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Chelmsford Star Annual Report - 26th January 2013 Flipbook PDF

Chelmsford Star Annual Report - 26th January 2013


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The

report & financial statements 52 weeks ended 26th January 2013

“2012… a year when co-operatives and their supporters from Chelmsford to China have come together to show how they build a better world.” - Ed Mayo, Secretary General of Co-operatives UK

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Contents

Directors, Elected Representatives, Management Executive and Advisers Notice of Meetings Five Year Comparative Statement 5 years at a glance Co-operative, Environmental and Social Performance Indicators Directors' Report Remuneration Report Succession Planning Report Directors Attendances Statement of Directors' Responsibilities Board Certification Directors' Statement on Corporate Governance Statement of Accounting Policies Group Revenue Account Group Balance Sheet Group Cash Flow Statement Group Statement of Total Recognised Gains and Losses Notes to the Financial Statements Independent Auditors' Report Group Value Added Statement Standing Orders – Members’ Meetings Addresses and Telephone Numbers

Page: 2 3 4 5 6 7-10 11 12 12 13 13 14 15 16 17 18 18 19-30 31 32 33 35

Directors, Elected Representatives, Management Executive and Advisers As at 28th January 2013 BOARD OF DIRECTORS President (appointed by the Directors) Mrs P R Dodd Directors Mr R Simons - Vice-President Ms H A Corby Mrs P Green Mr A W R Gunn Mrs J E Martin Mr A W Price Mrs J Saunders Mr M F R Whalley Mr F P L Gardner Mr M R Wallace served on the Board during the year under review, until 30 April 2012. Audit Committee Mr A W R Gunn (Chair) Ms H A Corby Mr F P L Gardner Mrs J E Martin Remuneration Committee Mrs P R Dodd - President Mr R Simons - Vice President Ms H A Corby Mrs J Saunders

Succession Planning Sub-committee Ms H A Corby (Chair) Mrs P R Dodd Mr F P L Gardner Mrs J E Martin Mr A W Price Mr M F R Whalley Membership Committee Mr M F R Whalley (Chair) Mrs P Green Mr A W R Gunn Mrs J E Martin Elected Members’ Representatives Mr C Henton Co-opted member Mrs S Sullivan (Members’ Council Chair) Members’ Council Elected members Mrs L Bowser Mr L Hughes Mrs J Milbank Mr M R Wallace

Mr L Hope Mr J Knott Mrs S Sullivan (Chair) Ms J Adams resigned from the Members’ Council, 30th June 2012

Co-opted member Mr G Martin

REGISTERED OFFICE 220 Moulsham Street Chelmsford CM2 0LS Registered Number 973R Essex Web address: www.chelmsfordstar.coop

MANAGEMENT EXECUTIVE Mr A W Gudgeon - Chief Executive Officer Mr K Grinsted – Member Relations Officer Mr S B Hammond – Head of Food Miss V J Howard - Marketing and PR Manager Mrs A Rowland - Human Resources Manager Mrs E Tredwin – Secretary Designate Mr B J Wood MCMI CIRM – Chief Executive Officer Designate Mr R Myddelton – Head of Finance and Secretary until 29th December 2012

ADVISERS Auditors Bird Luckin, Aquila House Waterloo Lane, Chelmsford CM1 1BN Solicitors Tees, Stonebridge House Stonebridge Walk, Chelmsford CM1 1EY Principal Banker The Co-operative Bank Plc 1 Balloon Street Manchester M60 4EP Internal Auditor Mutual One Limited The Bailey Skipton BD23 1DN

Notice of Meetings

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Notice is hereby given that the Annual General Meeting of Members will be held on Monday 29th April 2013 at 6.30pm in the ‘quadrant’ Department Store, 220 Moulsham Street, Chelmsford Entrance from 6.00pm at the Riverside entrance only. AGENDA 1. Minutes of the Annual General Meeting held on 30th April 2012

The following candidates have been nominated for the positions indicated by the letters after their name and are listed in no particular order:

2. Directors’ Report and Financial Statements for the year ended 26th January 2013

B = Board

3. Ratification of the Share of the Profits at £7.00 per 1000 points accrued on Membership Cards at 26th January 2013, to be credited to Membership cards on 30th April 2013 4. Appointment of Scrutineers 5. Election to the Board of Directors: 4 vacancies for 3 years – 7 nominations received. (See next column). 6. Election to the Membership Committee: 1 vacancy for 2 years – 4 nominations received. (See next column). 7. Election to the Members’ Council: 4 vacancies for 2 years – 6 nominations received. (See next column).

M = Membership Committee C = Members’ Council * = Employee: Susan Sullivan Chris Henton Roger Simons Kevin Bennett * Judy Saunders Hazel Corby Gary Martin * Susan Charsley Lois Bowser John Knott Lance Gardner

B B B B B B B

M M M M -

C C C C C C -

Members registered for Postal Voting will receive Ballot Papers by mail, to be returned in the prepaid envelope by no later than 24th April 2013.

Admission to the Members’ Meetings RULE 9.10 states “Every member who has a vote under these Rules shall be entitled to attend Members’ Meetings on the production of a valid Membership Card and proof of identity or such other identification as the Board may from time to time determine. If a Member ceases to be a Member during the election process, the former member’s vote is invalid. Where secondary cards exist, only the primary card member shall be eligible to attend and vote.” RULE 9.12 states “Every member of the Society shall be entitled to cast one vote on any resolution put to the members at a Members Meeting.”

BE THERE. BE HEARD. BE INVOLVED.

TRANSPORT - Members who require transport to this Meeting should contact the Secretary of the Society at the Registered Office, 220 Moulsham Street, Chelmsford, Essex, CM2 0LS before 5.00pm on 21st April 2013.

8. Management Presentation: • Review of 2012/2013 trading year • Future prospects and business developments. 9.

Questions from the floor

10. Approval of Directors’ fees and expenses 11. Appointment of Auditor 12. Charity of the Year 2013/14

Motions must be submitted to the Secretary by no later than 5.30 pm on 8th April 2013.

www.chelmsfordstar.coop

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Five Year Comparative Statement 52 weeks ended 26th January 2013 Year ended:-

31 January 2009 53 weeks

30 January 2010 52 weeks

29 January 2011 52 weeks £ 78 739 458

28 January 2012 52 weeks Restated £ 85 749 244

Gross Takings

£ 64 267 052

£ 67 739 277

Sales

47 949 208

Turnover

£ 93 738 848

50 970 002

60 041 460

66 299 535

72 782 097

44 462 643

47 565 552

55 275 546

60 541 705

66 388 559

210 867

240 840

301 098

313 514

366 942

1 020 355

1 408 298

2 067 476

2 121 603

1 963 168

Share Interest

244 297

229 971

266 848

272 901

287 309

Retained Surplus before Tax

402 002

471 802

315 079

912 912

1 053 718

Depreciation

1 047 822

1 111 618

1 287 862

1 081 882

1 264 310

Capital Expenditure including Goodwill

1 029 437

1 729 346

4 045 794

1 195 511

2 860 901

Fixed Asset - Net Book Values

14 514 937

15 082 626

17 488 550

17 199 819

18 796 510

Net Current Assets (Liabilities)

(1 345 724)

607 147

Total Assets less Current Liabilities

13 169 213

15 689 773

16 720 518

16 823 180

18 500 270

Long Term Liabilities

(5 473 131)

(6 479 405)

(6 501 135)

(5 804 304)

(6 207 520)

Net Pension Liability under FRS17

(1 512 000)

(1 986 480)

(1 920 630)

(1 914 750)

(2 105 180)

Deferred Tax

461 545

1 066 000

1 218 785

1 270 016

1 250 000

NET ASSETS

6 645 627

8 289 888

9 517 538

10 374 142

11 437 570

Share Capital

4 883 539

6 106 599

6 997 305

7 126 481

7 565 670

Reserves

1 762 088

2 183 289

2 520 233

3 247 661

3 871 900

MEMBERS’ FUNDS

6 645 627

8 289 888

9 517 538

10 374 142

11 437 570

Membership

57 438

61 630

64 631

67 018

70 301

Average Shareholding per Member

£85.02

£99.08

£108.27

£106.34

£107.62

2.29 0.47 2.32

2.96 0.51 3.64

3.74 0.54 7.32

3.50 0.52 1.97

2.96 0.55 4.31

Gearing

105%

66%

75%

68%

71%

Interest cover (Net interest as percentage of Surplus before Interest)

203%

410%

665%

795%

730%

Members’ Benefits & Grants Trading Surplus

Trading Surplus as % of Turnover Members’ Benefits as % of Turnover Fixed Asset additions as % of Turnover

Annual Report and Financial Statements

(768 032)

(376 639)

26 January 2013 52 weeks

(296 240)

5 Years at a Glance

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52 weeks ended 26th January 2013

93 739

2013

85 749

2012 2011

2011

2010

2010

2009

2009 £40m

£50m

£60m

£70m

2013

£80m

£90m

3 248

£1m

£100m

2011

2011

2010

2010

2009

2009

2012

2 341 1 077 1 082

£2.5m

£3m

£200k

£400k

£600k

£800k

£1m

£1.2m

2010

2010

2009

2009

£1.4m

£1.6m

367 287 314

2012 2011

£4m

1 582

2013

2011

£3.5m

1 407

0

1 264

£2m

2012

1 967

2013

£1.5m

2013

2 288

2012

3 872 2 122

2012

66 300

£30m

1 963

2013

72 782

273

£100k

£150k

£200k

£250k

£300k

www.chelmsfordstar.coop

£350k

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Co-operative, Environmental and Social Performance Indicators 52 weeks ended 26th January 2013 As a co-operative the Society seeks to operate its business in accordance with co-operative values and principles. To assist in the monitoring of our performance we utilise the ten indicators which have been produced by Co-operativesUK.

Description

Measure

Performance in 2012/13

1. Member economic involvement

Trade conducted with members as a proportion of turnover

Data from the usage of the Co-operative Membership Card indicates turnover of £9.3m or 9.9% of total turnover conducted, compared to £9.1m or 10.6% in 2011/12.

2. Member democratic participation

Number of members voting in elections and as a percentage of total membership

588 members voted in the elections for 4 board positions. 6 candidates stood for election. 588 voting members represented 3.09% of the active membership and 0.84% of total membership compared to 1.96% and 0.56% in 2011/12 respectively.

3. Participation of employees and members in training and education

Hours of training undertaken

2,866 hours of training were given to staff and our Directors, at our Danbury Training Centre, compared to 2,172 hours in 2011/12. Additionally, 226 hours of training have been provided to our members via membership activities such as “Launchpad”.

4. Staff injury and absentee rates

5. Staff profile gender and ethnicity

Total number of accidents and reportable accidents

The total number of reported accidents involving staff during the year was 75, of which 2 were serious. This compared to 88 accidents, of which 1 was serious in 2011/12.

Staff absentee rates

The average number of absence days across the Society was 4.71 days compared to 4.93 days in 2011/12.

Gender split and percentage of employees from different ethnic groups

62% of our staff are female and 38% male, these ratios have remained constant for 2 years. 5.8% of our staff are of a non-white ethnicity compared to 6.9% in 2011/12.

6. Customer satisfaction

Percentage of customers being satisfied with service

97.2% of returned surveys for the funeral division would use or recommend our service again. 97.7% of returned surveys for furniture purchases were satisfied or very satisfied.

7. Consideration of ethical issues and procurement and investment decisions

Evidence of ethical issues in decision making

The majority of our procurement is through membership of the Co-operative Retail Trading Group (CRTG). We actively support the ethical buying policies of CRTG including promoting Fairtrade merchandise.

8. Investment in the community and Co-operative initiatives

Annual proportion of investment in community/Co-operative initiatives as a percentage of pre-tax profits

£95,577 was donated to community groups through cash donations/investments and staff time, equating to 8.3% of pre-tax profits in 2012/13. This compared to £94,501, 9.4% in 2011/12. In addition, £48,400 was donated to co-operatives through cash donations/investments and staff time, equating to 4.2% of pre-tax profits in 2012/13.

9. Net CO2 emissions arising from operations

Net tonnes of CO2 emissions from energy used for all on-site operations (but excluding transport)

We have produced 4,140 tonnes of CO2 from electricity consumption, compared to 4,652 in 2011/12. 98.19% of our electricity came from renewable resources.

10. Waste recycling

Percentage of waste recycled/re-used as proportion of total waste

We have recycled 17.98% of the waste produced, compared to 18.6% in 2011/12. Total waste arising reduced to 1,831 tonnes compared to 1,920 tonnes in 2011/12.

Annual Report and Financial Statements

Directors’ Report

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52 weeks ended 26th January 2013 To The Members Your Board of Directors has pleasure in submitting for your consideration its annual report, which covers a period of 52 weeks ending on 26th January 2013. Economic Background In our report to members for the year ended 28th January 2012, we stated that it was your Directors’ opinion that 2012 would be a difficult year for the retail industry. Regrettably, this has proved to be the case with further big name High Street casualties occurring. Some fourteen companies have gone into administration during 2012. Consumer confidence has remained fragile throughout the year; this coupled with no real signs of an economic recovery has, quite understandably, led to a less than buoyant retail market. In addition to the foregoing, the cost of High Street rents, the increase in business rates and the ever escalating costs of utilities such as electricity and gas, coupled with the fast growing market share of internet trade have all combined to make “High Street” trading very challenging indeed. The latest figures reveal that 15% of High Street shops are vacant which emphasises the very serious nature of the problems facing retailers such as ourselves. Your Directors in reporting to you last year also stated that your Society’s business plan for 2012/13 recognised the extent of the challenges to be faced and we expressed a degree of confidence in our collective ability to ensure that Chelmsford Star continued to grow as a Co-operative. It is therefore with a degree of satisfaction that we can, yet again, report to members that our Co-operative has, despite the dire economic situation, continued to make progress in a number of ways.

Financial Your Society’s gross takings for the year amounted to £93,738,848. This compares to last year’s figure of £85,749,244 and is therefore an increase of £7,989,604 or 9.32%. This very impressive rate of growth has in part come about by the expansion of our business, notably the opening of a further food store at Mungo Park, Rainham, the acquisition of the petrol filling station and convenience store at Baddow Road, Chelmsford and the opening of our Bed Centre on Canvey Island. However, underpinning the growth has been another very solid performance from our existing business. “Like for like” growth amounted to £4,184,001 or 4.90%. This has been aided by outstanding figures from both Food and Travel, which will be reported on in greater detail later in the report.

It is your Directors’ understanding that the Society’s rate of “like for like” growth is a market leading performance and one which reflects great credit on our management team and shop floor employees.

Food

Gross profit for the year amounted to £21,041,465. This compares to last year’s figure of £20,087,901 and is therefore an increase of £953,564 or 4.75%.

Gross takings on a “like for like” basis, i.e. excluding the effect of new shops, has increased by 3.89%; our increase at week 28, i.e. our interim result, was an increase of 4.06%. There is no doubt that the food market hardened in the “second half” but the Society’s full year performance is, for the fourth successive year, highly creditable and very much a market leader.

Members will be aware that increases in the cost of operating any business are remorseless and often difficult to curtail, especially if you wish to protect jobs as we do. For this reason, it is important to grow the income of the business. Your Directors are pleased to be able to report that the Society’s margin controls have worked well and enabled the Society’s income to grow in line with our plans. The total costs of operating the Society’s business in the year amounted to £19,078,297; last year’s figure was £17,966,298. Expenses therefore have increased by £1,111,999 or 6.19%, which in part reflects the Society’s continued expansion. Your Directors are pleased to inform members that the overall level of cost incurred is substantially below that originally envisaged in the 2012/13 business plan and is testament to the Society’s systems of management control which have been very effective. The Society’s trading profit before depreciation, often referred to as the EBITDA, amounted to £3,227,478; last year £3,203,485, an increase of £23,993 or 0.75%. Trading profit after charging depreciation amounted to £1,963,168; last year’s figure was £2,121,603. The Society’s surplus before distributions, often referred to as net profit, amounted to £1,630,168; last year £1,422,247. After meeting the cost of all distributions, the Society has achieved a surplus of £1,033,702; last year £903,643. The surplus has been added to the Society’s reserves thereby further strengthening your Society’s balance sheet. Your Directors are pleased to be able to inform members that the Society’s profitability exceeded the expectations of the business plan by a comfortable margin and in your Directors’ opinion is testament to the appropriateness of the Society’s business strategies that were put in place to combat the severe challenges of the year. The retained surplus exceeding £1 million as it does, is a further milestone in the Society’s recovery.

Gross takings, excluding Fuel, amounted to £75,743,601, which compares to last year’s figure of £71,209,077. This is an increase of £4,534,524 or 6.37%, and follows on from an increase of 11.24% in 2011/12.

Investment in our food business has continued throughout the year, the most notable being the Baddow Road filling station and convenience store. Directors are pleased to be able to inform members that this important acquisition has, to date, performed in line with our expectations. In addition to Baddow Road, significant investment has also been made in our food shops in Broomfield, Challis Lane, Duke Street, Exchange Way, Forest Drive, Hawkwell and Tilbury. Your Directors are pleased to be able to inform members that the Food business, aided by market leading sales growth and continued investment, has again achieved a level of profitability better than that envisaged in the business plan.

Departmental Stores Members will be aware that trading in Departmental Stores, even in good times, is very challenging and even more so in the economic conditions which have prevailed throughout this financial year. Having said this, gross takings for the year amounted to £9,550,406; last year £9,687,038, a decrease of 1.41%. During the year, the Society opened a new Bed Centre on Canvey Island, and pleasingly it has traded very much at the level anticipated. After adjustment for non comparable factors, gross takings on a “like for like” basis are down £169,607 or 1.84%. Your Directors consider this to be satisfactory given the challenges of the economy. Very encouragingly, sales in the Society’s own bought departments have grown very significantly and this has contributed to an improvement in gross margins. The Furniture, Housewares, Toys and Nursery departments have done particularly well. Ladies’ fashion has proved to be the “Achilles heel”, but even here the decline in business is very much in line with figures being reported by large national multiples. Towards the end of the year, a new very large Primark has opened in Chelmsford. On one hand this is further competition but equally it has added to the attraction of Chelmsford as a shopping centre. To date, the Primark has had no discernible impact on our business.

www.chelmsfordstar.coop

8

Directors’ Report 52 weeks ended 26th January 2013 In Braintree, the town has been successful in its bid to be subject to rejuvenation proposals of Mary Portas. This is seen as a very positive development and as such is warmly welcomed by your Directors. Your Directors are acutely aware that trading in Departmental Stores is particularly challenging, as evidenced by recent decisions of both the Midlands and Lincoln Societies to exit Non Food trading. Your Directors recognise that the freehold of the Society’s quadrant store in Moulsham Street, Chelmsford is the Society’s most valuable single fixed asset and that as such it is important that it generates an adequate financial return.

Travel The Society’s Travel business has enjoyed its most successful year for a very long time. This is particularly encouraging given the fact that market conditions have not been ideal. Gross takings for the year amounted to £4,511,632; last year £2,968,581, an increase of 51.98%. Holiday bookings have increased by 15.0% and currency business has grown 129.4%, both of our branches in Chelmsford and Braintree have played their part. Directors would wish to thank our small Travel team for their dedication and professionalism because these have been important factors in our success.

Funerals The Society’s Funeral business has, during the year, had to contend with increased local competition, a declining death rate and some adverse national publicity directed towards the Co-operative Group but which impacted on Co-operative Funerals generally. Despite the foregoing, gross takings reached £1,658,990; last year £1,630,771, an increase of 1.73%. Sales of the Society’s Funeral Plans have continued to grow with the ratio of Plan sales to funerals conducted being 30.76%. Towards the end of the financial year, a new branch was opened in Great Dunmow; it is as yet very early days but Directors believe that the long term prospects are very good. Yet again, the Society’s Funeral business won the prestigious Mid-Essex Business Award 2012 for ‘Excellent Customer Service’; Directors extend congratulations to all our employees. The continued growth and success of our Funeral business has enabled profitability to reach a new all time record.

Investment Property The Society’s investment property portfolio is not large and consists mainly of accommodation above our shops. The portfolio was however, extended during the

Annual Report and Financial Statements

year because part of the Baddow Road acquisition consists of some investment properties. On the downside, the lease on our office property above Duke Street, Chelmsford was not renewed, representing a loss of income. Rental income for the year amounted to £260,230; last year £253,771, which is an increase of £6,459 or 2.54%.

Funding and Interest During the year, the Society has spent £2,860,901 on capital projects, a major part of which was the acquisition of Baddow Road. Part of the funding was provided by the Co-operative Bank. The Society is extremely grateful for the Bank’s ongoing support. The continuing growth in the Society’s asset base has led to an increase in net debt of £1,038,327, which is now £8,132,306. When related to the Society’s profit before depreciation, i.e. EBITDA, net debt as a ratio is 2.52; last year 2.21. Interest charged on the Society’s borrowings amounted to £269,000; last year £267,000. The interest cover ratio (i.e. Bank interest to trading profit) is 7.30; last year 7.95 times. The Society continues to perform well within the requirements of its banking covenants and has adequate headroom to facilitate further expansion, if and when a suitable opportunity arises.

Employees’ Superannuation Fund An actuarial valuation of the Fund as at 28th January 2012 has been undertaken. Preliminary results have been made available to the Society and to the Trustees, and the final outcome is expected to be known no later than April 2013. All the indications point to an increase in the deficit, brought about in the main by increases in life expectancy. The Society will, in conjunction with the Trustees, address this matter by agreeing an appropriate adjustment to the existing recovery plan. During the course of the year, the Society has made payments as per the recovery plan amounting to £348,000; last year £300,000. Some changes to the current scheme have been approved by its members. These changes will be beneficial in terms of improving the long term financial viability of the Fund. Finally on the matter of Pension Funds, the Society’s Directors remain fully committed to providing the best possible pension scheme to all employees, whilst recognising that whatever is offered has to be financially sustainable. Members will probably be aware that the government has introduced legislation aimed at ensuring that everyone has the option of a pension in addition to that provided by the

State. This legislation will apply to the Society from October 2013 and arrangements have been put in place that will ensure full compliance with the requirements of the legislation.

Distributions The Society’s total distribution of profit which is made up of interest on members’ share capital, dividend on purchases, the membership grant, donations to the Co-operative Party and sundry community donations amounted to £576,450; last year £509,335. Payments to members of the 500 Club who receive a discount at the point of sale is not treated as a distribution but is charged directly to the profit and loss account. The cost this year is £77,801; last year £77,080. For the current year, your Directors propose to recommend to members a payment of share of profits (i.e. dividend) at a rate of £7.00 for each 1,000 points earned. Last year’s rate was also £7.00 for each 1,000 points earned.

Board of Directors Changes in the Society’s governance structure following on from the April 2012 Annual General Meeting were fully reported to members in our Interim Report, which covered a period of 28 weeks ended 11th August 2012. This report will therefore largely cover events since August. Members will be aware from previous reports that your Board has devoted a large amount of time and effort to the matter of Senior Executive succession. Roger Myddelton, our Head of Finance and Secretary retired in December. Roger is replaced by Lisa Waghorn, a Chartered Accountant who was previously a Senior Partner at MacIntyre Hudson. Lisa will fulfil the role of Chief Financial Officer. Roger’s secretarial role has been taken over by Ellen Tredwin who has been appointed the Society’s Secretary. Ellen joined the Society following her university degree some eight years ago. The Board has asked Roger to continue to serve as Secretary to the Employees’ Superannuation Fund until April 2013, after which Lisa Waghorn will take over. The Board would wish to place on record its deep appreciation to Roger for all he has achieved on behalf of the Society, and certainly in the past eighteen months, in very challenging circumstances. The Board of Directors are sure that members will join with them in wishing Roger a long and very happy retirement. As a direct consequence of employing Lisa Waghorn, the Society has had to change external auditors and Bird Luckin Chartered Accountants will take over this role. Following the required resignation of MacIntyre Hudson, Section 519 of the Companies Act 2006 requires an external auditor to resign and give an assurance that there are no issues outstanding which in their opinion should be brought to the attention of members or creditors. The Board can confirm to members that the necessary assurance has been received via a letter from MacIntyre Hudson dated 19th November 2012.

Directors’ Report

9

52 weeks ended 26th January 2013 Tony Gudgeon, our Chief Executive Officer for the past fifteen years will also retire in 2013, having completed over fifty years service to the co-operative movement. As members would rightly expect, the question of succession has greatly exercised the Board. After lengthy and careful deliberation, the Board has appointed Barry Wood as Chief Executive Officer Designate; Barry will fully take over upon Tony’s retirement, a smooth transition is planned. The Board and indeed all members are greatly indebted to Tony because under his stewardship this Society has been completely transformed. It would be no exaggeration to say that at the time of Tony’s arrival, the prognosis for the survival of Chelmsford Star as an independent Society was extremely bleak. Today, the Society is both profitable and highly respected. We have enjoyed fifteen years of progress and not just in financial terms. It goes without saying that we wish Tony as Roger, a long and happy retirement. The retirements of Tony and Roger represent something of a new era for the Society and the Board is looking forward very much to working with Barry and the “new” management team. It is of course our collective intention to build on our Society’s success, and with the continuing support of our members, we are extremely optimistic about the future. The Board has of necessity had to devote a significant amount of time to governance matters and three important developments have taken place. Firstly, in the light of experience, sixteen new Board protocols have been introduced; these range from matters such as conflict of interest to procedures for the holding of meetings of Directors without management. Details are available on the Society’s website. Secondly, the Board has introduced a Code of Conduct for members of the Membership Committee and Members’ Council; this has been enthusiastically adopted. A Code of Conduct for Directors has been in place for some years. Finally, at a Special General Meeting of members held in October, a series of rule changes were overwhelmingly approved by members. The amended rule book has now been formally approved by the FSA and can be downloaded from our website. It is the Directors’ opinion that these governance reforms are in the very best interests of all members and that they have strengthened the Society. The Directors are greatly encouraged by the increase in members voting in Society elections, something which was very evident in 2012; further details are available later in the report. As part of a process of ongoing improvement, the Directors have approved a new initiative for 2013. The Society’s elections will, as normal, be conducted as per the rules and overseen by the Secretary, however the Directors have appointed a members’ panel of three persons, whose

role will be to oversee the whole process, from start to finish, and to report their opinion to the members at the Annual General Meeting. The Directors believe that this initiative will further strengthen an already robust process; it simply provides another safeguard.

Membership and the Community The year has again been very busy for our membership function and there is a lot to update members about. Resource In our last year’s report, we informed members that the Board had authorised an increase in personnel to enable our range of activities for members to expand. Your Directors are pleased to be able to report the appointments of Georgina Leather as Assistant Member Relations Officer, and Carol Watts as Membership Assistant. We wish Georgina and Carol success in their new roles and look forward to their respective contributions. Michael Whalley has chaired the Membership Committee for six years and will step down from this particular role at the Annual General Meeting. The Directors would like to place on record their thanks and appreciation to Michael for his dedicated service. 2012 The International Year of Co-operatives Members will know that 2012 has been a momentous year for the movement, not just in our own country but throughout the world. Our membership function has worked tremendously hard throughout the year and has undertaken a number of initiatives, culminating in the Co-operatives United event. This event was held in Manchester in late October/early November and attracted close to 12,000 visitors. In thinking about 2012, your Board wanted to make a real contribution to the cause of co-operation and to have at least one project with an international dimension that would be a lasting legacy to the international year. As it happens, the Society has been able to initiate, and will continue to support, two such imaginative projects. The projects involve recycling bicycles for Africa, and the formation of a new co-operative in Lesotho, Southern Africa. At the time of writing this report, over 400 bicycles have been donated, but as the project has only been promoted in the Chelmsford area to date, we know that the potential to help those less fortunate than ourselves is enormous. With this in mind, your Board has authorised the purchase of a good quality second-hand vehicle, which will be donated to the charity. The vehicle will be “dual branded”, promoting both the charity and the Society. It will be a real asset in terms of improving the collection service; the costs of driver’s fuel, repairs, etc will be borne by the charity. The Lesotho project is progressing in accordance with agreed milestones; your Board receives periodic updates. Members will be further updated on the progress of both

projects at the Annual General Meeting, which this year takes place on 29th April. In addition to the overseas projects, our Member Relations Officer is also working very closely with some prospective new Co-operatives and we hope to be in a position to make a further announcement at the Annual General Meeting. This is, in part, reward for a lot of hard work which went into our Co-operative Development week, which was held in Chelmsford Central Library. Fairtrade Total sales of Fairtrade goods via the Society’s outlets amounted to £1,103,283; last year £841,839. Fairtrade sales as a proportion of Food sales have improved materially in comparison to last year. The Society held a very successful event as part of Fairtrade Fortnight in 2012 and plans to do something similar in 2013. During the year, the Society assisted the Chelmsford City Fairtrade Campaign and the Town Twinning Association to further promote Fairtrade. The Society provided financial assistance and a range of Fairtrade and local products at cost price, which enabled a Town Twinning visit to be made to Backnang in Germany. The visit was timed to coincide with a Christmas market and was successful in a number of ways; Michael Whalley, our Chair of Membership and a German speaker was able to go and assist. The Society has throughout the year collaborated with the Fairtraders Co-operative which is based in Holmfirth, West Yorkshire. The collaboration extended to the Fairtraders joining the Society’s stand at Co-operatives United. The arrangement was mutually beneficial. Members wishing to know more about the Fairtraders Co-operative should visit their website www.fairtraderscooperative.co.uk. 150th Anniversary Whilst it is still a few years away, the Society will celebrate its 150th anniversary in 2017. Work has begun on the project and the Society has recruited the services of a researcher who will liaise with the Society’s Member Relations Officer. If any members have any views on what the project might include, they are most welcome to contact the Member Relations Officer. With regards to the Society’s history, an exhibition will take place at Chelmsford Museum between November 2014 and January 2015. Further details will be given as the time approaches. Members’ Council and Youth Council The Society’s Members’ Council and Youth Council have continued to meet throughout the year. Following the resignation of Julie Adams, Gary Martin has been co-opted onto the Members’ Council until the Annual General Meeting.

www.chelmsfordstar.coop

10

Directors’ Report 52 weeks ended 26th January 2013 The Youth Council has faced some challenges, largely due to changes in personnel, but to some extent this was anticipated as students move from school to higher education. The Directors are however, pleased to be able to inform members that some very interesting Youth Council initiatives are in the “pipeline”. It is hoped to update members at the Annual General Meeting. Coffee Clubs It is pleasing to be able to report to members that the Society’s members’ coffee clubs have continued to go from strength to strength, so much so that Chelmsford is now held weekly. Launchpad The Society’s Launchpad initiative which is aimed at helping long term unemployed people regain selfconfidence and self-esteem, and ultimately employment has continued throughout the year and with some notable success stories. The Society’s Member Relations Officer, Keith Grinsted has been recognised for his work with Launchpad by the Open University. Keith has received an Alumni Award; the Directors would wish to congratulate Keith on this richly deserved achievement. Elections and Postal Voting As previously stated, the Directors were greatly encouraged by the number of members voting in last year’s elections and attending the Annual and Interim meetings, and hope that this highly encouraging trend will continue. One important measure is the number of members who have registered for a postal vote. The number now stands at 1,147; last year 1,119. During the year, 56 members were removed from the register, primarily because they had not voted for the past four years. If allowance is made for this factor, underlying growth is 8%. Community Card The Society’s long established and much respected Community Card scheme has continued to attract new supporters during the year. The number of groups in membership now stands at 251. Co-operation in Education The Society has continued to work with the Anglo European School, Ingatestone and St Clere’s, Stanford-le-Hope during the year. In the case of the Anglo European School, the Society assisted in a very successful work experience project. During the year, St Clere’s changed its legal status and is now a multi-stakeholder Academy. The Society is in the process of entering a new partnership agreement with them. In the case of the Anglo European School, the Society assisted in a very successful work experience project.

Annual Report and Financial Statements

During the year, St Clere’s changed its legal status and is now a multi-stakeholder Academy. The Society is in the process of entering a new partnership agreement with them. Charity of the Year The Society is currently supporting its sixth Charity of the Year, Canine Partners (Essex). Since the inception of our Charity of the Year initiative, the Society’s employees, members and customers have raised over £173,000, which has greatly assisted these very worthy local causes. Mr M Austin The Society’s former President, Maurice Austin was expelled from membership during the year. The Board gave very careful consideration to a number of serious complaints, all of which were upheld. As members would rightly expect, Mr Austin’s rights as per the Society’s rules were fully respected. Mr C Fegan Members will be aware that Mr Fegan, following his expulsion from membership, had indicated his intention to invoke the Society’s rules and seek resolution of three grievances via independent and binding arbitration. The Society, at significant cost, facilitated this request, but Mr Fegan did not comply with the requirements of the rules or the request of the arbitrator to make a formal submission within prescribed timescales. The matter has therefore been closed by default. Your Directors are pleased that this matter will incur the Society in no further costs; the impact of legal and governance costs in this financial year have amounted to £47,944. Chelmsford Co-operative Party The Chelmsford Co-operative Party was suspended on 5th October 2012 by the National Executive of the Party. Regrettably, our local Party had become dysfunctional and the very necessary relationship of trust that must exist between local elected officers had broken down. The Society has indicated in the strongest possible terms its desire to see the suspension lifted, and that the Party is re-invigorated by an infusion of new members. At the time of writing this report, a Special General Meeting has been held and a new Executive Committee put in place. The Society is hopeful that the difficulties can be resolved. The Society has pledged assistance with membership recruitment and with campaigns.

Employees The Board would again wish to place on record its deep appreciation for the efforts of all employees during what has been the most challenging year for over a decade.

The fact that our Society has continued to make progress is in the Board’s opinion testament to the continued dedication of our employees. A very well deserved bonus was again paid to all “shop floor” employees just before Christmas, the cost of which has been charged against the Society’s profits. During the year, the Board approved a partnership agreement with the Trade Union, USDAW; the Society looks forward to a mutually beneficial collaboration. Simon Sims, who works at our Hutton food store, won our 2012 Employee of the Year Award after which he then entered the Convenience Store National Sales Assistant of the Year Award 2012. The Society was consequently delighted when Simon won not only the ‘Best Sales Assistant’ in the multiple and Co-operative sector but also the prestigious ‘Community Hero’ award as well. The Directors extend congratulations to Simon on behalf of all members. Finally, the Board has approved another Star Awards event for 2013 which this year will take place on 4th June. These events are very much appreciated by employees and are an opportunity for the Society to recognise employees who go the “extra mile”.

The Year Ahead The economic prognosis is not good, as probably best emphasised by the Chancellor’s autumn statement that austerity measures will need to be continued at least until 2018. The Society’s strategy over many years has been to build a business with a solid and profitable base whilst also having a measure of diversity to enable us to better cope with the vagaries of the retail market place. All the evidence would suggest that this strategy has stood us in good stead. As members would rightly expect, the Society has put together a business plan for 2013/14, which whilst recognising the serious challenges which will have to be faced, is also underpinned by the values which have served us so well. There can of course, be no guarantees of success, commercial or otherwise, but your Directors face 2013 with a degree of optimism. Members can be assured that Directors, management and employees will be doing their utmost to ensure that the Chelmsford Star success story continues.

On behalf of the Board of Directors Ellen Tredwin – Secretary 28th March 2013

Remuneration Report

11

52 weeks ended 26th January 2013 To The Members The Remuneration Committee has met on five occasions this year. Lance Gardner chaired the Committee until the 2012 Annual General Meeting, when he stood down as President. Pauline Dodd, who became President in April, then took over the role of Chair as per established custom and practice. Roger Simons, our Vice President joined the Committee in April 2012. Roger Myddelton, the Society’s Secretary has acted as Secretary to the Committee throughout the year. The Society’s Chief Executive, Deputy Chief Executive and Secretarial Officer have attended on occasions. No official has, however, been present for any part of a meeting when their own terms and conditions have been under consideration.

The Society’s key remuneration objective is to both retain and attract Senior Executives of the right calibre thereby ensuring insofar as it is possible the progress of recent years.

Senior Executive Emoluments

Independent External Advice

In addition to the foregoing, the Head of Finance & Secretary was allowed to acquire his Society vehicle on retirement at a preferential discounted value.

The principal external advisor to the Committee is the Co-operative Employers Association; this has been the position throughout the year. The Committee is also empowered to seek additional independent advice whenever it deems necessary. No additional advice has been sought in the past year.

Bonus Payments The Society has paid a bonus to its Senior Executives in respect of financial and other performance criteria achieved in the financial year which ended on 28th January 2012; details are given in the analysis of Senior Executive emoluments.

The established practice of recording the Minutes of each meeting and circulating them to the whole Board, thereby ensuring that each Director is kept fully informed, has been maintained throughout the year. The Society’s policy on remuneration of the Senior Executives has remained unchanged throughout the year insofar as any changes in terms and conditions have been in accordance with the agreement between the Society and the National Association of Co-operative Officials. The principal tenets of the Society’s remuneration policy have remained unchanged, and are as follows;

If any bonus that relates to the current financial year is paid, this will be reported to members in next year’s report.

Service Contracts There have been no changes to the length of service contracts of any Senior Executive during the year.

Pension Benefits There has been no change in the pension arrangements of any Senior Executive in the past year, except that Tony Gudgeon and Roger Myddelton, both having reached 65 years of age, are no longer contributing members of the scheme.

Details of the total emoluments of the management executive are given in the notes which accompany the financial statements.

Directors’ Emoluments The total emoluments paid to each Director in the financial year are shown in detail below. The scale of fees and allowances which are paid to Directors is determined by the Society’s members every three years, the next review will take place this year at the Annual General Meeting, which will be held on 29th April 2013. The Directors are giving consideration to the possibility of an annual review but at the time of writing this report no final decision has been made. The total fees paid to members’ representatives elected or appointed to serve on the Membership Committee or Members’ Council amounted to £1,187; last year £1,615. Employees serving as Trustees of the Employees’ Superannuation Fund were paid fees totalling £2,118; last year £2,979. BY ORDER OF THE BOARD

Board Policy - Executive Remuneration It is the Society’s policy to be a fair and reasonable employer by demonstrating that remuneration of its Senior Executives is on a par with market rates for organisations of similar size and complexity. The Society also recognises other matters such as the cost of living in the South East of England.

The Society has agreed to pay a pension supplement in lieu of the Society’s contribution to all employees who continue to be employed beyond normal retirement age. Tony Gudgeon and Roger Myddelton are included in this arrangement.

A Gudgeon B Wood R Myddelton Chief Executive Deputy Chief Head of Finance & Officer Executive Officer Secretary

Basic Salary Bonus Benefits in Kind Employer’s Pension Contribution/Supplement

Total Emoluments

President and Chair of the Remuneration Committee 28th March 2013

Directors’ Emoluments

Senior Executive Emoluments

Date of Appointment

Pauline Dodd

E Tredwin Secretarial Officer

07.04.98

01.02.04

28.01.02

31.01.11

£

£

£

£

158 310 21 948 26 513

114 289 10 227 9 001

128 508* 9 557 28 848

41 794 1 300 329

17 010

12 458

10 737

4 556

223 781

145 975

177 650

47 979

£ Allowances & Expenses

£ Total

3 970 6 445 4 650 3 303 3 910 2 822 2 750 3 362 2 903 480 3 400

27 854 460 344 330 458 911 366 343 418

3 997 7 299 5 110 3 647 4 240 3 280 3 661 3 728 3 246 480 3 818

H Corby P Dodd L Gardner P Green A Gunn J Martin A Price J Saunders R Simons M Wallace M Whalley

Total Emoluments Total for 2011/12

*Includes balance of service contract on retirement, on 29th December 2012.

£ Board Fees Sub-Committee

37 995

4 511 42 506 41 400

Board Fees include £100 paid to each Director for their services as Directors of Star Holdings Chelmsford Limited.

www.chelmsfordstar.coop

12

Succession Planning Report & Directors’ Attendance 52 weeks ended 26th January 2013 To The Members In the report to members for last year, mention was made of our talent mapping project, the formulation of a new management structure and the fact that some internal appointments were starting to be made. The essence of the Society’s talent mapping project is to identify, nurture and develop talented employees with a view to ensuring, as far as it is possible, that the Society has the skills and abilities which are so necessary to meet the continuous challenges of business. It is accepted however that from time to time an external appointment will have to be made, the appointment of Lisa Waghorn as Chief Financial Officer being a good example. In the past year, a total of 21 Society employees have been promoted from within, which we view as being enormously encouraging in terms of the Society’s future. Members will be aware from the Directors’ Report that the key succession issues involving our Chief Executive Officer, Tony Gudgeon and our Head of Finance & Secretary, Roger Myddelton have been successfully resolved. It is hoped that this report is helpful to members.

Directors’ Attendance Record from February 2012 to January 2013 MEMBERSHIP COMMITTEE MEETINGS

BOARD MEETINGS Director

Total Meetings

Attendance

Member

H Corby

16

16

Board appointed:

P Dodd – President

16

16

P Dodd

2

L Gardner

16

11

P Green

8

7

P Green

16

15

A Gunn

8

7

A Gunn

16

16

J Martin

8

7

J Martin

10

8

M Whalley - Chair

8

8

A Price

16

16

Elected by members:

J Saunders

16

15

C Henton

8

7

F Mockett

2

1

10

8

5

5

R Simons – Vice President (from 30th April 2012)

M Wallace (from 30th April 2012)

6

5

M Whalley

16

14

Director

Total Meetings

Attendance

H Corby

3

3

L Gardner

3

1

A Gunn – Chair

3

3

J Martin

2

2

J Saunders

1

1

REMUNERATION COMMITTEE MEETINGS

Hazel Corby CHAIR Succession Planning

Annual Report and Financial Statements

Total Meetings

2

Co-opted - Chair of Members’ Council: S Sullivan

MEMBERS’ COUNCIL MEETINGS

AUDIT COMMITTEE MEETINGS

Director

Meetings called Attendance to attend

Member

Total Meetings

Attendance

J Adams

2

1

R Benjamin

1

0

L Bowser

4

4

D Edwards

1

1

C Henton

1

1

L Hope

4

4

L Hughes

3

2

J Knott

3

2

Attendance

G Martin

2

2

H Corby

5

5

J Milbank

3

3

P Dodd - Chair

5

5

S Sullivan - Chair

4

4

L Gardner

2

1

M Wallace

3

3

J Saunders

5

5

R Simons

3

3

TRUSTEES OF THE SUPERANNUATION FUND

SUCCESSION PLANNING SUB-COMMITTEE MEETINGS

Board Representatives

Director

Attendance

P Dodd

5

5

5

3

Total Meetings

Total Meetings

Attendance

H Corby - Chair

3

3

L Gardner

P Dodd

3

3

P Green

5

5

L Gardner

3

1

A Gunn

5

5

P Green

1

0

J Saunders

5

5

J Martin

2

1

Employee Representatives

Total Meetings

Attendance

F Golden

5

4

D Huggan

3

3

I Paterson

5

4

A Reynolds

5

4

A Price

3

3

M Whalley

3

3

Statement of Directors’ Responsibilities in respect of the Directors’ Report and the Financial Statements The Directors are required by Industrial and Provident Society law to ensure that the financial statements give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the Group and Society at the end of each financial period, and of the profit and loss for that period. In preparing those financial statements the Directors are required to:

Board Certification The financial statements on pages 16 to 30 are hereby signed on behalf of the Board of Directors pursuant to the Friendly and Industrial and Provident Societies Act 1968.

• select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently; • make judgements and estimates that are reasonable and prudent; • state whether applicable accounting standards have been followed subject to any material departures disclosed and explained in the financial statements; • prepare the financial statements on the going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the Group will continue in business. The Directors are responsible for keeping proper accounting records which disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the Group and enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Industrial and Provident Societies Acts. They have general responsibility for taking such steps as are reasonably open to them to safeguard the assets of the Group and to prevent and detect fraud and other irregularities. After making all appropriate enquiries the directors have a reasonable expectation that the Group and Society has adequate resources to continue in existence for the foreseeable future. For this reason, they continue to adopt the going concern basis in preparing the Group’s financial statements in accordance with section D1.1 of the Co-operatives UK Limited’s Corporate Governance Code of Best Practice Volume 1.

P R Dodd – President

A W Gudgeon - Chief Executive Officer

A W Gunn – Chair of Audit

E Tredwin – Secretary

28th March 2013

The Directors are responsible for the maintenance and integrity of the general and financial information included on the Society’s website. Legislation in the United Kingdom governing the preparation and dissemination of financial statements may differ from legislation in other jurisdictions.

www.chelmsfordstar.coop

13

14

Director’s Statement on Corporate Governance 52 weeks ended 26th January 2013 Internal Control

Risk monitoring and management Co-operatives UK

The Group operates under the Corporate Governance Code of Best Practice (the code) with the Board of Directors having the ultimate responsibility for the system of internal control and for reviewing its effectiveness. Accepting the responsibilities imposed by the code, the board has established a sub committee - the Audit Committee - to receive reports – financial, audit, management and corporate – in order to properly discharge its duties in monitoring and assessing risk to the business, both internally and externally, and to meet with the auditors and such other external advisers as deemed necessary. The Audit Committee has appointed Mutual One to provide an independent Internal Audit service in furtherance of its responsibility and promoting openness and transparency. The Audit Committee chair is not the society president. The Board has also established a Remuneration Committee whose responsibility is to review Senior Management remuneration and the Board’s own fees. The Committee has authority to seek external advice and reports annually to the Members. The process used by the Board to satisfy itself of the effectiveness of the system of internal control includes the following: •

regular receipt and examination of comprehensive financial and trading information and statistics;



reviewing specific matters reserved for Directors’ consideration and decision;



receiving reports of banking relationships, membership movements and Key Performance Indicators regularly;



reviewing Audit, Remuneration, Membership, Members’ Council and Succession Planning Committee reports and Pension Fund Trustee Meeting minutes.

The Group’s systems are designed to manage and minimise risks to the business and can provide only reasonable but not absolute assurance against material misstatement or loss.

Control environment The Group is committed to the highest standards of business conduct and seeks to maintain these standards throughout the Group with the Chief Executive Officer being responsible for the management of the Group within the policies laid down by, and under the direction of, the Board of Directors. The Group has in place an appropriate management and organisational structure with clear defined lines of expenditure, responsibility and delegation of authority for planning, controlling and monitoring the business operations.

Annual Report and Financial Statements



The Board reviewed the topic of a Search Committee in July 2012 and concluded that the Succession Planning Committee ensures that plans are in place for orderly succession of the management executive. The Society’s Members’ Council and Membership Committee encourages and increases democratic involvement of members thereby providing for the Board of Directors to be ‘refreshed’ with competent nominees more frequently.

The Audit Committee and society management have responsibility for identifying, evaluating, reporting, monitoring and taking necessary action to mitigate internal and external risks to the business, from whatever source, on a continuing basis. The Board has adopted a risk management policy and a framework that requires regular risk assessments with a focus on areas of greatest risk. Reports are made to the Audit Committee on significant risks which could affect the group.

Information and Communication The Group undertakes periodic strategic reviews including the evaluation of business alternatives. Each sector of operations prepares annual budgets and performance against budget is actively monitored at sector management level, supplemented by forecasts. Results and forecasts are consolidated for presentation to the board on a regular basis. Through these mechanisms, Group performance is continually monitored, risks identified in a timely manner, their financial implications assessed, control procedures re evaluated and corrective actions agreed and implemented.



Capital projects and asset acquisitions and disposals require board approval and the board receives regular reports on capital asset movements. Commitments requiring the use of the Society’s seal are authorised by members of the board acting as a Sealing Committee.

Monitoring and corrective action There are clear and consistent procedures in place for monitoring the systems of internal financial control, including the independent Internal Auditor who reports directly to the Audit Committee on their effectiveness. Additionally the Society has a ‘whistle blowing policy’ to reinforce and complement control procedures. During the year the Board has found no weaknesses in the systems of internal control of sufficient significance to require disclosure.

Chair Duration The Society requires the Chair (President) to serve three years as a Director before becoming eligible to stand as Chair. As the Society’s Rules limit the duration a Director may serve to nine years (three terms of three years) before taking a break, a natural break of at least one year as Chair is therefore provided.



Independent Professional Advice The Code prescribes that one third of the Board should be sufficient to request advice in order to meet their responsibilities, the Board considered this in July 2012 and adopted a protocol that requires at least four Directors (substantial minority) as an appropriate criterion for seeking independent professional advice.

Control procedures There are control procedures and authorisation levels in place designed to ensure complete and accurate accounting for financial transactions and to limit the potential exposure to loss of assets or fraud. Measures taken include physical controls, segregation of duties, management review and internal and external audit to the extent necessary to arrive at their respective audit opinions.

Search Committee



Board Annual Evaluation The Board does not undertake a formal annual evaluation of its own performance; however, collectively Directors identify training needs and have undertaken relevant training days in 2012. The Board has previously undertaken a skills audit to understand its strengths and weaknesses.

The Board fully reviewed the Society’s Rules in 2012 in consultation with Co-operatives UK; the Rule amendments were approved by members in October 2012. The Board conducted this review in the interest of good corporate governance leading to improved service of members’ needs. On behalf of the Board

Pauline Dodd – President

Statement of Compliance The Code recognises that Co-operative Societies differ in scale, size, trading profile and resources; it is inevitable that levels of implementation and compliance will differ. The Group is required to report to members elements of the Code which it does not comply with.

Tony Gudgeon – Chief Executive Officer

Ellen Tredwin – Secretary

Statement of Accounting Policies

15

52 weeks ended 26th January 2013 The following accounting policies have been applied consistently in dealing with items considered material in relation to the financial statements, except as noted below.

Basis of Accounting The financial statements are prepared on a group basis in compliance with all current accounting standards using the historic cost accounting convention.

Accounting Dates The financial statements for have been made up to the last Saturday in the year ended 31 January. The current period is the 52 weeks ended 26 January 2013 with comparative figures for 52 weeks ended 28 January 2012.

Basis of Consolidation The Group Accounts consolidate the accounts of the Society and its subsidiary, Star Holdings Chelmsford Ltd. a subsidiary society engaged in Property Management.

Gross Takings and Turnover Gross Takings include cash sales, goods and services sold on credit, property rentals, television rental income, agency commission and concessionaire commission, inclusive of sales related taxes such as VAT. In order to comply with FRS 5, where it is deemed that the society is acting as agent, gross agency sales are not recognised and only commission received under the agency agreement is recognised as sales. This applies to Bill payments in food, travel agency business and concessions income in Department Stores. Turnover is recognised as sales exclusive of VAT.

Assets Leased to the Group

Post retirement benefits

Assets subject to finance leases are included in the Balance Sheet at cost value less depreciation charged on the group’s normal accounting policy. Finance charges included in lease payments are charged against profit over the period of the lease based on the balance of the outstanding commitment. The outstanding commitment is analysed between current liability (being payable within one year) and long term liabilities (being payable after one year). Rentals due under operating leases are charged to the Revenue Account in the year in which the cost accrues.

The Group operates a contributory pension scheme providing benefits based on final pensionable pay, up to 27 January 2007, and Career Average Revalued Earnings from 28 January 2007, open to the majority of employees. Contributions are determined by a qualified actuary, based on actuarial valuations of the fund which are generally carried out every three years. The assets of the scheme are held separately from those of the Group and invested externally through the scheme trustees. Pension scheme assets are measured using market values. Pension scheme liabilities are measured using a projected unit method and discounted at the current rate of return on a high quality corporate bond of equivalent term and currency to the liability.

Funeral plans Liabilities under the funeral plan are based on the total commitment at the Balance Sheet date. Based on the Society’s experience of funerals carried out under the plan, liability has been apportioned between current liability for plans expected to be redeemed within one year and long term liability for the remainder. Since January 2002 all monies received for new funeral plans have been invested in individual whole life insurance policies with the Co-operative Insurance.

Members’ Benefits ‘A Share of the Profits’ Amounts unpaid at the balance sheet date are only recognised as a liability at that date to the extent that they are appropriately authorised and are no longer at the discretion of the society. Unpaid benefits that do not meet these criteria are disclosed in the notes to the financial statements. Amounts more than two years old remaining unspent are excluded. Liability is provided on all eligible turnover, irrespective of whether or not cash has been received.

Stocks Stocks are valued at the lower of cost and net realisable value after making allowance for defective or obsolete stock and slow moving lines.

Dividends receivable Under the provisions of FRS 21, dividends receivable are only accounted for when declared by the paying society.

Investment Income Interest and dividends receivable are accounted for on the accruals basis.

Taxation Corporation Tax – current provision has been made for the estimated liability on accounts to date, at the appropriate rate; Deferred Tax is recognised without discounting in respect of all timing differences between the treatment of certain items for taxation and accounting purposes which have arisen but not reversed by the balance sheet date, except as otherwise required by FRS 19.

At the Annual General Meeting on 29 April 2013, the Directors’ intend to propose a Share of the Profits in the region of £100,000 in respect of the year ended 26 January 2013. In accordance with FRS 21 this amount is not recognised as a liability in these financial statements.

Share capital - Lost contact Where the Society has evidence that a member no longer lives at the address shown in its register of members or where the member has made no purchase of goods or services from the society or participated in the Society’s democratic process for two years, then subject to following the rules of the Society, the Secretary may remove the name from the register of members and the Society may cancel their shares and forfeit to the Society the amount standing to the credit of such member in the share ledger of the Society, together with any sum of money representing interest or dividend credited to the member in the books of the Society in respect of their shares except amounts of investing members accruing interest.

The pension scheme surplus (to the extent that it is recoverable) or deficit is recognised in full. The movement in the scheme surplus/deficit is split between operating charges, finance items and, in the statement of total recognised gains and losses, actuarial gains and losses.

Repairs Repair expenditure is charged against profit in the year in which the cost is incurred.

Goodwill Purchased Goodwill is capitalised and written off over its useful economic life. Useful economic life ranges from 1 to 20 years.

Tangible Fixed Assets and Depreciation No depreciation is provided on Freehold Land. Other tangible fixed assets are depreciated by equal annual instalments over their estimated useful lives at the following minimum rates: Freehold Buildings

2% per annum

Leasehold property

over the unexpired portion of the lease

Fixtures, Fittings and Computer Equipment

10% per annum

Transport vehicles

25% per annum

Funeral vehicles

20% per annum

These rates have been reviewed in the light of recent investment. They are used to write off the cost or valuation of the assets over their expected lives.

www.chelmsfordstar.coop

16

Group Revenue Account 52 weeks ended 26th January 2013 2013 52 weeks Note

£

GROSS TAKINGS

2012 52 weeks Restated £

£

£

93 738 848

85 749 244

20 956 751

19 449 709*

72 782 097

66 299 535

6 393 538

5 757 830

66 388 559

60 541 705

Cost of Sales

45 347 094

40 453 804

GROSS PROFIT

21 041 465

20 087 901

19 078 297

17 966 298

1 963 168

2 121 603

-

402 356

1 963 168

1 719 247

less Agency & Concession Turnover excluded under the provisions of FRS 5

1(a)

SALES Less Value Added Tax TURNOVER

Expenses

1(b)

2

TRADING SURPLUS Exceptional charges

3

Surplus before Interest Net Interest Payable

4

269 000

Other Finance costs

24

64 000

SURPLUS FOR YEAR BEFORE DISTRIBUTIONS Share Interest Grants & Donations

6

267 000 30 000 333 000

297 000

1 630 168

1 422 247

287 309

272 901

194 000

147 000 481 309

SURPLUS FOR YEAR BEFORE PAYMENTS TO MEMBERS ‘Share of the Profits’ to members SURPLUS FOR YEAR BEFORE TAXATION Taxation SURPLUS FOR YEAR TO RESERVES

7

1 148 859

1 002 346

95 141

89 434

1 053 718

912 912

20 016

9 269

1 033 702

903 643

The Financial Statements are prepared on an unmodified historical cost basis, therefore a separate note of historical costs is not required. All the activities of the group are classed as continuing. The annexed notes form part of the financial statements. *See Note 1(a) - page 19

Annual Report and Financial Statements

419 901

Group Balance Sheet

17

52 weeks ended 26th January 2013 2013 Note

£

2012 £

£

£

USE OF FUNDS FIXED ASSETS Intangible Assets

8

3 601 592

3 313 387

Tangible Assets

9

15 129 519

13 824 133

Investments

10

65 399

62 299

18 796 510

17 199 819

CURRENT ASSETS Stocks

3 898 905

3 588 894

Debtors & Prepayments

11

3 048 303

2 662 664

Investments

10

1 578

17 746

48 265

105 578

Bank Cash in hand

351 436

389 839

7 348 487

6 764 721

CURRENT LIABILITIES Amounts falling due within one year: Creditors

Loans

- Member Rewards

187 619

208 426

- Trade

12

3 784 472

3 603 433

- Sundry

12

1 275 858

1 452 903

- Bank overdraft

13

1 048 993

676 260

- Banks

13

808 557

647 650

- Other

13

539 228

552 688

7 644 727

7 141 360

NET CURRENT (LIABILITIES)/ASSETS

(296 240)

TOTAL ASSETS LESS CURRENT LIABILITIES

(376 639)

18 500 270

16 823 180

LONG TERM LIABILITIES Amounts falling due after more than one year: Creditors

- Funeral plans

12

70 713

73 760

Loans

- Bank

13

5 486 137

4 857 403

- Other

13

650 670

Provisions for liabilities and charges

14

NET ASSETS EXCLUDING PENSION LIABILITY Net Pension Liability

24

NET ASSETS INCLUDING PENSION LIABILITY

873 141 (6 207 520)

(5 804 304)

1 250 000

1 270 016

13 542 750

12 288 892

(2 105 180)

(1 914 750)

11 437 570

10 374 142

FINANCED BY: SHARE CAPITAL

15

7 290 578

Current Interest Due

15

275 092

6 865 911 260 570 7 565 670

7 126 481

RESERVES General Reserve

16

3 488 109

Non-Distributable Reserve

16

383 791

MEMBERS’ FUNDS

2 872 837 374 824 3 871 900

3 247 661

11 437 570

10 374 142

The annexed notes form part of the financial statements.

www.chelmsfordstar.coop

18

Group Cashflow Statement 52 weeks ended 26th January 2013

Note NET CASH INFLOW OPERATING ACTIVITIES

17

RETURNS ON INVESTMENT AND SERVICING OF FINANCE

18

2013 52 weeks

2012 52 weeks

£

£

2 288 070 (510 769)

(506 229)

-

-

(2 512 386)

(598 417)

(735 085)

862 640

16 168

(3 740)

250 468

(1 465 307)

(468 449)

(606 407)

TAXATION Corporation Tax (Paid)/Refunded CAPITAL EXPENDITURE, DISPOSALS AND FINANCIAL INVESTMENT

19

NET CASH INFLOW (OUTFLOW) BEFORE MANAGEMENT OF LIQUID RESOURCES & FINANCING MANAGEMENT OF LIQUID RESOURCES Net Cash withdrawn from (added to) Investments FINANCING

20

INCREASE (REDUCTION) IN CASH RECONCILIATION OF NET CASHFLOW TO MOVEMENT IN NET DEBT

1 967 286

21 £

£

Increase (Reduction) in Cash

(468 449)

(606 407)

Cash outflow/(inflow) from debt and finance leasing

(205 095)

1 271 118

(16 168)

3 740

Change in Net Debt from cashflows

(689 712)

668 451

New Finance Leases

(348 615)

(597 094)

MOVEMENT IN NET DEBT

(1 038 327)

71 357

NET DEBT TO BEGIN YEAR

(7 093 979)

(7 165 336)

NET DEBT TO END YEAR

(8 132 306)

(7 093 979)

Cash outflow/(inflow) from liquid resources

The annexed notes form part of the financial statements.

Group Statement of Total Recognised Gains & Losses (STRGL) Year ended 26th January 2013 Note Surplus for Year after taxation from Revenue Account Actuarial Loss on pension scheme

2013 52 weeks

2012 52 weeks

£

£

1 033 702

903 643

24

(409 000)

(164 000)

Movement in deferred tax relating to pension scheme

7

(9 430)

(72 120)

Origination and reversal of timing differences

7

Total gains recognised since last Annual Report The annexed notes form part of the financial statements.

Annual Report and Financial Statements

-

60 500

615 272

728 023

Notes to the Financial Statements

Chelmsford Star the Co-operative

52 weeks ended 26th January 2013

at the heart of essex Note 1(a) Gross Takings Adjustment As disclosed in the Statement of Accounting Policies, the Group has adopted the FRS 5 application note. This application excludes the takings shown in note 1(a) from the Turnover adopted in note 1(b). 2013 52 weeks £ Bill payments accepted in Food stores Bill payments accepted in Non-Food stores Concession Takings including VAT (Non Food) Agency turnover less commission (Travel)

15 054 181 412 122 3 414 388 2 076 060

2012 52 weeks £ Restated* 13 782 024 242 504* 3 636 613 1 788 568

Exclude from ‘Turnover’ per FRS 5

20 956 751

19 449 709

Note 1(b) Net Sales Food less Bill payments (Bills)

£ 72 221 088 15 054 181

£ 66 321 189 13 782 024 57 166 907

Non-Food less Concession Sales and Bills less Bill payments (Bills) Funeral Services Travel less Sales as Agent Rental Property Income

8 041 458 2 720 323 412 122

52 539 165 8 133 435 2 903 389 242 504*

4 909 013 1 629 727 4 469 992 2 034 420

4 987 542 1 601 120 2 927 417 1 747 404

2 435 572 247 340 66 388 559

1 180 013 233 865 60 541 705

*Previous year data is restated to disclose and exclude from Turnover Bill Payments accepted in Braintree quadrant previously treated as immaterial. Note 2 Expenses

Personnel Costs (Note 5b) Occupancy Costs Water and Energy Costs Operating lease rentals: other Depreciation of owned assets Depreciation of assets held under finance leases Amortisation of intangible fixed assets Auditors fee: - Audit - Non Audit Directors’ & Committee Fees (Note 5f) Other Expenses

£ 9 793 453 2 025 371 936 186 32 117 758 264 274 251 231 795 25 565 17 270 41 300 4 942 725 19 078 297

£ 9 201 102 2 016 009 867 971 31 967 585 943 274 219 221 720 23 850 15 400 45 994 4 682 123 17 966 298

Auditors fees includes £22,000 of audit fees and £1,250 of non audit fees payable to the current auditors Bird Luckin Limited.

Note 3 Exceptional Charges £ Accelerated depreciation of computer software Impairment of Goodwill

-

£ 109 606 292 750 402 356

www.chelmsfordstar.coop

19

20

Notes to the Financial Statements 52 weeks ended 26th January 2013 Note 4 Net Interest Payable

Interest Payable (per Note 13) less Interest Receivable (per Note 10)

2013 52 weeks £ 272 755 3 755 269 000

2012 52 weeks £ 270 743 3 743 267 000

2013 Number 266 554 820

2012 Number Restated 238 530 768

2013 52 weeks £ 8 994 255 578 004 221 194 9 793 453

2012 52 weeks £ 8 440 127 562 084 198 891 9 201 102

Note 5 Employees a)

The average number of employees during the year was:Full-time Part-time

b)

The costs in respect of employees were:Salaries and Wages Social Security Costs Pension Fund Costs - (Note 24)

c)

The number of members of the Management Executive whose remuneration, including benefits and bonus but excluding pension contributions, fell in each remuneration bracket was:-

£35,001 to £45,000 £45,001 to £55,000 £55,001 to £65,000 £65,001 to £75,000 £115,001 to £125,000 £125,001 to £135,000 £165,001 to £175,000 £205,001 to £215,000

d)

2013 Number 2 1 1 1 1 1 1

2012 Number 1 2 2 1 1 1

2013 52 weeks £ 652 374 50 282 82 478 785 134 81 154

2012 52 weeks £ 609 922 45 832 64 236 719 990 61 442

866 288

781 432

The total remuneration of the Management Executive was as follows:-

Salaries Bonus Taxable Benefits Employer Pension Contributions at current service cost

Annual Report and Financial Statements

Notes to the Financial Statements

Chelmsford Star the Co-operative

52 weeks ended 26th January 2013

at the heart of essex Note 5 Employees continued

e)

2012 52 weeks £

158 310 21 948 26 513 206 771

158 459 19 205 28 812 206 476

17 256 224 027

20 102 226 578

The total remuneration of the Chief Executive Officer (the highest paid employee) included on previous page was as follows:Salary Bonus Taxable Benefits Pension Contribution at Current Service Cost (2011/12) and Salary Supplement (2012/13)

f)

2013 52 weeks £

Fees paid to Directors in respect of Board duties were:President including Sub-committee fees, etc

PR Dodd FPL Gardner MP Austin

Directors including Sub-committee fees, etc Directors’ fees Non-Board Membership Committee fees Employee Trustees Total paid to elected representatives

£ 4 502 1 718 -

£

6 220

8 157

31 775 37 995 1 187 2 118 41 300

33 243 41 400 1 615 2 979 45 994

848 7 309

Members will find more comprehensive disclosure of Directors’ and Executive Remuneration in the Remuneration Committee Report. Note 6 Grants and Donations

Membership Committee Co-op Party Grant Donations, Bereavement Groups, Community Card

2012 52 weeks £ 112 813 5 200 75 987 194 000

2011 52 weeks £ 111 006 6 592 29 402 147 000

£

£

Note 7 Taxation Analysis of tax change for the period Current Tax Total UK Corporation tax at 23% (2012 - 25%) Deferred tax

Nil £

Nil £

Origination and reversal of timing differences

(81 585)

(81 012)

Effect of tax rate change on opening balance

101 601

90 281

20 016

9 269

Taxation on surplus on ordinary activity Tax included in the Statement of Recognised Gains and Losses - STRGL Deferred tax Effect of tax rate change on opening Pension Liability Current year movement on deficit reduction

Origination and reversal of timing differences Tax included in the Statement of Recognised Gains and Losses

£

£

(51 060)

(52 620)

41 630

(19 500)

(9 430)

(72 120)

-

60 500

(9 430)

(11 620)

The Society has unutilised tax losses of £6,030,646 as at 26th January 2013 (£7,510,422 as at 28th January 2012)

www.chelmsfordstar.coop

21

22

Notes to the Financial Statements 52 weeks ended 26th January 2013 Note 7 Taxation continued

Current tax reconciliation Surplus on ordinary activities before tax Current tax at 24.34% (2012 26%) Effects of: Expenses not deductible for tax purposes Difference between depreciation and capital allowances Other short term timing differences Other permanent timing differences Pension scheme timing differences Group relief surrendered/claimed Utilisation of tax losses and other deductions

2013 52 weeks £

2012 52 weeks £

1 053 718

912 912

256 520

240 459

140 065 (9 441) (722) 6 001 (55 749) 23 567 (360 241)

73 900 54 863 (799) (63 743) (304 680)

-

-

Total current tax charge for the period (see above) Note 8 Fixed Assets - Intangible Goodwill

£

Cost at January 2012

4 810 209

Additions

520 000

Written off

(377 500) 4 952 709

Amortisation at January 2012

1 496 822

Provided this year

231 795

Written off

(377 500) 1 351 117

Net Book Value - January 2013

3 601 592

Net Book Value - January 2012

3 313 387

Note 9 Fixed Assets - Tangible Owned and Leased Land & Buildings £

Fixtures & Fittings £

Motor Vehicles £

Total

12 578 098

6 985 582

424 409

19 988 089

Additions

1 489 084

792 870

58 947

2 340 901

Disposals

-

-

(32 161)

(32 161)

Fully Written Off and Adjustments

-

(22 000)

(584 462)

Cost or valuation Brought forward at January 2012

Depreciation Brought forward at January 2012

(562 462)

14 067 182

7 215 990

429 195

21 712 367

171 560

6 163 956

3 123 564

2 868 832

Disposals

-

-

Fully Written Off and Adjustments

-

Provided this year

Net Book Value - January 2013

Net Book Value - January 2012

(562 462)

(29 661)

(29 661)

(21 500)

(583 962)

264 086 3 387 650

693 271 2 999 641

75 158 195 557

1 032 515 6 582 848

10 679 532

4 216 349

233 638

15 129 519

9 454 534

4 116 750

252 849

13 824 133

The Net Book Value of Land and Buildings comprise:At Cost less depreciation Freehold Freehold - Non Trading* Short Leasehold *Assets held for use in operating leases. The historical cost of these assets as at 26th January 2013 was £1,297,550 (28th January 2012 - £664,186). The accumulated depreciation of these assets as at 26th January was £138,072 (28th January 2012 - £119,038).

Annual Report and Financial Statements

£

2013 £

2012 £

8 208 614 1 159 478 1 311 440

7 634 164 545 148 1 275 222

10 679 532

9 454 534

Notes to the Financial Statements

23

52 weeks ended 26th January 2013 Note 9 continued Finance Leases The following amounts are included in Fixed Assets on previous page and relate to assets leased under current finance leases: Land & Buildings £

Fixtures & Fittings £

Motor Vehicles £

Total

Brought forward at January 2012

622 496

2 114 521

279 453

3 016 470

Additions

113 549

177 250

57 547

348 346

(407 813) 328 232

(395 440) 1 896 331

337 000

(803 253) 2 561 563

Brought forward at January 2012

90 053

505 878

79 873

675 804

Provided this year

16 930

197 722

59 599

274 251

Leases expired and disposals

(85 596) 21 387

(197 720) 505 880

139 472

(283 316) 666 739

Net Book Value - January 2013

306 845

1 390 451

197 528

1 894 824

Net Book Value - January 2012

532 443

1 608 643

199 580

2 340 666

£

Cost

Leases expired and disposals

Depreciation

Note 10 Investments The Group Balance Sheet includes Star Holdings Chelmsford Limited, a wholly owned subsidiary. Fixed Assets

The Co-operative Group

- Shares

Total Interest Receivable

- Shares

Interest

2012

2013

2012

2013

2012

£

£

£

£

£

£

61 270

61 270

-

-

3 666

3 666

-

-

1 578

17 746

89

77

- Loans Other I & P Societies

Current Assets

2013

4 129

1 029

-

-

-

-

65 399

62 299

1 578

17 746

3 755

3 743

3 755

3 743

per Note 4

Note 11 Debtors Receivable Within One Year 2013 £ Customer Debts

Expenses

Corporation Tax Repayable Other Sundry Debts

2012

2013

2012

£

£

£

Total per Balance Sheet 2013 £

2012 £

- Travel

564 749

528 621

564 749

528 621

- Funeral

184 361

196 266

184 361

196 266

- Property

56 319

21 085

56 319

21 085

- Others

161 712

54 478

161 712

54 478

- Prepayments

663 688

630 705

663 688

630 705

46 191

45 439

46 191

45 439

1 167 634

1 027 863

1 167 634

1 027 863

- Stocks Trade Debts (Credits due)

Receivable After One Year

-

-

182 926

137 484

3 027 580

2 641 941

20 723 20 723

20 723 20 723

20 723

20 723

182 926

137 484

3 048 303

2 662 664

www.chelmsfordstar.coop

24

Notes to the Financial Statements 52 weeks ended 26th January 2013 Note 12 Creditors Current - Falling Due Within One Year

Long Term - Falling Due After One Year

2013

2012

2013

2012

£

£

£

£

2 871 673

2 667 911

70 713

73 760

Trade Creditors Ledgered Unledgered

912 799

935 522

3 784 472

3 603 433

Sundry Creditors 50 839

53 802

Week in Hand Payroll

Holiday Pay

146 481

139 395

Accrued Charges

551 008

751 238

Sales Deposits VAT due to HM Revenue and Customs

84 974

87 044

195 736

120 634

PAYE due to HM Revenue and Customs

77 589

95 403

National Insurance due to HM Revenue and Customs

79 197

95 765

7 857

8 195

-

9 344

82 177

92 083

1 275 858

1 452 903

70 713

73 760

5 060 330

5 056 336

70 713

73 760

19.3

19.3

Funeral Plans - former scheme Other Members’ Accounts Miscellaneous Creditors

TOTAL Trade Creditor Days - Number of days

Trade Creditor Days represents the ratio between the amounts invoiced by suppliers to the Society in the year and the amounts owing to Trade Creditors at the year end date. Note 13 Loans Falling Due Within One Year

Bank Overdraft and miscellaneons (a)

Falling Due After One Year

Interest Payable

2013

2012

2013

2012

2013

2012

£

£

£

£

£

£

1 048 993

676 260

-

-

13 200

6 554

Co-op Bank - Treasury Loans (b)

643 890

489 950

4 383 734

3 577 182

116 005

109 250

Allied Irish Bank Loans (c)

105 925

101 453

541 869

660 945

12 450

13 914

Clydesdale Bank Loans (d)

58 742

56 247

560 534

619 276

25 000

27 086

808 557

647 650

5 486 137

4 857 403 106 100

113 939

272 755

270 743

Bank Loans sub-total Finance Leases (e)

539 228

552 688

650 670

873 141

2 396 778

1 876 598

6 136 807

5 730 544

Total Interest Payable - see Note 4

Terms of Repayment

Details of Security

Interest

(a) on demand (b) over 15 years from date of advance

Secured by legal charge on specific property Secured by legal charge on specific property

(c) over 15 years from date of advance (d) over 15 years from date of advance (e) over period of lease up to 5 years

Secured by legal charge on specific property Secured by legal charge on specific property Secured against leased assets

Bank base rate plus margin One loan fixed at 2.34375% plus margin Four loans at bank base rate plus margin Bank base rate plus margin Fixed rate (1.99%) plus margin Negotiated rates

Annual Report and Financial Statements

Notes to the Financial Statements

25

52 weeks ended 26th January 2013 Note 13 Loans - continued Commitments

Bank Loans

Finance Leases

2013

2012

2013

2012

£

£

£

£

Loan amounts falling due: Current Liabilities - Within One Year Between One and Two Years

808 557

647 650

539 228

552 688

837 015

672 059

342 289

464 741

Between Three and Five Years

1 954 636

1 851 635

308 381

408 400

In more than Five Years

2 694 486

2 333 709

-

-

Long Term Liabilities - Sub Total

5 486 137

4 857 403

650 670

873 141

6 294 694

5 505 053

1 189 898

1 425 829

Total loans and Total Leases

Operating Leases As at 26th January 2013 the Group had annual commitments under non-cancellable operating leases as follows:

Land & Buildings

Others

2013

2012

2013

2012

£

£

£

£

Operating leases expiring: -

30 200

12 013

11 327

Between Two and Five Years

Within One Year

182 500

295 000

48 016

54 484

In more than Five Years

730 500

679 750

-

-

913 000

1 004 950

60 029

65 811

Note 14 Provisions for Liabilities and Charges 2013 £

2012 £

Provision for deferred tax (628 820)

(638 250)

Tax losses carried forward and other deductions

Defined benefit pension scheme

(1 250 000)

(1 270 016)

Total deferred tax asset

(1 878 820)

(1 908 266)

1 908 266

1 929 155

Movement in provision Provisions at 28th January 2012 Deferred tax charged in the Revenue Account in the period Statement of Recognised Gains and Losses in the period (see note 7) Provisions at 26th January 2013

(20 016)

(9 269)

(9 430)

(11 620)

1 878 820

1 908 266

www.chelmsfordstar.coop

26

Notes to the Financial Statements 52 weeks ended 26th January 2013 Note 15 Share Capital 2013

2012

£

£

Balance to Begin Year

6 865 911

6 749 302

Interest Previous Year

260 570

248 003

Interest - Interim and account closure Contributions

12 217

12 331

703 052

497 010

Dormant accounts reactivated Sub total Less Withdrawals Balance to End Year Interest provided at 26th January 2013 (28th January 2012)

377

595

7 842 127

7 507 241

551 549

641 330

7 290 578

6 865 911

275 092

260 570

The Society abides by a code of practice which requires it to provide a statement to its shareholders of the nature of their investment and any change affecting it. The position each member occupies as a shareholder of Chelmsford Star Co-operative Society is no different to that of a shareholder in any corporate body in the sense that, if the business fails, they may not have all, or any, of their investment returned to them. Investments are withdrawable without penalty. The Society, unlike banks and building societies, is not subject to prudential supervision by the Financial Services Authority. Note 16 Reserves

A) General Reserve Balance to begin the year From Revenue account

2013

2012

£

£

2 872 837

2 144 814

1 033 702

903 643

(409 000)

(164 000)

(9 430)

(72 120)

From STRGL: Actuarial loss Movement in pension scheme deferred tax Deferred tax on origination and reversal of timing differences Balance to End Year

B) Non-Distributable Reserve Dormant Share Capital Balance to Begin Year

-

60 500

3 488 109

2 872 837

374 824

375 419

Dormant Loans Transferred from Creditors

9 344

-

Transfers to Active Share Capital

(377)

(595)

383 791

374 824

Balance to End Year

Note 17 Reconciliation of Operating Surplus to Net Cashflow from Operating Activities 2013

2012

52 weeks Trading Surplus Exceptional charges Grants and Donations Depreciation FRS 17 pension adjustments

52 weeks

£

£

1 963 168

2 121 603

-

(402 356)

(190 729)

(144 601)

1 032 515

969 768

56 000

-

231 795

514 470

(Increase)/Decrease in Stocks

(310 011)

(408 281)

(Increase)/Decrease in Debtors

(376 295)

(284 137)

Increase/(Decrease) in Creditors

(118 373)

(399 180)

2 288 070

1 967 286

Amortisation of Goodwill

Net Cashflow from continuing operating activities

Annual Report and Financial Statements

Notes to the Financial Statements

27

52 weeks ended 26th January 2013 Note 18 Returns on Investments and Servicing of Finance 2013 52 weeks

2012 52 weeks

£ Interest Received

£

3 832

3 741

Interest Paid

(163 187)

(165 905)

Interest Element of Finance Lease Rentals

(106 159)

(114 718)

Share Interest Paid

(245 255)

(229 347)

Net Cashflow for Returns on Investments and Servicing of Finance

(510 769)

(506 229)

Note 19 Capital Acquisitions, Disposals and Financial Investment Purchase of Intangible Fixed Assets Purchase of Tangible Fixed Assets

£

£

(520 000)

(119 000)

(1 992 286)

(479 417)

Purchase of Fixed Asset Investment

(3 100)

-

Proceeds from Tangible Fixed Assets

3 000

-

(2 512 386)

(598 417)

Net Cashflow for Capital Expenditure Disposals and Financial Investment

Note 20 Financing £ Share Capital increase (reduction)

£

396 758

85 027

Other Bank Loan repayments

(170 851)

(166 933)

Co-operative Bank Treasury Loan repayments

(539 508)

(489 548)

(3 385)

(7 216)

(584 546)

(614 637)

Funeral Schemes Capital Repayment of Finance Lease Rentals New Bank Loans drawndown Repayment of Pension Fund deficit Net Cashflow from Financing

1 500 000

-

(348 000)

(272 000)

250 468

(1 465 307)

Note 21 Analysis of Net Debt To Begin

Cash Flows

Non-Cash Changes £

To End

£

£

(647 650)

(160 907)

Debt due after one year

(4 857 403)

(628 734)

Finance Leases

(1 425 829)

584 546

(348 615)

(1 189 898)

(6 930 882)

(205 095)

(348 615)

(7 484 592)

(180 843)

(468 449)

Debt due within one year

Cash at Bank and in hand Current Asset Investments

17 746

(16 168)

(7 093 979)

(689 712)

£ -

(808 557)

-

(5 486 137)

-

(649 292)

-

1 578

(348 615)

(8 132 306)

Note 22 Major Non-Cash Transactions During the year the Society entered into finance lease arrangements with a total capital value of £348,615 (January 2012 - £597,094). Note 23 Capital Commitments At 26th January 2013 there are capital commitments amounting to £89,000 not provided for in these financial statements (January 2012 - £197,000). At 26th January 2013 capital commitments of £143,000 have been authorised by the Board of Directors, but not contracted (January 2012 - £Nil).

www.chelmsfordstar.coop

28

Notes to the Financial Statements 52 weeks ended 26th January 2013 Note 24 Accounting for Pensions Pension Disclosure under FRS 17

At year end 26th January 2013 £

Change in benefit obligation Benefit obligation at beginning of year

At year end 28th January 2012 £

13 361 774

12 292 534

Current service cost

221 194

198 891

Interest cost

647 000

672 000

Member contributions

130 592

135 417

Actuarial losses

958 000

489 000

Benefits paid Benefit obligations at year end

(661 000)

(426 068)

14 657 560

13 361 774

10 808 774

9 661 534

Change in plan assets Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year Expected return on plan assets

583 000

642 000

Actuarial gains on plan assets

549 000

325 000

Employer contributions

513 194

470 891

Member contributions

130 592

135 417

Benefits paid

(661 000)

(426 068)

11 923 560

10 808 774

Present value of wholly or partly funded obligations

14 657 560

13 361 774

Fair value of plan assets

11 923 560

10 808 774

Deficit for funded plans

2 734 000

2 553 000

Present value of wholly unfunded obligations

-

-

Related deferred tax liability

-

-

Unrecognised past service (cost) benefit

-

-

Effect of asset limit

-

-

Fair value of plan assets at year end Amounts recognised in the Balance Sheet Plans wholly unfunded and plans wholly or partly funded

Deferred tax at 23% (2012 - 25%) (Note 14)

(628 820)

(638 250)

2 105 180

1 914 750

Liabilities Assets

2 105 180 -

1 914 750 -

Net Liability

2 105 180

1 914 750

Net liability Amounts in the Balance sheet

Components of Pension cost Amounts recognised in the Revenue Account Current service cost Interest cost Expected return on plan assets Other Finance costs Past service costs Total pension cost recognised in the Revenue Account

At year end 28th January 2012

£

£

221 194 647 000 (583 000)

Actual return on plan assets Amount recognised in STRGL Actuarial gains (losses) immediately recognised Effect of asset limit Total pension cost recognised in the STRGL Cumulative amount of acturial gains (losses) immediately recognised

Annual Report and Financial Statements

At year end 26th January 2013

198 891 672 000 (642 000)

64 000 285 194

30 000 228 891

1 132 000

967 000

(409 000) (409 000)

(164 000) (164 000)

(4 738 500)

(4 329 500)

Notes to the Financial Statements

29

52 weeks ended 26th January 2013 Note 24 Accounting for Pensions (continued) Principal acturial assumptions Weighted average assumptions used to determine benefit obligations at

26th January 2013

28th January 2012

Discount rate

4.7%

4.9%

Rate of salary increases

4.5%

4.5%

Rate of inflation

3.3%

3.0%

Rate of increase in pensions in deferment

3.3%

3.0%

Rate of increase in pensions in payment (5% LPI)

3.2%

3.0%

Rate of increase in pensions in payment (2.5% LPI)

2.5%

2.5%

Weighted average assumptions used to determine net pension costs for year ended

26th January 2013

28th January 2012

Discount rate

4.9%

5.5%

Expected long-term rate of return on plan assets

5.4%

6.6%

Rate of salary increases

4.5%

4.9%

Rate of inflation

3.0%

3.4%

Rate of increase in pensions in deferment

3.0%

3.4%

Rate of increase in pensions in payment (5% LPI)

3.0%

3.4%

Rate of increase in pensions in payment (2.5% LPI)

2.5%

2.5%

Assumed life expectations on retirement at age 65

26th January 2013

28th January 2012

Years

Years Male

Retiring today (member age 65)

22.5

Retiring in 20 years time (member age 40 today, 45-2012)

24.2

21.0 22.8 Female

Retiring today (member age 65)

24.9

24.2

Retiring in 20 years time (member age 40 today, 45-2012)

26.9

26.1

Plan assets

26th January 2013

28th January 2012

Percentage of plan assets by asset allocation Equities

60.0%

57.0%

Bonds

32.0%

35.0%

Real Estate

7.0%

7.0%

Other

1.0%

1.0%

100%

100%

Equity securities

7.0%

6.7%

Debt securities

3.5%

3.2%

Property

7.0%

6.7%

Other

3.5%

3.2%

5.8%

5.4%

Expected return on assets by asset allocation

To develop the expected long-term rate of return on asset assumptions, the Society considered the current level of expected returns on risk free investments (primarily government bonds), the historic level of the risk premium associated with other asset classes in which the portfolio is invested and the expectations for future returns on each asset class. The expected return on each asset class was then weighted based on the actual asset allocation to develop the expected long-term rate of return on asset assumption for the portfolio. This resulted in the selection of the 5.4% assumption for the year ending January 2013 and 5.8% assumption for the year ending January 2014.

www.chelmsfordstar.coop

30

Notes to the Financial Statements 52 weeks ended 26th January 2013 Note 24 Accounting for Pensions (continued) History of experience gains and losses

Financial Year ending in January 2013

2012

2011

2010

£

£

£

£

2009 £

12 292 534

10 966 948

8 593 081

Benefit obligations at year end

14 657 560

13 361 774

Fair value of plan assets at year end

11 923 560

10 808 774

9 661 534

8 207 948

6 493 081

2 734 000

2 553 000

2 631 000

2 759 000

2 100 000

(549 000)

(325 500)

(712 500)

(1 083 000)

1 923 000

(5.0%)

(3.0%)

(7.0%)

(13.0%)

30.0%

Deficit Difference between actual and expected return on scheme assets amount percentage of plan assets Experience and (losses) on plan liabilities amount percentage of scheme liabilities

244 000

-

-

26 000

-

2%

0%

0%

0%

0%

Other required disclosure amounts Contributions expected to be paid to the plan during the year beginning after this reporting period - i.e. to 25th January 2014 amount to £513,000. Balance Sheet reconcillation excluding related deferred taxation

Net liability at the beginning of the year

26 January 2013

28 January 2012

£

£

2 553 000

2 631 000

Pension expense recognised in the Revenue Account in the year

285 194

228 891

Amounts recognised in the STRGL in the year

409 000

164 000

(513 194)

(470 891)

2 734 000

2 553 000

Employer’s contributions in the year Net liability at the end of the year

The Society operates a defined benefit pension scheme (the plan) - The Chelmsford Star Co-operative Society Limited Employees’ Superannuation Fund. A full acturial valuation was carried out as at 28th January 2012 and updated to 26th January 2013 by a qualified independent actuary. The service cost has been calculated using the Projected Unit method. Note 25 Subsidiary Society At 26th January 2013 the Group consisted of Chelmsford Star Co-operative Society Limited and one wholly owned subsidiary society, Star Holdings Chelmsford Limited (SHC). The principal activity of the subsidiary society is Property Management.

Annual Report and Financial Statements

Independent Auditor’s Report INDEPENDENT AUDITOR’S REPORT TO THE MEMBERS OF CHELMSFORD STAR CO-OPERATIVE SOCIETY LIMITED We have audited the group and parent society financial statements of Chelmsford Star Co-operative Society Limited for the year ended 26 January 2013, which comprise the Group Revenue Account, the Group Balance Sheet, the Group Cash Flow Statement, the Group Statement of Total recognised Gains and losses and the related notes. The financial reporting framework that has been applied in their preparation is applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice). This report is made solely to the society’s members, as a body, in accordance with Section 9 of the Friendly and Industrial and Provident Societies Act 1968. Our audit work has been undertaken so that we might state to the society’s members those matters we are required to state to them in an auditor’s report and for no other purpose. To the fullest extent permitted by law, we do not accept or assume responsibility to anyone other than the society and the society’s members as a body, for our audit work, for this report, or for the opinions we have formed.

31

Opinion on financial statements In our opinion the financial statements: • give a true and fair view of the state of the group’s and parent society’s affairs as at 26th January 2013 and of its income and expenditure for the period then ended; and • have been properly prepared in accordance with the Industrial and Provident Societies Act 1965 and the Friendly and Industrial and Provident Societies Act 1968.

Matters on which we are required to report by exception We have nothing to report in respect of the following matters where the Friendly and Industrial and Provident Societies Act 1968 requires us to report to you if, in our opinion: • a satisfactory system of internal control over transactions has not been maintained; or • the society has not kept proper accounting records; or • the financial statements are not in agreement with the books of account; or • we have not received all the information and explanations we need for our audit.

Respective responsibilities of the directors and the auditor As explained more fully in the Statement of the Directors’ Responsibilities set out on page 13, the directors are responsible for the preparation of the financial statements and for being satisfied that they give a true and fair view. Our responsibility is to audit and express an opinion on the financial statements in accordance with applicable law and International Standards on Auditing (UK and Ireland). Those standards require us to comply with the Auditing Practices Board’s Ethical Standards for Auditors.

Scope of the audit

Bird Luckin Limited Aquila House Waterloo Lane Chelmsford Essex CM1 1BN 28th March 2013

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

www.chelmsfordstar.coop

32

Group Value Added Statement 52 weeks ended 26th January 2013 2013 52 weeks £ NET SALES including asset sale proceeds

2012 52 weeks Restated %

£

72 782 097

66 299 535

6 393 538

5 757 830

TURNOVER

66 388 559

60 541 705

Less Bought-in materials, services and net book value of disposals

52 310 428

47 481 744

VALUE ADDED IN THE YEAR

14 078 131

Less Value Added Tax

APPLIED AS FOLLOWS: To Employees Net pay Employees Income Tax, National Insurance and pension contributions

100.0%

13 059 961

7 520 930

7 000 234

1 479 409

1 439 893

Society contributions for National Insurance

573 004

562 084

Society normal contributions to the pension fund

220 110

198 891

9 793 453 To Members and other providers of capital Share interest

69.57%

9 201 102

287 309

272 901

Interest on bank loans

166 655

156 804

Interest on other loans and leases

106 100

113 939

Other finance costs - pension fund

64 000

30 000

1 061 408

1 087 100

1 685 472

1 660 744

Rent payable

less investment income and rents receivable

(73 864) 1 611 608

To Members and customers Share of the profits and 500 Club rewards Other member benefits and donations Member Relations activities

11.45%

1 557 143

70.45%

11.92%

166 514

75 988

29 402

112 813

111 006 2.57%

306 922

For the replacement of assets and expansion of the Society Depreciation

1 257 609

1 081 882

Retained pre-tax surplus

1 053 718

912 912

Annual Report and Financial Statements

100%

(103 601)

172 942

361 743

%

2.35%

2 311 327

16.42%

1 994 794

15.27%

14 078 131

100.0%

13 059 961

100.0%

Standing Orders - Members’ Meetings 1.

The Order of business at every general or special meeting of the Society shall be in accordance with the printed agenda of business issued with the notice of the respective meeting.

2.

Except in the case of a special general meeting called upon the requisition of members, the agenda of every meeting shall be made out in the form and order approved by the Directors and shall include only such business as is decided upon by the Directors.

3.

All notices of motion for consideration at any general meeting must be submitted to the Secretary in writing, signed by the member giving the notice, not later than twenty one clear days prior to the date of the meeting. Any amendments to any proposal on the agenda at any general meeting must be received in writing by the Society at least fourteen days prior to the meeting (Rule 9.3).

4.

No member shall be allowed to speak more than once on any motion (other than by drawing the attention of the Chair to a point of order) except the mover of the motion who shall be allowed the right of reply to amendments and before the final vote is taken. No member shall speak after the mover has made his reply to the motion after which the question shall be put from the chair.

5.

No member shall be allowed to speak for more than three minutes, except the mover, who may speak for five minutes and take three minutes in reply. Immediately before the mover replies, and before a vote is taken, the Board of Directors shall have the right to speak for not more than six minutes.

6.

An amendment to a motion must be moved and seconded. No other amendment may be discussed until the first amendment has been disposed of. No person may move or second more than one amendment to the original motion. If an amendment be carried it becomes the substantive motion. Voting on motions and amendments will be on a show of hands or voting cards, if issued.

7.

Any member who has not spoken to the question before the meeting may at any time during the course of the debate move “That the question be now put”. Such motion (if accepted by the Chair) must be made without any accompanying speech and must be forthwith put without amendment or debate, and should such motion be adopted, the chairman shall, subject to the right of reply of the mover of the question under discussion, at once put the question.

8.

Any member choosing to speak upon any question whatsoever must rise in his place and address himself to the chairman. When two or more members rise at the same time, the chairman shall indicate the member who is to speak first. Members should state their name and may speak from the Rostrum at their discretion.

9.

Whenever the chairman rises to speak, no member shall continue standing, nor shall any member rise until the chairman resumes his seat.

33

Complaints by Members A member who has any complaint to make as to the quality, quantity, or price of any goods or services supplied by the Society, or the conduct of any officer or employee of the Society, shall send the particulars of such complaint to the Board who shall inquire into and decide upon them, subject to an appeal from any such decision to an ordinary meeting of members; but no such complaint shall be brought before any such meeting except on appeal.

10. A member shall confine his speech strictly to the motion under discussion, or to the amendment or to a question of order. 11. The chairman may call attention to continued irrelevance, tedious repetition, or any breach of order on the part of a member and may direct such member to discontinue his speech. 12. Any one or more of these standing orders may be suspended at any meeting by the vote of a two-thirds majority of members present at the meeting. The decision of the chairman upon any point of order shall be final.

www.chelmsfordstar.coop

34

Notes

Annual Report and Financial Statements

Addresses and Telephone Numbers

‘quadrant’ department stores: 220 Moulsham Street, Chelmsford, Essex CM2 0LS • 01245 490101 George Yard, 9/15 Rayne Road, Braintree, Essex CM7 2QA • 01376 321303

62/64 Woodland Avenue, Hutton, Brentwood, Essex CM13 1HH • 01277 228042 16 Main Road, Danbury, Essex CM3 4NQ • 01245 227733 42 Challis Lane, Braintree, Essex CM7 1AN • 01376 321615

35

Petrol Filling Station: 372/376 Baddow Road, Chelmsford, Essex CM2 9RA • 01245 493900

Off Licence: 210 Main Road, Hawkwell, Hockley, Essex SS5 4EG • 01702 207577

62 Church Street, Bocking, Braintree, Essex CM7 5JY • 01376 326516

Post Office facilities:

174/176 Cressing Road, Braintree, Essex CM7 3PL • 01376 320952

16 Main Road, Danbury, Essex CM3 4NQ • 01245 222001

The co-operative food stores:

203/205 Mountbatten Road, Braintree, Essex CM7 9UL • 01376 334479

35/39 Masefield Road, Braintree, Essex CM7 1AA • 01376 348083

40 Duke Street, Chelmsford, Essex CM1 1JA • 01245 345490

Bridge End Lane, Great Notley, Braintree, Essex CM77 7GN • 01376 334644

Funeral Services:

25/27 Exchange Way, Chelmsford, Essex CM1 1XS • 01245 266752

115/117 Ferry Road, Hullbridge, Essex SS5 6ET • 01702 232388

164/170 Meadgate Avenue, Great Baddow, Chelmsford, Essex CM2 7LJ • 01245 354759

216 Main Road, Hawkwell, Hockley, Essex SS5 4EG • 01702 204939

372/376 Baddow Road, Chelmsford, Essex CM2 9RA • 01245 493900

7/8 St. Peter’s Terrace, Wickford, Essex SS12 0AP • 01268 768833

83 Barnard Road, Galleywood, Chelmsford, Essex CM2 8RS • 01245 474591

157/159 Nevendon Road, Wickford, Essex SS12 0NY • 01268 766999

Beehive Lane, Westbourne Grove, Chelmsford, Essex CM2 9RP • 01245 357761

493/495 Southchurch Road, Southend-on-Sea, Essex SS1 2PH • 01702 461550

The co-operative bed centre: Unit 4/6, The Knightswick Shopping Centre, Furtherwick Road, Canvey Island, Essex SS8 7AD • 01268 680297

156 Gloucester Avenue, Moulsham Lodge, Chelmsford, Essex CM2 9LG • 01245 258089 15 Havengore, Springfield, Chelmsford, Essex CM1 6JP • 01245 262923 14/15 Torquay Road, Springfield, Chelmsford, Essex CM1 6NF • 01245 347868 108 Kings Road, Chelmsford, Essex CM1 2BB • 01245 353630 47/49 Main Road, Broomfield, Chelmsford, Essex CM1 7BU • 01245 440316 Trent Road, Chelmsford, Essex CM1 2LQ • 01245 258585 26 Melbourne Parade, Chelmsford, Essex CM1 2DW • 01245 347774 17 Bridge Street, Writtle, Chelmsford, Essex CM1 3EY • 01245 421148 78/82 Forest Drive, Chelmsford, Essex CM1 2TS • 01245 258855

85/87 West Road, Shoeburyness, Essex SS3 9DT • 01702 290679 159 Church Road, Thundersley, Benfleet, Essex SS7 4EN • 01268 753908

78 Broomfield Road, Chelmsford, Essex CM1 1SS • 01245 353978 348 Baddow Road, Chelmsford, Essex CM2 9RA • 01245 268993 (corner of Beehive Lane) 60 The Green, Writtle, Chelmsford, Essex CM1 3DU • 01245 422622 57A Main Road, Danbury, Essex CM3 4NG • 01245 221444 6 Clare Road, Braintree, Essex CM7 2PA • 01376 551951 47 High Street, Ingatestone, Essex CM4 9DU • 01277 350988 10 Jutland House, White Hart Way, Great Dunmow, Essex CM6 1WX • 01371 875542

173/175 Long Road, Canvey Island, Essex SS8 0JD • 01268 693004

The co-operative travel branches:

12 Pauls Court, Meppel Avenue, Canvey Island, Essex SS8 9RZ • 01268 690092

‘quadrant’, 220 Moulsham Street, Chelmsford, Essex CM2 0LS • 01245 490290

12 Stanford Place, Princess Margaret Road, East Tilbury, Essex RM18 8YP • 01375 857786

‘quadrant’, George Yard, 9/15 Rayne Road, Braintree, Essex CM7 2QA • 01376 551444

14/16 Calcutta Road, Tilbury, Essex RM18 7QU • 01375 843401

Customer Service facilities:

3/4 Canterbury Road, South Ockendon, Essex RM15 6NH • 01708 852488 105 Mungo Park Road, Rainham, Essex RM13 7PP • 01708 520984

‘quadrant’, 220 Moulsham Street, Chelmsford, Essex CM2 0LS • 01245 490101 ‘quadrant’, George Yard, 9/15 Rayne Road, Braintree, Essex CM7 2QA • 01376 321303

3/5 Spreadeagle Place, Ingatestone, Essex CM4 9EA • 01277 353124 1 Fingrith Hall Road, Blackmore, Ingatestone, Essex CM4 9EA • 01277 822231

www.chelmsfordstar.coop

Chelmsford Star Co-operative Society Limited Registered office: 220 Moulsham Street, Chelmsford, Essex. Registered number: 973R, Essex www.chelmsfordstar.coop • email: [email protected] This Report is printed on recycled material.