (36.6) |
| Net operating cash | 60.4 | 32.0 |
| Distributions from associates | 2.0 | 3.1 |
| Interest and other financing costs | (28.0) | (20.6) |
| Acquisition of business net of cash acquired | (4.1) | (10.0) |
| Free cash flow | 30.3 | 4.5 |
| Dividends paid | (56.2) | (52.2) |
| Purchase of treasury shares | (24.9) | (53.0) |
| Add back: Lease principal payments | 65.0 | 65.1 |
| Net cash generated (consumed) | 14.2 | (35.6) |
| Reconciliation to cash flow statement: | ||
| Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents | (17.7) | (3.9) |
| Add back: | ||
| Receipt of bank loans and other borrowings | (33.1) | (96.8) |
| Principal element of lease payments | 65.0 | 65.1 |
| Net cash generated (consumed) | 14.2 | (35.6) |
| Year ended 30 April | 2024 £m |
2023 £m |
|
|---|---|---|---|
| Reconciliation of capital expenditure | |||
| Purchases of vehicles for hire | 553.6 | 398.2 | |
| Proceeds from disposals of vehicles for hire | (288.0) | (128.4) | |
| Proceeds from disposal of other property, plant and equipment | (1.4) | (0.7) | |
| Purchases of other property, plant and equipment | 15.7 | 7.4 | |
| Purchases of intangible assets | 2.0 | 1.8 | |
| Net capital expenditure | 281.9 | 278.2 | |
| Net replacement capex | 280.2 | 155.6 | |
| Growth capex | 1.7 | 122.6 | |
| Net capital expenditure | 281.9 | 278.2 | |
| UK&I Rental 2024 £000 |
Spain Rental 2024 £000 |
Group sub-total 2024 £000 |
|
| Underlying operating profit1 Exclude: |
93,788 | 77,789 | 171,577 |
| Vehicle disposal profits | (34,017) | (27,834) | (61,851) |
| Rental profit | 59,771 | 49,955 | 109,726 |
| Divided by: Revenue: hire of vehicles2 | 384,448 | 274,016 | 658,464 |
| Rental margin | 15.5% | 18.2% | 16.9% |
| UK&I Rental 2023 £000 |
Spain Rental 2023 £000 |
Group sub-total 2023 £000 |
|
| Underlying operating profit1 | 93,382 | 60,440 | 153,822 |
| Exclude: Vehicle disposal profits |
(37,746) | (13,730) | (51,476) |
| Rental profit | 55,636 | 46,710 | 102,346 |
| Divided by: Revenue: hire of vehicles2 | 367,694 | 252,691 | 620,385 |
| Rental margin | 15.1% | 18.5% | 16.5% |
1 See Note 5 of the financial statements for reconciliation of segment underlying operating profit to Group underlying operating profit.
2 Revenue: hire of vehicles including intersegment revenue (see Note 5 of the financial statements).
Corporate governance Financial statements Shareholder and other information
Financial statements Shareholder and other information
Our risk management strategy supports our ability to respond to the changing needs of our stakeholders and the dynamics of the markets we operate in. The purpose of our risk management strategy is to identify risks which could affect us achieving our strategic objectives and mitigate these to an acceptable level.
The risks facing the Group continue to be wide ranging, with both external and internal factors providing uncertainty and requiring careful management across the year.
During the year, the macro environment stabilised with inflation and interest rates levelling off, but the outlook remains cautious and the impact to our business will continue to be carefully monitored. Vehicle supply conditions have improved throughout the year, allowing the fleet to be refreshed but holding back growth. The global cyber environment has seen threats becoming more frequent and sophisticated, increasing the need to maintain resilience.
The Group Risk Committee meets formally on a quarterly basis, with the risk management process embedded across the Group and the Board overseeing its work. This enables risks to be identified from a top down and bottom up perspective with appropriate management of these risks throughout the Group. A description of principal Board decisions made during the year is included within the Section 172 statement on pages 82 to 85.
The Board and Executive Directors recognise the importance of identifying and actively monitoring the impact of strategic, operational and financial risks.
The Board has overall responsibility for risk management with a focus on determining the nature and extent of exposure to the principal and emerging risks the business is willing to take in achieving its strategic objectives. This includes reviewing the risk appetite in each area of risk. The risk appetite is assessed in the context of our business model and the external environment in which we operate.
The Board and Executive Directors oversee the continual process for identifying, evaluating and managing the significant risks the Group faces. The Board is also responsible for ensuring the appropriate risk management process is in place and that it accords with risk management guidance including a three lines of defence approach. The Board has performed a robust assessment of the principal and emerging risks facing the Group during the year.
The Executive-led Group Risk Committee is facilitated by the Group Head of Internal Audit and includes senior management from across the Group. It is responsible for facilitating the identification of risks including emerging risks and overseeing management of those principal risks throughout the Group in order to achieve our performance goals within the context of risk appetite.
On behalf of the Board, the Audit Committee takes responsibility for overseeing the effectiveness of internal control systems which are embedded into our risk management systems.
Ultimate responsibility for oversight of risk management rests with the Board. The Executive Directors assess top down risk exposures against the context of the Group's strategy and the effective day to day management of risk is embedded within our operational business units and forms an integral part of how we work. This bottom up approach allows potential risks to be identified at an early stage and escalated as appropriate, with mitigations put in place to manage such risks. Each business unit maintains a comprehensive risk register. Changes to the register are reviewed quarterly by the Group Risk Committee, with significant and emerging risks escalated to the Board.
Governance
Risk ownership
The Group ensures that there are robust processes in place in order to achieve effective risk management. This involves the identification, evaluation, control and continuous monitoring of risk posed to the business. These processes ensure that we have appropriate measures to manage our exposure to risk in order to operate within the Group's risk appetite.
The Board • Overall responsibility for risk management • Reviews and approves risk appetite • Monitors the activity of the Group Risk Committee and agrees the risk programme • Reviews principal and emerging risks with the Executive Directors Audit Committee • Supports the Board in monitoring risk exposure and ensuring that internal controls embedded in the business are relevant and proportionate to risk appetite and exposure • Reviews internal controls • Sets the objectives of and monitors the work of Group Internal Audit Group Internal Audit • Monitors risk management processes with the Group Risk Committee including evaluation of risk exposures and emerging risks • Supports the Audit Committee in assessing the adequacy of internal controls • Designs and implements a testing programme of internal controls • Provides recommendations to internal stakeholders in order to ensure adequate controls are in place and risks are sufficiently mitigated in accordance with the risk appetite Group Risk Committee • Oversee and facilitate the process of identifying recording and monitoring risks on a bottom up basis throughout the business units and functions in a consistent manner • Ensure that risk owners are allocated to all risks • Aggregate risk information and map against principal risks ensuring escalation to Executive Directors and Board • Ensure that top down and emerging risks are captured and recorded in the risk register Support functions • Provide guidance to Group Risk Committee, regional management teams and risk owners • Identify and assess risks in support functions • Allocate risk owners to all support function risks Executives • Define risk appetite • Set Group strategy in context of risk appetite and risk tolerance • Identify and review principal risks • Identify and monitor emerging risks • Design and implement the risk management framework Regional management teams • Identify and assess risks in business operations • Allocate risk owners to all risks • Monitor risks and report to Risk Committee • Ensure effective operation of internal controls Top down Oversight, identification, assessment and mitigation of risk at a Group level Bottom up Identification, assessment and mitigation of risk at business unit and functional level First line of defence Second line of defence Third line of defence Risk management
Shareholder and other information
The Board is responsible for overseeing the risk appetite of the Group. Executive Directors set the risk appetite of the Group based on the level of risk that the Group is willing to take in order to deliver against strategic, operational and financial objectives.
The risk appetite processes ensure that risks are consistently managed across the Group with decisions being made regarding the right level of risk, and that the appropriate resources and controls are put in place at each level of risk. This also ensures that risks are escalated appropriately and proportionately in line with overall appetite.
Potential impacts are assessed against a combination of likelihood and risk impact with the tolerance being categorised from risk-averse to positive.
An example of an area of risk-averse tolerance would be our approach towards seeking to comply with all relevant laws and regulations.
An example of where the Group has an open or positive tolerance to risk would be in seeking strategic growth opportunities, including acquisitions, which may require accepting a higher level of risk in order to achieve returns against our strategic objectives.
Risk appetite will vary across different types of risk, and therefore appetite is further analysed between underlying, operational and strategic risks where tolerance for accepting risk will vary.
Principal risks including inherent and mitigated risk are measured against the risk appetite framework to ensure that they are within tolerance of overall risk appetite. If principal risks are outside or towards the top end of risk appetite tolerance, measures will be taken including taking further mitigating actions or increasing oversight or controls. If risks are below the risk appetite tolerance level then action should be taken to consider being more open towards risk in order to facilitate achievement of our strategic objectives including higher returns or growth.
Risk appetite is assessed for potential impacts across different impact categories:
| Risk appetite impact category | Averse | Minimal | Cautious | Open | Positive |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Financial | Operational | Strategic | |||
| Operational disruption | Operational | ||||
| Legal & regulatory | Underlying | ||||
| Health & safety | Underlying | ||||
| Environment | Underlying | ||||
| Reputation Operational |
Strategic |
| Risk appetite | Risk tolerance | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| Averse | Very low | Activities undertaken will only be those considered to carry very low or virtually no residual risk. |
| Minimal | Low | Activities will only be undertaken where they have a low degree of residual risk. Preference for very safe business delivery with the potential for benefit or higher return not a key driver. |
| Cautious | Medium | Activities undertaken may carry a high degree of inherent risk that is deemed controllable to a large extent so that the residual risk is medium. Willing to tolerate a degree of risk in selecting which activities to undertake to achieve key deliverables or initiatives, where we have identified scope to achieve significant benefit or realise an opportunity. |
| Open | High | Activities themselves may potentially carry, or contribute to, a high degree of residual risk. Willing to consider wider range of options and choose one most likely to result in successful delivery while providing an acceptable level of benefit. Seek to achieve a balance between a high likelihood of successful delivery and a high degree of benefit and value for money. |
| Positive | Very high | Willing to be innovative and to consider opportunities offering higher business rewards despite elevated levels of inherent risk even if those activities carry a very high residual risk. |
Shareholder and other information
The Board maintains a focus on effective risk management, which flows all the way through the organisation. The risk appetite is set at different tolerances depending on the impact categories, as mentioned previously. The culture of the organisation is consistent with risk appetite and ensures all activities, from day to day operations to high level strategic decisions, are performed in line with this approach.
The assessment of principal risks are based on the perceived impact on the Group's ability to achieve its strategic objectives and the likelihood of their occurrence, taking into account controls that have been put in place to mitigate any impact.
Recognising that all business activity involves elements of risk, the Group maintains a policy of continuously identifying and reviewing risks that represent a threat to the business, or that may cause future financial results to differ materially from expected results. Our approach is not intended to eliminate risk entirely, but to manage our risk exposures across the business, whilst at the same time making the most of our opportunities.
The Directors have carried out a robust assessment of the principal and emerging risks facing the Group, including those that would threaten its business model, future performance, solvency or liquidity. For each risk we state what it means for us and what we are doing to manage it. The change in risk is assessed using the aggregation of bottom up risks which have been mapped against principal risks and also the top down view as well as emerging risks. The risk level change represents the assessed risk exposure as at 30 April 2024 compared to the same point in the previous year.
The Board is dedicated to ensuring the Group operates in a responsible and sustainable manner. Guided by the Sustainability Committee, the Group previously launched a range of sustainability commitments supported by our ESG strategy and framework and approach to data collection and reporting. Further information on our ESG strategy can be found on pages 66 to 68. While we view climate change as a significant risk for the business, we believe that it is not individually a principal risk, but is more appropriately addressed within our underlying risk categories for short to medium term impacts; and then separately through our TCFD risk assessment for its longer-term implications, as set out on pages 69 to 79. This better reflects the risks and opportunities which will arise over the longer term.
The risks specified are not intended to represent an exhaustive list of all potential risks and uncertainties. The risk factors outlined should be considered in conjunction with the Group's system for managing risk, described on pages 54 to 56 and in the Corporate Governance Report on pages 96 to 99.
In addition to principal risks, the Board considers emerging risks which may impact the Group. The Group considers an emerging risk to be one that does not currently have a material impact on the business but has the potential to impact future strategy or operations. The Group's approach to managing emerging risk exposure is to:
The Board considers climate-related matters, including the recommendations from the TCFD as emerging risks. Our assessment around this area continues to develop and will be continually monitored. As those risks become significant in likelihood and impact within the same time horizon of the principal risk assessment, they will be integrated into the recording of principal risks and the overall risk management framework of the Group.
| Strategic | Corporate | Financial | Shareholder and |
|---|---|---|---|
| report | governance | statements | other information |
The Group risk register records over 700 individual risks which are aggregated into 25 key risks and are allocated against the six risk appetite categories (see page 56) and mapped to the eight individual principal risks (categorised into strategic, financial and operational risks, although most risks have an impact across all three categories).

| Key | |
|---|---|
| Inherent risk | |
| Residual risk (unchanged from prior year) | |
| Residual risk (risk scoring increased from prior year) | |
| Residual risk (risk scoring reduced from prior year) |

Very low Likelihood Very high
| Principal risks and uncertainties continued | Strategic | Corporate | Financial | Shareholder and |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| report | governance | statements | other information | |
within appetite tolerance outside of appetite tolerance Risk trend
Evaluation is defined as management's assessment of whether the risk factor has: INCREASED DECREASED NOT CHANGED
| Type of risk |
Risk | Appetite tolerance |
Mitigated risk | Risk trend |
Change explanation | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Strategic risks |
1 | The world we live in | Cautious to open |
• Demand for our rental services remains high, above the level of new vehicle supply • Volumes have continued to grow in the Claims & Services business • Inflationary pressures have eased during the year and continue to be managed against the cost base and through pricing actions |
||
| 2 | Our markets and customers |
Minimal to open |
• No major customer losses and the customer base continues to be diversified across sectors with no reliance on individual customers of size • The opportunities and services created through our integrated mobilities platform improves the attractiveness of our offering and the retention of customers, reinforced by our new Company purpose • We continue to build a platform and relationships that will facilitate the transition away from ICE vehicles for the Group and its customers |
|||
| Operational risks |
3 | Fleet availability | Minimal to open |
• Supply restrictions have started to ease, allowing the fleet to be refreshed and operational performance and customer service to be maintained • We expect that improved supply will reduce pressure on new vehicle inflation • Residual values have reduced in line with expectations but remain above pre-COVID-19 levels |
||
| 4 | Our people | Averse to open |
• Improved employee engagement scoring reflects the measures taken to improve communication, training and development of our people. • Continual review and widening of benefits including free shares, employee allowances and financial wellbeing initiatives • Routes to employee markets continue to be supported by in-house recruitment and the vacancy filler platform used across the Group |
|||
| 5 | Regulatory environment Averse | • No material changes to laws and regulations • No material changes to contractual obligations • Horizon scanning and planning for future changes to laws and regulations |
||||
| 6 | Technology and digitalisation |
Minimal to open |
• As widely reported in the media, global cyber threats are becoming increasingly frequent and sophisticated | |||
| Financial risks |
7 | Recovery of contract assets |
Cautious to open |
• Bulk settlements of non-protocol claims have been received in the year and more insurers have moved to protocol arrangements, increasing certainty of recoverability |
||
| 8 | Access to capital | Cautious to open |
• Debt facility amounts and maturities remain adequate for funding Group strategic objectives |
Evaluation is defined as management's assessment of whether the risk factor has:

The successful delivery of our strategy is influenced by the world we live in, and we need to adapt to a changing global environment. Changes in both economic and environmental conditions in the countries that the Group operates in or are linked to, through our supply chain, could affect how we deliver our services or change the cost base of the business.
We operate in markets undergoing significant transformations both through changing business models and customer expectations for smarter and increasingly sustainable mobility. If the Group does not respond to behavioural, structural, legal, or technological changes in our markets there is a risk that demand for our services will reduce. Changes to the insurance market or loss of a key insurance referral partner could adversely impact the Group's revenues.
Loss of a major customer or insurance referral partner could diminish returns if the cost base is not managed appropriately
Our strong reputation for trusted and expert advice and customer service improves retention of existing customers and attractiveness to new customers by differentiating our offer from other market participants
Evaluation is defined as management's assessment of whether the risk factor has:


We rely on the expertise and experience of our people in order to stay at the forefront of changes to our markets and to maintain and deliver high levels of customer service. Failure to attract, retain, develop and motivate this talent would impact the Group's ability to meet its strategic objectives.
We also understand our responsibility to keep our people safe through appropriate health and safety risk management to maintain trust with our employees and reputation across all stakeholders.
Failure to secure sufficient access to fleet at appropriate pricing would impact on our ability to meet operational and customer service delivery, overall returns and our ability to grow organically.
An increase in fleet holding costs either through higher new vehicle pricing or lower residual values, if not recovered through pricing increases or operational efficiencies, would adversely affect returns.
Residual values continue to be affected by the vehicle supply interruption and are influenced by other economic conditions
Flexibility over asset management means that in the short term the Group can mitigate the shortage of supply of new vehicles by ageing out the fleet

The Group must comply with all laws and regulations; certain activities within the Group are regulated, therefore ongoing compliance with regulations is required to ensure continuity of business.
Legal cases relating to the provision of credit hire and insurance-related services have provided a precedent framework which has remained stable for several years. Legal challenges or changes in legislation could undermine this framework with consequences for the markets in which the Group operates.
The Group relies on technology to ensure the safe continuity of business operations, and advances in technology offer opportunities to leverage efficiencies in processes and enhanced service delivery, with stakeholders continuing to seek deeper digital engagement. Failure of existing systems, lack of development in new systems or poor integration of new systems, could result in a loss of commercial agility and/or harm the efficiency and continuity of our operations.
The global threat of cyber-attacks is increasing as attacks are becoming more frequent and sophisticated. Unsuccessfully defending against data theft or cyber-attacks, could cause significant business interruption and reputational harm across all stakeholders.
Cyber attacks are becoming increasingly frequent and sophisticated. The Group remains vigilant to changes in the cyber threat landscape and continues to review the technology deployed to defend against these threats
Investments in key IT platforms and systems to ensure continued operational performance and delivery
Evaluation is defined as management's assessment of whether the risk factor has:

Our credit hire and repair business involves the provision of goods and services on credit. The Group receives payment for the goods and services it has provided after a claim has been pursued against the party at fault (and the relevant third party insurer). This process can take a long period of time before claims are agreed and settled.
The Group needs access to sufficient capital to maintain and grow the fleet and fund working capital requirements.
Investors increasingly require businesses to demonstrate that they act in a responsible and sustainable manner prior to granting access to financing facilities.
Failure to maintain or extend access to credit and fleet finance facilities or non-compliance with debt covenants could affect the Group's ability to achieve its strategic objectives or continue as a going concern
Debt facilities are diversified across a range of lenders and close relationships are maintained with key funders of the Group to ensure continuity of funding
Financial statements
Equipped with a new name and brand, and supported by a refreshed strategic framework, to better reflect and position our combined Group as we continue our journey of sustainable growth.
Our business model and strategy are central to understanding the prospects of the Group, details of which can be found on pages 16 to 17 and 28 to 29. In the year, the Group launched a new brand and name, with ZIGUP encompassing the strength and depth of the Group. To better reflect the future of the Group, a new purpose was developed underpinning a refreshed strategic framework, subject to the ongoing monitoring and development described below. The Group is well established within the markets it operates in, details of which can be found on pages 10 to 11, and has proven resilient through the difficult economic conditions in recent years. Strong momentum continued throughout the year ended 30 April 2024.
In the year, the Board retired the previous strategic framework and introduced "Enable, Deliver, Grow" as the next phase of our strategy. The Board maintains a measured approach to strategic risk whilst continuing to explore growth opportunities intended to add long term value to the Group, both organically and inorganically. The Board continually assesses the changes in the risk and emerging risks to the Group including climate-related impacts, further details of which can be found on pages 54 to 57. The Group pursues only those activities which are acceptable in the context of the risk appetite of the Group as a whole.
The Group's prospects are assessed through its strategic planning process. This process includes an annual review of the ongoing strategic plan, led by the CEO, together with the involvement of business functions in all territories. The Board engages closely with the Group's management teams throughout this process and challenges delivery of the strategic plan during regular Board meetings. Part of the Board's role is to challenge the plan to ensure it is robust and makes due consideration of the appropriate external environment.
The Directors have assessed the viability of the Group over a three-year period to 30 April 2027, considering the Group's current position and a robust assessment of the potential impact of the principal risks outlined in the Strategic Report.
The three-year period was selected as this represents the normal investment cycle of the Group. With the exception of minimum term rental contracts, there is no fixed period over which revenue is contracted, in line with the flexibility offered to customers. Within the rental business, vehicles are normally held for up to five years, with an average holding period of three years. Within the insurance claims and services business, there is no fixed investment cycle. The viability of the business is underpinned by its commercial relationships with insurance partners. Commercial terms are continuously reviewed with insurance partners, with three years representing an average review cycle of material terms. The three-year period used for assessing viability is therefore aligned to how capital is employed in the business, the maturity of key commercial relationships and, therefore, how returns on investment are reviewed.
The plan makes certain assumptions about the normal level of capital recycling likely to occur, and therefore considers whether additional financing will be required.
The first year of the financial forecast forms the Group's operating budget. Subsequent years are forecast from this year, based on historical experience and expected measures within the overall strategic plan.
Based upon this assessment, the Directors have a reasonable expectation that the Group will be able to continue in operation and meet its liabilities as they fall due over the period to 30 April 2027.
To assess the Group's viability, the three-year strategic plan was stress-tested against various scenarios and other sensitivities.
A detailed three-year strategic review was conducted which considers the Group's cash flows, dividend cover assuming operation of stated policy, and headroom against borrowing facilities and financial covenants, under the Group's existing facilities. These metrics were subjected to sensitivity analysis to assess the Group's ability to deliver its strategic objectives.
The Group's £475m principal banking facility has a maturity date of November 2026. The strategic plan assumes that these facilities will be renewed at a similar level before April 2027. Private placement loan notes of €375m give a longer profile of maturities spread across 6, 8 and 10 years. Headroom against the Group's existing banking facilities at 30 April 2024 was £244m as detailed on page 48. This compares with headroom of £290m at 30 April 2023 and reflects the continued investment in the fleet for growth and replacement of some of the more aged vehicles. Given the financial strength of the Group and strong relationships with lenders, we do not anticipate any material deterioration in the credit status of the Group or restricted access to debt capital markets, and we are therefore confident that debts facilities will continue to be made available to support the execution of the Group's strategy.
Taking into account the planned financing assumptions, the Group's facilities will provide sufficient headroom to fund the capital expenditure and working capital requirements during the planned period.
The Directors have further considered the resilience of the Group, considering its current position and the principal risks facing the business. The plan was stresstested for severe but plausible scenarios as follows:
The above scenarios took into account the effectiveness of mitigating actions that would be reasonably taken, such as reducing variable costs that are directly related to revenue, but did not take into account further management actions that would likely be taken, such as a change to the indirect cost base of the Group or a reduction in capital expenditure and ageing out of the vehicle fleet, both of which would generate cash and reduce debt.
After considering the above sensitivities and reasonable mitigating actions, sufficient headroom remained against available debt facilities and the covenants attached to those facilities. The Directors have a reasonable expectation that the Group will continue to be able to meet its obligations as they fall due and continue to be viable over the period to 30 April 2027. The Directors also considered it appropriate to prepare the financial statements on the going concern basis, as explained in the Basis of preparation paragraph in Note 2 of the Financial Statements.

Financial statements Shareholder and other information
Financial statements Shareholder and other information
Throughout the year, we have made significant progress in establishing the necessary framework for an effective approach to ESG. This robust foundation is a testament to our commitment to meeting the growing customer demands on ESG, navigating the challenges of the current business environment, and complying with the increasingly stringent suite of EU and UK sustainability reporting regulations. Our focus on a lasting ESG strategy inspires confidence in our ability to adapt and thrive in the future.
Our governance framework and methodical approach to ESG principles ensure a high level of accountability, transparency, and equity. Our robust set of policies, procedures, and management systems are integral in effectively managing sustainability risks and capitalising on opportunities.
Our Board plays a strategic role in overseeing ESG matters. The CEO holds executive accountability, while the CFO, as the Chairman of the Sustainability Committee, has a delegated responsibility. The CFO acts as a bridge between the Sustainability Committee and the Executive Committee who in turn reports into the Board, ensuring the Board is well-informed about key environmental, social, and governance issues. Other key roles in managing ESG matters include the Group Head of ESG, the Head of Group Safety and Environment in the UK, and the Director of Development and Sustainability in Spain.
The Sustainability Committee draws on the diverse expertise of cross-functional teams from various business units and functions. Their invaluable advice and contributions were instrumental in shaping the ESG commitments of the Group, a testament to our collaborative approach to sustainability strategy development.
The Sustainability Committee met on six occasions in the year. Its goal is to assess the significant issues affecting our ability to generate economic, environmental, and social value. The Sustainability Committee evaluates the steps taken to address important risks and opportunities and suggests alternative programmes to enhance social and environmental performance. Key outcomes of the Committee this year included the approval of ESG commitments, policies covering environmental and social matters, and support for the development of a communication and engagement plan.
ZIGUP's purpose is to keep people moving smarter. As a leading provider of responsible and integrated mobility solutions, we consistently strive to deliver positive environmental, social and economic outcomes to our stakeholders.
Minimising environmental impact Our expertise, capabilities, and assets in electric vehicle fleets facilitate an orderly transition to low-carbon mobility. Effective management, operations, and maintenance optimise vehicle lifespan and efficiency. Renting rather than owning commercial vehicles reduces resource consumption and promotes sustainable development.

economic outcomes
Economic prosperity
Enabling customers to outsource services improves their efficiency and returns. Opting for vehicle rental over ownership provides greater flexibility, enabling businesses, particularly SMEs, to expand with reduced risk. As a major employer, we generate significant economic value by investing in the economy's productive capacity.

Supporting people after incidents and helping them get back on track. We are addressing skills gaps in the automotive sector by recruiting and nurturing talent from diverse backgrounds. We encourage our employees to make a positive social impact in the community.

Financial statements Shareholder and other information
We have set forth clear and measurable ESG commitments and targets. These commitments are aligned with our goal of creating sustainable value for our stakeholders. By embedding these commitments into our business model, operations, and culture, we aim to consistently reduce our environmental impact, foster positive social outcomes, and uphold our responsibility as a business.
We have clearly defined responsibilities and accountabilities for each ESG commitment and have established a set of balanced metrics to measure progress towards achieving them. While it's important to have clear direction and accountability from leadership, involving employees at all levels in implementing these plans is crucial. In FY2025, we will create a learning curriculum to provide employees with the skills, knowledge, and confidence to take meaningful action to reduce environmental impact and contribute to positive social change. We will also aim to integrate ESG-related outcomes into employee evaluations to foster a culture that supports our purpose and acknowledges and rewards the right behaviours.
Understanding how an issue affects us internally and externally has helped us create a more effective sustainability framework and report on issues more meaningfully to stakeholders.
By identifying significant ESG issues, we can prioritise the most important concerns and provide greater corporate transparency to our stakeholders.
Read about our process and outcomes in more detail in the Sustainability section of our website www.ZIGUP.com

Financial statements Shareholder and other information
| Ambition | Our Progress | In FY2025, we plan to |
|---|---|---|
| Environment: Enabling lower-impact mobility Aspect Commitment Carbon emission reduction 10% absolute reduction in Scope 1 and 2 emissions by 2027 Resource efficiency Embed circular economy principles in our operations Environment Environment impact reductions across our sites Working with suppliers Work with key suppliers to set sustainability targets Climate change transition Enabling a just transition towards low carbon mobility |
• 15% reduction in GHG emissions since FY2023 • 90% of sites have installed low-energy LED lights, and we created an energy monitoring dashboard • 99% of our waste was diverted from landfill and we introduced a new waste and resource efficiency policy • 67% of our current company cars are EVs or hybrids • 1,000 e-LCVs hired in the UK, more than doubling since FY2023 |
• Develop Group level emission reduction business plans • Embed circular economy principles across the Group • Publish our net zero transition plan • Have over 90% of our company cars to be EV or hybrid |
| Social: Delivering social value Aspect Commitment Health and safety Work towards the goal of no harm or injuries Wellbeing and reward Foster a mutually supportive workplace Equity, diversity and inclusion Recruit and nurture talent from diverse communities Charity and community Generate positive social impact in the community Early careers Invest in the development of an early careers programme Technical skills Invest in vehicle repair training and technology |
• 7% reduction in our Accident Frequency Rate from 1.8 (FY2023) to 1.7 (FY2024) • We introduced Wagestream to improve employees' financial wellbeing with flexible pay access • The employee satisfaction rating increased by 1ppt to 75%, with a 83% survey return rate • 87,000 hours of training provided to our people across the Group • 49% increase in apprenticeships from 270 (FY2023) to 403 (FY2024) • 2,000 hours of technical training to keep us at the forefront of advancing automotive technology • We provided over 300 hours of support to the Darlington Cares community initiative |
• Develop targeted recruitment strategies to reach more diverse talent pools • Leverage our group-wide training resources to foster a culture of continuous development • Expand the deployment of level 4 high-voltage EV training |
| Governance: Growing responsibly Aspect Commitment Ensure effective Board oversight of ESG ESG oversight Sustainable value creation Reinforce sustainable value creation within our strategy Responsible culture Foster ethical and responsible behaviour across ZIGUP Customers first Foster a customer-centric continuous improvement culture Stakeholder engagement Maintain accountability by reporting on our ESG impacts |
• A cross-functional Sustainability Committee, supported by working groups, was incorporated • We set out our ambitions through a suite of environmental, social, and governance commitments • A Customer First charter was developed within the UK&I Rental business, with appointed customer champions overseeing its delivery • We have developed a Group Policy Framework to support a more unified approach to governance across the Group |
• Enhance ESG reporting and analysis to prepare for upcoming regulations • Ensure greater integration of ESG targets into individual performance appraisals |
We aim to improve transparency and encourage stakeholder discussions about this important issue. This section summarises our carbon emissions and outlines our steps to manage climaterelated risks, and take advantage of opportunities in an unpredictable global emissions environment.
This report was prepared in line with the UK Climate-Related Financial Disclosures Guidance and associated annexes, specifically annex 1. As ZIGUP is not a financial or appropriate sector-specific company, no additional guidance was incorporated. Reasonable assurance is obtained over Scope 1, Scope 2, and Scope 3 emissions. All sector guidance and associated annexes have been included, incorporating recommended disclosures.
Our sustainability strategy is integral to our financial planning, which the Board oversees. The CEO and CFO provide regular updates at board meetings, detailing the progress made on this strategy, including key activities, implementation, and progress against emissions reduction targets.
Our Board of Directors proactively shapes the Group's ESG strategy and activities. They provide oversight of climate-related issues and ensure that the best practices, emerging trends, and key issues related to ESG strategy, governance, and risk management are considered and acted upon.
Report of the Audit Committee on Pages 103 to 107
Responsible for determining and approving the Remuneration Policy and recommending its approval to the Board. Responsible for incentivising performance against climaterelated targets, monitoring performance against targets, and approving remuneration accordingly.
Report of the Remuneration Committee on Pages 110 to 122
Management Boards.
Pages 100 to 102
Sustainability Committee
Responsible for developing and implementing strategy, and monitoring strategic execution including that of climate-related strategic objectives.
Report of the Nominations Committee on
Oversees our strategic development across sustainability issues, including developing a systematic and collaborative approach to climate action with our stakeholders.

Group Risk Committee Assists the Board in overseeing the risk management framework, including identifying,
assessing, and reporting climate-related risks.
Key transition-related activities, risks and opportunities are considered on Group Management Boards.

Financial statements Shareholder and other information
The transport sector is responsible for the largest proportion of GHG emissions in Europe and the UK. In the EU, road transport is the biggest emitter in the transport sector, accounting for nearly three-quarters of transport-related GHG emissions.
Decarbonising vehicles will primarily involve replacing those that run on fossil fuels with electric vehicles or hydrogen fuel cells. This shift will disrupt the automotive supply chain and significantly change mobility services.
Manufacturers are pursuing a transition to EVs, and some major OEMs have announced that they will stop investing in new ICE platforms or end the production of ICE vehicles by 2030.
Governments and cities continue to introduce policies that encourage the decarbonisation of road transport. The ZEV mandate became law in the UK in January 2024. This mandate sets out the percentage of new zero-emission cars and vans that manufacturers will be required to produce each year up to 2030. By 2030, 80% of new cars and 70% of new vans sold in the UK will be zero-emission, increasing to 100% by 2035.
Our long term climate commitment is to be net zero by 2050. The pace of our transition to net zero will be determined by the factors covered and overall customer sentiment on the suitability of alternative drive trains for their operational activities.
We are working with our customers to enable a smooth transition towards lower carbon mobility.
With our end-to-end support, in-house expertise, and capabilities, we provide many support services to our customers, many of whom have set ambitious net zero targets and are looking for expert support to make meaningful progress. We are also active within our supply chain with collaborations and supporting policy initiatives to help accelerate the transition.
At present, we operate from 184 sites, including workshops, bodyshops and branches, along with offices and customer service centres across the UK, Ireland and Spain. This diverse geographic spread means we have flexibility and resiliency within our operations and can share learnings between our business segments and across locations.
The Group is working on transitioning to a fully non-ICE fleet. This is in line with national and EU regulations. We aim to have a fully non-ICE fleet in the UK and Ireland by the mid-2030s and in all countries by the mid-2040s.
We are working with our customers to enable a smooth transition towards lower-carbon mobility. With our end-toend support, in-house expertise, and capabilities, we provide a broad array of support services to our customers, many of whom have set ambitious net zero targets and are looking for expert support to make meaningful progress.
See the case study at: www.ZIGUP.com/case-study/ DrivetoZero
This move will allow us to reduce our carbon emissions across our entire value chain significantly. We are also investing in skills training and infrastructure to support this transition.
Our commercial strategy plans are aligned with this transition, which is reflected in our Drive to Zero value proposition to customers.

From the starting point of our FY2022 baseline, we are committed to using 100% renewable electricity and to an absolute Scope 1 and Scope 2 emission reduction target of 10% by 2027. The absolute GHG emission reduction target is ambitious when considered in the context of our growth plans.
We expect our business to be positively impacted by transitioning to a 1.5 degree world.
The outcome of climate change is uncertain and will depend on the movement of global temperature and the specific regulatory responses.
The effects will be wide-ranging, including the impacts of weather patterns (physical risks) and the regulatory and societal effects of transitioning to a low-carbon economy (transition risks). Opportunities are expected to arise as more customers seek advice and products to support the transition towards low-carbon mobility. A thorough annual risk and opportunities assessment is undertaken to review the potential impacts of climate outcomes on our business. Our assessment covered key timeframes (as defined in Table 1), which link to our fleet renewal cycles, key sector regulations and policies, and our net zero commitment. We assigned timeframes to each risk and opportunity based on expected material impact and quantified the impact where possible. A material climate impact is defined as a percentage of the risk materiality point (RMP) value of £4m, as defined by our Enterprise Risk Management (ERM) framework; medium to high financial impact is greater than 12.5% of RMP.
We have embedded risk management processes across the business and report regularly to the Board. Climate transition issues are considered fundamental to our commercial success, and such risks and opportunities are assessed both against
relevant financial planning horizons and aligned with our Customer strategy and demand requirements. Climate-related risks are discussed in in table 3 on page 74.
Our risk identification, assessment, methodology and appetite is reviewed at least on a quarterly basis. Where climate risks extend outside the timeframe of our ERM process, they are assessed using the same methodology but are considered within the longer term context of our sustainability strategy and targets and under the scrutiny of the Sustainability Committee, which is chaired by the CFO.
As set out in the risks table on page 74, our mitigation and resiliency measures appropriately manage the risks identified within our scenario analysis. Our risk management process captures climate-related matters, and in turn, these form part of our Group Risk Register, which the Board reviews. The Board is responsible for the Group's overall approach to risk management and internal control, including ensuring the design and implementation of appropriate risk management and internal control systems. This comprises assessing the effectiveness of these systems, which includes regular reviews to ensure that the Group is identifying, considering and, as far as practicable, mitigating the risks for the business.
Further details on material impacts and mitigation activities can be found in the risk table Page 74
| Risks | Opportunities | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sample hazard exposure | Severity | Likelihood | Impact contribution | Scale |
| High (>15%) | Critical | Virtually certain | Significant | 5 |
| High | Likely | High | 4 | |
| Moderate (10-15%) | Moderate-high | More likely than not | Moderate-high | 3 |
| Moderate | About as likely as not | Moderate | 2 | |
| Low <10%) | Low | Unlikely | Low | 1 |
| None | Very unlikely | None | 0 |

In FY2023, we first reported on how scenario analysis enhanced our understanding of physical and transition risks to our business over short, medium and long-term time horizons.
This year we have provided a comprehensive overview of the potential impacts on the Group and its stakeholders under different climate scenarios. The potential climate outcomes considered this year when reviewing climate risks and opportunities range from an orderly transition scenario that limits global warming to 1.5°C to an adaptation scenario where emissions continue the current pathway, which leads to around 4°C warming. Qualitative assessments for each of these climate scenarios are outlined in Table 2 on page 73.
Physical risk exposure was assessed under two future states of the world using the latest Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) scenarios specified in their sixth assessment report. The IPCC Shared Socio-economic Pathways (SSPs) are a natural choice as these scenarios are widely recognised, based on credible scientific databases, and are used to inform our global climate policy. As expected, the Group has minimal exposure to most of these hazards due to the operational profile of our business. When scenario pathways diverge, we expect physical risks to materialise around 2023-2040.
Transition risks were explored by applying IEA Global Energy and Climate (GEC) model scenarios and National Grid Future Energy Scenarios, which align with the Group's long term net zero commitment. The IEA scenarios assessed three states of global change. The IEA and National Grid scenarios were selected due to their sectoral-specific analysis and industry dependencies. The National Grid scenarios also apply specifically to the UK market, providing tailored insights into the potential future changes to our UK strategy and feeding into our wider organisational strategy.
For more information see table on Page 74

Strategic report
Shareholder and other information

Table 2: Climate outcome scenario
| 1.5⁰C Orderly transition |
2.0⁰C Disorderly transition |
4.0+⁰C Adaption |
|
|---|---|---|---|
| An orderly transition to a low-carbon economy occurs over the long term as sufficient regulatory action is taken to limit the rise in global temperature, resulting in significant transition risks while minimising physical risks. |
A disorderly transition with delays to government pledges and stringent policies being introduced post-2030, causing maximum transition risk while limiting physical risk to a relatively low level. |
This is where the current CO2 emissions level will approximately double by 2050, and the global economy will grow, fuelled by exploiting fossil fuels and energy-intensive lifestyles. |
|
| Government | Governments and cities have introduced policies that encourage the decarbonisation of road transport. By 2032, all new light-duty vehicles sold, including vans, will be low-emission vehicles. The number of car lanes reduced in urban environments to give greater space to public transport, pedestrians and cyclists. |
Phasing out of ICE vehicles delayed with limited political will to strictly enforce the ZEV mandate. Inadequate investment in public charging infrastructure to support effective e-LCV operation. |
Global policies and investment have shifted towards adapting to a new climate and responding to global geopolitical and environmental instability. Changing global weather patterns causing severe chronic and acute physical risks. |
| Suppliers | Most large OEMs have ended ICE production by 2030, with limited availability of ICE LCVs. Increased competition from China will have stimulated affordable EV ownership. Accelerating innovation in battery technologies has reduced the need for critical minerals, increasing supply chain resilience, and security. |
Significant increases in carbon prices will be implemented from 2030 onwards to discourage the use of materials produced by carbon-intensive nations. Limited innovation in new battery production and technologies will increase battery demand, further driving the demand for critical minerals and steep increases in costs from 2030. |
Global economic instability and geopolitical issues have hindered the supply chain's desire to reduce emissions, with limited investment in innovative low-carbon solutions. Significant changes in weather patterns and events impact global supply chains, resulting in sizeable price increases. |
| Operations | Low-emission LCVs optimised to meet varied operational requirements are readily available. Continued investment in training and infrastructure advances the electric vehicle mobility ecosystem, and the breadth and depth of job opportunities are growing alongside it. |
Despite continuing demand, the limited availability of ICE LCVs results in longer replacement cycles, increased maintenance costs, and lower resale values. A growing EV skills gap undermines confidence in the industry's ability to service, maintain, and repair low-emission vehicles. |
Operations in some parts of Spain are becoming unviable due to excessive energy costs for cooling the facilities. To avoid the hottest parts of the day, restricted operating hours are introduced in the summer. Many facilities in the south of England and Spain require costly water efficiency measures to address high utility costs. |
| Customers | Europe has become the global leader in vehicle electrification with a regulation-driven market supported by positive customer demand trends. Customers' desire to achieve their carbon reduction targets has reinforced their demand for low-emission LCV fleets. |
There is a lack of confidence in the suitability of low emission LCVs to meet operational requirements, which is compounded by insufficient policy incentives to decarbonise and issues regarding the suitability of charging infrastructure for LCVs. Cities and surrounding metropolitan areas have introduced draconian policies to ban all ICE vehicles in urban environments. |
Unfettered growth in mobility has increased the number of vehicles on our roads, and CO2 emissions have markedly increased, with many health problems due to poor air quality. Extreme heat events have accelerated the degradation of materials such as asphalt and concrete, impacting transportation speed and causing service delays. |
| Timeframe | ||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Risk rating* | Short | Medium Long | Scenario sensitivity | Our response | ||||
| Transition risks | 1 2 3 4 5 | |||||||
| Fit for purpose e-LCVs | Orderly transition | We have long-standing relationships with established OEMs | ||||||
| A limited supply of low-emission LCVs optimised to meet diverse operational requirements. |
4 | 5 | 3 | 2 | Disorderly transition | and are working closely with new entrants in the market to source a range of e-LCVs that can meet our customers' diverse |
||
| Adaptation | operational requirements. | |||||||
| Vehicle charging | 3 | 4 | 3 | 2 | Orderly transition | Our ChargedEV business is a top supplier and installer of Electric | ||
| Insufficient investment in charging infrastructure and rising energy prices increase charging costs, undermining lower-carbon vehicle |
Disorderly transition | Vehicle Supply Equipment (EVSE), installing over 9,500 chargers in 2024. We support BVRLA's 2024 Van Plan to accelerate the uptake of |
||||||
| total cost-of-ownership savings. | Adaptation | zero-emission vans in the fleet industry. | ||||||
| Profitability – EV lifecycle | 2 | Orderly transition | We understand market dynamics and have expertise in managing | |||||
| Higher purchase costs, reduced maintenance revenues due to | 4 | 5 | 4 | large-scale vehicle fleets' purchasing, holding, and disposal during | ||||
| lower EV servicing costs, and residual value risk from declining second-hand sale values impact EV lifecycle profitability. |
Disorderly transition | market cycles in the UK, Ireland and Spain. | ||||||
| Adaptation | ||||||||
| Skills gaps Increasing skills gaps in the electric vehicle mobility ecosystem, |
5 | 5 | 4 | 3 | Orderly transition | We remain at the forefront of advancing automotive technology through continued investment in industry-leading training and 2 IMI |
||
| particularly in repair and maintenance. | Disorderly transition | accredited technical training centres. | ||||||
| Adaptation | ||||||||
| Vehicle-related emission taxation and policies | 4 | 5 | 4 | 3 | Orderly transition | We work closely with trade bodies, such as the BVLRA in the UK, | ||
| The UK Government's inconsistent approach to phasing out ICE vehicles, combined with the varied implementation |
Disorderly transition | the Society of the Irish Motor Industry, and FENEVAL in Spain. They aim to guide governments on the most effective ways to accelerate |
||||||
| of low-emission zones by local authorities, is creating | decarbonisation and transition towards low-carbon mobility. | |||||||
| significant uncertainty. | Adaptation | |||||||
| Increased reporting Increasing reporting regulations and investor expectations on |
4 | 3 | 3 | 2 | Orderly transition | We are developing a net zero transition plan. We plan to deploy a group-wide data collection platform in FY2025 to report on ESG and |
||
| climate-related disclosures. | Disorderly transition | sustainability performance according to the EU Taxonomy, CSRD, | ||||||
| Adaptation | and IFRS S1 and S2. | |||||||
| Physical risks | ||||||||
| Significant changes in weather patterns, with water stress, impact | Orderly transition | Given our operational profile, we anticipate minimal exposure to both | ||||||
| operations in Spain. The global supply chain suffers disruptions, | 2 | 1 | 2 | 3 | Disorderly transition | chronic and acute physical hazards. Under the adaptation scenario, risks will likely materialise around 2030-2040. |
||
| resulting in sizeable price increases. | Adaptation |
* The risk rating comes from a combined assessment of likelihood, severity and resilience.
| Timeframe | ||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Impact contribution |
Short | Medium Long | Scenario sensitivity | Our response | ||||
| Opportunities | 1 2 3 4 5 | |||||||
| Supporting the energy transition | 5 | Orderly transition | We help LCV fleets switch to low-carbon mobility with EVs, chargers, | |||||
| Customers who have established ambitious transition plans may be willing to pay a premium to convert their fleet faster, enhancing |
4 | 3 | 3 | Disorderly transition | and management services. Our flexible rental terms and bundled services reduce capital expenditures and cut customers' ownership |
|||
| market share and revenues. | Adaptation | costs. | ||||||
| Access to low-emission vehicles | 3 | 4 | 5 | Orderly transition | We have long-standing relationships with established OEMs and are | |||
| Faster access to an extensive range of low-emission vehicles, including cars, LCVs and micro-mobility options to meet diverse |
4 | Disorderly transition | working closely with new entrants in the market to source a range of e-LCVs and micro-mobility options that can meet our customers' |
|||||
| operational requirements. | Adaptation | diverse operational requirements. | ||||||
| Future automotive skills development | 4 | 3 | 2 | Orderly transition | By remaining at the forefront of advancing automotive technology | |||
| There is an increasing demand for training and skill enhancement across the automotive industry to keep pace with advancing |
3 | Disorderly transition | through industry-leading training programmes and facilities, we have the capacity to commercialise our expertise and offer training outside |
|||||
| vehicle technology. | Adaptation | of our organisation. | ||||||
| ZEV mandate | 4 | 3 | 2 | 0 | Orderly transition | Our readiness to procure e-LCVs has stimulated OEMs to offer us larger volumes of ICE and EVs on commercially favourable terms. |
||
| OEMs will require vehicle leasing and hire companies to purchase increasing numbers of EVs alongside ICE vehicles to avoid paying |
Disorderly transition | |||||||
| fines in the ZEV mandate. | Adaptation | |||||||
| Nationwide service network | 3 | 4 | 3 | 3 | Orderly transition | We have the UK's largest quality-assured repair and service networks, | ||
| New EV manufacturers require a widespread service network and expertise to support the effective deployment of their vehicles. |
Disorderly transition | supported by 24/7 customer service centres. New EV OEMs can use this expertise and nationwide resources to strengthen their presence |
||||||
| Adaptation | in the UK and Europe. In addition, existing OEMs are looking for support to augment their EV service capacity and capabilities. |
|||||||
| Data collection, analysis, and planning | 3 | 4 | 5 | Orderly transition | We are advancing our Drive to Zero value proposition to help | |||
| With the intensification of ESG reporting and climate disclosure regulations, customers will require more support in reducing fleet |
2 | Disorderly transition | customers decarbonise their vehicle fleets, by providing more effective GHG emission evaluation and mitigation planning. |
|||||
| related GHG emissions. | Adaptation | |||||||
| Energy efficiency | Orderly transition | We are committed to investing in LED lights, which significantly | ||||||
| Save money, reduce GHG emissions and enhance our sustainability credentials by investing in energy efficiency |
2 | 4 | 4 | 4 | Disorderly transition | impact energy usage and help us reduce operating costs. We're implementing behavioural training programmes to reduce operating |
||
| measures and education programmes. | Adaptation | costs and promote better operating practices. |

We seek to enhance our disclosures through improved year-on-year reporting. This year, we will report on three years of Scope 3 data, starting from an FY2022 baseline. This section incorporates emissions data presented using the operational control approach, which is required under the Companies (Directors' Report) and Limited Liability Partnerships (Energy and Carbon Report) Regulations 2018. We have included each facility under operational control within the figures. The Group has used the principles of the GHG Protocol Corporate Accounting and Reporting Standard (revised edition), ISO 14064-1. We have used Defra's current conversion factors to arrive at the information supplied. An independent, UKAS-accredited, third party assessor has verified the GHG data.
We have aligned our reporting and fiscal years, so the information presented covers the FY2024 period from 1 May 2023 to 30 April 2024. Following the introduction of FMG RS emissions data in FY2021, FY2022 was considered a suitable year to establish as our baseline year.
New, more efficient ICE vehicles and an increasing proportion of EV and hybrid vehicles entering our fleet, along with a reduction in the distances travelled by our vehicles in the UK, have resulted in a 15% overall reduction in Scope 1 and 2 emissions. This, coupled with growth in revenue which is not linked to our fleet, reduced our carbon intensity by 24%. The amount of green energy we procure increased from 22% in FY2023 to 64% this year. We implemented a new methodology to calculate vehicle-related emissions for both FY2023 and FY2024. We will apply this updated methodology to evaluate our FY2022 baseline year and assess the impact of the carbon reduction targets that we set in FY2023.
up from 22% in FY2023
| Strategic | Corporate | Financial | Shareholder and |
|---|---|---|---|
| report | governance | statements | other information |
96% of our Scope 3 emissions are within categories 2, 11 and 13. Scope 3, Category 2 – Capital goods are the embodied emissions within the vehicles we purchase. Since FY2022, this has decreased to 11% of our Scope 3 emissions (FY2022: 14%).
This year, we took a proactive step in our sustainability journey by changing our approach to calculating category 2 emissions. We now use Green NCAP's Life Cycle Assessment methodology, a more comprehensive and accurate method, to provide our stakeholders with a more detailed and transparent view.
It's important to note that the expected emissions from the fleet vehicles we dispose of (Category 11 – Use of sold products) have increased. This is due to the fact that we sold more vehicles than in previous years, leading to a significant rise from 43% of scope 3 emissions in FY2022 to 59% in FY2024.
We are delighted to share that the tail-pipe emissions from our vehicle fleet, when driven by customers, have decreased for a third consecutive year. This significant reduction, from 922,909 tCO2 e in FY2022 to 837,484 tCO2 e in FY2024, represents a 9% decrease. It is a testament to our unwavering commitment to sustainability, as we continue to purchase more fuel-efficient vehicles and increase the proportion of EV and hybrid vehicles on our fleet.
| Greenhouse gas emissions | Unit | FY2024 | (Restated) FY2023 |
(Baseline) FY2022 |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Scope 1 | UK | tCO2 e |
11,463 | 13,337 | 16,586 |
| Combustion of fuel and operation of facilities1 | Non-UK | tCO2 e |
3,432 | 2,967 | 3,187 |
| Scope 2 | UK market-based2 | tCO2 e |
2,500 | – | – |
| Electricity, heat, steam and cooling | UK location-based | tCO2 e |
3,262 | 3,154 | 3,345 |
| Non-UK market-based2 | tCO2 e |
91 | – | – | |
| Non-UK location-based | tCO2 e |
858 | 1,011 | 939 | |
| Total Scope 1 and 2 market-based emissions | UK | tCO2 e |
13,963 | 16,304 | 19,931 |
| Non-UK | tCO2 e |
3,523 | 6,052 | 4,126 | |
| Total Scope 1 and 2 market-based emissions | Group | tCO2 e |
17,486 | 22,356 | 24,057 |
| Revenue (excluding vehicle sales) | Group | £m | 1,521 | 1,337 | 1,094 |
| Intensity ratio3 | Group | tCO2 e per £m of revenue |
13 | 17 | 22 |
| Scope 3 | |||||
| Category 2: Capital goods | Group | tCO2 e |
371,400 | 299,266 | 326,709 |
| Category 11: Use of sold products | Group | tCO2 e |
1,915,307 | 1,350,438 | 1,001,566 |
| Category 13: Downstream leased assets | Group | e tCO2 |
837,484 | 918,662 | 922,909 |
| Other | Group | tCO2 e |
134,293 | 106,380 | 87,178 |
| Total Scope 3 emissions | Group | tCO2 e |
3,258,484 | 2,674,745 | 2,338,362 |
| Total Scope 1, 2 and 3 emissions | Group | tCO2 e |
3,275,970 | 2,697,101 | 2,362,419 |
| Energy consumption | |||||
| Scope 1 | UK | KWh | 53,520,146 | 65,823,864 | |
| Non-UK | KWh | 13,710,956 | 21,114,054 | ||
| Scope 2 | UK | KWh | 15,750,431 | 20,206,754 | |
| Non-UK | KWh | 4,344,797 | 4,490,283 |
1 FY2023 Scope 1 data has been recalculated in line with a refined methodology to calculate vehicle-related emissions used in FY2024 to ensure comparability between each year.
2 Market based values were not split by country in years prior to FY2024.
3 The intensity ratio was calculated using location-based Scope 2 emissions of 19,014 (2023: 22,356) to ensure consistency with previous years.
We monitor various performance metrics to reduce emissions from our operations and vehicles used by our customers. However, lack of data and inconsistent standards make reducing value chain emissions challenging. We plan to improve data collection and stakeholder engagement to drive our performance towards achieving our goals.
| Metric | Scope 1 and 2, and Scope 3 | EV resource and capability | Charging infrastructure | Low emission fleet |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Risk/opportunity | Risk Carbon pricing |
Risk Skills gap |
Risk Availability of fit-for-purpose e-LCVs |
Risk Fit-for purpose e-LCVs |
| Opportunity Energy efficiency |
Opportunity Future automotive skill development |
Opportunity Supporting the energy transition |
Opportunity Supporting the energy transition |
|
| We monitor our greenhouse gas emissions to track exposure to carbon pricing, as they act as indicators of potential future regulatory costs. |
We must ensure that we are closing the skills gaps in the electric vehicle mobility ecosystem, particularly in repairing and maintaining low-emission vehicles. |
We, along with other installers, can help ensure sufficient charging infrastructure is in place to support the energy transition. |
Increase the supply of low-emission cars and optimised e-LCVs to meet diverse operational requirements. |
|
| Progress Tonnes of CO2e |
% of technicians trained to service and repair low-emission vehicles |
Number of domestic and commercial EV chargers installed |
% of low-emission vehicles in the fleet | |
| FY2024 performance Scope 1 and 2 Scope 3 17,486 3,258,484 |
FY2024 performance 95% of Northgate UK technicians trained to EV Level 3 in IMI EV and hybrid vehicles. |
FY2024 performance 9,600 |
FY2024 performance 4.5% |
|
| FY2023 performance Scope 1 and 2 Scope 3 22,356 2,674,745 |
FY2023 performance This is the first year of reporting this statistic and therefore no comparator is presented. |
FY2023 performance 6,700 |
FY2023 performance 3.6% |
|
| Comment | New, more efficient ICE vehicles and an increasing proportion of EV and hybrid vehicles entering our fleet, along with a reduction in the distances travelled by our vehicles in the UK, have resulted in a 15% overall reduction in Scope 1 and 2 emissions. Increased fleet size and vehicle use led to higher Scope 3 emissions. |
We are remaining at the forefront of advancing automotive technology with our vocational training and instruction programmes. |
Our target is to increase the number of EV chargers we install year on year, and we have expanded our pool of installers to achieve this. |
In the UK, e-LCVs on hire more than doubled in the year to close to 1,000 units. In Spain, the business was awarded a Moves II Plan grant by the EU to support the purchase of 500 additional EVs and 3,000 telematics units. |
Status key: Further development needed On-track
| TCFD Element | FY2024 Actions | Status | FY2025 Next steps | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Governance | The Sustainability Committee discussed carbon reduction targets and the production of a net zero transition plan to be launched in FY2025. |
A supporting climate disclosure policy will be launched alongside the net zero | ||
| New Group ESG policies have been developed and communicated. | transition plan. | |||
| A suite of ESG commitments has been developed, complemented by a broad spread of metrics. |
Further work will be undertaken to enhance ESG and climate disclosure reporting to meet emerging UK and EU regulations. |
|||
| Strategy | We have developed carbon literacy training material to improve the knowledge and skills of our people. |
The new carbon literacy training programme, which uses the new material, will be rolled out. |
||
| We have undertaken site energy assessments to meet our obligations under the Energy Saving Opportunity Scheme (ESOS) |
We will submit our ESOS report to the Environmental Agency and incorporate its recommendation within our Transition Plan. |
|||
| Risk management | We routinely assess the continuing suitability of business continuity plans to address many issues including severe weather events. |
No further action is required. | ||
| A suite in transition risk and opportunity metrics has been outlined in the report. | The plan will outline our actions to address risks and opportunities related to the net zero transition. |
|||
| Metrics and targets | Presentations were given at management boards to communicate the carbon targets we set. |
We are developing a communication plan to inform our stakeholders of the new suite of ESG commitments that have been developed. |
||
| We calculated our Scope 3 footprint for both FY2023 and FY2024 this year, whilst also refining our methodology. |
Continue to evaluate Scope 3 data and work towards the setting of a Scope 3 reduction target within the next two to three years. |
|||
| A GHG Management Plan was developed to prescribe the process and systems for effective GHG emission data gathering. |
Use the prescribed methodologies with the plan to inform our disclosure to the emerging UK and EU sustainability reporting regulations. |
We continue to evolve our non-financial disclosures in line with emerging recommendations and principles, ensuring we remain compliant with the reporting requirements in sections 414CA and 414CB of the Companies Act. The information is included by cross-reference and further non-financial information is available in our Sustainability report and on our website www.zigup.com.
| Reporting requirement | Policies and standards which govern our approach | Risk management and additional information | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Environmental matters | • Environmental statement • Health and safety policy • Waste minimisation and recycling policy • Whistleblowing policy |
Stakeholder value and impact pages 30 to 31 | Sustainability progress pages 66 to 68 |
| Our people | • The Respect Training eLearning package • Responsible business policy • Code of business conduct • Whistleblowing policy • Health and safety policy |
Our people pages 32 to 36 Employee numbers by gender page 34 Diversity pages 34 and 97 |
Stakeholder value and impact pages 30 to 31 CEO's remuneration compared to employees page 118 Gender pay gap report published on qualifying entities' websites |
| Human rights | • Modern slavery statement • Code of business conduct • Whistleblowing policy |
Governance page 88 | Ethics, anti-corruption and compliance page 96 |
| Anti-corruption and anti-bribery |
• Code of business conduct • Whistleblowing policy |
Governance page 96 | Ethics, anti-corruption and compliance page 96 |
| Social matters | Our people pages 32 to 36 Charity and community page 35 |
Stakeholder value and impact pages 30 to 31 | |
| Policy embedding, due diligence and outcomes |
Governance framework and structure pages 92 to 93 |
Board activity during the year page 91 Report of the Audit Committee pages 103 to 107 |
|
| Principal risks and impact on business activity |
Identifying and managing risks pages 54 to 57 | Principal risks and uncertainties pages 58 to 63 | |
| Description of business model |
Our business model pages 28 to 29 | Our strategy pages 16 to 17 | |
| Non-financial key performance indicators |
Operational highlights page 2 | Key performance indicators pages 38 to 39 |
report
Disclosures in compliance with the requirements of the UK Companies Act 2006 (as required by 414CA and 414CB) can be found in our report as follows:
| Companies Act climate-related financial disclosure | Location of disclosure within this report |
|---|---|
| Governance arrangements for assessing and managing climate-related risks and opportunities | Climate governance page 69 |
| How ZIGUP identifies, assesses and manages climate-related risks and opportunities | Climate risk management page 71 |
| Integration of climate-related risk identification, assessment and management processes into our overall risk management process | Identifying and managing risks pages 54 to 57 Climate risk management page 71 |
| Principal climate-related risks and opportunities arising in connection with our operations | Climate-related risks page 74 Climate-related opportunities page 75 |
| The time periods by reference to which those risks and opportunities are assessed | Climate risk management page 71 |
| The actual and potential impacts of the principal climate-related risks and opportunities on the business model and strategy in different climate-related scenarios | Climate-related risks page 74 Climate-related opportunities page 75 |
| Resilience of our business model and strategy in different climate-related scenarios | Climate-related risks page 74 Climate-related opportunities page 75 |
| Our targets to manage climate-related opportunities and performance against targets | Climate metrics and targets pages 76 to 78 |
| Key performance indicators for assessing progress against targets | Climate metrics and targets pages 76 to 78 Looking forward page 79 |
In accordance with Section 172 of the Companies Act 2006 (Section 172), the Group and its Directors act in the way that they consider in good faith would most likely promote the success of the Company for the benefit of its members as a whole.
Throughout the Annual Report and Accounts, we provide examples of how the Group has taken into account the likely consequences of decisions in the long term, fosters and builds relationships with stakeholders, understands the importance of engaging with our employees and gives consideration to their interests, understands the impact of our operations on the communities in the regions where we operate and the environment we depend upon and attributes important to behaving as a responsible business.
The Board appreciates the importance of effective stakeholder engagement and considers its stakeholders' views in its decision making and in setting its strategy. The Board also understands the need to act fairly between the Group's members. Although the Board's decisions do not always impact all of the Group's stakeholders to the same extent, by having a process in place for decision making, the Board ensures that it has due regard for the interests of its stakeholders, including employees, customers, suppliers, shareholders and regulators, when taking decisions.
More details on stakeholder engagement can be found throughout the Annual Report and Accounts and in particular on page 30 "Our stakeholders". The following principal decisions and activities provide specific examples of how the Board and its Directors have complied with Section 172 and have considered, individually and collectively, stakeholder interests and impacts in making different decisions that support the implementation of the Group's strategy and the delivery of the Group's objectives now and in the longer term. Details of how the Group's Board and committees of the Board operate, their responsibilities, and the matters they considered during the year are contained in the Corporate Governance Report on pages 96 to 99.

The Group's continuing strength in financial performance is underpinned by our business model and refreshed strategic framework which is central to Board decision making. This is at a time when the Group and its stakeholders have continued to experience significant challenges both within the automotive industry and the wider macro environment.
• The Board has taken care in reviewing current and future fleet supply conditions in the markets in which we operate. In Spain, vehicle supply has been stronger, and in UK&I, whilst supply has recovered more slowly, the ongoing strength of demand for used vehicle sales has continued to support residual values of used vehicles. The impacts of supply chain challenges, repair times and hire lengths continue to be managed successfully in the Claims & Services business
Our strategic focus reflects our consideration of the interests of our key stakeholder groups. As the Group continues to grow organically and through acquisitions, the Board will continue to
Corporate governance
Strategic report
Financial statements Shareholder and other information
Effective recruitment, development and reward are essential to the continued success of the Group's businesses and strategy, enabling and incentivising our colleagues to deliver value and high levels of service to our customers.
The Board has made our people across the Group a focus of its decision making during the year:
Our wider workforce: The Board has placed a significant focus on our people, supporting decisions on pay and benefits for our wider workforce, including pay review increases (with pay increases for colleagues at lower salary levels of between 3% and 9%), the launch of our 2023 SAYE and the continuation of the Free Share programme both of which will continue into FY2025.
The employees of Blakedale and FridgeXpress who joined us following acquisition, now benefit from our workforce development and reward programmes, and have become part of our team delivering excellent services to our customers.
For further information on our people, please our people and culture on pages 32 to 36.
Learning, development, and accessibility: The Board has supported our group-wide rollout of apprenticeship programmes, and broader learning and development opportunities. These include leadership and management training, our extensive e-learning Academy and an early careers strategy building brand awareness and relationships with schools and colleges. This year, to promote the automotive sector to young people, the Group partnered with the Careers and Enterprise Company to engage with schools and colleges, and held CV clinics and career advice sessions.
Recognising the financial pressures our colleagues face in the current economic climate, the Group has placed a strong emphasis this year on improving financial wellbeing. In partnership with HSBC, the Group has delivered face-to-face and online sessions educating employees on "Making the Most of Your Money". The Group also launched a new partnership with Charles Cameron, which provides independent, free mortgage advice to all employees, as well as Wagestream, which is a platform to improve workers' financial wellbeing by giving them access to fair financial services based on flexible pay.
In partnership with Movistaud Salud, an employee assistance programme was implemented which provides health services, counselling, and mental wellbeing support to our Spanish colleagues. As part of this programme, online health and wellbeing workshops were also administered in partnership with Sanitas.
Diversity and inclusion: The Board during the year reviewed and approved its Diversity and Inclusion Policy Statement, and in line with the recommendations of the Parker Review approved an ethnic diversity target for the Executive Committee and its members' direct reports of 10% to be achieved by 2027.
Remuneration: The Remuneration Committee this year reviewed and approved a new set of LTIP rules and supported a shareholder resolution at the 2023 AGM for the approval of the new rules.
Our focus on wider workforce remuneration ensures that we continue to attract and retain talent to the Group and consider the welfare of all our colleagues. The Group continues to benefit from these changes with retention stable and engagement remaining strong.
Shareholder and other information
Our unique proposition, continuing strong performance and financial resilience alongside a robust capital allocation approach offers an attractive proposition to equity investors and debt lenders.
The Board will continue to review the capital allocation priorities of the Group, taking into account the long-term interests of the Group and all of its stakeholders.
Further information on the Board's principal activities can be found in the governance section on pages 87 to 127. In accordance with our duty to do so under Section 172(1) of the Companies Act 2006, the Board, individually and collectively, has acted in a way that it considers, in good faith, is most likely to promote the success of the Company for the benefit of its members as a whole.
The Strategic Report was approved by the Board on 10 July 2024 and signed on its behalf by:
Martin Ward
Chief Executive Officer 10 July 2024
Shareholder and other information
86 ZIGUP plc Annual Report and Accounts 2024

Driving a culture that ensures alignment of our purpose, values and strategy.
Avril Palmer-Baunack Chairman
Directors' attendance at Board and Committee meetings during the year is detailed as follows:
| Board | Nominations1 | Audit1 | Remuneration1 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Number of meetings | 10 | 2 | 4 | 4 |
| Avril Palmer-Baunack2 | 9 | 2 | 3 | 3 |
| Martin Ward | 10 | 2 | 4 | 4 |
| Philip Vincent | 10 | 2 | 4 | 4 |
| John Pattullo | 10 | 2 | 4 | 4 |
| Mark Butcher | 10 | 2 | 4 | 4 |
| Bindi Karia3 | 9 | 1 | 3 | 4 |
| Mark McCafferty4 | 9 | 2 | 3 | 3 |
| Nicola Rabson5 | 9 | 2 | 3 | 3 |
1 Attendance at the Audit Committee, Remuneration Committee and Nominations Committee by directors who are not members of those committees is by invitation.
On behalf of the Board, I am pleased to present our Corporate Governance Report for the year ended 30 April 2024. This section of the Annual Report and Accounts outlines the key areas of focus of the Board and its activities during the year and highlights the Group's broader corporate governance framework through which we build our business and form our decisions. Our Board is committed to the sustainable and responsible management of the Group's businesses as we continue to drive long term value creation for all our stakeholders.
Recognising the Group's customer markets are undergoing significant structural change, the Board approved and oversaw the implementation of a revised strategic framework, purpose, corporate brand, and corporate name, to ZIGUP plc.
To support this new strategic framework, a new organisational structure was implemented which brought the management of the UK&I businesses closer together, and introduced a new Executive Committee. A new strategic framework was introduced to embrace the changing environment in which the Company and its customers operate. The refreshed strategic framework will operate under the three strategic pillars: Enable, Deliver and Grow.
Financial statements Shareholder and other information
Enable: Joined up, sustainable smarter mobility solutions.
Developing sustainable products, services and operational capabilities that embrace technologies to enable increasingly connected mobility within our customer proposition.
Deliver: A differentiated and responsible customer experience.
A broad range of leading, complementary services, trusted by our customers to provide expert advice and service excellence that exceeds expectations, delivering industry-leading responsiveness and operational efficiency.
Grow: Broadening customers and markets, and an expanded product offering.
Exploring opportunities to responsibly grow the business's breadth, size and capabilities, including into both complementary and new products and geographies.
This strategic framework reflects the Group's progress in automotive technologies and mobility solutions, its focus on customer service and the growing opportunities the Group sees across its businesses together with the Group's commitment to investing in its infrastructure and training. The Group's strong platform and financial capacity allow it to plan for future growth, taking further advantage of structural trends in outsourcing, supplier rationalisation by customers and enabling greater connectivity through substantial technology advancements in both vehicles and customer engagement. Together with a growing focus on sustainability throughout automotive and mobility supply chains, these offer significant opportunities for the Group to deliver greater value to customers and grow its capabilities.
The Board continues to see strong performance, with good delivery against the Group's strategic milestones. That success enabled the Group to acquire FridgeXpress, a leading provider of specialist temperature controlled vehicles to a broad range of customers in the UK, continue the Group's share buyback programme and deliver increased interim and final dividends.
At a general meeting on 15 May 2024 shareholders approved the Company's name change from Redde Northgate plc to ZIGUP plc.
The refreshed strategic framework is allied to a more modern and forward looking corporate brand reinforcing the Group's positive outlook under its new corporate name. The new brand and name better reflect the strength and breadth of the Group's current proposition, its continued focus on growth and its commitment to being a leading provider of responsible and integrated mobility solutions and automotive services under an updated purpose, "to keep customers moving, smarter".
The Group continues to place importance on embedding ESG principles in its governance programme which underpins the Group's long-term success. During the year the Board approved the Group's Scope 1 and 2 targets and approved the Group's ESG Strategy. The CFO has responsibility for oversight of our climate change agenda and and chairs the Sustainability Committee. Further information relating to the work of the Sustainability Committee and climate-related responsibilities, including TCFD, can be found on pages 66 to 79.
The Board recognises the value of diversity and inclusion to the Group and has made continued strides to address gender balance targets within its governance structures. The Board is made up of 37.5% female Directors, and the newly established Executive Committee, which reports into the Board, has female representation of 33%. The Company has recently adopted the recommendations of the 2023 Parker Review with regards to regards addressing participation of ethnically diverse colleagues at the Executive Committee level and their direct reports. The Board having discussed this matter, approved a target of 10% of ethnically diverse representation to be achieved by 2027. This target will be monitored each year and the Nominations Committee will monitor progress on an annual basis.
We were delighted to see that the Group's workforce maintained high levels of engagement this year. For the fourth year running the Group conducted its colleague 'Have Your Say Survey'. The Group noted continued high levels of colleague engagement across its workforce, scoring 75% which is a 1ppt improvement compared to the previous year. Key themes emerging included a clearer understanding from colleagues on how they could contribute to the organisation's success, coming from greater clarity around our purpose and strategy; positive sentiment regarding the connections and relationships colleagues have with their teammates; and a sense of pride in the service our colleagues provide to customers.
The Employee Engagement Forum, chaired by a senior member of the Group Management Board met twice during the year and discussed matters including FY2023 Group performance, the Group's approach to rewards and benefits, changes to employee benefits, the Company's strategy and the results of the Have Your Say Survey. For further information relating to the work of the Employee Engagement Forum see page 125 of the Directors' Remuneration report.
The Board continues to be committed to engaging with colleagues to better understand the challenges and opportunities facing the Group. Much of the engagement this year undertaken with colleagues centred around the Group's refreshed strategic framework; for example, a leadership event was held at which 200 colleagues were invited to hear the Executive Committee present and discuss the refreshed strategic framework and purpose, new corporate brand, and corporate name. Since this event, employee engagement centring around the refreshed strategic framework was enhanced through internal roadshows, town halls and team sessions, seeking to ensure our people had the opportunity to better understand their role in delivering our strategy and aligning to our refreshed purpose.
Financial statements Shareholder and other information
In FY2024, the Group made pay increases to colleagues at lower salary levels (with increases between 3% and 9%) and a capped 3% rise at mid to senior levels. The Group also continued to deliver on its commitment to help our colleagues invest in the Company and promote their alignment with and participation in the Group's strategy through participating in the SAYE scheme and the Group's Free Share programme, under which all employees were provided with £500 of free shares in the Company's Share Incentive Plan in October 2023, in addition to the £500 award made in December 2022. Currently, 1,800 colleagues participate in the SAYE scheme, representing 26% of the total workforce.
Recognising the financial pressures our colleagues face in the current economic climate, the Group has placed a strong emphasis this year on improving financial wellbeing. In partnership with HSBC, face-to face and online sessions educating employees on "Making the Most of Your Money" has been delivered. The Company also launched a new partnership with Charles Cameron, which provides independent, free mortgage advice to all employees, as well as Wagestream, which is a platform to improve colleagues' financial wellbeing by giving them access to fair financial services based on flexible pay.
In partnership with Movistaud Salud an employee assistance programme was implemented which provides health services, counselling, and mental wellbeing support to our Spanish colleagues. As part of this programme, online health and wellbeing workshops were also administered in partnership with Sanitas.
Over recent years, the Group has continually invested in its group-wide learning and development programme, with learning and development pathways being developed, comprising an extensive resource library and several short courses developed and run by internal training facilitators. The Group also continues to invest in developing and promoting its Early Careers Programme, and this was reflected in the growing number of apprenticeships and trainees we have in the UK, Ireland, and Spain this year which has increased to 66. In addition, to promote the automotive sector to young people, the Group partnered with the Careers and Enterprise Company to engage with schools and colleges, running CV clinics and career advice sessions. For further information on wider workforce benefits and learning and development initiatives deployed across the Group, see pages 32 to 36 of the Annual Report and Accounts.
The Board's significant decisions during the year, and its considerations in making them, are set out on pages 82 to 85. They explain how the Board's decision making during the year has promoted the success of the Company having regard, amongst other things, to those matters set out in Section 172 of the Companies Act 2006.
The Company has complied with each of the provisions of the Code. During the year the Board also discussed and planned for the changes to the UK Corporate Governance Code, which will be effective for the financial year beginning on 1 January 2025.
As Chairman, I am responsible for ensuring that the effectiveness of the Board, its Committees and each individual Director is evaluated annually. In 2024 and in line with best practice, an externally facilitated evaluation was carried out. The conclusions of this evaluation were reported to the Board and positively highlighted that the Board and its committees continue to work together in a highly effective way. Further information relating to the Board evaluation can be found on pages 97 to 98 of the Corporate Governance Report.
Chairman
10 July 2024
| 1. | |
|---|---|
| Board leadership and Company purpose | 96 |
| Chairman's introduction to governance | 87 to 89 |
| Purpose, values, and strategy | 2 to 19 |
| Culture | 96 |
| Board stakeholder engagement and decision making |
82 to 85 |
| Key performance indicators and strategic performance |
38 to 39 |
| Risk assessment | 58 |
| Risk management | 54 to 57 |
| Rewarding our workforce | 110 to 111 |
| 2. Division of responsibilities |
93 |
| Our Board and governance structure | 92 |
| Independence and time commitments | 101 |
| Committee reports | 100 to 122 |
| Board and committee meeting attendance | 87 |
| 3. | |
| Composition, succession, and evaluation | 100 to 102 |
| Our Board | 94 and 95 |
| Our Board and governance structure | 92 |
| Nominations Committee Report | 100 to 102 |
| 4. Internal control |
98 |
| Audit Committee report | 103 to 107 |
| Statement of Directors' responsibilities | 127 |
| Principal risks and emerging risks | 58 to 63 |
| Going concern | 144 |
| Viability statement | 64 |
| 5. | |
| Remuneration | 110 to 111 |
| Directors' Remuneration report | 110 to 122 |

1 Applying UK Office for National Statistics ethnicity categories of: Asian; Black; Mixed/Multiple Ethnic Groups; seen on page 92. Other Non-White Ethnic Group, in alignment with the UK Listing Rules.
| Board activities | Strategic | Corporate | Financial | Shareholder and |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| report | governance | statements | other information | |
Our annual agenda reflects our strategy and gives us sufficient time to discuss and develop our strategic proposals and monitor Board performance. Below, we have set out some of the matters considered during the year, different stakeholder groups central to those decisions, as well as the outcomes. Our Section 172 statement on pages 82 to 85, illustrates how the Board considered stakeholder views and the outcome of those considerations.
| Matters considered | Stakeholders considered | Outcomes | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Strategy and execution | Strategy discussions included: • Review of refreshed strategy, purpose, corporate brand, and corporate name • Investments (including acquisitions) and strategic partnerships • Succession planning and implementation of a new management structure, for the UK&I and Claims & Services businesses |
• Customers and consumers • Employees • Investors • Partners and suppliers |
• Supported a refreshed strategic framework, which was launched in May 2024 and agreed a new corporate brand and corporate name • Reviewed each businesses strategic update assessing the market, risks and opportunities • Approved smaller investments that help deliver against our strategic milestones |
| Financial oversight and climate-related reporting |
Scrutinised and monitored financial performance data and performance, including: • Trading and performance • Full year and half year results • Going concern and viability statements • Dividend payments and share buyback programme • Annual Report including reporting against TCFD requirements |
• Customers and consumers • Employees • Investors • Partners and suppliers |
• Reviewed in detail the Group's financial position, including working capital and net debt • Agreed the budget for FY2024 including our three-year plan • Declared the interim dividend and supported the proposal for the final dividend • Approved the going concern assumption and viability statement • Reviewed and approved the full year and half year financial results and Annual Report and Accounts |
| Operational management | We received regular updates from the Chief Executive Officer on: • Group operations • Capital project execution • Employee engagement and incentivisation • Strategic initiatives |
• Customers and consumers • Employees • Investors • Partners and suppliers |
• Challenged Group operations, including capital projects |
| Governance | Governance is at the heart of the Board agenda, including consideration of: • Stakeholder engagement mechanisms • Board effectiveness • Our Governance framework • Our Delegation of authority framework • Policies and processes |
• Customers and consumers • Employees • Investors • Partners and suppliers |
• Progressed actions from the last year's internally facilitated Board effectiveness review and this year commissioned an external Board evaluation review • Implemented a new Group Policy Framework • Reviewed investor feedback received from the Group's full year and half year results • Implemented changes to improve the management structure and introduction of the Executive Committee • Approved changes to simplify the Delegation of authority framework • Approved updates to policies to ensure alignment with best practice |
| People and culture | The Board focused on: • Employee engagement survey • Diversity and inclusion • Board and senior management succession |
• Employees • Community |
• Reviewed the feedback from the Group's employee engagement survey and supported the action plan • Establishment of the Executive Committee to coincide with the Group's refreshed strategic framework and reviewed succession plans for senior management which led to the new management structure within the UK and Ireland and Claims & Services businesses |
| Risk | The Board reviewed the Group's approach to risk management and completed deep dives of principal risks |
• Customers and consumers • Employees • Investors • Partners and suppliers • Community |
• Considered emerging risks • Reviewed each principal risk to ensure they remained appropriate • Approved the risk appetite for each principal risk • Reviewed controls associated with principal risks |
| Strategic | Corporate | Financial | Shareholder and |
|---|---|---|---|
| report | governance | statements | other information |
There is a clear and effective leadership structure in place for the Group. The Board has established three principal Board committees to assist on the execution of its responsibilities. These are the Audit Committee, Remuneration Committee and Nominations Committee. Each committee operates under its own terms of reference which are approved by the Board. The terms of reference are reviewed annually and can be found on the Company's website www.zigup.com
The Board's role is to ensure the long term sustainable success of the Group by setting our strategy through which value can be created and preserved for the mutual benefit of our shareholders, customers, employees and the communities we serve. The Board provides rigorous challenge to management and ensures the Group maintains an effective risk management and internal control system with oversight of the Group's risk management processes and key risks.
Responsible for keeping under review the skills and experience of the Board and its committees; the recruitment of new Directors; ensuring orderly succession plans for the Board, Executive Committee and the Group Management Boards; and for overseeing the implementation of the Board Diversity & Inclusion Policy. The Committee comprises the Chairman and independent Non-Executive Directors.
Provides independent assessment of the financial affairs of the Group, reviews and provides oversight of financial reporting controls. Responsible for reviewing the effectiveness of the internal and external audit processes. The Committee comprises of Non-Executive Directors only.
Report of the Nominations Committee on Pages 100 to 102
Report of the Audit Committee on Pages 103 to 107
Responsible for determining and approving the Remuneration policy and recommending its approval to shareholders. Responsible for setting the remuneration of the Chairman, Executive Directors, Executive Committee and the Group Management Boards. Having regard to pay across the workforce. Ensuring that workforce policies and practices are aligned with the Company's purpose, values, and long term strategy. The Committee comprises the Chairman and independent Non-Executive Directors.
Report of the Remuneration Committee on Pages 110 to 122
Responsible for the developing, implementing and monitoring the execution of strategic objectives as well as horizon scanning for further strategic opportunities.
Responsible for defining the Group's strategy relating to sustainability matters and is responsible for governance over its programme, including climate-related reporting and for implementing the Group's sustainability strategy.
Assists the Board in its oversight of the risk management framework and is designed to identify, manage and mitigate the risks that the Group faces in the operation of its businesses and the execution of its strategy.
Responsible for the day to day management of the business.
Financial statements
As at the date of this report, our Board comprised a Non-Executive Chairman, four Independent Non-Executive Directors, one additional Non-Executive Director and two Executive Directors. There is a clear division between Executive and Non-Executive responsibilities, which ensures accountability and oversight. The roles of Chairman and Chief Executive are separately held, and their responsibilities are well-defined and set out below. The Chairman and the other Non-Executive Directors meet routinely without the Executive Directors, and individual Directors engage with senior management and other members of the Group's workforce, during and outside Board meetings, in order to gain first-hand experience of our operations. The Board is supported by the Company Secretary, to whom all Directors have access for advice. The table below summarises the key responsibilities of each of the Director roles on the Board.
| Individual | Role | Responsibilities | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chairman | • Oversees Board responsibilities | Board | • Monitoring progress against the strategy of the Group and ensuring long term success for the benefit of all stakeholders |
| CEO | • Develops and executes the strategic plan and manages risk | • Ensuring that adequate resources are available so that strategic objectives may be achieved through the annual planning process and ongoing monitoring |
|
| Senior independent | • Oversees governance procedures | • Reporting to and maintaining relationships with stakeholders | |
| Director | • Compliance with laws and regulations and good corporate governance and | ||
| Committee Chairman | • Oversees Committee responsibilities | • Ensuring that the Group's risk management and internal control systems (both financial and operational) are fit for purpose and operating as they should be |
|
| Non-Executive Director | • Carries out Board responsibilities | Executive Directors | • Ensuring the Group strategy is executed effectively through the Executive Committee |
| Company Secretary | • Facilitates effective operation of the Board and Board committees | • Monitoring Group performance | |
| • Managing the Group's financial affairs and | |||
| • Implementing the systems of internal control | |||
| Executive Committee • Developing and implementing strategy | |||
| • Overseeing operational plans | |||
| • Devising Group policies and procedures | |||
| • Monitoring operational and financial performance | |||
| • Assessing and controlling risk | |||
| • Prioritising and allocating Group resources |
The full terms of reference of the Audit, Remuneration and Nominations Committees can be found on the Group's corporate website www.ZIGUP.com
| Strategic | Corporate | Financial | Shareholder and |
|---|---|---|---|
| report | governance | statements | other information |
C Chairman of Committee N Nominations Committee A Audit Committee R Remuneration Committee

Avril Palmer-Baunack Non-Executive Chairman
Joined Board August 2019 Joined Board February 2020 Joined Board July 2018 Joined Board January 2019
Avril has more than 25 years' experience in leading businesses in the automotive industry in a number of senior executive and non-executive roles and was appointed as Non-Executive Chairman in August 2019.
Executive Chairman of Constellation Automotive Group. None None None
Avril previously held roles as Non-Executive Chairman of Quartix plc, Non-Executive Chairman of Redde plc, Executive Chairman of Stobart Group and Chief Executive Officer of Autologic Holdings plc and Chief Executive Office of Universal Salvage plc.
sector experience.
Martin Ward Chief Executive Officer
N R
Martin was appointed to the Board as CEO
in February 2020 as the former CEO of Redde plc, having been on the Board of Redde plc since 2009, after joining a subsidiary of the Group as Managing Director in 2005. Martin has over 25 years' insurance industry and vehicle
Martin jointly founded the Rarrigini & Rosso Group in 1994, a leading independent wholesale motor fleet, property and risk management insurance business, which was later acquired by THB plc in 2003. Martin has an MBA from Durham University.

Philip Vincent Chief Financial Officer
Key
Philip was appointed as CFO in July 2018. He has extensive experience in senior finance roles across a range of sectors worldwide.
Current external appointments Current external appointments Current external appointments Current external appointments
Philip was previously Regional Finance Director Asia Pacific of SABMiller plc and before that he was the Group Director of finance and control. Prior to SABMiller, Philip held several senior positions at BBC Worldwide, the largest commercial arm of the BBC, including three years as Group CFO and Board Director. Philip is a qualified Chartered Accountant, having trained with KPMG.

John Pattullo OBE Senior Independent Director
N A R
John was appointed to the Board as a Non-Executive Director in January 2019, Senior Independent Director in September 2019 and Chairman of the Remuneration Committee in May 2022 and has a wide range of experience in a number of executive roles in the consumer goods and logistics sectors and non-executive roles across a range of other industries.
John was Chairman of V Group until December 2020. Other previous non-executive roles include Non-Executive Director of Wincaton plc, Senior Independent Director and Remuneration Committee Chairman of Electrocomponents plc, Chairman of NHS Blood & Transplant, Chairman of Marken Logistics and Chairman of In Kind Direct, a Prince's charity. Chief Executive Officer of Ceva Logistics Ltd between 2007 and 2012. Before that, John worked for Exel plc/DHL where he led the EMEA logistics business and, prior to that, held a number of senior global supply chain appointments with Procter & Gamble.
The Directors of the Company who were in office during the year and at the date of signing the financial statements are as noted within these pages.
| report governance statements other information |
|---|
| --------------------------------------------------------- |
C Chairman of Committee N Nominations Committee A Audit Committee R Remuneration Committee

Mark Butcher Non-Executive Director
Mark was appointed to the Board as a Non-Executive Director and Chairman of the Remuneration Committee in September 2019; since 2020 he has chaired the Audit Committee. Mark has more than 20 years' public company experience including international accounting, corporate finance and banking transactions, as well as sitting on a number of public company boards.
Non-Executive Director of National Milk Records plc and Zytronic plc.
Non-Executive Director of AssetCo plc from 24 October 2012 to 30 March 2023. Mark has more than 20 years' public company experience working predominantly for GPG (UK) Holdings plc, the UK investment arm of Guinness Peat Group plc, where he managed a significant proportion of group investments.

Bindi Karia Non-Executive Director
Bindi was appointed to the Board as a Non-Executive Director in May 2022. Bindi brings deep experience in technology and innovation having held senior board, investment and advisory roles across the technology ecosystem in Europe.
Venture Partner at Molten Ventures Plc, a European Technology Venture Capital Fund. Bindi is also an advisory board member of CognitionX, Humanity Health and Wrisk Ltd and a World Economic Forum member for the Digital Leaders of Europe. Bindi also serves on the University of East London Board of Governors, where she is also Chair of the Ethics Advisory Committee.
Bindi has previously held a variety of senior technology roles, including as a Digital Advisory Board member at The Very Group and Centrica, as well as senior roles at Silicon Valley Bank, Microsoft Ventures and PwC.

Mark McCafferty Non-Executive Director
Key
Joined Board September 2019 Joined Board May 2022 Joined Board February 2020 Joined Board November 2022
Mark was appointed to the Board as a Non-Executive Director in February 2020. Mark had previously joined the Board of Redde plc as Non-Executive Director in March 2009, chairing the Remuneration Committee for a large part of his tenure. He brings extensive sector management and commercial experience, having spent six years as CEO of Avis Europe plc.
Adviser to CVC Capital Partners, as well as Chairman of the Warwickshire CCC Board and Non-Executive Director of European Professional Club Rugby.

Nicola Rabson Non-Executive Director N A R N A R N A R
Nicola was appointed to the Board as a Non-Executive Director in November 2022. Nicola is a well-known figure in the employment law world with significant experience advising public companies and other clients on people issues and governance, and on their strategic initiatives such as those relating to diversity and workplace culture.
Nicola is a partner in the London office of Linklaters LLP, a Trustee of the Global Media Campaign to End FGM, a Governor at Royal Russell School and Non-Executive Director at Kent Football Association.
Prior to Avis, Mark was Group Managing Director of Thomas Cook's global travel and foreign exchange business and before that spent seven years with Midland Bank International in corporate finance and international operations. He was CEO of Premiership Rugby for 14 years until July 2019. Mark previously held non-executive directorships with HMV Group plc, Umbro plc and Horserace Totalisator Board (Tote).
Nicola headed up the global employment and incentives practice of Linklaters LLP from 2014 until 2021 and has also sat on Linklaters LLP's Remuneration Committee and London Executive Committee. Nicola is qualified as a solicitor in England and Wales and is a CEDR accredited mediator.
Financial statements Shareholder and other information
UK premium listed companies are required by the FCA (the designated UK Listing Authority) to include a statement in their annual accounts on compliance with the principles of good corporate governance and code of best practice, being the UK Corporate Governance Code which was updated in July 2018. The provisions of the Code applicable to listed companies are divided into five parts, as set out below:
The Board's ultimate objective is the long term sustainable success of the Group. The Board assesses the basis on which the Company generates and preserves value over the long term. Opportunities and risks to the future success of the business have been considered and addressed, contributing to the delivery of the Group's strategy. Information on this can be seen throughout this Corporate Governance Report, the Directors' Report, each of the Board Committee reports, the Directors' Remuneration report and the Strategic report.
The Board is committed in its duties in relation to Section 172 of the Companies Act to promote the success of the Company. The Board seeks to understand the views of the Company's key stakeholders and how their interests and the matters set out in Section 172 are considered in Board discussions and decision making. A description on how the Board has evidenced this is included in the Section 172 statement on pages 82 to 85.
The Board recognises that delivering for all our stakeholders, in line with our purpose to keep customers moving, smarter and our vision of offering an imaginative market leading customer proposition, is underpinned by our culture.
The Board regularly monitors the culture of the business in a number of ways:
During the year, the Board was satisfied that the Group's workforce policies practices and behaviour were aligned with the Company's purpose, values, and strategy and that no correction was required by management. The Board reinforces our culture and values through its decisions, ensuring that decisions made are within the approved risk appetite of the Group and aligned with the Group's strategy
The Employee Engagement Forum which is chaired by a senior member of the Group Management Board and helps the Board, the Executive Committee and the Group Management Board to understand the views of the workforce and to facilitate feedback between the workforce and the Board on an ongoing basis. This provides the Board with in-depth insight into how culture is embedded across our Group, and any issues that need to be addressed. The views of employees are measured through an annual employee engagement survey, which is designed to gauge how colleagues feel about the Group, how well they understand its direction, and their level of satisfaction and engagement with their work. An analysis of the results of the employee survey is presented to the Board. This year, the main focus of the Group's employee engagement mechanism was on discussing the Group's refreshed strategic framework, purpose, corporate brand and corporate name. For further information relating to employee engagement please see page 111 of the Directors' Remuneration report.
Our Code of Conduct, applicable to employees of ZIGUP PLC, sets out our ethical standards and guidance on behaving responsibly. Our statement of compliance with the Modern Slavery Act 2015 is published on our website. Compliance training is conducted and tracked through our e-learning platform. The Group has a formal whistleblowing policy and procedures ensuring every employee can have a voice and a means to raise concerns to the Group. The Chairman of Audit Committee holds ultimate responsibility for managing any reports; in FY2024, no matters were identified as sufficiently material to be escalated for their attention. The Committee ensures that arrangements are in place for the proportionate and independent investigation of these and other matters via the relevant subject matter expert team.
Shareholders play a valuable role in safeguarding the Group's governance through means such as annual reelection/election of Directors, monitoring and compensating Director performance and constructive dialogue with the Board. The Company engages actively with analysts and investors and is open and transparent in its communications. The Board is updated regularly on the views of its shareholders through briefings and reports from those who have interacted with shareholders, including the Directors, the Head of Investor Relations and the Company's equity brokers.
The Board and the Company's investor relations team engage directly with investors through a variety of communication channels to ensure prompt and effective communication:
Financial statements Shareholder and other information
The Group's financial results and other news releases are published via the London Stock Exchange's Regulatory News Service or another Regulatory Information Service. In addition, these news releases are published in the Investor Relations section of the Group's website at: www.zigup.com
Shareholders and other interested parties can subscribe to receive these news updates by email by registering online via the website.
The business is managed by the Board of Directors. More information about the members of the Board can be found on pages 94 to 95. An overview of the leadership of the Group, including the responsibilities and activities of each component, is outlined on pages 92 to 95.
The Chairman ensures that all Directors are appropriately briefed so that they can discharge their duties effectively. Management accounts are prepared and submitted to the Board monthly. Before each Board meeting appropriate documentation on all items to be discussed is circulated. The Company Secretary is available to the Non-Executive Directors and can facilitate Board training events whenever required. The Non-Executive Directors meet without the Executive Directors present and the Senior Independent Director leads the evaluation of the Chairman.
Each reporting segment of the Group prepares monthly management accounts which include a comparison against their individual business plans and prior year performance. Management reviews any variance from targeted performance levels. These commentaries are consolidated and submitted to the Board. Year-to-date actuals are used to guide forecasts, which are updated regularly and communicated to the Board.
Pursuant to those provisions of the Companies Act 2006 relating to conflicts of interest and in accordance with the authority contained in the Company's Articles of Association, the Board has put in place procedures to deal with the notification, authorisation, recording and monitoring of Directors' conflicts of interest and these procedures have operated effectively throughout the year and to the date of signing of this Annual Report and Accounts. During the year, the Board adopted a revised Conflicts of Interest Policy, which now includes procedures for recording and monitoring conflicts of interest at the senior management level.
Following the acquisition of Redde plc by the Group in 2020, Mark McCafferty joined the Board. Prior to this, he had completed 10 years' service on the Redde Board. As Mark has served on the Board for over nine years due to his previous service on the Redde plc board as set out in provision 10 of the Code, this is a matter that is relevant to the Board's determination of independence. Upon assessment against this criteria, Mark McCafferty is not considered to be independent.
The Board remains of the opinion that despite Mark not being considered independent he was objective throughout the year despite his previous relationship with the Redde business and that he continued to make thoughtful and valuable contributions to the Board and continued to constructively challenge management and other members of the Board as appropriate.
The Nominations Committee report (pages 100 to 102) sets out its activities during the year, including information on succession planning, diversity, and inclusion.
The Nominations Committee are confident that the Board is equipped with the right mix of skills and experience to deliver long term strategic objectives. The Directors have sufficient time to execute their duties. The Committee met twice in the year satisfying its terms of reference.
Embracing diversity, in all its forms, enables individuals to share their own perspectives which promotes inclusivity and supports good decision making by the Board. The Board recognises the many benefits of building a diverse leadership team. The FTSE Women Leaders Review also reflected the progress the Company made during the year. As a Board 37.5% of our representation is female. Whilst the Board recognises that the representation of women on the Board does not currently meet the UK Listing Rules target of 40%, the Nominations Committee alongside the Board will continue to monitor all aspects of diversity including gender.
In line with the Code requirements for an independent external review of Board effectiveness to be carried out every three years, this year's Board effectiveness review was carried out by Jillian Naylor of Equitura LLP an independent external consultant, supported by the Company Secretary. Ms. Naylor has no other connection with the Company. The review focused on three key areas: (i) structural (Board composition, mandate and governance framework); (ii) operational (processes and systems that support the day to day functioning and operation of the Board and its committees); and (iii) cultural and behavioural (impact of intra-Group dynamics on Board effectiveness and performance).
In order to gain rich insights, the facilitator held individual interviews with each Board member, along with consideration given to previous Board effectiveness review reports and data, terms of references for committees and relevant strategy, risk and control policies and frameworks. The final report was presented to the Board to facilitate a discussion around some of the Board's recommendations and to agree a set of actions for the year.
Led by the Senior Independent Director, the Non-Executive Directors met without the Chairman being present, to discuss her appointment as Chairman. They considered that she provided robust leadership for the Board, facilitated open and constructive challenge, and provided operational and sector experience.
The facilitator's conclusions were that the Board is a highly effective Board that displays key strengths across all assessment criteria analysed in the review and that progression and impact had been achieved since the last external review, in respect of previously identified areas of focus.
Particular strengths were identified as:
The recommendations of the facilitator and related progress thereto are noted below:
| 2024 recommendations | Progress |
|---|---|
| 1. Continue to maintain focus on and exercise oversight over the Executive succession planning strategy that has progressed during 2023. |
Succession planning for the Board, Executive Committee and Group. Management Boards is a standing item on the Nominations Committee agenda. |
| 2. More strategic time together as a board outside of formal meetings to develop and identify growth opportunities, innovation, and technology development, utilising members' expertise and experience. |
A strategy session is due to be held shortly to review the Group's new three-year strategic plan in greater detail. |
| 3. Streamline the presentation of key risks, to further enhance efficiency and Board focus. |
A revised risk reporting format will be delivered to quarterly Board meetings. |
In addition, the Board ensured that the following actions were taken during 2024, following on from the 2022/2023 Board evaluation.
Financial statements
| 2023 recommendations | Actions |
|---|---|
| Increase Board focus on risk appetite and critical areas such as IT, and on medium and long term strategic debate. |
The Board assumed direct oversight of risk from the Audit Committee, and both broad/ sectoral and specific risks are regularly reported on and discussed at the Board. |
| Increased focus placed on learning and development across the Group including at leadership level. |
The Board during the year had specific training on ESG focusing particularly on the changing regulatory and governance landscape as well as presentations on strategic matters. The Board also made a visit to the Group's operations in Spain. |
| The Board recognises the importance of succession planning and maintaining a continued focus on diversity and inclusion on the Board and more widely in the Group's businesses. |
Significant progress was made at Board and senior management level in meeting the diversity levels expected of a Group of our size and nature. |
The Audit Committee report on pages 103 to 107 describes the work of the Committee and how it discharges its roles and responsibilities.
The Board is accountable for the Group's success and dealing with the challenges it faces. The Board reviews the results, risks and opportunities facing the Group. The Audit Committee plays a key part in this work, monitoring and evaluating the Group's processes and internal controls and providing a layer of independent oversight over our key activities.
The Group's systems of risk management and internal control ensure that our businesses operate within risk appetite levels approved by the Board. These are set out in the Identifying and managing risk report on pages 54 to 63.
Although no system of internal controls can provide absolute assurance against material misstatement or loss, the Group's own systems are designed to provide the Directors with reasonable assurance that, should any problems occur, these are identified on a timely basis and dealt with appropriately. Confirmation that the Board has performed an assessment of the risk management and internal control systems of the Group, as required by the UK Corporate Governance Code (the Code), is contained in the Identifying and Managing Risk Report on pages 54 to 57.
Regular training programs keep our employees informed about data protection and security risks and we operate rules and procedures in our contact centres to mitigate risks. We have ongoing investments to improve systems development and security, ensuring our technology remains strong and secure and we actively decommission outdated applications, platforms, and infrastructure to maintain an efficient and modern IT environment.
We continue to develop our security operations to provide visibility into security events and enable us to quickly address vulnerabilities. We perform periodic vulnerability assessments and penetration testing. We regularly review and test our incident plans, including business continuity and IT disaster recovery plans, to ensure resilience and preparedness.
The Directors' Remuneration report on pages 110 to 122 describes the work of the Committee during the year. It sets out how Executive remuneration is aligned to the Company's purpose, values, and strategy. It also shows how workforce remuneration and related policies have been considered in its decision making regarding Executive remuneration.
The Company is subject to the principles and provisions of the Code, a copy of which is available at www.frc.org.uk.
For the year ended 30 April 2024, the Board considers that it has applied the principles and complied in full with the provisions of the Code except provision 10 (Independence of Non-Executive Director).
Chairman
10 July 2024
Financial statements

Avril Palmer-Baunack Nominations Committee Chairman
The members of the Committee are shown in the table below.
Details of their experience and qualifications are shown on pages 94 to 95
| Committee membership | Number of meetings |
|
|---|---|---|
| Avril Palmer-Baunack | 2/2 | |
| Mark Butcher | 2/2 | |
| Bindi Karia* | 1/2 | |
| John Pattullo | 2/2 | |
| Nicola Rabson | 2/2 |
* Bindi Karia was unable to attend one committee meeting owing to an external commitment. Bindi Karia informed the Board in advance and had an opportunity to provide comments to the Committee Chairman ahead of the meeting.
I am pleased to present the Report of the Nominations Committee (the Committee) for the year ended 30 April 2024. As a Committee our core responsibilities include promoting diversity and inclusion, reviewing the structure of the Board, its committees, the Executive Committee and Group Management Boards on a regular basis and ensuring effective succession plans are in place for the Board, its Committee, Executive Committee and Group Management Boards. The Committee leads the process for new Board appointments, ensuring there are formal, rigorous and transparent procedures in place for each appointment and an appropriate induction process for new Directors.
As we deliver our refreshed strategic framework and simplify our structure, the Committee has considered changes required to best position the Group for its next stage of development. The Board led the discussion regarding simplifying and enhancing our governance structures through the adoption of the Group's refreshed strategic framework and the introduction of an Executive Committee, which, as the business continues to grow and develop, is intended to support the CEO in the execution of the Group's strategy.
During the year, the Board and the Nominations Committee reviewed the composition of the Executive Committee and recommended the appointment of Emma Ayton as the Group's HR Director. Through this appointment and with the current composition of the Executive Committee the gender balance of the Executive Committee currently stands at 33%. Whilst we acknowledge that more work needs to be done to increase diversity across the Group as a whole as well as at the Executive Committee and its members' direct reports, we continue to believe that appointments and succession plans should be based on merit against objective criteria and within this context, due regard is also given to promoting diversity of gender, social and ethnic backgrounds, and cognitive and personal strengths. The Committee, and the Board will continue to monitor progress on all aspects of diversity.
The Committee assists the Board in reviewing the structure, size, skills, and experience of the Board, including climate-related skills and experience. It is also responsible for reviewing succession plans for the Group Directors, including the Chairman and the CEO and other senior managers. The Committee's role, authority, responsibilities, and scope are set out on pages 92 to 93 and in detail in its terms of reference which are available on the governance section of our website.
Since May 2023, the Committee has:
Financial statements
The Committee keeps the overall structure, size, and composition of the Board under continuous review, and is responsible for evaluating the balance of skills, knowledge and experience of the Board and its Committees.
Board appointments are made on merit against objective criteria. The Committee will evaluate the skills, experience and knowledge of the Board and the future challenges affecting the business (including climaterelated issues), and in light of this, will prepare a description of the role and the attributes required for a particular appointment. This will include a job specification and an estimate of the time commitment expected. The Committee then compiles a shortlist taking account of known candidates and candidates suggested by the Group's Board, advisers and/or appointed recruitment consultants. The appointment process takes account of the benefits of diversity of the Board, including gender diversity, and in identifying suitable candidates, the Committee considers candidates from a range of backgrounds.
The Committee oversees succession planning for Directors and senior management, as well as broader consideration of the leadership needs of the business and senior management development.
We continue to support both the FTSE Women Leaders' Review and the Parker Review and following the appointment of Nicola and Bindi, the Board is compliant with the recommendations of the Parker Review. The Board has also made significant progress towards its target of meeting the Board Diversity Targets as set out in Listing Rules LR 9.8.6R(9) with women representing 37.5% (2023: 37.5%) of the Board.
Given the strategic breadth and focus of the Group's activities, the Group carries out extensive inductions for its new Non-Executive Directors. On joining the Board, it is the responsibility of the Chairman and Company Secretary to ensure that all newly appointed Directors receive a full and formal induction, which is tailored to their individual needs based on experience and background. The induction programme focuses on the incoming Director getting to know and understand the full business of the Group. They meet with the Executive Director and senior management from each area of the business. Each new Board member is given training on the role and responsibilities of a Director including, but not limited to, the following:
Ongoing training needs are assessed as part of the Board effectiveness process and any training is typically arranged by the Company Secretary in consultation with the Chairman or relevant Board Committee Chairman.
During the year, the Committee considered the tenure and independence of existing Non-Executive Directors, and whether a Director's length of service had in any way impacted his or her ability to remain independent in character and judgement in performing his or her duties. The Board considers all the Non-Executive Directors except for Mark McCafferty and the Chairman, whose independence was not assessed, but who was independent on appointment, to be independent of management and free from any business or other relationship which could materially interfere with their ability to exercise independent judgement.
In accordance with the results of the independence assessment, and in line with the requirements of the Code, all Directors will retire at this year's AGM and, submit themselves for reappointment by shareholders. Ahead of the 2024 AGM, the Committee considered the performance and effectiveness of each Director as well as the findings from the external Board evaluation and the Committee concluded that all Directors were valuable members of the Board, provided constructive challenge and had the requisite skills and time to devote to the role and subsequently the Committee. Biographical details of the Directors, including their skills and experience, can be found on pages 94 to 95.
The Board considers that its composition should be designed to ensure it has the best experience and skills to advance the Group's strategy for the benefit of all its stakeholders, and that as part of this the benefits of all aspects of diversity should be considered, including, but not limited to, gender and ethnicity. The Group maintains an appropriate diversity and inclusion policy for all of its workforce, including our senior management and the Board. Accordingly, the Committee will consider candidates on merit against objective criteria, with regard to the benefits of diversity of gender, social and ethnic backgrounds, cognitive and personal strengths when identifying suitable candidates for appointment to the Board. The Board is also committed to operating in a way that supports diversity and inclusivity including ensuring appropriate consideration of diversity and inclusion in succession planning at senior management and Board level. When searches for an appointment to the Board are conducted by the Company with external search firms, these firms will identify and present a list of qualified potential candidates, including having regard to diversity.
The Board as part of its agenda oversees and monitors progress of the Company's diversity and inclusion agenda. In 2024 this included the Board endorsing an ambition for 10% representation of ethnically diverse groups within the Executive Committee and its members' direct reports, taking into account the Parker Review's 2023 report which requests all FTSE 350 companies to set a target for ethnic minorities in their senior management team and direct reports by 2027. The Board and the Nominations Committee will continue to monitor progress against the Company's chosen target on an annual basis.
Financial statements Shareholder and other information
As at 30 April 2024, one of the senior positions on the Board was held by a woman. The representation of women on the Board was 37.5% (this remains the case as at the date of this Annual Report and Accounts). Whilst the Board recognises that the representation of women on the Board does not currently meet the UK Listing Rules target of 40%, the Company notes the significant progress made through the appointment of Bindi Karia and Nicola Rabson and the need to maintain a balance of experience and continuity on the Board. As at 30 April 2024, the Board also included one Director from an ethnic minority background. The Nominations Committee and the Board, whilst mindful of the targets set by the Listing Rules, will continue to make appointments based on merit, having regard to diversity.
| Number of Board members |
Percentage of the Board |
Number of senior positions on the Board (CEO, CFO, SID and Chairman) |
Number in executive management1 |
Percentage of executive management |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Men | 5 | 62.5% | 3 | 4 | 43% |
| Women | 3 | 37.5% | 1 | 3 | 50% |
| Number of Board members |
Percentage of the Board |
Number of senior positions on the Board (CEO, CFO, SID and Chairman) |
Number in executive management1 |
Percentage of executive management |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| White British or other | |||||
| (including minority-white groups) | 7 | 87.5% | 4 | 7 | 100% |
| Asian/Asian British | 1 | 12.5% | – | – | – |
Gender and ethnicity data relating to the Board, the Executive Committee and Company Secretary is collected on an annual basis applying a standardised process managed by the Company Secretary and the Group's HR functions. Each Board member, Executive Committee member and the Company Secretary is requested to confirm, on a strictly confidential and voluntary basis, their ethnicity and gender identity (or specify they do not wish to report such data). The criteria of the standard form questionnaire are fully aligned to the definitions specified in the UK Listing Rules, with individuals requested to specify:
A breakdown of gender diversity across the Executive Committee and its members' direct reports is set out on page 34.
In FY2025, the Committee intends to continue reviewing succession plans for the Board to make sure the Board continues to operate effectively and add value to the Group.
Chairman
10 July 2024
Shareholder and other information

The Audit Committee continued to focus this year on risk assessment and management, internal controls and financial reporting processes, pursuant to the FRC's guidance on internal control.
Mark Butcher Audit Committee Chairman
The members of the Audit Committee are shown below.
Details of their experience and qualifications are shown on pages 94 to 95
| Committee membership | Number of meetings |
|---|---|
| Mark Butcher | 4/4 |
| Bindi Karia* | 3/4 |
| John Pattullo | 4/4 |
| Nicola Rabson* | 3/4 |
The Code requires that at least one member of the Audit Committee (the Committee) should have recent and relevant financial experience. Currently, the Chairman of the Committee Mark Butcher fulfils this requirement. All members of the Committee are expected to be and are financially literate. The Committee is composed of independent Non-Executive Directors with relevant experience and proficiency in line with the requirements of the Code and the Committee's terms of reference.
* Bindi Karia and Nicola Rabson were unable to attend one committee meeting owing to external commitments. They both let the Board know in advance and had an opportunity to provide comments to the Committee Chairman ahead of the meeting.
On behalf of the Audit Committee (the Committee) and the Board, I am pleased to present the report of the Committee for the year ended 30 April 2024. The objective of this report is to provide an understanding of the work undertaken by the Committee during the year to ensure that the interests of the Group's stakeholders are protected through a robust system of internal controls, risk management and transparent financial reporting.
The report explains the role the Committee plays in the Group's governance framework, by supporting the Board in their assessment of the integrity of the Group's financial reporting and the adequacy and effectiveness of the Group's management of risk and internal controls.
The Board recognises the importance of risk management; therefore, the setting of risk appetite and the review of the risk register are carried out by the Board. Further information on the Group's risk management processes can be found on pages 54 to 57. The Committee continued to focus on its core areas of responsibility, namely protecting the interests of the Group, our shareholders and stakeholders through ensuring the integrity of the Group's financial information, audit quality and the effectiveness of internal controls throughout the year.
The Committee's role, authority, responsibilities and scope are set out on pages 92 to 93 and in detail in its terms of reference which are available on the Governance section of our website: www.zigup.com
The Committee is required to meet at least three times a year. Details of attendance at meetings held in the year ended 30 April 2024 are detailed in this report. Due to the cyclical nature of its agenda, which is linked to events in the Group's financial calendar, the Committee met four times during the year. The other Directors, together with the Group Head of Internal Audit and the external auditors, are normally invited to attend all meetings.
The Committee continues to support the risk management framework of the Group through regular review of internal controls and oversight of the work of internal audit.
The Committee reviewed management's assessment of the viability of the Group and the period over which viability should be assessed taking into consideration the impact of the economic environment, climate change and downside sensitivities, challenging those assumptions. The Committee is satisfied that the Group is viable, with further details provided within the viability statement found on page 64.
During the year, the Committee has considered the impact of the improving supply chain on residual values of used vehicles, the ageing of the fleet, and the cost of new vehicles. Such factors are important variables in the determination of appropriate depreciation rates for vehicles available for hire.
The Committee continued to review judgements made in determining the carrying amounts of claims due from insurance companies and self-insuring organisations, taking into account the progress that has been made in the year to reach bulk settlements over historic non-protocol claims, and move more insurers into protocol arrangements.
Following recent acquisitions, the Committee reviewed management's assessments of the fair values of net assets acquired, at the acquisition date and over the following 12 months' hindsight period. The Committee also continues to support the embedding of the Group's governance and internal control frameworks within those businesses.
The Committee reviewed and recommended the Board approve the Group's tax strategy and considers that this demonstrates the Group's commitment to tax transparency and its stated desire to pay the right amount of tax.
| Strategic | Corporate | Financial | Shareholder and |
|---|---|---|---|
| report | governance | statements | other information |
The main activities of the Committee are outlined below. The meeting in June primarily relates to the completion of the reporting cycle for the previous financial year, therefore the meeting held in June 2024 has been included below as it related to the year ended 30 April 2024.
| September 2023 | November 2023 | March 2024 | June 2024 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Key focus Reviewed the effectiveness of the FY2023 external audit and agreed the scope of the FY2024 audit work to be undertaken by PwC |
Key focus Reviewed the interim financial statements to be issued in December 2023 and related reports prepared by management and PwC |
Key focus Reviewed the quality and effectiveness of Internal Audit |
Key focus Reviewed the FY2024 Financial Statements and related reports prepared by management and PwC |
| • Reviewed and approved PwC's audit plan including an assessment of their independence • Agreed the audit fee for FY2024 • Reviewed and confirmed endorsement of the Group's non-audit fee policy • Reviewed and approved the Committee's terms of reference, prior to making a recommendation to the Board |
• Reviewed management's assessment of going concern • Reviewed management papers supporting the key judgment areas in the interim financial statements including depreciation rates, recoverability of contract assets and interim tax accounting • Reviewed a paper on presentation of financial statements including consideration of exceptional items |
• Reviewed and approved the Internal Audit Charter • Set the programme of internal audits • Reviewed the Group's corporate taxation arrangements and recommended that the Board approve the Group tax strategy • Reviewed the Group's treasury arrangements and policies |
• Reviewed and approved the Group's "Fair Balanced and Understandable" statement • Reviewed a management paper on the assessment of going concern and judgements supporting the viability statement • Reviewed management papers supporting key judgements including depreciation rates and recoverability of contract assets • Reviewed management papers on tax accounting and presentation of financial statements • Reviewed and approved non-audit services provided by PwC. Made a recommendation to |
At each meeting, the Committee received regular reports from the Group Head of Internal Audit and reviewed progress made by management in responding to their internal control recommendations. The Committee had regular discussions with the Group Head of Internal Audit and the external audit partner in the absence of management
The Committee reviewed the significant matters set out in this report in relation to the Group's financial statements for the year ended 30 April 2024. We discussed these issues at various stages with management during the financial year and during the preparation and approval of the financial statements.
Following review and consideration of the presentations and reports presented by management, we are satisfied that the financial statements appropriately address the critical judgements and key estimates, in respect of both the amounts reported and the disclosures made. We also reviewed these issues with the auditors during the audit planning process, the interim review and at the conclusion of the audit process. We are satisfied that our conclusions in relation to these issues are in line with those drawn by the auditors.
The Committee is responsible for overseeing the adequacy of internal controls and the work of Group Internal Audit. The Board determines the extent and nature of the risks it is prepared to take in order to achieve the Group's strategic objectives.
Following the Committee's review and recommendation, the Board agreed that internal controls (including risk management and managing climate-related emerging risks) continue to be effective. This was in accordance with the requirements of the FRC Guidance on risk management, internal control and related financial and business reporting. The Committee supported the Board's confirmation that no significant failings or weaknesses have been identified during the financial year. Processes are in place to ensure that necessary action is taken, and progress is monitored where areas for improvement are identified.
On an ongoing basis, the Committee reviews the adequacy and effectiveness of the Group's system of internal financial controls, with an overview of the framework shown on this page.
The Committee received detailed reports on the operation and effectiveness of the internal financial controls from members of the senior management team. The outcome of the external audit at year end and the half year review are considered in respect of internal controls. The Committee also receives updates on the policies and procedures in place and how these are being communicated to and complied with by the wider workforce.

| Strategic | Corporate | Financial | Shareholder and |
|---|---|---|---|
| report | governance | statements | other information |
Any key accounting issues or judgements made by management are monitored and discussed with the Committee throughout the year. The table below provides information on the key issues discussed with the Committee during the year and the judgements adopted.
| Matter | Key consideration | Progress to date | Conclusion | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Determining appropriate depreciation rates for vehicles available for hire |
Ensuring that depreciation rates are set appropriately. |
The Committee reviewed trends of vehicle residual values. In addition, we reviewed papers prepared by management at each reporting date which included a quantitative and qualitative assessment of the current and forecast trends in the used vehicle market, management of Group fleet and review of the Group's depreciation policy and accounting estimates in this context. |
We agreed with management's assessment of depreciation rates to be applied to the existing fleet and their proposal for depreciation rates on new vehicle purchases to be applied in FY2025. |
|
| We challenged and debated the assumptions and judgements made and were content with management's assessment. |
||||
| Claims due from insurance companies and self-insuring organisations |
Ensuring that the carrying value of insurance claims represents the best estimate of the net claim value to be recovered. |
At each reporting date, the Committee reviewed papers prepared by management which included management's assessment of the expected net claim values at each reporting date. |
We concluded that the judgements made in determining net claim values as at 30 April 2024 were appropriate. |
|
| We challenged the underlying assumptions and significant areas of judgement and were satisfied with management's assessments. |
||||
| Financial statements and other information |
Fair and balanced presentation of financial statements and other information including use of appropriate alternative |
The Committee considered the presentation of the financial statements, including the presentation of reported results between underlying and statutory performance, as well as evaluating how financial results and alternative performance measures were used as part of the Strategic report. |
We concluded that the annual report and accounts, taken as a whole, were fair, balanced and understandable, and that the use of alternative performance measures was appropriate. |
|
| performance measures. | The Committee reviewed papers prepared by management at each reporting date which outlined management's judgement in assessing whether any items should be classified as exceptional items or otherwise excluded from underlying results to ensure that the judgements made were reasonable and were in line with stated policy. |
The Committee reviews and makes recommendations regarding the appointment of the external auditors. In making this recommendation, we consider auditor effectiveness and independence including consideration of non-audit fees and length of tenure of the audit firm and senior members of the audit team.
The Committee confirmed compliance with the Statutory Audit Services for Large Companies Market Investigation (Mandatory Use of Competitive Tender Processes and Audit Committee Responsibilities) Order 2014, having last carried out a competitive tender and appointed PwC as Group auditors in 2015. Jonathan Greenaway has been the lead audit partner since the year ended 30 April 2022, following the rotation of the previous partner.
The Company is required to have a mandatory audit tender after 10 years and, as the Audit Committee considers the relationship with the auditors to be working well and remains satisfied with their effectiveness and the quality of audit work, their geographical and professional capabilities, the Audit Committee considers it to be in the best interests of the Company's shareholders for PwC to remain as the Group's auditors until 2025.
The Committee will shortly commence the audit tender process which is expected to be rigorous and objective and which will be conducted in compliance with applicable regulations. The timetable for the external audit process will be designed so as to permit sufficient time to plan for transition of nonaudit services if there is a change of auditors and to enable any new auditor to fully prepare to assume responsibility for the audit across the Group. The tender process is expected to conclude in the year ending 30 April 2025 and it is intended that a resolution proposing the appointment of the selected auditor would be put to shareholders at the 2025 AGM.
The Committee ensures that non-audit work may only be undertaken by the external auditor in limited circumstances. All non-audit services are subject to the Committee's prior approval. Non-audit services provided by our external auditors are subject to a cap equal to 70% of the average annual audit fee for the preceding three years.
Non-audit fees for services provided by PwC for the year amounted to £80,000 which included £68,000 for the review of the Interim financial statements. As the interim review work was required by legislation this is not included for the purposes of comparing non-audit fees to the 70% cap included in the FRC's guidance. A total of £12,000 for non-audit fees was incurred for reviewing a grant claim in Spain and providing access to the PwC accounting and corporate reporting platform. The level of non-audit fees is 1% of the three-year average audit fee.
The Committee carries out an annual assessment of the external auditors which entails reviewing the effectiveness of the audit process and the objectivity and independence of the external auditors, both in terms of the engagement team and the firm as a whole. In order to perform this assessment, the following criteria are considered:
In assessing how the auditors demonstrated professional scepticism and challenged management's assumptions, the Committee considered the depth of discussions held with the auditor, particularly in respect to challenging the Group's approach to its significant judgements and estimates. The Committee is satisfied with the level of challenge raised by the audit partner and the team during the year.
The Committee concluded that the audit process was operating effectively. Consequently, the Committee has recommended the reappointment of PwC as the Group's external auditor at the AGM in September 2024.
The Company received a letter on 29 January 2024 from the FRC noting that it had carried out a review of PwC's audit of the Group and Company's financial statements for the year ended 30 April 2023. The Committee were pleased with the outcome of the FRC's Audit Quality review which was graded as "good", being the highest rating achievable, and which reported no adverse findings, and highlighted good practice in relation to the assessment of the claims due from insurance companies and self-insuring organisations.
The FRC's "Audit Committees and the External Audit: Minimum Standard" (the Minimum Standard) was published in May 2023.The Committee's initial assessment is that this will not result in any significant changes from how the Committee currently operates. However, this is being reviewed further, including to the extent that there may be useful points to consider in relation to the assessment of the effectiveness of the audit process and to the audit tender process.
In fulfilling its duty to monitor the effectiveness of the Internal Audit function, the Committee has:
The Committee concluded that the Group internal audit process had been conducted effectively and that the quality of audit and reporting was rated highly.
In FY2025, the Committee will continue to support the Board as the business continues to grow organically and inorganically, embedding the Group's governance framework, financial reporting systems, risk management processes and internal controls.
Audit Committee Chairman
10 July 2024
| Strategic | Corporate | Financial | Shareholder and |
|---|---|---|---|
| report | governance | statements | other information |
We aim to align the total remuneration for our Executive Directors to our strategy through a combination of fixed pay, bonus and long-term incentives, underpinned by stretching performance targets.

Pay awards between
3 and 9%
at lower salary levels with increases for mid to senior levels capped at 3%
Free Share award in October 2023 of
£500 in addition to the award made in December 2022 New partnerships formed to offer health and financial wellbeing services to our employees
Employee participation in "Have your Say" survey
83%
+5% on responses in FY2023
Employees understand "what success looks like for my Company" and their role in delivering success
75%
+13% on responses in FY2023
Underlying PBT
£180.7m +8.9%
Charging points
+40% installed in our sites
Underlying EPS 64.1p +10.4%
Ratio intensity
13 tCO₂e per £m of revenue (excluding vehicle sales)

FY2024 annual bonus targets
| Stretch target | Actual outcome | Outcome (% of max. award) | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 75% PBT | £170.0m | £180.7m | 100% | 100% |
| 25% strategic/non-financial objectives including sustainability and environmental goals |
100% | 100% |
Martin Ward (CEO) Philip Vincent (CFO)
| Stretch target | Actual | Outcome (% of max. award) | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PBT 50% of total LTIP | £145.0m | £180.7m | 100% | 100% |
| EPS 50% of total LTIP | 44.2p | 61.4p | 100% | 100% |
Martin Ward (CEO) Philip Vincent (CFO)
| Martin Ward | 100% of target |
|---|---|
| Philip Vincent | 100% of target |
Financial statements

John Pattullo Remuneration Committee Chairman
Members of the Remuneration Committee are shown below:
Details of their experience and qualifications are shown on pages 94 to 95
| Committee membership | Number of meetings |
|---|---|
| John Pattullo | 4/4 |
| Mark Butcher | 4/4 |
| Avril Palmer-Baunack* | 3/4 |
| Bindi Karia | 4/4 |
| Nicola Rabson* | 3/4 |
* Avril Palmer-Baunack and Nicola Rabson could not attend one meeting in the year due to prior external commitments. They both informed the Committee in advance and had an opportunity to provide comments to the Committee Chairman ahead of the meeting.
I am very pleased to introduce the Directors' Remuneration report for the year ended 30 April 2024. The Remuneration Policy was approved by shareholders at the meeting with 98.74% support, and I would like to thank shareholders for their support at the 2023 AGM and for their input into the Policy design as part of the shareholder consultation ahead of that meeting. The Committee is comfortable that the Policy operated as intended during the year and therefore there are no material changes for the year ahead.
The Group has achieved strong underlying financial results during the year and there is good performance momentum and a strong pipeline to support the delivery of performance in future years. Improving vehicle supply conditions in Spain and the UK&I enabled further refreshing of our fleets and was complemented by investment in growing our operational footprint. We have broadened our rental and ancillary services offerings and our claims and services business enjoyed strong growth and has a strong pipeline. There was also an investment in increasing capacity and efficiency through the opening of nine new branches. We have also invested in our people, with enhanced training and infrastructure support. This is backed by our strong financial performance, including 23.0% growth in total revenue and 8.9% growth in underlying profit before tax. We have a strong balance sheet with a stable 1.5x leverage, supported by fleet assets of £1.3bn and over £240m facility headroom.
During the year, the Group has also launched our new name and new brand, to better reflect the strength and depth of the enlarged group of businesses within ZIGUP which work together to deliver a differentiated proposition to our customers. We have also launched the new strategic pillars of Enable, Deliver and Grow to provide a framework for the business to embrace external and internal opportunities, as well as to ensure they are aligned to our strategic vision as the leading provider of integrated mobility solutions delivering customer service excellence.
There have also been material returns to shareholders. The Board has proposed a final dividend of 17.5p which, together with the interim dividend of 8.3p, represents a 7.5% increase over the prior year. During the year, the company launched a share buyback programme of the Company's ordinary shares for up to a maximum aggregate consideration of £30m and the programme concluded on 13 June 2024.
maximum target. The remaining 25% was based on strategic and ESG targets. 50% of the annual bonus is awarded in shares and subject to deferral for three years. Both the CEO and CFO received a maximum annual
bonus award based on outcomes against financial and strategic objectives, as outlined further in the main body of the report. With respect to financial objectives, this approach is in line with the award outcome for those in the senior management teams who participate in Group bonus schemes. The Committee considered this outcome in the context of performance in the year, further detail of which is provided elsewhere in the Annual Report and Accounts, and determined that the outcome was appropriate and that no discretion was required.
The 2021 LTIP awards were granted in August 2021 and based on appropriately stretching PBT and EPS targets. Following very strong delivery over the three-year performance period, the maximum target for both PBT and EPS has been exceeded and therefore the award is due to vest at 100% of maximum in August 2024. There were no windfall gains associated with this award as it was granted at a share price of 429p. Awards for Executive Directors are subject to a two-year holding period.
Financial statements
The Committee reviewed the formulaic incentive outcomes for FY2024 and is comfortable that the payouts reflect the underlying performance of the Group, the shareholder experience, and the wider stakeholder experience. The Committee did not exercise any discretion in the award of Directors' remuneration in the year.
The Executive Directors' salaries have been increased by 3% to £646,457 for the CEO and £417,531 for the CFO. The salary increase is aligned with the rate applied to mid and senior management levels and below the average 4.2% pay increase across the Group.
Executive Director pension levels are aligned to the majority of the UK workforce (currently 4% of salary) and remain unchanged since 1 January 2023.
There are no changes to the maximum opportunity for FY2025 (125% of salary for the CEO and 100% of salary for the CFO) or to the balance of performance measures. Half of any bonus earned net of taxes will be used by the Executive Directors to purchase shares, which will be subject to a three-year holding period and cannot be sold during that time. The annual bonus will continue to be based 75% on PBT performance and 25% on strategic and operational measures including ESG.
The Committee intends to grant LTIP awards of 150% of salary for the Executive Directors in line with the normal maximum award under the policy. Awards will continue to be based 75% on EPS performance and 25% on TSR performance versus the FTSE 250 (excluding Investment trusts). The Committee intends to review the performance measures and weightings prior to each grant to ensure they remain appropriate. For the FY2025 LTIP grant, the Committee determined that it was appropriate to retain the current measures and weightings which were first put in place last year as it believes they strike the right balance of incentivising management to deliver improved financial performance while ensuring alignment with the shareholder experience.
The Committee will have the discretion to adjust the formulaic outcome of the bonus and LTIP awards to take into account the wider business performance and the shareholder experience.
We will also be seeking shareholder approval for an updated version of the Long-Term Incentive Plan rules at the 2024 AGM. While the key terms are unchanged, the document has been thoroughly reviewed to ensure it appropriately reflect best practice features and provides the necessary flexibility for future operations. Full detail will be included within the notice of AGM.
In FY2024, the Group made pay increases to colleagues at lower salary levels with increases between 3% and 9% and a capped 3% rise at mid- to senior-levels. The Group also continued to deliver on its commitment to help our colleagues invest in the Company and promote their alignment with and participation in the Group's strategy through the SAYE Scheme and the Group's Free Share programme under which all employees were provided with £500 of free shares in the Company's Share Incentive Plan in October 2023 in addition to the £500 award made in December 2022.
Recognising the financial pressures our colleagues face in the current economic climate, the Group has placed a strong emphasis this year on improving financial wellbeing. In partnership with HSBC, the Group has delivered face-to face and online sessions educating employees on "Making the Most of Your Money". The Group also launched a new partnership with Charles Cameron, which provides independent, free mortgage advice to all employees, as well as Wagestream, which is a platform to improve colleagues' financial wellbeing by giving them access to fair financial services, based on flexible pay.
In Spain we partnered with a specialist provider to introduce an employee assistance programme which provides health services, counselling and mental wellbeing support to our colleagues. As part of this programme, online health and wellbeing workshops were also administered in partnership with Sanitas.
The Group engages with the wider workforce in the business through the Employee Engagement Forum (the Forum), chaired by a senior member of the Group Management Board.
The Forum comprises members from across the Group to ensure a balanced representation of the workforce, and is attended by other members of senior management from time to time. The Forum meets at different locations across the Group to promote accessibility and met twice during the year.
During the year the Forum discussed the results of its fourth annual colleague survey, "Have Your Say". Key themes emerging included: a clearer understanding from colleagues on how they could contribute to the organisation's success, coming from greater clarity around our purpose and strategy; positive sentiment regarding the connections and relationships colleagues have with their teammates; and a sense of pride in the service our colleagues provide to customers. Some areas for improvement were also noted through the "Have Your Say" survey which included greater business collaboration and enhancements to systems and processes which would improve ways of working.
In FY2025 the Employee Engagement Forum will continue to review its activities to ensure that it remains an effective way of maintaining good dialogue between senior management and the wider workforce.
The Committee believes it has successfully balanced its responsibilities to motivate senior leaders, support the broader workforce and align with the interests of all stakeholders. I hope to receive your support for the Annual Remuneration Report at the AGM in September.
Remuneration Committee Chairman
10 July 2024
| Strategic | Corporate | Financial | Shareholder and |
|---|---|---|---|
| report | governance | statements | other information |
The table below summarises the current Directors' Remuneration Policy (that was approved by shareholders at the 2023 AGM) and how the Committee intends to implement it in FY2025. The full policy can be found within the 2023 Annual Report on the Company's website: www.zigup.com
When implementing the remuneration policy, the Remuneration Committee considers the six factors listed under Provision 40 of the UK Corporate Governance Code:
| Clarity | A summary of the remuneration policy is set out below in a clear and transparent manner. |
|---|---|
| Simplicity | Remuneration structures are simple and market typical, whilst at the same time incorporating the necessary structural features to ensure a strong alignment to performance. |
| Risk | The remuneration policy has been designed to discourage inappropriate risk taking. Awards under the remuneration policy are subject to malus and clawback provisions. The performance conditions are reviewed annually to ensure that they remain suitable. |
| Predictability | Incentives are capped in the remuneration policy with outcomes clearly based on performance against defined performance metrics. |
| Proportionality | Variable pay is subject to a combination of financial and non-financial measures that are linked to Group strategy. LTIP holding periods and shareholding requirements (including post-exit) all ensure alignment to long term value creation and strategic goals. |
| Alignment to culture | We seek to align incentives to our Group values from time to time and the Policy for our Executive Directors is designed in accordance with the same principles that underpin remuneration for the wider employee population. |
| Elements | Policy operation | Implementation for FY2025 |
|---|---|---|
| Fixed | ||
| Salary | Fixed remuneration, which reflects the role, skills, and opportunities. | • CEO – £646,457 (3% increase) |
| Normally reviewed annually by the Committee, taking account of Group performance, individual performance, changes in responsibility, changes in the size and complexity of the business and levels of increase for the broader UK population. |
• CFO – £417,531 (3% increase) | |
| The salary increase of 3% is aligned with the rate applied to mid and senior management levels and below the average 4.2% pay increase across the Group, with the greatest increases applied to those at lower salary levels. |
||
| Pension | Executive Directors receive pension provision in line with the wider workforce (currently considered to be 4% of base salary). | No change for FY2025. Pension allowance of 4% of salary. |
| Benefits | Car allowance, healthcare and life assurance. | No change for FY2025. |
| Variable | ||
| Annual bonus | Maximum opportunity: 150% of salary for CEO and 100% of salary for other executives. | No change for FY2025. |
| Half of any bonus earned net of taxes will be used by the Executive Directors to purchase shares which will be subject to a three year holding period and cannot be sold during that time. There will normally be a financial underpin to the non-financial element of the bonus. The Committee will assess the payout under the non-financial element if the financial underpin is not met, and would normally expect to use discretion to reduce the non financial element in these circumstances. Maximum: 100% payout. Target: No greater than 50% of maximum. Threshold: No greater than 25% of maximum. For performance below threshold, no bonus is payable. |
• CEO maximum opportunity: 125% | |
| • CFO maximum opportunity: 100% | ||
| Performance measures are based 75% on financial (PBT) performance and 25% strategic and operational measures (including ESG). |
||
| As in previous years, the targets are considered commercially sensitive and will be disclosed retrospectively. |
||
| The Committee has the discretion to adjust the formulaic outcome where it considers it is not appropriate, taking into account such matters as it considers relevant including without limitation the underlying performance of the Company, investor experience, wider employee or stakeholder experience. |
||
| Recovery and withholding provisions apply. |
| Strategic | Corporate | Financial | Shareholder and |
|---|---|---|---|
| report | governance | statements | other information |
| Elements | Policy operation | Implementation for FY2025 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Variable continued | |||
| LTIP | The maximum award in respect of a financial year is normally 150% of salary, although exceptionally awards of 250% of salary may be made, e.g. in recruitment, in line with the LTIP Rules. No greater than 25% of the grant vests for threshold performance increasing to 100% on a straight-line basis for maximum performance. For performance below threshold for a measure, the proportion of the award subject to that measure will lapse. Vested awards will normally be subject to an additional two-year holding period, during which time awarded shares may not be sold (other than to meet tax or social security obligations). The value of dividend equivalents accrued over the vesting period are added to awards on vesting at the discretion of the Committee. The Committee has the discretion to adjust the formulaic outcome where it considers it is not appropriate taking into account such matters as it considers relevant including without limitation the underlying performance of the Company, investor experience, wider employee or stakeholder experience. Recovery and withholding provisions apply. |
No change for FY2025. • Executive Directors – maximum opportunity 150% of salary. Performance measures are 75% EPS and 25% TSR versus the FTSE 250 (excluding investment trusts). EPS targets: the FY2025 EPS threshold is 57.1p (25% vesting) and maximum is 60.4p (100% vesting), with straight-line vesting in between. The Committee carefully considered the EPS targets in the context of the current and expected market conditions, the Group's internal forecasts and investor expectations. The Committee considers that the targets set are appropriately stretching in the context of the prevailing market conditions particularly as disposal profits are normalised and, if achieved, represent success for shareholders. The Committee will review performance at the end of the period to ensure that vesting outcomes are appropriate. TSR targets are median (25% vesting) and upper quartile (100% vesting), with straight-line vesting in-between. Awards will be subject to a two-year holding period after vesting. The value of dividend equivalents accrued over the vesting period are added to awards on vesting at the discretion of the Committee. |
|
| Share ownership requirements | |||
| Share ownership requirements |
The Executive Directors are normally expected to accumulate a holding of ordinary shares of the Company equivalent in value to 200% of their basic annual salary. Executive Directors are expected to hold the lower of (1) shares held on cessation and (2) shares equivalent in value to 200% of salary at the time of cessation, for a period of two years from the date they cease to be an Executive Director. |
No change for FY2025. | |
| Non-Executive Directors | |||
| Fees for the Chairman and Non-Executive Directors |
The Chairman is currently paid a consolidated single fee for all their responsibilities. The Non-Executive Directors are paid a basic fee. The Chairs of the main Board committees and the Senior Independent Director are paid an additional fee to reflect their extra responsibilities. |
The proposed changes for Non-Executive Directors for FY2025 are set out below. The Chairman and base NED fee have been increased by 3% in-line with the increase awarded to the Executive Directors and other senior managers and below the average increase for the wider workforce. Fee as at Fee as 1 May 2023 Increase at 1 May 2024 |
| 1 May 2023 | at 1 May 2024 | Increase | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chairman | £200,000 | £206,000 | 3% |
| Base fee | £56,650 | £58,350 | 3% |
| Senior Independent Director | £10,000 | £10,000 | N/A |
| Audit Committee Chairman | £10,000 | £10,000 | N/A |
| Remuneration Committee | |||
| Chairman | £10,000 | £10,000 | N/A |
| Directors' Remuneration report continued | Strategic | Corporate | Financial | Shareholder and |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| report | governance | statements | other information | |
The table below sets out the remuneration received by the Directors in relation to performance in the year ended 30 April 2024 (and for long term incentive awards' performance periods ending in the year) and in the year ended 30 April 2023.
| £000 | Salary and fees Taxable benefits | Annual bonus | Long term incentive |
Pension3 | Total | Total fixed | Total variable | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| M Ward | 2024 | 628 | 20 | 784 | 7541 | 25 | 2,211 | 673 | 1,538 |
| 2023 | 609 | 19 | 762 | 2,7592 | 69 | 4,218 | 697 | 3,521 | |
| P Vincent | 2024 | 405 | 17 | 405 | 4871 | 16 | 1,330 | 438 | 892 |
| 2023 | 394 | 17 | 394 | 1,6892 | 52 | 2,546 | 463 | 2,083 | |
| Non-Executive Chairman | |||||||||
| A Palmer-Baunack | 2024 | 200 | – | – | – | – | 200 | 200 | – |
| 2023 | 200 | – | – | – | – | 200 | 200 | – | |
| Non-Executive Directors | |||||||||
| J Pattullo | 2024 | 76 | – | – | – | – | 76 | 76 | – |
| 2023 | 76 | – | – | – | – | 76 | 76 | – | |
| M Butcher | 2024 | 67 | – | – | – | – | 67 | 67 | – |
| 2023 | 67 | – | – | – | – | 67 | 67 | – | |
| B Karia | 2024 | 57 | – | – | – | – | 57 | 57 | – |
| 2023 | 56 | – | – | – | – | 56 | 56 | – | |
| M McCafferty | 2024 | 57 | – | – | – | – | 57 | 57 | – |
| 2023 | 57 | – | – | – | – | 57 | 57 | – | |
| N Rabson | 2024 | 57 | – | – | – | – | 57 | 57 | – |
| 2023 | 27 | – | – | – | – | 27 | 27 | – |
1 For FY2024, the 2021 LTIP vests based on the achievement of EPS performance to 30 April 2024 and has been valued based on the average share price during the three-month period to 30 April 2024 of 364.40p and a vesting outcome of 100%. None of the value in the single figure table is attributable to share price appreciation. No discretion has been exercised in relation to share price changes. 2021 LTIP awards will be released in August 2024 subject to continued employment until that date and the post tax value of the shares will remain subject to a holding period for two years. No dividend equivalents have been allocated to the award on vesting.
2 The LTIP amounts shown in last year's report in respect of the LTIPs awarded in 2020 were calculated based on average share price during the three-month period to 30 April 2023 of 382.8p. The actual share price at vesting was 354.5p, and the values included in single figure has been updated to reflect the share price on vesting. No dividend equivalents were allocated to the award on vesting.
3 All pension entitlement was paid in cash.
Shareholder and other information
When reviewing the base salary for the CEO and the CFO, the Committee took into account a number of factors, including the approach for our wider workforce population, individual performance and overall contribution to the business in the year. The salary increase of 3% for the CEO and the CFO are aligned with the capped 3% rate applied to mid and senior management levels and below the average 4% pay increase across the Group, with the greatest increases applied to those at lower salary levels.
| 2024 | 2023 | Increase | |
|---|---|---|---|
| M Ward | £627,628 | £609,348 | 3% |
| P Vincent | £405,369 | £393,563 | 3% |
A breakdown of the taxable benefits received by Executive Directors is set out in the table below:
| £000 | M Ward | P Vincent |
|---|---|---|
| Car | 15 | 15 |
| Medical insurance | 5 | 2 |
The Executive Directors are eligible for membership of a Group personal pension plan. In view of the Annual Allowance cap, all of their entitlements were paid to them in cash. Philip Vincent and Martin Ward both received an entitlement of 4% of base salary, which is in line with the pension provision for the wider UK workforce.
The maximum bonus opportunity for the CEO was 125% of salary and for the CFO was 100% of salary. The bonus was based 75% on Group PBT and 25% on strategic objectives. The targets, performance against them and resulting payment are set out in the tables below.
The element related to financial objectives (PBT performance) was awarded at 100% of 75% of the total bonus opportunity (93.75% of salary for M Ward and 75% of salary for P Vincent) as follows:
| PBT performance | Threshold | Target | Maximum | Actual PBT |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| performance | performance | performance | performance | |
| PBT 75% of total bonus | £162.4m | £166.2m | £170.0m | £180.7m |
Awarded at 100% of 25% of the total bonus opportunity (31.25% of salary for M Ward and 25% of salary for P Vincent) as set out below. The Directors' strategic objectives were set by the Committee at the beginning of the financial year and were based on a robust framework of clear objectives directly aligned to the Board's strategic priorities for the year.
The strategic objectives and the performance against them for FY2024 are set out below:
| Objective | Performance/achievement | Maximum scoring % |
|---|---|---|
| Sustainability: To continue roll out of charging points across the Group and LED installation across the UK estate demonstrated by increasing the number of charging points installed at our branches and offices by over a third and increasing the number of sites with LEDs by 50%. |
Fully met. The number of charging points installed at our branches and offices increased by over 40%. The number of sites with LEDs increased by 118%. |
6.25% |
| Environment and carbon reduction: To make significant progress across Scope 1 and Scope 2 KPI reporting across the business to measure performance against reduction targets. This may include, amongst other data, the regular production of a list of branch rankings of tCO2 across the Group. |
Fully met. The Group has made significant progress, including reporting now being in place for all branches to enable accurate monitoring of power consumption by branch. A Sustainability Committee was created with three subcommittees covering all elements of ESG. Targets set for each subcommittee were fully achieved in the year to support the Scope 1 and 2 reporting as well as broader requirements on ESG reporting and engagement. |
6.25% |
| Growth: Continue to maintain organic growth of the Group through branch extension opening/or signing leases for a further three branches during the year. |
Fully met. The Group has continued organic growth by opening nine sites during the financial year. |
6.25% |
| Strategy: Sunset the existing Focus, Drive and Broaden strategy and develop, implement and communicate across the Group the next phase of our strategy. |
Fully met. New strategic pillars of Enable, Deliver and Grow have been developed and communicated across the Group alongside the new brand launch. |
6.25% |
| Total | 25% | out of 25% |
Based on performance to 30 April 2024, the annual bonus outcomes for Executive Directors during the year are shown on pages 110 to 122. The Committee is satisfied that no adjustments to the payouts are required, and that the outcome is reflective of underlying performance. Further detail is set out in the Statement by the Committee Chairman.
| Strategic | Corporate | Financial | Shareholder and |
|---|---|---|---|
| report | governance | statements | other information |
| Executive | % of maximum | % of salary | Bonus outcome (£000) |
Awarded in cash (£000) |
Awarded in shares (£000) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| M Ward | 100 | 125 | 784 | 392 | 392 |
| P Vincent | 100 | 100 | 405 | 202 | 203 |
50% of the bonus will be used to purchase shares. Shares are subject to a minimum deferral period of three years and are not subject to continued employment.
The performance conditions related to the 2021 LTIP award are due to vest as follows:
| Performance | Threshold target (25% vesting) |
Stretch target (100% vesting) |
Actual performance |
Vesting achieved |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PBT 50% of total LTIP | £130m | £145m | £180.7m | 100% |
| EPS 50% of total LTIP | 39.60p | 44.20p | 61.4p | 100% |
| Total | 100% |
The Committee has fully considered the facts and circumstances of the awards and the performance delivered by the Group in this period. Overall, the Committee considers that the outcome of the 2021 award is fair in the context of exceptional performance and is not misaligned with shareholder experience. Accordingly, we have concluded that the vesting level is fair and have not used discretion to scale back the awards.
No dividend equivalents were included as part of the award.
There were no windfall gains associated with this award as it was granted at a share price of 429p.
Further detail is provided in the Remuneration Committee Chairman's letter.
The awards are due to vest in August 2024, subject to ongoing service conditions being met, and will be subject to a two-year holding period.
On 2 August 2023, the following LTIP awards were granted to Executive Directors:
| Type of award |
Basis of award granted |
Share price for award |
Number of shares over which award was granted |
Face value of award (£000) |
% of face value that would vest on threshold performance |
Vesting determined by performance over |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| M Ward | Nil cost option |
150% of salary of £627,628 |
344.67p | 273,143 | 941 | 25% Three financial years to 30 April 2026 |
|
| P Vincent | Nil cost option |
150% of salary of £405,369 |
344.67p | 176,416 | 608 | 25% Three financial years to 30 April 2026 |
The share price for award was calculated based on a three-day average prior to the award grant (345p).
| Weighting | Threshold target (25% vesting) |
Stretch target (100% vesting) |
|
|---|---|---|---|
| TSR versus FTSE 250 (excluding Investment trusts) | 25% | Median Upper quartile | |
| EPS (final year of performance period) | 75% | 57.9p | 61.5p |
| Strategic | Corporate | Financial | Shareholder and |
|---|---|---|---|
| report | governance | statements | other information |
The table below sets out the percentage change in base salary, value of taxable benefits and bonus for all the Directors compared with the average percentage change for employees of the Company.
| Average percentage change 2023–2024 | Average percentage change 2022–2023 | Average percentage change 2021–2022 | Average percentage change 2020–2021 | |||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Salary | Taxable benefits |
Annual bonus | Salary Taxable benefits | Annual bonus | Salary Taxable benefits | Annual bonus | Salary Taxable benefits | Annual bonus | ||||
| M Ward | 3% | 8% | 3% | 3% | (4%) | 3% | 15% | 12% | 28% | 620% | 387% | n/a |
| P Vincent | 3% | 3% | 3% | 3% | 21% | 3% | 13% | 8% | 8% | 2% | (14%) | n/a |
| A Palmer-Baunack | 0% | n/a | n/a | 0% | n/a | n/a | 20% | n/a | n/a | 31% | n/a | n/a |
| J Pattullo | 0% | n/a | n/a | 18% | n/a | n/a | 3% | n/a | n/a | 5% | n/a | n/a |
| M Butcher | 0% | n/a | n/a | 3% | n/a | n/a | 3% | n/a | n/a | 65% | n/a | n/a |
| Bindi Karia | 1% | n/a | n/a | n/a | n/a | n/a | n/a | n/a | n/a | n/a | n/a | n/a |
| M McCafferty | 0% | n/a | n/a | 3% | n/a | n/a | 3% | n/a | n/a | 466% | n/a | n/a |
| N Rabson | 110% | n/a | n/a | n/a | n/a | n/a | n/a | n/a | n/a | n/a | n/a | n/a |
| Company employees | 7% | (23)% | 31% | (22%) | 87% | (31%) | 44% | (70%) | 2015% | (6%) | 11% | (87%) |
1 The year-on-year change in pay for J Pattullo in 2022/23 relates to the additional fees paid in respect of taking on the Remuneration Committee Chairman role.
The above table shows the movement in the salary, taxable benefits and annual bonus for Directors compared to that for the average employee of ZIGUP plc as required under legislation. It does not reflect the total average for the Group. As there are less than 50 colleagues who are directly employed by ZIGUP plc, the average pay calculation can be easily skewed by a change in composition of staff and this is one of the reasons for the changes during the year. As set out in the Directors' Remuneration report last year the average increase in salary for the wider workforce was 4%.
Annual bonus for Company employees is the amount paid in each year, whereas the Directors' bonus is the amount earned in each period as the information on Company employees' bonus amounts is not available at the date of this report.
There were no payments to past Directors whether for loss of office or otherwise during FY2024.
Financial statements Shareholder and other information
The table below sets out the ratio of the CEO's single figure of total remuneration to the total remuneration of the 25th percentile, median (50th percentile), and 75th percentile remuneration of our UK employees, in line with the regulations.
Option A of the Companies (Miscellaneous Reporting) Regulations 2018 has been used to calculate the ratio as it was considered to provide the most accurate basis of calculation. Full-time equivalent remuneration for all UK employees for the financial year has been used for pay periods across the year. Total remuneration has been prepared using the same methodology as the single figure table with the exception of the bonus. The bonus figure for employees is based on the amount paid in each year as the information on employees' bonus amounts is not available at the date of this report whereas the bonus included in the single figure table is the amount earned in each period.
| Financial Year | Method | 25th percentile pay ratio |
Median pay ratio |
75th percentile pay ratio |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | Option A | 84:1 | 71:1 | 50:1 |
| 2023 | Option A | 171:1 | 142:1 | 101:1 |
| 2022 | Option A | 63:1 | 51:1 | 35:1 |
| 2021 | Option A | 57:1 | 45:1 | 30:1 |
| 2020 | Option A | 64:1 | 53:1 | 37:1 |
| 2019 | Option A | 47:1 | 38:1 | 26:1 |
Salary and total remuneration details for the relevant individuals are set out as follows:
| £000 | CEO | 25th percentile | Median | 75th percentile |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | ||||
| Salary | 628 | 25 | 29 | 38 |
| Total remuneration | 2,211 | 26 | 31 | 44 |
The employees at the 25th, 50th and 75th percentile have been determined by reference to average employee pay across the Group for the financial year being reported on.
Unlike the total remuneration for the majority of employees, total remuneration for the CEO is mostly dependent on, business performance and share price movements over time. As a result, the ratios may fluctuate significantly from year to year. The pay ratio is lower in 2024 when compared to 2023 primarily due to the value of the LTIP award vesting in each year. Although both the 2020 and 2021 LTIP awards vested in full, the 2020 award was made at an increased level compared to 2021 given the loss of value in legacy awards under the previous EPSP. This, combined with the strong share price growth throughout the period, resulted in the CEO's total remuneration being higher in 2023 than in 2024.
The Committee has responsibility for setting the remuneration of the Executive Directors and other senior management and reviews the wider policies and practices for our workforce. The Committee is satisfied that the median pay ratio is consistent with the Group's pay, reward and progression policies.
The graph below illustrates the performance of ZIGUP plc measured by Total Shareholder Return (share price growth plus dividends reinvested in shares) against a "broad equity market index" over a rolling ten-year period (the period covered by the graph below is 30 April 2014 to 30 April 2024). Consistent with the approach adopted in previous years, we show performance against the FTSE 250 (excluding investment trusts) of which we are a constituent. The mid-market price of the Company's ordinary shares at 30 April 2024 was 385p (28 April 2023: 376p). The range during the year was 312p to 391p.


ZIGUP FTSE 250 (excluding investment trusts)
The total remuneration figure for the CEO during each of the previous 10 financial years is as follows:
| Year ended 30 April | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Total remuneration £000 |
1,138 | 1,214 | 821 | 490 | 1,032 | 1,319 | 1,200 | 1,440 | 4,218 | 2,211 |
| Annual bonus (% of maximum) |
90.3 | 34.1 | – | – | 72.4 | – | 100 | 100 | 100 | 100 |
| Long term incentive (LTIP) vesting (% of maximum) |
47.9 | 79.2 | 61.8 | – | – | – | – | – | 100 | 100 |
The total remuneration figure includes the annual bonus and LTIP awards which vested based on performance periods ending in those years. The annual bonus and LTIP percentages show the payout for each year as a percentage of the maximum. In years when there was a change of CEO, the figures shown are the aggregate for the office holders during that year and include any payments for loss of office. The CEO in office for each year can be found in previously published reports.
| Strategic | Corporate | Financial | Shareholder and | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Directors' Remuneration report continued | report | governance | statements | other information |
| £000 | 2023 | 2024 | increase |
|---|---|---|---|
| Staff costs | 270,776 | 297,484 | 9.9% |
| Dividends | 52,220 | 56,179 | 7.6% |
| Share buybacks | 52,927 | 24,878 | (53)% |
The table above shows the movement in spend on staff costs versus that on dividends and share buybacks, reflecting a significant return of capital to our shareholders and our significantly increased investment in the wider workforce.
The table below sets out details of Executive Directors' outstanding share awards.
| Scheme | Grant date | Exercise price (p) |
Shares under option at 30 April 2023 |
Number of options/shares granted during the year |
Vested during year |
Exercised during year |
Lapsed during year |
Forfeited during year |
Number of shares at 30 April 2024 |
End of original performance period |
Vesting date | Exercise period |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| LTIP3 | 13.08.20 | Nil | 778,315 | – | 778,315 | 778,315 | – | – | – | 30.04.23 | 13.08.23 | 13.08.23 – 13.08.30 |
| LTIP2 | 09.08.21 | Nil | 206,853 | – | – | – | – | – | 206,853 | 30.04.24 | 09.08.24 | 09.08.24 – 09.08.31 |
| LTIP2 | 13.07.22 | Nil | 271,763 | – | – | – | – | – | 271,763 | 30.04.25 | 13.07.25 | 13.07.25– 13.07.32 |
| LTIP1 | 02.08.23 | Nil | – | 273,143 | – | – | – | – | 273,143 | 30.04.26 | 02.08.26 | 02.08.26-02.08.33 |
| Total | 1,256,931 | 273,143 | 778,315 | 778,315 | – | – | 751,759 |
| Scheme | Grant date | Exercise price (p) |
Shares under option at 30 April 2023 |
Number of options/shares granted during the year |
Vested during year |
Exercised during year |
Lapsed during year |
Forfeited during year |
Number of shares at 30 April 2024 |
End of original performance period |
Vesting date | Exercise period |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| LTIP3 | 13.08.20 | Nil | 476,382 | – | 476,382 | 476,382 | – | – | – | 30.04.23 | 13.08.23 | 13.08.23 – 13.08.30 |
| LTIP | 09.08.21 | Nil | 133,601 | – | – | – | – | – | 133,601 | 30.04.24 | 09.08.24 | 09.08.24 – 09.08.31 |
| LTIP2 | 13.07.22 | Nil | 175,525 | – | – | – | – | – | 175,525 | 30.04.25 | 13.07.25 | 13.07.25 – 13.07.32 |
| LTIP1 | 02.08.23 | Nil | – | 176,416 | – | – | – | – | 176,416 | 30.04.26 | 02.08.26 | 02.08.26 – 02.08.33 |
| Total | 785,508 | 176,416 | 476,382 | 476,382 | – | – | 485,542 |
1 Performance targets as set out above.
2 A proportion of these awards were adjusted and forfeited following the acquisition of Redde plc in order to remove the proportion not expected to vest based on forecast performance. No remaining performance conditions remain other than the on-going service obligation.
3 The market values on date of exercise were: For M Ward, £2,578,828 at exercise price of 331.33p on 25 August 2023 and for P Vincent £1,640,814 at exercise price of 344.43p on 12 August 2023.
All outstanding awards are structured as nil-cost options.
The Board believes that encouraging wider share ownership by all employees will have longer term benefits for the Group and therefore introduced a SAYE scheme (including international sub-rules for our colleagues in Spain and Ireland) in 2020, with the first savings period commencing in February 2021 and further savings period commencing in September 2022 and October 2023. The SAYE provides an effective way of achieving that aim at no financial risk to employees.
Under the SAYE, employees choose to make monthly savings amounts (which are paid to a financial institution) in return for options to buy shares in the Company at the option price and using savings accumulated over the savings period (three years). Employees can choose to cease saving and withdraw their money at any time allowing the related options to lapse.
Options over 1,016,823 shares were granted under the SAYE scheme, in October 2023, with approximately 905 employees contributing monthly savings under the schemes. The next offer to take part in the SAYE scheme is expected to be made later in 2024.
Philip Vincent participates in the SAYE scheme and was granted 6,691 options in August 2022. The Executive Directors are entitled to participate in the SAYE, but the Non-Executive Directors cannot participate in the SAYE.
The Share Incentive Plan, like the SAYE plan, is an all-employee plan with the operation of the International Share Incentive Plan entirely for those employees outside of the UK.
The Company awarded a grant of free shares up to the value of £500 to all Group employees in October 2023. Shares were granted under the Share Incentive Plan and 211,134 shares were granted under the International Share Incentive Plan, with approximately 7440 employees participating under both schemes. The next offer to take part in the Share Incentive Plan is expected to be made later in 2024.
The Executive Directors are entitled to participate in the Share Incentive Plan, but the Non-Executive Directors cannot participate in this scheme. Martin Ward and Philip Vincent were granted 154 free shares each on 2 October 2023.
A combination of newly-issued, treasury and market purchase shares (using a Guernsey employee benefit trust) may be used to satisfy the requirements of the Group's existing share schemes.
All the Company's share schemes operate within the following limits: in any 10-calendar year period, the Company may not issue (or grant rights to issue) more than:
a. 10% of the issued ordinary share capital under all the share plans; and
b. 5% of the issued ordinary share capital under the executive share plans (LTIP, DABP and MPSP).
The dilution position as at 30 April 2024 was 1.1% under the LTIP, MPSP and DABP, and 0.9% under the SAYE and 0.7% under the Share Incentive Plan.
The table below gives details of the service contracts and letter of appointments for each member of the Board.
| Date of appointment | Date of current contract/letter of appointment |
Notice from the Company |
Notice from the individual |
Unexpired period of service contract/letter of appointment |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Executive Directors | |||||
| M Ward1 | 21 February 2020 22 December 2010 | 12 months | 12 months Rolling contract | ||
| P Vincent | 16 July 2018 | 16 July 2018 | 6 months | 6 months Rolling contract | |
| Non-Executive Directors | |||||
| A Palmer-Baunack | 12 August 2019 | 12 August 2019 | 6 months | 6 months Rolling contract2 | |
| J Pattullo | 1 January 2019 18 December 2020 | 3 months | 3 months Rolling contract2 | ||
| M Butcher | 23 September 2019 18 September 2019 | 3 months | 3 months Rolling contract2 | ||
| B Karia | 5 May 2022 | 5 May 2022 | 3 months | 3 months Rolling contract2 | |
| M McCafferty | 21 February 2020 | 21 February 2020 | 3 months | 3 months Rolling contract2 | |
| N Rabson | 9 November 2022 | 9 November 2022 | 3 months | 3 months Rolling contract2 |
1 Redde plc (as it was) contract rolled over.
2 The Non-Executive Directors' contracts are typically entered into for an anticipated term of three years, which is extended by the Board for further terms as appropriate.
The Executive Directors are required to build up a shareholding equivalent to 200% of salary, to be achieved primarily through the retention, after tax, of shares acquired on exercise of options granted under the LTIP and shares acquired through bonus deferral, until such time as their share ownership requirement has been met. Directors are not required to go into the market to purchase shares, although market purchases are encouraged and any shares so acquired would count towards meeting the guidelines.
The Chairman and Non-Executive Directors do not have a shareholding guideline although the holding of shares in the business is encouraged. Details of the Directors' interests in shares are shown in the table below:
Number of shares:
| Beneficially owned at 30 April 2024 |
Vested but not exercised LTIP |
Unvested LTIP | % shareholding guideline achieved at 30 April 2024 |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
| M Ward | 2,261,513 | – | 751,759 | Fully met |
| P Vincent | 450,393 | – | 485,542 | Fully met |
| A Palmer-Baunack | 110,442 | – | – | N/A |
| J Pattullo | 60,000 | – | – | N/A |
| M Butcher | 34,676 | – | – | N/A |
| B Karia | 0 | – | – | N/A |
| M McCafferty | 11,007 | – | – | N/A |
| N Rabson | 5,684 | – | – | N/A |
Both Martin Ward and Philip Vincent have met the shareholding policy guideline as they hold shares with a value in excess of 200% of basic annual salary.
Martin Ward exercised 778,315 awards during the year and Philip Vincent exercised 476,382 under the LTIP. Martin Ward's shareholding includes 178,737 shares awarded in July 2023, July 2022 and July 2021 under the deferred element of the annual bonus scheme and 279 shares awarded under the 2023 and 2022 SIPs. Philip Vincent's shareholding includes 99,591 shares awarded in July 2023, July 2022, July 2021 and September 2020 under the deferred element of annual bonus scheme, and 279 shares awarded under the 2023 and 2022 SIP. The annual bonus deferred shares vested immediately but are held in a nominee account for three years following the date of award in accordance with the scheme rules.
No changes in the above interests have occurred between 30 April 2024 and the date of this report.
The members of the Committee during the year and their attendance at Committee meetings during the year are listed on page 110.
The CEO and CFO attend meetings by invitation and assist the Committee in its deliberations, except when issues relating to their remuneration are discussed. Directors are not involved in deciding their own remuneration. The Company Secretary acts as secretary to the Committee.
In 2022, the Committee reviewed its remuneration advisory arrangements and conducted a competitive selection process to appoint a new remuneration adviser to the Committee. Following the selection process, the Committee appointed Deloitte LLP as remuneration adviser to the Committee on 6 September 2022. Since its appointment, Deloitte LLP has provided independent advice to the Committee on certain remuneration matters. The total fees paid to Deloitte LLP in respect of its services to the Committee during the year were £54,000 excluding VAT. The fees are charged on a time spent and expenses basis.
Deloitte LLP is a signatory to the Remuneration Consultants' Code of Conduct. During the year Deloitte LLP did not provide any other services to the Company. The Committee is satisfied that advice received from Deloitte during the year was objective and independent and that all individuals who provided remuneration advice to the Committee had no connections with ZIGUP or its Directors that may impair their independence. The Committee's terms of reference are available on the Company's website: www.zigup.com
The Committee is responsible for making recommendations to the Board on the remuneration packages and terms and conditions of employment of the Chairman and the Executive Directors of the Company, as well as the Company Secretary, and under the new Code group operating board immediately below the Executive Directors. The Committee also reviews remuneration policies and practices generally throughout the Group. In accordance with the policy, the Committee has sought to ensure that the incentive structure will not raise ESG risks by inadvertently motivating irresponsible behaviour and will take account of ESG matters generally in determining overall remuneration policy and structure. The Committee is able to consider corporate performance on ESG issues when setting the Executive Directors' annual objectives and remuneration.
| report | |
|---|---|
| Directors' Remuneration report continued |
| Strategic | Corporate | Financial | Shareholder and |
|---|---|---|---|
| report | governance | statements | other information |
The following table sets out the votes received from shareholders for the Directors' Remuneration report at the 2023 AGM:
| Directors' Remuneration report 2023 – Resolution 3 | Total number of votes |
Votes % |
|---|---|---|
| Votes cast | ||
| For | 159,494,928 | 86.62 |
| Against | 24,628,102 | 13.38 |
| Total votes cast (excluding votes withheld) | 184,123,030 | |
| Votes withheld | 47,592 | |
| Total votes cast (including votes withheld) | 184,170,622 |
The following table sets out the votes received from shareholders for the Policy at the 2023 AGM:
| Directors' Remuneration Policy 2023 – Resolution 4 | Total number of votes |
Votes % |
|---|---|---|
| Votes cast | ||
| For | 181,801,834 | 98.74 |
| Against | 2,322,108 | 1.26 |
| Total votes cast (excluding votes withheld) | 184,123,942 | |
| Votes withheld | 46,680 | |
| Total votes cast (including votes withheld) | 184,170,622 |
Votes withheld are not included in the final proxy figures as they are not recognised as a vote in law.
We gained support at our 2023 AGM for the amendments made to the policy and the policy became effective from that time. We consulted extensively with shareholders in the development of that policy and I would like to thank shareholders for their input.
This annual report on remuneration has been approved by, and signed on behalf of, the Board of Directors.
Remuneration Committee Chairman
10 July 2024
Financial statements Shareholder and other information
Details on financial performance and dividends can be found in the Strategic Report from Pages 02 to 85
This report has been prepared in accordance with the requirements outlined within The Large and Mediumsized Companies and Groups (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 and forms part of the management report as required under Disclosure Guidance and Transparency Rule (DTR) 4. This section, together with the Strategic Report, the Corporate Governance section on pages 86 to 128 and the other sections of the Annual Report and Accounts as referred to herein, fulfil the requirements of the Directors' report.
The Strategic Report on pages 1 to 85 was approved by the Board on 10 July 2024 and is incorporated into this Directors' report by reference.
So far as the Directors are aware, the close company provisions of the Income and Corporation Taxes Act 2010 do not apply to the Company.
The rights and obligations attached to the Company's ordinary shares are set out in the Company's Articles of Association (the Articles), copies of which can be obtained from Companies House in the UK or by writing to the Company Secretary. With regard to the appointment and replacement of Directors, the Company is governed by the Articles, the UK Corporate Governance Code, the Companies Act 2006 (the CA 2006) and related legislation. The powers of Directors are set out in the Articles.
Any amendments to the Articles may be made in accordance with the provisions of the CA 2006 by special resolution of the shareholders.
Details of the issued share capital, together with details of any movements during the year, are shown in Note 24 to the financial statements. The Company has one class of ordinary share, which carries no right to fixed income. Each ordinary share carries the right to one vote at general meetings of the Company.
The Company has also issued cumulative preference shares of 50p each that entitle the holder to receive a cumulative preferential dividend at the rate of 5% on the paid-up capital and the right to a return of capital at either winding up or a repayment of capital. The cumulative preference shares do not entitle the holders to any further or other participation in the profits or assets of the Company.
The percentage of the total issued nominal value of all shares represented by the ordinary shares is 98.3% (2023: 98.3%).
Subject to the provisions of the CA 2006 and without prejudice to any rights attached to any existing shares or class of shares, any share may be issued with such rights or restrictions as the Company may by ordinary resolution determine or, subject to and in default of such determination, as the Board shall determine. The Company's shares when issued are free from all liens, equities, charges, encumbrances, and other interests. No shareholder shall be entitled to vote at a general meeting, either in person or by proxy, in respect of any share held by them unless all monies presently payable by them in respect of that share have been paid. In addition, no shareholder shall be entitled to vote, either in person or by proxy, if they have been served with a notice under section 793 of the CA 2006 (concerning interests in those shares) and have failed to supply the Company with the requisite information.
Other than restrictions considered to be standard for a UK listed company (for example, restrictions on transfer of partly-paid certificated shares), there are no specific restrictions on the size of a holding nor on the transfer of shares in the Company, which are both governed by the general provisions of the Articles and prevailing legislation. The Directors are not aware of any agreements between holders of the Company's shares that may result in restrictions on the transfer of securities or on voting rights.
Details of employee share schemes are set out in the Directors' Remuneration report. Shares held by the Company's Share Schemes Trustees are voted on the instructions of the employees on whose behalf they are held. Shares held in the Guernsey Trust are voted at the discretion of the Trustees.
No person has any special rights of control over the Company's share capital and all issued shares are fully paid.
Details of the Directors' interests in shares are set out in the Directors' Remuneration report on pages 110 to 122. No Company in the Group was, during or at the end of the year, party to any contract of significance in which any Director was materially interested. The Directors are not aware of any agreements between the Company and its Directors or employees that provide for compensation for loss of office or employment that occurs because of a change of control.
Subject to the provisions of the CA 2006 and without prejudice to any rights attached to any existing shares or class of shares, any share may be issued with such rights or restrictions as the Company may by ordinary resolution determine or, subject to and in default of such determination, as the Board shall determine.
The authority conferred on the Directors at last year's AGM to allot shares in the Company up to a maximum nominal amount of £38,202,308 (representing 33.3% of the issued ordinary share capital of the Company (excluding treasury shares), as at the latest practicable date before publication of the Notice of the Company's last AGM) and, in connection with a pre-emptive offer to existing shareholders, to allot additional shares in the Company up to a maximum nominal amount of £38,202,308 (representing a further 33.3% of the issued ordinary share capital of the Company (excluding treasury shares), as at the latest practicable date before publication of the Notice of the Company's last AGM), expires on the date of the forthcoming AGM. Shareholders will be asked to give a similar authority to allot shares at the forthcoming AGM. Shareholders will be asked to give a similar authority to allot shares at the forthcoming AGM.
The Company at its last AGM, sought authority to allot shares in line with the guidance, issued by the Pre-Emption Group of the Financial Reporting Council, that issuers may disapply pre-emption rights up to 10% of the Company's issued ordinary share capital and a further 2% follow-on offer and seek further authority to disapply pre-emption rights for up to an additional 10% for certain acquisitions or specified capital investments and a further 2% follow-on offer.
The authorities were limited to:
The authorities in a follow-on offer were limited to:
Shareholders will be asked to give similar authorities to disapply pre-emption rights at the forthcoming AGM.
The authorities for the Company to purchase in the market up to: (i) 22,921,385 of its ordinary shares (representing 10% of the issued share capital of the Company as at the latest practicable date before publication of the Notice of the Company's last AGM); and (ii) 1,000,000 of its preference shares (being all of its preference shares remaining in issue), in each case granted at the Company's last AGM, expire on the date of the forthcoming AGM. Shareholders will be asked to give similar authorities to purchase shares at the forthcoming AGM.
The Group's objective is to employ a disciplined approach to investment, returns and capital efficiency to deliver sustainable compounding growth. Reflecting this approach and in light of the Company's substantial headroom under its facilities and target leverage, on 28 July 2023 the Company launched a share buyback programme of the Company's ordinary shares for up to a maximum aggregate consideration of £30m. The share buyback programme concluded on 13 June 2024. Total shares purchased by the Group through the share buyback programme during the year was 7,104,291 shares.
The Company is aware of the following persons who, either directly or indirectly, held 3% or more of the issued share capital of the Company as at 30 April 2024:
| 30 April 2024 | % | |
|---|---|---|
| Lombard Odier Investment Managers | 19,831,905 | 8.73 |
| Fidelity International | 18,431,711 | 8.11 |
| Aberforth Partners** | 15,809,540 | 6.96 |
| Schroder Investment Management | 11,753,161 | 5.17 |
| BlackRock* | 11,452,427 | 5.04 |
| Vanguard Group* | 11,408,509 | 5.02 |
| Dimensional Fund Advisors* | 10,133,883 | 4.46 |
| JO Hambro Capital Management* | 9,895,717 | 4.36 |
| LSV Asset Management * | 7,381,322 | 3.25 |
| Employee Benefit Trust * | 7,172, 946 | 3.16 |
| Janus Henderson Investors * | 6,989,862 | 3.08 |
* Information obtained from the Company's share register analysis.
Corporate governance
** In the period from 30 April 2024 to 10 July 2024, the Company received a further notification from Aberforth Partners LLP disclosing that its holding had decreased to 11,331,583 ordinary shares (4.99% of the total voting rights in the Company).
The names of the Directors who served on the Board during the year are set out on pages 94 to 95. Director Resolutions to reappoint each of the Directors in office at the date of this report will be proposed at the AGM. Termination provisions in respect of Executive Directors' contracts can be found in the Directors' Remuneration report, starting on page 110.
As permitted by the Company's Articles, qualifying third party indemnities for each Director of the Company were in place throughout their periods of office during the year and, for those currently in office, remained in force as at the date of signing of this report.
The Company's Articles are available on the Company's website: www.zigup.com
The Group welcomes and gives full and fair consideration to applications for employment from persons with a disability (both visible and non-visible). Our focus is on providing the right tools to support both current and future employees to be successful in the workplace. The Group assists employees who have a disability with training, career development and progression opportunities and, in a situation where an existing employee develops a disability, our approach is to provide continuing support and training wherever possible. Where changes to working practices or structure affect employees, they are consulted and given the appropriate assistance.
We are committed to ensuring that we can create a safe and inclusive environment for our people, and we continue to work to ensure our commitments are well implemented across all areas of the Group. All employees are provided with information on matters of concern to them in their work, through regular briefing meetings and internal publications. To inform employees of the economic and financial factors affecting our business, regular updates are posted on our intranet, and we receive internal-wide communications of matters of interest from the CEO. Alongside this, information is cascaded to employees through senior management, also boosting employee engagement. Group incentive schemes reinforce financial and economic factors affecting the performance of the business. In recent years the Company has successfully operated the SAYE risk free share saving programme across the Group and the Free Share programme, under which all employees were provided with £500 worth of free shares in the Company in December 2022 and again in October 2023, allowing colleagues the opportunity to participate in the success of the Group and promoting alignment of interests between colleagues and shareholders.
The Group also engages with its employees in the business through the Employee Engagement Forum, which is chaired by a senior member of the Group Management Board. The Forum comprises members from across the Group to ensure a balanced representation of the workforce and is attended by other members of senior management from time to time. The Employee Engagement Forum is a forum which allows employees to address any matters of concern they have about the Group, and any matters which are deemed to be of material importance are cascaded to the Board. For further information relating to the work of the Employee Engagement Forum please see page 111 of the Directors' Remuneration report.
In 2024 the Group also held a leadership event, at which 200 colleagues were invited to hear the Executive Committee present and discuss the refreshed strategic framework and purpose, new corporate brand, and corporate name. Further engagement since the leadership event, centring around the refreshed strategic framework, has included internal roadshows, town halls and team sessions.
The Board understands the importance of the need to foster the business's relationships with customers, suppliers and investors. Examples of how the Board engaged directly with customers and suppliers during the year are as follows:
The Company regularly engages with its customers to understand their needs and enable them to receive the widest of benefits through the Company's customer offering. As part of this the Board considered during the year both the services the customers look to receive and the requirements that underpin demand for these services. The Company also engages with its suppliers at the outset of the relationship to agree on performance metrics and ensure continual monitoring and performance. Regular meetings with our suppliers are undertaken, which also includes periodic performance reviews to ensure compliance with the Company's Modern Slavery statement and its Code of Conduct. The Board also reviewed and approved the Group's Modern Slavery statement.
During the year, the Board approved and oversaw the implementation of a refreshed strategic framework.
Further detail on how the Directors have discharged their duties under Section 172(1) of the CA 2006 is included on pages 82 to 85.
Details of likely future developments affecting the Group are included within the CEO review on pages 20 to 23 and within the Our strategy section on pages 16 to 17.
Subject to shareholder approval, the Directors are recommending a final dividend of 17.5p per share (2023: 16.5p) which will be paid on 27 September to shareholders on the register as at close of business on 30 August. Dividend waiver arrangements are in place for shares held employee trusts and shares held in treasury.
No political donations were made by the Group in the year.
As a Group our interests and activities are operated through subsidiaries in the UK, Spain and Ireland, and are subject to the laws and regulations of these jurisdictions.
There are no overseas branches.
The Group's financing facilities (Note 20 to the financial statements) and share plans are subject to change of control provisions.
The Group carries out research and development necessary to support its principal activities as a mobility solutions provider.
The disclosures regarding greenhouse gas emissions, energy consumption and energy efficiency actions included in the CA 2006 (Strategic Report and Directors' Report) Regulations 2013 (as amended) are included in the TCFD and SECR report of the Strategic Report on pages 69 to 79.
The Directors' Remuneration report contains:
The statement by the Chairman and Annual report on remuneration will be put to an advisory shareholder vote by ordinary resolution.
The Directors' Remuneration report can be found on pages 110 to 122 and is incorporated in this Directors' report by reference.
Dividend waiver arrangements are in place for the employee trusts and shares held in treasury.
| Section Topic | Location | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Interest capitalised | N/A |
| 2 | Publication of unaudited financial information | N/A |
| 3 | Details of long term incentive schemes | This can be found in the Directors' Remuneration report on pages 110 to 122 |
| 4 | Waiver of emoluments by a Director | N/A |
| 5 | Waiver of future emoluments by a Director | N/A |
| 6 | Non pre-emptive issues of equity for cash | N/A |
| 7 | As item (6), in relation to major subsidiary undertakings |
N/A |
| 8 | Parent participation in a placing by a listed subsidiary |
N/A |
| 9 | Significant agreements | This can be found on page 125 of the Directors' report. |
| 10 | Provision of services by a controlling shareholder N/A | |
| 11 | Shareholder waivers of dividends | This can be found immediately above this table |
| 12 | Shareholder waiver of future dividends | N/A |
| 13 | Agreements with controlling shareholders | N/A |
The minimum notice period permitted by the CA 2006 for general meetings of listed companies is 21 days, but the CA 2006 provides that companies may reduce this period to 14 days (other than for AGMs) provided that two conditions are met. The first condition is that the Company offers a facility for shareholders to vote by electronic means. This condition is met if the Company offers a facility, accessible to all shareholders, to appoint a proxy by means of a website.
A separate notice of AGM has been issued to all shareholders which includes details of the Company's arrangements for electronic proxy appointment. The second condition is that there is an annual resolution of shareholders approving the reduction of the minimum notice period from 21 days to 14 days.
Financial statements
A resolution to approve 14 days as the minimum period of notice for all general meetings of the Company other than AGMs will be proposed at the AGM. The approval will be effective until the Company's next AGM, when it is intended that the approval be renewed.
It is the Board's intention that this authority would not be used as a matter of routine but only when merited by the circumstances of the meeting and in the best interests of shareholders.
Details of the Group's use of financial instruments are given in the Financial review on pages 40 to 50 and in Note 30 to the financial statements.
There have been no notable events since the end of the financial year.
In the case of each of the persons who are Directors of the Company at the date when this report was approved:
This confirmation is given and should be interpreted in accordance with the provisions of Section 418 of the CA 2006.
A resolution for the appointment of PwC as auditors of the Company will be proposed at the forthcoming AGM. This proposal is supported by the Audit Committee.
The Directors' report, comprising the Corporate governance report and the reports of the Audit, Nominations and Remuneration Committees, have been approved by the Board and signed on its behalf.
By order of the Board.
Chairman
10 July 2024
in respect of the financial statements
Shareholder and other information
Company law requires the Directors to prepare financial statements for each financial year. Under that law the Directors have prepared the Group financial statements in accordance with UK-adopted international accounting standards and the Company financial statements in accordance with United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice (United Kingdom Accounting Standards, comprising FRS 101 "Reduced Disclosure Framework", and applicable law).
Under Company law, Directors must not approve the financial statements unless they are satisfied that they give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the Group and Company and of the profit or loss of the Group for that period. In preparing the financial statements, the Directors are required to:
The Directors are responsible for safeguarding the assets of the Group and Company and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities.
The Directors are also responsible for keeping adequate accounting records that are sufficient to show and explain the Group's and Company's transactions and disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the Group and Company and enable them to ensure that the financial statements and the Directors' Remuneration report comply with the CA 2006.
The Directors are responsible for the maintenance and integrity of the Company's website. Legislation in the United Kingdom governing the preparation and dissemination of financial statements may differ from legislation in other jurisdictions.
Each of the Directors, whose names and functions are listed in the Corporate Governance section confirm that, to the best of their knowledge:
By Order of the Board
Chief Executive Officer
10 July 2024
to the members of ZIGUP plc (formerly Redde Northgate plc)
In our opinion:
We have audited the financial statements, included within the Annual Report and Accounts (the "Annual Report"), which comprise: the Consolidated and Company Balance sheets as at 30 April 2024; the Consolidated income statement, the Consolidated statement of comprehensive income, the Consolidated cash flow statement and the Consolidated and Company Statements of changes in equity for the year then ended; and the notes to the financial statements, comprising material accounting policy information and other explanatory information.
Our opinion is consistent with our reporting to the Audit Committee.
We conducted our audit in accordance with International Standards on Auditing (UK) ("ISAs (UK)") and applicable law. Our responsibilities under ISAs (UK) are further described in the Auditors' responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements section of our report. We believe that the audit evidence we have obtained is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our opinion.
We remained independent of the Group in accordance with the ethical requirements that are relevant to our audit of the financial statements in the UK, which includes the FRC's Ethical Standard, as applicable to listed public interest entities, and we have fulfilled our other ethical responsibilities in accordance with these requirements.
To the best of our knowledge and belief, we declare that non-audit services prohibited by the FRC's Ethical Standard were not provided.
Other than those disclosed in Note 6, we have provided no non-audit services to the Company or its controlled undertakings in the period under audit.
Strategic report
As part of designing our audit, we determined materiality and assessed the risks of material misstatement in the financial statements.
Corporate governance
ZIGUP plc 128 Annual Report and Accounts 2024
greatest effect on: the overall audit strategy; the allocation of resources in the audit; and directing the efforts of the engagement team. These matters, and any comments we make on the results of our procedures thereon, were addressed in the context of our audit of the financial statements as a whole, and in forming our opinion thereon, and we do not provide a separate opinion on these matters.
Key audit matters are those matters that, in the auditors' professional judgement, were of most significance in the audit of the financial statements of the current period and include the most significant assessed risks of
to the members of ZIGUP plc (formerly Redde Northgate plc)
This is not a complete list of all risks identified by our audit.
Independent auditors' report continued
The key audit matters below are consistent with last year.
Key audit matters
The Group has a total of £1,300.7m (2023: £1,163.6m) of vehicle assets held for hire with a depreciation charge totalling £205.2m (2023: £152.7m). The Group adopts an accounting policy that uses depreciation rates based on estimated useful lives, with the anticipation that the net book value of these vehicle assets approximates to their market value at the time of disposal. This policy seeks to minimise any significant gains or losses upon disposal of the vehicle assets. This policy requires management to make an estimate of what the residual value will be at the time of disposal. Determining likely residual values for future vehicle disposals is judgemental and requires a number of judgements and estimates to be made, including the age, condition and expected future market conditions, such as forecast levels of supply and demand. Further explanation is included in the Group's critical accounting judgements and key sources of estimation uncertainty in Note 3 and the Report of the Audit Committee on pages 103 to 107. The disclosures in respect of vehicle assets held for hire are shown in Notes 2, 3 and 14.
We have obtained management's model to support the depreciation rates selected and confirmed its mathematical accuracy. We challenged management's assumptions of expected future market values of hire vehicles, taking into account the various judgements used in the calculation of future residual values. We have also considered how future average prices correlate with expectations around vehicle supply and have corroborated management's expectations of vehicle supply and demand against external third party industry reports. In addition we performed sensitivities on the residual values used by management. We performed detailed testing of the calculations supporting the estimates and judgements taken by management, including comparisons to recent actual market prices achieved on disposal of similar vehicles. We challenged management's assumptions in respect of the future changes to the vehicle hire fleet, including expected infleets, defleets and purchase pricing. We have tested the actual outturn in the year against management judgements as part of our lookback procedures. We also considered the adequacy of the Group's disclosures in respect of the estimation uncertainty in setting appropriate depreciation rates. Based on the procedures performed, we were able to obtain sufficient audit evidence in respect of the judgements and estimates applied by management in
determining the depreciation rates used.
Within the Claims & Services operating segment the Group recognises contract assets amounting to £196.0m (2023: £240.6m) on claims due from insurance companies and self-insuring organisations which are subject to the insurance claims being settled. Included within this balance is revenue recognised on non-protocol claims which represents variable consideration and is subject to a variable consideration adjustment which takes into account the settlement risk. This includes historical and expected collection rates, as well as the aged profile of amounts due. The assumptions underlying the calculation of the variable consideration adjustment, as well as the adjustments made, involve significant judgement and therefore impact both the carrying value of the associated assets and revenue recognised in relation to the associated claims. We determined that the valuation of outstanding claims,which incorporates the variable consideration adjustment,has a high degree of estimation uncertainty, with a potential range of reasonable outcomes greater than our materiality for the financial statements as a whole, and possibly many times that amount. Further explanation of the estimation uncertainty is included in the critical accounting judgements and key sources of estimation uncertainty in Note 3 and the Report of the Audit Committee on pages 103 to 107.
We assessed the accounting policy and approach to recognising revenue to ensure it was consistent with the principles of IFRS 15 "Revenue from contracts with customers" and in particular variable consideration. We reperformed the calculation within the model from the input data such as the ageing and recovery rates. We assessed and challenged the key assumptions used by management to derive the variable consideration adjustment, taking into account historical collection rates for individual insurers for each category of claim and any outliers within the data. We assessed whether there was any contradictory evidence which could call into question the assumptions made and we corroborated explanations provided to supporting information or evidence. We formed an independent view of the adequacy of the variable consideration adjustment, by obtaining invoice and settlement data since January 2016. We used this data to analyse the historical collection performance of monthly cohorts of invoices for each category of claim and derived an expectation of the potential settlement of claims outstanding at the balance sheet date. We also requested management perform a lookback test, by assessing the outcome of cash settlements in the period against the assumptions made in determining the variable consideration adjustment at the previous balance sheet date. Using the historical recovery rates and aging profiles we calculated an auditor's range as of the expected provision required. The results of this lookback test have been disclosed in the financial statements within Note 17, receivables and contract assets. We have considered the adequacy of the disclosures in respect of estimation uncertainty included within the financial statements. Based on the procedures above, we concluded that the level of the provision held at the balance sheet date is reasonable.
Shareholder and other information
The Company has significant investments in respect of acquisitions made across various subsidiaries amounting to £451.0m (2023: £447.9m) and amounts owed from subsidiary undertakings amounting to £1,078.6m (2023: £1,111.5m). The recoverable amount of the subsidiary is impacted by various factors, a number of which are outside of ZIGUP's control, which could affect whether results are in line with expectations. Where a subsidiary has been subject to poor historical performance, there is a risk around the recoverability of this investment. There is inherent uncertainty and judgement in forecasting future cash flows, and therefore this is a particularly judgemental area of the audit. Amounts due from Group undertakings are considered as part of management's IFRS 9 expected credit loss assessment. The disclosures in respect of investments in subsidiary undertakings and amounts owed by subsidiary undertakings are shown in Notes 2, 3, 5 and 7.
We evaluated and challenged management's process for assessing impairment triggers for investments in subsidiary undertakings and management's IFRS 9 expected credit loss assessment in respect of amounts owed by subsidiary undertakings. We have undertaken the following in respect of the investment in subsidiary undertakings:
We have considered management's approach to the expected credit loss assessment of each of the counterparty balances and the risk of default. We have also considered the adequacy of the disclosures in respect of investments in subsidiary undertakings and amounts receivable from subsidiary undertakings. We are satisfied with management's conclusion on the carrying value of investments and amounts due from subsidiary undertakings.
We tailored the scope of our audit to ensure that we performed enough work to be able to give an opinion on the financial statements as a whole, taking into account the structure of the Group and the Company, the accounting processes and controls, and the industry in which they operate.
The Group is organised into 38 reporting components and the Group financial statements are a consolidation of these reporting components. The reporting components vary in size and we identified five components, in the UK and Spain, that required a full-scope audit of their financial information due to either their size or risk characteristics; four of these were audited by the Group engagement team. There is one significant component based overseas, Northgate España Renting Flexible S.A., which has been audited by PwC component auditors.
Specific audit procedures were performed over a further four reporting components due to their contributions to the financial statement line items in the Group financial statements. These include procedures over cash and bank balances, interest in associates, other intangible assets, property, plant and equipment, cost of sales, foreign exchange differences, staff costs, lease liabilities, trade and other payables and amortisation of intangible assets.
Our audit scope was determined by considering the significance of each component's contribution to profit before tax and exceptional items, and individual financial statement line items, with specific consideration to obtaining sufficient coverage over significant risks. As a result of this scoping we obtained coverage over 76% of the consolidated revenues and 82% of the consolidated profit before tax and exceptional items. The Group engagement team were significantly involved at all stages of the component audit by virtue of numerous communications throughout, including the issuance of detailed audit instructions and review and discussions of the audit approach and findings, in particular over our areas of focus. The Group audit team met with local management and the component audit team and attended their clearance meeting. In addition, we reviewed the component team reporting results and their supporting working papers, which together with the additional procedures performed at Group level, gave us the evidence required for our opinion on the financial statements as a whole. Our audit procedures at the Group level included the audit of the consolidation, goodwill and other intangible assets, investments in associates, income and deferred taxation and certain aspects of IFRS 16 'Leases'. The Group engagement team also performed the audit of the Company.
to the members of ZIGUP plc (formerly Redde Northgate plc)
Climate change is expected to present both risks and opportunities for the Group. As explained in the Sustainability section of the Strategic Report, the Group is mindful of its impact on the environment and is focused on ways to reduce climate-related impacts as management continues to develop its plans towards a net zero pathway by 2050. Management's climate change initiatives and commitments will impact the Group in a variety of ways, and while the Group has started to quantify some of the impacts that may arise on its net zero pathway, the future financial impacts are clearly uncertain given the medium to long term horizon. Disclosure of the impact of climate change risk based on management's current assessment is incorporated in the Task Force on climate related financial disclosures (TCFD) section of the Annual Report.
As part of our audit, we made enquiries of management to understand the extent of the potential impact of climate change on the Group's business and the financial statements, including reviewing management's climate change risk assessment which was prepared with support from an external expert. We used our knowledge of the Group to evaluate the risk assessment performed by management.
We assessed that the key areas in the financial statements which are more likely to be materially impacted by climate change are those areas that are based on future cash flows. As a result, we particularly considered how climate change risks and the impact of climate commitments made by the Group could impact the assumptions made in the forecasts prepared by management that are used in the Group's impairment analysis and for going concern purposes. We challenged how management had considered longer term physical risks such as severe weather-related impacts, and shorter-term transitional risks such as policy changes in fuel subsidies and limited supply of EVs and hybrids. Our procedures did not identify any material impact on our audit for the year ended 30 April 2024. We also checked the consistency of the disclosures in the TCFD section of the Annual Report with the relevant financial statement disclosures, including the going concern section of the accounting policies, and with our understanding of the business and knowledge obtained in the audit.
We confirmed with management and the Audit Committee that the estimated financial impacts of climate change will be reassessed prospectively and our expectation is that climate change disclosures will evolve as the understanding of the actual and potential impacts on the Group's future operations are established with greater certainty.
The scope of our audit was influenced by our application of materiality. We set certain quantitative thresholds for materiality. These, together with qualitative considerations, helped us to determine the scope of our audit and the nature, timing and extent of our audit procedures on the individual financial statement line items and disclosures and in evaluating the effect of misstatements, both individually and in aggregate on the financial statements as a whole.
Based on our professional judgement, we determined materiality for the financial statements as a whole as follows:
| Financial statements – Group | Financial statements – Company | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall materiality | £8,100,000 (2023: £9,600,000). | £15,700,000 (2023: £15,600,000). | |
| How we determined it | 5% of profit before tax and exceptional items |
1% of total assets | |
| Rationale for benchmark applied |
Based on the benchmarks used in the Annual Report, profit before tax and exceptional items is the primary measure used by the shareholders in assessing the performance of the Group, and is a generally accepted auditing benchmark. We have chosen this as our benchmark as it is a key performance measure disclosed to users of the financial statements. This figure takes prominence in the Annual Report, as well as the communications to both the shareholders and the market, and an element of management remuneration is linked to this performance measure. Based on this it is considered appropriate to use |
We believe that total assets are considered to be appropriate as it is not a profit oriented Company. The Company is a non-trading holding Company only and therefore total assets is deemed a generally accepted auditing benchmark. The Company has been included as a full scope component in the scope of the Group audit and was audited to a lower capped materiality. |
|
| the adjusted profit before tax figure for the year as an appropriate benchmark. |
Financial statements
For each component in the scope of our Group audit, we allocated a materiality that is less than our overall Group materiality. The range of materiality allocated across components was between £3.7m and £6.8m. Certain components were audited to a local statutory audit materiality that was also less than our overall Group materiality.
We use performance materiality to reduce to an appropriately low level the probability that the aggregate of uncorrected and undetected misstatements exceeds overall materiality. Specifically, we use performance materiality in determining the scope of our audit and the nature and extent of our testing of account balances, classes of transactions and disclosures, for example in determining sample sizes. Our performance materiality was 75% (2023: 75%) of overall materiality, amounting to £6,100,000 (2023: £7,200,000) for the Group financial statements and £11,775,000 (2023: £11,700,000) for the Company financial statements.
In determining the performance materiality, we considered a number of factors – the history of misstatements, risk assessment and aggregation risk and the effectiveness of controls – and concluded that an amount at the upper end of our normal range was appropriate.
We agreed with the Audit Committee that we would report to them misstatements identified during our audit above £405,000 (Group audit) (2023: £480,000) and £785,000 (Company audit) (2023: £780,000) as well as misstatements below those amounts that, in our view, warranted reporting for qualitative reasons.
Our evaluation of the Directors' assessment of the Group's and the Company's ability to continue to adopt the going concern basis of accounting included:
Based on the work we have performed, we have not identified any material uncertainties relating to events or conditions that, individually or collectively, may cast significant doubt on the Group's and the Company's ability to continue as a going concern for a period of at least 12 months from when the financial statements are authorised for issue.
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.
However, because not all future events or conditions can be predicted, this conclusion is not a guarantee as to the Group's and the Company's ability to continue as a going concern.
In relation to the Directors' reporting on how they have applied the UK Corporate Governance Code, we have nothing material to add or draw attention to in relation to the Directors' statement in the financial statements about whether the Directors considered it appropriate to adopt the going concern basis of accounting.
Our responsibilities and the responsibilities of the Directors with respect to going concern are described in the relevant sections of this report.
The other information comprises all of the information in the Annual Report other than the financial statements and our auditors' report thereon. The Directors are responsible for the other information. Our opinion on the financial statements does not cover the other information and, accordingly, we do not express an audit opinion or, except to the extent otherwise explicitly stated in this report, any form of assurance thereon.
In connection with our audit of the financial statements, our responsibility is to read the other information and, in doing so, consider whether the other information is materially inconsistent with the financial statements or our knowledge obtained in the audit, or otherwise appears to be materially misstated. If we identify an apparent material inconsistency or material misstatement, we are required to perform procedures to conclude whether there is a material misstatement of the financial statements or a material misstatement of the other information. If, based on the work we have performed, we conclude that there is a material misstatement of this other information, we are required to report that fact. We have nothing to report based on these responsibilities.
With respect to the Strategic Report and Report of the Directors, we also considered whether the disclosures required by the UK Companies Act 2006 have been included.
Based on our work undertaken in the course of the audit, the Companies Act 2006 requires us also to report certain opinions and matters as described below.
In our opinion, based on the work undertaken in the course of the audit, the information given in the Strategic Report and Report of the Directors for the year ended 30 April 2024 is consistent with the financial statements and has been prepared in accordance with applicable legal requirements.
In light of the knowledge and understanding of the Group and Company and their environment obtained in the course of the audit, we did not identify any material misstatements in the Strategic Report and Report of the Directors.
In our opinion, the part of the Directors' Remuneration report to be audited has been properly prepared in accordance with the Companies Act 2006.
The Listing Rules require us to review the Directors' statements in relation to going concern, longer term viability and that part of the corporate governance statement relating to the Company's compliance with the provisions of the UK Corporate Governance Code specified for our review. Our additional responsibilities with respect to the corporate governance statement as other information are described in the Reporting on other information section of this report.
Based on the work undertaken as part of our audit, we have concluded that each of the following elements of the corporate governance statement, included within the Corporate governance section of the Annual Report and Accounts, is materially consistent with the financial statements and our knowledge obtained during the audit, and we have nothing material to add or draw attention to in relation to:
Our review of the Directors' statement regarding the longer-term viability of the Group and Company was substantially less in scope than an audit and only consisted of making inquiries and considering the Directors' process supporting their statement; checking that the statement is in alignment with the relevant provisions of the UK Corporate Governance Code; and considering whether the statement is consistent with the financial statements and our knowledge and understanding of the Group and Company and their environment obtained in the course of the audit.
Financial statements
In addition, based on the work undertaken as part of our audit, we have concluded that each of the following elements of the corporate governance statement is materially consistent with the financial statements and our knowledge obtained during the audit:
We have nothing to report in respect of our responsibility to report when the Directors' statement relating to the Company's compliance with the Code does not properly disclose a departure from a relevant provision of the Code specified under the Listing Rules for review by the auditors.
As explained more fully in the Statement of Directors' responsibilities in respect of the financial statements, the Directors are responsible for the preparation of the financial statements in accordance with the applicable framework and for being satisfied that they give a true and fair view. The Directors are also responsible for such internal control as they determine is necessary to enable the preparation of financial statements that are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error.
In preparing the financial statements, the Directors are responsible for assessing the Group's and the Company's ability to continue as a going concern, disclosing, as applicable, matters related to going concern and using the going concern basis of accounting unless the Directors either intend to liquidate the Group or the Company or to cease operations, or have no realistic alternative but to do so.
to the members of ZIGUP plc (formerly Redde Northgate plc)
Our objectives are to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements as a whole are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error, and to issue an auditors' report that includes our opinion. Reasonable assurance is a high level of assurance, but is not a guarantee that an audit conducted in accordance with ISAs (UK) will always detect a material misstatement when it exists. Misstatements can arise from fraud or error and are considered material if, individually or in the aggregate, they could reasonably be expected to influence the economic decisions of users taken on the basis of these financial statements.
Irregularities, including fraud, are instances of non-compliance with laws and regulations. We design procedures in line with our responsibilities, outlined above, to detect material misstatements in respect of irregularities, including fraud. The extent to which our procedures are capable of detecting irregularities, including fraud, is detailed below.
Based on our understanding of the Group and industry, we identified that the principal risks of non-compliance with laws and regulations related to direct laws and regulations, for example corporation tax legislation and the Companies Act 2006, and we considered the extent to which non-compliance might have a material effect on the financial statements. We evaluated management's incentives and opportunities for fraudulent manipulation of the financial statements (including the risk of override of controls), and determined that the principal risks were related to posting inappropriate journal entries to manipulate revenue and financial performance and management bias included within accounting judgements and estimates. The Group engagement team shared this risk assessment with the component auditors so that they could include appropriate audit procedures in response to such risks in their work. Audit procedures performed by the Group engagement team and/or component auditors included:
There are inherent limitations in the audit procedures described above. We are less likely to become aware of instances of non-compliance with laws and regulations that are not closely related to events and transactions reflected in the financial statements. Also, 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 deliberate concealment by, for example, forgery or intentional misrepresentations, or through collusion.
Our audit testing might include testing complete populations of certain transactions and balances, possibly using data auditing techniques. However, it typically involves selecting a limited number of items for testing, rather than testing complete populations. We will often seek to target particular items for testing based on their size or risk characteristics. In other cases, we will use audit sampling to enable us to draw a conclusion about the population from which the sample is selected.
A further description of our responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements is located on the FRC's website at: www.frc.org.uk/auditorsresponsibilities. This description forms part of our auditors' report.
This report, including the opinions, has been prepared for and only for the Company's members as a body in accordance with Chapter 3 of Part 16 of the Companies Act 2006 and for no other purpose. We do not, in giving these opinions, accept or assume responsibility for any other purpose or to any other person to whom this report is shown or into whose hands it may come save where expressly agreed by our prior consent in writing.
Under the Companies Act 2006 we are required to report to you if, in our opinion:
We have no exceptions to report arising from this responsibility.
Shareholder and other information
to the members of ZIGUP plc (formerly Redde Northgate plc)
Following the recommendation of the Audit Committee, we were appointed by the members on 17 June 2015 to audit the financial statements for the year ended 30 April 2016 and subsequent financial periods. The period of total uninterrupted engagement is nine years, covering the years ended 30 April 2016 to 30 April 2024.
The company is required by the Financial Conduct Authority Disclosure Guidance and Transparency Rules to include these financial statements in an annual financial report prepared under the structured digital format required by DTR 4.1.15R – 4.1.18R and filed on the National Storage Mechanism of the Financial Conduct Authority. This auditors' report provides no assurance over whether the structured digital format annual financial report has been prepared in accordance with those requirements.
for and on behalf of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP Chartered Accountants and Statutory Auditors Newcastle upon Tyne
10 July 2024
| Strategic | |
|---|---|
| report |
| Strategic Corporate Financial Shareholder and report governance statements other information |
|---|
| ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| Revenue: hire of vehicles 5 649,271 610,502 Revenue: sale of vehicles 5 312,469 152,894 Revenue: claims and services 5 871,387 726,350 Total revenue 5 1,833,127 1,489,746 Cost of sales (1,400,236) Gross profit 432,891 435,573 Administrative expenses (excluding exceptional items) (229,270) Net impairment of trade receivables 6 (9,782) Exceptional administrative expenses: impairment of goodwill 12, 28 – Exceptional administrative expenses: impairment of other intangibles 13, 28 – Total administrative expenses (239,052) Operating profit 6 193,839 199,522 Share of net profit of associates accounted for using the equity method 15 1,296 2,520 EBIT 5 195,135 202,042 Finance income 596 90 Finance costs 8 (33,628) Profit before taxation 162,103 178,727 Taxation 9 (37,085) Profit for the year 125,018 139,238 |
Note(s) | 2024 £000 |
2023 £000 |
|---|---|---|---|
| (1,054,173) | |||
| (213,658) | |||
| (8,902) | |||
| (5,009) | |||
| (8,482) | |||
| (236,051) | |||
| (23,405) | |||
| (39,489) | |||
Profit for the year is wholly attributable to owners of the Parent Company. All results arise from continuing operations.
| Earnings per share | 2024 | 2023 |
|---|---|---|
| Basic 11 |
55.2p | 60.3p |
| Diluted 11 |
54.0p | 58.7p |
Throughout this report we refer to underlying results in order to allow management and other stakeholders to better compare the performance of the Group between years. For a reconciliation of underlying to reported results see pages 51 to 52.
| Strategic | Corporate | Financial Financial |
Shareholder and |
|---|---|---|---|
| report | governance | statements | other information |
| Note | 2024 £000 |
2023 £000 |
|---|---|---|
| Amounts attributable to the owners of the Parent Company | ||
| Profit attributable to the owners | 125,018 | 139,238 |
| Other comprehensive (expense) income | ||
| Foreign exchange differences on retranslation of net assets of subsidiary undertakings 27 |
(15,326) | 23,689 |
| Net foreign exchange differences on long term borrowings held as hedges 27 |
11,252 | (17,741) |
| Foreign exchange difference on revaluation reserve 27 |
(33) | 54 |
| Net fair value gains on cash flow hedges | 104 | – |
| Deferred tax charge recognised directly in equity relating to cash flow hedges | (26) | – |
| Total other comprehensive (expense) income | (4,029) | 6,002 |
| Total comprehensive income for the year | 120,989 | 145,240 |
All items will subsequently be reclassified to the consolidated income statement.
| Note | 2024 £000 |
2023 £000 |
|---|---|---|
| Non-current assets | ||
| Goodwill 12 |
115,918 | 113,873 |
| Other intangible assets 13 |
111,054 | 127,828 |
| Property, plant and equipment 14 |
1,483,344 | 1,332,923 |
| Deferred tax assets 23 |
1,878 | 2,061 |
| Interest in associates 15 |
4,502 | 5,207 |
| Total non-current assets | 1,716,696 | 1,581,892 |
| Current assets | ||
| Inventories 16 |
38,261 | 54,537 |
| Receivables and contract assets 17 |
421,032 | 441,277 |
| Derivative financial instrument assets 22 |
104 | – |
| Current tax assets | 9,271 | 14,951 |
| Cash and bank balances | 39,802 | 14,122 |
| Total current assets | 508,470 | 524,887 |
| Total assets | 2,225,166 | 2,106,779 |
| Current liabilities | ||
| Trade and other payables 18 |
335,597 | 344,867 |
| Provisions 19 |
4,170 | 822 |
| Current tax liabilities | 29 | 20 |
| Lease liabilities 21 |
51,442 | 49,493 |
| Borrowings 20 |
57,542 | 14,079 |
| Total current liabilities | 448,780 | 409,281 |
| Net current assets | 59,690 | 115,606 |
| Non-current liabilities | ||
| Provisions 19 |
10,336 | 6,609 |
| Lease liabilities 21 |
113,082 | 107,272 |
| Borrowings 20 |
559,964 | 537,712 |
| Deferred tax liabilities 23 |
49,607 | 51,310 |
| Total non-current liabilities | 732,989 | 702,903 |
| Total liabilities | 1,181,769 | 1,112,184 |
| Net assets | 1,043,397 | 994,595 |
| Consolidated balance sheet continued | Strategic report |
Corporate governance |
Financial Financial statements statements |
Shareholder and other information |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| As at 30 April 2024 |
| 2024 | 2023 | |
|---|---|---|
| Note | £000 | £000 |
| Equity | ||
| Share capital 24 |
123,046 | 123,046 |
| Share premium account 25 |
113,510 | 113,510 |
| Treasury shares reserve 26 |
(67,488) | (60,420) |
| Own shares reserve 26 |
(9,694) | (9,615) |
| Translation reserve 27 |
(6,759) | (2,685) |
| Other reserves 27 |
330,534 | 330,489 |
| Retained earnings | ||
| At 1 May | 500,270 | 412,335 |
| Profit for the financial year | 125,018 | 139,238 |
| Other changes in retained earnings | (65,040) | (51,303) |
| At 30 April | 560,248 | 500,270 |
| Total equity | 1,043,397 | 994,595 |
Total equity is wholly attributable to the owners of the Parent Company (Company number 00053171). The financial statements on pages 137 to 189 were approved by the Board of Directors on 10 July 2024 and signed on its behalf by:
Philip Vincent
Chief Financial Officer
| Note | 2024 £000 |
2023 £000 |
|---|---|---|
| Net cash generated from operations (a) |
110,260 | 84,322 |
| Investing activities | ||
| Finance income | 596 | 90 |
| Distributions from associates 15 |
2,001 | 3,156 |
| Payment for acquisition of subsidiary, net of cash acquired 4 |
(4,051) | (10,004) |
| Proceeds from disposal of other property, plant and equipment | 1,432 | 678 |
| Purchases of other property, plant and equipment | (15,757) | (7,362) |
| Purchases of intangible assets | (2,019) | (1,765) |
| Net cash used in investing activities | (17,798) | (15,207) |
| Financing activities | ||
| Dividends paid | (56,178) | (52,220) |
| Receipt of bank loans and other borrowings | 33,078 | 96,807 |
| Debt issue costs paid | – | (950) |
| Principal element of lease payments | (65,047) | (65,110) |
| Payments to acquire treasury shares | (24,878) | (52,927) |
| Proceeds from sale of own shares | 2,829 | 1,414 |
| Net cash used in financing activities | (110,196) | (72,986) |
| Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents | (17,734) | (3,871) |
| Cash and cash equivalents at 1 May | 11,681 | 15,769 |
| Effect of foreign exchange movements | (765) | (217) |
| Cash and cash equivalents at 30 April (b) |
(6,818) | 11,681 |
For the year ended 30 April 2024
| Strategic | Corporate | Financial Financial |
Shareholder and |
|---|---|---|---|
| report | governance | statements | other information |
| 2024 £000 |
2023 £000 |
|
|---|---|---|
| Operating profit | 193,839 | 199,522 |
| Adjustments for: | ||
| Depreciation of property, plant and equipment | 231,293 | 175,066 |
| Impairment of goodwill | – | 5,009 |
| Impairment of other intangibles | – | 8,482 |
| Amortisation of intangible assets | 19,961 | 21,408 |
| (Gain) loss on disposal of other property, plant and equipment | (76) | 218 |
| Share options fair value charge | 5,239 | 4,647 |
| Operating cash flows before movements in working capital | 450,256 | 414,352 |
| (Decrease) increase in non-vehicle inventories | (2,788) | 273 |
| Decrease (increase) in receivables | 26,049 | (81,981) |
| (Increase) decrease in payables | (39,630) | 71,810 |
| Increase in provisions | 6,784 | 7,431 |
| Cash generated from operations | 440,671 | 411,885 |
| Income taxes paid, net | (33,371) | (36,640) |
| Interest paid | (31,486) | (21,150) |
| Net cash generated from operations before purchases of and proceeds from disposal of vehicles for hire | 375,814 | 354,095 |
| Purchases of vehicles for hire | (553,537) | (398,187) |
| Proceeds from disposals of vehicles for hire | 287,983 | 128,414 |
| Net cash generated from operations | 110,260 | 84,322 |
Cash outflows for additions and proceeds from disposal in relation to vehicles for hire are recognised within operating cashflows. Cash outflows for additions and proceeds from disposal in relation to other property, plant and equipment are recognised as investing activities.
| 2024 £000 |
2023 £000 |
|
|---|---|---|
| Cash and cash equivalents comprise: | ||
| Cash and bank balances | 39,802 | 14,122 |
| Bank overdrafts | (46,620) | (2,441) |
| Cash and cash equivalents | (6,818) | 11,681 |
Cash and bank balances are stated gross of arrangements that exist with lenders to pool accounts and offset balances.
| governance statements |
Strategic | Corporate | Financial | Shareholder and other information |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| -------------------------- | ----------- | ----------- | ----------- | -------------------------------------- |
| Share capital and share premium1 £000 |
Treasury shares reserve2 £000 |
Own shares reserve2 £000 |
Translation reserve3 £000 |
Other reserves3 £000 |
Retained earnings £000 |
Total £000 |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Total equity at 1 May 2022 | 236,556 | (7,493) | (16,439) | (8,633) | 330,435 | 412,335 | 946,761 |
| Share options fair value charge | – | – | – | – | – | 4,647 | 4,647 |
| Share options exercised | – | – | – | – | – | (5,410) | (5,410) |
| Dividends paid | – | – | – | – | – | (52,220) | (52,220) |
| Purchase of shares net of proceeds received on exercise of share options | – | (52,927) | 1,414 | – | – | – | (51,513) |
| Transfer of shares on vesting of share options | – | – | 5,410 | – | – | – | 5,410 |
| Deferred tax on share based payments recognised in equity | – | – | – | – | – | 1,680 | 1,680 |
| Total comprehensive income | – | – | – | 5,948 | 54 | 139,238 | 145,240 |
| Total equity at 30 April 2023 and 1 May 2023 | 236,556 | (60,420) | (9,615) | (2,685) | 330,489 | 500,270 | 994,595 |
| Share options fair value charge | – | – | – | – | – | 5,239 | 5,239 |
| Share options exercised | – | – | – | – | – | (14,902) | (14,902) |
| Dividends paid | – | – | – | – | – | (56,178) | (56,178) |
| Purchase of shares net of proceeds received on exercise of share options | – | (24,878) | 2,829 | – | – | – | (22,049) |
| Transfer treasury shares to own shares reserve | – | 17,810 | (17,810) | – | – | – | – |
| Transfer of shares on vesting of share options | – | – | 14,902 | – | – | – | 14,902 |
| Deferred tax on share based payments recognised in equity | – | – | – | – | – | 801 | 801 |
| Total comprehensive income | – | – | – | (4,074) | 45 | 125,018 | 120,989 |
| Total equity at 30 April 2024 | 236,556 | (67,488) | (9,694) | (6,759) | 330,534 | 560,248 | 1,043,397 |
1 Further details can be found within Note 24 and 25.
2 Further details can be found within Note 26.
3 Other reserves comprise the other reserve, capital redemption reserve, revaluation reserve, hedging reserve and merger reserve, further details on translation reserve and other reserves can be found within Note 27.
| Strategic | Corporate | Financial Financial |
Shareholder and |
|---|---|---|---|
| report | governance | statements | other information |
ZIGUP plc (formerly Redde Northgate plc) is a public limited company incorporated and domiciled in the United Kingdom under the Companies Act 2006. The address of the registered office is given on page 210 of this report. The nature of the Group's operations and its principal activities are set out in the Strategic Report on pages 2 to 85.
The financial statements are presented in Sterling because this is the currency of the primary economic environment in which the Group operates. Foreign operations are included in accordance with the policies set out in Note 2.
The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with UK-adopted International Accounting Standards and with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006 as applicable to companies reporting under those standards.
The financial information has been prepared on the historical cost basis, except for the revaluation of certain financial instruments.
With the exception of new accounting standards outlined below, all other accounting policies have been applied consistently.
The recognition and measurement of assets and liabilities considers the impact of climate-related matters which could reasonably be assumed to impact their value including in the assessment of potential impairment of assets (Note 12).
The financial statements have been prepared on the going concern basis as the Directors have a reasonable expectation that the Group has adequate resources for a period of at least 12 months from the date of approval, having reassessed the principal and emerging risks facing the Group and determined that there are no material uncertainties to disclose.
The Directors' assessment of the Group's ability to continue as a going concern includes an assessment of cash flow forecasts which incorporate an estimated impact of the current macroeconomic environment on the Group. This includes the consideration of a number of severe but plausible scenarios recognising the degree of uncertainty that continues to exist.
At 30 April 2024, there was £244m of headroom against the Group's borrowing facilities.
The following new standards, interpretations and amendments to standards are mandatory for the Group for the first time for the year ended 30 April 2024:
Amendments to the following standards:
The Group has considered the above amendments to published standards and has concluded the extent that these impact the Group. Amendments to IAS12 Taxation will be applicable to the Group and has been further explained within taxation policies and Note 9 to the financial statements. The remaining standards are deemed to have no material impact on the Group.
There are no further standards that have been issued but are not yet effective that would have a material impact on the Group.
| Strategic | Corporate | Financial | Shareholder and |
|---|---|---|---|
| governance | statements | other information |
Subsidiary undertakings are entities controlled by the Group. Control exists when the Company is exposed, or has rights, to variable returns from its involvement with the subsidiary and has the ability to affect those returns through its power over the subsidiary. The consolidated financial statements include the financial statements of the Company and its subsidiary undertakings made up to 30 April 2023 and 30 April 2024.
On acquisition, the assets, liabilities and contingent liabilities of a subsidiary undertaking are measured at their fair values at the date of acquisition. Any excess of the fair value of consideration over the fair values of the identifiable net assets acquired is recognised as goodwill. If the fair value of consideration is lower than the fair values of the identifiable net assets acquired (i.e. the difference) it is credited to the consolidated income statement in the period of acquisition.
Where necessary, adjustments are made to the financial statements of subsidiary undertakings to bring the accounting policies used into line with those used by the Group. All intra-Group transactions, balances, income and expenses are eliminated on consolidation.
Revenue from the hire of vehicles is recognised under IFRS 16 and as such is recognised evenly over the hire period.
Other Group revenue is measured and recognised in accordance with IFRS 15 at the fair value of consideration received or receivable from contracts with customers in respect of sale of used vehicles, the supply of related goods and services in the normal course of business and claims and services net of value added tax and discounts.
Revenue from the sale of used vehicles is derived from the resale of vehicles for hire and vehicles purchased directly for resale by the Group and is recognised at the point in time when the control is transferred. Revenues from the supply of related goods and services are recognised at the point which they are provided. Where cash is received in advance of customers collecting or taking delivery of vehicles, revenue is deferred until such point that the performance obligation within the contract is met.
Revenue is recognised on the basis of contractual performance obligations following the five step model under IFRS 15 and is the consideration to which the Group expects to be entitled based on contractual terms and customary business practice (after applying the variable consideration constraint), net of VAT and other sales taxes. Where more than one service is provided under a single arrangement, the consideration receivable is allocated to the identifiable services on the basis of a relative standalone selling price of the individual service.
Credit hire revenue is recognised from the date a vehicle is placed on hire, over time as the performance obligation is completed. Each performance obligation is the provision of an individual vehicle for the needed duration and is satisfied as the hire takes place. Vehicles are only supplied and remain on credit hire after a validation process that assesses to the Group's satisfaction that liability for the accident rests with another party. The rates used are based on daily commercial tariffs for particular categories of vehicles and are accrued on a daily basis, by claim, after adjustment for variable consideration to the expected settlement value, for an estimation of the extent to which insurers are entitled or expected to take advantage of the terms of the protocols that are in place.
The Group also receives late payment fees where relevant claims are not settled within the terms of any protocol arrangements or other agreements. Such charges are not recognised at the time of the hire transaction as they would be at significant risk of reversal; rather they are recognised on settlement of the related claim.
Credit repair revenue represents income from the recovery of the costs of repair of customers' vehicles carried out by third party bodyshops. Each performance obligation for this service is the repair of an individual vehicle and is satisfied over time as this repair takes place. Credit repair revenue is recognised based on a reasonable estimate of the cost and stage of completion of the repair services at the reporting date. Credit repair revenue is reported after adjustment for variable consideration to the expected settlement value. The Group records credit repair revenue on a principal basis as the service is controlled by the Group, which has primary responsibility for its provision. Managed repair revenue is recorded at a point in time when the repair is started based on the contractual value of each repair, net of discounts, VAT and other sales related taxes.
| Strategic | Corporate | Financial Financial |
Shareholder and |
|---|---|---|---|
| report | governance | statements statements |
other information |
Fleet and incident management revenue represents amounts chargeable, net of VAT, in respect of fleet and incident management and other related services provided to customers. The Group's performance obligations include various services related to the management of a fleet of vehicles, and revenue is recognised over time or at a point in time, depending on the individual service, as or when these obligations are performed. Where more than one service is provided under a single arrangement, the consideration receivable is allocated to the identifiable services on the basis of the relative standalone selling price of the individual service. In providing fleet and incident management services, the Group acts either as principal or agent. This is differentiated by the extent to which the Group has control over the service provided, primary responsibility for providing the service and discretion in establishing pricing. Where there are circumstances that do not meet the above criteria, and therefore the Group is not the principal in providing the service, revenue is accounted for on a net basis and comprises fees for processing services. Where the Group is acting as a principal, revenue is accounted for gross.
Revenue in respect of legal services represents amounts chargeable, net of VAT, in respect of legal services to customers. The Group's performance obligation is the provision of legal services, and revenue is recognised at a point in time when the case is settled or, in the case of interim and processing fees, over time as the legal work required to process the case is completed. Revenue in respect of cases which are contingent upon future events which are outside the control of the Group is not recognised until the contingent event has occurred and the performance obligation has been completed. Revenue in relation to legal services is valued at the expected recoverable amount, after due regard to non-recoverable time. Expected recoverable amount is based on chargeable time less any anticipated write-offs prior to completion. No value is placed on work in progress in respect of contingent fee cases until there is virtual certainty as to the receipt of cash flows, either through an interim fee or through the outcome of cases, to justify the recognition of an asset. Certain costs incurred and associated with partnerships and directly relating to the activities of the Group's legal services are held as prepayments until the corresponding benefits accrue to the business.
Revenue from vehicle repair contracts is recognised at the point in time when substantially all of the repair work is carried out, being when the performance obligation has been substantially achieved. Where cash is received in advance of repair services being performed, revenue is deferred until such point that the performance obligation within the contract is met.
Other accident management activities represent ancillary revenue streams, including hire of vehicles other than on a credit hire basis and the provision of outsourced fleet accident management services. Revenue for other accident management activities is recorded as the performance obligation is completed, over time or at a point in time depending on the nature of the service, at the fair value of the consideration received or receivable, net of discounts, VAT and other sales related taxes.
By their very nature, claims against motor insurance companies or self-insuring organisations can be subject to dispute, and are therefore considered to be variable consideration. On initial recognition, this consideration is adjusted to exclude any revenue at significant risk of reversal. As described above, the Group records revenue net of potential reversal on the settlement of claims, which reflects the Group's estimate of the expected recoverable amounts from insurers. The Group reassesses the amounts of variable consideration at the balance sheet date reflecting the latest information available on the settlement of claims in the period.
The Group's estimation of the amounts of revenue arising on settlement of claims is calculated with reference to a number of factors, including the Group's historical experience of collection levels, its anticipated collection profiles and analysis of the current profile of the claims against insurance companies. Although in principle this is determined by reference to individual cases, in practice the homogeneous nature of most claims means that the level of adjustment is calculated by reference to specific categories of claim.
Credit hire and credit repair contract assets and claims in progress are stated at the expected net claim value, which is after a variable consideration adjustment for an estimation of the extent to which insurers are entitled or expected to take advantage of settlement arrangements afforded under protocol agreements and an estimation of the expected adjustments arising on the settlement of claims. At the end of each reporting period the Group updates the estimated claim values, to reflect the Group's most recent estimation of amounts ultimately recoverable. Any further variable consideration adjustments arising from such subsequent vision of the Group's expected claim values are recorded in the consolidated income statement against revenue.
| Strategic | Corporate | Financial | Shareholder and |
|---|---|---|---|
| report | governance | statements | other information |
Acquisitions of businesses are accounted for using the acquisition method. The consideration transferred in a business combination is measured at fair value, which is calculated as the sum of the acquisition date fair values of assets transferred by the Group, liabilities incurred by the Group to the former owners of the acquiree and the equity interest issued by the Group in exchange for control of the acquiree. Acquisition-related costs are recognised in the consolidated income statement as incurred.
At the acquisition date, the provisional identifiable assets acquired and the liabilities assumed are recognised at their fair value, except that:
Hindsight adjustments to the provisional identifiable assets acquired and the liabilities assumed are recognised within 12 months from the date of acquisition if necessary.
Goodwill represents amounts arising on acquisition of subsidiary undertakings and is the difference between the fair value of consideration of the acquisition and the fair value of the net identifiable assets and liabilities acquired.
Goodwill is stated at cost less any accumulated impairment losses identified through annual or other tests for impairment. Any impairment is recognised immediately in the consolidated income statement and is not subsequently reversed. Where the fair value of consideration is less than the fair value of the net identifiable assets and liabilities acquired this gain on bargain purchase is recognised immediately in the consolidated income statement.
Intangible assets acquired in a business combination and recognised separately from goodwill are recognised initially at their fair value at the acquisition date (which is regarded as their cost). Subsequent to initial recognition, intangible assets acquired in a business combination are reported at cost less accumulated amortisation and accumulated impairment losses, on the same basis as intangible assets that are acquired separately. The estimated useful lives are as follows:
| Customer relationships | 5 to 13 years |
|---|---|
| Brand names | 3 to 15 years |
| Other software | 3 to 10 years |
Other intangible assets are stated at cost less accumulated amortisation and impairment losses. Other intangible assets are amortised on a straight line basis over their estimated useful lives, which range from three to 10 years, amortisation is presented in administrative expenses within the consolidated income statement.
Intangible assets in the course of development are stated at cost less any impairment losses. Development costs are capitalised after the technical and commercial feasibility of the asset has been established. Amortisation is not charged on assets in the course of development. Amortisation commences when the asset is brought into use.
The Group's interests in associates, being those entities over which it has significant influence, and which are not subsidiaries, are accounted for using the equity method of accounting. Significant influence is the power to participate in the financial and operating policy decisions of the investee but is not control or joint control over those policies. Under the equity method, the interest in associate is carried in the balance sheet at cost plus post-acquisition changes in the Group's share of net assets of the associate, less distributions received and less any impairment in the value of individual investments. The Group income statement reflects the share of the associates' results after tax.
| Strategic | Corporate | Financial Financial |
Shareholder and |
|---|---|---|---|
| report | governance | statements statements |
other information |
Property, plant and equipment is stated at historical cost, less accumulated depreciation and any provision for impairment. Certain properties were revalued prior to the adoption of IFRS. These valuations were treated as deemed cost at the time of adopting IFRS for the first time. Depreciation is provided so as to write off the cost of assets to residual values on a straight line basis over the assets' useful estimated lives as follows:
| Freehold buildings | 50 years |
|---|---|
| Leasehold buildings | 50 years or over the life of the lease, whichever is shorter, unless the entity expects to use the assets beyond the lease term |
| Plant, equipment and fittings | 3 to 10 years |
| Vehicles for hire | 3 to 12 years |
| Motor vehicles | 3 to 6 years |
Vehicles for hire are depreciated on a straight line basis using depreciation rates that reflect economic lives of between three and 12 years, averaging around 8.5 years. These depreciation rates have been determined with the anticipation that the net book values at the point the vehicles are transferred into inventories is in line with the open market values for those vehicles.
The Group is required to review its depreciation rates and estimated useful lives regularly to ensure that the expected net book values of disposals of tangible assets are broadly equivalent to their expected market values net of directly attributable selling costs.
Freehold land is not depreciated. On the subsequent sale or retirement of properties revalued prior to the adoption of IFRS, the attributable revaluation surplus remaining in the revaluation reserve is transferred directly to retained earnings. The residual value, if not insignificant, is reassessed annually.
Investments in subsidiaries are shown at cost less any provision for impairment.
At each balance sheet date, the Group reviews the carrying amounts of their tangible and intangible assets to determine whether there is any indication that those assets have incurred 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).
The recoverable amount is the higher of fair value less selling costs and value in use. In assessing value in use, the estimated future cash flows are discounted to their present value using a pre-tax discount rate that reflects current market assessments of the time value of money and the risks specific to the asset for which the estimates of future cash flows have not been adjusted.
An impairment loss is recognised in the consolidated income statement whenever the carrying amount of an asset exceeds its recoverable amount. Impairment losses recognised in respect of cash generating units are allocated first to reduce the carrying amount of any goodwill allocated to cash generating units and then to reduce the carrying amount of other assets in the unit on a pro rata basis.
Where an impairment loss has been recognised in an earlier period, the Group reassesses whether there are any indications that such impairment has decreased or no longer exists. If an impairment has decreased or no longer exists, an impairment reversal on assets other than goodwill is recognised in the consolidated income statement to the extent required.
Used vehicles held for resale are valued at the lower of cost and net realisable value. Net realisable value represents the estimated selling price less costs to be incurred in marketing, selling and distribution.
Other inventories comprise spare parts and consumables and are valued at the lower of cost and net realisable value using the first in, first out (FIFO) costing method.
| Strategic | Corporate | Financial | Shareholder and |
|---|---|---|---|
| governance | statements | other information |
The tax expense represents the sum of the tax currently payable and deferred tax.
The tax currently payable is based on taxable profit for the year and any amounts outstanding in relation to previous years. Taxable profit differs from net profit as reported in the consolidated income statement because it excludes items of income or expense that are taxable or deductible in other years and it further excludes items that are never taxable or deductible.
Deferred tax is the tax expected to be payable or recoverable on differences between the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities in the financial statements and the corresponding tax bases used in the computation of taxable profit and is accounted for using the balance sheet liability method. Deferred tax liabilities are generally recognised for all taxable temporary differences and deferred tax assets are recognised to the extent that it is probable that taxable profits will be available against which deductible temporary differences can be utilised. Such assets and liabilities are not recognised if the temporary difference arises from 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.
The carrying amount of deferred tax assets is reviewed at each balance sheet 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 liabilities are recognised for taxable temporary differences arising on investments in subsidiaries except where the Group is able to control the reversal of the temporary difference and it is probable that the temporary difference will not reverse in the foreseeable future.
Deferred tax is calculated at the tax rates that are expected to apply in the period when the liability is settled, or the asset is realised. Current and deferred tax is charged or credited in the consolidated income statement, except when it relates to items charged or credited directly to equity, in which case the current or deferred tax is also dealt with in equity.
The Group will apply the exception to recognising and disclosing information about deferred tax assets and liabilities related to Pillar Two income taxes, as provided in the amendments to IAS 12 issued in May 2023.
Financial assets and liabilities are recognised in the Group's balance sheet when the Group becomes a party to the contractual provision of the instrument.
Trade receivables are non-interest bearing and are initially stated at their fair value and subsequently at amortised cost less any appropriate provision for impairment. A provision for impairment of trade receivables is recognised using a lifetime expected credit loss model which in principal uses objective evidence to justify that the Group will not be able to collect all amounts due according to the original terms of the receivables. Significant financial difficulties of the debtor, probability that the debtor will enter bankruptcy or financial reorganisation, and default or delinquency in payments are considered indicators that the trade receivable is impaired. The amount of provision is the difference between the asset's carrying amount and the present value of estimated future cash flows, discounted at the original effective interest rate. The carrying amount of the asset is reduced through the use of an allowance account, and the amount of the loss is recognised in the consolidated income statement within operating expenses. When a trade receivable is uncollectable, it is written off against the allowance account for trade receivables. Subsequent recoveries of amounts written off are credited against operating expenses in the consolidated income statement.
Trade payables are non-interest bearing and are stated initially at their fair value and subsequently at amortised cost.
The Group uses derivative financial instruments to hedge its exposure to interest and foreign exchange rate risks arising from operational, financing and investment activities. In accordance with its treasury policy, the Group does not hold nor issue derivative financial instruments for trading purposes.
Derivative financial instruments are stated at fair value. Any gain or loss on remeasurement to fair value is recognised immediately in the consolidated income statement except where derivatives qualify for hedge accounting, where recognition of the resultant gain or loss depends on the nature of the items being hedged.
The fair value of interest rate derivatives is the estimated amount that the Group would receive or pay to terminate the derivative at the balance sheet date, taking into account current interest rates and the current creditworthiness of the derivative counterparties.
| Strategic | Corporate | Financial Financial |
Shareholder and |
|---|---|---|---|
| report | governance | statements statements |
other information |
Changes in the fair value of derivative financial instruments that are designated and effective as hedges of future cash flows are recognised in other comprehensive income and the ineffective portion is recognised in the consolidated income statement. Amounts previously recognised in other comprehensive income and accumulated in equity are reclassified to profit or loss in the periods when the hedged item is recognised in profit or loss, in the same line of the consolidated income statement as the recognised hedged item.
However, when the forecast transaction that is hedged results in the recognition of a non-financial asset or a non-financial liability, the gains and losses previously accumulated in equity are transferred from equity and included in the initial measurement of the cost of the non-financial asset or non-financial liability.
Changes in the fair value of derivative financial instruments that do not qualify for hedge accounting are recognised in the consolidated income statement as they arise.
Hedge accounting for cash flow hedges is discontinued when the hedging instrument expires or is sold, terminated, exercised or no longer qualifies for hedge accounting. At that time, any cumulative gain or loss on the hedging instrument recognised in equity is retained in equity until the forecasted transaction occurs. If a hedged transaction is no longer expected to occur, the net cumulative gain or loss recognised in equity is transferred to the consolidated income statement as a net profit or loss for the period.
Changes in the fair value of derivative financial instruments that are designated, and effective as net investment hedges are recognised directly in equity and the ineffective portion is recognised in the consolidated income statement. Exchange differences arising on the net investment hedges are transferred to the translation reserve.
No derivative assets and liabilities are offset.
Cash and cash equivalents consist of cash at bank and in hand and bank overdrafts. Cash at bank and in hand and bank overdrafts are shown gross irrespective of where accounts have a right of offset within the same banking facility.
Bank loans, other loans and loan notes are stated initially at fair value – the amount of proceeds after deduction of issue costs – and then subsequently at amortised cost. Finance charges, including premiums payable on settlement or redemption and direct issue costs, are accounted for in the consolidated income statement on an accruals basis.
Transactions in foreign currencies other than Sterling are recorded at the rate prevailing at the date of the transaction. At each balance sheet date, monetary assets and liabilities that are denominated in foreign currencies are retranslated at the rates prevailing at that date.
The net assets of overseas subsidiary undertakings are translated into Sterling at the rate of exchange ruling at the balance sheet date. The exchange difference arising on the retranslation of opening net assets is recognised directly in equity. The results of overseas subsidiary undertakings are translated into Sterling using average exchange rates for the financial year and variances compared with the exchange rate at the balance sheet date are recognised directly in equity. All other translation differences are taken to the consolidated income statement with the exception of exchange differences on foreign currency borrowings that provide a hedge against Group equity investments in foreign enterprises, which are recognised directly in equity, together with the exchange difference on the net investment in these enterprises.
Goodwill and fair value adjustments arising on acquisition of a foreign entity are treated as assets and liabilities of the foreign entity. They are denominated in the functional currency of the foreign entity and translated at the exchange rate prevailing at the balance sheet date, with any variances reflected directly in equity.
All foreign exchange differences reflected directly in equity are shown in the translation reserve component of equity.
| Strategic | Corporate | Financial | Shareholder and |
|---|---|---|---|
| governance | statements | other information |
For any new contracts entered into, the Group considers whether a contract is, or contains a lease.
A lease is defined as "a contract, or part of a contract, that conveys the right to use an asset (the underlying asset) for a period of time in exchange for consideration". To apply this definition, the Group assesses whether the contract meets three key evaluations which are whether:
At lease commencement date, the Group recognises a right-of-use asset and a lease liability on the balance sheet.
The right-of-use asset is measured at cost, which is made up of the initial measurement of the lease liability, any initial direct costs incurred by the Group, an estimate of any costs to dismantle and remove the asset at the end of the lease, and any lease payments made in advance of the lease commencement date (net of any incentives received).
The Group depreciates the right-of-use assets on a straight line basis from the lease commencement date to the earlier of the end of the useful life of the right-of-use asset or the end of the lease term. The Group also assesses the right-of-use asset for impairment when such indicators exist.
At the commencement date, the Group measures the lease liability at the present value of the lease payments unpaid at that date, discounted using the interest rate implicit in the lease if that rate is readily available or the Group's incremental borrowing rate.
Lease payments included in the measurement of the lease liability are made up of fixed payments (including in substance fixed), variable payments based on an index or rate, amounts expected to be payable under a residual value guarantee and payments arising from options reasonably certain to be exercised.
Subsequent to initial measurement, the liability will be reduced for payments made and increased for interest. It is remeasured to reflect any reassessment or modification, or if there are changes in substance fixed payments.
When the lease liability is remeasured, the corresponding adjustment is reflected in the right-of-use asset, or consolidated income statement if the right-of-use asset is already reduced to zero.
The Group has elected to account for short term leases and leases of low value assets using the practical expedients. Instead of recognising a right-of-use asset and lease liability, the payments in relation to these are recognised as an expense in the consolidated income statement on a straight line basis over the lease term.
Motor vehicles and equipment hired to customers are included within property, plant and equipment. Income from such leases is taken to the consolidated income statement evenly over the period of the lease agreement.
For other assets leased to third parties, like the sub-lease of property, the Group determines at lease inception whether each lease is a finance lease or an operating lease. To classify each lease, the Group makes an overall assessment of whether the lease transfers substantially all of the risks and rewards incidental to ownership of the underlying asset. If this is the case, then the lease is a finance lease; if not, then it is an operating lease. As part of this assessment, the Group considers certain indicators such as whether the lease is for the major part of the economic life of the asset.
When the Group is an intermediate lessor, it accounts for its interests in the head lease and the sub-lease separately. It assesses the lease classification of a sub-lease with reference to the right-of-use asset arising from the head lease, not with reference to the underlying asset. If a head lease is a short term lease to which the Group applies the exemption described above, then it classifies the sub-lease as an operating lease.
| Strategic | Corporate | Financial Financial |
Shareholder and |
|---|---|---|---|
| report | governance | statements statements |
other information |
The Group operates defined contribution pension schemes. Contributions in respect of defined contribution arrangements are charged to the consolidated income statement in the period they fall due. Pension contributions in respect of one of these arrangements are held in Trustee administered funds, independently of the Group's finances.
The Group also operates Group personal pension plans. The costs of these plans are charged to the consolidated income statement as they fall due.
The Group issues equity settled awards to certain employees.
Equity settled employee schemes, including employee share options, annual bonuses and long-term incentive plans, provide employees with the option to acquire Company shares. Employee share options and equity settled annual bonuses and long-term incentive plans are generally subject to performance and/or service conditions.
The fair value of equity settled payments is measured at the date of grant and charged to the consolidated income statement over the period during which performance or service conditions are required to be met or immediately where no performance or service criteria exist. The fair value of equity settled payments granted is measured using the Black-Scholes or the Monte Carlo model. At the end of each reporting period, the Group revises its estimate of the number of options that are expected to vest based on the non-market vesting conditions and service conditions. It recognises the impact of the revision to the original estimates, if any, in the consolidated income statement, with a corresponding adjustment to equity.
The Group also operates a share incentive plan under which employees each have the option to purchase an amount of shares annually and receive an equivalent number of free shares. The Group recognises the free shares as an expense evenly throughout the period over which the employees must remain in employment of the Group in order to receive the free shares.
The Group operates a share save scheme under which employees have the option to convert savings to shares at an agreed exercise price. The Group recognises the option value evenly over the savings period.
Finance income and finance costs are recognised in the consolidated income statement using the effective interest rate method.
Items are classified as exceptional gains or losses where they are considered to be material or which individually or, if of a similar type, in aggregate, need to be disclosed by virtue of their size or incidence if the financial statements are to be properly understood. Restructuring and exceptional costs are considered on a case by case basis as to whether they meet the exceptional criteria. The presentation is consistent with the way financial performance is measured by management and reported to the Board.
Amortisation of acquired intangible assets is not classed as an exceptional item as it is recurring in nature. However, it is excluded from underlying results as it is considered non-operational and would otherwise not present a clear understanding of underlying performance, as growth of the business is achieved organically and inorganically. The revenue and costs attached to those acquisitions are included within underlying results.
Where depreciation rates are subsequently changed from their initial assessments, the impact of this change on the depreciation charge may be shown separately from the underlying results in order to better compare the results of the Group between periods.
Dividends on ordinary shares are recognised in the period in which they are either paid or formally approved, whichever is earlier.
A provision is recognised in the balance sheet when the Group has a present legal or constructive obligation as a result of a past event and it is probable that an outflow of economic benefits will be required to settle the obligation. If the effect is material, provisions are determined by discounting the expected future cash flows at a pre-tax rate that reflects current market assessments of the time value of money and, where appropriate, the risks specific to the liability.
| Strategic | Corporate | Financial | Shareholder and |
|---|---|---|---|
| governance | statements | other information |
The Group makes open market purchases of its own shares in order to fund future investment. When shares recognised as equity are repurchased, the amount of the consideration paid, which includes directly attributable costs, is recognised as a deduction from equity. Repurchased shares are classified as treasury shares and are presented in the treasury share reserve. The acquired shares are initially recognised at historical cost and then at each reporting date, adjustments are made to write down the carrying value of own shares when, in the opinion of the Directors, there is a significant market value reduction. Treasury shares are transferred to the own shares reserve at the weighted average cost of the purchase price paid for the shares.
The Group makes open market purchases of its own shares or transfers shares previously recognised as treasury shares in order to satisfy the requirements of the Group's existing share schemes. Own shares are recognised at cost as a reduction in shareholder equity. The carrying values of own shares are compared with their market values at each reporting date and adjustments are made to write down the carrying value of own shares when, in the opinion of the Directors, there is a significant market value reduction.
In the process of applying the Group's accounting policies, which are described in Note 2, the Group has made the following judgements and estimates that have the most significant effect on the amounts recognised in the financial statements that will have an impact on the next 12 months.
Vehicles for hire are depreciated on a straight line basis using depreciation rates that reflect economic lives of between three and 12 years. These depreciation rates have been determined with the anticipation that the net book values at the point the vehicles are transferred into inventories is in line with the open market values for those vehicles, after taking account of costs required to sell the vehicles.
The Group is required to review its depreciation rates and estimated useful lives at least annually, to ensure that the net book value of disposals of tangible assets are broadly equivalent to their market value.
Depreciation charges reflect adjustments made as a result of differences between expected and actual residual values of used vehicles, taking into account the further directly attributable costs to sell the vehicles.
The Group applies judgement in determining the appropriate method of depreciation (straight line) and are required to estimate the future residual value of vehicles with due consideration of market conditions for sales including age, mileage and condition.
A 5% increase or decrease in the price of vehicles sold in the year would have had a £10.9m impact on the adjustment to depreciation charge for vehicles sold in the year.
The impact of changes made to depreciation rates after their initial assessment is outlined in the Financial review on pages 40 to 50.
A key source of estimation uncertainty affecting the Group's financial statements relates to the expected variable consideration adjustments arising on settlement of insurance claims.
Claims due from insurance companies and self-insuring organisations are stated at the expected net claim value, which is stated after allowance for an estimation of expected adjustments arising on settlement of such claims.
Where necessary, the estimation of the expected adjustment arising on settlement of claims is revised, at each balance sheet date, to reflect the Group's most recent estimation of variable consideration amounts ultimately recoverable, which is constrained to exclude any revenue at significant risk of reversal. The estimation of any such expected adjustment represents a critical judgement made by the Group.
The Group's estimation of the expected adjustment arising on settlement of claims is calculated with reference to judgements made on a number of factors, including the Group's historical experience of collection levels, its anticipated collection profiles and analysis of the current profile of the portfolio of cases. Settlement risk arises on claims due from insurance companies and self-insuring organisations due to their magnitude and the nature of the claims settlement process. The Group recovers its charges for vehicle hire and the cost of repair of customers' vehicles from the insurer of the at-fault party to the associated accident or, in a minority of claims, from the at-fault party direct where they are a self-insuring organisation. However, by their very nature, claims due from motor insurance companies can be subject to dispute which may result in subsequent adjustment to the Group's original estimate of the amount recoverable.
| Strategic | Corporate | Financial Financial |
Shareholder and |
|---|---|---|---|
| report | governance | statements statements |
other information |
The carrying value of contract assets for claims from insurance companies at 30 April 2024 was £195,972,000 (2023: £240,595,000). A 3% difference between the carrying amount of claims in the balance sheet and the amounts finally settled would lead to a £5.9m charge or credit to the consolidated income statement in subsequent periods, which is considered to be the estimation uncertainty that will impact results in the next 12 months.
The Group manages this risk by ensuring that vehicles are only supplied and remain on hire and repairs to customers' vehicles are carried out after a validation process that ensures to the Group's satisfaction that liability for the accident rests with another party. In the normal course of its business the Group uses three principal methods to conclude claims: through the use of protocol agreements, by negotiation with the insurer of the at-fault party where the claim is not covered by a protocol agreement and where a claim fails to settle because negotiations have been fruitless, by litigation. The vast majority of these claims settle before or on the threat of litigation, but where they do not, formal proceedings are issued.
In view of the tripartite relationship between the Group, its customer and the at-fault party's insurer and the nature of the claims process, claims due from insurance companies and self-insuring organisations do not carry a contractual "due date", nor does the expected adjustment arising on settlement represent an impairment for credit losses. The circumstances of the insurance companies with which the Group deals are currently such that no provision for credit risk is considered necessary and so the disclosures required by IFRS 7 on provision for credit loss are not provided.
Instead, the Group reviews claims due from insurance companies and self-insuring organisations according to the age of the claim based upon the date that the claim was presented to the relevant insurer. The Group's strategy is that claims due should be collected by normal in-house processes including collections made under protocol arrangements with insurers and only then transferred to the Group solicitor process or other external solicitors as appropriate in specific circumstances pertaining to a case.
The Group reviews the carrying value of its intangible assets, including goodwill and other intangibles, to determine whether there is any indication that those assets are impaired. In performing assessments for impairment triggers, assets that do not generate largely independent cash inflows are allocated to an appropriate cash generating unit (CGU).
The Group performs an annual impairment review of the Group's goodwill carrying values are included in Note 12, including sensitivity analyses. Through the impairment test, the recoverable amount of those assets, or the CGU, is measured at the higher of their fair value less costs of disposal and value in use.
When an impairment test is performed, management necessarily applies its judgement in allocating assets to CGUs, in estimating the probability, timing and value of underlying cash flows and in selecting appropriate discount rates to be applied within the value in use calculation. The key assumptions are set out in Note 12. Subsequent changes to CGU allocation, residual values, reserves and resources, price assumptions or other estimates and assumptions in the fair value less costs of disposal calculation could impact the carrying value of the respective assets.
On 2 May 2023 the Group acquired 100% of the equity interests of Fridge express (UK) Limited "FridgeXpress". The acquisition is in line with the Group strategy and vision to become the leading integrated mobility solutions provider. The acquisition has been included within the UK&I Rental segment. A provisional purchase price allocation exercise has been undertaken in accordance with IFRS 3 'Business Combinations'.
Details of this provisional purchase consideration, the net assets acquired and goodwill are as follows:
| Purchase consideration | 2024 £000 |
|---|---|
| Total cash consideration | 4,990 |
| Strategic | Corporate | Financial | Shareholder and |
|---|---|---|---|
| governance | statements | other information |
The provisional assets and liabilities recognised as a result of the acquisition are as follows:
| Fair value of identified assets | 2024 £000 |
|---|---|
| Other intangible assets (Note 13) | 1,250 |
| Property, plant and equipment (Note 14) | 15,626 |
| Cash and bank balances | 939 |
| Inventories | 124 |
| Receivables and contract assets | 1,678 |
| Trade and other payables | (1,646) |
| Current tax liabilities | (912) |
| Borrowings | (391) |
| Lease liabilities | (13,410) |
| Deferred tax (Note 23) | (313) |
| Net identified assets acquired | 2,945 |
| Goodwill recognised on acquisition (Note 12) | 2,045 |
Acquisition costs in relation to FridgeXpress of £82,000 have been charged to the consolidated income statement as administrative expenses.
FridgeXpress's contribution to underlying EBIT was a £768,000 profit for the period from 2 May 2023 to 30 April 2024. Revenue during this period was £9,223,000.
On 2 July 2022 the Group acquired 100% of the equity interests of Blakedale Ltd for a consideration of £10,145,000 (£10,004,000 net of cash acquired). A provisional purchase price allocation exercise was undertaken in accordance with IFRS 3 "Business Combinations", which identified net assets acquired of £6,189,000, resulting in goodwill of £3,956,000 recognised in the balance sheet. The acquisition was included within the UK&I Rental segment. No hindsight adjustments have been recognised in the year.
Management have determined the operating segments based upon the information provided to the Board of Directors which is considered to be the chief operating decision-maker. The Group identifies three reportable segments, namely UK&I Rental, Spain Rental and Claims & Services. The segment names have been changed in the year, but the composition of those segments is unchanged from the prior year (refer to glossary for reference to previous names). The Group is managed and reports internally on a basis consistent with its three main operating divisions and is satisfied that the IFRS 8 aggregation criteria have been met. The principal activities of these divisions are set out in the Strategic Report. Intersegment transactions are carried out on an arm's length basis and eliminated prior to consolidating Group financial statements.
| Strategic | Corporate | Financial Financial |
Shareholder and |
|---|---|---|---|
| report | governance | statements statements |
other information |
| UK&I Rental 2024 £000 |
Spain Rental 2024 £000 |
Claims & Services 2024 £000 |
Corporate 2024 £000 |
Eliminations 2024 £000 |
Total 2024 £000 |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Revenue: hire of vehicles | 375,255 | 274,016 | – | – | – | 649,271 |
| Revenue: sale of vehicles | 226,936 | 84,531 | 1,002 | – | – | 312,469 |
| Revenue: claims and services | – | – | 871,387 | – | – | 871,387 |
| External revenue | 602,191 | 358,547 | 872,389 | – | – | 1,833,127 |
| Intersegment revenue | 9,193 | – | 87,865 | – | (97,058) | – |
| Total revenue | 611,384 | 358,547 | 960,254 | – | (97,058) | 1,833,127 |
| Timing of revenue recognition: | ||||||
| At a point in time | 226,936 | 84,531 | 442,360 | – | – | 753,827 |
| Over time | 375,255 | 274,016 | 430,029 | – | – | 1,079,300 |
| External revenue | 602,191 | 358,547 | 872,389 | – | – | 1,833,127 |
| Underlying operating profit (loss) | 93,788 | 77,789 | 51,419 | (10,577) | – | 212,419 |
| Share of net profit of associates accounted for using the equity method | – | – | 1,296 | – | – | 1,296 |
| Underlying EBIT* | 93,788 | 77,789 | 52,715 | (10,577) | – | 213,715 |
| Amortisation of acquired intangible assets (Note 13) | (18,563) | |||||
| Depreciation adjustment (Note 28) | (17) | |||||
| EBIT | 195,135 | |||||
| Finance income | 596 | |||||
| Finance costs (Note 8) | (33,628) | |||||
| Profit before taxation | 162,103 | |||||
| Other information | ||||||
| Capital expenditure | 274,687 | 288,990 | 92,266 | – | – | 655,943 |
| Depreciation | 90,815 | 83,360 | 57,118 | – | – | 231,293 |
| Reportable segment assets | 813,099 | 677,115 | 723,699 | – | – | 2,213,913 |
| Derivative financial instrument assets | 104 | |||||
| Income tax assets | 11,149 | |||||
| Total assets | 2,225,166 | |||||
| Reportable segment liabilities | 352,951 | 408,491 | 370,691 | – | – | 1,132,133 |
| Income tax liabilities | 49,636 | |||||
| Total liabilities | 1,181,769 |
* Underlying EBIT stated before amortisation of acquired intangible assets and exceptional items is the measure used by the Board of Directors to assess segment performance.
| Strategic | Corporate | Financial | Shareholder and |
|---|---|---|---|
| governance | statements | other information | |
| UK&I Rental 2023 £000 |
Spain Rental 2023 £000 |
Claims & Services 2023 £000 |
Corporate 2023 £000 |
Eliminations 2023 £000 |
Total 2023 £000 |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Revenue: hire of vehicles | 357,811 | 252,691 | – | – | – | 610,502 |
| Revenue: sale of vehicles | 104,945 | 47,280 | 669 | – | – | 152,894 |
| Revenue: claims and services | – | – | 726,350 | – | – | 726,350 |
| External revenue | 462,756 | 299,971 | 727,019 | – | – | 1,489,746 |
| Inter-segment revenue | 9,883 | – | 42,793 | – | (52,676) | – |
| Total revenue | 472,639 | 299,971 | 769,812 | – | (52,676) | 1,489,746 |
| Timing of revenue recognition: | ||||||
| At a point in time | 104,945 | 47,280 | 291,996 | – | – | 444,221 |
| Over time | 357,811 | 252,691 | 435,023 | – | – | 1,045,525 |
| External revenue | 462,756 | 299,971 | 727,019 | – | – | 1,489,746 |
| Underlying operating profit (loss) | 93,382 | 60,440 | 44,521 | (11,670) | – | 186,673 |
| Share of net profit of associates accounted for using the equity method | – | – | 2,520 | – | – | 2,520 |
| Underlying EBIT* | 93,382 | 60,440 | 47,041 | (11,670) | – | 189,193 |
| Exceptional items (Note 28) | (13,491) | |||||
| Amortisation of acquired intangible assets (Note 13) | (20,206) | |||||
| Depreciation adjustment (Note 28) | 46,546 | |||||
| EBIT | 202,042 | |||||
| Finance income | 90 | |||||
| Finance costs (Note 8) | (23,405) | |||||
| Profit before taxation | 178,727 | |||||
| Other information | ||||||
| Capital expenditure | 135,512 | 202,220 | 138,641 | – | – | 476,373 |
| Depreciation | 50,392 | 83,837 | 40,837 | – | – | 175,066 |
| Reportable segment assets | 688,474 | 569,165 | 832,128 | – | – | 2,089,767 |
| Income tax assets | 17,012 | |||||
| Total assets | 2,106,779 | |||||
| Reportable segment liabilities | 271,769 | 297,569 | 491,516 | – | – | 1,060,854 |
| Income tax liabilities | 51,330 | |||||
| Total liabilities | 1,112,184 |
* Underlying EBIT stated before amortisation of acquired intangible assets and exceptional items is the measure used by the Board of Directors to assess segment performance.
Segment assets and liabilities exclude derivatives, current and deferred tax assets and liabilities, since these balances are not included in the segments' assets and liabilities as reviewed by the chief operating decision-maker.
| Strategic | Corporate | Financial Financial |
Shareholder and |
|---|---|---|---|
| report | governance | statements statements |
other information |
5 Segmental reporting continued
Revenues are attributed to countries on the basis of the Group's location.
| Revenue | Non-current assets1 | Revenue | Non-current assets1 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 2024 | 2023 | 2023 | |
| £000 | £000 | £000 | £000 | |
| United Kingdom and Ireland | 1,474,580 | 1,060,267 | 1,189,775 | 1,034,271 |
| Spain | 358,547 | 650,049 | 299,971 | 540,353 |
| 1,833,127 | 1,710,316 | 1,489,746 | 1,574,624 |
1 Non-current assets excludes deferred tax assets £1,878,000 (2023: £2,061,000) and interest in associates £4,502,000 (2023: £5,207,000) which are not attributable to segmental analysis.
| United Kingdom and Ireland 2024 £000 |
Spain 2024 £000 |
Total 2024 £000 |
|
|---|---|---|---|
| Revenue from contracts with customers | 1,099,325 | 84,531 | 1,183,856 |
| Revenue from other sources | 375,255 | 274,016 | 649,271 |
| 1,474,580 | 358,547 | 1,833,127 | |
| United Kingdom and Ireland 2023 £000 |
Spain 2023 £000 |
Total 2023 £000 |
|
| Revenue from contracts with customers | 831,964 | 47,280 | 879,244 |
| Revenue from other sources | 357,811 | 252,691 | 610,502 |
| 1,189,775 | 299,971 | 1,489,746 |
There are no external customers from whom the Group derives more than 10% of total revenue.
| Strategic | Corporate | Financial | Shareholder and |
|---|---|---|---|
| governance | statements | other information |
| 2024 £000 |
2023 £000 |
|
|---|---|---|
| Operating profit is stated after charging: | ||
| Depreciation of property, plant and equipment (Note 14) | ||
| Owned | 175,769 | 135,803 |
| Relating to leases | 55,524 | 39,263 |
| Amortisation of intangible assets (Note 13) | 19,961 | 21,408 |
| Staff costs (Note 7) | 297,484 | 270,776 |
| Cost of inventories recognised as an expense | 349,705 | 179,295 |
| Net impairment of trade receivables (Note 30) | 9,782 | 8,902 |
| Auditors remuneration for audit services | 1,059 | 1,099 |
| Auditors remuneration for non-audit services | 80 | 62 |
| 2024 £000 |
2023 £000 |
|
| Fees payable to the Company's auditors for the audit of the Company's annual financial statements | 432 | 444 |
| Fees payable to the Company's auditors and its associates for the audit of the Company's subsidiaries pursuant to legislation | 627 | 655 |
Fees payable to PwC and its associates for non-audit services to the Company are not required to be disclosed because the consolidated financial statements disclose such fees on a consolidated basis.
A description of the work of the Audit Committee is set out on pages 103 to 107 and includes an explanation of how auditor objectivity and independence are safeguarded when non-audit services are provided by the auditor.
| Strategic Corporate Financial Financial Shareholder and report governance statements statements other information |
|||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- |
| 2024 Number |
2023 Number |
|
|---|---|---|
| The average monthly number of persons employed by the Group: | ||
| By geography: | ||
| United Kingdom and Ireland | 6,417 | 5,962 |
| Spain | 1,327 | 1,244 |
| 7,744 | 7,206 | |
| By function: | ||
| Direct operations | 5,663 | 5,239 |
| Administration | 2,081 | 1,967 |
| 7,744 | 7,206 | |
| 2024 £000 |
2023 £000 |
|
| The aggregate remuneration of Group employees comprised: | ||
| Wages and salaries | 253,621 | 230,379 |
| Social security costs | 30,411 | 28,529 |
| Other pension costs – defined contribution plans | 8,213 | 7,221 |
| Share based payments | 5,239 | 4,647 |
| 297,484 | 270,776 |
Wages and salaries include £1,261,000 (2023: £1,276,000) in respect of redundancies.
Details of Directors' remuneration, pension contributions and share options are provided in the Remuneration report on pages 115 and 116.
| 2024 £000 |
2023 £000 |
|
|---|---|---|
| Interest on bank overdrafts and loans | 24,537 | 16,673 |
| Amortisation of arrangement fees | 1,904 | 2,053 |
| Interest arising on lease obligations | 6,533 | 4,644 |
| Preference share dividends | 25 | 25 |
| Unwinding of discount on provisions (Note 19) | 306 | – |
| Other interest | 323 | 10 |
| Finance costs | 33,628 | 23,405 |
| 2024 £000 |
2023 £000 |
|
|---|---|---|
| Current tax: | ||
| UK corporation tax | 22,373 | 15,026 |
| UK adjustment in respect of prior years | 2,101 | 359 |
| Foreign tax (including adjustment in relation to prior year) | 13,724 | 10,242 |
| 38,198 | 25,627 | |
| Deferred tax: | ||
| Origination and reversal of timing differences | 2,086 | 12,538 |
| Adjustment in respect of prior years | (3,199) | 1,010 |
| Movement due to change in tax rates | – | 314 |
| (1,113) | 13,862 | |
| Total tax charge | 37,085 | 39,489 |
UK corporation tax is calculated at 25% (2023: 19.5%) of the estimated assessable profit for the year. Taxation for other jurisdictions is calculated at the rates prevailing in those respective jurisdictions.
The net charge for the year can be reconciled to the profit before taxation as stated in the consolidated income statement as follows:
| 2024 £000 |
2024 % |
2023 £000 |
2023 % |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Profit before taxation | 162,103 | 178,727 | ||
| Tax at the UK corporation tax rate of 25% (2023: 19.5%) | 40,526 | 25.0 | 34,852 | 19.5 |
| Tax effect of expenses that are not deductible in determining taxable profit | 2,004 | 1.2 | 4,601 | 2.6 |
| Tax effect of income not taxable in determining taxable profit | (1,943) | (1.2) | (1,443) | (0.8) |
| Difference in tax rates in overseas subsidiary undertakings | (1,443) | (0.9) | 2,478 | 1.4 |
| Overseas available reliefs | (1,297) | (0.7) | (1,546) | (0.9) |
| Adjustment in respect of prior years | (762) | (0.5) | 233 | 0.1 |
| Rate change | – | – | 314 | 0.2 |
| Tax charge and effective tax rate for the year | 37,085 | 22.9 | 39,489 | 22.1 |
In addition to the amount charged to the consolidated income statement, a net deferred tax amount of £775,000 (net of £26,000 of other temporary differences included in other comprehensive income statement) has been credited (2023: £1,680,000 credited) directly to equity.
There are no deferred tax assets which are not recognised in the balance sheet in the current or prior year.
Based on the expected timing of the reversal of temporary differences, the tax disclosures reflect deferred tax measured at 25% in the UK (2023: 25% and 19%), depending on whether the charge is to reverse within or after 12 months, and 25% in Spain (2023: 25%).
| Strategic report |
Corporate governance |
Financial Financial statements statements |
Shareholder and other information |
|---|---|---|---|
| --------------------- | ------------------------- | ---------------------------------------------------- | -------------------------------------- |
The Group is within the scope of the OECD Pillar Two model rules which are designed to ensure that large multinational groups incur a 15% minimum effective tax rate in each jurisdiction in which they operate. Pillar Two legislation was enacted in the UK in June 2023 and applies to periods beginning on or after 31 December 2023. As a result, the legislation was not effective for the current year and the Group has no related current tax exposure. The Group will apply the exception to recognising and disclosing information about deferred tax assets and liabilities related to Pillar Two income taxes, as provided in the amendments to IAS 12 issued in May 2023. Under the legislation, the Group is liable to pay a top-up tax for the difference between its effective tax rate per jurisdiction and the 15% minimum rate. An initial assessment of the Pillar Two rules has been performed with management expecting the additional tax liability to be recognised to result in approximately a 1% increase to the Group's statutory effective tax rate.
An interim dividend of 8.3p per ordinary share was paid in January 2024 (2023: 7.5p). The Directors propose a final dividend for the year ended 30 April 2024 of 17.5p per ordinary share (2023: 16.5p), which is subject to approval at the AGM and has not been included as a liability as at 30 April 2024. Based upon the shares in issue at 30 April 2024 and excluding treasury shares and shares in employee trusts where dividends are waived, this equates to a final dividend payment of £39m (2023: £37m). No dividends have been paid between 30 April 2024 and the date of signing the financial statements.
| 2024 £000 |
2023 £000 |
|
|---|---|---|
| Basic and diluted earnings per share | ||
| The calculation of basic and diluted earnings per share is based on the following data: | ||
| Earnings | ||
| Earnings for the purposes of basic and diluted earnings per share, being profit for the year attributable to the owners of the Parent Company | 125,018 | 139,238 |
| Number of shares | ||
| Weighted average number of ordinary shares for the purposes of basic earnings per share | 226,332,009 | 230,778,502 |
| Effect of dilutive potential ordinary shares – share options | 5,023,528 | 6,290,275 |
| Weighted average number of ordinary shares for the purposes of diluted earnings per share | 231,355,537 | 237,068,777 |
| Basic earnings per share | 55.2p | 60.3p |
| Diluted earnings per share | 54.0p | 58.7p |
The calculated weighted average number of ordinary shares for the purposes of basic earnings per share includes a reduction of 19,759,414 shares (2023: 15,312,921) relating to treasury shares acquired during the year and includes a reduction of 2,179,823 shares (2023: 3,411,660) for shares held in employee trusts.
| £000 | |
|---|---|
| At 1 May 2022 | 114,926 |
| Acquired through business combinations (Note 4) | 3,956 |
| Impairment of NewLaw CGU | (5,009) |
| At 30 April 2023 and 1 May 2023 | 113,873 |
| Acquired through business combinations (Note 4) | 2,045 |
| At 30 April 2024 | 115,918 |
| Strategic | Corporate | Financial | Shareholder and |
|---|---|---|---|
| governance | statements | other information |
Goodwill acquired in a business combination is allocated, at acquisition, to the cash generating units (CGUs) that are expected to benefit from the business combination. The Group tests goodwill annually for impairment, or more frequently if there are indications that goodwill might be impaired.
The allocation of goodwill by CGU as follows:
| 2024 £000 |
2023 £000 |
|
|---|---|---|
| Northgate UK | 4,012 | 4,012 |
| Auxillis | 74,827 | 74,827 |
| FMG | 31,078 | 31,078 |
| Blakedale | 3,956 | 3,956 |
| FridgeXpress | 2,045 | – |
| 115,918 | 113,873 |
The recoverable amounts of the CGUs are determined from value-in-use calculations. The key assumptions for the value-in-use calculations are those regarding the discount rates, growth rates and expected changes to selling prices and direct costs during the year. The Group estimates discount rates using pre-tax rates that reflect current market assessments of the time-value of money and the risks specific to the CGUs. The growth rates are aligned to UK GDP growth rate forecasts. Changes in selling prices and direct costs are based on past practices and expectations of future changes in the market.
The current year impairment assessment was based on risk adjusted cash flow forecasts derived from a business plan, approved by the Directors in April 2024. The approved business plan includes the three-year strategic plan of the Group and a forecast for a further two years. It was concluded that there were no indicators of additional impairment or reversal of impairment of other non-current assets previously charged.
The business plan and growth rate applied to terminal values include management's assessment of the impacts of climate-related issues which could reasonably be assumed to impact the future cash generation of each CGU.
The value-in-use assessment is sensitive to changes in the key assumptions used, most notably the discount rate and growth rates as follows:
| Goodwill 2024 £000 |
Pre-tax discount rate % |
Growth rate applied to terminal values % |
Impact of 1% increase in discount rate on recoverable amount £m |
Impact of 1% reduction in growth rate applied to terminal values on recoverable amount £m |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Northgate UK | 4,012 | 10.5% | 2.0% | (100.3) | (69.8) |
| Auxillis | 74,827 | 10.5% | 2.0% | (46.1) | (30.5) |
| FMG | 31,078 | 10.5% | 2.0% | (14.4) | (9.7) |
| Blakedale | 3,956 | 10.5% | 2.0% | (2.8) | (1.9) |
| FridgeXpress | 2,045 | 10.5% | 2.0% | (4.3) | (2.9) |
| 115,918 |
The above sensitivity analysis, with no further reasonable changes in assumptions, would not result in an impairment charge to the carrying value of goodwill in any of the recognised CGUs.
In the prior year, impairment assessment was based on risk adjusted cash flow forecasts derived from a business plan approved by the Directors in April 2023 using a pre-tax discount rate of 11.0% and pre-tax growth rate of 2.0% for all CGUs. An impairment charge of £5,009,000, with respect to goodwill held in the NewLaw CGU, was recognised in the consolidated income statement. No other indicators of impairment were identified and there was no reversal of impairment of other non-current assets previously charged.
| Strategic report |
Corporate governance |
Financial Financial statements statements |
Shareholder and other information |
|---|---|---|---|
| Customer relationships £000 |
Other software £000 |
Brand names £000 |
Total £000 |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost: | ||||
| At 1 May 2022 | 170,650 | 24,905 | 13,350 | 208,905 |
| Acquisition | 4,500 | – | 400 | 4,900 |
| Additions | – | 1,765 | – | 1,765 |
| Disposals | – | (426) | – | (426) |
| Exchange differences | – | 307 | – | 307 |
| At 30 April 2023 and 1 May 2023 | 175,150 | 26,551 | 13,750 | 215,451 |
| Acquisition (Note 4) | 1,100 | – | 150 | 1,250 |
| Additions | – | 2,019 | – | 2,019 |
| Exchange differences | – | (212) | – | (212) |
| At 30 April 2024 | 176,250 | 28,358 | 13,900 | 218,508 |
| Accumulated amortisation: | ||||
| At 1 May 2022 | 37,670 | 17,811 | 2,112 | 57,593 |
| Charge for the year | 17,760 | 2,308 | 1,340 | 21,408 |
| Disposals | – | (24) | – | (24) |
| Impairment charge (Note 28) | 8,277 | – | 205 | 8,482 |
| Exchange differences | – | 164 | – | 164 |
| At 30 April 2023 and 1 May 2023 | 63,707 | 20,259 | 3,657 | 87,623 |
| Charge for the year | 16,200 | 2,683 | 1,078 | 19,961 |
| Exchange differences | – | (130) | – | (130) |
| At 30 April 2024 | 79,907 | 22,812 | 4,735 | 107,454 |
| Carrying amount: | ||||
| At 30 April 2024 | 96,343 | 5,546 | 9,165 | 111,054 |
| At 30 April 2023 | 111,443 | 6,292 | 10,093 | 127,828 |
| Weighted average remaining amortisation period (years) at 30 April 2024 | 6 | 2 | 9 | |
| Weighted average remaining amortisation period (years) at 30 April 2023 | 6 | 3 | 8 | |
| 2024 | 2023 | |||
| £000 | £000 | |||
| Intangible amortisation is included in the consolidated income statement as follows: | ||||
| Administrative expenses: included within underlying EBIT | 1,398 | 1,202 | ||
| Administrative expenses: excluded from underlying EBIT* | 18,563 | 20,206 | ||
| 19,961 | 21,408 |
* Amortisation of intangible assets excluded from underlying EBIT relates to intangible assets recognised on business combinations. Amortisation of acquired intangible assets is not classed as an exceptional item as it is recurring in nature. However, it is excluded from underlying results as it is considered non-operational and would otherwise not present a clear understanding of underlying performance as growth of the business is achieved organically and inorganically. The revenue and costs attached to those acquisitions are included within underlying results.
Refer to Note 28 for further information on the impairment of other intangible assets.
| Strategic | Corporate | Financial | Shareholder and |
|---|---|---|---|
| governance | statements | other information |
| Vehicles for hire £000 |
Land & buildings £000 |
Plant, equipment & fittings £000 |
Motor vehicles £000 |
Total £000 |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost: | |||||
| At 1 May 2022 | 1,525,194 | 208,856 | 50,367 | 3,733 | 1,788,150 |
| Acquisition | 7,203 | – | 65 | 83 | 7,351 |
| Additions | 449,813 | 18,052 | 5,984 | 759 | 474,608 |
| Exchange differences | 35,555 | 3,328 | 1,402 | – | 40,285 |
| Transfer | 97 | – | – | (97) | – |
| Transfer to inventories | (275,786) | – | – | – | (275,786) |
| Disposals | – | (2,691) | (767) | (367) | (3,825) |
| At 30 April 2023 and 1 May 2023 | 1,742,076 | 227,545 | 57,051 | 4,111 | 2,030,783 |
| Acquisition (Note 4) | 14,815 | 539 | 136 | 136 | 15,626 |
| Additions | 612,077 | 23,123 | 13,795 | 4,930 | 653,925 |
| Exchange differences | (24,985) | (2,158) | (905) | – | (28,048) |
| Transfer to inventories | (486,970) | – | – | – | (486,970) |
| Disposals | – | (2,336) | (1,233) | (1,420) | (4,989) |
| At 30 April 2024 | 1,857,013 | 246,713 | 68,844 | 7,757 | 2,180,327 |
| Accumulated depreciation: | |||||
| At 1 May 2022 | 528,161 | 61,544 | 35,206 | 1,324 | 626,235 |
| Charge for the year | 152,715 | 17,336 | 3,921 | 1,094 | 175,066 |
| Exchange differences | 13,120 | 1,135 | 970 | – | 15,225 |
| Transfer | 64 | – | – | (64) | – |
| Transfer to inventories | (115,595) | – | – | – | (115,595) |
| Disposals | – | (2,386) | (485) | (200) | (3,071) |
| At 30 April 2023 and 1 May 2023 | 578,465 | 77,629 | 39,612 | 2,154 | 697,860 |
| Charge for the year | 205,224 | 18,682 | 5,664 | 1,723 | 231,293 |
| Exchange differences | (8,708) | (802) | (655) | – | (10,165) |
| Transfer to inventories | (218,648) | – | – | – | (218,648) |
| Disposals | – | (1,436) | (739) | (1,182) | (3,357) |
| At 30 April 2024 | 556,333 | 94,073 | 43,882 | 2,695 | 696,983 |
| Carrying amount: | |||||
| At 30 April 2024 | 1,300,680 | 152,640 | 24,962 | 5,062 | 1,483,344 |
| At 30 April 2023 | 1,163,611 | 149,916 | 17,439 | 1,957 | 1,332,923 |
At 30 April 2024, the Group had entered into total contractual commitments amounting to £62,034,000 (2023: £34,781,000).
Land & buildings include the following:
| 2024 | 2023 | |
|---|---|---|
| £000 | £000 | |
| NBV | NBV | |
| Land and buildings by category: | ||
| Freehold and long leasehold | 49,642 | 51,116 |
| Short leasehold | 102,998 | 98,800 |
| 152,640 | 149,916 |
Short leasehold properties include £96,920,000 of leases under IFRS 16 (2023: £92,636,000). Property, plant and equipment include the following right-of-use leased assets:
| Other property, plant | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Vehicles for hire | Land and buildings | & equipment | Total | |
| £000 | £000 | £000 | £000 | |
| Cost: | ||||
| At 1 May 2022 | 92,763 | 117,905 | 2,430 | 213,098 |
| Acquisition | 7,203 | – | – | 7,203 |
| Additions | 35,664 | 16,994 | 759 | 53,417 |
| Reclassification to owned assets at end of lease | (31,653) | – | – | (31,653) |
| Exchange differences | – | 1,220 | – | 1,220 |
| Disposals | (7,206) | (2,676) | (151) | (10,033) |
| At 30 April 2023 and 1 May 2023 | 96,771 | 133,443 | 3,038 | 233,252 |
| Acquisition | 12,942 | – | 123 | 13,065 |
| Additions | 34,626 | 21,776 | 5,468 | 61,870 |
| Reclassification to owned assets at end of lease | (16,533) | – | (3) | (16,536) |
| Exchange differences | – | (850) | – | (850) |
| Disposals | (16,929) | (2,336) | (1,040) | (20,305) |
| At 30 April 2024 | 110,877 | 152,033 | 7,586 | 270,496 |
| Accumulated depreciation: | ||||
| At 1 May 2022 | 20,320 | 27,889 | 982 | 49,191 |
| Charge for the year | 23,559 | 14,843 | 861 | 39,263 |
| Reclassification to owned assets at end of lease | (4,775) | – | – | (4,775) |
| Exchange differences | – | 452 | – | 452 |
| Disposals | (6,141) | (2,378) | (63) | (8,582) |
| At 30 April 2023 and 1 May 2023 | 32,963 | 40,806 | 1,780 | 75,549 |
| Charge for the year | 37,882 | 16,092 | 1,550 | 55,524 |
| Reclassification to owned assets at end of lease | (2,024) | – | – | (2,024) |
| Exchange differences | – | (357) | – | (357) |
| Disposals | (16,141) | (1,428) | (1,011) | (18,580) |
| At 30 April 2024 | 52,680 | 55,113 | 2,319 | 110,112 |
| Carrying amount: | ||||
| At 30 April 2024 | 58,197 | 96,920 | 5,267 | 160,384 |
| At 30 April 2023 | 63,808 | 92,637 | 1,258 | 157,703 |
| Strategic Corporate governance |
Financial statements |
Shareholder and other information |
|---|---|---|
| -------------------------------------- | ------------------------- | -------------------------------------- |
The Group has interest in associates, which comprise a minority participation in four (2023: four) active Limited Liability Partnerships (LLPs) registered and situated in the United Kingdom. All of the LLPs are engaged in the processing of legal claims and are regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority. The LLPs are businesses over which the Group is deemed to have significant influence but which it does not control.
Interest in associates is as follows:
| £000 | |
|---|---|
| At 1 May 2022 | 5,843 |
| Group's share of: | |
| Profit from continuing operations | 2,520 |
| Distributions from associates | (3,156) |
| At 30 April 2023 and 1 May 2023 | 5,207 |
| Group's share of: | |
| Profit from continuing operations | 1,296 |
| Distributions from associates | (2,001) |
| At 30 April 2024 | 4,502 |
Details of the Group's associates, being interests in the following LLPs of which a Group Company is a designated Principal Member, at 30 April 2024 are as follows:
| Name | Registered office |
|---|---|
| Ageas Law LLP | Helmont House, Churchill Way, Cardiff, CF10 2HE |
| Carol Nash Legal Services LLP | Helmont House, Churchill Way, Cardiff, CF10 2HE |
| RCN Law LLP | Helmont House, Churchill Way, Cardiff, CF10 2HE |
| Your Law LLP | Helmont House, Churchill Way, Cardiff, CF10 2HE |
The Group, through NewLaw Legal Limited (NewLaw), is a designated member of each of the above LLPs (which are considered to be joint operations) and has contributed 50% of the capital for each of those LLPs (usually amounting to £1 for each LLP). NewLaw supplies legal processing services to each LLP. Each member firm of the LLPs is required to appoint individuals to the management board of the LLPs but NewLaw does not appoint or control the majority of individuals to these boards who are ultimately responsible for the day to day operations, decision making and strategic development of the LLPs and therefore NewLaw is not considered to have overall control of the LLPs. Accordingly, the Group only accounts for the results of these joint operations as associated company income based upon the (variable) share of the net income generated by way of profit share after the deduction of any other fixed allocations of such income.
| 2024 £000 |
2023 £000 |
|
|---|---|---|
| Vehicles held for resale | 26,196 | 41,388 |
| Spare parts and consumables | 12,065 | 13,149 |
| 38,261 | 54,537 |
Replacement cost is considered not to significantly differ from carrying value as stated above.
| Strategic report |
Corporate governance |
Financial Financial statements statements |
Shareholder and other information |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 £000 |
2023 £000 |
|
|---|---|---|
| Trade receivables | 135,321 | 116,277 |
| Contract assets – claims due from insurance companies and self-insuring organisations | 195,972 | 240,595 |
| Other receivables and prepayments | 89,739 | 84,405 |
| 421,032 | 441,277 |
Allowances for estimated irrecoverable amounts and the Group's credit risk are considered in Note 30.
The Group considers that the carrying amount of receivables and contract assets approximates to their fair value.
An analysis of claims from insurance companies is given below:
| 2024 £000 |
2023 £000 |
2024 % |
2023 % |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pending claims | 19,570 | 27,519 | 10 | 11 |
| Between 1 and 120 days old | 69,229 | 103,817 | 35 | 44 |
| More than 120 days old | 107,173 | 109,259 | 55 | 45 |
| Total | 195,972 | 240,595 | 100 | 100 |
Risk is spread primarily across the major UK-based motor insurance companies in proportion to their respective share of the market. No credit insurance is taken out, given the regulated nature of these entities. The Group does not have a significant concentration of credit risk, with exposure spread across a large number of insurer counterparties. The most significant five insurers represented 35% (2023: 31%) of contract assets. The measurement of contract assets changes from period to period due to the estimation uncertainty.
The carrying value of contract assets, in relation to insurance claims of £195,972,000 (2023: £240,595,000), has decreased mainly as a result of cash collection in the year. An adjustment of £7.6m was made in the 12 months to 30 April 2024 for claims that were settled at a higher net amount than the carrying value at 30 April 2023 (2023: £4.6m for claims that were settled at a higher net amount than the carrying value at 30 April 2022).
| 2024 | 2023 | |
|---|---|---|
| £000 | £000 | |
| Trade payables | 187,395 | 164,008 |
| Social security and other taxes | 17,132 | 31,918 |
| Accruals and deferred income | 131,070 | 148,941 |
| 335,597 | 344,867 |
The Group considers that the carrying amount of trade and other payables approximates to their fair value.
| Strategic | Corporate | Financial | Shareholder and |
|---|---|---|---|
| governance | statements | other information | |
| 2024 £000 |
2023 £000 |
|
|---|---|---|
| Current | ||
| Dilapidations | 1,868 | 822 |
| Fleet insurance | 2,302 | – |
| 4,170 | 822 | |
| Non-current | ||
| Dilapidations | 7,263 | 6,609 |
| Fleet insurance | 3,073 | – |
| 10,336 | 6,609 | |
| 14,506 | 7,431 | |
| £000 | ||
| Carrying amount at 1 May 2023 | 7,431 | |
| Reclassification from accruals | 5,362 | |
| Provisions made during the year | 4,872 |
|---|---|
| Utilised during the year | (3,030) |
| Change in cost estimates | (435) |
| Unwinding of discount | 306 |
| Carrying amount at 30 April 2024 | 14,506 |
Dilapidation provisions are estimates of the Group's legal obligations of future outflows from occupancy of buildings and other premises. These balances include estimates based on external and internal sources of information and, where appropriate, reports from third party advisers. The timing of outflows is expected to be upon termination of the Groups right to occupy buildings and other premises. Amounts settled will depend on the level of damages agreed with the landlord.
Fleet insurance provisions are estimates of the Company's legal obligations of future outflows for vehicle accident insurance claims. These balances typically include estimates based on internal and external sources of information. The timing of outflows is expected to be upon receiving insurance claims from the Company's external insurance provider. Amounts of claims settled will be based on the agreements made with the insurance provider.
| Strategic Corporate report governance |
Financial Financial Shareholder and statements statements other information |
|---|---|
| ------------------------------------------------ | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
Carrying amounts of the Group's borrowings approximate to their fair value.
| 2024 £000 |
2023 £000 |
|
|---|---|---|
| Bank loans and overdrafts | 296,672 | 220,844 |
| Loan notes | 320,267 | 329,854 |
| Cumulative preference shares | 500 | 500 |
| Confirming facilities | 67 | 593 |
| 617,506 | 551,791 | |
| The borrowings are repayable as follows: | ||
| 2024 £000 |
2023 £000 |
|
| On demand or within one year (shown within current liabilities) | ||
| Bank loans and overdrafts | 57,475 | 13,486 |
| Confirming facilities | 67 | 593 |
| 57,542 | 14,079 | |
| In the second year | ||
| Bank loans | 243,811 | – |
| Loan notes | – | – |
| 243,811 | – | |
| In the third to fifth years | ||
| Bank loans | – | 213,818 |
| Loan notes | 128,217 | 132,075 |
| 128,217 | 345,893 | |
| Due after more than five years | ||
| Loan notes | 192,325 | 198,113 |
| Cumulative preference shares | 500 | 500 |
| 192,825 | 198,613 | |
| Unamortised finance fees relating to the bank loans and loan notes | (4,889) | (6,794) |
| Total borrowings | 617,506 | 551,791 |
| Amounts due for settlement within one year (shown within current liabilities) | (57,542) | (14,079) |
| Amounts due for settlement after more than one year | 559,964 | 537,712 |
| Strategic | Corporate | Financial | Shareholder and |
|---|---|---|---|
| governance | statements | other information |
The UK bank loans and overdrafts, totalling £301,286,000 (gross of unamortised fees) at 30 April 2024, would become repayable in full in the event of a change in control of the Group. The holders of the loan notes, totalling £320,542,000 (gross of unamortised fees) at 30 April 2024, would have to be offered full repayment in the event of a change in control of the Group.
Bank loans are unsecured and bear interest at rates of 1.00% to 1.95% (2023: 0.95% to 1.95%) above the relevant interest rate index, being SONIA for Sterling denominated debt and EURIBOR for Euro denominated debt, subject to a floor of 0%. Bank loans facilities mature in November 2026.
The Group has £320,542,000 (2023: £330,188,000) of loan notes (gross of unamortised fees) which bear interest at a blended rate of 1.3% (2023: 1.3%). These are unsecured and are repayable in November 2027, November 2029 and November 2031.
The cumulative preference shares of 50p each entitle the holder to receive a cumulative preferential dividend at the rate of 5% on the paid-up capital and the right to a return of capital at either winding up or a repayment of capital. The cumulative preference shares do not entitle the holders to any further or other participation in the profits or assets of the Group. These shares have no voting rights other than in exceptional circumstances.
The total number of authorised cumulative preference shares of 50p each is 1,300,000 (2023: 1,300,000), of which 1,000,000 (2023: 1,000,000) were allotted and fully paid at the balance sheet date.
Spanish confirming facilities of £67,000 (2023: £593,000) are unsecured and all fall due within one year. The Group pays no interest on confirming facilities.
The Group has various borrowing facilities available to it. The undrawn facilities (not including cash available to offset) at the balance sheet date, in respect of which all conditions precedent had been met at that date, are as follows:
| 2024 £000 |
2023 £000 |
|
|---|---|---|
| Less than one year | 12,712 | 17,163 |
| In one year to five years | 231,189 | 261,183 |
| 243,901 | 278,346 |
The total amount permitted to be borrowed by the Company and its subsidiary undertakings in terms of the Articles of Association shall not exceed six times the aggregate of the issued share capital of the Company and Group reserves, as defined in those Articles.
| Strategic | Corporate | Financial Financial |
Shareholder and |
|---|---|---|---|
| report | governance | statements statements |
other information |
An analysis of movements in the Group's consolidated net debt is as follows:
| At 1 May 2023 £000 |
Cash flow £000 |
Other non-cash changes £000 |
Foreign exchange movements £000 |
At 30 April 2024 £000 |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bank loans | 218,403 | 33,078 | 2,570 | (3,999) | 250,052 |
| Bank overdrafts | 2,441 | 44,491 | – | (312) | 46,620 |
| Loan notes | 329,854 | – | (275) | (9,312) | 320,267 |
| Lease liabilities | 156,765 | (65,047) | 73,317 | (511) | 164,524 |
| Cumulative preference shares | 500 | – | – | – | 500 |
| Confirming facilities | 593 | – | (512) | (14) | 67 |
| 708,556 | 12,522 | 75,100 | (14,148) | 782,030 | |
| Cash and bank balances | (14,122) | (26,757) | – | 1,077 | (39,802) |
| Consolidated net debt | 694,434 | (14,235) | 75,100 | (13,071) | 742,228 |
Borrowings are designated as financial liabilities carried at amortised cost.
| At 1 May 2022 £000 |
Cash flow £000 |
Other non-cash changes £000 |
Foreign exchange movements £000 |
At 30 April 2023 £000 |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bank loans | 118,573 | 96,807 | 1,436 | 1,587 | 218,403 |
| Bank overdrafts | 8,792 | (6,632) | – | 281 | 2,441 |
| Loan notes | 314,264 | – | (333) | 15,923 | 329,854 |
| Lease liabilities | 164,279 | (65,110) | 56,803 | 793 | 156,765 |
| Cumulative preference shares | 500 | – | – | – | 500 |
| Confirming facilities | 700 | – | (140) | 33 | 593 |
| 607,108 | 25,065 | 57,766 | 18,617 | 708,556 | |
| Cash and bank balances | (24,561) | 10,503 | – | (64) | (14,122) |
| Consolidated net debt | 582,547 | 35,568 | 57,766 | 18,553 | 694,434 |
The Group calculates gearing to be net borrowings (including lease obligations) as a percentage of shareholders' funds less goodwill and the net book value of intangible assets, where net borrowings comprise borrowings and lease obligations less cash and bank balances. At 30 April 2024, the gearing of the Group amounted to 90.9% (2023: 92.2%) where net borrowings (including lease obligations) are £742,228,000 (2023: £694,434,000) and shareholders' funds less goodwill and the net book value of intangible assets are £816,425,000 (2023: £752,894,000).
| Strategic | Corporate | Financial | Shareholder and |
|---|---|---|---|
| governance | statements | other information |
The Group's principal financial assets are cash and bank balances, and receivables and contract assets.
The Group's credit risk is primarily attributable to its trade receivables. The amounts presented in the balance sheet are net of allowances for doubtful receivables. An allowance for impairment is made where there is an identified loss event which, based on previous experience, is evidence of a reduction in the recoverability of the cash flows.
The credit risk on liquid funds and derivative financial instruments is limited because the counterparties are banks with high credit ratings assigned by international credit rating agencies.
The Group has no significant concentration of credit risk, with exposure spread over a large number of counterparties and customers. The Group has credit insurance policies in place to partially mitigate this risk.
The function of Group Treasury is to mitigate financial risk, to ensure sufficient liquidity is available to meet foreseeable requirements, to secure finance at minimum cost and to invest cash assets securely and profitably. Treasury operations manage the Group's funding, liquidity and exposure to interest rate risks within a framework of policies and guidelines authorised by the Board of Directors.
The Group uses derivative financial instruments for risk management purposes only. Consistent with Group policy, Group Treasury does not engage in speculative activity and it is policy to avoid using more complex financial instruments.
The policy followed in managing credit risk permits only minimal exposures, with banks and other institutions meeting required standards as assessed normally by reference to major credit rating agencies. Deals for material deposits are authorised only with banks with which dealing mandates have been agreed and which maintain an A rating. Individual aggregate credit exposures are limited accordingly.
The Group's policy is to finance operating subsidiary undertakings by a combination of retained earnings and medium term bank loans and loan notes.
Cash at bank, and on deposit, yields interest based principally on interest rate indices applicable to periods of less than three months, those indices being SONIA for Sterling denominated cash and EURIBOR for Euro denominated cash. The Group's exposure to interest rate fluctuations on its borrowings is limited by having fixed rate financial instruments covering a significant proportion of borrowings. At 30 April 2024, 64.6% (2023: 61.6%) of net borrowings (excluding unamortised finance fees and including leases arising under HP obligations) were at fixed rates of interest comprising loan notes of £320,542,000, £500,000 of preference shares, £67,000 of confirming facilities, £51,287,000 of fixed rate bank borrowings and leases arising under HP obligations of £11,244,000 (30 April 2023: loan notes of £330,188,000, £500,000 of preference shares, £593,000 of confirming facilities and leases arising under HP obligations of £10,998,000).
The Group maintains borrowings in the same currency as its cash requirements, with the exception of borrowings maintained in Euros as net investment hedges against its Euro denominated investments (Note 22).
An analysis of the Group's borrowings and lease obligations by currency is given below:
| Sterling £000 |
Euro £000 |
Total £000 |
|
|---|---|---|---|
| At 30 April 2024 | |||
| Bank loans | 70,637 | 179,415 | 250,052 |
| Bank overdrafts | 9,390 | 37,230 | 46,620 |
| Loan notes | – | 320,267 | 320,267 |
| Lease liabilities | 145,269 | 19,255 | 164,524 |
| Cumulative preference shares | 500 | – | 500 |
| Confirming facilities | – | 67 | 67 |
| 225,796 | 556,234 | 782,030 |
| Strategic | Corporate | Financial Financial |
Shareholder and |
|---|---|---|---|
| report | governance | statements statements |
other information |
| Sterling £000 |
Euro £000 |
Total £000 |
|
|---|---|---|---|
| At 30 April 2023 | |||
| Bank loans | 177,186 | 41,217 | 218,403 |
| Bank overdrafts | – | 2,441 | 2,441 |
| Loan notes | – | 329,854 | 329,854 |
| Lease liabilities | 139,992 | 16,773 | 156,765 |
| Cumulative preference shares | 500 | – | 500 |
| Confirming facilities | – | 593 | 593 |
| 317,678 | 390,878 | 708,556 |
Lease liabilities are presented in the statement of financial position as follows:
| 2024 £000 |
2023 £000 |
|
|---|---|---|
| Current | 51,442 | 49,493 |
| Non-current | 113,082 | 107,272 |
| 164,524 | 156,765 |
The tables below describe the nature of the Group's leasing activities by the type of right-of-use asset recognised:
| At 30 April 2024 | Number of right-of-use assets leased |
Range of remaining term (years) |
Average remaining lease term (years) |
Carrying value at 30 April 2024 £000 |
Depreciation expense for year to 30 April 2024 £000 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Land and buildings | 186 | 1–99 | 5 | 96,920 | 16,092 |
| Computer equipment | 2 | 1–5 | 5 | 650 | 27 |
| Motor vehicles | 284 | 1–4 | 2 | 4,617 | 1,523 |
| Vehicles for hire | 11,254 | 0–4 | 1 | 58,197 | 37,882 |
| At 30 April 2023 | Number of right-of-use assets leased |
Range of remaining term (years) |
Average remaining lease term (years) |
Carrying value at 30 April 2023 £000 |
Depreciation expense for year to 30 April 2023 £000 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Land and buildings | 179 | 1–99 | 8 | 92,603 | 14,844 |
| Motor vehicles | 2,360 | 1–3 | 2 | 10,778 | 860 |
| Vehicles for hire | 8,275 | 0–4 | 2 | 48,241 | 23,559 |
The lease liabilities are secured by the related underlying assets. Future minimum lease payments are as follows:
| At 30 April 2024 | <1 year £000 |
1‑2 years £000 |
2‑5 years £000 |
>5 years £000 |
Total £000 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lease payments: | |||||
| Total lease payments | 56,718 | 34,996 | 46,327 | 50,233 | 188,274 |
| Finance charges: | |||||
| Total finance charges | (5,276) | (3,282) | (5,312) | (9,880) | (23,750) |
| Net present values | 51,442 | 31,714 | 41,015 | 40,353 | 164,524 |
| At 30 April 2023 | <1 year £000 |
1‑2 years £000 |
2‑5 years £000 |
>5 years £000 |
Total £000 |
| Lease payments: | |||||
| Total lease payments | 53,679 | 35,382 | 40,460 | 48,128 | 177,649 |
| Finance charges: | |||||
| Total finance charges | (4,186) | (2,593) | (4,121) | (9,984) | (20,884) |
| Net present values | 49,493 | 32,789 | 36,339 | 38,144 | 156,765 |
The total cash outflow for leases in 2024 was £71,580,000 (2023: £69,754,000) which includes principal element of lease payments and interest arising on lease obligations.
| Strategic | Corporate | Financial Financial |
Shareholder and |
|---|---|---|---|
| report | governance | statements statements |
other information |
The Group has elected not to recognise a lease liability for short term leases (leases with an expected term of 12 months or less). Payments made under such leases totalling £26,918,561 (2023: £22,595,000) were expensed on a straight line basis over the lease term.
The Group has elected not to recognise a lease liability for leases of low value assets of £5,000. Payments made under such leases totalling £1,012,814 (2023: £298,000) were expensed on a straight line basis over the lease term.
The revenue of the Group is principally generated from the hire of vehicles under operating lease arrangements. For the majority of vehicles hired, there is no minimum contracted rental period. The revenue of the Group under these arrangements is as shown in the consolidated income statement. There are no contingent rentals recognised in income.
The Group's derivative financial instruments at the balance sheet date comprise of interest rate swaps. The net estimated fair values are as follows:
| 2024 £000 |
2023 £000 |
|
|---|---|---|
| Interest rate derivatives | 104 | – |
| They are represented in the balance sheet as follows: | ||
| Current derivative financial instrument asset | 104 | – |
The Group's exposure to interest fluctuations on its borrowings is managed through the use of interest rate derivatives. These derivatives are also used to manage the Group's desired mixed of fixed and floating rate debt. The policy is to fix a substantial element of the interest cost on outstanding debt. The interest rate derivatives to which the Group was party as at 30 April 2024 are summarised as below:
| Total nominal values | Weighted average fixed contract net pay rates |
Weighted average remaining life (years) |
|
|---|---|---|---|
| Euro interest rate swaps | €60,000,000 | 3.3% | 0.7 |
The Group manages its exposure to currency fluctuations on retranslation of the balance sheets of those subsidiary undertakings whose functional currency is in Euros by maintaining a proportion of its borrowings in the same currency. The hedging objective is to reduce the risk of spot retranslation of the Euro subsidiaries from Euros to Sterling at each reporting date.
At 30 April 2024, the nominal amount attributable to the hedging instrument equated to £492,353,000 (2023: £361,005,000). Exchange differences arising on the borrowings and net investment hedges have been recognised directly within equity along with the exchange differences on retranslation of the net assets of the Euro subsidiaries. The hedges are considered highly effective in the current and prior year.
| Strategic | Corporate Financial |
Shareholder and |
|---|---|---|
| governance statements |
other information |
The following are the major deferred tax liabilities and (assets) recognised by the Group and movements thereon during the current and prior year:
| Accelerated capital allowances £000 |
Revaluation of buildings £000 |
Share based payments £000 |
Intangible assets £000 |
Losses £000 |
Other temporary differences £000 |
Total £000 |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| At 1 May 2022 | 2,062 | 336 | (1,563) | 36,589 | (1,337) | (887) | 35,200 |
| Acquisition | 771 | – | – | 1,203 | – | – | 1,974 |
| Charge (credit) to the income statement | 18,723 | – | (348) | (4,270) | 1,026 | (1,553) | 13,578 |
| (Credit) to equity | – | – | (1,680) | – | – | – | (1,680) |
| Rate change | 1,736 | – | – | (1,553) | 148 | (17) | 314 |
| Exchange differences | (39) | 16 | – | (1) | (8) | (105) | (137) |
| At 30 April 2023 and 1 May 2023 | 23,253 | 352 | (3,591) | 31,968 | (171) | (2,562) | 49,249 |
| Acquisition | – | – | – | 313 | – | – | 313 |
| Charge (credit) to the income statement | 1,408 | – | 1,823 | (4,492) | 95 | 53 | (1,113) |
| (Credit) charge to equity | – | – | (801) | – | – | 26 | (775) |
| Exchange differences | 10 | (10) | – | 1 | – | 54 | 55 |
| At 30 April 2024 | 24,671 | 342 | (2,569) | 27,790 | (76) | (2,429) | 47,729 |
Deferred tax assets and liabilities are offset where the Group has a legally enforceable right to do so. The analysis of the deferred tax balances after offset is as follows:
| Total £000 |
|
|---|---|
| At 30 April 2024 | |
| Deferred tax assets | (1,878) |
| Deferred tax liabilities | 49,607 |
| Net deferred tax liabilities | 47,729 |
| At 30 April 2023 | |
| Deferred tax assets | (2,061) |
| Deferred tax liabilities | 51,310 |
| Net deferred tax liabilities | 49,249 |
Net deferred tax assets classified as other temporary differences are £2,086,000 (2023: £1,845,000). There are no unrecognised deferred tax assets in the current or prior year.
| Strategic report |
Corporate governance |
Financial Financial statements statements |
Shareholder and other information |
|---|---|---|---|
Called up share capital, allotted and fully paid:
| Number of shares | £000 | |
|---|---|---|
| At 1 May 2022, 30 April 2023 and at 30 April 2024 | 246,091,423 | 123,046 |
The Group has one class of ordinary shares with a par value of 50p.
| £000 | |
|---|---|
| At 1 May 2022, 30 April 2023 and at 30 April 2024 | 113,510 |
Movements on the treasury shares reserve and own shares reserve are shown in the consolidated statements of changes in equity, which can be seen on page 145. Further information on these reserves is given below:
The reserve for the Company's treasury shares comprises the cost of the Company's shares held by the Group. At 30 April 2024, the Group held 18,981,862 of the Company's shares (2023: 16,877,571). The total number of shares held in treasury represents 7.7% (2023: 6.9%) of the allotted and fully paid share capital of the Group.
The own shares reserve represents shares held by employee trusts in order to meet commitments under the Group's various share schemes (Note 29). At 30 April 2024, the Guernsey Trust held 2,766,937 (2023: 2,692,156) 50p ordinary shares and the YBS Trust held 164,277 (2023: 113,030) 50p ordinary shares. The total number of shares held by these employee trusts represents 1.2% (2023: 1.1%) of the allotted and fully paid share capital of the Group.
The results of the trusts are consolidated into the results of the Group in accordance with IFRS 10 "Consolidated Financial Statements".
The translation reserve represents the aggregate of the cumulative exchange differences arising from the retranslation of the balance sheets of the Euro-based subsidiary undertakings and the cumulative exchange differences arising from long term borrowings held as hedges.
The management of the Group's foreign exchange translation risks is detailed in Note 20.
| £000 | |
|---|---|
| At 1 May 2022 | (8,633) |
| Exchange differences recognised in total comprehensive income | 5,948 |
| 30 April 2023 | (2,685) |
| Exchange differences recognised in total comprehensive income | (4,074) |
| 30 April 2024 | (6,759) |
| Strategic | Corporate | Financial | Shareholder and |
|---|---|---|---|
| governance | statements | other information |
| Capital redemption reserve £000 |
Revaluation reserve £000 |
Merger reserve £000 |
Hedging reserve £000 |
Other reserve £000 |
Total other reserves £000 |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| At 1 May 2022 | 40 | 1,101 | 67,463 | – | 261,831 | 330,435 |
| Foreign exchange differences | – | 54 | – | – | – | 54 |
| At 30 April 2023 | 40 | 1,155 | 67,463 | – | 261,831 | 330,489 |
| Foreign exchange differences | – | (33) | – | – | – | (33) |
| Other comprehensive income (expense) | – | – | – | 78 | – | 78 |
| At 30 April 2024 | 40 | 1,122 | 67,463 | 78 | 261,831 | 330,534 |
The merger reserve arose from acquisitions in previous years.
The hedging reserve represents the cumulative amounts of changes in fair values of hedged interest rate derivatives that are deferred in equity, as explained in Notes 2 and 22, less amounts transferred to the consolidated income statement and other components of equity.
The other reserve represents the excess of the share price on the date of acquisition of Redde plc, 282p over the nominal share price of 50p. The share premium represents the excess of the share price of 251p at the time of the sale of these shares over the nominal share price of 50p. The Company has recorded the premium for the issue of shares for this acquisition in other reserves in accordance with Section 612 of the Companies Act 2006 in respect of merger relief.
| Strategic report |
Corporate governance |
Financial Financial statements statements |
Shareholder and other information |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 £000 |
2023 £000 |
|
|---|---|---|
| Impairment of goodwill | – | 5,009 |
| Impairment of other intangibles | – | 8,482 |
| Exceptional administrative expenses | – | 13,491 |
| 2024 £000 |
2023 £000 |
|
|---|---|---|
| Impairment of NewLaw intangibles | – | 13,491 |
| Exceptional administrative expenses | – | 13,491 |
| Total exceptional items included within EBIT | – | 13,491 |
| Total pre-tax exceptional items | – | 13,491 |
| Tax credits relating to exceptional items | – | (2,065) |
| Cash expenses | – | – |
| Non-cash expenses | – | 13,491 |
| Total pre-tax exceptional items | – | 13,491 |
In the prior year, following a strategic business review, the carrying amount of assets relating to the NewLaw CGU was considered to be below its recoverable amount and therefore an impairment charge of £5,009,000 and £8,482,000, for goodwill and other intangibles respectively, was recognised as an exceptional item in the consolidated income statement (see Note 12 and Note 13). The Group also reassessed the useful lives of property, plant and equipment relating to the NewLaw CGU and determined that no change in the useful lives was required. In the current year, it was concluded that there were no indicators of additional impairment or reversal of impairment of other non-current assets previously charged.
Amortisation of acquired intangible assets of £18,563,000 (2023: £20,206,000) is not classified as an exceptional item as it is recurring. However, it is excluded from underlying results in order to provide a better comparison of results between periods as the Group grows through a combination of organic and inorganic growth. The revenue and operating costs of these acquisitions are included within underlying results. Amortisation of intangible assets of £1,398,000 (2023: £1,202,000) which does not relate to acquisitions is included within underlying profit.
The Group has adjusted the depreciation rates from 1 May 2022 on vehicles remaining on the fleet which were purchased before FY2021. This adjustment is explained further in the Financial review on pages 40 to 50. The depreciation adjustment is a debit to the consolidated income statement of £17,000 (2023: credit of £46,546,000). This adjustment is not classified as an exceptional item, however, it is excluded from underlying results in order to provide a better comparison of results between periods.
| Strategic | Corporate | Financial | Shareholder and |
|---|---|---|---|
| governance | statements | other information |
The Group's and Company's various share incentive plans are explained in the Remuneration Report on pages 108 to 122.
All options granted under the DABP, MPSP, EPSP and EAB are nil cost options. Options granted under the SAYE Scheme have exercise prices ranging from £2.12 to £2.69.
The AESS scheme has been closed for new awards and all remaining matching shares vested during the year.
The Board may make discretionary awards of free shares to eligible employees. Employees must remain in employment of the Group during the vesting period of three years in order to receive the free shares.
The SAYE Scheme has a three-year savings period where employees save at an agreed rate. At the end of the savings period, employees can choose to either exercise options or withdraw their savings.
Details regarding the plans in the year ended 30 April 2024 are outlined below:
| DABP Number of share options |
Free shares Number of free shares |
EPSP Number of share options |
SAYE Number of share options |
AESS Number of matching shares |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| At 1 May 2023 | 21,822 | 817,375 | 4,318,856 | 2,902,118 | 111,720 |
| Granted during the year | – | 1,141,602 | 1,030,688 | 1,016,823 | – |
| Exercised during the year | (8,226) | – | (2,548,287) | – | – |
| Vested during the year | – | (4,234) | – | (1,330,193) | (102,007) |
| Forfeited/lapsed during the year | (425) | (217,710) | (93,124) | (392,841) | (9,713) |
| At 30 April 2024 | 13,171 | 1,737,033 | 2,708,133 | 2,195,907 | – |
| Exercisable at the end of the year | 13,171 | – | 179,613 | 139,111 | – |
| DABP 2024 |
Free Shares 2024 |
EPSP 2024 |
SAYE 2024 |
AESS 2024 |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Weighted average remaining contractual life at the end of the year | 1.8 years | 2.1 years | 8.2 years | 1.7 years | – |
| Weighted average share price at the date of exercise of options in the year | £3.35 | £3.66 | £3.34 | £3.54 | – |
| Date options granted during the year | Oct 2023 | Aug 2023 | Oct 2023 | ||
| Aggregate estimated fair value of options at the date of grant | £2,113,000 | £2,382,000 | £807,000 | ||
| The inputs into the Black‑Scholes/Monte Carlo model were as follows: | |||||
| Weighted average share price | £3.23 | £3.46 | £3.23 | ||
| Weighted average exercise price | £nil | £nil | £2.64 | ||
| Expected volatility | 52.1% | 54.0% | 52.0% | ||
| Expected life | 3 years | 3 years | 3 years | ||
| Risk free rate | 4.4% | 4.5% | 4.4% | ||
| Expected dividends | 6.7% | 6.7% | 6.7% |
Expected volatility was determined by calculating the historical volatility of the Group's share price over the previous three years.
| Strategic | Corporate | Financial Financial |
Shareholder and |
|---|---|---|---|
| report | governance | statements statements |
other information |
Details regarding the plans in the year ended 30 April 2023 are outlined below:
| DABP | MPSP | Free shares | EPSP | SAYE | AESS | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Number of share options |
Number of share options |
Number of free shares |
Number of share options |
Number of share options |
Number of matching shares |
|
| At 1 May 2022 | 39,133 | 9,406 | 148,960 | 3,735,627 | 2,351,244 | 222,257 |
| Granted during the year | – | – | 863,500 | 925,504 | 1,468,754 | – |
| Exercised during the year | (2,354) | – | – | (106,910) | – | – |
| Vested during the year | – | (6,610) | (134,799) | – | (602,047) | (90,772) |
| Forfeited/lapsed during the year | (14,957) | (2,796) | (60,286) | (235,365) | (315,833) | (19,765) |
| At 30 April 2023 | 21,822 | – | 817,375 | 4,318,856 | 2,902,118 | 111,720 |
| Exercisable at the end of the year | 21,822 | – | – | 88,632 | 5,352 | – |
| DABP 2023 |
MPSP 2023 |
Free Shares 2023 |
EPSP 2023 |
SAYE 2023 |
AESS 2023 |
|
| Weighted average remaining contractual life at the end of the year | 3.6 years | – | 2.6 years | 7.9 years | 1.5 years | 0.7 years |
| Weighted average share price at the date of exercise of options in the year | £3.33 | £3.67 | £3.87 | £3.26 | £3.56 | £4.24 |
| Date options granted during the year | Dec 2022 | Jul 2022 | Aug 2022 | |||
| Aggregate estimated fair value of options at the date of grant | £2,017,000 | £2,382,000 | £1,973,000 | |||
| The inputs into the Black‑Scholes/Monte Carlo model were as follows: | ||||||
| Weighted average share price | £3.97 | £3.36 | £3.74 | |||
| Weighted average exercise price | £nil | £nil | £2.69 | |||
| Expected volatility | 113.5% | 74.9% | 75.0% | |||
| Expected life | 3 years | 3 years | 3 years | |||
| Risk free rate | 3.1% | 1.8% | 1.9% | |||
| Expected dividends | 5.8% | 5.4% | 5.4% |
In addition, 102,517 options were awarded in the year under the EAB (2023: 98,348 options). These all vested immediately as there were no ongoing performance or service obligations and were valued based on the share price at the grant date for each grant. The shares will be held in trust for the required three-year holding period.
| Strategic | Corporate | Financial | Shareholder and |
|---|---|---|---|
| governance | statements | other information |
The following disclosures and analysis relate to the Group's financial instruments.
The Group manages its capital to ensure that entities in the Group will be able to continue as a going concern while maximising the return to stakeholders through the optimisation of the debt and equity balance. The capital structure of the Group consists of debt, which includes the borrowings disclosed in Note 20, cash and cash equivalents and equity attributable to equity holders of the Parent, comprising issued share capital, reserves and retained earnings as disclosed in Notes 24 to 27.
The Group undertakes certain transactions denominated in foreign currencies. Hence, exposures to exchange rate fluctuations arise.
The Group manages its exposure to currency fluctuations on retranslation of the balance sheets of those subsidiary undertakings whose functional currency is in Euros by maintaining a proportion of its borrowings in the same currency. The hedging objective is to reduce the risk of spot retranslation of the Euro subsidiaries from Euros to Sterling at each reporting date. Exchange differences arising on the borrowings and net investment hedges have been recognised directly within equity along with the exchange differences on retranslation of the net assets of the Euro subsidiaries.
The hedges are considered highly effective in the current and prior year.
During the year, the Group has been exposed to movements in the exchange rate between Euro and Sterling, where Sterling is the functional currency of the Group.
The following tables detail the Group's sensitivity to a €0.20 (2023: €0.20) increase and decrease in the Euro/Sterling exchange rate.
A €0.20 (2023: €0.20) movement in the rate in either direction is management's assessment of the reasonably possible change in foreign exchange rates in the near term. The sensitivity analysis only includes any outstanding foreign currency denominated monetary items and adjusts their translation at the period end for a €0.20 (2023: €0.20) change in foreign currency rates.
| 2024 | As stated in Annual Report and financial statements £000 |
As would be stated if €0.20 increase £000 |
As would be stated if €0.20 decrease £000 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Profit before taxation | 162,103 | 151,179 | 177,571 |
| Total equity | 1,043,397 | 1,036,549 | 1,053,069 |
| 2023 | As stated in Annual Report and financial statements £000 |
As would be stated if €0.20 increase £000 |
As would be stated if €0.20 decrease £000 |
| Profit before taxation | 178,727 | 169,769 | 191,454 |
| Total equity | 994,595 | 969,094 | 1,031,000 |
The Group is exposed to interest rate risk, as entities within 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 and by the use of interest rate swap contracts if necessary. Hedging activities are reviewed regularly to align with interest rate views and defined risk appetite, ensuring optimal hedging strategies are applied.
The Group's exposures to interest rates on financial assets and financial liabilities are detailed in the liquidity risk management section of this note.
| Strategic | Corporate | Financial Financial |
Shareholder and |
|---|---|---|---|
| report | governance | statements statements |
other information |
The sensitivity analysis below have been determined on the exposure to interest rates for floating rate liabilities and related derivatives. For the floating rate liabilities, the analysis is prepared on the basis of both the average liability outstanding over the year and the average rate applicable for the year. In all instances it is assumed that any derivatives designated in hedging relationships are 100% effective.
A 1.0% (2023: 1.0%) increase or decrease has been used in the analysis and represents management's best estimate of a reasonably possible change in interest rates in the near term.
| As stated in Annual Report and financial statements |
As would be stated if 1.0% increase |
As would be stated if 1.0% decrease |
|
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | £000 | £000 | £000 |
| Profit before taxation | 162,103 | 159,555 | 164,651 |
| Total equity | 1,043,397 | 1,041,486 | 1,045,308 |
| 2023 | As stated in Annual Report and financial statements £000 |
As would be stated if 1.0% increase £000 |
As would be stated if 1.0% decrease £000 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Profit before taxation | 178,727 | 176,651 | 180,805 |
| Total equity | 994,595 | 993,039 | 996,155 |
Under interest rate swap contracts, the Group agrees to exchange the difference between fixed and floating rate interest amounts calculated on agreed notional principal amounts. Such contracts enable the Group to mitigate the risk of changing interest rates and the cash flow exposures on the issued variable rate debt held. The fair value of the 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.
The following table details the notional principal amounts and the remaining terms of interest rate swap contracts outstanding at the reporting date:
| Outstanding receive floating pay fixed contracts | Weighted average fixed contract net pay rates 2024 % |
Total nominal values 2024 '000 |
Fair Value 2024 £000 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Euro | |||
| Within one year | 3.3 | €60,000 | 104 |
Ultimate responsibility for liquidity risk management rests with the Directors who have built an appropriate liquidity risk management framework for the management of the Group's short, medium and long term funding and liquidity requirements. The Group manages liquidity risk by maintaining adequate reserves, banking facilities and borrowing facilities by continuously monitoring forecast and actual cash flows and matching the maturity profiles of financial assets and financial liabilities. Included in Note 20 is a description of additional undrawn facilities that the Group has at its disposal to further reduce liquidity risk.
| Strategic | Corporate | Financial | Shareholder and |
|---|---|---|---|
| governance | statements | other information |
The following tables detail the Group's remaining contractual maturity for its non-derivative financial liabilities. The tables have been drawn up based on the undiscounted cash flows of financial liabilities based on the earliest date on which the Group can be required to pay. The tables include both interest and principal cash flows. All interest cash flows and the weighted average effective interest rate have been calculated using interest rate conditions prevailing at the balance sheet date.
| Group 2024 | Weighted average effective interest rate |
<1 year £000 |
2nd year £000 |
3–5 years £000 |
>5 years £000 |
Total £000 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Non-interest bearing | – | 227,824 | – | – | – | 227,824 |
| Fixed interest rate instruments | 1.89% | 6,972 | 58,258 | 141,070 | 196,939 | 403,239 |
| Variable interest rate instruments | 6.24% | 23,112 | 204,780 | 6,951 | – | 234,843 |
| 257,908 | 263,038 | 148,021 | 196,939 | 865,906 | ||
| Group 2023 | Weighted average effective interest rate |
<1 year £000 |
2nd year £000 |
3–5 years £000 |
>5 years £000 |
Total £000 |
| Non-interest bearing | – | 167,042 | – | – | – | 167,042 |
| Fixed interest rate instruments | 1.33% | 4,386 | 4,386 | 145,207 | 205,731 | 359,710 |
| Variable interest rate instruments | 5.89% | 23,876 | 12,827 | 234,165 | – | 270,868 |
| 195,304 | 17,213 | 379,372 | 205,731 | 797,620 |
The following table detail the Group's liquidity analysis for its derivative financial instruments. It includes both liabilities and assets to illustrate how the cash flows are matched in each period. The table has been drawn up based on the undiscounted net cash inflows on the derivative instruments that settle on a net basis and the undiscounted gross cash inflows on those derivatives that require gross settlement. All amounts disclosed fall within 1 year.
| 2024 | Total £000 |
|---|---|
| Assets | |
| Net settled: | |
| Interest rate swaps | 198 |
The Group is required to analyse financial instruments that are measured subsequent to initial recognition at fair value, grouped into Levels 1 to 3 based on the degree to which fair value is observable:
All the financial instruments below are categorised as Level 2. The fair values of financial assets and financial liabilities are determined as follows:
The carrying amounts of financial assets and financial liabilities recorded at amortised cost in the financial statements approximate their fair values or, in the case of interest rate and cross currency swaps, are held at fair value.
| Strategic | Corporate | Financial Financial |
Shareholder and |
|---|---|---|---|
| report | governance | statements statements |
other information |
Credit risk refers to the risk that a counterparty will default on its contractual obligations resulting in financial loss to the Group.
Cash and bank balances of £39,802,000 (2023: £14,122,000) include £39,467,000 (2023: £12,444,000) held under a pooled overdraft arrangement with the same banking institution which has a right of set-off. Bank overdrafts of £46,620 (2023: £2,441,000) were available to offset against bank balances under this agreement, therefore the residual credit risk exposure was £Nil (2023: £10,003,000). Credit risk is managed by only holding material deposits with banks and other institutions meeting required standards as assessed normally by reference to major credit agencies. Group credit exposure for material deposits is limited to banks individually which maintain an A rating.
The Group's credit risk is primarily attributable to its trade receivables. The trade receivables amounts presented in the balance sheet are net of allowances for doubtful receivables. An allowance for impairment is made using the simplified model applicable to trade receivables as per IFRS 9.
| 2024 £000 |
2023 £000 |
|
|---|---|---|
| Trade receivables | ||
| Trade receivables (maximum exposure to credit risk) | 159,540 | 140,866 |
| Allowance for doubtful receivables | (24,219) | (24,589) |
| 135,321 | 116,277 | |
| Ageing of trade receivables not impaired | ||
| Not overdue | 91,066 | 71,948 |
| Past due not more than two months | 19,381 | 30,981 |
| Past due more than two months but not more than four months | 8,197 | 6,613 |
| Past due more than four months but not more than six months | 16,677 | 6,735 |
| Total | 135,321 | 116,277 |
Before accepting any new customers, the Group will perform credit analysis to assess the credit risk on an individual basis. This enables the Group only to deal with creditworthy customers, therefore reducing the risk of financial loss from defaults. Of the trade receivables balance at the end of the year, £3,528,000 (2023: £2,107,000) is due from the Group's largest customer. There are no customers which represent more than 5% of the total balance of trade receivables.
The Group has no significant concentration of credit risk as trade receivables consist of a large number of customers, spread across diverse industries and geographic areas in UK, Ireland and Spain.
| 2024 £000 |
2023 £000 |
|
|---|---|---|
| Movement in the allowance for doubtful receivables | ||
| At 1 May | 24,589 | 28,946 |
| Impairment losses recognised | 12,162 | 11,822 |
| Amounts written off as uncollectable | (9,692) | (13,957) |
| Impaired losses reversed | (2,380) | (2,920) |
| Exchange differences | (460) | 698 |
| At 30 April | 24,219 | 24,589 |
| Strategic | Corporate | Financial | Shareholder and |
|---|---|---|---|
| governance | statements | other information |
Net impairment of trade receivables as at 30 April 2024 totalled £9,782,000 (2023: £8,902,000). In determining the recoverability of a trade receivable, the Group considers any change in the credit quality of the trade receivable from the date credit was initially granted up to the reporting date. The concentration of credit risk is limited due to the customer base being large and mainly unrelated. Accordingly, the Directors believe that there is no further credit provision required in excess of the allowance for doubtful receivables.
Included in the allowance for doubtful receivables are trade receivables with customers which have been placed under liquidation of £86,000 (2023: £868,000).
| 2024 | 2023 | |
|---|---|---|
| £000 | £000 | |
| Ageing of impaired trade receivables | ||
| Not overdue | 814 | 1,252 |
| Past due not more than two months | 1,229 | 1,196 |
| Past due more than two months but not more than four months | 3,672 | 3,534 |
| Past due more than four months but not more than six months | 972 | 879 |
| Past due more than six months | 17,532 | 17,728 |
| 24,219 | 24,589 |
The Directors consider that the carrying amount of receivables and contract assets approximates their fair value.
Transactions between the Company and its subsidiaries, which are related parties, have been eliminated on consolidation and are not disclosed in this note. Transactions between ZIGUP plc and its subsidiaries are fully disclosed in the Company's financial statements on page 201.
Details of the Group's interests in associates, which are regarded as related parties, are provided in Note 15. The Group made sales and recharges of expenses to these associates amounting to £7,809,000 (2023: £9,372,000) and made purchases of £272,000 (2023: £212,000) from those associates. At the year end, the Group was owed £2,063,000 (2023: £1,867,000) by these associates, included in trade receivables.
There were no transactions with other related parties in the current or prior year.
In the current and prior year, the Directors of the Company are determined to be the key management personnel of the Group. There are other senior managers in the Group who are able to influence the Company in the achievement of its goals. However, in the opinion of the Directors, only the Directors of the Company have significant authority for planning, directing and controlling the activities of the Group.
In respect of the compensation of key management personnel, the short term employee benefits, post-employment (pension) benefits, termination benefits and details of share options granted are set out in the Remuneration Report on pages 108 to 122.
The fair value charged to the consolidated income statement in respect of equity settled share based payment transactions with the Directors is £1,644,000 (2023: £1,799,000). There are no other long term benefits accruing to key management personnel, other than as set out in the Remuneration Report.
| Strategic | Corporate | Financial Financial |
Shareholder and |
|---|---|---|---|
| report | governance | statements statements |
other information |
At 30 April 2024, a full list of subsidiaries of the Group, for all of which the ordinary shares were wholly owned, was as follows:
| Name | Company number+ | Registered office |
|---|---|---|
| Angel Assistance Limited*^ | 03902646 | Pinesgate, Lower Bristol Road, Bath, BA2 3DP |
| Auxillis Limited*^ | 02948256 | Pinesgate, Lower Bristol Road, Bath, BA2 3DP |
| Auxillis Services Limited* | 02686430 | Pinesgate, Lower Bristol Road, Bath, BA2 3DP |
| Blakedale Ltd*^ | 03045741 | Northgate Centre, Lingfield Way, Darlington, DL1 4PZ |
| Cab Aid Limited*^ | 05013600 | Pinesgate, Lower Bristol Road, Bath, BA2 3DP |
| Car Monster Limited*^ | 03217696 | Pinesgate, Lower Bristol Road, Bath, BA2 3DP |
| Charged Electric Vehicles Limited | 12702971 | Pinesgate, Lower Bristol Road, Bath, BA2 3DP |
| FMG Finance Limited*^ | 9347579 | Broad Lea House, Dyson Wood Way, Bradley, Huddersfield, West Yorkshire, HD2 1GZ |
| FMG Group Holdings Limited*^ | 9341508 | Broad Lea House, Dyson Wood Way, Bradley, Huddersfield, West Yorkshire, HD2 1GZ |
| FMG Legal LLP* | OC378834 | Helmont House, Churchill Way, Cardiff, CF10 2HE |
| FMG Repair Services Limited* | 05120241 | Pinesgate, Lower Bristol Road, Bath, BA2 3DP |
| FMG Support (FIM) Limited*^ | 2658067 | Broad Lea House, Dyson Wood Way, Bradley, Huddersfield, West Yorkshire, HD2 1GZ |
| FMG Support (HO) Limited*^ | 3576057 | Broad Lea House, Dyson Wood Way, Bradley, Huddersfield, West Yorkshire, HD2 1GZ |
| FMG Support (RRRM) Limited*^ | 2762997 | Broad Lea House, Dyson Wood Way, Bradley, Huddersfield, West Yorkshire, HD2 1GZ |
| FMG Support Group Limited*^ | 6489429 | Broad Lea House, Dyson Wood Way, Bradley, Huddersfield, West Yorkshire, HD2 1GZ |
| FMG Support Limited*^ | 3813859 | Broad Lea House, Dyson Wood Way, Bradley, Huddersfield, West Yorkshire, HD2 1GZ |
| Fridgexpress (UK) Limited^ | 06554050 | Northgate Centre, Lingfield Way, Darlington, DL1 4PZ |
| Goode Durrant Administration Limited*^ | 00059051 | Northgate Centre, Lingfield Way, Darlington, DL1 4PZ |
| GRG Public Resources Limited*^ | 2946432 | Broad Lea House, Dyson Wood Way, Bradley, Huddersfield, West Yorkshire, HD2 1GZ |
| HAS Accident Management Solutions Limited*^ | 03198299 | Pinesgate, Lower Bristol Road, Bath, BA2 3DP |
| Helphire EBT Trustee Limited*^ | 03852243 | Pinesgate, Lower Bristol Road, Bath, BA2 3DP |
| Strategic | Corporate | Financial | Shareholder and |
|---|---|---|---|
| governance | statements | other information |
| Name | Company number+ | Registered office |
|---|---|---|
| Moco Group Limited (formerly ZIGUP Limited)*^ | 9713395 | Pinesgate, Lower Bristol Road, Bath, BA2 3DP |
| NewLaw Legal Limited* | 07200038 | Helmont House, Churchill Way, Cardiff, CF10 2HE |
| NewLaw Trustees Limited*^ | 08702402 | Helmont House, Churchill Way, Cardiff, CF10 2HE |
| NG Finance Limited* | 00545062 (Ireland) | 6th Floor, South Bank House, Barrow Street, Dublin 4, Ireland |
| NLS Trustees Limited*^ | SC427064 | 7th Floor Delta House, 50 West Nile Street, Glasgow, G1 2NP |
| Northgate (CB) Limited*^ | 07233528 | Northgate Centre, Lingfield Way, Darlington, DL1 4PZ |
| Northgate (CB2) Limited*^ | 07983969 | Northgate Centre, Lingfield Way, Darlington, DL1 4PZ |
| Northgate (Europe) Limited^ | 05932194 | Northgate Centre, Lingfield Way, Darlington, DL1 4PZ |
| Northgate (Malta) Limited* | C39845 (Malta) | Office 1, Verdala Business Centre, LM Complex, Brewery Street, Mriehel, Birkirkara BKR3000, Malta |
| Northgate (MT) Limited* | C39847 (Malta) | Office 1, Verdala Business Centre, LM Complex, Brewery Street, Mriehel, Birkirkara BKR3000, Malta |
| Northgate España Renting Flexible S.A.* | (CIF) A-28659423 (Spain) | Avd Isaac Newton, 3 Parque Empresarial La Carpetania, 28906 Getafe, Madrid, Spain |
| Northgate Holdings Limited^ | 12366193 | Northgate Centre, Lingfield Way, Darlington, DL1 4PZ |
| Northgate Vehicle Hire (Ireland) Limited* | 00333586 (Ireland) | 6th Floor, South Bank House, Barrow Street, Dublin 4, Ireland |
| Northgate Vehicle Hire Limited | 01434157 | Northgate Centre, Lingfield Way, Darlington, DL1 4PZ |
| Northgate Vehicle Sales Limited*^ | 02337128 | Northgate Centre, Lingfield Way, Darlington, DL1 4PZ |
| Principia Law Limited* | 08305964 | Bowland House, Gadbrook Business Centre, Rudheath, Northwich, Cheshire, CW9 7TN |
| Recovery Management Services Limited*^ | 2948091 | Broad Lea House, Dyson Wood Way, Bradley, Huddersfield, West Yorkshire, HD2 1GZ |
| Redde Ltd^ | 03120010 | Pinesgate, Lower Bristol Road, Bath, BA2 3DP |
| Total Accident Management Limited*^ | 03156157 | Pinesgate, Lower Bristol Road, Bath, BA2 3DP |
* Interest held indirectly by the Company.
^ The members of the Company have elected to take the exemption from audit available under S479A of the Companies Act 2006 relating to subsidiary companies for the year ended 30 April 2024. A guarantee has been or will be provided by ZIGUP plc as the ultimate Parent Company.
Shareholder and other information
| Note | 2024 £000 |
2023 £000 |
|---|---|---|
| Non-current assets Investments 5 Deferred tax assets 6 |
451,022 2,694 |
447,930 3,749 |
| Total non-current assets | 453,716 | 451,679 |
| Current assets Receivables and contract assets 7 Derivative financial instrument assets Cash and bank balances |
1,079,263 104 37,108 |
1,112,041 – 2,160 |
| Total current assets | 1,116,475 | 1,114,201 |
| Total assets | 1,570,191 | 1,565,880 |
| Current liabilities Trade and other payables 8 Borrowings 9 |
266,690 838 |
338,786 – |
| Total current liabilities | 267,528 | 338,786 |
| Net current assets | 848,947 | 775,415 |
| Non-current liabilities Borrowings 9 |
559,964 | 537,712 |
| Total non-current liabilities | 559,964 | 537,712 |
| Total liabilities | 827,492 | 876,498 |
| Net assets | 742,699 | 689,382 |
| Equity Share capital 10 Share premium account 11 Treasury shares reserve 12 Other reserves 13 |
123,046 113,510 (67,488) 325,108 |
123,046 113,510 (60,420) 325,030 |
| Retained earnings At 1 May Profit for the financial year Other changes in retained earnings |
188,216 110,445 (50,138) |
148,005 86,104 (45,893) |
| At 30 April | 248,523 | 188,216 |
| Total equity | 742,699 | 689,382 |
The financial statements on pages 190 to 201 were approved by the Board of Directors on 10 July 2024 and signed on its behalf by:
Philip Vincent
Chief Financial Officer
| Strategic | Corporate | Financial | Shareholder and |
|---|---|---|---|
| governance | statements | other information |
For the year ended 30 April 2024
| Share capital and share premium1 £000 |
Treasury shares reserve2 £000 |
Other reserves3 £000 |
Retained earnings £000 |
Total £000 |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Total equity at 1 May 2022 | 236,556 | (7,493) | 325,030 | 148,005 | 702,098 |
| Group share options fair value charge | – | – | – | 4,647 | 4,647 |
| Purchase of shares | – | (52,927) | – | – | (52,927) |
| Dividends paid | – | – | – | (52,220) | (52,220) |
| Deferred tax on share based payments recognised in equity | – | – | – | 1,680 | 1,680 |
| Total comprehensive income | – | – | – | 86,104 | 86,104 |
| Total equity at 30 April 2023 and 1 May 2023 | 236,556 | (60,420) | 325,030 | 188,216 | 689,382 |
| Group share options fair value charge | – | – | – | 5,239 | 5,239 |
| Purchase of shares | – | (24,878) | – | – | (24,878) |
| Purchase of treasury shares | – | 17,810 | – | – | 17,810 |
| Dividends paid | – | – | – | (56,178) | (56,178) |
| Deferred tax on share based payments recognised in equity | – | – | – | 801 | 801 |
| Total comprehensive income | – | – | 78 | 110,445 | 110,523 |
| Total equity at 30 April 2024 | 236,556 | (67,488) | 325,108 | 248,523 | 742,699 |
1 Further details can be found within Notes 10 and 11.
2 Further details can be found within Note 12.
3 Other reserves comprise the other reserve, capital redemption reserve, hedging reserve and merger reserve, further details on Other reserves can be found within Note 13.
| Strategic | Corporate | Financial Financial |
Shareholder and |
|---|---|---|---|
| report | governance | statements | other information |
The ZIGUP plc Company balance sheet, Statement of changes in equity and related notes have been prepared in accordance with Financial Reporting Standard 101 Reduced Disclosure Framework, which applies the recognition and measurement bases of IFRS with reduced disclosure requirements. The financial information has been prepared on an historical cost basis. The financial statements have been prepared on a going concern basis. The functional currency of the Company and the presentation currency adopted is Sterling.
The following exemptions from the requirements of IFRS have been applied in the preparation of these financial statements, in accordance with FRS 101:
The following paragraphs of IAS 1, "Presentation of financial statements":
As permitted by section 408 of the Companies Act 2006, the income statement account of the Parent Company is not presented as part of these financial statements. The profit after tax for the year of the Parent Company amounted to £110,445,000 (2023: £86,104,000).
| Strategic | Corporate | Financial | Shareholder and |
|---|---|---|---|
| governance | statements | other information |
A summary of the material accounting policies is set out below. These accounting policies have been applied consistently.
The Company's functional currency is Sterling. Transactions in currencies other than the functional currency are translated at the exchange rate ruling at the date of the transaction. Monetary assets and liabilities, including amounts due from or to subsidiaries, denominated in currencies other than the functional currency (being Sterling) are retranslated at year end exchange rates. Gains and losses on retranslation are included in net income statement for the year.
Dividends proposed by subsidiaries are recognised as income by the Company when they represent a present obligation of the subsidiaries, in the period in which they are formally approved for payment.
Interest income is accrued on a time basis, by reference to the principal outstanding and the effective interest rate applicable, which is the rate that exactly discounts estimated future cash receipts through the expected life of the financial asset to that asset's net carrying amount.
Dividends proposed are recognised when they represent a present obligation, in the period in which they are formally approved for payment. Accordingly, an interim dividend is recognised when paid and a final dividend is recognised when approved by the Board of Directors.
Investments in subsidiaries represent equity holdings in subsidiaries and long term amounts owed by subsidiaries. Such investments are valued at cost less any impairment provisions. Investments relating to equity holdings in subsidiaries are reviewed for impairment if events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount may not be recoverable; the recoverable amount of the investment is the higher of fair value less costs of disposal and value in use. Investments relating to long term amounts owed by subsidiaries are reviewed to assess if a material expected credit loss provision is required in respect of these balances.
Liquid investments represent highly liquid current asset investments such as term deposits and managed funds invested in high quality fixed income instruments. They do not meet the IAS 7 definition of cash and cash equivalents, normally because even if readily accessible, the underlying investments have an average maturity profile greater than 90 days from the date first entered into, or because they are held primarily for investment purposes rather than meeting short term cash commitments.
Cash and cash equivalents comprise cash on hand, deposits held on call with banks, highly liquid investments that are readily convertible into known amounts of cash, and which are subject to insignificant risk of changes in value and are held for the purpose of meeting short term cash commitments rather than for investment or other purposes. The cash balance is presented net of bank overdrafts which are repayable on demand. Cash and cash equivalents have a maturity period of 90 days or less.
Interest-bearing loans and bank overdrafts are initially recorded at the proceeds received, net of direct issue costs. They are subsequently measured at amortised cost using the effective interest method, with interest expense recognised on an effective yield basis. The effective interest method is a method of calculating the amortised cost of a financial liability and of allocating interest expense over the relevant period. The effective interest rate is the rate that exactly discounts estimated future cash payments through the expected life of the financial liability, or, where appropriate, a shorter period. Finance charges, including premiums payable on settlement or redemption and direct issue costs, are accounted for on an accruals basis using the effective interest rate method.
Trade and other payables are recognised initially at fair value and subsequently measured at amortised cost using the effective interest method.
| Strategic | Corporate | Financial Financial |
Shareholder and |
|---|---|---|---|
| report | governance | statements statements |
other information |
The Group uses derivative financial instruments to hedge its exposure to interest and foreign exchange rate risks arising from operational, financing and investment activities. In accordance with its treasury policy, the Group does not hold nor issue derivative financial instruments for trading purposes.
Derivative financial instruments are stated at fair value. Any gain or loss on remeasurement to fair value is recognised immediately in the consolidated income statement except where derivatives qualify for hedge accounting, where recognition of the resultant gain or loss depends on the nature of the items being hedged.
The fair value of interest rate derivatives is the estimated amount that the Group would receive or pay to terminate the derivative at the balance sheet date, taking into account current interest rates and the current creditworthiness of the derivative counterparties.
Changes in the fair value of derivative financial instruments that are designated and effective as hedges of future cash flows are recognised in other comprehensive income and the ineffective portion is recognised in the consolidated income statement. Amounts previously recognised in other comprehensive income and accumulated in equity are reclassified to the income statement in the periods when the hedged item is recognised in the income statement, in the same line of the consolidated income statement as the recognised hedged item.
However, when the forecast transaction that is hedged results in the recognition of a non-financial asset or a non-financial liability, the gains and losses previously accumulated in equity are transferred from equity and included in the initial measurement of the cost of the non-financial asset or non-financial liability.
Changes in the fair value of derivative financial instruments that do not qualify for hedge accounting are recognised in the consolidated income statement as they arise.
Hedge accounting for cash flow hedges is discontinued when the hedging instrument expires or is sold, terminated, exercised or no longer qualifies for hedge accounting. At that time, any cumulative gain or loss on the hedging instrument recognised in equity is retained in equity until the forecasted transaction occurs. If a hedged transaction is no longer expected to occur, the net cumulative gain or loss recognised in equity is transferred to the consolidated income statement as a net profit or loss for the period.
Changes in the fair value of derivative financial instruments that are designated, and effective as net investment hedges are recognised directly in equity and the ineffective portion is recognised in the consolidated income statement. Exchange differences arising on the net investment hedges are transferred to the translation reserve.
No derivative assets and liabilities are offset.
The Company makes open market purchases of its own shares in order to fund future investment. When shares recognised as equity are repurchased, the amount of the consideration paid, which includes directly attributable costs, is recognised as a deduction from equity. Repurchased shares are classified as treasury shares and are presented in the treasury share reserve. The acquired shares are initially recognised at historical cost and then at each reporting date, adjustments are made to write down the carrying value of own shares when, in the opinion of the Directors, there is a significant market value reduction. Treasury shares are transferred to the own shares reserve at the weighted average cost of the purchase price paid for the shares.
| Strategic | Corporate | Financial | Shareholder and |
|---|---|---|---|
| governance | statements | other information |
The Company issues equity settled awards to certain employees of the Group.
Equity settled employee schemes, including employee share options and deferred annual bonuses, provide employees with the option to acquire shares of the Company. Employee share options and deferred annual bonuses are generally subject to performance or service conditions.
The fair value of equity settled payments is measured at the date of grant and charged to the income statement over the period during which performance or service conditions are required to be met or immediately where no performance or service criteria exist. The fair value of equity settled payments granted is measured using the Black–Scholes or the Monte Carlo model. At the end of each reporting period, the Company revises its estimate of the number of options that are expected to vest based on the non-market vesting conditions and service conditions. It recognises the impact of the revision to the original estimates, if any, in the income statement, with a corresponding adjustment to equity.
The Company also operates a share incentive plan under which employees each have the option to purchase an amount of shares annually and receive an equivalent number of free shares. The Company recognises the free shares as an expense evenly throughout the period over which the employees must remain in employment of the Company in order to receive the free shares.
The Company operates a share save scheme under which employees have the option to convert savings to shares at an agreed exercise price. The Company recognises the option value evenly over the savings period.
The Directors do not consider there to be critical accounting judgements or key sources of estimation uncertainty which could have a significant risk of causing a material adjustment to the carrying amounts of the Company's assets and liabilities within the next financial year. We have set out below the most significant judgements and estimates applied in the preparation of the Company's balance sheet.
The most significant accounting judgement is whether there are impairment indicators in respect of the carrying value of the Company's investments in subsidiaries and amounts due from subsidiary undertakings.
The most significant accounting estimate is whether a credit loss provision is required in respect of any of the Company's receivable balances. Over 99% of the receivable balances relate to intercompany balances, primarily with intermediary holding Companies which indirectly hold the Company's investments in the operating Companies of the Group. There is not considered to be any significant risk of a relevant overstatement of these carrying values. In assessing this, the Company has considered the cash and operating assets held by the relevant Group Companies and the level of earnings generated by the Group's operations.
The average monthly number of employees was 45 (2023: 41), engaged in management and administrative activities.
| 2024 £000 |
2023 £000 |
|
|---|---|---|
| Wages and salaries | 7,199 | 6,672 |
| Social security costs | 1,273 | 1,273 |
| Other pension costs | 438 | 336 |
| Share based payments | 2,147 | 2,365 |
| Staff costs | 11,057 | 10,646 |
The above employee figures include remuneration paid to Directors, details of which are set out in the Remuneration Report.
| Strategic | Corporate | Financial Financial |
Shareholder and |
|---|---|---|---|
| report | governance | statements statements |
other information |
The Group's and Company's various share incentive plans are explained in the Remuneration report on pages 108 to 122 and in Note 29 of the Notes to the Group financial statements.
All options granted under the DABP, MPSP, EPSP and EAB are nil-cost options. Options granted under the SAYE Scheme have exercise prices ranging from £2.12 to £2.69.
The AESS scheme has been closed for new awards and all remaining matching shares vested during the year.
The Board may make discretionary awards of free shares to eligible employees. Employees must remain in employment of the Company during the vesting period of three years in order to receive the free shares.
The SAYE Scheme has a three-year savings period where employees save at an agreed rate. At the end of the savings period, employees can choose to either exercise options or withdraw their savings.
| Investment in subsidiary undertakings £000 |
|
|---|---|
| Cost and carrying amount: | |
| At 1 May 2022 | 445,600 |
| Capital contribution | 2,330 |
| At 30 April 2023 and 1 May 2023 | 447,930 |
| Capital contribution | 3,092 |
| At 30 April 2024 | 451,022 |
Subsidiary holdings, included in the Group financial statements for the year ended 30 April 2024, are shown in Note 32 of the Group financial statements. All of these subsidiary holdings are wholly-owned, unless otherwise indicated in Note 32 of the Group financial statements. All operating subsidiaries' results are included in the Group financial statements.
| Strategic Corporate Financial governance statements |
Shareholder and other information |
|---|---|
| ----------------------------------------------------------------- | -------------------------------------- |
The following are the major deferred tax assets recognised by the Company and movements during the current and prior year:
| Share based payments £000 |
Other temporary differences £000 |
Total £000 |
|
|---|---|---|---|
| At 1 May 2022 | 1,563 | 26 | 1,589 |
| Credit to the income statement | 348 | 132 | 480 |
| Credit to equity | 1,680 | – | 1,680 |
| At 30 April 2023 and 1 May 2023 | 3,591 | 158 | 3,749 |
| (Charge) to the income statement | (1,823) | (7) | (1,830) |
| Credit to equity | 801 | (26) | 775 |
| At 30 April 2024 | 2,569 | 125 | 2,694 |
| 2024 £000 |
2023 £000 |
|
|---|---|---|
| Amounts due from subsidiary undertakings | 1,078,557 | 1,111,517 |
| Other receivables and prepayments | 706 | 524 |
| 1,079,263 | 1,112,041 |
Amounts due to subsidiary undertakings includes £970,740,000 (2023: £958,801,000) non-interest bearing and repayable on demand, a term loan repayable in June 2028 of £46,700,000 (2023: £152,716,000) which bears interest at 1.95% above SONIA (2023: 1.95%) and £61,117,000 balance (2023: £nil) on a loan repayable in June 2028 which bears interest at a fixed rate of 5.95%.
| 2024 £000 |
2023 £000 |
|
|---|---|---|
| Trade payables | 41 | 120 |
| Amounts due to subsidiary undertakings | 258,957 | 330,558 |
| Social security and other taxes | 227 | 240 |
| Accruals and deferred income | 7,465 | 7,868 |
| 266,690 | 338,786 |
The Directors consider that the carrying amount of trade and other payables approximates to their fair value due to their short term nature.
Amounts due to subsidiary undertakings includes £121,318,000 (2023: £196,628,000) non-interest bearing and repayable on demand and a term loan repayable in June 2028 of £137,639,000 (2023: £133,930,000) which bears interest at 1.95% above SONIA (2023: 1.95%).
| Strategic | Corporate | Financial Financial |
Shareholder and |
|---|---|---|---|
| report | governance | statements statements |
other information |
The Directors consider that the carrying amounts of the Company's borrowings approximate to their fair value.
| 2024 £000 |
2023 £000 |
|
|---|---|---|
| Bank loans and overdrafts | 240,035 | 207,358 |
| Loan notes | 320,267 | 329,854 |
| Cumulative preference shares | 500 | 500 |
| 560,802 | 537,712 | |
| The borrowings are repayable as follows: | ||
| 2024 £000 |
2023 £000 |
|
| On demand or within one year (shown within current liabilities) | ||
| Bank loans and overdrafts | 838 | – |
| 838 | – | |
| In the second year | ||
| Bank loans | 243,811 | – |
| 243,811 | – | |
| In the third to fifth years | ||
| Bank loans | – | 213,818 |
| Loan notes | 128,217 | 132,075 |
| 128,217 | 345,893 | |
| Due after more than five years | ||
| Loan notes | 192,325 | 198,113 |
| Cumulative preference shares | 500 | 500 |
| 192,825 | 198,613 | |
| Unamortised finance fees relating to the bank loans and loan notes | (4,889) | (6,794) |
| Total borrowings | 560,802 | 537,712 |
| Amounts due for settlement within one year (shown within current liabilities) | (838) | – |
| Amounts due for settlement after more than one year | 559,964 | 537,712 |
| Strategic | Corporate | Financial | Shareholder and |
|---|---|---|---|
| governance | statements | other information |
Bank loans and overdrafts are unsecured and bear interest at rates of 1.95% (2023: 0.95% to 1.95%) above the relevant interest rate index, being SONIA for Sterling denominated debt and EURIBOR for Euro denominated debt, subject to a floor of 0%. Bank loans and overdraft facilities mature in November 2026.
The Company has £320,542,000 (2023: £330,188,000) of loan notes (gross of unamortised fees) which bear interest at a blended rate of 1.3% (2023: 1.3%). These are unsecured and are repayable in November 2027, November 2029 and November 2031.
The cumulative preference shares of 50p each entitle the holder to receive a cumulative preferential dividend at the rate of 5% on the paid-up capital and the right to a return of capital at either winding up or a repayment of capital. The cumulative preference shares do not entitle the holders to any further or other participation in the profits or assets of the Company. These shares have no voting rights other than in exceptional circumstances.
The total number of authorised cumulative preference shares of 50p each is 1,300,000 (2023: 1,300,000), of which 1,000,000 (2023: 1,000,000) were allotted and fully paid at the balance sheet date.
| Number of shares | £000 | |
|---|---|---|
| At 1 May 2022, 30 April 2023 and at 30 April 2024 | 246,091,423 | 123,046 |
The Company has one class of ordinary shares with a par value of 50p.
| £000 | |
|---|---|
| At 1 May 2022, 30 April 2023 and at 30 April 2024 | 113,510 |
Movements on the treasury shares reserve are shown in the Statement of changes in equity, which can be seen on page 191. Further information on these reserves is given below:
The reserve for the Company's treasury shares comprises the cost of the Company's shares held by the Company. At 30 April 2024, the Company held 18,981,862 of the Company's shares (2023: 16,877,571). The total number of shares held in treasury represents 7.7% (2023: 6.9%) of the allotted and fully paid share capital of the Company.
| Strategic report |
Corporate governance |
Financial Financial statements |
Shareholder and other information |
|---|---|---|---|
| --------------------- | ------------------------- | -------------------------------------- | -------------------------------------- |
| Capital redemption reserve £000 |
Merger reserve £000 |
Hedging reserve £000 |
Other reserve £000 |
Total Other reserve £000 |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| At 1 May 2022 and at 30 April 2023 | 40 | 63,159 | – | 261,831 | 325,030 |
| Change to comprehensive income | – | – | 78 | – | 78 |
| At 30 April 2024 | 40 | 63,159 | 78 | 261,831 | 325,108 |
The above shows the movements on the reserves classified as "Other reserves" on the Company's Statement of changes in equity. Movements on the translation reserve are shown in the Statement of changes in equity, which can be seen on page 191. Further information on certain of these reserves is given below:
The merger reserve in the Company and Group arose from acquisitions in previous years.
The hedging reserve represents the cumulative amounts of changes in fair values of hedged interest rate derivatives that are deferred in equity, as explained in Note 2, less amounts transferred to the income statement and other components of equity.
The other reserve represents the excess of the share price on the date of acquisition of Redde plc, 282p over the nominal share price of 50p. The share premium represents the excess of the share price of 251p at the time of the sale of these shares over the nominal share price of 50p. The Company has recorded the premium for the issue of shares for this acquisition in other reserves in accordance with Section 612 of the Companies Act 2006 in respect of merger relief.
An interim dividend of 8.3p per ordinary share was paid in January 2024 (2023: 7.5p). The Directors propose a final dividend for the year ended 30 April 2024 of 17.5p per ordinary share (2023: 16.5p), which is subject to approval at the AGM and has not been included as a liability as at 30 April 2024. Based upon the shares in issue at 30 April 2024 and excluding treasury shares and shares in employee trust where dividends are waived, this equates to a final dividend payment of £39m (2023: £37m). No dividends have been paid between 30 April 2024 and the date of signing the financial statements.
| Strategic | Corporate | Financial | Shareholder and |
|---|---|---|---|
| governance | statements | other information |
Transactions between the Company and its subsidiary undertakings, which are related parties, are £9,332,000 (2023: £6,173,000) interest payable, £8,769,000 (2023: £6,974,000) interest receivable and £10,013,000 (2023: £9,284,000) royalty charges receivable.
Balances with subsidiary undertakings at the balance sheet date are shown in Notes 7 and 8.
There were no transactions with other related parties in the current or prior years.
In the current and prior year, the Directors of the Company are determined to be the key management personnel of the Company. There are other senior managers in the Company who are able to influence the Company in the achievement of its goals. However, in the opinion of the Directors, only the Directors of the Company have significant authority for planning, directing and controlling the activities of the Company.
In respect of the compensation of key management personnel, the short term employee benefits, post-employment (pension) benefits, termination benefits and details of share options granted are set out in the Remuneration report on pages 108 to 122.
The fair value charged to the income statement in respect of equity settled share based payment transactions with the Directors is £1,644,000 (2023: £1,799,000). There are no other long term benefits accruing to key management personnel, other than as set out in the Remuneration report.
Corporate governance Financial statements Shareholder and other information
203 Glossary 206 Shareholder information
202 ZIGUP plc Annual Report and Accounts 2024
| Strategic | Corporate | Financial Financial |
Shareholder and | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Glossary | report | governance | statements statements |
other information |
| Shareholder and | |
|---|---|
| Term | Definition |
|---|---|
| 1.5 degree world | A term used in the Paris Agreement to target a 1.5 degree celsius reduction in the world's surface temperature compared to pre-industrial levels |
| AEDIVE | A trade association in Spain representing companies engaged in vehicle rental, leasing and fleet management |
| AGM | Annual general meeting of the Company |
| Annual report on remuneration |
That section of the Remuneration report which is subject to an advisory shareholder vote |
| Average capital employed |
A two-point average of capital employed at last day of the current and previous financial years |
| Auxillis | A business within the Claims and Services operating segment providing fault and non-fault accident management assistance and related services |
| B2B | Non-consumer related business activity |
| B2C | Consumer related business activity |
| Blakedale | A business within the UK&I Rental operating segment providing specialist traffic management services |
| BVRLA | A UK trade association representing companies engaged in vehicle rental, leasing and fleet management |
| Capex | Capital expenditure |
| Capital employed | Net assets excluding net debt, acquired goodwill and acquired intangible assets, and the adjustment to net book values for changes to depreciation rates which have not been reflected in underlying results |
| CEO | Chief Executive Officer |
| CFO | Chief Financial Officer |
| ChargedEV | A business within the UK&I Rental operating segment providing EV charging and solar infrastructure and solutions |
| Claims & Services | The Claims & Services operating segment representing the insurance claims and services part of the Group providing a range of mobility solutions (previously called Redde) |
| Contract hire | A vehicle lease accounted for under IFRS 16 (Leases), where the funder retains the legal ownership of the vehicle and the residual value risk |
| DABP | Deferred Annual Bonus Plan, a senior management share award scheme |
| Term | Definition |
|---|---|
| Defra | Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs: A UK government department |
| Disposal profit(s) | This is a non-GAAP measure used to describe the adjustment in the depreciation charge made in the year for vehicles sold at an amount different to their net book value at the date of sale (net of attributable selling costs) |
| Drive to Zero | A Group project related to the Group's targets to reduce emissions |
| e-LCV(s) | Electrically powered LCV(s) |
| EAB | Executive Annual Bonus scheme, a senior management share award scheme |
| e-auction | The part of the Group which generates vehicles sales revenue through the Group's online sales platforms |
| EBIT | Earnings before interest and taxation. Underlying unless otherwise stated |
| EBITDA | Earnings before interest, taxation, depreciation and amortisation |
| ED&I | Equality, diversity and inclusion in the workplace |
| EPS | Basic earnings per share. Underlying unless otherwise stated |
| EPSP | Executive Performance Share Plan, a senior management share award scheme |
| ESG | Environmental, social and governance |
| EV(s) | Electrically powered vehicle(s) |
| Facility headroom | Calculated as facilities of £826m less net borrowings of £582m. Net borrowings represent net debt of £742m excluding lease liabilities of £165m and unamortised arrangement fees of £5m and are stated after the deduction of £40m of cash balances which are available to offset against borrowings |
| FCA | Financial Conduct Authority, a UK regulatory body |
| FENEVAL | A Spanish trade association representing companies engaged in vehicle rental, leasing and fleet management |
| Fleet assets | Referring to the net book value of vehicles for hire |
| Free Shares | Part of the SIP and also including international awards of free shares to Group employees |
| FMG | A business within the Claims & Services operating segment providing fleet management services |
| FMG RS | A business within the Claims & Services operating segment providing vehicle repair services |
| FRC | Financial Reporting Council, a UK regulatory body |
| Strategic | Corporate | Financial | Shareholder and |
|---|---|---|---|
| report | governance | statements | other information |
| Shareholder and | |
|---|---|
| Term | Definition |
|---|---|
| Free cash flow | Net cash generated after principal lease payments and before the payment of dividends and payments to acquire treasury shares |
| FridgeXpress | A business within the UK&I Rental operating segment providing specialist temperature-controlled vehicle services, introduced into the Group following the acquisition of Fridgexpress (UK) Limited |
| FTSE | The Financial Times Stock Exchange: the UK based index for global equity markets |
| FY2021 | The year ended 30 April 2021 |
| FY2022 | The year ended 30 April 2022 |
| FY2023 | The year ended 30 April 2023 |
| FY2024 | The year ended 30 April 2024 |
| FY2025 | The year ending 30 April 2025 |
| FY2026 | The year ending 30 April 2026 |
| FY2027 | The year ending 30 April 2027 |
| GAAP | Generally Accepted Accounting Practice: meaning compliance with IFRS |
| Gearing | Calculated as net debt divided by net tangible assets |
| GHG | Greenhouse gas |
| Green NCAP's Life Cycle Assessment methodology |
A method used to estimate the overall environmental impact of a vehicle over its lifecycle |
| Growth capex | Growth capex represents the cash consumed in order to grow the total owned rental fleet or the cash generated if the fleet size is reduced in periods of contraction |
| HMRC | The UK tax authority |
| ICE vehicles | Vehicles powered by an internal combustion engine |
| IEA | The International Energy Agency providing data analysis and solutions on all fuels and technologies |
| IFRS | International Reporting Standards, as adopted in the UK |
| IMI | The professional association for individuals working in the UK motor industry |
| Term | Definition |
|---|---|
| Income from associates The Group's share of net profit of associates accounted for using the equity method |
|
| KPIs | Key performance indicators |
| LCV | Light commercial vehicle: the official term used within the European Union for a commercial carrier vehicle with a gross vehicle weight of not more than 3.5 tonnes |
| Lease principal payments |
Principal payments on leases recognised under IFRS 16 (Leases) |
| Listing Rules | The Listing Rules of the FCA |
| LTIP | Long term incentive plan, including the EPSP |
| M&A | Referring to inorganic growth/growth opportunities |
| MPSP | Management Performance Share Plan, a senior management share award scheme (closed to new awards from 2013) |
| Net replacement capex | Net capital expenditure other than that defined as growth capex |
| Net zero | As defined under The Paris Agreement, a legally binding international treaty on climate change |
| NewLaw | A business within the Claims & Services operating segment providing legal services |
| Net tangible assets | Net assets less goodwill and other intangible assets |
| NGO | Non-governmental organisation: a not for profit organisation, not controlled by a government |
| Non-GAAP | A financial metric used which is not defined under GAAP |
| Non-ICE vehicles | Vehicles not powered by an internal combustion engine |
| Northgate UK | The UK based vehicle rental business, part of the UK&I Rental operating segment |
| Spain Rental | The Spain Rental operating segment located in Spain and providing commercial vehicle hire and ancillary services (previously called Northgate Spain) |
| NPS | Net promoter score: a measure used to gauge customer satisfaction |
| OEM(s) | Original equipment manufacturer(s): a reference to our vehicle suppliers |
| PBT | Profit before taxation. Underlying unless otherwise stated |
| Strategic | Corporate | Financial Financial |
Shareholder and | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Glossary continued | report | governance | statements statements |
other information |
| Term | Definition |
|---|---|
| PPU | Profit per unit/loss per unit – this is a non-GAAP measure used to describe disposals profits (as defined), divided by the number of vehicles sold |
| PwC | PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP |
| Rental margin | Calculated as rental profit divided by revenue (excluding vehicle sales) |
| Rental profit(s) | EBIT excluding disposal profits |
| ROCE | Underlying return on capital employed: calculated as underlying EBIT (see GAAP reconciliation) divided by average capital employed |
| RTA | Road Traffic Accident: a term used in the insurance industry for vehicle accidents |
| Section 172 | Referring to Section 172 of the Companies Act 2006 |
| SAYE | The Company's all employee share saving scheme |
| SECR | Streamlined Energy & Carbon Reporting |
| SIP | The Company's HMRC-approved share incentive plan, including the All Employee Share Scheme (AESS) and the YourShare/Free Shares programme |
| SIMI | The official voice of the motor industry in Ireland |
| Spain | Referring to the Spain Rental operating segment |
| SMEs | Small or medium sized businesses |
| SMMT | A UK trade association in the automotive sector |
| SONIA | An interest rate benchmark reference rate for Sterling |
| Steady state cash generation |
EBITDA less net replacement capex and lease principal payments |
| TCFD | The Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures |
| The Code | The UK Corporate Governance Code |
| The Company | ZIGUP plc (formerly Redde Northgate plc) |
| The Group | The Company and its subsidiaries |
| Trustpilot | An independent digital platform for consumers to share experiences of interactions with businesses |
| UK&I | Referring to the UK&I Rental operating segment |
| Term | Definition | |
|---|---|---|
| UK&I Rental | The UK&I Rental operating segment located in the United Kingdom and the Republic of Ireland providing commercial vehicle hire and ancillary services (previously called Northgate UK&I) |
|
| Underlying free cash flow |
Free cash flow excluding growth capex | |
| Utilisation | Calculated as the average number of vehicles on hire divided by average rentable fleet in any period |
|
| Van Monster | A trading name used within the UK&I Rental operating business, when selling used vehicles to business and retail customers |
|
| VOH | Vehicles on hire. Average unless otherwise stated | |
| YourShare | Part of the SIP | |
| ZEV mandate | The Zero Emissions Vehicle mandate: a legal framework introduced by the UK government to increase the proportion of zero emission vehicles sold in the UK |
|
| ZIGUP | The Group |
| Strategic | Corporate | Financial | Shareholder and | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Shareholder information | report | governance | statements | other information |
| Classification | Registrars |
|---|---|
| Information concerning day to day movements in the price of the Company's ordinary shares can be found on the Company's website at: www.zigup.com |
Link Group 10th Floor |
| The Company's listing symbol on the London Stock Exchange is ZIG. | Central Square 29 Wellington Street |
| The Company's joint corporate brokers are Barclays Bank plc and Numis Securities Limited and the Company's ordinary shares are traded on the Stock Exchange Trading system for Money Market, (SETSmm). |
Leeds LS1 4DL |
| The Company is registered in England and Wales. | Tel: 0371 664 0391 |
| Company number 00053171. | Calls are charged at the standard geographic rate and will vary by provider. |
| Financial calendar | Calls from outside the United Kingdom will be charged at the applicable international rate. |
| December | Company contact details |
| Publication of interim statement | ZIGUP plc |
| January | Northgate Centre Lingfield Way |
| Payment of interim dividend | Darlington |
| July | DL1 4PZ |
| Announcement of year end results | Tel: 01325 467558 |
| Report and financial statements available to shareholders | www.zigup.com |
| September | |
| AGM | |
| Payment of final dividend | |
| Secretary and registered office | |
| Company Secretary | |
| Northgate Centre Lingfield Way |
|
| Darlington | |
| DL1 4PZ | |
| Tel: 01325 467558 | |


Printed by a Carbon Neutral Operation (certified: CarbonQuota) under the PAS2060 standard.
Printed on material from well-managed, FSC™ certified forests and other controlled sources. This publication was printed by an FSC™ certified printer that holds an ISO 14001 certification.
100% of the inks used are HP Indigo ElectroInk which complies with RoHS legislation and meets the chemical requirements of the Nordic Ecolabel (Nordic Swan) for printing companies, 95% of press chemicals are recycled for further use and, on average 99% of any waste associated with this production will be recycled and the remaining 1% used to generate energy.
The paper is Carbon Balanced with World Land Trust, an international conservation charity, who offset carbon emissions through the purchase and preservation of high conservation value land. Through protecting standing forests, under threat of clearance, carbon is locked-in, that would otherwise be released.
Northgate Centre Lingfield Way Darlington DL1 4PZ
www.zigup.com
Building tools?
Free accounts include 100 API calls/year for testing.
Have a question? We'll get back to you promptly.