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Beazley PLC

Quarterly Report May 3, 2014

4823_ir_2014-05-03_f1c4f9c2-c2c5-4b08-8d59-3f6e91315d06.pdf

Quarterly Report

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Interim Report and Accounts 2014

At your service for over a hundred years

Stock code: BAE

Contents

•• Interim Management Report •• Condensed Consolidated
Cash Flow Statement
•• Condensed Consolidated
Income Statement
•• Condensed Analysis of
Consolidated Net Debt
•• Condensed Consolidated
Balance Sheet
•• Notes to the Condensed
•• Condensed Consolidated Statement
of Comprehensive Income
•• Independent Review Report
•• Condensed Consolidated Statement
of Changes in Equity
  • Cash Flow Statement
  • •• Condensed Analysis of Consolidated Net Debt
  • •• Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
  • •• Independent Review Report

Beales Online

The Group continues to develop its internet sales, with the introduction of many new ranges. Visit www.beales.co.uk to review our wide range of direct delivered merchandise.

www.beales.co.uk

Interim Management Report

26 weeks ended 3 May 2014

Financial results

The new financial year started slowly, reflecting the continuing pressure on household disposable incomes. Christmas started later but good like for like increases were seen during the key 14 day trading period, prior to start of the post Christmas sales. 2014 started encouragingly, before the detrimental impact of flooding and inclement weather experienced during late January and February. March sales were materially better than February showing a slight increase on the previous year on a like for like basis and April followed that trend.

For the 26 weeks to 3 May 2014 our gross sales reduced by 5.9% from £65.9m to £62.0m, due to the impact of our decisions taken last year to close the Maidstone store (June 2013) and the Cinderford store (July 2013), to exit the TV/Audio sector and also to exit the trading stance away from 'Mega promotions' which chased sales at the detriment of margin, devaluing the Beales brand proposition and confusing our core customers.

Our decisions to close stores, exit certain categories and exit 'Mega promotions' were justified as despite the sales decrease, gross profit increased by £0.1m from £18.4m in the 26 weeks to 4 May 2013 to £18.5m in the 26 weeks to 3 May 2014. Administration expenses before exceptional items were marginally greater than the previous year at

£18.4m (2013: £18.2m) due largely to the decision to take some catering operations in-house; all costs continue to be the focus of tight control within every area of the business. Exceptional income of £0.1m was recorded as a result of a credit on the Tonbridge lease agreement (which was referred to in the 2013 Annual Report) after refinancing and redundancy costs (2013: exceptional costs of £0.5m).

Net debt

The net debt of the business as at 3rd May 2014 is £15.7m (4 May 2013: £13.7m). The difference to net debt at the same time last year, in part, is attributable to the timing of key trade and other payables and fixed asset purchases.

Dividends

The Board is not proposing a dividend. (2013: nil).

Related Party Transactions

Shareholders should note related party transactions are set out in note 14.

Directors

There have been no changes to the directorate in the last six months. On 26 June 2014 John Chillcott resigned as a non-executive director of the Group. We would like to thank John Chillcott for his considerable contribution to the Group.

Interim Management Report continued

Staff

Once again, on behalf of the Board and shareholders, we wish to give special mention and thanks to all Beales staff — in stores and head office. The non-executives would also like to thank Michael Hitchcock and Tony Richards for their continuing contributions as the Executive Directors charged with the responsibility to deliver the turnaround of this business.

Outlook

Despite the government rhetoric about the resumption of growth to the UK economy, it is clear that the pressure on household disposable income has not abated and consequently retail consumer confidence remains fragile in 2014. On this basis we still believe 2014 will continue to be a tough year.

The Group continues to manage its cash very closely and has met all of its banking covenants during the half year to 3 May 2014. Management will continue to work closely with its lender Burdale, to ensure that the ongoing provision of the necessary level of finance is available to the Group. In addition to strategic initiatives to drive the business forward, management continues to proactively develop contingency plans that mitigate loss in the event that trading falls below expectation; self-help measures initiated by the management team and a healthier UK economy, have improved more recent trading results. Please note the going concern statement is set out in Note 1 of these interim accounts.

As we are all aware, Beales operates within a very challenging and competitive trading environment and there are a number of risks and uncertainties facing the Group that are likely to affect its future development, performance and position. These risks and uncertainties have not changed from last year and are set out in the Chief Executive's statement in the Annual Report. The main risks are our customers spending does not increase, the weather, concession and product failure, cash resources and the Group may lose expertise with the resignation of key directors and management. The Board continually assesses the Group's performance and manages those risks and uncertainties by careful consideration of the appropriate resources required by the Group.

We make no hesitation in repeating that we at Beales will continue to concentrate and focus all of our effort and resources on what we can control to the best of our ability.

William Tuffy Chairman 2 July 2014

Michael Hitchcock Chief Executive 2 July 2014

Responsibility Statement

We confirm that to the best of our knowledge:

  • a) the condensed set of financial statements, which has been prepared in accordance with the applicable set of accounting standards, gives a true and fair view of the assets, liabilities, financial position and profit and loss of the Group, included in the consolidation as a whole as required by DTR 4.2.4R;
  • b) the condensed set of financial statements has been prepared in accordance with IAS 34 'Interim Financial Reporting';
  • c) the interim management report includes a fair review of the information required

by DTR 4.2.7R (indication of important events during the first six months and description of principal risks and uncertainties for the remaining six months of the year); and

d) the interim management report includes a fair review of the information required by DTR 4.2.8R (disclosure of related parties' transactions and changes therein).

By order of the Board,

William Tuffy Michael Hitchcock
Chairman Chief Executive
2 July 2014 2 July 2014

This Interim Management Report has been prepared solely to provide additional information to shareholders to assess the Group's strategies and the potential for those strategies to succeed. The Interim Management Report should not be relied on by any other party or for any other purpose.

The Interim Management Report contains certain forward-looking statements about the future outlook for the Group. Although the Directors believe that these statements are based on reasonable assumptions, any such statements should be treated with caution as future outlook may be influenced by factors that could cause actual outcomes and results to be materially different.

Condensed Consolidated Income Statement

26 week period ended 3 May 2014 — Unaudited

Audited
26 weeks to 26 weeks to 52 weeks to
3 May 4 May 2 November
2014 2013 2013
Notes £000 £000 £000
Gross sales* 2 62,025 65,919 120,526
Revenue — continuing
operations 2 34,835 35,588 64,098
Cost of sales (16,339) (17,215) (30,698)
Gross profit 18,496 18,373 33,400
Administrative expenses (18,445) (18,228) (35,797)
Exceptional administrative
income/(expenses) 3 122 (479) (800)
Total administrative expenses (18,323) (18,707) (36,597)
Operating profit/(loss) before
exceptional items 51 145 (2,397)
Operating profit/(loss) —
continuing operations 173 (334) (3,197)
Finance expense (359) (413) (789)
Finance income 1 1
Loss on ordinary activities
before tax (186) (746) (3,985)
Taxation credit/(charge) on loss 5 112
Loss for the period from
continuing operations
attributable to equity
members of the parent (186) (746) (3,873)
Basic loss per share 6 (0.91)p (3.63)p (18.9)p
Diluted loss per share 6 (0.91)p (3.63)p (18.9)p

* Gross sales reflect revenue inclusive of concession sales and VAT, all from continuing operations.

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet

As at 3 May 2014 — Unaudited

Audited
3 May 4 May 2 November
2014 2013 2013
Notes £000 £000 £000
Non-current assets
Goodwill
7
892 892 892
Property, plant and equipment 23,399 24,775 23,852
Financial assets 40
Derivative asset
8
1,466 1,496 1,407
Retirement benefit asset
12
1,340 789
27,137 27,163 26,940
Current assets
Inventories 13,639 14,475 15,254
Trade and other receivables 1,942 3,061 2,649
Cash and cash equivalents 194 606 194
Restricted cash
9
1,000 1,000
15,775 19,142 19,097
Total assets 42,912 46,305 46,037
Current liabilities
Trade and other payables (11,111) (12,547) (14,504)
Provisions (170) (100)
Tax liabilities (35) (35) (35)
Preference shares
10
(389)
Borrowings, bank loan & overdrafts (1,828) (250) (1,816)
(13,363) (13,002) (16,455)
Net current assets 2,412 6,140 2,642
Non-current liabilities
Preference shares
10
(6,226) (6,445) (6,426)
Borrowings (7,430) (8,591) (7,798)
Retirement benefit obligations
12
(1,171)
Lease incentives (4,623) (4,260) (4,389)
Deferred tax liabilities (2,615) (3,072) (2,610)
Obligations under finance leases (976) (977) (977)
(21,870) (24,516) (22,200)
Total liabilities (35,233) (37,518) (38,655)
Net assets 7,679 8,787 7,382
Equity
Share capital 1,026 1,026 1,026
Share premium account 440 440 440
Revaluation reserve 9,170 9,026 9,226
Capital redemption reserve 570 361 570
ESOP reserve (7) (14) (8)
Retained earnings (3,520) (2,052) (3,872)
Total equity 7,679 8,787 7,382

Condensed Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income

26 week period ended 3 May 2014 — Unaudited

Audited
26 weeks to 26 weeks to 52 weeks to
3 May 4 May 2 November
2014 2013 2013
£000 £000 £000
Actuarial gain on pension scheme 484 1,465
Tax on revaluation reserve (1) 258
Tax on items taken directly to equity (1)
Net income recognised directly in equity 483 1,722
Loss for the period (186) (746) (3,873)
Total comprehensive income/(loss)
for the period 297 (746) (2,151)

Condensed Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity

26 weeks to 26 weeks to 52 weeks to
3 May 4 May 2 November
2014 2013 2013
£000 £000 £000
Opening equity 7,382 9,533 9,533
Total comprehensive income/(loss)
for the period 297 (746) (2,151)
Total movements in equity for the period 297 (746) (2,151)
Closing equity 7,679 8,787 7,382

Condensed Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity

Share Share
premium
Revalua
tion
Capital
redemp
tion
ESOP Retained
Capital
£000
account
£000
reserve
£000
reserve
£000
reserve
£000
earnings
£000
At 4 November 2012 1,026 440 9,082 54 (15) (1,054)
Loss for the period (746)
ESOP reserve loss for the
period 1 (1)
Redemption of preference
shares 307 (307)
Transfer from revaluation
reserve (56) 56
4 May 2013 1,026 440 9,026 361 (14) (2,052)
Loss for the period (3,127)
Redemption of preference
shares 209 (209)
Tax on Comprehensive income (1)
Deferred tax change on
revaluation reserve 258
ESOP reserve loss for the
period 6 (6)
Transfer from revaluation
reserve (58) 58
Net actuarial gain 1,465
3 November 2013 1,026 440 9,226 570 (8) (3,872)
Loss for the period (186)
Tax on comprehensive income (1)
Transfer (55) 55
Net actuarial gain 484
ESOP reserve loss for period 1 (1)
3 May 2014 1,026 440 9,170 570 (7) (3,520)

Condensed Consolidated Cash Flow Statement

Audited
26 weeks to
3 May
26 weeks to
4 May
52 weeks to
2 November
2014 2013 2013
Note £000 £000 £000
Cash (outflow)/inflow from
operating activities before
interest and tax 11 (244) 2,340 1,927
Interest paid (169) (177) (368)
Interest received 1 1
Net cash (used in)/generated
from operating activities (413) 2,164 1,560
Cash flows from investing activities
Purchase of property, plant and
equipment (191) (302) (675)
Purchase of investment (40)
Proceeds from maturing of investment 37 37
Net cash used in investing activities (231) (265) (638)
Cash flows from financing activities
Preference shares redeemed (307) (515)
Decrease in bank loans (243) (309) (977)
Repayment of loan (125) (125) (125)
Net repayments from obligation
under finance lease (1) (1) (1)
Net cash used in financing activities (369) (742) (1,618)
Net (Decrease)/increase in
cash and cash equivalents in
the period (1,013) 1,157 (696)
Cash and cash equivalents at
beginning of period (247) 449 449
Cash and cash equivalents at
end of period (including restricted
cash) (1,260) 1,606 (247)

Condensed Analysis of Consolidated Net Debt

26 weeks to 26 weeks to 52 weeks to
3 May 4 May 2 November
2014 2013 2013
£000 £000 £000
Cash at bank 194 606 194
Restricted cash 1,000 1,000
Bank overdrafts (1,454) (1,441)
Cash and cash equivalents (including
overdrafts) (1,260) 1,606 (247)
Borrowings:
Debt due within one year — Preference shares (389)
— Loan (375) (250) (375)
(764) (250) (375)
Debt due after one year
Preference shares (6,226) (6,445) (6,426)
Loan (750) (1,000) (875)
Bank loan (6,680) (7,591) (6,923)
(13,656) (15,036) (14,224)
Total borrowings (14,420) (15,286) (14,599)
Net debt (15,680) (13,680) (14,846)

Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements unaudited

1. Accounting Policies Basis of preparation

The Interim Financial Statements for the 26 weeks ended 3 May 2014 have been prepared on the basis of the accounting policies set out in the Group's financial statements for the 52 weeks ended 2 November 2013.

Going Concern

On 1 February 2013 the Group entered into a new loan facility with Burdale Financial Limited. The terms of that loan facility are for up to a maximum of £12m Senior Secured Credit Facilities. The facilities are secured by a debenture over most of the present and future assets and undertakings of the Group. The new bank facilities include one financial covenant which requires the Group to procure that trading cash flow in respect of each review period as set out in the facility agreement shall not be less than the amounts agreed between the Group and the lender based on financial projections. At the moment the trading cash flow covenants are only stated to the end of October 2014. The bank facility states that, for covenant levels beyond October 2014, the Lender, acting reasonably, will determine new trading cash flow covenant levels for the following financial year based on the Annual Revised Forecasts and consistent with the methodology applied by the Lender in determining the financial covenant levels set out in the agreement. In addition there is a condition that for a period of 14 days between 1 December and 31 January each year drawings do not exceed £2.5m other than the period 1 December 2013 to 31 January 2014 where the limit was £3.0m.

The Group is subject to a number of risks and uncertainties which arise as a result of the current economic environment. In determining that the Group is a going concern, these risks, the most significant of which are the impact on consumer behaviour and in turn the impact on the level of the Group's sales, have been considered by the Directors.

The Directors have prepared forecast information for the 2013/14 year and a three year corporate plan. Based on these forecasts, forward covenant tests to October 2014 after applying financial sensitivities based on reasonably possible alternative trading scenarios and mitigating actions, show that the covenant is not forecast to be breached in the period to October 2014. The forecast and corporate plan are based on market data and past experience and the Directors have formed a judgement that at the time of approving these interim statements, based on those forecasts and projections, there is a reasonable expectation that the Group has adequate resources to continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future. Thus the going concern basis is adopted in preparing these interim statements.

2. Revenue

All the Group's revenue is derived from retail sales made in the UK. Revenue excludes VAT and the non-commission element of sales made by concession outlets.

26 weeks to 26 weeks to 52 weeks to
3 May 4 May 2 November
2014 2013 2013
£000 £000 £000
Gross sales 62,025 65,919 120,526
VAT (10,235) (10,869) (19,934)
Gross sales (excluding VAT) 51,790 55,050 100,592
Agency sales less commission (16,955) (19,462) (36,494)
Revenue 34,835 35,588 64,098

Seasonality of sales

The Group sales are more heavily weighted towards the first half of the financial year on a like for like basis, with 54.11% (2012: 53.82%) of gross annual sales of the previous year being made in the first half on a like for like basis.

3. Exceptional administrative expenses

The Group had an exceptional credit of £122,000 (24 April 2013: £479,000 charge, 2 November 2013: £800,000 charge). The exceptional credit of £122,000 consists of an exceptional credit on the Tonbridge lease agreement (referred to in the annual report) less refinancing and redundancy costs. The £479,000 exceptional debit consisted of costs associated with refinancing the Group and the move from premium to standard listing on the stock exchange. The £800,000 arising in the period to 2 November 2013 relates to fixed asset impairment, refinancing, move to standard listing and the Tonbridge lease agreement.

26 weeks to
3 May
2014
£000
26 weeks to
4 May
2013
£000
52 weeks to
2 November
2013
£000
Exceptional income on Tonbridge 242 250
Fixed asset impairment (582)
Refinancing and cost of moving from
premium to standard listing (54) (479) (468)
Redundancy (66)
122 (479) (800)

Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements unaudited

4. Segment information

The Board have reviewed the requirements of IFRS 8. The individual department stores have similar economic characteristics, products and services, class of customer, method of service provision and regulatory environment. Consequently the directors consider the individual stores can be aggregated into one segment.

5. Tax

A tax charge has arisen of £Nil (2013: £Nil). The total tax credit for the 52 weeks ended 2 November 2013 was calculated at 2.81%.

Tax for the six month period is charged at Nil% (26 weeks ended 4 May 2013 Nil%; 52 weeks ended 2 November 2013 credited at 2.81%).

6. Loss per share

26 weeks to
3 May
2014
26 weeks to
4 May
2013
52 weeks to
2 November
2013
Weighted average number of shares in issue
for the purpose of basic earnings per share 20,524,797 20,524,797 20,524,797
Dilution — share reward schemes 198,312 228,312 228,312
20,723,109 20,753,109 20,753,109
£000 £000 £000
Loss for basic and diluted earnings per
share (186) (746) (3,873)
Pence Pence Pence
Basic loss per share (0.91) (3.63) (18.9)
Basic loss per share before exceptional item (1.50) (1.30) (14.97)
Diluted loss per share (0.91) (3.63) (18.9)

No dividend was paid (2013: nil per share).

7. Goodwill

As at 3 May 2014 the directors assessed the business for indicators of impairment and none were found.

8. Derivative asset

3 May 4 May 2 November
2014 2013 2013
£000 £000 £000
Embedded Derivative 1,466 1,496 1,407

The fair values of derivative instruments are calculated using quoted prices. Where such prices are not available, as with the 8m preference shares (4 May 2013 8.2m, 2 November 2013 8.0m) (see note 10 for the reduction in preference shares), a discounted cash flow analysis is performed using the applicable yield curve for the duration of the instruments for non-optional derivatives, and option pricing models for optional derivatives.

No dividend accrues on the preference shares until 22 May 2016. Thereafter a preferential dividend of 8% per annum will be payable on each of the preference shares for 4 years, increasing to 9% thereafter. The preference shares can be repaid at any time at no penalty.

An embedded derivative in relation to the prepayment option arising on the 8,500,000 preference shares was valued at inception on 22 May 2011 to be £1,078,000. As at 3 May 2014 the derivative was valued at £1,466,000 (4 May 2013: £1,496,000; 2 November 2013: £1,407,000). It has been assumed the Group can borrow at 5% (4 May 2013 5%, 2 November 2013 5%) over LIBOR without security in determining the credit spread required to value this instrument. The valuations were supplied by an independent third party.

9. Restricted cash

As at 3 May 2014 the Group has £Nil (3 May 2013: £1m; 2 November 2013: £1m) deposited with HSBC as security over cash deposits.

Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

10 Preference Shares

3 May 4 May 2 November
2014 2013 2013
£000 £000 £000
Redeemable within one year 389
Redeemable after one year 6,226 6,445 6,426
Preference Shares 6,615 6,445 6,426

At the EGM on 17 May 2011 the shareholders approved the issue of 8,500,000 new redeemable preference shares of £1 each in capital of the Company to ARCS. On 7 December 2012, 306,612 preference shares were redeemed, equivalent to the value of stock held by the Skipton store as at 22 May 2011. On 30 September 2013 209,435 preference shares were redeemed equivalent to the value of stock held by Cinderford. Both Skipton and Cinderford closed shortly before the relevant redemption.

The preference shares were recorded at their estimated initial fair value of £5.97m on 22 May 2011. The initial value was established by an independent third party valuer, based on assumptions provided by management including an estimate of the Group's credit spread and based on the interest and cashflows arising in relation to the preference shares and the fact that no dividend will accrue on the preference shares until five years from their date of issue. The preference shares carrying value is stated above on an amortised cost basis. The effective rate of interest arising on the shares is 7.11%. Furthermore the preference shares can be repaid at any time without penalty. The terms of the preference shares are such that an embedded derivative is recognised, details of which are included in note 8.

In addition, the preference shares must be immediately redeemed on a change of control of the Company or on a sale of all, or substantially all, of the assets of the enlarged Group. Furthermore, should the Group cease trading and fully close down and cease to operate any of the stores acquired from ARCS on 22 May 2011, then an amount of preference shares equivalent to the value of the stock relating to that store as at 22 May 2011 will be redeemed. It is anticipated 164,000 and 225,000 preference shares will be redeemed following closure of the Keighley Home and Harrogate stores respectively later this year.

Please see note 14 in relation to the change in ownership of the preference shares.

11. Reconciliation of operating loss to cash generated from/(used in) operating activities

26 weeks to
3 May
2014
26 weeks to
4 May
2013
52 weeks to
2 November
2013
£000 £000 £000
Operating profit/(loss) 173 (334) (3,197)
Adjustments for:
Cash disbursements of pension obligations
(net of charge included within the income
statement) (67) (495)
Loss on disposal 33
Fixed asset impairment 33 582
Depreciation 643 698 1,412
Profit on disposal of investment (21) (21)
Fair value movement of derivative (59) (80) 9
Decrease in inventories 1,615 1,341 562
Decrease in trade and other receivables 708 2,234 2,646
Decrease in trade and other payables (3,257) (1,531) 396
Cash (outflow)/inflow from operations (244) 2,340 1,927

12. Retirement benefit asset

The defined benefit asset at 3 May 2014 has been changed from the figures recorded at 2 November 2013. The change in value takes in to account the updated asset and liability values, having received information from the Group's actuary. The surplus has taken into account the requirements of IAS 19R.

13. Post balance sheet event

In August 2014 the Keighley Home and Harrogate stores will cease trading. The stores closure will not have a significant effect on the business profitability. The closure of these stores will mean the Group will have to redeem preference shares to the value of approximately £389,000, as this was the value of stock at Keighley Home and Harrogate on acquisition as at 22 May 2011 (see note 10). On 26 June 2014 John Chillcott resigned as a director of the Group.

Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Independent Review Report to Beale PLC Financial Statements

14. Related party transactions

Panther Securities PLC/Maland Pension Fund/Perloff own 29.72% of Beale PLC ordinary share capital. J.E. Beale PLC is a tenant in ten freeholds owned by Panther Securities PLC and one freehold where the purchase is deferred. Portnard Limited which is owned by A S Perloff and family trusts, together with Maland Pension Fund and a member of the Perloff family own 7,000,000 Beale PLC preference shares and a loan for £1.1m.

Director

John Chillcott is a Director of AHF Ltd with whom J.E. Beale PLC have a concession agreement. J.E. Beale PLC received revenue of £451,000 (26 weeks ended 4 May 2013 £359,000, 52 weeks ended 2 November £0.9m).

15. Basis of financial information

The condensed set of financial statements included in this interim financial report, approved by the Board of directors on 2 July 2014, does not constitute statutory accounts within the meaning of Section 434 of the Companies Act 2006. This condensed set of financial statements has been prepared in accordance with International Accounting Standard 34 'Interim Financial Reporting', as adopted by the European Union. This Interim Report and Accounts will be sent to shareholders. Further copies may be obtained from the Company Secretary, Beale PLC, The Granville Chambers, 21 Richmond Hill, Bournemouth BH2 6BJ or directly from the Company website www.beales.co.uk.

The information included in this Interim Financial Statement for the 52 weeks ended 2 November 2013 does not constitute statutory accounts as defined in Section 434 of the Companies Act 2006. The statutory accounts for the 52 weeks ended 2 November 2013, which were prepared under International Financial Reporting Standards, have been delivered to the Registrar of Companies. The auditors reported on those accounts: their report was unqualified, did not draw attention to any matters by way of emphasis, and did not contain a statement made under Section 498(2) or (3) of the Companies Act 2006.

The financial year ending 1 November 2014 is a 52 week year.

Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Independent Review Report to Beale PLC

We have been engaged by the Company to review the condensed set of financial statements in the interim financial report for the 26 weeks ended 3 May 2014 which comprises the condensed consolidated income statement, the condensed consolidated balance sheet, the condensed consolidated statement of comprehensive income, the condensed consolidated statement of changes in equity, the condensed consolidated cash flow statement and related notes 1 to 15. We have read the other information contained in the interim financial report and considered whether it contains any apparent misstatements or material inconsistencies with the information in the condensed set of financial statements.

This report is made solely to the Company in accordance with International Standard on Review Engagements (UK and Ireland) 2410 "Review of Interim Financial Information Performed by the independent Auditor of the Entity" issued by the Auditing Practices Board. Our work has been undertaken so that we might state to the Company those matters we are required to state to them in an independent review report and for no other purpose. To the fullest extent permitted by law, we do not accept or assume responsibility to anyone other than the Company, for our review work, for this report, or for the conclusions we have formed.

Directors' responsibilities

The interim financial report is the responsibility of, and has been approved by, the directors. The directors are responsible for preparing the interim financial report in accordance with the Disclosure and Transparency Rules of the United Kingdom's Financial Services Authority.

As disclosed in note 15, the annual financial statements of the Group are prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards as adopted by the European Union. The condensed set of financial statements included in this interim financial report has been prepared in accordance with International Accounting Standard 34, "Interim Financial Reporting," as adopted by the European Union.

Our responsibility

Our responsibility is to express to the Company a conclusion on the condensed set of financial statements in the interim financial report based on our review.

Independent Review Report to Beale PLC continued Shareholder Notes

Scope of Review

We conducted our review in accordance with International Standard on Review Engagements (UK and Ireland) 2410, "Review of Interim Financial Information Performed by the Independent Auditor of the Entity" issued by the Auditing Practices Board for use in the United Kingdom. A review of interim financial information consists of making inquiries, primarily of persons responsible for financial and accounting matters, and applying analytical and other review procedures. A review is substantially less in scope than an audit conducted in accordance with International Standards on Auditing (UK and Ireland) and consequently does not enable us to obtain assurance that we would become aware of all significant matters that might be identified in an audit. Accordingly, we do not express an audit opinion.

Conclusion

Based on our review, nothing has come to our attention that causes us to believe that the condensed set of financial statements in the interim financial report for the 26 weeks ended 3 May 2014 are not prepared, in all material respects, in accordance with International Accounting Standard 34 as adopted by the European Union and the Disclosure and Transparency Rules of the United Kingdom's Financial Services Authority.

Deloitte LLP

Chartered Accountants and Statutory Auditor

Southampton United Kingdom 2 July 2014

Beale PLC Interim Report and Accounts 2014 www.beales.co.uk

Independent Review Report to Beale PLC continued Shareholder Notes

Beale PLC Interim Report and Accounts 2014 www.beales.co.uk

Shareholder Notes

Beales Stores

Abingdon

Fairacres Retail Park Marcham Road Abingdon, Oxon OX14 1TP Telephone: 01235 559 110

Beccles

22 Smallgate Beccles, Suffolk NR34 9AD Telephone: 01502 716 705

Bedford

5A Harpur Street Bedford, Bedfordshire MK40 1PE Telephone: 01234 353 292

Bishop Auckland

80 Newgate Street Bishop Auckland, County Durham DL14 7EQ Telephone: 01388 602 345

Bolton

79/87 Deansgate Bolton, Lancashire BL1 1HE Telephone: 01204 521 111

Bournemouth

36 Old Christchurch Road Bournemouth BH1 1LJ Telephone: 01202 552 022

Chipping Norton

1-4 High Street Chipping Norton, Oxfordshire OX7 5AB Telephone: 01608 645 141

Diss

Market Place Diss, Norfolk IP22 4AB Telephone: 01379 652 248

Harrogate

5 Albert Street Harrogate, North Yorkshire HG1 1JU Telephone: 01423 523 731

Hexham

48 Fore Street Hexham, Northumberland NE46 1NA Telephone: 01434 602151

Horsham

1 The Forum Lower Tanbridge Way Horsham, West Sussex RH12 1PQ Telephone: 01403 225 220

Keighley

Beales Home Store Hanover Street, Keighley, West Yorkshire BD21 3QJ Telephone: 01535 602 776

Beales Fashion Store Low Street Keighley, West Yorkshire BD21 3PU Telephone: 01535 602 776

Kendal

37/58 Finkle Street Kendal, Cumbria LA9 4AL Telephone: 01539 720 404

King's Lynn

Vancouver Centre St Dominic's Square King's Lynn, Norfolk PE30 1DT Telephone: 01553 760 981

Lowestoft

141 London Road North Lowestoft, Suffolk NR32 1ND Telephone: 01502 512 444

Mansfield

Queen Street Mansfield, Nottinghamshire NG18 1JR Telephone: 01623 622 582

Peterborough

Park Road Peterborough PE1 2TA Telephone: 01733 887 930

Poole

Dolphin Centre Poole, Dorset BH15 1SQ Telephone: 01202 675 721

Redcar

7 Regent Walk Redcar, Cleveland TS10 3FB Telephone: 01642 491 397

Rochdale

Lord Square Rochdale OL16 1ED Telephone: 01706 646 071

Saffron Walden

6 Market Place Saffron Walden, Essex CB10 1HR Telephone: 01799 582 630

Skegness

77-87 Lumley Road Skegness, Lincolnshire PE25 3LS Telephone: 01754 613 600

South Street Worthing, West Sussex BN11 3AN Telephone: 01903 231 801

Yeovil, Somerset BA20 1RU Telephone: 01935 444 444

Southport

295-307 Lord Street Southport, Merseyside PR8 1NY Telephone: 01704 535 177

Spalding

7 Market Place Spalding, Lincolnshire PE11 1SL Telephone: 01775 713 424

St Neots

57 High Street St. Neots, Cambridgeshire PE19 1BT Telephone: 01480 473 242

Tonbridge

Angel Centre Angel Lane, Tonbridge, Kent TN9 1SF Telephone: 01732 771 177

Winchester

The Brooks Upper Brook Street, Winchester, Hampshire SO23 8TL Telephone: 01962 844 749

Wisbech

1-2 Church Terrace Wisbech, Cambridgeshire PE13 1BJ Telephone: 01945 582 243

Worthing

Yeovil

High Street

Registered Office

The Granville Chambers, 21 Richmond Hill, Bournemouth BH2 6BJ, United Kingdom

tel: 01202 552022 fax: 01202 317286

www.beales.co.uk

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