QCA Corporate Governance Code

Chairman's Introduction

QCA – Changes

It is the Board's duty to ensure that Angling Direct is managed for the long-term benefit of all shareholders, with effective and efficient decision-making.  Corporate governance is an important part of that process, reducing risk and adding value to our business, and providing the expected results back to our shareholders.

Following recent changes to the London Stock Exchange AIM rules, which now require AIM listed companies to implement and comply with a recognised corporate governance code, Angling Direct plc board of directors have adopted the Quoted Companies Alliance (QCA) Corporate Governance Code.

The Board has reviewed its internal corporate governance procedures, financial controls and reporting procedures and policies and now consider these to be appropriate and compliant with the QCA corporate governance code given the size and structure of the Company.

The following report sets out in broad terms how Angling Direct plc applies each of the 10 principles within the code. Reviews and updates on our compliance with the code will take place annually and will be included in our annual reporting.

Our values are based on our four leading promises in business, we inspire, we are passionate about what and how we do things, we are trustworthy, and finally we are genuine towards our customers, staff, suppliers and shareholders. The Board believes this is vital to creating a sustainable, functional and responsible business. This culture supports the Company's objectives to grow the business through retail stores, some new and others acquired, and online growth

Principle 1: Establish a strategy and business model which promotes long-term value for shareholders

The company's short to medium term strategy is to continue the rollout of the Angling Direct proven scalable business model by using functional store formats, and to significantly increase online sales both in the UK and in Europe. The Board expect the retail store strategy to largely continue to involve opening new stores over the next 5 years. Acquisitions of existing independent fishing tackle retailers will also add to our store network. The Directors believe the continued expansion of the Company's retail store network is important in supporting the future growth strategy of the Group, both offline and online and the physical presence of an Angling Direct retail store increases activity on the Company's website as well as increasing brand awareness.

Planning all new store roll-outs is essential, with a definitive ROI delivered through analysing the best geographic locations, core ranges of stock, and functional staff to deliver the expected returns, both short and long-term. Demanding and rapidly changing retail habits, expectations and requirements are constantly reviewed at board level.

The Company operates a central distribution centre on the outskirts of Norwich, Norfolk which supports all online sales and has recently invested in systems such as “Kardex” to support the Company's future online growth strategy.

Both in-store and on-line brand awareness is key to the roll-out strategy, with both working in a virtuous circle and supporting each other through social media and personalised advertising.

Online, the business will continue to deliver an outstanding and market leading experience, this includes continuous improvements in website capabilities, additional features and ongoing user experience optimisation and delivering a remarkable product proposition through personalised marketing.

Focus is now attributed to extending our organic lead, aggressive digital acquisition through unique personalised content (video / image and text) and development of a social community that connects strongly with our customers by delivering operational excellence;

Fulfilment, customers service experience and HR planning is crucial to maintaining our customer loyalty and growth throughout the implementation of our strategy plan.  To this end attracting the best calibre staff with the skills, energy and entrepreneurship training is key to delivering success.

Without doubt the retail environment has, and is, experiencing a period of significant change. The major catalyst is online sales but increasingly the consumer generally is requiring more from their retail experience. The company operates in a specialist niche sector offering a tactile product and a consumer community requiring information rich advice and assistance. This complements the strategic positioning of the company through its offering of a “bricks and clicks” environment and a strong social community culture experience.

Principle 2: Seek to understand and meet the shareholders needs and expectations

The company recognises the importance of meeting the shareholders expectations and engages in managing those through both broker (N+1 Singer) and personal dialogue as and when required.

The Company maintains a dedicated email address prominently displayed on its website together with the Company address and telephone number. The company holds an annual general meeting to which all members are invited and during the AGM, time is set aside specifically to allow questions from attending members. .  The CEO is responsible for reviewing all communications received from members and determining the most appropriate response. In addition to these passive measures, the CEO typically engages with members through investor open day's at least once a year.

Periodically and through request the company will meet with shareholders to discuss overall performance, with specific focus on commercial, cultural, environmental and sustainability strategies.

The company realises that performance is deliverable on all aspects of its service, stock and staffing, and is set at a very high standard, with focus on delivering this year through and subject to continuous review with LEAN processes being adopted to ensure minimum wastage plus maximum efficiency through the supply chain.

The board is updated on all shareholder views received through regular meetings.

Shareholders who wish to request a meeting or call can contact us via investor.relations@anglingdirect.co.uk

Principle 3: Take into account wider stakeholder and social responsibilities and their implications for long term success.

In addition to members, the company believes its main stakeholder groups are its employees, suppliers and customers.  The company dedicates significant time to understanding and acting on the needs and requirements of each of these groups via meetings and seeking to obtain feedback.

The company recognises that long term strategies play a key part in the success and fulfilment of the business.  The continuous review of product ranges, forward ordering, and key preferred suppliers is vital to enable the best flow of product through our supply chain. Our employee engagement, functional skillset and development programmes are paramount to support our growth model.

We are committed to actively promoting, developing and growing the angling community, particularly within the younger generation and for those with disabilities. We are keen to endorse evidence that the classic hobby of fishing is also a great way to improve mental and physical well-being, and it is our intention to encourage more anglers into the community through coaching, educating and developing more grass root initiatives.  Projects such as Fishing for Schools, National Fishing Month and the Angling Trust are a small example of initiatives receiving our full support. Please visit the CSR section of our website (which includes our modern slavery policy, environmental policy, gender pay reporting, plus all our community aspects) for further information and initiatives.

The company conforms to all corporate and social expectations and our partnerships with local communities and the Angling communities are part of the foundations of our business.

The company recently achieved the ISO 14001 standard and will continue to focus on reducing our carbon footprint and introducing waste management systems associated with waste control, energy usage and vehicle emissions. We are also strongly supporting a national fishing line recycling initiative with line recycling discard bins in all our stores.

Principle 4: Embed effective risk management, considering both opportunities and threats, throughout the organisation

Internal and Audit controls.

Financial controls.

The Company has an established framework of internal financial controls, the effectiveness of which is regularly reviewed by the Executive Management, the Audit Committee and the Board.

The Board is responsible for reviewing and approving overall Company strategy, approving revenue and capital budgets and plans, and for determining the financial structure of the Company including cash, tax and dividend policy. Monthly results and variances from plans and forecasts are reported to the Board.

The company maintains and annually reviews a handbook that includes clear guidance on what is expected of every employee and officer of the company.  Adherence of these standards is a key factor in the evaluation of performance within the company, including during annual performance reviews.

The Audit Committee has the primary responsibility of monitoring the quality of internal controls and ensuring that the financial performance of the Group is properly measured and reported on. It receives and reviews reports from the Group's management and external auditors relating to the interim and annual accounts and the accounting and internal control systems in use throughout the Group. The Audit Committee meets not less than twice in each financial year and has unrestricted access to the Group's external auditors. The Audit Committee is chaired by Chris Keen. (Audit Committee Terms Of Reference)

The Audit Committee assists the company in its duties regarding the financial statements, accounting policies and the maintenance of proper internal business, operational and financial controls, including the review of results of work performed by the Group controls function.  There are comprehensive procedures for budgeting, planning, monitoring and reporting to the Board on business performance against budgets and plans, as well as for forecasting expected performance over the remainder of the financial period. These cover profits, cash flows, capital expenditure and balance sheets. Monthly results are reported against budget and compared with the prior year, and forecasts for the current financial year are regularly revised considering actual performance.

The Company has a consistent system of prior appraisal for investments, overseen by the Finance Director and Chief Executive Officer, with defined financial controls and procedures with which each business area is required to comply to be granted investment funds for development.   Regular post-investment reviews are also carried out to check the delivered Return on Investment.

Non-financial controls

The Board has ultimate responsibility for the Group's system of internal control and for reviewing its effectiveness. However, any such system of internal control can provide only reasonable, but not absolute, assurance against material misstatement or loss. The Board considers that the internal controls in place are appropriate for the size of the business.

The Board has the responsibility to ensure all risk is reviewed on a continuous basis, in that ALL key business risks are overseen and where required processes are developed so that any risks are managed appropriately.

Risk categories such as product, economy, weather, labour costs, IT, are considered with the company's auditors twice a year, any recommendations are then put to the board to be acted upon and delivered by the management team.

Of paramount importance to the company are the IT systems, especially with online growth forming a key strategy. The company has a very robust and secure website, to prevent downtime, and there is continuous monitoring of load time and data storage capacity.

Principle 5: Maintaining the board as a well-functioning, balanced team led by the chair

The company believes the constitution of the current board is correctly balanced and that the Board recognises the value and importance plus has the ability to fulfil the requirements to meet the high standards of corporate governance. Given the Company's size on Admission, the Company will not fully comply with the recommendations of the QCA Guidelines as the Board does not have, or need, a nomination committee at this time. As the company grows the board will actively consider adding additional Executive Directors as needed however for now the board considers its composition appropriate given the size of the company, its revenues and profitability.

With effect from Admission, the Board has established an audit committee (the "Audit Committee") and a remuneration committee (the "Remuneration Committee") with formally delegated responsibilities. (Remuneration Committee Terms of Reference)

Further details on the composition of the board and committees can be found on the Corporate Governance Home Page

Key Board activities this year included: - Input into the accelerating growth plan; updated strategic priorities; the company's capital structure and financial strategy;  development of the European online strategy; internal governance processes; reviewed the companies risk register; reviewed feedback from shareholders post full year results.

As the Board is small, there is not a separate nominations committee and recommendations for appointments to the Board will be considered by the Board after due evaluation.

The Directors intend to comply, and procure compliance with, Rule 21 of the AIM Rules for Companies relating to dealings by directors and other applicable employees in the Company's securities and, to this end, the Company has adopted an appropriate share dealing code.

Principle 6: Ensure that between them the Directors have the necessary up-to date experience, skills and capabilities

The constitution of the board is paramount to the guidance of the company, successful and functional boards require a clear knowledge of the operations of the company, the prime requisite for a board's effective work is that's its members complement each other's knowledge, experience in the required sector, qualifications and skills, plus every board member must have the time required to attend to their duties for the company.

The company will continue monitoring the board and look at periodical refreshment to seek continuous improvement and identify succession for the future, ensuring that no board member becomes indispensable.

The board meets quarterly with monthly updates provided, ensuring all communications are always clear and understood.

Principle 7: Evaluate board performance based on clear and relevant objectives, seeking continuous improvement

Board evaluation is conducted throughout the year, the non-executive directors have specific terms of engagement, and their remuneration is determined by the Board.

The remuneration committee ensures that the company's executive recruitment policies and procedures are effective for its business and to deliver the growth as identified in the company's strategy, plus also that executive remuneration packages are designed to attract, drive, motivate  executive Directors and senior management of the requisite calibre and expertise.

The Remuneration and Audit committee meets twice yearly, or as when is deemed necessary to support the business.

It is the Chairman's responsibility to assess the individual contributions of the members of the board, considering effectiveness, commitment, and knowledge applicable to the business.

Principle 8: Promote a culture that is based on ethical values and behaviours

The board believes that the promotion of a corporate culture based on sound ethical values and behaviours is essential to maximise shareholder value.

Setting the example from top down the company inspires a community culture of openness amongst its employees. Creative ideas, input and suggestions are encouraged and, we are proud to think, “out of the box” pushing the boundaries of experience and fulfilment to all engaged with and within the company.

Grass root investment is paramount to our longevity, and we are actively, demonstrating different methods to involve anglers of all ages, - sharing the benefits of fishing for enjoyment, competition, health, wellbeing for the benefit to all.

Principle 9: Maintain governance structures and process that are fit for purpose and support good decision-making by the board.

The Board meets a minimum five times each year in accordance with its scheduled meeting calendar. The Board sets direction for the Company through a formal schedule of matters reserved for its decision. Prior to the start of each financial year, a schedule of dates for that year's Board meetings is compiled to align as far as reasonably practicable with the Company's financial calendar on the one hand, and its trading calendar on the other, while also ensuring an appropriate spread of meetings across the financial year.

The Board receives appropriate and timely information prior to each meeting; a formal agenda is produced for each meeting by the company secretary, and Board papers are distributed several days before meetings take place. Any Director may challenge Company proposals and decisions are taken democratically after discussion. Any Director who feels that any concern remains unresolved after discussion may ask for that concern to be noted in the minutes of the meeting, which are then circulated to all Directors. Any specific actions arising from such meetings are agreed by the Board or relevant Committee and then followed up by the Company's management.

Roles of the Board, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer

The Board is responsible for the long-term success of the Company. There is a formal schedule of matters reserved to the Board. It is responsible for overall Group strategy; approval of major investments, approval of the annual and interim results; annual budgets and Board structure. It monitors the exposure to key business risks and reviews the strategic direction of the company.

There is a clear division of responsibility at the head of the Company. The Chairman is responsible for running the business of the Board and for ensuring appropriate strategic focus and direction. The Chief Executive Officer is responsible for proposing the strategic focus to the Board, implementing it once it has been approved and overseeing the management of the Company through the Executive Team.  

Executive Directors

Steven Crowe, Chief Executive Officer, ACA, BA,(hons)

Steve joined the company in Jan 20 with a proven background as A Chief Financial Officer and Senior Executive with a blend of front-line financial, commercial and strategic experience in both the private equity and blue-chip corporate environment, underpinned by a “Big 4" background.

Highly experienced in leading businesses in business strategy, M&A, planning and reporting as well as driving major commercial and business change decisions and execution.

Has a first-class record of project delivery, building sustainable senior relationships and developing “high performance" teams within differing business environments.

Steve’ previous posts include COO at Verisk Claims Oct18-Dec19, CFO Validus IVC LTD June14-Sep18, FP&A Director Aviva General Insurance Jan11-May14 and Divisional Finance Director Aviva General Insurance Oct07-Dec10

Sam Copeman, Chief Financial Officer, FCA, BEng

Sam joined the board in June 2023 as Chief Financial Officer and is an experienced CFO and most recently led the trade sale of Esportif, the global sports consultancy with a presence in the UK, France, South Africa, Japan, Australia and New Zealand, to Wasserman, the global sports, music, and entertainment agency.

Prior to this, Sam held senior finance roles across a variety of industries within private equity and privately owned businesses and has a track record of creating shareholder value through the development and execution of ambitious strategic plans, delivering growth and leading successful shareholder exits.

Sam's previous posts include Financial Director at Esportif, Chief Financial Officer at 3sun Group and Chief Financial Officer at EV.

Non-Executive Directors

Andy Torrance, Non-Executuve Chairman

Andy Joined the business in Q4 of 2019 offering a wealth of experience in the retail sector, with a very customer-centric focus Andy has held recent positions with Holland & Barratt COO May 16-May18 – Leading operations and property teams through corporate sale processes, and delivering far better customer focus. Dunelm Mill COO Nov 11-Nov 15 leading store operations and delivering consistent sales and profit growth, in both positions the businesses were transformed significantly, with focus around Logistics and efficiencies. Commercially very astute, with high leadership skills. Other executive roles were held at Halfords June 99-October 11 including Store Operations, Logistics and HR Director Jan01-Oct 11

Martyn Page, Non-Executive Director

Martyn is a co-founder and major shareholder of the Company and the visionary behind Angling Direct. Martyn founded the Angling Direct Brand in 1997 following the acquisition of Norwich Angling Centre. Martyn was appointed as a director of the Company on 11 June 2004. Alongside his executive role at the Company, Martyn has worked as a corporate accountant for over 40 years' advising and guiding companies from start-ups to UK and international operations with revenue more than several hundred million. Martyn is a well-known angler, within the UK and internationally, and is an angling author, who is also involved in national committees and clubs working for the improvement of fisheries and education and promotion of angling.

Nicola Murphy, Non-Executive Director

Nicki is founder and Group CEO of The River Group an independent integrated marketing services agency with clients including Boots, Superdrug and Sainsbury’s Bank. The Group comprises three agencies – River (founded in 1994), Maven Comms PR (founded in 2019), and Reflect Talent for Inclusive Media – a not-for-profit Community Interest Company in the Diversity & Inclusion talent management space.

Nicki also owns a property business, Lightning Properties, and she is most recently co-founder of Beauty & Vitality - a skincare and vitamin start up in the microbiome space. In addition, Nicki is a board member of FIPP, a global members network in the media industry.

Nicki has a 28-year pro bono career volunteering in the charity space. She is currently Chair of the board of trustees at The Sophie Hayes Foundation (supporting survivors of sex trafficking and modern slavery into work), she is also a director and trustee of The Katie Piper Foundation (supporting victims of burns).

Chris Keen, Non-Executive Director

Chris is a member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales with 25 years of experience in various Chief Financial Officer roles, focused on scaling up businesses both domestically and internationally across a variety of sectors including retail and leisure.

Chris is currently CFO at M Group Services, the leading provider of infrastructure services in the UK. Prior to this, Chris was the CFO for McKesson UK which operated the 2nd largest chain of pharmacies in the UK (Lloyds) and the largest distributor of medicines in the UK (AAH). Chris oversaw the successful sale of the business in April 2022.

Between 2012 and 2019, Chris was CFO of Holland & Barrett, a leading health and wellness product retailer, where he oversaw a number of key acquisitions across Europe, driving international omni-channel growth. Prior to this Chris was CFO at The Laurel Pub Company (latterly the Stonegate Pub Company), helping to build the business into the largest privately held managed pub operator in the UK with over 500 units.

Senior Management

The Board is supported on operational matters by several senior managers. Details of whom are set out below:

Wouter Putman, Customer & Digital Director

Wouter leads Angling Directs digital and customer-centric strategies, with 15+ years of experience and knowledge of Angling Direct’s evolving business.

Following graduating with an MSc in Industrial Engineering and Management in 2006, Wouter joined the company in 2007 as an EPOS administrator and was promoted to Systems Manager in 2009 followed by Operations Manager in 2012. Wouter was appointed as Digital and Operations Director to the Operating Board in 2020.

He is responsible for delivering overall brand and digital growth encompassing the UK Angling Direct app across Android and iOS devices, and the company’s five e-commerce websites for the UK, EU, German, French and Dutch markets.

He is leading Angling Directs digital EU expansion and is committed to providing customers with the best possible online experience.

Shona Wright, MCIPD, PGC, HR Directory & Company Secretary

Shona joined in April 2017, a time when the Company was going through a monumental transformational period. During this time of significant change, Shona extended her role to include the Company secretarial duties.

Adapting to the fishing retail environment whilst leading the people agenda and fulfilling the Company secretary role, Shona is a CIPD qualified HR Manager with over a decade of experience in human resource practice and strategic business partnering. Shona's HR experience has predominantly been with privately owned FMCG manufacturers, including Mars food UK Ltd.

Simon Morris, Commercial Director

Simon Morris joined Angling Direct in 2019 as Senior Buyer. He bought with him over 20 years’ experience in the Angling trade following on from extensive retail experience with Halfords.

For the last 15 years Simon has held senior positions in the fields of product development, sourcing and sales management with some of the biggest Angling Suppliers in the world including most recently Pure Fishing and Shimano.

Since being promoted to Commercial Director in June 2021 Simon has been instrumental in implementing Category Management into Angling Direct and continues to drive these principles through his purchasing and commercial teams. Drawing on his network of contacts across the globe he forms an instrumental part of the team leading our project to optimize distribution in Europe.

Craig Jones, Chief Operating Director

After joining the business as Retail Transformation Director in December 2020. Craig is now responsible for Retail Store performance and growth, Logistics, both UK and EU Distribution Centre Operations, and Property in his current role. Prior to joining Angling Direct Craig built a wealth of experience in specialist retailing and consumer facing organisations leading large teams across multiple functions.

Craig previously held the position of Director of Retail at Holland and Barrett, with over 1600 stores. Prior to joining Angling Direct Craig was UK Operations and Customer Experience Director at Weight Watchers accountable across 4000 site locations for Business Transformation, Retail Sales, Customer Experience and Contact Centres. Craig has also held the role of Sales Director at Phones 4U.

Principle 10: Communicate how the Company is governed and is performing by maintaining a dialogue with shareholders and other relevant stakeholders

The Company communicates with shareholders through the Annual Report and Accounts, full-year and half-year announcements, the Annual General Meeting (AGM) and one-to-one meetings with large existing or potential new shareholders as required

The Chief Executive Officer manages shareholder interaction. A range of corporate information (including all Company announcements) is also available to shareholders, investors and the public on the Company's corporate website, www.anglingdirect.co.uk/investors The Board receives regular updates on the views of shareholders through briefings and reports from the Chief Executive Officer, Financial Director and the Company's brokers. The Company communicates with institutional investors frequently through briefings with management. In addition, analysts' notes and brokers' briefings are review

Updated 17 July 2023