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Blend Labs, Inc.

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FY2016 Annual Report · Blend Labs, Inc.
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We create 
Places People Prefer

Annual Report and Accounts 2016

We are

Placemakers

We create outstanding places which make a positive 
difference to people’s everyday lives. Our portfolio of high 
quality commercial property is focused on retail locations 
around the UK and London offices.

Our objective is to deliver long term and sustainable total 
returns to all our stakeholders. We do this by focusing on 
Places People Prefer.

In this year’s 
Annual Report

The importance
of people
Read about the importance 
we place on our people and 
how that fits into our strategy.

 To read more go to  
pages 22 to 23

Our portfolio
Read more about our £14.6 billion 
property portfolio and how it has 
performed this year.

 To read more go to  
pages 36 to 47

Major trends impacting 
our markets 
Read about the long term trends 
in our markets and how we 
are responding. 

 To read more go to  
pages 12 to 17

Our strategy
Understand our approach, 
and how it drives value for 
our shareholders.

 To read more go to  
pages 18 to 25

We are placemakers
Understand how our properties 
enhance the lives of those who 
work, shop and live in them.

 To read more go to  
pages 26 to 35

Our business model
Learn about what we do and 
why that sets us apart. 

 To read more go to  
pages 10 to 11

For more information

You will find links throughout this 
Report to guide you to further reading 
or relevant information.

For more information visit our website 
www.britishland.com

Feedback
We value your feedback. Please contact us at:

Our corporate website 
www.britishland.com/contacts

Integrated reporting
We integrate social and environmental 
information in this Report in line with  
the International Integrated Reporting 
framework. This reflects how 
sustainability is integrated into our 
placemaking strategy, governance  
and business operations. Our industry-
leading sustainability strategy is a 
powerful tool to deliver lasting value  
for all our stakeholders. 

Follow us on Twitter 
@BritishLandPLC

For more information visit 
www.britishland.com/sustainability

HIGHLIGHTS OF THE YEAR

Portfolio valuation (proportionally consolidated)1

Total property return1

£14.6bn

11.3%

EPRA NAV per share1

919p

Dividend per share

28.36p

Underlying Profit1

£363m

Underlying EPS1

34.1p

Carbon intensity (index score)

-40%

since 
2009

 – Strong full year results.

IFRS net assets

£9,619m

Total accounting return1

14.2%

IFRS profit before tax

£1,331m

IFRS EPS

131.2p

Customer satisfaction

7.9/10

 – Valuation performance driven by improving ERV growth and lettings.

 – Placemaking skills delivering leasing success; portfolio nearly fully let.

 – Allocating capital into our London campuses and multi-let Retail assets.

 – Modest committed development, but a significant pipeline with optionality.

 – Robust financial position with continued access to low cost finance.

Presentation of financial information
The Group financial statements are prepared under IFRS where the Group’s interests in joint ventures 
and funds are shown as a single line item on the income statement and balance sheet and all subsidiaries 
are consolidated at 100%.

Management considers the business principally on a proportionally consolidated basis when setting  
the strategy, determining annual priorities, making investment and financing decisions and reviewing 
performance. This includes the Group’s share of joint ventures and funds on a line-by-line basis and 
excludes non-controlling interests in the Group’s subsidiaries. The financial key performance indicators 
are also presented on this basis. Refer to the Financial review for a discussion of the IFRS results.

1  See glossary for definitions.

CONTENTS

Strategic Report
Highlights and contents 
Group at a glance 
Chairman’s statement 
Chief Executive’s review 
Our business model 
Market overview 
Our strategy 
Placemaking 
Performance review 
Carbon reporting 
Financial review 
Financial policies and principles 
Managing risk in delivering our strategy 

1
2
4
6
10
12
18
26
36
48
49
54
57 

Governance and remuneration 
66
Board of Directors 
68
Board of Directors – biographies 
70
Chairman’s governance review 
72
Our governance structure 
74
Governance review 
80
Report of the Audit Committee 
84
Report of the Nomination Committee 
Remuneration report 
86
Directors’ report and additional disclosures 111
113
Directors’ responsibility statement 

Financial statements
Report of the auditor 
Primary statements and notes 
Company balance sheet 
Supplementary disclosures unaudited 

Other information
Other information unaudited 
Ten year record 
Shareholder information 
Glossary 

116
122
165
177

184
197
198
200

European Public Real 
Estate Association (EPRA) 
Performance measures1 

As at 31 March (£m)

2016

2015

2014

EPRA earnings

365 

313 

295

EPRA NAV

  10,074  9,035  7,027

EPRA NNNAV

  9,640  8,359  6,700

As at 31 March (%)

2016

2015

2014

EPRA net initial yield  

4.1 

4.3 

4.8

EPRA ‘Topped-up’ 
net initial yield

EPRA vacancy rate

EPRA Cost Ratio 
(including direct 
vacancy costs)

(excluding direct 
vacancy costs)

4.5 

2.0 

4.8 

2.9 

5.3

5.2

16.6 

16.4 

16.2

14.9 

14.6 

13.9

British Land    Annual Report and Accounts 2016

1

 
 
 
 
 
Strategic Report

GROUP AT A GLANCE

We create outstanding places which  
make a positive difference to people’s 
everyday lives: Places People Prefer

Total Portfolio
We create and operate attractive places for 
people to work, shop and live in. Our properties 
are well connected and well designed and we 
use our placemaking skills to enhance and 
enliven them, providing environments which 
meet the growing expectations of our occupiers  
and customers. 

Retail & Leisure
Our Retail and Leisure portfolio is focused on 
regional and local multi-let assets. We provide 
high quality retail alongside a growing leisure 
offer and best in class services to deliver 
outstanding places which are in tune with 
modern consumer lifestyles, places where 
people go to shop, eat and be entertained.

Offices & Residential
Our Offices and Residential portfolio is focused 
on London. We provide a range of working 
and living space across our campuses and 
distinctive standalone properties which 
combine a broad mix of retail and leisure 
to create attractive, well-located and well-
managed environments.

£20.0bn1, 3

Assets under management

£674m2

Contracted rent

£9.8bn1

47

£9.9bn1

3

Assets under management

multi-let assets

Assets under management

Mixed use campuses

£14.6bn2

British Land owned

98.8%2

Occupancy rate

£7.3bn2

British Land owned

152

other retail and 
leisure assets

29m sq ft1

Of floor space

9.0Yrs2

Weighted average  
lease length

20m sq ft1

Of floor space

£7.0bn2

British Land owned

9m sq ft1

Of floor space

57

Stand-alone offices

7

Office and residential  
developments

Highlights 
 – Total accounting return of 14.2% for the year. 

Highlights 
 – Portfolio valuation up 2.4% to £7.3 billion.

Highlights 
 – Portfolio valuation uplift of 11.8% to £7.0 billion.

 – Strong ERV growth of 5.3%, 130 bps ahead 

 – Over 903,000 sq ft of Retail lettings and 

 – 296,000 sq ft of Office lettings and renewals; 

of the market benchmark.

renewals, 8% ahead of ERV.

5.6% ahead of ERV.

 – Completed £1.3 billion of gross investment 
activity with acquisition and development/
capital spend broadly balancing disposals.

 – Proportionately consolidated weighted 

average interest rate reduced by 50 bps  
to 3.3%.

 – Roger Madelin appointed to head up 

Canada Water development.

 – Winner of the 2016 Queen’s Award for 

Enterprise for Sustainable Development.

 – Accelerating ERV trend broadly balanced 
across regional and local sub sectors  
leading to IPD outperformance of 100 bps, 
demonstrating the quality of our portfolio.

 – £420 million of disposals further reducing 
exposure to mature or non-core assets; 
multi-let now represents over 70% 
of retail portfolio.

 – Leadenhall Building 98% let or under offer 

with just one floor left to let.

 – Net investment of £280 million into our 

London campuses, including acquisition 
of 1 Sheldon Square at Paddington.

 – 739,000 sq ft of developments completed 

in the period, with 5 Broadgate accounting 
for 710,000 sq ft.

 – Planning consent received for a 823,000 sq ft 
redevelopment at our Broadgate campus 
(100 Liverpool Street and 1 Finsbury Avenue).

 To read more information about our 
performance go to pages 36 to 47

 To read more information about our Retail 
and Leisure go to pages 40 to 43

 To read more information about our Offices 
and Residential go to pages 44 to 47

1   Includes 100% of the assets owned by the Group’s joint ventures and funds.
2   Includes the Group share of joint ventures and funds and excludes non-controlling  

interests in the Group’s subsidiaries.

3  Includes Canada Water property of £0.3 billion.

2

British Land    Annual Report and Accounts 2016

Our portfolio is focused on 
retail locations around the 
UK and London offices

Our properties are home to over 1,200 different 
organisations ranging from international 
brands to local start-ups. More than 64,000 
people work across our Office portfolio, and our 
Retail sites receive 330 million visits per year. 

Meadowhall

London

1.5m sq ft

Retail and leisure space

98%

Occupancy

Yorkshire’s premier shopping 
destination and home to nearly 300 
shops and restaurants. The centre first 
opened in 1990 and is undergoing a 
substantial refurbishment on its 25th 
anniversary. It has attracted 560 million 
visitors in its 25 years. A PwC report 
published this year revealed that it 
supports 1 job in every 100 in the 
region, and 1p in every £1 generated 
by the regional economy.
www.meadowhall.co.uk

To read the PwC report go to 
www.britishland.com/Meadowhall25

The Leadenhall Building

603,000 sq ft

Office and Retail space

98%

let/under offer

Prominently located in the City of London, 
The Leadenhall Building’s distinctive shape 
was developed as a response to planning 
requirements which protect the viewing 
corridors of St. Paul’s Cathedral. Officially 
opened by the Duke of Cambridge and Prince 
Harry in 2015, it has attracted some high  
profile occupiers, including joint owners 
OMERS and the building’s architects  
Rogers Stirk Harbour + Partners. 
www.theleadenhallbuilding.com 

Canada Water

5.5m sq ft

A designated London Opportunity Area, 
this 46-acre site was assembled in four 
transactions over five years. We are 
working with the London Borough of 
Southwark to create an exciting new 
place for London which connects with 
the local community and is integrated 
with the surrounding area. This is a 
major, long term project which will 
be delivered in a number of phases 
and is one of the largest mixed use 
regeneration projects in London. 
www.canadawatermasterplan.com

Map key
  Offices & Residential
  Retail & Leisure

British Land    Annual Report and Accounts 2016

3

Strategic Report

CHAIRMAN’S STATEMENT

We have had another busy  
and successful year

Across the global markets equities have had  
a difficult year; the FTSE 100 was down 11.6% 
over the last 12 months (year to 16 May 2016), 
reflecting heightened concerns about 
macro-economic and political risks. Closer to 
home, our shares along with the REIT sector 
have underperformed the FTSE principally 
reflecting concerns about the impact an exit 
from Europe would have on the property sector, 
particularly in London. While we are mindful  
of this uncertainty, we are confident that our 
business is both resilient and well placed for 
the long term.

A highlight for me this year was the official 
opening of The Leadenhall Building  
last October. I was delighted to welcome  
the Duke of Cambridge and Prince Harry as 
guests of honour as the building officially 
opened for business. The Cheesegrater, as  
it is affectionately known, is a great example  
of what British Land does best – financing, 
developing and managing exceptional buildings. 

From its innovative construction technique and 
distinctive design to its immediate recognition 
on the London skyline, The Leadenhall Building 
has been an outstanding success story. Voted 
The City of London Building of the Year in 2015, 
it has attracted the highest rents ever achieved 
in the City of London. It’s no surprise that it is 
now 98% let/under offer.

During the year, we were once again also 
recognised as sustainability leaders in global 
indices and awards. Since launching our 2020 
sustainability strategy in 2015, we have made 
strong progress embedding sustainability 
across our business. We are achieving results  
by setting high standards, delivering training, 
providing support and sharing best practice, 
working closely with our development partners 
and property management subsidiary, 
Broadgate Estates Ltd. I am pleased that we 
support RE100 – committed to purchasing 
electricity from renewable power. We also invest 
in renewable energy sources at our assets, with 
photovoltaic panels installed at St Stephen’s in 
Hull during the year. By promoting wellbeing, 
supporting communities, operating efficient 

Key highlights of the year

Total accounting return1

14.2% 

Reflecting the increase in our net asset value 
per share and income yield from the dividend

EPRA net asset value per share1

919p

Up 10.9%

Dividend per share

28.36p

Up 2.5%

1  Please see the glossary for definition.

Welcome to our 2016 Annual Report. We have 
had a strong year reflecting the work we have 
done repositioning our portfolio to mirror the 
changing way people live their lives. 

Buildings are most successful when they 
reflect the needs of those who occupy and  
use them. Getting closer to our customers 
continues to be a key theme for us and an 
understanding of how modern lifestyles 
increasingly merge work and leisure time 
informs not only how we manage and develop 
our assets but also the allocation of our capital. 

Our delivery of Places People Prefer is 
evidenced once again by our near fully let 
portfolio and the growth we have generated 
across our business.

Underlying Profit for the year was £363 million, 
up 16%. The valuation of our portfolio also 
increased by 6.7% to £14.6 billion and NAV was 
up 10.9% to 919 pence per share. The Board has 
recommended a fourth quarter dividend of 7.09 
pence per share making a total of 28.36 pence 
for the year. We have proposed a first quarter 
dividend of 7.30 pence per share for 2017, an 
increase of 3.0%. The total accounting return 
was 14.2%.

4

British Land    Annual Report and Accounts 2016

Our delivery of Places People Prefer is evidenced once 
again by our near fully let portfolio and the growth we 
have generated across our business.”

buildings, developing people’s skills and growing 
economies, we are creating places that attract 
occupiers, workers, shoppers and residents, and 
so gain value over time – Places People Prefer. 

Our high quality portfolio, the optionality within 
our development programme and our strong 
finances positions us well for the future. 

John Gildersleeve
Non-Executive Chairman

 Full year results 2016 
www.britishland.com/results

 For more information on sustainability 
www.britishland.com/sustainability

 Chief Executive’s review go to pages  
6 to 8

 Chairman’s governance review go to  
pages 70 to 71

2016 Queen’s Award for Enterprise

In April this year British Land was one of only seven companies  
to receive the 2016 Queen’s Award for Enterprise: Sustainable 
Development as part of Her Majesty The Queen’s 90th  
birthday honours.

The Award is the UK’s highest accolade for business success 
and is given to companies which bring major economic,  
social and environmental benefits through their own business 
success. It has been awarded to British Land for continuous 
achievement in all these areas over the last five years. 
According to Business Secretary Sajid Javid winners are 
‘leading the way in a broad range of industries’ and ‘show  
they are involved in activity that ensures a better quality of  
life for everyone, now and in the future’.

We were obviously thrilled to receive the award. Understanding 
what really matters to our customers is helping us drive continued 
improvements throughout our business. As people’s attitudes 
and expectations change, good businesses respond. Our purpose 
of creating Places People Prefer and the huge amount of work 
we have done on placemaking is making a material positive 
difference to the customer experience at our assets.

This award recognises the contribution of everyone at British 
Land. We also appreciate that the help and commitment of our 
customers, partners, suppliers and many other stakeholders 
has played a part in this achievement. Integrating social and 
environmental activities into every area of a business is not 
something you can do ‘on the side’ or in isolation. We would like 
to extend our thanks to everyone who has worked with us over  
the years and like us believes that adopting a responsible 
approach to business is a powerful tool which helps drive 
customer preference and deliver lasting value.

John Gildersleeve
Non-Executive Chairman

Chris Grigg
Chief Executive

 For more information on The Queen’s Awards for Enterprise 
http://queensawardsmagazine.com/

For more information on our awards  
www.britishland.com/awards

British Land    Annual Report and Accounts 2016

5

Strategic Report

CHIEF EXECUTIVE’S REVIEW

Our strong results are underpinned 
by good performances across  
the business

time is right. We continued to sell mature and 
non-core assets, redeploying capital principally 
into our existing portfolio – in our campuses 
and regional and local retail centres. Overall 
our investment activity was broadly balanced.

EPRA net asset value was 10.9% ahead at 
919 pence per share at the year end (932 pence 
excluding the impact of the recent increase in 
stamp duty). Valuation was up 6.7% with Offices 
up 11.8% and Retail up 2.4% principally due to 
5.3% ERV growth across the portfolio, which 
was 130 bps ahead of IPD. We generated total 
property returns of 11.3% for the year. 

Underlying Profit was 16.0% ahead at 
£363 million driven both by our successful 
leasing activity and our lower financing costs. 
Diluted Underlying EPS was up 11.4% at 
34.1 pence per share. In line with previous 
announcements, the final quarterly dividend 
is 7.09 pence per share bringing the full year 
dividend to 28.36 pence per share, an increase 
of 2.5%, delivering a total accounting return of 
14.2%. Our proportionately consolidated LTV 
reduced to 32% in line with our strategy of not 
gearing up on yield shift, with our investment 
activity broadly balanced. As a result of our 
refinancing activities, including the £350 million 
zero coupon convertible bond, our average 
financing cost is down 50 bps to 3.3%. 
Reflecting our confidence in the coming year, 
the Board is proposing a quarterly dividend of 
7.30 pence per share or 29.20 pence per share 
for the full year, an increase of 3.0%.

Our portfolio is virtually full with occupancy 
of 99%. In good occupational markets in both 
Retail and Offices, we saw strong levels of 
demand for our remaining space. This is 
reflected in our leasing transactions with 
1.3 million sq ft of lettings and renewals agreed 
on average 6.8% ahead of ERV.

In Offices we made good progress enhancing 
and enlivening environments, strengthening 
long term demand for our space, and appealing 
to a broader range of occupiers. We let or 
renewed 296,000 sq ft of space on average 
5.6% ahead of ERV, and added £3.8 million 
of rent through rent reviews settled on terms 

Key highlights of the year

Total accounting returns1

14.2%

Reflecting the increase in our net asset value  
per share and income yield from the dividend

Underlying Profit growth1

16.0% 

Driven by financing activity, development 
completions and like-for-like net rental  
income growth

Planning granted on

1.5m sq ft

of development space

1  Please see the glossary for definition

In a fast changing market we are focusing 
our business to benefit from long term trends, 
notably: the transforming impact technology 
is having on the way we work, shop and live; the 
impact of population growth and urbanisation, 
particularly in London and the South East; and 
increasing consumer expectations in areas 
such as health, wellbeing and sustainability. 
We are focusing our portfolio on places where 
we can control the environment, exploiting 
our placemaking expertise to manage more 
complex mixed use environments delivering 
on our core purpose of creating Places People 
Prefer. We see increasing overlap between our 
office campuses and our multi-let regional and 
local retail centres as they combine a greater 
mix of uses and evolve to reflect our customers’ 
changing lifestyles. 

We have had another good year both in terms 
of our underlying financial performance and 
our delivery against our strategic objectives. 
Performance in the year was underpinned by 
strengthening rental growth reflecting the 
investments we have made across our portfolio 
in recent years alongside good occupational 
markets. We made good progress with our 
committed developments and are in a strong 
position to be able to move forward with our 
near term development pipeline when the 

6

British Land    Annual Report and Accounts 2016

continuous achievement in all these areas over 
the last five years. We made strong progress 
embedding our sustainability strategy, 
including innovating on wellbeing through 
public realm improvements where we invested 
£30 million over the year. We diverted 98% of 
all managed waste from landfill and delivered 
a 40% carbon intensity reduction, leading 
the Global Real Estate Sustainability 
Benchmark for Europe/diversified for the 
second year running.

Development remains a core part of our 
business. With the delivery of 5 Broadgate, 
our 2010 programme completed in the year, 
generating profit of £1.1 billion and an IRR of over 
30%. We are currently on site at 629,000 sq ft of 
developments, a speculative commitment of 
£530 million, principally 4 Kingdom Street and 
Clarges Mayfair, our super prime residential 
scheme (over 50% pre-sold). Looking forward, 
we have a significant future pipeline with built  
in optionality, meaning we can start each project 
at the right time. At Broadgate, our near term 
pipeline includes 100 Liverpool Street and 
1 Finsbury Avenue, where we received planning 
during the year and looking to the medium  
term we submitted a planning application at 
2-3 Finsbury Avenue. Other potential near term 
opportunities in Offices include 1 Triton Square 
at Regent’s Place and 5 Kingdom Street at 
Paddington Central. In Retail, our near term 
pipeline includes leisure extensions at Drake 
Circus, Plymouth and New Mersey, Speke.  
Our medium term plans include our mixed use 
redevelopment of the Eden Walk, Kingston and  
a significant leisure extension at Meadowhall 
(currently in public consultation), which will 
enhance its position as a flagship regional centre.

We have an exceptional opportunity at Canada 
Water to create a vibrant new destination for 
London and are delighted Roger Madelin has 
joined British Land to head up the project: 
we are already benefiting from his experience 
leading the redevelopment of King’s Cross. 
This is a long term project, but we are making 
progress, with a public consultation taking 
place in February 2016, ahead of an outline 
planning submission in 2017.

We create outstanding places which 
make a positive difference to people’s 
everyday lives.

Places People Prefer
This is the core unifying purpose of  
our business, guiding our strategy  
and shaping our actions.

Strategic focus
We deliver long term sustainable returns 
for our stakeholders by focusing on:
Customer Orientation

Right Places

Capital Efficiency

Expert People

This drives demand from our occupiers, 
sustainable growth in income and 
ultimately capital values.

 More information about our strategy 
and progress can be found on pages  
18 to 25

Placemaking
Placemaking is how we deliver places 
people want to work, shop, live and  
spend time.
We connect

We design

We enhance

We enliven

 Find out more about our placemaking 
approach on pages 26 to 35

Our values
Our values underpin everything we do.
Do what is right not  
what is easy

Work efficiently as one team

Make commercial decisions 
that create long term value

Make things happen

17% ahead of previous rents. The Leadenhall 
Building is now 98% let or under offer, with just 
one of the top floors to let. We are making good 
progress on our campus visions. At Broadgate, 
we completed 5 Broadgate and we are 
progressing our development opportunities 
across the campus. Elsewhere, our focus on 
creating Places People Prefer is driving public 
realm improvements at Paddington Central 
and will influence our plans at Regent’s Place 
where we see further near term refurbishment 
opportunities. Our campuses remain 
affordable, and the investment we are 
undertaking leaves us well positioned to 
capture rental growth going forward.

In Retail, we let or renewed 903,000 sq ft of 
space on average 8.0% ahead of ERV reflecting 
the strength of our markets as well as the 
quality of our assets and the work we have been 
doing to improve them. We now manage our 
multi-let portfolio along regional and local lines 
reflecting how we see consumers spend their 
time and money. We continued to invest in our 
multi-let portfolio, through large scale leisure 
extensions but also through smaller asset 
management initiatives, improving the 
amenities at our assets to drive footfall, 
dwell and spend through improved customer 
satisfaction. Footfall across our multi-let 
portfolio was up 3.0%, outperforming the 
market benchmark by 440 bps with retailers’ 
in-store sales also ahead of the market, up 
2.4%. We saw strong demand for our pipeline 
of leisure extensions and at those assets where 
we have completed extensions or improvement 
works we have already seen good ERV growth 
and operational improvements. Superstores 
performance was more subdued, as expected, 
but we have been active in selling down our 
holding to £0.8 billion, from £1.3 billion two 
years ago. With deals under offer, this falls 
to £0.7 billion.

As expected, our investment activity was 
broadly balanced over the year, including 
our share of capital spend. We continued 
to allocate more capital into our London 
campuses, investing a net £280 million through 
developments at Broadgate, Regent’s Place 
and Paddington Central, where we also 
acquired One Sheldon Square. In Retail, we 
made £420 million of disposals as we increase 
our focus on the multi-let portfolio where we 
can put our placemaking skills to work to drive 
rental growth. 

In April, British Land was one of only seven 
companies to receive the 2016 Queen’s Award 
for Enterprise: Sustainable Development as 
part of Her Majesty The Queen’s 90th birthday 
honours. The Award is the UK’s highest 
accolade for business success and is given 
to companies which bring major economic, 
social and environmental benefits through 
their business. The award reflects our 

British Land    Annual Report and Accounts 2016

7

Strategic Report

CHIEF EXECUTIVE’S REVIEW CONTINUED

Our priorities for the year ahead

Deliver sustainable returns for stakeholders

Customer Orientation
 – Improve understanding of our customers

Right Places
 – Progress developments alongside material 

 – Use placemaking to deliver improved 

pre-lets

customer experience

 – Progress Canada Water vision and plan

Capital Efficiency
 – Deliver budget

 – Accelerate delivery of multi-let regional  

Expert People
 – Improve company organisational 

effectiveness

and local lifestyle retail

 – Embed placemaking across the business

Outlook
Looking forward, we remain confident in the 
underlying strength of the business despite 
continued global macro uncertainty and the 
potentially adverse impact of a vote for the UK 
to leave the European Union. Our business is 
resilient: our portfolio is modern, nearly fully 
let to quality occupiers on long leases; and our 
finances are strong with moderate LTV, low 
costs and long dated financing from a wide 
range of sources. Our current committed 
development pipeline is modest but we have 
built optionality into our future pipeline so we 
can exploit its potential when the time is right. 
Our strategy of creating Places People Prefer 
focuses our investment and activities on macro 
trends, ensuring our real estate reflects the 
changing way people work, shop and live. 
We have significant opportunities across our 
existing portfolio, including in our three existing 
London campuses and the potential to create 
a new London campus at Canada Water, 
alongside our regional and local multi-let 
Retail assets. 

Chris Grigg
Chief Executive

 To read more information about our 
Business model go to pages 10 and 11

 Full year results 2016 
www.britishland.com/results

 Chief Executive blog 
www.britishland.com/ceoblog

 For more information on sustainability 
www.britishland.com/sustainability

8

British Land    Annual Report and Accounts 2016

 
The Leadenhall Building
Designed by Rogers Stirk Harbour + Partners, 
The Leadenhall Building is a unique 603,000 sq 
ft office tower prominently located in the centre 
of the City of London. Its defining feature is its 
distinctive tapering shape, which when viewed 
from the West appears to ‘lean away’ from 
St Paul’s Cathedral. This was developed as a 
response to the specific planning requirements 
which protect the views of St Paul’s from a 
number of locations in London. The British Land 
and Oxford Properties building won the 
Worshipful Company of Chartered Architects – 
City of London’s Building of the Year award in 
2015 after judges declared it an “extraordinary 
example of contemporary architecture”. The 
building was also recognised by the British 
Council of Offices with a Commercial Workplace 
Award for its iconic structure and “intelligent 
arrangements which allow the building layout  
to change as it rises”. 
www.theleadenhallbuilding.com

#SayCheesegrater
The winning entry by Tom Mearns,  
to our #SayCheesegrater Instagram 
competition designed to celebrate the  
official opening of The Leadenhall Building  
by the Duke of Cambridge and Prince Harry.

British Land    Annual Report and Accounts 2016

9

Strategic Report

BUSINESS MODEL

Our business is  
focused on creating 
Places People Prefer

1
Source
&
Invest

Identifying and investing  
in assets with the greatest  
potential to provide value. 

Source: The scale of our business, 
the expertise of our people, and our 
network of contacts provide access  
to the best investment opportunities. 

Invest: We have the skills, experience 
and financial flexibility to execute the 
most value-enhancing investments, 
either in acquiring assets or investing 
in the existing portfolio.

2
Connect
&
Design

We focus on attractive and convenient 
places which are in tune with modern 
lifestyles, those which connect  
with people and reflect the best  
in modern design.

Connect: We create places which 
connect physically and digitally  
with those people who use them, 
including local communities in  
which they are located. 

Design: Our buildings and 
environments offer the highest 
quality of design with engaging 
architecture and a fully integrated 
public realm. 

10

British Land    Annual Report and Accounts 2016

3
Enhance
&
Enliven

Active asset management to 
enhance and enliven our assets 
creates vibrant and engaging real 
estate, which attracts the strongest 
occupiers to our portfolio.

Enhance: We enhance our properties 
by attracting a strong, diverse mix of 
occupiers and broadening the offering.

Enliven: We provide events and 
activities which bring life and a  
real sense of community to our 
buildings and best in class services 
which improve the experience for  
our customers.

4
Evaluate
&
Hold/Sell

Our sector knowledge and expertise 
allows us to evaluate the potential 
of our assets and assess whether 
they can deliver future value for 
shareholders. 

Evaluate: We assess our sectors  
and assets for their potential to 
deliver attractive returns over time. 

Hold or Sell: We allocate capital to 
sectors and assets with potential  
and realise capital from mature  
or non-core assets. 

 Find more information about our 
strategy on pages 18 to 25

British Land    Annual Report and Accounts 2016

11

Strategic Report

MARKET OVERVIEW

What sets 
us apart?

Our approach to doing business puts  
the customer at the heart of what we do.  
This underpins our ability to deliver  
Places People Prefer.

Customer insight
Our investment in data collection 
and analytics brings us closer 
to our customers, guiding our 
investments and helping us to 
create places that meet their 
expectations and lifestyles.

Lifestyle focused retail 
environments
Regional and local multi-let  
retail assets in tune with modern 
consumer lifestyles, where people 
go to shop, eat and be entertained.

330m

annual footfall at  
our retail assets

12

British Land    Annual Report and Accounts 2016

More than

64,000

people work across our office portfolio

Placemaking skills
Improving our assets to create a better 
overall experience for our customers 
and local communities. Places which 
are easy to visit, vibrant, pleasant and 
engaging and with high quality on site 
services; places where people want 
to work, shop, live and visit.

High quality office 
campuses
Office-led environments focused 
around key transport infrastructure 
with a growing retail and leisure offer 
enabling people to combine work and 
play. The diversity of our offering 
provides opportunities and amenities 
for local communities, helping to 
energise the broader campus.

Mixed use development 
experience
Large scale projects, combining 
offices, retail, residential and 
leisure set amidst attractive 
public spaces. Typically, these 
developments involve close 
collaboration with local planning 
authorities, communities and 
partners, as well as active 
day-to-day management.

Ability to source and 
execute complex deals
We have the expertise and 
financial flexibility required to 
execute complex deals delivering 
highly attractive returns for 
our shareholders. 

Strong network  
of relationships
Our networks span occupiers, 
planners, local authorities, 
community leaders, strategic 
partners and investors, reflecting 
our many years as leading 
developers and landlords  
across the UK. 

29,500

People benefited directly from our 
community programme this year, 
including apprentices, jobseekers  
and schoolchildren

Sustainability 
credentials
We have been sustainability 
leaders for a long time and 
have successfully integrated 
sustainability into our placemaking 
approach, innovating to improve 
people’s wellbeing, supporting 
local communities, designing for 
the future and developing skills 
and opportunities at our places.

 For more information on sustainability 
www.britishland.com/sustainability

British Land    Annual Report and Accounts 2016

13

Strategic Report

MARKET OVERVIEW CONTINUED

Major trends impacting 
our markets

Globalisation

Positive but moderate 
economic growth

Population growth  
and urbanisation

Our investment and occupational markets are 
increasingly global. The UK’s political stability, 
sound legal and financial framework, time zone 
and the liquidity of its property markets make 
it an attractive home for international capital. 
London in particular offers some of the best 
employment opportunities, as well as great 
places to live and work, underpinning the 
growing globalisation of its workforce. 

Overall, economic fundamentals in the UK 
remain positive. Real wages and employment 
are forecast to continue to grow and inflation 
and interest rates are expected to remain low 
by historic standards. However, with markets 
becoming increasingly global there is a greater 
risk that external factors, including a vote for 
the UK to leave the European Union, will impact 
our markets, so we are mindful of the need to 
manage our business to mitigate these risks.

The UK population is expected to grow from 
64.6 million in 2014 to 74.3 million by 2039. 
Much of the increase will be in its largest cities, 
notably London, underpinning demand for 
retail and office space, as well as infrastructure 
and housing. In London, investment in better 
transport, including new rail links and 
improved stations is under way. This is driving 
growth and regeneration across the capital.

Sources of investment in UK real estate

  UK 
Americas 
Rest of World 

57%
17%
26%

5.1%

UK unemployment rate versus Euro area of 10.3%

Source: Office for National Statistics, April 2016

Source: JLL 2016

14

British Land    Annual Report and Accounts 2016

8.7m

Greater London population forecast to grow  
by 1% per annum 

Source: Oxford Economics

 1.5m

extra people within 45 minutes of London 
with Crossrail from 2018

Source: Crossrail website

  
 
  
 
 
  
Our sustainable business model is designed 
to benefit from and exploit long term sector 
and macro-economic trends.”

Transforming impact 
of technology

Increasing consumer 
expectations

Focus on sustainable 
and ethical behaviours

Technology continues to transform the way  
we work, shop and live. The internet has created 
a choice of delivery platforms, so people can 
shop in a manner which suits them. People are 
also able to work remotely; increasingly they 
see their working environment as a place to 
collaborate and network and this changes the 
type of office space they are looking for. 

People’s expectations of where they work, 
shop and live are rising. They expect attractive, 
well-managed environments, modern facilities 
and a high standard of service. They like places 
which are accessible and convenient and, 
increasingly, they expect leisure to be a part 
of their everyday lives. 

People expect companies to have sound 
sustainability credentials, to adhere to a high 
standard of ethical behaviour and to ensure the 
wellbeing of their employees. This is starting 
to influence who we want to work for, the places 
we shop and live and the kind of developments 
local communities are prepared to accept. 
Reflecting this is a growing expectation that 
governments should use policy to promote 
sustainable and ethical practices. 

344,000 

additional employees working for small firms

Source: Department for Business Innovation & Skills 
Business Population Estimates, 2015

24% 

increase in UK F&B/leisure spend forecast between 
2016 and 2021

80%

of people believe that companies can play a leading role 
in solving society’s problems while still making profits

Source: CACI  

Source: Edelman 2016 Trust Barometer

 195

countries agreed to keep global warming below 2˚C, 
pursuing efforts to limit it to 1.5˚C 

Source: United Nations Framework Convention 
on Climate Change, COP 21 Paris 2015

British Land    Annual Report and Accounts 2016

15

Strategic Report

MARKET OVERVIEW CONTINUED

How we are 
responding

Getting closer to our customers

Creating great environments

Focusing on internet resilient 
lifestyle Retail

 – Improving our understanding of our 

 – Investing in places which are well  

customers’ preferences with effective 
systems and processes to capture and 
analyse data

 – Increasing in-house expertise with dedicated 

analytics and marketing capabilities 

 – Improving in-house management of our 
properties to deliver consistent best in  
class standards

 – Investing in the British Land brand so people 
know what they can expect from us and the 
properties we own and manage

Completed 

>150,000

consumer exit surveys completed over the past four 
years at our retail assets

connected, well designed and in tune  
with modern lifestyles

 – Enhancing and enlivening our assets  
through our placemaking activities:  
attractive environments, best in class 
services, and innovative leisure and 
entertainment options

 – Focusing on creating outstanding regional 
and local multi-let retail assets which are 
in tune with modern consumer lifestyles

 – Understanding where a wide ranging mixed 
use offering will drive footfall and where 
convenient and accessible assets are  
more appropriate 

 – Investing to keep pace with changing 

 – Places which are well integrated, which  

consumer preferences 

add value to local communities and where 
they choose to spend time 

£280m

invested in London campuses over the last year

 15%

increase in dwell time at the assets where we have 
recently completed makeovers to improve the 
shopping experience

16

British Land    Annual Report and Accounts 2016

 
 
Growing in London 
and the South East

Profitable development

Embedding sustainability  
in placemaking

 – Identifying emerging areas that will benefit 
from growth and regeneration, particularly 
transport/infrastructure-led

 – Near term opportunities which focus on 
keeping our campuses and our retail-led 
centres modern 

 – Increasing the retail, leisure, residential 

and other alternative uses to enhance our 
office-led campuses 

 – Long term, large scale, mixed use projects 
where we can put our placemaking skills  
to work

 – Investing in relatively affluent retail locations 
outside of London with population growth 
where there is potential to upscale the offer 

 – Managing risk through pre-letting and 

phasing development starts 

 – Adaptable and efficient buildings

 – Promoting wellbeing and productivity for 

our occupiers, customers and communities

 – Supporting local communities with our  
new Local Charter launched this year

 – Developing skills and opportunities to support 

local economies 

 – Identifying compelling residential 

opportunities

65%

of our assets are located 
in London or the South East

9.2m sq ft

of developments in our near/medium term pipeline

RE100

We support RE100 – committed to purchasing 
electricity from renewable power in our own space 
and across service charge space.

 For more information on sustainability 
www.britishland.com/sustainability

  To read more about our strategy, 
go to pages 18 to 25

British Land    Annual Report and Accounts 2016

17

 
 
Strategic Report

OUR STRATEGY

Our strategy for creating 
Places People Prefer

Our strategy 
Our strategy determines our focus 
for our annual priorities. 

 To read more on our priorities 
for the year ahead go to 
page 8

Customer Orientation

 – Leverage our customer insight, services, 
experience and technology to be recognised 
for creating Places People Prefer

 – Use consistent and scalable ways of working

 – Provide best in class property management 
by developing in-house capabilities 
through Broadgate Estates

Right Places

 – Create and operate exciting and engaging 
lifestyle oriented real estate: put Places 
People Prefer at the heart of our approach

 – Invest in London – in existing assets and 
emerging locations benefiting from 
regeneration and growth

 – Focus on regional and local multi-let retail 
assets which are in tune with modern 
consumers’ lifestyles

Expert People
 – Maintain high standard of operational 
and investment skill sets and encourage 
development in evolving areas

 – Promote a culture which supports  
the recruitment and development 
of a diverse team

 – Improve ways of working  
across the business 

Capital Efficiency
 – Allocate capital to maximise returns from 
our competitive advantages

 – Manage both our development exposure and 
financial leverage through the cycle while 
maintaining the benefits of scale 

 – Be the partner of choice for international 
capital and public bodies 

Creating Places 
People Prefer 
drives enduring 
demand for 
our properties.

This generates 
long term growth  
in rents and 
capital value.

Together with 
an optimal capital 
structure this 
delivers sustainable 
long term value.

18

British Land    Annual Report and Accounts 2016

Our objective is to deliver sustainable 
long term value for all stakeholders

Investors
 – Access to high quality, liquid real 

estate investment

 – Stable, secure cash flows

 – Superior total returns

Partners
 – Access to high quality real estate

 – Asset management and 

development skills

 – Strong relationships

Occupiers and 
their customers
 – High quality environments 
which promote productivity 
and wellbeing

 – Affordable and efficient buildings

 – Outstanding customer services 

and facilities

Employees
 – An inclusive environment 
with enhanced wellbeing 
and productivity

 – Potential to develop skills 

and opportunities

 – Opportunities to make 
a positive difference

Local communities
 – Attractive local environments

 – Facilities and services which 

enhance the overall area

 – Places which support local jobs 

and skills

 – Stronger community networks 

and facilities

 For more information on sustainability 
www.britishland.com/sustainability

British Land    Annual Report and Accounts 2016

19

Strategic Report

OUR STRATEGY CONTINUED

How we performed 
over the past year

Our long term objective

Delivering sustainable 
long term value

Our priorities in the year were

What we have achieved

Customer Orientation
 – Getting closer to our occupiers and end users
 – Improving our systems and processes 
 – Leveraging Broadgate Estates
 – Innovating to support customer wellbeing
 – Continuing to reposition the Retail portfolio

 – 1.3m sq ft of leasing activity across Retail  

 – 350 occupier surveys now completed 

and Offices 

 – The Leadenhall Building now 98% let/under 
offer, up from 84% at the start of the year
 – £420m of mature/non-core Retail assets 
sold, including £122m of superstores, 
reducing our weighting to 5%

 – Over 43,000 people surveyed in Retail, with 
sales data on 94% of multi-let assets and 
footfall data on 99% 

 – 4.2/5 visitor score for shopping experience

in Offices, with footfall counters piloted 
at Broadgate 

 – Broadgate Estates now managing all of 

our retail assets, covering over 20m sq ft 

 – Partnered with occupiers on initiatives 
at our properties, including wellbeing 
and community

 – Internal team strengthened, with improved 

systems and processes to analyse data

Right Places
 – Progressing our strategy for London
 – Progressing committed and near term 

developments

 – Refreshing medium term strategies for 

Broadgate, Meadowhall and Canada Water
 – Supporting successful local communities

Capital Efficiency
 – Optimising size and financial structure across 

the property cycle

 – Balancing trade-off between a cost efficient 

and higher capability organisation 

 – Continuing to build relationships with direct 

and indirect capital and public bodies 

 – Delivering future proofing initiatives

 – £280m net investment into London campuses
 – Progressing the Broadgate vision, with 

planning achieved on 100 Liverpool Street 
and 1 Finsbury Avenue and submitted at 
2 and 3 Finsbury Avenue

 – Good progress at our development at 

4 Kingdom Street and Paddington Central 
 – Refurbishment of 338 Euston Road, Regent’s 

Place completed with over 80% of space 
pre-let to Facebook

 – Circa £80m invested in improvements and 

extensions to Retail assets. Drawing up plans 
for a proposed 330,000 sq ft Leisure Hall 
at Meadowhall 

 – £60m refurbishment of Meadowhall under 

way and progressing well

 – Progressing our Canada Water development; 
held a public consultation in February 2016

 – Launch of Local Charter to support 

successful local communities and develop 
local skills and opportunities

 – Community programme equivalent to 0.6%  
of pre-tax profits, benefiting 29,500 people

 – £618m non-core asset/mature sales in the 

 – 40% carbon intensity reduction versus 2009 

year, with acquisitions and capital investment 
of £639m

(index score)

 – Building our relationship with Southwark 
Council, our partner on Canada Water 
 – Completed over £1bn of financing activity 

since 31 March 2015, including a zero coupon 
£350m senior unsecured convertible bond 
due 2020 and the tender offer and purchase of 
£110m of debenture bonds reducing weighted 
average interest rate 
by 50 bps to 3.3%

Expert People
 – Continuing to improve organisational design 

and effectiveness

 – Build management capabilities for new 

as well as traditional skill sets

 – Developing skills and opportunities
 – Creating an inclusive working environment

 – Appointed Roger Madelin to head up Canada 

 – 87% employee score for our offices 

Water development

supporting their wellbeing

 – Women’s Network and BL Pride established
 – Participation in the National Equality Standard
 – One Star rating in Best Companies to Work 

 – 100% of our employees and 72% supplier 

workforce at our properties paid the Living 
Wage Foundation wage

For Survey

20

British Land    Annual Report and Accounts 2016

For definitions see glossary on  
pages 200 to 203

How we measure up1

Risk indicators and incentive measures

Total accounting return (TAR)

LTIP

AI

14.2%
2016  
2015  
2014  

14.2%

24.5%

20.0%

 – Total accounting return is our overall measure 
of performance. It is the dividend paid plus the 
growth in EPRA NAV in the period.

Risk indicators we monitor:
 – forecast GDP;
 – the margin between property yields and 

 – During the year, we generated a strong TAR 
of 14.2% bringing the 3 year TAR to 67.9%. 
Our dividend was increased by 2.5% to 28.36 
pence per share and our NAV increased 
by 10.9% to 919 pence per share. 

borrowing costs; and

 – property capital and ERV growth forecasts.

Management compensation linked to:
 – total accounting returns relative to peers.

Customer satisfaction
7.9 out of 10 
2016  
2015  
2014  

7.9

7.8

7.9

We extensively survey people who use our 
assets to assess our performance and  
identify opportunities for improvement.

AI

Sustainability Performance

 – Dow Jones Sustainability Index World 

and Europe 2015: 94th percentile
 – FTSE4Good 2015: 98th percentile
 – Global Real Estate Sustainability Benchmark 
2015: Sector Leader European/Diversified

We track our sustainability impacts on these 
indices. We are proud to have been awarded the 
Queen’s Award for Enterprise: Sustainable 
Development 2016.

Risk indicators we monitor:
 – consumer confidence;
 – employment forecasts for relevant  

sectors; and

 – market letting risk (vacancies, expiries, 

administrations).

Management compensation linked to:
 – Company reputation with all stakeholders; 

and

 – supporting the delivery of sustainability 

objectives.

Total property returns

LTIP

AI

Development commitment

AI

11.3%
2016  
2015  
2014  

11.3%

vs IPD

in line

18.4%

+130bps

14.2%

+60bps

£0.8bn
2016  
2015  
2014  

£0.8bn

% of standing investments

£1.3bn

£1.4bn

+5.8%

+10.0%

+12.2%

We have performed in line with the IPD 
benchmark on total property return this 
year and outperformed over the last 3 years 
by 60 bps per annum.

Development supports value and income 
growth but also adds risk. We aim to keep  
our committed development exposure at  
less than 15% of our investment portfolio.

Risk indicators we monitor:
 – property capital and ERV growth forecasts;
 – total and speculative development exposure; 

and

 – progress of developments against plan.

Management compensation linked to:
 – total property returns relative to IPD;
 – execution of targeted acquisitions and 

disposals; and

 – progress on key projects including 

developments.

Loan to value (LTV) 
– proportionally consolidated 
32%
2016  
2015  
2014  

32%

35%

40%

AI

Weighted average interest rate
– proportionally consolidated1
3.3%
2016  
2015  
2014  

3.3%

3.8%

4.1%

We manage our leverage such that LTV should 
not exceed a maximum threshold if market 
yields were to rise to previous peak levels.

Our low cost of finance supports performance 
and is one of the lowest of listed UK REITs.

AI

Risk indicators we monitor:
 – likelihood of covenant breach; 
 – when refinancing is required; and
 – percentage of debt at fixed interest rates.

Management compensation linked to:
 – execution of debt financings;
 – progress on strengthening the dividend; and
 – execution of targeted acquisitions  

and disposals.

The Sunday Times Best Companies 
to Work For
One star
2016  
2015  
2014  

One star

One star

One star

AI

The Sunday Times annual survey is one  
of the most extensive benchmarks of  
employer engagement.

Risk indicators we monitor:
 – unplanned executive departures.

Management compensation linked to:
 – quality of people and management 

renewal; and

 – Company reputation with all stakeholders.

1  Please see the glossary for definitions

Long-term Incentive Plan

Managing risk in delivering our strategy  
see pages 57 to 63

Annual Incentive award

Remuneration report see pages 86 to 110

British Land    Annual Report and Accounts 2016

21

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Strategic Report

OUR STRATEGY CONTINUED

The importance 
of people

Our focus on Places People Prefer puts 
people at the heart of our strategy.

Customer Orientation

We are investing in the resources that bring 
us closer to the people who work, shop and 
live across our assets, improving both our 
customer insight and our understanding of 
local communities and helping to guide how 
and where we do business. 

In retail, our customers have more choice  
than ever before; the offering is wider and there 
are more delivery platforms. We are building 
our understanding of how our customers 
manage these choices and are working with 
our occupiers at our multi-let assets to deliver 
outstanding places for modern consumer 
lifestyles. Our understanding of our customers 
is underpinned by the data we gather from our 
schemes: we have completed over 150,000 
consumer exit surveys over the last four years; 
we collect turnover data on 94% of our multi-let 
assets by value; and footfall data from 98% of 
our multi-let assets. Importantly, we have the 
systems and processes in place to generate 
insights and learnings from this data and this 
guides our approach to placemaking. We know 
that our leading indicators, including footfall, 
dwell time and spend, benefit dramatically  
from an increased leisure, food and beverage 
provision and better services, so this is where 
we are focusing our efforts. At our regional 
assets we are focused on improving the 
breadth and depth of our retail and leisure offer, 
introducing cinemas and restaurants as well as 
more innovative leisure concepts. At our local 
assets, we are improving the services we offer 
and creating a more attractive environment 
for our visitors, those who want convenience 
and accessibility.

In Offices, our occupiers increasingly see 
property as key to attracting and retaining talent 
so we are working together to help them stay 
ahead. This year we have surveyed around 350 
occupiers or prospective occupiers to further 
develop our understanding of what Places 
People Prefer means to them. We understand 
that location and, in particular, proximity to 

Our values
Our values underpin our daily working 
practices and set us apart. They are: 

Do what is right,  
not what is easy

Work efficiently  
as one team

Make commercial 
decisions that create  
long term value

Make things 
happen 

transport infrastructure are priorities, so these 
are important considerations for us when we 
make investment decisions. The quality and 
efficiency of the building matters; occupiers 
want the ability to adapt space as their needs 
change, and for their workspaces to promote 
collaboration and positive relationships across 
their businesses. Employees also expect an 
attractive place to work, as well as a range of 
facilities and services they can enjoy outside 
of the office. This is why our strategy in Offices 
is focused on our campuses which are more 
mixed in use, and include retail, leisure and 
often residential space and other amenities, 
where we can manage the broader 
environment. We have developed more 
interactive marketing campaigns giving people 
the opportunity to participate in the life of our 
campuses and we are piloting footfall counters 
at Broadgate, to provide accurate data on how 
successfully our activities are attracting people 
to the campus. We are making a similar effort in 
residential, where over 400 purchasers across 
the super prime, prime and top tier markets 
were surveyed. At Clarges, our super prime 
residential development in Mayfair, we work 
with our customers on an individual basis to 
ensure we deliver a product that really reflects 
their specific lifestyles. 

22

British Land    Annual Report and Accounts 2016

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
We ensure the highest standards of service 
across our office assets by managing them 
in-house through Broadgate Estates, our 
wholly owned subsidiary and one of the UK’s 
leading property management companies. 
Its client portfolio includes some of the most 
prestigious properties in the UK, and we 
leverage its scale and expertise across the 
wider market to provide a best in class service. 
Having proved highly successful at managing 
our Offices portfolio, Broadgate Estates’ remit 
now also covers our multi-let Retail portfolio.

 To read more about Broadgate Estates  
go to www.broadgateestates.co.uk

The quality of our assets and strength of our 
services enables us to attract a high calibre of 
occupier to our portfolio. This together with our 
high occupancy levels and long average lease 
lengths underpins the quality and security of our 
rental income. We are increasing the diversity  
of our occupier mix and no single occupier 
accounts for more than 5.7% of our revenues. 

 For our major occupiers see the table on 
page 188

Expert People 
Our 589 employees are split between the  
core team at British Land and our property 
management subsidiary, Broadgate Estates. 
The breadth and depth of our knowledge, 
our skills and our relationships underpin 
our competitive advantages and enable us to 
deliver on our over-riding purpose of creating 
Places People Prefer. 

The scale of our operations has enabled us  
to attract and retain a team of experts who 
know our markets well and bring a range of 
expertise across a mix of activities – retail, 
leisure, offices and residential. We have access 
to a broad network of contacts, spanning 
occupiers, planners, government and local 
authorities, community leaders, strategic 
partners and investors, so we see the best 
investment opportunities and the most 
attractive partnering and funding possibilities, 
enabling us to successfully execute attractive 
and often highly complex deals. 

Our people strategy focuses on creating a team 
who can deliver Places People Prefer. Getting 
closer to our customers is one of our key 
strategic priorities and having a workforce which 
reflects the diversity of our customers helps us 
achieve this. The policy throughout British Land 
is to employ the best candidates available in 
every position regardless of sex, race, ethnic 
origin, nationality, colour, age, religion or 
philosophical belief, sexual orientation, 
marriage or civil partnership, pregnancy, 
maternity, gender reassignment or disability. 

We achieved a key milestone on our journey 
towards creating a truly inclusive environment 

this year with our formation of BL Pride, our 
lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender (LGBT)  
and allies network, and our Women’s network. 
Both networks have been active in the year  
and we are pleased that our Chief Executive, 
Chris Grigg was ranked 11th in the 2015 
Leading 30 LGBT Ally Executives by 
Outstanding and the Financial Times. 

We are also piloting a mentoring scheme 
initially for women, offering help, guidance, 
advice and support where it is needed. We 
currently have three female Directors on the 
Board, Lucinda Bell, Chief Financial Officer, 
and Lynn Gladden and Laura Wade-Gery, both 
Non-Executive Directors. As at 31 March 2016, 
48% of employees across British Land and 
Broadgate Estates were female, including  
three out of ten of our Executive Committee. 

Nurturing talent and supporting development 
is an important element of our people strategy. 
We operate a range of online resources to help 
employees develop their skills and work with 
Cambridge University to run a Leadership in 
Real Estate programme. 24 of our staff have 
benefited from this programme since it was 
launched in 2014. Other training partners  
this year include Happy City, who promote 
happiness and wellbeing through skills  
training and campaigns, and measure the 
impact of change on local wellbeing. They ran  
a workshop for senior managers on embedding 
wellbeing principles across our business. Our 
ongoing volunteering programme also offers 
our staff personal development opportunities, 
particularly through skills-based opportunities 
such as mentoring. 84% of our staff took part  
in volunteering activities in the year.

Our focus on Places People Prefer starts with 
our people. Both British Land and Broadgate 
Estates were recognised in the Sunday Times 
Best Companies to Work For 2016, each 
achieving a One Star rating. This reflects staff 
satisfaction with aspects such as leadership, 

wellbeing, giving something back, personal 
growth, pay and benefits, as well as with their 
manager and team.

We believe supporting the workforce of 
tomorrow is important for our business and 
markets. We are involved in initiatives which 
make young people of all backgrounds aware  
of real estate careers, including Pathways to 
Property and Budding Brunels. 15,000 people 
benefited from employment, training and 
education initiatives across our assets during 
the year. We are also working towards 3% of 
our supplier workforce being apprentices by 
2020. As detailed in our Supply Chain Charter, 
we try to use local suppliers and we partner 
with occupiers and suppliers on fair working 
practices including the Living Wage  
Foundation wage.

To read more about our Expert People  
go to www.britishland.com/blogs 
and to read more about skills go to  
www.britishland.com/skills

Report of the Nomination Committee  
see pages 84 to 85

Board of Directors see pages 
66 to 69

British Land    Annual Report and Accounts 2016

23

Strategic Report

OUR STRATEGY CONTINUED

Managing our 
portfolio

From sourcing and investing in the Right 
Places, to enhancing and enlivening our 
assets, we are focused on allocating capital 
efficiently to maximise returns.

Right Places
Our investment decisions are heavily influenced 
by the long term trends we see driving our 
commercial property markets so we can 
position ourselves well for the longer term. 
Our focus on London and the South East 
reflects the population growth and increasing 
urbanisation we are seeing in the capital 
alongside its attraction as a leading global city. 
More specifically, our investment in London in 
particular has focused on those areas where 
infrastructure is improving, driving regeneration 
and growth. This is where we see the strongest 
returns over the longer term. 

Our portfolio is approximately evenly split 
between Retail and Leisure and Offices and 
Residential, but more and more, we are 
increasing the mix of uses on our existing sites, 
as well as investing directly in mixed use assets. 
This reflects the fact that people’s work and 
personal lives increasingly overlap; they expect 
more of the places they work, shop or visit. They 
want to work in offices which have places to eat, 
shop and relax and retail destinations with a wide 
leisure and service offering. This understanding 
underpins our focus on placemaking.

Placemaking is about owning assets which 
connect with the people who use them and 
which are designed with their needs in mind.  
We are investing in our assets to enhance  
the offer, to enliven them with events and 

services and to provide a broader, more 
engaging experience. This approach is  
shaping our portfolio. 

Our Offices and Residential portfolio is focused 
on our three mixed use campuses in London, 
and also includes distinctive London properties 
such as The Leadenhall Building alongside 
smaller clusters of properties. Our campuses 
benefit from excellent transport infrastructure, 
and two, Broadgate and Paddington Central, 
will have their own Crossrail stations when 
Crossrail opens in 2018. They all have great 
potential. Broadgate also benefits from its 
proximity to Shoreditch and the emerging tech 
hubs to the north and east of the City, which 
are increasing the diversity of the occupier 
mix. Regent’s Place and Paddington Central 
are on the fringes of the West End, offering high 
quality, flexible and affordable space. Regent’s 
Place has benefited from regeneration and we 
are now seeing this at Paddington. We are 
using our placemaking principles to evolve and 
grow our campuses with new developments 
which reflect the changing ways people work, 
with more flexible floor plates, break-out areas 
and outside space. We are also adding retail 
and leisure, and investing in public realm 

improvements so our campuses are vibrant 
and attractive places in which to work, and 
to spend time outside of work. In Residential, 
we have been highly selective about the places 
we invest in. Looking forward, it will become a 
more significant part of our portfolio as part 
of our mix-use offer, particularly as we make 
progress at Canada Water, where we are 
creating one of the largest mixed use 
regeneration projects in London. 

In Retail, where technology is changing the  
way people shop, Right Places is about focusing 
on assets which are in tune with modern 
consumer lifestyles, where people can shop, 
eat and be entertained. The core portfolio 
comprises regional and local multi-let assets 
where we are able to manage and improve  
the broader environment. We focus on assets 
which are prime in their catchment and capture 
a broad range of consumer spend. Our larger 
regional assets have a wide-ranging retail  
and leisure offering, attracting visitors from  
a broad catchment. Our smaller local assets 
are convenient and accessible, aligned to the 
daily life of local communities. Our focus on 
Customer Orientation ensures a consistent 
approach to placemaking across these 

24

British Land    Annual Report and Accounts 2016

Development is an important part of our 
business but it is also higher risk than our 
income producing assets, due to the time delay 
between commitment to a project and fully 
letting the completed building, so we manage 
our exposure carefully. Development is limited 
to 15% of the total portfolio (by value) with a 
maximum of 10% to be developed speculatively 
(i.e. without a pre-let or residential pre-sale) 
at any one time.

For further details on our acquisitions and 
disposals see the table on page 186

We manage our mix of equity and debt financing 
to achieve the right balance between enhancing 
returns for shareholders and the risk of higher 
leverage. Our primary measure of leverage is 
loan to value (LTV) on a proportionally 
consolidated basis (which includes the Group’s 
share of joint ventures and funds and excludes 
non-controlling interests in the Group’s 
subsidiaries). We aim to manage our LTV 
through the property cycle such that our 
financial position would remain robust in the 
event of a significant fall in property values. This 
means we will not increase our leverage solely 
on the basis of an improvement in market yields. 

We access a broad range of debt finance on 
attractive terms, reflecting the scale of our 

£350m

raised through a 0% coupon  
convertible bond in June 2015

formats, although our actions are carefully 
considered to improve and optimise each 
individually. Across our portfolio we are adding 
leisure extensions where we see demand for 
cinemas and restaurants, with smaller scale 
improvements where appropriate such as more 
cafés or improved car parking, helping to 
deliver our broader placemaking strategy of 
creating Places People Prefer.

For detail on our portfolio performance see 
pages 36 to 47

Development is an important part of what we do 
and is a key driver of returns. It keeps our assets 
modern ensuring demand for them endures. 
We have a significant pipeline of development 
opportunities focused on our campuses and our 
multi-let retail assets. We have built optionality 
into our pipeline so we can progress 
opportunities when the time is right.

For detail on our development pipeline  
see tables on pages 194 to 195

For detail on our development performance 
see pages 37 to 39

Across our portfolio we are conscious of the 
impact our places have on local communities. 
We are working to improve how local people 
can influence decisions relating to our assets 
so we deliver places they prefer to live and work 
around, as well as shops, restaurants cinemas 
and public places where they choose to spend 
time. Relationships with local government and 
community leaders are important to our 
business. We build trust by supporting their 
endeavours and work with them to understand 
and meet local challenges and aspirations. 
We make it easy for local people to influence 
decisions relating to our assets so we deliver 
places they are pleased to live and work 
around, as well as shops, restaurants, cinemas 
and public spaces where they choose to spend 
time. At Regent’s Place, the launch of a new 
Community Fund is empowering our occupiers 
to support local projects and is strengthening 
community links.

 For more information on communities 
www.britishland.com/community

Capital Efficiency 
Our capital is broadly balanced between  
our Retail and our Office assets. Investment 
decisions are made across sectors, based  
on the prospective returns of individual assets. 
We assess our capital allocation by sector, 
geography and asset level based on our 
estimates of future internal rates of return.  
This helps to identify where our greatest 
potential lies and where our capital is best 
allocated. Over the last five years, we have sold 
£3.4 billion of non-core asset/mature assets 
and reinvested the proceeds in high quality 
income generating assets and developments. 

business, combined with the quality of our 
assets and rental income stream. We raise  
debt from a variety of sources across a spread  
of maturities to ensure the Group and its joint 
ventures and funds are appropriately financed. 
We also maintain significant undrawn loan 
facilities to provide flexibility and support current 
and future requirements of the business. 

We use strategic partnerships to leverage our 
investments, achieve benefits of scale and 
spread risk. Around one third of our owned 
assets by value are in joint ventures, including 
Broadgate and Meadowhall. This approach 
has enabled us to undertake more ambitious 
development projects, including The 
Leadenhall Building where we worked with 
Oxford Properties. Within these structures, 
we typically provide asset management, 
development, corporate and finance services, 
for which we earn management and 
performance fees, enhancing our overall 
returns and strengthening our relationships 
with partners, key customers and suppliers. 

We proactively manage our assets to promote 
their long term sustainability. Our resource 
efficiency programme continues to improve 
operational efficiency, reduce occupier costs 
and support well-managed environments. 
We took a positive approach to the Government’s 
Energy Savings Opportunity Scheme, auditing 
energy use and implementing additional 
efficiency opportunities. We are also innovative 
in our use of materials to lower costs and secure 
supply and consider on site energy generation 
at all our developments. This year we retrofitted 
photovoltaic panels at St Stephen’s Hull, as part 
of our plans to increase energy generation 
and enhance revenues at our assets, and we 
continue our efforts to minimise flood risk.

Financial review see pages 49 to 53

Financial policies and principles see pages 
54 to 56

 Details on our carbon reduction  
programme see page 48

British Land    Annual Report and Accounts 2016

25

Strategic Report
Strategic Report

PLACEMAKING

26

British Land    Annual Report and Accounts 2016

Placemaking is how we create attractive 
and engaging real estate which is in tune with 
modern lifestyles and are Places People Prefer. 

Actively managing our assets is a core part of 
our business. We put our customers first, and 
invest in the skills and resources which help us 
understand them better. This understanding 
guides our investment activities, from investing 
and developing the right assets, to enhancing 
and enlivening them with a range of amenities, 
events and activities. This creates preference 
for our properties, helping to drive occupier 
demand, growth in rents and capital values.

British Land    Annual Report and Accounts 2016

27

Strategic Report

PLACEMAKING CONTINUED

Places which connect physically and digitally 
with the people who use them, including 
local communities. 

Connecting is about providing assets which 
complement people’s lifestyles, enabling them  
to integrate their work and their leisure time.  
It means places which are easy to access,  
so we focus on assets with great transport 
infrastructure and those with convenient 
access points or parking facilities. We often 
invest to improve connections for pedestrians 
and cyclists, and we build local relationships 
connecting with local communities to better 
understand their needs. We also think about 
how digitally enabled we are and how we 
can use these capabilities to create a 
closer community. 

Building our exposure to Crossrail
When Crossrail opens in 2018, it will transform 
rail transport in London and the South East, 
increasing central London rail capacity by 10%, 
and bringing an estimated 1.5 million more people 
to within 45 minutes of central London. Already, 
Crossrail is driving regeneration and economic 
development. Around £4 billion of our assets 
are located near Crossrail and two of our 
London campuses, Broadgate and Paddington, 
will have their own Crossrail stations. Canada 
Water, our 46-acre scheme in South London, 
is very close to Canary Wharf and, from 2018, 
will be just minutes from the West End. 

£4.3bn

of our assets are within close proximity 
of a Crossrail station (opening 2018)

Masterplanning a  
destination for London
We have shared our initial ideas for the Canada 
Water Masterplan with the local community. 
These include a 3.5 acre park, two new public 
squares, cycling and pedestrian friendly spaces 
and dockside improvements so people can enjoy 
and interact with the water and wildlife. We are 
also proposing a pedestrianised, open-air high 
street, with national and independent retailers 
alongside new restaurants and cafés and a new 
culture and entertainment hub, at the heart of 
the town centre. Our plans are at an early stage 
and will evolve, but creating a vibrant and 
engaging environment will be our key focus.

28

British Land    Annual Report and Accounts 2016

560m

shopper visits to Meadowhall  
over 25 years

Reviving historic links 
in new developments 
At Aldgate Place, designed by Allies and 
Morrison, we are reinstating an original 
pedestrian street link which sits above an old 
Victorian service tunnel connecting Aldgate and 
Aldgate East stations. This public thoroughfare 
will be reinvigorated with shops and cafés, 
bringing a new sense of community to the area. 

Engaging with local communities 
Our fourth annual Community Day brought 
together 200 British Land volunteers as well as 
520 local jobseekers, schoolchildren, students, 
elderly residents and people with learning 
disabilities across 20 community partnerships. 
Our partners commented on the commitment 
of those involved, reflecting how the event helps 
us strengthen local relationships around our 
London assets. For our volunteers it is a great 
team building opportunity which enables them 
to interact with people of different ages and 
backgrounds as well as learning new skills.

Celebrating local heritage
Elk Mill in Oldham is one of several assets 
where we are using public art to celebrate local 
heritage and connect with local communities. 
Professional sculptor Emma Hunter worked 
with local people to create artworks illustrating 
Elk Mill’s cotton-spinning heritage and poems 
inspired by local people’s stories feature on a 
trio of sculptures in the style of spinning cotton 
bobbins. Bronze footprints are set into paving 
stones around the Park, recalling a time when 
mill workers went barefoot to avoid slipping 
on the oily floor.

To read more case studies go to  
www.britishland.com/placemaking

British Land    Annual Report and Accounts 2016

29

Strategic Report

PLACEMAKING CONTINUED

Buildings and environments which offer 
the highest quality of design in both form 
and function with engaging architecture 
and a fully integrated public realm.

We look beyond individual buildings to think 
about the spaces around them. We focus on 
assets where we are able to control the broader 
environment and can therefore undertake 
broader and bolder design. We also pioneer 
new building technologies and the most 
sustainable practices. 

Making our developments distinctive 
Yalding House, our most recently completed 
office development in the West End, was home 
to Radio 1 until 2012. Our refurbishment retained 
much of the original character of the building; 
the reception features an adjoining meeting 
and waiting room complete with turntable 
and extensive record collection. We believe 
the distinctive nature of the building will appeal 
to creative and technology focused sectors, 
which have been a key area of growth across 
the capital in recent years.

3.1m sq ft

of developments on track to achieve 
BREEAM Excellent for offices, retail 
and leisure

Great design is core to creating 
Places People Prefer. To demonstrate 
our commitment to innovation in 
design, British Land is proud to  
sponsor the London Design Festival.

30

British Land    Annual Report and Accounts 2016

Improving the public realm  
at Paddington Central
We know from our recent survey of 1,000  
office workers across the UK that outdoor 
areas and gardens are a key part of the ‘ideal 
office’. We’ve recently embarked on our second 
phase of upgrades at Paddington Central, 
which will transform the campus for the people 
who work and live there by creating a greener, 
more pedestrian friendly environment. Our 
plans include a Woodland Garden, an outdoor 
Games Room providing activities where people 
can socialise, a Library where people can relax 
and a Kitchen Garden with communal seating 
in the summer months. All enhancements are 
being carefully phased and managed to 
minimise disruption to retailers, residents, 
building occupants and visitors.

2.5m

number of visitors to 
Broadgate Circle since  
its re-design in 2015

Designing for a low carbon future
At St Stephen’s in Hull, we have installed 1,100 
photovoltaic panels generating enough clean 
power to fulfil a third of all electricity demand  
in the common areas. The panels build on the 
Centre’s award-winning efficiency programme, 
which has reduced landlord energy by 40% 
since 2010, saving occupiers £383,100 and 
cutting carbon emissions by 2,470 tonnes. 
Other innovations include a rainwater 
harvesting system which provides over  
one million litres of water each year and  
a food-to-water treatment plant which  
recycles 15 tonnes of food waste annually.

£13m 

of energy savings for us and our  
occupiers through efficiency  
reductions over the past four years

Delivering innovative design
At Glasgow Fort we are building a multi-storey 
car park with four restaurants on its ground 
floor. The building will be naturally ventilated 
with a sustainable wooden slated rear façade.  
A corten steel façade with a punctured tree 
design will cover the front of the building, and 
a green ‘living’ canopy will overhang the four 
restaurant units. The new car park is set in 
a wild forest themed buffer to the surface 
car park, incorporating natural play elements 
for young children.

To read more case studies go to  
www.britishland.com/placemaking

British Land    Annual Report and Accounts 2016

31

Drawing inspiration  
from local heritage 
At Clarges Mayfair we are creating a new  
and elegant landmark. It is entirely rooted  
in the history of the surrounding area,  
taking inspiration from local heritage and 
craftsmanship. This is reflected in the fluted 
design of the columns, which are made from 
Portland stone, the delicate aluminium bronze 
balustrades that are inspired by the branches 
of the plane trees lining Green Park and the 
bread lace collars that were fashionable in 
16th century Mayfair.

Strategic Report

PLACEMAKING CONTINUED

Quality occupiers alongside a broad food, beverage 
and leisure offering, reflecting the growing expectations 
of our occupiers and customers.

We enhance our assets by improving the 
breadth, depth and mix of occupiers and the 
physical space at our properties. Relatively 
simple improvements such as cafés and 
attractive places to rest or have lunch outside 
the office or while you’re shopping can make  
a big difference to the places people work  
or shop.

66%

of people who used Click & 
Collect across our portfolio 
went on to spend at our assets 

Investing in assets 
with great potential
New Mersey, Speke is the third largest 
shopping park in the UK, with annual footfall of 
8.9 million and a third of visitors using click and 
collect. Since the year end we have increased 
our holding in New Mersey, Speke to just over 
66%. We have approval for an 11-screen cinema 
(which is pre-let) and six new restaurants 
totalling 29,000 sq ft, as well as plans for a 
comprehensive refurbishment, introducing 
double height glazed shop fronts and a new 
customer services pod. 

Incorporating open spaces
At Aldgate Place, over 50% of the footprint is 
dedicated to new public realm spaces including 
two landscaped gardens, pedestrian streets, 
well thought-out play spaces and water features. 
The development includes a four-star hotel, 
cafés, restaurants and shops. The landscaping, 
designed by Townshend Landscape Architects, 
reflects the contemporary style of the City but 
maintains the industrial and historical legacy  
of the East End.

330,000 sq ft

of new space planned at Meadowhall’s proposed  
new Leisure Hall

32

British Land    Annual Report and Accounts 2016

Enhancing the environment  
for our own team 
Our focus on enhancing our assets includes our 
own head office at York House and Broadgate 
Estates’ office at Paddington Central, both of 
which we recently refurbished, with Broadgate 
Estates achieving the world’s first BREEAM 
Outstanding Fit-Out. Surveys show that people 
feel happier, healthier and more productive in 
the new space, which has more natural light, 
better views and greenery, as well as improved 
space planning to encourage active living and 
social interaction. This sets the tone to promote 
wellbeing and productivity across our portfolio. 

99%

of staff find our newly 
refurbished offices an 
enjoyable place to work,  
up from 69%

Listening to our customers
The data we collect from across our retail 
portfolio gives us a clear idea of what matters 
to our customers. In response to customer 
feedback, we have been upgrading assets 
in the portfolio to improve shopper satisfaction. 
Enhancements include additional food and 
beverage options, better car parking, and 
improved public realm such as new customer 
walkways, cycle routes, seating and attractive 
landscaping, as well as children’s play areas 
and toilet facilities. All lightbulbs installed are 
energy efficient, taps and toilets are designed 
to use as little water as possible and timber 
comes from guaranteed sustainable sources.

Leveraging Broadgate Estates 
We have brought the management of our 
retail assets in-house through our subsidiary 
Broadgate Estates, a leading property 
management company. We are working to 
enhance the offer for customers, standardising 
operational excellence and rolling out 
value-added services, including technology and 
consumer services. Broadgate Estates already 
delivers best in class service across our office 
assets and for third parties including many 
leading commercial and retail landlords. 
We have extended its remit to cover retail, 
as we work together to ensure all our assets 
are recognisably Places People Prefer. 

To read more case studies go to  
www.britishland.com/placemaking

British Land    Annual Report and Accounts 2016

33

Strategic Report

PLACEMAKING CONTINUED

Events and activities and best in class services 
bring life and a real sense of community to 
our buildings.

We enliven our properties by holding events 
and activities which benefit our customers 
and the local communities which surround 
them. We also provide best in class services 
which improve the overall experience for 
our customers.

Encouraging health and wellbeing
Last summer we celebrated health and 
wellbeing week at Paddington Central to 
encourage campus residents, workers and 
visitors to achieve a healthy work/life balance. 
The schedule featured free health-themed 
pop-ups, treatments, events, classes and 
give-aways aimed to relax, energise or activate 
the mind. We are now piloting wellbeing and 
productivity innovations with our occupiers 
here, who see promoting wellbeing as an 
important part of their strategy to attract  
and retain the best talent. 

More than

800

people World Host customer  
service trained at our places

34

British Land    Annual Report and Accounts 2016

Promoting public art
Across our portfolio, we have used public art 
to bring our assets to life. In January this year, 
we sponsored an installation called Platonic 
Spin by Nathaniel Rackowe at Regent’s Place 
as part of Lumiere London, a free outdoor light 
festival. Over four evenings in January the city 
was transformed with an extraordinary array 
of installations, turning the capital into a 
winter playground.

Celebrating the summer 
Last summer our recently developed Old Market 
shopping destination in Hereford, launched 
Herefest, a unique, month-long summer 
programme of music, street theatre, arts and 
crafts and food and drink. An iconic Routemaster 
bus was parked at the centre, and inside visitors 
enjoyed workshops, makeovers, cake sampling 
sessions and cookery demonstrations.

Evolving traditional retail space
At Meadowhall we are planning a £300 million 
Leisure Hall, to respond to our customers’ 
changing lifestyles where shopping is 
increasingly seen as a leisure activity. 
Comprising 330,000 sq ft of space, the 
proposed Leisure Hall will add a range  
of dining and entertainment experiences  
not currently available at the centre.  
Housed under an elegant glazed roof, the 
Leisure Hall will integrate with the existing 
centre to create a new multi-levelled, 
landscaped mall with high quality internal  
and external spaces for promotional and 
community uses.

More than

600

people at our assets are  
Dementia Friendly trained

Attracting all ages to our assets
As part of our comprehensive programme 
of asset upgrades we have designed and built 
play areas for our younger visitors at Tollgate, 
Colchester, Wheatley, Doncaster, Orbital, 
Swindon and Elk Mill, Oldham. All the play 
areas are heritage-themed and reflect 
feedback from shoppers and local heritage 
experts. At Swindon a Spitfire art sculpture 
and play area reference local industrial links 
to the manufacture of the Supermarine Spitfire, 
and designs at Oldham reflect the old cotton 
mill which formerly occupied the site, with old 
cotton cans adapted to form play equipment 
and seating areas.

5.5m sq ft

of net space at Canada Water  
which we plan to develop

To read more case studies go to  
www.britishland.com/placemaking

British Land    Annual Report and Accounts 2016

35

Strategic Report

PERFORMANCE REVIEW

We are focusing the business around 
long term trends and continue to see 
the benefits of recent investment 

£14.6bn

UK portfolio valuation

11.3%

Total property return

5.3%

ERV growth

6.8%

Capital return

6.8%

Lettings/renewals versus ERV

98.8%

Occupancy rate

Overview
2015/16 was another strong period for the 
UK property market overall, despite the more 
challenging macro environment. London 
continued to outperform the rest of the UK. 
Performance was driven by rental growth 
as opposed to the yield compression seen in 
recent years, with prime yields supported by 
rents which continued to rise in both the West 
End and the City. The occupational market 
overall remains favourable although more 
recently there is evidence that some large 
occupiers are delaying decisions to take space 
until after the upcoming EU referendum. 
In retail, demand remains for prime assets, 
but wider uncertainty has impacted investment 
market volumes in recent months. The retail 
occupational market strengthened overall, 
reflecting improving consumer confidence 
and rising real wages. However, since the turn 
of the year, there have been some signs that 
consumer confidence and spending have 
started to weaken. 

Our portfolio performed well overall, 
benefiting from our strategy to increase our 
focus on London and balance our portfolio 
between Offices and Retail. London and the 
South East now represents 65% of the portfolio 
compared to 56% six years ago. The portfolio 
is also broadly balanced between Offices 
(49% on a pro-forma basis) and Retail. This 
compares with six years ago when Offices 
accounted for 33% of the portfolio. Our Offices 
and Retail businesses are increasingly 
complementary reflecting our focus on 
campuses in Offices and multi-let centres 

Portfolio Performance

Year ended 31 March 20161

Retail & Leisure

Offices & Residential

Canada Water

Total

Valuation uplift

Investment 
portfolio  
%

Developments  
%

Total  
portfolio  
%

2.4

11.7

–

6.4

3.2

12.7

1.7

9.4

2.4

11.8

1.7

6.7

Valuation  
£m

7,341

7,024

283

14,648

1  On a proportionately consolidated basis.

36

British Land    Annual Report and Accounts 2016

in Retail which are becoming more mixed 
use. In addition, the stable income generated 
by the Retail business has allowed us to invest 
in more cyclical Office development projects.

Our portfolio generated a total property 
return of 11.3%, comprising a capital return 
of 6.8% and an income return of 4.2%. We 
outperformed IPD benchmarks by 50 bps on 
a capital returns basis, or 200 bps per annum 
on a 5 year view, continuing a consistent trend 
of outperformance. Total portfolio valuation 
was up 6.7% to £14.6 billion. This performance 
includes the impact of a 1% increase in stamp 
duty for commercial property, announced by 
the Chancellor in March. Excluding the stamp 
duty increase, the underlying portfolio valuation 
was up 7.7%. The standing investment portfolio 
was up 6.4% and accounted for c90% of the 
total uplift; the contribution from developments 
was lower as the completion of 5 Broadgate in 
July 2015 brought our major 2010 development 
programme to a close.

Performance was driven by ERV growth 
across the business of 5.3%, outperforming 
the market by 130 bps, with a far lower 
contribution from yield compression which 
was 17 bps compared to 48 bps in 2014/15. 
Overall, our actions accounted for around 60% 
of performance in both the Retail and Offices 
portfolios. Offices and Residential delivered a 
valuation uplift of 11.8%, driven by ERV growth 
of 9.6% and our Retail and Leisure portfolio 
grew by 2.4%, also benefiting from 2.4% of ERV 
growth. Within our Retail & Leisure portfolio, 
our multi-let assets were up 2.8%, with ERV 
growth of 3.4%.

We are pleased with the shape of our portfolio, 
with our weightings in Retail and Offices 
broadly balanced. In the past the income 
generated from the Retail side of the portfolio 
allowed us to build out our significant 2010 
development programme while maintaining 
our dividend, and going forward as technology 
transforms how we live and work we see that 
the breadth of our portfolio will provide a 
competitive advantage.

Investment Activity
The gross value of our investment activity 
since 1 April 2015 as measured by our share 
of acquisitions, disposals, capital spend on 
developments and other capital projects was 
£1.3 billion. On a net basis, our activity was 
broadly balanced. We maintained our capital 
discipline taking advantage of supportive 
markets to sell mature or non-core assets 
and reinvesting in our existing business and 
in selected acquisitions, principally adjacent 
to existing assets.

The most significant acquisition was 
One Sheldon Square, Paddington Central, 
acquired for £210 million in April last year. 
This brought our total ownership at the campus 
to 806,000 sq ft including 4 Kingdom Street, 
which is under construction, with the potential 
to develop a further 240,000 sq ft at 5 Kingdom 
Street. We also acquired an additional £95 
million interest (gross asset value) in the 
Hercules Unit Trust (“HUT”) portfolio, bringing 
our gross investment over the last two years 
to £492 million at an effective net initial yield 
of 6.0%. Our holding now stands at 75%. 

In line with our strategy, we continued to 
reshape the Retail portfolio, with £420 million 
of mature or non-core asset disposals in the 
period. Key transactions included the sale  
of Rotherham Parkgate and Birstall for  
£120 million and £31 million respectively  
(both our share). We also sold nine standalone 
foodstores totalling £122 million reducing our 
total superstore holding to £0.8 billion from 
£1.3 billion two years ago. We no longer have 
any exposure to the European market since 

9.0 years

Lease length to first break

£1.3bn

Gross investment activity

£307m

Capital investment

£332m

Acquisitions

£618m

Disposals

selling the remaining £43 million of our 
European assets in line with our exit strategy. 

In Offices, we sold 39 Victoria Street in July 
last year for £139 million at an attractive yield 
of less than 4%, crystallising an attractive 
IRR of over 20%. We also sold £59 million 
(our share) of residential properties on average 
3% ahead of valuation, and continued to achieve 
completions on exchanged units. Two thirds 
by value (our share) were at The Hempel 
Collection. In line with our strategy, we will 

From 1 April 20151

Development Spend

Capital Spend

Purchases

Sales

Net Investment

Gross Investment

1  On a proportionately consolidated basis.

Retail 
£m

17

99

100

(420)

(204)

636

Offices
£m

Residential  
£m

140

19

232

(139)

252

530

30

2

–

(59)

(27)

91

Total 
 £m

187

120

332

(618)

21

1,257

market no further units at Clarges Mayfair until 
practical completion in 2017. This follows our 
successful pre-sales campaign in September 
2014, where we pre-sold just over 50% by value. 

Development
We completed 908,000 sq ft of developments 
in the period, with 5 Broadgate accounting for 
710,000 sq ft. The completion of 5 Broadgate 
marked the conclusion of the 2.7 million sq ft 
development programme started in 2010, 
which generated profits of £1.1 billion and an 
IRR of over 30%. We also completed Yalding 
House, a 29,000 sq ft office-led refurbishment 
in the heart of Fitzrovia as well as 169,000 sq ft 
of Retail developments, including a retail 
extension at Glasgow Fort and a leisure 
extension at Whiteley. 

Our under construction programme covers 
629,000 sq ft representing a speculative capital 
commitment of £530 million. This principally 
includes 192,000 sq ft at our super prime 
residential-led development Clarges Mayfair, 
where we have already pre-sold over 50% of 
the residential units by value, and 147,000 sq ft 
of office space at 4 Kingdom Street on our 
Paddington Central campus.

We are making good progress with our near 
term development pipeline, which increased 
from 1.5 million sq ft in March last year to  
2.0 million sq ft. We have built optionality into 
our pipeline and are progressing the projects 
so we can be ready to commit when the time  
is right.

The three largest schemes in the near  
term pipeline reflect office lease expiries  
over the next 2 years at Broadgate and  
Regent’s Place, where we expect to deliver  
a significant increase in the overall floor space 
on redevelopment. At 100 Liverpool Street 
we recently received a resolution to grant 
planning consent for a revised 520,000 sq ft 
redevelopment, incorporating a larger retail 
component and at 1 Finsbury Avenue  
we received consent on a 303,000 sq ft 
redevelopment. At 1 Triton Square, on our 
Regent’s Place campus, we are progressing 
the design for a substantial refurbishment.

British Land    Annual Report and Accounts 2016

37

Strategic Report

PERFORMANCE REVIEW CONTINUED

Our planning application for 340,000 sq ft of 
mixed use space at Blossom Street, Shoreditch 
was also granted consent, having been called 
in by the Mayor of London. The High Court has 
since rejected a Judicial Review of the Mayor’s 
decision to take over the application but it is 
unlikely that we will start onsite in 2016. At 
5 Kingdom Street, on our Paddington Central 
campus, we expect to submit a revised 
planning application for a larger scheme 
by the end of the year.

In Retail, we will continue to enhance our offer 
with a strong near term pipeline of leisure 
extensions, including 102,000 sq ft at Drake 
Circus, Plymouth and 66,000 sq ft at New 
Mersey, Speke. We also received planning 
consent at Ealing Broadway for the conversion 
of an office block to 34,000 sq ft of private rented 
residential apartments. We also added Crawley 
Homewares Park to the near term pipeline, 
where we obtained planning consent to 
redevelop the existing Homebase into a 52,000 
sq ft homewares park comprising 5 units. 

Looking ahead to our medium term pipeline, 
in Retail we submitted a planning application 
for the £262 million (our share £131 million) 
mixed use redevelopment of Eden Walk, 
Kingston. The 562,000 sq ft development 
will include public space, leisure, retail and 
residential. We are also in public consultation 
for a 330,000 sq ft leisure scheme at 
Meadowhall. In Offices, we submitted a 
planning application for the redevelopment of 
2-3 Finsbury Avenue, which seeks to increase 
the area from 189,000 sq ft to 550,000 sq ft.

The most significant project in the medium term 
pipeline is at Canada Water. At the beginning of 
February 2016, we were delighted to welcome 
Roger Madelin to the team to head up this 
exciting 46-acre redevelopment opportunity. 
As Chief Executive/Joint Chief Executive of 
Argent, Roger was directly responsible for 
leading a number of significant developments, 
and from 2000 led the team on the 67-acre 
King’s Cross development. Canada Water is 
one of the largest regeneration projects in inner 
London; it has good transport infrastructure, 
with access to the City, West End and Canary 
Wharf via the Jubilee line, but also to emerging 
areas around Shoreditch as well as South West 
London via the London Overground. 

Planning policies have now been adopted 
within the London Borough of Southwark and 
the Greater London Authority which encourage 
and are supportive of a significant quantum of 
mixed development. In February 2016 public 
consultation commenced regarding the current 
masterplan proposals. Over the coming 
months British Land and Southwark Council 
will review the responses received from the 
local community. 

Studies to assess how the proposed quantum 
and mix of development might best be 
configured and delivered over time are 
currently being undertaken alongside detailed 
financial modelling. Discussions with a number 
of prospective occupiers from the retail, 
leisure, workspace and the full residential 
spectrum are assisting us in this process. 
The implications of the Government’s proposed 

Housing Bill and of any emerging policies 
from the new London Mayor will be assessed 
and incorporated where necessary. 

We anticipate a programme and resource 
schedule to prepare, evaluate and consider a 
planning submission will have been produced 
and agreed with Southwark Council by summer 
2016 with the ambition to submit an outline 
planning application in 2017. As we work towards 
a planning submission we will continue to collect 
rents of £8 million per annum from the shopping 
centre and leisure park at Surrey Quays.

During the year we continued to support 
diversity and training initiatives that make young 
people of all backgrounds aware of real estate 
careers, including Pathways to Property and 
Budding Brunels, as well as apprenticeships 
and local employment programmes, such  
as Broadgate Connect. Together with our 
suppliers, we supported 120 apprenticeships 
at our places in the year. In addition, a pilot 
study on four developments revealed that 60% 
of spend went within 25 miles and over 50% 
went to small and medium sized enterprises, 
fuelling regional economies around our assets.

More details on the portfolio, property 
performance, individual developments 
and assets acquired during the year can 
be found in the Retail & Leisure and Offices 
& Residential reviews on pages 40 to 47  
and in the detailed supplementary tables  
on pages 184 to195

Committed Developments & Pipeline

At 31 March 20161

Completed in Period

Under Construction

Near term Pipeline

Medium term Pipeline

Current 
value 
£m

553

605

Cost to 
 complete
£m

13

204

1,450

Sq ft 
’000

908

629

2,019

7,175

1  On a proportionately consolidated basis (except area which is shown at 100%).

38

British Land    Annual Report and Accounts 2016

British Land share

ERV
£m

23.7 

16.1 

Pre-let 
ERV
£m

21.5 

0.2 

Residential 
end value
£m

Pre-sold 
residential
£m

– 

657

– 

358

 
Our development pipeline

On site and committed

Near term

4 Kingdom Street

 147,000 sq ft

Completing: 2017
Office development at Paddington Central, an 11 acre 
mixed use campus in London’s West End.

5 Kingdom Street

240,000 sq ft

On site: 2017
Office development at Paddington Central.

1 Finsbury Avenue

303,000 sq ft

On site: 2017
Office refurbishment at Broadgate, increasing capacity 
and improving local connections and public spaces.

Clarges Mayfair

 192,000 sq ft

Completing: 2017
Mixed use development in Mayfair, comprising 34 high 
end apartments, together with retail and office space.

Blossom Street, Shoreditch

340,000 sq ft

On site: 2017
Character offices in a regeneration area, ideally 
suited to the needs of small and medium sized 
occupiers.

Plymouth Leisure

 102,000 sq ft

On site: 2016
Leisure extension including a cinema.

Aldgate Place, Phase 1

221,000 sq ft

Completing: 2016
A residential development.

100 Liverpool Street

520,000 sq ft

On site: 2017
Office refurbishment at Broadgate, increasing capacity 
and improving local connections and public spaces.

Speke Leisure

66,000 sq ft

On site: 2016
Leisure extension including a cinema.

British Land    Annual Report and Accounts 2016

39

Strategic Report

RETAIL AND LEISURE REVIEW

Our Retail strategy is focused 
on creating outstanding places 
for modern consumer lifestyles

Key highlights of the year

£7.3bn

Portfolio valuation (British Land share)

7.8%

Total property return

2.4%

ERV growth

2.5%

Capital return

8.0%

Lettings/renewals versus ERV

99.0%

Occupancy rate

9.8 years

Lease length to first break

Charles 
Maudsley
Head of Retail  
and Leisure

Overview
The way people shop and spend their leisure 
time continues to evolve, with technology lying 
at the heart of this. It has become increasingly 
clear that while online sales continue to grow, 
physical space remains at the heart of how 
people shop. But today, successful destinations 
need to be about more than just shopping –  
they are more mixed use, often with food, drink 
and leisure, and are more embedded in the 
communities where they are located. Our 
strategy in Retail is to focus on creating 
outstanding places for modern consumer 
lifestyles, places for people to shop, eat  
and be entertained. 

We have been progressively reducing our 
exposure to smaller and single-let assets, 
and focusing the business around our larger 
multi-let assets where we can control the 
environment in which we operate and use our 
placemaking expertise to drive value. As a 
result of these actions our multi-let portfolio 
now accounts for over 70% of our Retail 
business, up from 60% six years ago. We now 
manage and report our multi-let portfolio along 
regional and local lines, reflecting how we see 
consumers spend their time and money. The 
data we collect tells us that regional and local 
assets fulfil different consumer needs but 
well-located and well-configured assets can 

be equally successful in today’s omni-channel 
world. Regional assets have a wide retail and 
leisure offer, a bigger catchment and longer 
dwell time. Local assets are typically smaller 
in scale, highly convenient and accessible and 
often with more local community amenities 
and activities.

Over the year, the retail occupational market 
strengthened reflecting rising employment 
and real wages alongside falling oil prices. 
Occupancy rates improved as retail and leisure 
operators continued to expand, trial new formats 
and focus on taking space in the most attractive 
locations. Results have been positive overall, 
especially for food and beverage operators and 
retailers with mature omni-channel strategies. 
This has created occupier tension, driving rents 
at those assets offering high levels of footfall 
and sales in high quality environments. Since  
the turn of the year however, consumer 
confidence has fallen and retail sales have 
dipped, with some administrations in fashion, 
likely reflecting concerns about the impending 
EU referendum and wider global economic  
and political uncertainty. 

The calendar year 2015 was also a good  
year for the retail investment market and a 
record breaking year for shopping parks, with 
£2.6 billion of deals transacted. Since the turn 

40

British Land    Annual Report and Accounts 2016

Retail lettings and renewals 
by sector (by rent)

  Fashion & Footwear 
Food & Leisure 
Health & Beauty
General Retail 
DIY 
Other 
Electrical & Mobile Phone 

32%
18%
16%
13%
9%
9%
3%

of the year, there has been a lack of benchmark 
retail transactions and a slowdown in activity 
with the majority of deals carried over from 
2015. Demand remains strong for prime 
multi-let retail assets, and is increasingly 
diverse, but there is a limited amount of stock 
on the market. Investors have become more 
discerning, with increased polarisation between 
prime and secondary assets and demand for 
secondary assets showing signs of softening. 

Portfolio Performance
Our Retail & Leisure portfolio valuation was up 
2.4% over the year to £7.3 billion, including the 
impact of the recent 1% increase in stamp duty 
for commercial property. Excluding the effects 
of the stamp duty change, valuation uplift was 
broadly the same in each half at around 1.8%, 
driven by our actions which contributed 60% 
of the uplift. The portfolio outperformed the 
market by 20 bps on a capital returns basis 
and 30 bps on a total returns basis. 

ERV across the portfolio was up 2.4% 
(compared to 1.4% for the market as whole) 
with growth in the second half of the year 
higher at 1.5% compared with 0.9% in the first 
half. ERV growth was stronger in the multi-let 
portfolio at 3.4%, compared to 3.0% in 2014/15, 
with the accelerating ERV trend broadly 
balanced across both regional and local 

subsectors leading to IPD outperformance 
of 210 bps, demonstrating the quality of our 
portfolio. The Retail portfolio continued to 
benefit from yield movement over the year 
with 13 bps of yield compression compared 
to 47 bps in the prior year. The average NEY 
now stands at 5.0%.

Asset Management
Our focus on the strongest, best located 
schemes and our consistent approach to 
deliver the most appropriate offer and standard 
of service continued to drive good demand for 
our space, so occupancy across the portfolio 
remained high at 99%. Footfall was up 3.0% 
outperforming the market by 440 bps and our 
retailers performed well with their in-store 
sales up 2.4%, outperforming the market by 
200 bps.

We provide a flexible and affordable proposition 
for occupiers, with an average rent to sales 
ratio (excluding internet sales) of 10%. We 
signed 903,000 sq ft of lettings/renewals on 
attractive terms, with investment lettings and 
renewals on average 8.0% ahead of ERV. We 
saw good demand for units of all sizes including 
larger units with over 450,000 sq ft of lettings/
renewals on floor areas over 10,000 sq ft. Using 
our detailed consumer data we continued to 
improve the occupier mix at our local and 

British Land    Annual Report and Accounts 2016

41

 
 
  
  
  
 
  
  
Strategic Report

RETAIL AND LEISURE REVIEW CONTINUED

We continue to enjoy strong relationships 
with our major occupiers, and work 
closely with them to deliver the space 
they want.”

regional assets, adding quality brands and 
broadening our leisure offering to keep pace 
with consumer needs. We signed 35 new food 
and beverage occupiers and 2 cinemas, adding 
174,000 sq ft of food, beverage, and leisure 
space to our Retail operations through lettings 
and extensions. We settled 1.6 million sq ft of 
rent reviews at 3.8% ahead of previous passing 
rent, and only 6% of occupiers decided to leave 
on expiry, which gives further confidence that 
we are creating the right kind of space for 
occupiers. We saw like-for-like net rental 
income growth across the Retail portfolio 
of 1.4%.

We continue to enjoy strong relationships 
with our major occupiers, and work closely 
with them to deliver the space they want. 
The investments we are making to improve 
our assets continued to attract new brands 
and popular restaurant providers to our 
regional and local assets. Primark recently 
opened 68,000 sq ft of space at Broughton, 
Chester and Fort Kinnaird, Edinburgh and both 
locations are trading well. At Glasgow Fort we 
attracted 7 new occupiers out of town, including 
Pandora, Kiko Milano, GBK and Foot Asylum. 
This has improved the quality and range of 
occupiers available to consumers and driven 
rental growth.

In order to attract such strong occupiers to 
our multi-let assets, we continued to invest 
across the portfolio to deliver the highest 
quality retail environments. Over the course 
of the year we spent £80 million on asset 
management initiatives and the positive impact 
of this is reflected both in our valuation, and in 
our operational metrics. Activity included the 
£14 million refurbishment of Ealing Broadway 
which completed in November 2015, yielding 
positive results including a 5% uplift in retailer 
sales over the year along with several new 
tenants; Wasabi, EAT and Smiggle. This resulted 
in 7.5% ERV growth at Ealing Broadway in the 
second half of the year. At Teesside, Stockton 
our ongoing refurbishment has led to new  
out of town entrants, including Paperchase, 
taking space. We completed a programme  
of upgrades on five assets which included 
improved new customer walkways, parent  

903,000 sq ft

of retail and leisure lettings and renewals 

42

British Land    Annual Report and Accounts 2016

and child parking provision, customer service 
centres, high quality landscaping, community 
artworks celebrating local heritage and 
children’s play areas. We are already seeing  
the positive impact of these works through 
improved customer satisfaction, an increase  
in retailer sales, and ERV growth.

In line with our aim to provide a consistent 
high level of service for our occupiers and 
consumers we have taken the property 
management of our retail assets in-house  
to Broadgate Estates, our wholly owned 
subsidiary and one of the UK’s leading property 
management companies. In the year, we rolled 
out WorldHost customer service training to 
more than 800 people at our places and 
Dementia Friendly training to over 600 people, 
making sure that from cleaning and security to 
maintenance and management, our teams have 
the understanding and skills to welcome and 
support visitors. We are delighted by the positive 
feedback from visitors and we are recognising 
team members who are going above and 
beyond through our Awards for Excellence.

Meadowhall had a strong year. Sales at the 
centre were 2.2% ahead, with retailers on  
the refurbished premium mall significantly 
outperforming. We are on site with a £60 million 
internal refurbishment, ahead of which we have 
already signed some high quality new brands 
including Diesel, Joules, Kiko Milano, Jack Wills 
and Tapas Revolution. Overall, long term deals 
at Meadowhall were signed at an average of 
6.3% ahead of ERV and like-for-like income was 
up 5.7% over the year. Looking forward, we are 
in public consultation for a 330,000 sq ft leisure 
scheme which will cement Meadowhall’s 
position as among the best retail and leisure 
destinations in the UK.

We commissioned a review by PwC, which 
identified Meadowhall’s social and economic 
contribution to the Sheffield City Region and 
the wider UK for the first time, with 1p in  
every £1 and one job in every 100 in the region 
linking back to Meadowhall, as well as 660 
apprenticeships over five years. The Centre 
has also contributed £7.3 billion gross value 
added to the UK economy over 25 years and 

£303 million tax over five years. Environmental 
achievements include 42% less energy use 
over six years and 17,000 tonnes of waste 
recycled over ten years. Looking forward, 
around half the materials and labour for our 
Meadowhall refurbishment are being sourced 
from companies within the Sheffield City 
Region, bringing a further £25 million to  
the regional economy.

Investment Activity
Gross investment activity over the year was 
£636 million, with total sales of £420 million 
(BL share) and total acquisitions of £100 million 
(BL share). 

We continued to reshape the portfolio, 
disposing £420 million of mature or non-core 
assets. Key transactions included the sale of 
HUT assets in Rotherham Parkgate and Birstall 
for £120 million and £31 million respectively 
(both our share). We also disposed of nine 
standalone foodstores totalling £122 million. 
This included the £60 million sale of Tesco 
Bursledon at a 5.0% net initial yield, and the  
£32 million sale of Sainsbury’s Islington at  
a net initial yield of 3.96%. This has reduced  
our total superstore holding to £0.8 billion from 
£1.3 billion two years ago. We have a further 
£68 million of superstores under offer, at a NIY 
of 4.2%, which will further reduce our holding 
to £0.7 billion. 

We acquired an additional £95 million interest in 
the HUT portfolio of shopping parks, increasing 
our ownership from 69.2% to 75.3% over the 
year. On average, these units were acquired  
at NAV representing an effective net initial  
yield of 6.3% (based on actual acquisition costs). 
With the disposals made in the year, we have 
rebalanced the HUT portfolio, and in February 
HUT unitholders resolved to replace Schroders 
with Crestbridge as manager.

We completed 169,000 sq ft of developments 
over the year. The 57,000 sq ft leisure extension 
at Whiteley opened in November 2015 and has 
traded well with sales growth of 8.2% in the 
second half. The 112,000 sq ft Marks and 
Spencer anchored retail extension at Glasgow 
Fort opened at the start of the year, providing 
a strong additional anchor to the scheme with 
footfall increasing by 6.7%. The new 12,000 sq ft 
leisure quarter and 600 space multi-storey car 
park are under construction at Glasgow Fort 
and will complete later in the year; the new 
space is already exchanged or under offer  
at record level rents and includes new out  
of town occupiers Thaikhun and GBK. 

Our 254,000 near term development pipeline 
includes 168,000 sq ft of leisure extensions and 
86,000 sq ft of redevelopment. At Drake Circus, 
Plymouth, where we have permission for a 
102,000 sq ft leisure scheme including space 
for 14 restaurants adjacent to the asset, we 

£636m

Gross investment activity

169,000 sq ft

of retail and leisure developments completed 
over the year

expect to take vacant possession of the bus 
station site later this year. We have already 
pre-let space to Cineworld for a 12 screen 
cinema as well as Byron, Wagamama and Zizzi. 
At New Mersey Speke, we received consent 
for a 66,000 sq ft leisure extension with an 
11 screen cinema also pre-let to Cineworld,  
and six restaurants. Already we have exchanged 
or are under offer on six restaurant units and, 
in the main part of the scheme, Next has 
renewed its lease and will extend its trading 
space to 48,000 sq ft. 

We have also received planning consent  
at Ealing Broadway for the conversion of an  
office block to 34,000 sq ft of private rented 
residential apartments. This marks the next 
stage in our development plan for this asset, 
and follows a successful £14 million 
refurbishment of the centre completed in 
November 2015. Planning permission has  
also been granted for the redevelopment of a 
Homebase at Crawley into a new 52,000 sq ft 
homewares park.

Looking further ahead to the medium term, 
during the year we submitted a planning 
application for a £262 million (our share 
£131 million) mixed use redevelopment of 
Eden Walk, Kingston, to include 562,000 sq ft 
public space, leisure, retail and residential. 
At Meadowhall, public consultation has started 
on our 330,000 sq ft leisure extension. Across 
our near and medium term pipeline, we are 
on track to achieve BREEAM Excellent or Very 
Good ratings on 464,000 sq ft of retail and 
leisure space, reflecting strong performance 
on wellbeing, efficiency, ecology and other 
sustainability criteria. 

British Land    Annual Report and Accounts 2016

43

Strategic Report

OFFICES AND RESIDENTIAL REVIEW

We have used our placemaking skills 
to drive further improvement at our 
London office assets, delivering value 
for shareholders

Key highlights of the year

£7.0bn

Portfolio valuation (British Land share)

15.4%

Total property return

9.6%

ERV growth

12.0%

Capital return

5.6%

Lettings/renewals versus ERV

98.6%

Occupancy rate

7.9 years

Lease length to first break

Tim Roberts
Head of Offices 
and Residential

Overview
London again delivered good absolute  
and relative performance over the year, 
continuing to benefit from trends such as 
strong relative economic growth; population 
growth; globalisation of labour and capital  
and infrastructure-led regeneration. Our 
Offices & Residential business grew to 
£7.0 billion, from £6.0 billion a year ago,  
driven by valuation uplift of 11.8%.

Our strategy is focused on using our 
placemaking skills to drive further  
improvement at our campuses, which account 
for over 70% of our Offices portfolio, through 
development, public realm improvements and 
the introduction of a greater range of uses.  
We are also using these placemaking skills  
at our standalone assets, which allow us to 
experiment with different products – such  
as Yalding House – and also provide liquidity  
to the portfolio – such as the disposal of 
39 Victoria Street. Our development capabilities 
are a competitive advantage enabling us to  
improve our campuses and deliver value  
to our shareholders. 

The occupational market in London remained 
strong, seeing healthy demand throughout 
the year. With Central London vacancy at 
2.8% compared to the long term average of 
5.3%, prime rents continued to rise. However, 

in recent months there have been signs of a 
slowdown, likely due to the EU referendum. 
Take up is likely to slow further in the short 
term, but long term we believe that London’s 
global position will endure.

The investment market also remained healthy, 
reflecting the fundamental attractions of 
London, growing rents, good liquidity and a 
scarcity of income return around the world. 
Demand from global and domestic investors 
remained robust despite the historically low 
yields, and while investment volumes have 
fallen since January, first quarter transactions 
at £3.5 billion were 8% ahead of the 5 year 
average. Importantly there have been a number 
of transactions which support current yields. 

In residential, the prime market has been 
impacted by both increased supply and recent 
tax changes and transaction volumes have 
slowed. In the super prime market, there is 
continued emphasis on the quality of stock 
and although London continues to be viewed 
as attractive, volumes have moderated. The 
mainstream market in London has remained 
relatively robust with steady demand.

We continued to reduce our residential 
commitment through further pre-sales at 
The Hempel and Aldgate Place, and with only 
£292 million of units remaining, our residential 

44

British Land    Annual Report and Accounts 2016

business represents a manageable amount 
of our portfolio. The majority of the remaining 
units by value are at Clarges Mayfair, which we 
will not market until completion in late 2017 and 
is a scheme which we believe will still generate 
strong interest.

Portfolio Performance
We continued to benefit from our focus on 
London. The value of our Offices and Residential 
portfolio was up 11.8% to £7.0 billion, including 
the impact of the recent 1% increase in stamp 
duty for commercial property. The drivers of 
valuation growth shifted substantially over the 
year with our actions accounting for 30% of 
growth in the first half, and almost all growth 
in the second half. We saw inward yield shift 
of 21 bps across the Office portfolio compared 
to 51 bps last year, reflecting the slowdown in 
the investment market. 

The West End and City portfolios were up 
12.8% and 11.1% respectively, with the West 
End portfolio showing a particularly strong 
performance in the second half, in part due to 
the 15% uplift on the West End developments. 
The Residential portfolio was up 5.7%. This 
movement translates into strong overall  
capital return of 12.0%, ahead of the IPD  
sector benchmark by 90 bps. 

The Offices and Residential investment portfolio 
was up 11.7% driven by 9.6% ERV growth. As 
our development pipeline completed, standing 
investments have become an increasingly 
important contributor to performance, 
accounting for almost 90% of the uplift in the 
year. Developments delivered valuation uplift 
of 12.7% with strong performance at 4 Kingdom 
Street which saw a valuation uplift of 42%. 

Office lettings and renewals 
by sector (by rent)

  Banks & Financial Services 
Professional & Corporate
TMT
Retail
Manufacturing
Government
Insurance Co's.
Other Business

38.3%
19.5%
15.3%
9.6%
7.2%
5.4%
3.9%
0.8%

11.8%

valuation uplift in offices

£3.8m

of annualised rent added  
through rent reviews

Asset Management
Despite delivering 2.2 million sq ft of 
developments in the last 3 years, our portfolio 
is now virtually fully let reflecting the strength 
of occupational demand and the quality of our 
space. As a result, overall letting volumes at 
296,000 sq ft are below recent years’ levels, 
but we continue to agree deals on terms 5.6% 
ahead of ERV. 

We added £3.8 million of annualised rent 
through rent reviews on 687,000 sq ft of space, 
an uplift of 17% compared to previous passing 
rent. Our campuses are relatively affordable 
and with 1.8 million sq ft of rent reviews to 
settle in the next 18 months, we are well placed 
to capture rental growth going forward. 
Average ERVs at Paddington and Regent’s 
Place at £46 psf and £57 psf respectively are 
low relative to core West End, and at Broadgate 
the average is £57 psf. Overall, our portfolio is 
now 10% reversionary (7% City, 11% West End). 

In the City, The Leadenhall Building is now 
98% let or under offer, from 84% at the start 
of the year with just one of the top floors to let: 
we continued to set new rental highs in the City. 
We have been particularly pleased not only by 
the occupier interest but also the critical 
acclaim it has received, with the Leadenhall 
Building named “Building of the Year” by the 
Worshipful Company of Chartered Architects. 
We were also delighted that The Duke of 
Cambridge and Prince Harry formally opened 
the building in October 2015. 

At Broadgate, we are progressing our vision to 
create a world class campus for London. This 
reflects the growth and diversity of its location, 
not only as an important part of the City, but 
being adjacent to the regenerating areas of 
Shoreditch and Spitalfields, which increasingly 
cater to technology and other creative sectors. 

British Land    Annual Report and Accounts 2016

45

 
 
  
  
  
 
  
 
  
Strategic Report

OFFICES AND RESIDENTIAL REVIEW CONTINUED

Our Offices portfolio is now virtually fully 
let reflecting the strength of occupational 
demand and the quality of our space.”

The opening of the Crossrail station at Liverpool 
Street in 2018 will also be supportive of our 
overall vision. Redevelopment opportunities will 
significantly increase the scale of the campus 
and better integrate it with the vibrant areas  
to the north and east. The redevelopment of 
Broadgate Circle has done much to enliven  
the campus and our plans will build on this 
momentum with a more diverse offer which 
matches changing working lifestyles. Our near 
term development pipeline includes 823,000 sq 
ft of space, with a further 550,000 in the 
medium term. 

At Regent’s Place, we are progressing our vision 
to evolve the campus through redevelopment 
works. We completed the refurbishment of 
79,000 sq ft at 338 Euston Road with Facebook 
taking occupation of the majority of the space. 
Levels 2 and 7 (13,000 sq ft) are available and we 
are seeing good interest both from existing and 
new occupiers. We have made good progress 
with rent reviews at 20 Triton Street, growing 
rents on average from £52 psf to £70 psf on 
151,000 sq ft of space and adding £2.5 million 
to annualised rents with a further 600,000 sq ft 
to be negotiated in the next 18 months. The next 
phase of major works is at 1 Triton Square 
where we are in the early stages of designing 
a significant refurbishment.

At Paddington Central, we are making good 
progress towards our vision to complete 
the campus through development and 
transforming the public realm. We completed 
phase 1 of the public realm enhancement 
works and phase 2, which will be focussed 
around Kingdom Street, is out to tender and 
will start this summer. We have secured 4 
moorings on the canal and we have also 
purchased 2 canal boats to be used to host 
events and enliven the surrounding area. 
We saw ERV growth of 5% across the campus 
in the second half of the year and settled rent 
reviews on 75,000 sq ft of space at 2 Kingdom 
Street, taking rents from £45 psf to £54 psf 
and adding £0.6 million to annualised rents. 

Investment Activity
Gross investment activity over the year was 
£621 million, with total sales of £198 million 
(BL share) and total acquisitions of £232 million 
(BL share). 

We continued to make progress at our 
Residential schemes, The Hempel Collection 
and Aldgate Place, selling £59 million of 
apartments at prices on average 3% ahead  
of valuation. At Clarges Mayfair, having  
pre-sold over 50% of the gross development 
value of the residential element of the scheme 
in September 2014, it remains our intention  
to undertake no further marketing until the 
remaining apartments have reached  
practical completion. 

In July last year, we sold an office building at 
39 Victoria Street for a net price of £139 million. 
We acquired the building for £40 million in 2009 
and it was let in its entirety to the Corporate 
Officer of The House of Commons in 2013 
following a substantial refurbishment. The 
disposal, at a yield of less than 4%, crystallised 
an attractive IRR of over 20% per annum 
since purchase. 

At the start of the year we acquired One 
Sheldon Square for £210 million. This is in line 
with our strategy of expanding our interests 
in and around our core campuses. It also 
increases our exposure to an up and coming 
area of London, and Paddington station, a 
major London transport interchange, which 

46

British Land    Annual Report and Accounts 2016

There are signs that increases in construction 
costs are moderating, reflecting lower raw 
material costs. However, tender prices still 
reflect limited capacity in the industry with 
contractors seeking to restore margins and 
limit their risk exposure. In central London, 
we are currently forecasting cost inflation 
of 5% per annum and for our projects under 
construction all our costs are fixed.

We made good progress with our near term 
development pipeline, which has increased from 
1.3 million sq ft in March last year to 1.8 million 
sq ft. We recently received consent for a revised 
520,000 sq ft redevelopment of 100 Liverpool 
Street at Broadgate incorporating a larger retail 
component than in the previous consent, in line 
with our plans to add 400,000 sq ft of retail to the 
campus in the medium term. Subject to UBS 
completing the fit out works at 5 Broadgate we 
expect to be in a position to commence with 
100 Liverpool Street in early 2017. 

At 1 Finsbury Avenue, we received planning 
consent for a 303,000 sq ft redevelopment, 
and at 1 Triton Square, on our Regent’s Place 
campus, we are progressing the design. We 
will make the decision whether to commit to 
these schemes at the appropriate time, but  
we are pleased with the level of interest we are 
seeing from occupiers for potential pre-lets, 
despite the fact that the projects are still at 
an early stage.

Our planning application for 340,000 sq ft of 
mixed use space at Blossom Street, Shoreditch 
was also granted consent, having been called 
in by the Mayor of London. The High Court has 
since rejected a Judicial Review of the Mayor’s 
decision take over in the application but it is 
unlikely that we will start onsite in 2016 as had 
been our intention. At 5 Kingdom Street we 
have made good progress on the proposed 
design and we expect to submit a planning 
application by the end of the year.

Looking ahead to our medium term pipeline 
we submitted a planning application for the 
redevelopment of 2 and 3 Finsbury Avenue, 
increasing the area from 189,000 sq ft to 
550,000 sq ft. 

will benefit from the opening of Crossrail in 
2018. The acquisition adds nearly 200,000 sq ft 
to our office space, bringing the assets we own 
in Paddington Central to 806,000 sq ft. 

£530m

of committed speculative development

1.8m sq ft

Near term development pipeline focused 
on London

We completed 739,000 sq ft of developments 
in the period, with 5 Broadgate accounting for 
710,000 sq ft. UBS began fitting out 5 Broadgate 
in the summer, and we expect them to move  
in later this year. We achieved a BREEAM 
Excellent rating at 5 Broadgate and we are 
on track to achieve BREEAM Excellent across 
a further 2.7 million sq ft of office space.

We also completed Yalding House, a 29,000 sq ft 
office-led refurbishment in the heart of 
Fitzrovia. The building, which was launched in 
February, has variable floor plates and is 
targeted at small and medium sized businesses 
in the creative sectors. We are pleased with the 
level of enquiries seen to date.

Our under construction programme covers 
617,000 sq ft with total speculative commitment 
(including land) of £530 million. This includes 
192,000 sq ft at our super prime residential-led 
development Clarges Mayfair, where both the 
relocation of the Kennel Club and the affordable 
housing element were delivered in the period. 
We are on track to complete the 48,000 sq ft 
office element in the summer, with the 
residential to complete in late 2017.

At 4 Kingdom Street we are making good 
progress. We are on track to ‘top out’ later 
this month and on target to deliver 147,000 sq ft 
of office space in 2017. At 2 Kingdom Street, 
Broadgate Estates achieved the world’s first 
BREEAM Outstanding Fit Out. As well as being 
highly efficient, the new environment is helping 
Broadgate Estates attract and retain the 
best talent.

British Land    Annual Report and Accounts 2016

47

Strategic Report

CARBON REPORTING

Our efficiency programme provides well-managed 
environments for workers, shoppers and residents, 
supports our occupiers’ sustainability goals, cuts 
occupancy costs and enhances asset value

We actively manage greenhouse gas emissions 
across our business. We are recognised in the 
CDP Disclosure Leadership Index for the fifth 
year running, with a 100% score for disclosure. 
We also achieved B for performance.

We have reported on all emission sources 
required under the Companies Act 2006 
(Strategic Report and Directors’ Reports) 
Regulations 2013. These sources fall within  
our consolidated financial statement and  
relate to head office activities and controlled 
emissions from our managed portfolio. All  

our scope 1 and 2 emissions are included  
in this statement. We have used purchased 
energy consumption data, the GHG Protocol 
Corporate Accounting and Reporting Standard 
(revised edition) and emission factors from the 
UK Government’s GHG Conversion Factors for 
Company Reporting 2015.

Scope 1 and 2 carbon emissions reduced  
this year due to several factors, notably the 
decarbonisation of the UK grid, improvements 
through our ongoing efficiency programme and 
changes in our portfolio affecting energy use 

Scope 1 and 2 emissions intensity (tonnes CO2e)
Year ended 31 March

Per m2 – Offices (net letable area)

Per m2 – Retail – enclosed

Per parking space – Retail – open air

Per m2 – Residential

Per £m – gross rental income from managed portfolio1

Absolute Scope 1 and 2 emissions (tonnes CO2e)
Year ended 31 March

Combustion of fuel: Managed portfolio gas use and fuel use 
in British Land owned vehicles

Operation of facilities: Managed portfolio refrigerant loss from 
air conditioning

2016

0.075

0.073

0.063

0.081

79.48

2015

0.076

0.088

0.063

0.085

87.30

2009

0.118

0.174

0.106

–

–

2016

2015

2009

7,284

6,965

5,156

644

554

–

Purchase of electricity, heat, steam and cooling for our own use: 
Managed portfolio electricity use

38,710

42,503

41,186

Absolute Scope 3 emissions (tonnes CO2e)

Year ended 31 March 

2016

2012

Occupier controlled energy use – Offices: Electricity and gas use in our assets

50,291

51,839

Occupier controlled energy use – Retail: Electricity and gas use in our assets

584,668 748,150

Broadgate Estates controlled energy use – Third parties: Electricity and gas use 
in assets owned by others

36,097

–

Development supply chain: Construction materials, site activity, design and other 
business services

Visitor travel: Vehicle use to and from assets

Corporate and other: Group procurement, finance, employee travel, energy 
life-cycle related, water and residential energy

78,934 176,622

2,914,903 4,970,786

137,816

109,133

1   Gross Rental Income (GRI) from the managed portfolio comprises Group GRI of £451 million (2015: £399 million), 

plus 100% of the GRI generated by joint ventures and funds of £451 million (2015: £495 million), less GRI 
generated by assets outside the managed portfolio of £315 million (2015: £321 million).

and associated emissions. Combustion of fuel 
increased slightly due to occupier fit outs, 
notably in The Leadenhall Building.

We commissioned a review of our Scope 3 
emissions by Arup, which revealed that changes 
in our portfolio since 2012 have substantially 
reduced our carbon footprint. The shift towards 
assets with strong public transport links  
has reduced emissions from visitor travel by 
1.3 million tonnes. More detailed information 
around visitor numbers and transport use has 
also improved accuracy, reducing visitor travel 
emissions by 800,000 tonnes. In addition,  
the reduction in our total floor area and the 
decarbonisation of the UK grid have contributed 
to reductions in emissions from occupier 
energy use of 164,000 tonnes. The increase  
in ‘Corporate and other emissions’ was due  
to the addition of Broadgate Estates data and 
residential energy use data within our footprint, 
as well as increased emissions related to 
property acquisitions and finance.

Reducing Scope 3 emissions
We are working with our development 
supply chain to reduce carbon emissions 
from construction materials. At 100 
Liverpool Street, our design team has 
developed plans that re-use as much  
of the building structure as possible, 
cutting construction costs and reducing 
embodied carbon by 7,270 tonnes. Design 
improvements are also targeting a further 
4,360 tonne saving versus the original 
concepts, at no extra cost, by changing 
insulation materials, using cement 
replacement, increasing recycled 
aluminium content and switching to 
lightweight engineered beams.

We amended our methodology for 
carbon intensities this year and have 
restated previous numbers to reflect 
this. For our full methodology, 
explanation of changes and PwC’s 
independent assurance, see our 2016 
Sustainability Accounts, available at 
www.britishland.com/data

48

British Land    Annual Report and Accounts 2016

FINANCIAL REVIEW

Our strategic focus on placemaking 
along with our active debt management 
underpinned our strong results

Key highlights of the year

14.2%

Total accounting return1

919p 

EPRA net asset value per share1

£9.6bn

IFRS net assets 

28.4p

Dividend per share 

£363m

Underlying Profit1

£1.3bn

IFRS profit before tax

32% 

LTV proportionally consolidated1

3.3% 

Weighted average interest rate  
proportionally consolidated

1  See glossary for definitions.

Overview
The strong performance this year is reflected in 
our operating results and the total accounting 
return of 14.2%.

activity in the year. This drove the 50 bps 
reduction in the Group’s proportionally 
consolidated weighted average interest  
rate to 3.3% from 3.8%. 

Our focus on placemaking and accelerating 
ERV growth have delivered a portfolio valuation 
uplift of 6.7% on a proportionally consolidated 
basis and a 10.9% increase in NAV per share  
to 919 pence; excluding the impact of the 1% 
increase in stamp duty on commercial property 
NAV per share would have been 932 pence (an 
increase of 12.4%).

We have completed £1.3 billion of investment 
activity with acquisition and development  
spend broadly balancing disposals. We have 
sold mature and non-core assets and have 
reinvested in our existing business and  
in selected acquisitions adjacent to  
existing assets.

Our balance sheet metrics remain strong. 
The proportionally consolidated loan to value 
ratio has decreased to 32% from 35% due to 
a combination of our actions, including the 
results of our placemaking activity, and market 
movements. We have raised £915 million of 
new debt, including a £350 million zero coupon 
convertible bond. Together with the £110 million 
debenture bonds tender offer and purchase, 
we have completed over £1 billion of financing 

Underlying Profit increased to £363 million 
as a result of our successful financing activity, 
leasing of our completed developments and 
rental income growth in the investment 
portfolio, including a number of significant  
rent reviews in Offices. 

Underlying earnings per share increased by 
less than profits due to the requirement to 
anticipate conversion into new shares of the 
£400 million 1.5% convertible bond, issued in 
2012 and maturing in 2017 with a conversion 
price of 693 pence.

IFRS profit before tax for the year of 
£1,331 million is lower than the prior year, 
primarily due to a reduced level of property 
valuation movement reflecting the slowdown  
in yield compression and the recent increase  
in stamp duty on commercial property.

Looking forward to next year, we intend to 
increase the dividend by 3% to 29.20 pence per 
share, with a quarterly dividend of 7.30 pence 
per share. 

British Land    Annual Report and Accounts 2016

49

Strategic Report

FINANCIAL REVIEW CONTINUED

Presentation of financial information
The Group financial statements are prepared 
under IFRS where the Group’s interests in joint 
ventures and funds are shown as a single line 
item on the income statement and balance 
sheet and all subsidiaries are consolidated  
at 100%.

Management considers the business principally 
on a proportionally consolidated basis when 
setting the strategy, determining annual 
priorities, making investment and financing 
decisions and reviewing performance. This 
includes the Group’s share of joint ventures  
and funds on a line-by-line basis and excludes 
non-controlling interests in the Group’s 
subsidiaries. The financial key performance 
indicators are also presented on this basis.

A summary income statement and summary 
balance sheet which reconcile the Group 
financial statements to British Land’s  
interests on a proportionally consolidated  
basis are included in Table A within the 
supplementary disclosures.

Income statement
1.  Underlying Profit
Underlying Profit is the measure that is used 
internally to assess income performance. No 
company adjustments have been made in the 
current or prior year and therefore this is the 
same as the pre-tax EPRA earnings measure 
which includes a number of adjustments to  
the IFRS reported profit before tax. This is 
presented above on a proportionally 
consolidated basis.

Underlying Profit

Gross rental income

Property operating expenses

Net rental income

Net fees and other income

Administrative expenses

Net financing costs

Underlying Profit

Non-controlling interest in Underlying Profit

EPRA adjustments2

IFRS profit before tax

Underlying earnings per share

IFRS basic earnings per share 

Dividend per share 

Section

1.1

1.3

1.2

2016
£m

654

(34)

620

17

(94)

20151
£m

618

(33)

585

17

(88)

(180)

(201)

363

14

954

2

1,331

313

16

1,460

1,789

1.4

34.1p

30.6p

2 131.2p 168.3p

3 28.36p 27.68p

1   Fees and other income and administrative expenses have been restated to reflect the change in presentation 
of the results of Broadgate Estates, a wholly owned subsidiary of the Group. This restatement has had no 
impact on Underlying Profit. Refer to note 1 of the financial statements for further details.

2   EPRA adjustments consist of investment and development property revaluations, gains/losses on investment 
and trading property disposals, changes in the fair value of financial instruments and associated close out 
costs. These items are presented in the capital and other column of the consolidated income statement.

Net rental income (£m) (Chart 1)

40

15

23

(43)

1.1  Net rental income (Chart 1)
The £35 million increase in net rental income 
during the year was the result of strong  
letting activity.

585

620

The successful letting of our development 
programme provided £23 million of this 
increase, primarily due to the start of the lease 
at 5 Broadgate and the lettings we have made 
at the Leadenhall Building which is now almost 
full, with recent leasing deals setting new 
records for City rents.

Like-for-like rental income growth was 3.4%. 
Offices and Residential growth was almost 7%; 
just over half of this was due to the letting up of 
completed developments that are now in the 
like-for-like portfolio with the remainder being 
attributable to strong rent review activity, 
particularly at Regent’s Place and Paddington. 
Retail and Leisure growth was 1.4% (1.8% 
excluding the impact of surrender premia).

Our near term development pipeline could add 
a further £68 million of net rental income over 
the next 5 years. The three largest schemes in 
the near term pipeline are income producing 
investments with a current passing rent of 

2015

Developments

Like-for-like
rental income growth

Acquisitions

Disposals

2016

Net financing costs (£m) (Chart 2)

27

10

(11)

(5)

(201)

(180)

2015

Financing
activity

Acquisitions

Disposals

Completion of
developments

2016

50

British Land    Annual Report and Accounts 2016

£24 million which is expected to run off in the 
last quarter of 2016/17.

1.2  Net financing costs (Chart 2)
We completed over £1 billion of financing 
activity in the current year including the 
£350 million zero coupon convertible bond and 
the £110 million debenture bonds tender offer 
and purchase. We have raised and refinanced  
a total of £915 million of debt at lower margins 
and in a lower interest rate environment. 
Together with the impact of last year’s financing 
activity, this resulted in a £27 million decrease  
in financing costs this year. 

Our approach to interest rate management was 
also important in reducing interest costs. At the 
year end we had reduced the proportion of our 
debt held at fixed rates to 60% on average over 
the next five years (64% at 31 March 2015).

Overall, our actions during the year drove the 
reduction in our proportionally consolidated 
weighted average interest rate to 3.3% at  
31 March 2016 from 3.8% at 31 March 2015. 

Lower capitalised interest in the current  
year reflected our reduced development 
commitment. This resulted in an additional  
£5 million of interest cost in the year.

1.3  Administrative expenses
During the year, we brought the property 
management of our retail assets in-house to 
Broadgate Estates, a wholly owned subsidiary, 
in line with our strategic focus on customer 
orientation and placemaking. In recognition 
of the core role Broadgate Estates now plays 
in how we run the business, we have changed 
the way its results are presented in the Group 
income statement. This has resulted in a 
£5 million increase in administrative expenses 
and an equal and offsetting increase in net fees 
and other income; importantly this change has 
no impact on Underlying Profit. The prior year 
comparatives for net fees and other income  
and administrative expenses have also been 
restated to reflect this change in presentation.

Development team costs of £4 million were 
capitalised for the first time this year as we 
progress our development pipeline. 

Overall, administrative expenses increased 
by £6 million this year in line with our planned 
investment in people and technology in order 
to enhance the capability of the business, 
which includes a £2 million increase related 
to Broadgate Estates. The Group’s operating 
cost ratio remains sector leading at 16.6% 
(2014/15: 16.4%). 

1.4  Underlying EPS
Underlying EPS for 2015/16 was 34.1 pence 
(2014/15: 30.6 pence) based on Underlying 
Profit after tax of £365 million (2014/15: £313 

Balance sheet

Properties at valuation

Other non-current assets

Other net current liabilities

Adjusted net debt

Other non-current liabilities

EPRA net assets (undiluted)

Dilution impact of convertible bond

EPRA net assets (diluted)

EPRA NAV per share

Non-controlling interest

EPRA adjustments1 

IFRS net assets

Section

2016
£m

2015
£m

14,648 13,677

138

256

14,786 13,933

(257)

(307)

6

(4,765)

(4,918)

(90)

(73)

9,674

8,635

400

400

10,074

9,035

4

919p

829p

277

333

(732)

(803)

5

9,619

8,565

1   EPRA net assets exclude the mark-to-market on effective cash flow hedges and related debt adjustments, the 
mark-to-market on the convertible bonds as well as deferred taxation on property and derivative revaluations. 
They include the valuation surplus on trading properties and are adjusted for the dilutive impact of share options 
and the £400 million convertible bond maturing in 2017. No adjustment is made for the £350 million zero coupon 
convertible bond because this is not currently dilutive. Details of the EPRA adjustments are included in Table A 
within the supplementary disclosures.

EPRA NAV per share (p) (Chart 3)

34

17

68

(26)

(3)

Stamp duty
change 13p

 919

829

2015

Offices and
Residential
valuation
uplift

Retail
and Leisure
valuation
uplift

Underlying
profit

Dividends

Finance
transaction
costs

2016

Adjusted net debt (£m)1 (Chart 4)

611

(310)

(332)

294

125

(4,918)

(235)

(4,765)

2015

Acquisitions

Development
and capex

Disposals

Net cash
from
operations

Dividends

Other

2016

1   Adjusted net debt is a proportionally consolidated measure. It represents the Group net debt as disclosed in 
Note 17 and the Group’s share of joint venture and funds’ net debt excluding the mark-to-market on effective 
cash flow hedges and related debt adjustments and non-controlling interests. A reconciliation between the 
Group net debt and adjusted net debt is included in Table A within the supplementary disclosures.

British Land    Annual Report and Accounts 2016

51

Strategic Report

FINANCIAL REVIEW CONTINUED

million), adjusted to add back interest on the 
£400 million 1.5% convertible bond of £6 million 
(2014/15: £nil) and the weighted average diluted 
number of shares of 1,089 million (2014/15: 
1,022 million). 

The increase in Underlying EPS of 11.4% is less 
than the increase in Underlying Profit because 
we are now required to anticipate conversion 
into shares of the £400 million 1.5% convertible 
bond, which matures in 2017, in our reported 
Underlying EPS.

IFRS profit before tax

2. 
The main difference between IFRS profit before 
tax and Underlying Profit is that it includes  
the valuation movement on investment and 
development properties and the fair value 
movements of financial instruments. In 
addition, the Group’s investments in joint 
ventures and funds are equity accounted  
in the IFRS income statement but are  
included on a proportionally consolidated  
basis within Underlying Profit.

The IFRS profit before tax for the year was 
£1,331 million, a decrease of £458 million, 
primarily due to the slowdown in yield 
compression and the 1% stamp duty increase 
on commercial property in the current year, 
resulting in lower levels of property valuation 
movement. This impacts IFRS profit before tax 
through the valuation movement on the Group’s 
properties which was £268 million less than 
last year and the valuation movement on the 
properties held in joint ventures and funds 
which was £344 million less than last year. 

Further information on portfolio valuation 
performance is provided on page 36 

The £77 million decrease in net financing costs 
to £75 million was principally due to revaluation 
gains recorded in respect of the Group’s 
convertible bonds.

The £50 million increase in net rental income  
to £425 million was primarily the result of  
the purchase of a controlling interest in New 
Mersey, Speke in March 2015, the purchase 
of controlling interests in two mixed portfolios  
of single and multi-let assets (the ‘Tesco 
transaction’) also completed in March 2015  
and like-for-like rental income growth in  
the standing portfolio.

Basic earnings per share decreased by 22% 
to 131.2 pence per share. The weighted average 
number of shares in issue during the period 
was 1,025 million (2014/15: 1,016 million).

3.  Dividends
The quarterly dividend was increased to 7.09 
pence per share in the year, bringing the total 
dividend declared for the current financial year 
to 28.36 pence per share (2014/15: 27.68 pence 
per share), an increase of 2.5% over the prior 
year. The dividend paid in the financial year was 
28.02 pence per share (2014/15: 27.34 pence 
per share). 

It is the Board’s intention to increase the 
dividend by 3.0% in 2016/17 to 29.20 pence per 
share, with a quarterly dividend of 7.30 pence 
per share.

Balance Sheet
4.  EPRA NAV per share (Chart 3)
The EPRA NAV per share of 919 pence includes 
the 13 pence adverse impact from the 1% rise 
in Stamp Duty Land Tax on commercial 
property announced in the budget this year. 

The 10.9% increase in EPRA NAV per share 
reflects a strong valuation performance across 
the portfolio of 6.7%. Our portfolio is broadly 
split equally between Offices and Retail. The 
valuation uplift in the year is primarily due to 
ERV growth of 5.3% with an accelerated trend 
compared to last year reflecting our focus on 
placemaking and the strength of the markets 
we invest in. Yield compression was 17 bps and 
contributed significantly less to the valuation 
uplift compared to the prior year.

Returns were driven by our standing 
investments, up 6.4%, boosted by an  
increase of 9.4% in our developments. 

Offices and Residential valuations were up  
11.8% with strong ERV growth of 9.6%; the  
West End performed slightly more strongly 
than the City, in part due to the valuation  
uplift on our developments. Retail and Leisure 
valuations were up 2.4% underpinned by strong 
performance in our multi-let portfolio which 
saw ERV growth of 3.4%.

The finance transaction costs primarily relate 
to the debenture bond tender offer and 
purchase completed in the year and are 

Financing statistics

compensated for by lower interest costs over 
the remaining period of the finance.

IFRS net assets

5. 
IFRS net assets at 31 March 2016 were £9,619 
million, an increase of £1,054 million. This was 
primarily due to property revaluation gains in 
the current year, which were £616 million for 
the Group and £245 million for the Group’s 
share of joint ventures and funds.

In August 2015 the loan provided by the Group 
to the Broadgate joint venture was repaid. 
This was funded by additional shareholder 
contributions to the joint venture and resulted 
in a £137 million decrease in net debt and 
a £137 million increase in the Group’s 
investments in joint ventures and funds.

Cash Flow, Net Debt and Financing
6.  Adjusted net debt (Chart 4)
The impact of our investment activity in the year 
was broadly balanced. 

Significant acquisitions completed in the year 
included One Sheldon Square and the purchase 
of an additional 6.1% of the units in Hercules Unit 
Trust bringing the Group’s ownership to 75.3% 
at the year end. 

Development expenditure of £190 million 
related to the spend on our committed 
development programme and capital 
expenditure of £120 million related to asset 
management on the standing portfolio. 
Forecast development spend of £204 million  
is anticipated over the next three years on the 
Group’s committed development programme 
and £720 million on the Group’s near term 
development pipeline. This compares to 
£358 million of contracted residential sales 
along with a further £292 million of residential 
units yet to be contracted for sale on existing 
committed projects. 

Significant disposals in the year included 
39 Victoria Street at an attractive yield which 
generated an IRR of over 20%, Rotherham 
Parkgate and Leeds Birstall. In addition, 
disposals of standalone superstores totalling 

 Group

Proportionally consolidated

2016

2015

2016

2015

Net debt/adjusted net debt1

£3,617m £3,828m

£4,765m

£4,918m

Principal amount of gross debt

£3,552m £3,717m

£5,089m £5,202m

Loan to value

Weighted average interest rate

Interest cover

25%

2.6%

3.3

28%

3.3%

2.9

32%

3.3%

3.0

35%

3.8%

2.6

Weighted average debt maturity

7.2 years

7.5 years

8.1 years

8.7 years

1   The Group figures represent net debt as presented in note 17 of the financial statements, the proportionally 
consolidated figures include the Group’s share of joint venture and funds’ net debt and exclude the mark-to-
market on effective cash flow hedges and related debt adjustments and non-controlling interests.

52

British Land    Annual Report and Accounts 2016

Financing activity in our joint venture and  
funds in the year consisted of the repayment  
of £100 million of a Hercules Unit Trust term 
loan, reducing the facility to £250 million, and 
its subsequent refinancing at pricing less than 
half the previous facility. The Gibraltar Limited 
Partnership £140 million loan facility was  
also refinanced in the year at significantly  
lower pricing.

Overall, financing activity we completed in the 
year was the principal factor in the reduction 
of the proportionally consolidated weighted 
average interest rate from 3.8% to 3.3%.

We have also agreed one year extensions to 
both our bank syndicated unsecured revolving 
credit facilities, in total £1,245 million.

British Land has £1.8 billion of committed 
unsecured revolving banking facilities and 
£83 million of cash and short term deposits. 
Of these facilities £1.6 billion have maturities 
of more than two years and £1.2 billion was 
undrawn at 31 March 2016. Based on our 
current commitments and these facilities,  
the Group has no requirement to refinance  
for four years.

Further information on our approach to 
financing is provided in the financial policies 
and principles section on pages 54 to 56

Tax
The Group elected for REIT status on 1 January 
2007, paying a £308m conversion charge to 
HMRC in the same year. As a consequence  
of the Group’s REIT status, tax is levied on the 
distribution of income from our qualifying 
property rental business rather than at the 
corporate level. Any income which does not 
qualify as property income within the REIT 
rules is subject to tax in the normal way. This 
includes profits on properties developed and 
sold within three years as well as fees and 
interest. The tax credit for the year is £2m 
(excluding deferred tax). 

Our 2016 Total Tax Contribution was more than 
£240m mainly arising from taxes collected 
from others which we administered together 
with taxes and levies paid directly.

HMRC continue to award British Land a low 
risk tax rating which is in part a reflection of our 
REIT status together with the open and regular 
dialogue we maintain with them. We continue  
to comfortably pass all REIT tests to ensure  
our REIT status is maintained.

Lucinda Bell
Chief Financial Officer

£122 million were completed including the  
sale of Tesco Bursledon for £60 million and 
Sainsbury’s Islington for £32 million, reducing 
the Group’s total superstore exposure to under 
£0.8 billion. We currently have a further 
£100 million of mature or non-core retail  
assets under offer.

7.  Financing
Balance sheet metrics remain strong. LTV  
and the weighted average interest rate on 
drawn debt were reduced and interest cover 
improved. The decrease in both our Group and 
proportionally consolidated LTV measures is 
due to a combination of our actions and market 
movements. Note 17 of the financial statements 
sets out the calculation of the Group and 
proportionally consolidated LTV.

Our proportionally consolidated LTV was 32% 
at March 2016, down from 40% two years ago. 
Pro-forma for the full conversion of the £400 
million 1.5% convertible bond maturing in 2017, 
proportionately consolidated LTV is 29%. 

The strength of the Group’s balance sheet is 
reflected in British Land’s senior unsecured 
credit rating which continues to be rated by 
Fitch at A-.

Financing activity during the year amounted  
to over £1 billion. We continue to achieve 
attractive financings which improve earnings 
and liquidity, including £915 million of new debt 
finance since 31 March 2015.

Taking advantage of favourable market 
conditions, we raised a £350 million zero 
coupon senior unsecured convertible bond  
due 2020 which includes flexible settlement 
options and provides further diversification  
of our sources of finance. 

Following a tender offer in respect of British 
Land’s 6.75% First Mortgage Debenture Bonds 
due 2020, we purchased £110 million of bonds. 
The purchase was funded by existing committed 
facilities and the bonds were cancelled.

British Land    Annual Report and Accounts 2016

53

Strategic Report

FINANCIAL POLICIES AND PRINCIPLES

We focus on having an appropriate 
balance of debt and equity funding which 
enables us to deliver our property strategy

Our debt finance is raised at both fixed and 
variable rates. Derivatives (primarily interest 
rate swaps) are used to achieve the desired 
interest rate profile across proportionally 
consolidated net debt. Currently 60% on 
average of projected net debt is fixed over the 
next five years, with a decreasing profile over 
the period. The use of derivatives is managed 
by a Derivatives Committee. The interest rate 
management of joint ventures and funds is 
addressed by each entity for its business.

Counterparties
We monitor the credit standing of our 
counterparties to minimise our risk exposure 
in respect of placing cash deposits and 
derivatives. Regular reviews are made of the 
external credit ratings of the counterparties.

Foreign currency
Our policy is to have no material unhedged 
net assets or liabilities denominated in 
foreign currencies.

When attractive terms are available, the 
Group may choose to borrow in freely available 
currencies other than sterling, and will fully 
hedge the foreign currency exposure.

Leverage
Our mix of equity and debt financing is managed 
to achieve the appropriate balance between 
enhancing returns for shareholders and the 
risk of higher leverage. We use a loan to value 
ratio (debt as a percentage of the gross value 
of our assets, “LTV”) to measure our leverage, 
primarily on a proportionally consolidated basis 
including our share of joint ventures and funds 
and excluding non-controlling interests.

We seek to manage our leverage such that 
our LTV should not exceed a maximum 
threshold if market yields were to rise to 
previous peak levels. This means we will not 
increase our LTV if asset values increase only 
as a result of market yield improvement. 
Consequently our maximum LTV may be higher 
in the low point in the cycle and will trend 
downwards as market yields tighten. 

We leverage our equity and achieve benefits of 
scale while spreading risk through joint ventures 
and funds, which are typically partly financed 
with debt without recourse to British Land. 

Our current proportionally consolidated LTV 
of 32% includes our share of the debt in joint 
ventures and funds and is higher than the 
Group measure of 25%.

Debt finance
The scale of our business combined with  
the quality of our assets and rental income 
means that we are attractive to a broad range 
of debt providers and able to arrange finance  
on favourable terms. Good access to the capital 
and debt markets is a competitive advantage, 
allowing us to take opportunities when  
they arise.

The Group’s approach to debt financing for 
British Land is to raise funds predominantly on 
an unsecured basis with our standard financial 
covenants (set out on page 56). This provides 
the greatest flexibility and low operational cost. 
Our joint ventures and funds are each financed 
in ‘ring-fenced’ structures without recourse to 
British Land for repayment and are secured on 
the relevant assets.

Presented opposite are the five guiding 
principles that govern the way we structure  
and manage our debt. 

Debt financing involves risk from adverse 
changes in the property and financing  
markets. In arranging and monitoring our 
financing we include important risk disciplines, 
ensuring that relevant risks are fully evaluated 
and managed.

 Managing risk in delivering our strategy see 
pages 57 to 63

Monitoring and controlling our debt
We monitor our projected LTV and our debt 
requirement using several key internally 
generated reports focused principally on 
borrowing levels, debt maturity, available 
facilities and interest rate exposure. We also 
undertake sensitivity analysis to assess the 
impact of proposed transactions, movements 
in interest rates and changes in property values 
on the key balance sheet, liquidity and 
profitability ratios.

In assessing our ongoing debt requirements, 
including for our development programme, 
we consider potential downside scenarios such 
as a fall in valuations and the effect that might 
have on our covenants.

Based on our current commitments and 
available facilities, the Group has no 
requirement to refinance for four years 
(irrespective of whether the settlement of the 
2012 convertible bond is with equity or debt). 

British Land’s current committed undrawn 
bank facilities are £1.2 billion.

Managing interest rate exposure
We manage our interest rate profile 
independently from our debt. The Board 
considers the appropriate maximum level of 
sensitivity of underlying earnings to movements 
in market rates of interest over a five-year 
period and the appropriate ranges of fixed 
rate debt over relevant time periods.

54

British Land    Annual Report and Accounts 2016

Our five guiding principles

Diversify 
our sources 
of finance

We monitor finance markets and seek to access different types of finance when the relevant market conditions are favourable  
to meet the needs of our business and, where appropriate, those of our joint ventures and funds. The scale and quality of our 
business enables us to access a broad range of unsecured and secured, recourse and non-recourse debt.

We enjoy and encourage long term relationships with banks and debt investors. We aim to avoid reliance on particular sources 
of funds and borrow from a large number of lenders from different sectors in the market and a range of geographical areas, 
with a total of 33 debt providers of bank facilities and private placements alone. We also aim to ensure that debt providers 
understand our business; we adopt a transparent approach to provide sufficient disclosures so that lenders can evaluate their 
exposure within the overall context of the Group. These factors increase our attractiveness to debt providers, and in the last  
five years we have arranged over £6 billion (British Land share over £5 billion) of new finance in unsecured and secured bank  
loan facilities, US Private Placements and convertible bonds.

£6.2bn

Total debt portfolio (proportionally consolidated)

Phase maturity  
of debt portfolio

The maturity profile of our debt is managed with a spread of repayment dates. We monitor the various debt markets so that we 
have the ability to act quickly to arrange new finance as opportunities arise. Maturities of different types of drawn debt are well 
spread, reducing our refinancing risk in respect of timing and market conditions. As a result of our financing activity, we are 
comfortably ahead of our preferred refinancing date horizon of not less than two years. 

The current range of debt maturities is one to 20 years. In accordance with our usual practice, we expect to refinance facilities 
ahead of their maturities.

8.1 years

Average debt maturity (proportionally consolidated)

Maintain 
liquidity

In addition to our drawn debt, we aim always to have a good level of undrawn, committed, unsecured revolving bank facilities  
in British Land. These facilities provide financial liquidity, reduce the need to hold resources in cash and deposits, and minimise 
costs arising from the difference between borrowing and deposit rates while reducing credit exposure.

We arrange these revolving credit facilities in excess of our committed and expected requirements to ensure we have adequate 
financing availability to support business requirements and opportunities.

£1.2bn

Undrawn committed facilities

Maintain 
flexibility

Our facilities are structured to provide valuable flexibility for investment deal execution, whether sales or purchases, 
developments or asset management. Our bank revolving credit facilities in British Land provide full flexibility of drawing and 
repayment (and cancellation if we require) at short notice without additional cost. These are arranged with standard terms and 
financial covenants and generally have maturities of five years. Flexibility is maintained with our combination of this unsecured 
revolving debt and secured term debt in debentures with good substitution rights, where we have the ability to move assets in 
and out of the security.

£1.8bn

Revolving credit facilities

Maintain strong 
balance sheet 
metrics

We actively manage our mix of equity and debt financing to achieve a balance between our ability to generate an attractive return 
for shareholders with the risks of having more debt.

Our capital strategy is responsive to the need to manage our exposure such that we aim not to exceed a maximum proportionally 
consolidated LTV threshold in an economic downturn if market yields rise to previous peak levels.

32%

A-

LTV (proportionally consolidated)

Credit rating

3.0

Interest cover (proportionally 
consolidated)

British Land    Annual Report and Accounts 2016

55

Strategic Report

FINANCIAL POLICIES AND PRINCIPLES CONTINUED

Group borrowings
Unsecured financing for the Group is raised 
through bilateral and syndicated unsecured 
revolving bank facilities, with initial terms of 
five years (often extendable); US Private 
Placements with maturities up to 2027; and the 
convertible bonds maturing in 2017 and 2020.

Secured debt is provided by debentures with 
longer maturities up to 2035 at fixed rates of 
interest and a bank term loan.

Unsecured borrowings
The same financial covenants apply across 
each of the Group’s unsecured facilities. These 
covenants, which have been consistently agreed 
with all unsecured lenders since 2003, are:
 – net Borrowings not to exceed 175% 

of Adjusted Capital and Reserves; and
 – net Unsecured Borrowings not to exceed 

Secured borrowings
Secured debt with recourse to British Land is 
provided by debentures at fixed interest rates 
with long maturities and no amortisation. 
These are secured against a single combined 
pool of assets with common covenants; the 
value of those assets is required to cover the 
amount of these debentures by a minimum of 
1.5 times and net rental income must cover the 
interest at least once. We use our rights under 
the debentures to withdraw, substitute or add 
properties (or cash collateral) in the security 
pool, in order to manage these cover ratios 
effectively and deal with any asset sales.

The securitisations of Broadgate (£1,667 million), 
Meadowhall (£696 million) and the Sainsbury’s 
Superstores portfolio (£463 million), have 
weighted average maturities of 12.1 years, 
10.4 years, and 6.5 years respectively. The only 
financial covenant applicable is to meet interest 
and scheduled amortisation (equivalent to 
1 times cover); there are no LTV covenants. 
These securitisations provide for quarterly 
principal repayments with the balance 
outstanding reducing to approximately 
20% to 30% of the original amount raised 
by expected final maturity, thus mitigating 
refinancing risk.

Secured debt without recourse to British Land 
comprises the following, each of which is 
secured on a specific portfolio of properties:
 – a fixed rate debenture of £30 million for BLD 

Property Holdings Ltd to 2020; and

Other debt arrangements with banks include 
LTV ratio covenants with maximum levels 
ranging from 40% to 65%, and most have 
rental income to interest or debt service 
cover requirements.

70% of Unencumbered Assets.

 – a bank loan of £295 million for TBL Properties 

There is no obligation on British Land to 
remedy any breach of these covenants and  
any remedy needed would be considered by  
the parties on a case-by-case basis.

Limited (and its subsidiaries) to 2019.

Borrowings in our joint ventures and funds
External debt for our joint ventures and  
funds has been arranged through long dated 
securitisations or bank debt, according to the 
requirements of the business of each venture.

Hercules Unit Trust has term loan facilities 
maturing in 2019 and 2020 arranged for  
its business and secured on its property 
portfolios, without recourse to British Land. 
These loans include value and income 
based covenants.

Covenant ratio
No income/interest cover ratios apply to these 
facilities, and there are no other unsecured 
debt financial covenants in the Group.

The Unencumbered Assets of the Group, not 
subject to any security, stood at £6.5 billion  
as at 31 March 2016.

Although secured assets are excluded from 
Unencumbered Assets for the covenant 
calculations, unsecured lenders benefit from 
the surplus value of these assets above the 
related debt and the free cash flow from them. 
During the year ended 31 March 2016, these 
assets generated £63 million of surplus cash 
after payment of interest. In addition, while 
investments in joint ventures do not form part 
of Unencumbered Assets, our share of profits 
generated by these ventures are regularly 
passed up to the Group.

At 31 March

Net borrowings to adjusted capital and reserves1

Net unsecured borrowings to unencumbered assets2

2012
%

44

34

2013
%

31

23

2014
%

40

31

2015
%

38

28

2016
%

34

29

Highest during the year to 31 March 2016: 
1  42%; and 
2  33%.

56

British Land    Annual Report and Accounts 2016

MANAGING RISK IN DELIVERING OUR STRATEGY

Risk management is integral to our 
strategy of delivering long term
sustainable returns

Lucinda Bell
Chair of the 
Risk Committee

The Executive Directors are responsible 
for delivering the Company’s strategy and 
managing risk. The Risk Committee (which 
is Chaired by the Chief Financial Officer 
and consists of all Executive Directors) is 
responsible for managing strategic and 
operational risk in achieving the Group’s 
performance goals. 

Whilst responsibility for oversight of risk 
management rests with the Board, the effective 
day-to-day management of risk is embedded in 
all areas of our business and forms an integral 
part of our core values and how we work. This 
bottom-up approach ensures potential risks 
are identified at an early stage, escalated as 
appropriate and mitigations are put in place  
to manage such risks. Each business unit 
maintains a comprehensive risk register which 
is reviewed quarterly by the Risk Committee, 
with significant and emerging risks escalated 
to the Audit Committee for consideration  
as appropriate.

For British Land, effective risk management is 
a cornerstone of our strategy and fundamental 
to the achievement of our strategic objectives 
in delivery of long term sustainable returns. We 
focus on the management of the principal risks 
facing our business, including those risks that 
could threaten the Group’s solvency and liquidity 
as well as identifying emerging risks, whilst at 
the same time making the most of our 
opportunities.

Our Risk Management Framework
Our integrated approach combines a top-down 
strategic view with a complementary bottom-
up operational process outlined in the diagram 
on page 58.

The Board takes overall responsibility for  
risk management with a particular focus on 
determining the nature and extent of principal 
risks it is willing to take in achieving its strategic 
objectives. This is set in the context of the 
external environment in which we operate – this 
is our risk appetite. The Audit Committee takes 
responsibility for overseeing the effectiveness 
of risk management and internal control 
systems (as outlined on page 81) on behalf of 
the Board, and also advises the Board on the 
principal risks facing the Group including those 
that would threaten its solvency or liquidity. 

British Land Core Strengths
 – High quality commercial property  

focused on regional and local multi-let 
retail assets around the UK and London 
office campuses

 – Placemaking strategy of creating  

Places People Prefer 

 – Customer orientation enables us to  
develop a deep understanding of the  
people who use our places

 – Strong and diverse occupier base

 – High occupancy and long lease lengths 

provides stable, secure cash flows

 – Mixed use development expertise

 – Ability to source and execute  
attractive investment deals

 – Efficient capital structure with good  
access to capital and debt markets

 – Sustainability credentials

Our Risk Appetite
The Group’s risk appetite is reviewed annually 
(in the context of the core strengths of our 
business model) and approved by the Board. 
This evaluation guides the actions we take in 
executing our strategy. The most significant 
judgements affecting our risk appetite include 
our assessment of prospective property 
returns; our asset selection and investment 
strategy; the level of development exposure 
and our financial leverage.

We have identified a suite of Key Risk Indicators 
(KRIs) to monitor our principal risks, which 
are reviewed quarterly by the Risk Committee, 
to ensure that the activities of the business 
remain within our risk appetite and that our 
risk exposure is well matched to changes in 
the business and operating environment. 

British Land    Annual Report and Accounts 2016

57

Strategic Report

MANAGING RISK IN DELIVERING OUR STRATEGY CONTINUED

The Board has considered the Group’s risk 
appetite and it is considered appropriate to 
achieve our strategic objectives. Our business 
is both resilient and well placed for the long 
term. Our portfolio is modern and nearly fully 
let to quality occupiers on long leases. We 
have maintained our capital discipline, with 
investment and development being broadly 
balanced by asset disposals, and reduced 
our proportionally consolidated LTV to 32%. 
Development continues to remain a core part 
of our business, and whilst our current 
commitment has reduced as our 2010 
programme has recently completed, we are 
progressing an attractive future pipeline  
of development opportunities, with the 
flexibility to move forward when the time 
is right. 

Our Risk Management Framework

Top-Down
Strategic risk management

Bottom-Up
Operational risk management

Review external environment
—
Robust assessment of principal risks
—
Set risk appetite and parameters
—
Determine strategic action points

BOARD/
AUDIT COMMITTEE

Assess effectiveness of risk
management systems 
—
Report on principal risks 
and uncertainties

Identify principal risks

—

Direct delivery of strategic actions 
in line with risk appetite

—
Monitor key risk indicators

RISK COMMITTEE/
EXECUTIVE 
DIRECTORS

Consider completeness of identified risks
and adequacy of mitigating actions 
—
Consider aggregation of risk exposures
across the business 

Execute strategic actions
—
Report on key risk indicators

BUSINESS UNITS

Report current and emerging risks
—
Identify, evaluate and mitigate operational 
risks recorded in risk register 

Assessment of Prospects
The Group’s annual corporate planning 
process includes the completion of a 
strategic review, reassessing the Group’s risk 
appetite and updating the Group’s forecasts.

The assumptions underpinning these forecast 
cash flows and covenant compliance forecasts 
were sensitised to explore the resilience of the 
Group to the potential impact of the Group’s 
significant risks, or a combination of those risks. 

 – Downturn in economic outlook: Key 

assumptions including occupancy, void 
periods, rental growth and yields were 
sensitised to reflect reasonably likely levels 
associated with an economic downturn. 

The Group’s strategy provides the focus  
for our annual priorities and is formally 
reviewed annually. This process is led  
by the Chief Executive through the  
Executive Committee and includes the  
active engagement of the Board. Part of  
the Board’s role is to consider whether  
the strategy takes appropriate account of  
the Group’s principal risks. The latest updates 
to the strategic plan and Group risk appetite 
were approved by the Board in March 2016.

The strategy and risk appetite drive the 
Group’s forecasts. These cover a five year 
period and consist of a base case forecast 
which includes committed transactions  
only, and a forecast which also includes 
non-committed transactions the Board 
expects the Group to make in line with  
the Group’s strategy.

Assessment of Viability
The period over which the Directors consider 
it feasible and appropriate to report on the 
Group’s viability is the five year period to 
31 March 2021. This period has been selected 
because it is the period that is used for the 
Group’s medium term business plans and 
individual asset performance forecasts.

The principal risks table which follows on 
pages 60 to 63 summarises those matters  
that could prevent the Group from delivering  
on its strategy. A number of these principal 
risks, because of their nature or potential 
impact, could also threaten the Group’s ability 
to continue in business in its current form if 
they were to occur. 

The Directors paid particular attention to the 
risk of a deterioration in economic outlook which 
would impact property fundamentals, including 
investor and occupier demand which would have 
a negative impact on valuations, and give rise  
to a reduction in the availability of finance.  
The remaining principal risks, whilst having an 
impact on the Group’s business model, are not 
considered by the Directors to have a reasonable 
likelihood of impacting the Group’s viability over 
the five year period to 31 March 2021. 

The sensitivities performed were designed to 
be severe but plausible; and to take full account 
of the availability of mitigating actions that 
could be taken to avoid or reduce the impact  
or occurrence of the underlying risks:

 – Restricted availability of finance: Based  

on the Group’s current commitments and 
available facilities there is no requirement 
to refinance for four years. In the normal 
course of business, financing is arranged in 
advance of expected requirements and the 
Directors have reasonable confidence that 
additional or replacement debt facilities 
will be put in place. 

Viability Statement
Having considered the forecast cash flows 
and covenant compliance and the impact of 
the sensitivities in combination, the Directors 
confirm that they have a reasonable 
expectation that the Group will be able to 
continue in operation and meet its liabilities 
as they fall due over the period ending 
31 March 2021.

Going Concern
The Directors also considered it appropriate 
to prepare the financial statements on the 
going concern basis, as explained in the 
Governance Review.

To read more information on going 
concern go to page 77

58

British Land    Annual Report and Accounts 2016

 
 
 
Risk Focus in the Year
The Board has undertaken a robust assessment 
of the principal risks facing British Land and 
our principal risks have evolved as a result  
of the uncertainty as to the outcome of the 
pending referendum on the UK’s membership 
of the EU, increased geopolitical instability and 
cyber security. External factors, such as the 
macro-economic environment, continue to 
dominate the risk landscape. Whilst we cannot 
control the external environment, we continue 
to actively monitor leading indicators on the 
economic and property cycle. 

We continue to drive improvements in our risk 
management process and the quality of risk 
information generated, whilst at the same time 
maintaining a practical approach. During the 
year, we introduced an enhanced Information 
Security Policy with the aim of providing greater 
protection of British Land’s electronic data by 
mandating increasingly secure processes, 
appropriate controls and operations and 
promoting awareness of cyber security. We 
have also reviewed and refreshed our Anti-
Bribery and Corruption policies and controls.

The principal risks facing British Land are 
summarised across the following pages, 
including an assessment of potential impact 
and likelihood together with how they relate  
to our strategic priorities. 

Our risk assessment

Principal Risks

Key Strategic 
Priorities affected 

Change in 
year 

External risks

Economic 
outlook 

Political 
outlook 

Commercial 
property 
investor 
demand 

Occupier 
demand and 
tenant default 

Availability and 
cost of finance 

Development 
cost inflation 

Catastrophic 
business event 

Internal risks

Investment 
strategy 

Development 
exposure 

Income 
sustainability 

Capital 
Structure 

Finance 
Strategy 

People 

d
o
o
h
i
l
e
k
L

i

2

3

1

5

6

7

10

9

4

8

13

11

12

Impact

Note: The above illustrates principal risks which by their nature are those which have the potential
to significantly impact the Group’s strategic objectives, financial position or reputation. 

Key

Strategic priorities

Change year-on-year

Customer 
Orientation

Right Places

Capital 
Efficiency

Expert People

Unchanged

Increased

Reduced

British Land    Annual Report and Accounts 2016

59

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Strategic Report

PRINCIPAL RISKS

External Risks
Risks and 
impacts

How we monitor 
and manage the risk

Change in the period

Economic 
outlook

The economic climate and 
projections for interest rates 
present risks and opportunities in 
property and financing markets and 
the businesses of our occupiers.

 – The Risk Committee reviews the economic 

environment in which we operate quarterly to 
assess whether any changes to the economic 
outlook justify a re-assessment of the strategy  
or risk appetite of the business. 

Political 
outlook

Commercial 
property 
investor 
demand

Significant political events 
(including the pending EU 
referendum) and policies, bring 
risks both in terms of uncertainty 
until the outcome is known and the 
impact of policies introduced 
principally in two areas:
 – reluctance of investors and 

businesses to make investment 
decisions whilst the outcome 
remains uncertain; and

 – on determination of the outcome, 

the impact on the case for 
investment in the UK, and on 
specific policies and regulation 
introduced, particularly those 
which directly impact real estate.

Reduction in investor demand for 
UK real estate may result in falls in 
asset valuations and could arise 
from variations in:
 – the health of the UK economy;
 – the attractiveness of investment 

in the UK;

 – availability of finance;
 – relative attractiveness of other 

asset classes.

 – Indicators such as forecast GDP growth, 

employment rates, business and consumer 
confidence, interest rates and inflation/deflation 
are considered, as well as central bank guidance 
and government policy updates.

 – We focus on prime assets and sectors which 
we believe will deliver outperformance over 
the medium term, benefiting from continuing 
occupier demand and investor appetite.

 – Whilst we are not able to influence the outcome 
of significant political events, we do take the 
uncertainty related to such events and the range 
of possible outcomes into account when making 
strategic investment and financing decisions.

 – We engage public affairs consultants to ensure that 
we are properly briefed on the potential policy and 
regulatory implications of political events. Where 
appropriate, we act with other industry participants 
to influence the debate on these policies.

 – The Risk Committee reviews the property market 
quarterly to assess whether any changes to the 
market outlook present risks and opportunities 
which should be reflected in the execution of our 
strategy. The Committee considers indicators such 
as margin between property yields and borrowing 
costs and property capital growth forecasts which 
are considered alongside the Committee members’ 
knowledge and experience of market activity and 
trends.

 – We focus on prime assets and sectors which we 
believe will deliver outperformance over the 
medium term, benefiting from continuing occupier 
demand and investor appetite.

 – Strong relationships with agents and direct 

investors active in the market.

Development 
cost inflation

Cost inflation presents a risk to the 
profitability of our development 
projects and has the potential to 
adversely affect our cash position 
and overall return on investment. 

 – For each project we make a judgement about 
apportionment of construction risk. Where we 
retain this risk we aim to fix costs early in the 
process, subject to other market factors, with key 
contractors subject to financial covenant review. 

 – We factor in construction cost inflation for our 
projects as part of the investment appraisal 
process to assess the viability of each development.
 – We are working with our supply chain on initiatives 
to address skills shortages and to understand how 
resource constraints could impact development 
costs in the long term.

 The UK economy has remained robust 
however there is continued economic 
and political uncertainty and concerns 
over the forthcoming EU referendum. 
Uncertainty remains over when interest 
rates will rise, albeit consensus has 
pushed back their expectations for 
interest rate rises and expects the 
increase will not be steep.

 Uncertainty remains as to the outcome 
of the pending referendum on the UK’s 
membership of the EU. We maintain 
support for remaining in the EU.

 There is uncertainty over the new 
Mayor of London’s approach to planning 
and housing. 

The geopolitical environment remains 
unstable with immigration issues 
resulting from the ongoing unrest in 
the Middle East putting pressure on 
state resources in Europe.

 There has continued to be a high level 
of investor demand for UK commercial 
property, both from domestic and 
international investors during the year. 
However, since the turn of the year, 
there has been a slowdown in 
transactions in part due to heightened 
global uncertainty and investors’ 
concerns over the pending EU 
referendum. The market for the most 
attractive assets remained highly liquid, 
however investors are becoming 
increasingly discerning with some 
softening in demand for more secondary 
assets, particularly in retail.

   There are signs that construction cost 
inflation is moderating, reflecting lower 
raw material costs. However, tender 
prices still reflect the limited capacity 
in the industry with contractors seeking 
to rebuild margins and limit their risk 
exposure. We factor cost inflation into 
our development appraisals and for 
our projects under construction 
substantially all our costs are fixed.

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British Land    Annual Report and Accounts 2016

 
 
Risks and 
impacts

Occupier 
demand and 
tenant default

Underlying income, rental growth 
and capital performance could be 
adversely affected by weakening 
occupier demand and occupier 
failures resulting from variations  
in the health of the UK economy  
and corresponding weakening  
of consumer confidence,  
business activity and investment.
Changing consumer and business 
practices (including the growth  
of internet retailing, flexible  
working practices, and demand  
for energy efficient buildings), 
new technologies, new legislation 
and alternative locations may 
result in earlier than anticipated 
obsolescence of our buildings if 
evolving occupier and regulatory 
requirements are not met.

Availability and 
cost of finance

Reduced availability of property 
finance may adversely impact 
ability to refinance debt and drive 
up cost. This may also result in 
weaker investor demand for  
real estate.
 – Increasing finance costs would 

reduce Underlying Profits.

Catastrophic 
business event

An external event such as a civil 
emergency, including a large-scale 
terrorist attack, cyber crime, 
extreme weather occurrence or 
environmental disaster could 
severely disrupt global markets 
(including property and finance) 
and cause significant damage  
and disruption to British Land’s 
portfolio and operations.

How we monitor 
and manage the risk

Change in the period

 – The Risk Committee reviews indicators of occupier 
demand quarterly including consumer confidence 
surveys, employment and ERV growth forecasts, 
alongside the Committee members’ knowledge 
and experience of occupier plans, trading 
performance and leasing activity in guiding 
execution of our strategy.

 – We have a diversified occupier base and monitor 
concentration of exposure to individual occupiers 
or sectors. We perform rigorous occupier 
covenant checks on an ongoing basis so that 
we can be proactive in managing exposure to 
weaker occupiers.

 – Ongoing engagement with our occupiers. Through 
our Key Occupier Account programme we work 
together with our occupiers to find ways to best 
meet their evolving requirements.

 – Our sustainability strategy links action on occupier 
health and wellbeing, efficiency, community and 
sustainable design to our business strategy. Our 
social and environmental targets help us comply 
with new legislation and respond to customer 
demands; for example, we expect all office 
developments to be BREEAM Excellent.

 – Market borrowing rates and real estate credit 

availability and activity are monitored by the Risk 
Committee quarterly and reviewed regularly in 
order to guide our financing actions in executing  
our strategy.

 – We maintain good relationships with our key 

financing partners and advisors.

 – We maintain a diverse range of sources of finance 
to provide access to funding as required. We aim 
always to have a good level of undrawn, committed, 
unsecured revolving facilities to ensure we have 
adequate financing availability to support business 
requirements and opportunities.

 – We work with industry bodies and other relevant 

organisations to participate in any debate of 
emerging banking regulations where our interests 
are affected.

We maintain a comprehensive crisis response plan 
across all business units as well as a head office 
business continuity plan.

 – The Risk Committee monitors the Home Office 
terrorism threat levels and we have access to 
security threat information services.

 – Asset emergency procedures are regularly 

reviewed and scenario tested. Physical security 
measures are in place at properties and 
development sites.

 – Asset risk assessments are carried out (e.g. 

security, flood, environmental, health and safety).

 – Our cyber security systems are backed up by 
incident management, disaster recovery and 
business continuity plans, all of which are regularly 
reviewed to be able to respond to changes in the 
threat landscape and organisational requirements.
 – We also have appropriate insurance in place across 

the portfolio.

 The London occupational market has 
remained strong through the period with 
healthy take-up and record low vacancy 
rates; occupiers are increasingly 
thinking about requirements several 
years in advance. The market has, 
however, slowed since the turn of the 
year, as occupiers delay decisions until 
after the pending EU referendum. 
Looking forward the development 
pipeline indicates that office supply will 
remain constrained in the near term, 
and potentially longer, if proposed 
developments continue to be delayed. 

In retail, the occupational market 
remains robust with increasing 
requirements from new entrants and 
for new store formats, particularly at 
the most attractive locations. Retailers 
are continuing to focus their portfolios 
on fewer, better stores which suits their 
omni-channel strategies. Challenges to 
retailer profitability include the living 
wage, business rates revaluation and 
the increasing cost of omni-channel 
platforms, including distribution.

 There continues to be good overall 
market appetite for real estate finance, 
depending on quality of the borrower, 
project and specific lender 
requirements. Overall, while there 
has been market volatility, financing 
costs remained relatively low. However, 
macro-economic uncertainties could 
adversely impact future liquidity 
and pricing.

 The Home Office threat level from 
international terrorism remains 
‘severe’. Our business continuity plans 
and asset emergency procedures have 
been reviewed and enhanced where 
appropriate. 

During the year, we introduced an 
enhanced Information Security Policy 
with the aim of providing greater 
protection of British Land’s electronic 
data by mandating increasingly secure 
processes, appropriate controls and 
operations and promoting awareness 
of cyber security.

KEY
Change from last year:   

  Risk exposure has increased 

  No significant change in risk exposure 

  Risk exposure has reduced

Our principal Key Risk Indicators are highlighted within ‘How we monitor and manage the risk’.

British Land    Annual Report and Accounts 2016

61

 
 
 
 
Strategic Report

PRINCIPAL RISKS CONTINUED

Internal Risks
Risks and 
impacts

Investment 
Strategy

Responsible 
executives:  
Chris Grigg, 
Charles Maudsley,  
Tim Roberts

Development 
exposure

Responsible 
executives:  
Chris Grigg, 
Charles Maudsley,  
Tim Roberts

In order to meet our strategic 
objectives we must invest in and 
exit from the right properties  
at the right time. Significant 
underperformance could  
result from inappropriate 
determination and execution  
of our property investment 
strategy, including: 
 – sector selection and weighting; 
 – timing of investment and 
divestment decisions; 

 – exposure to developments; 
 – sector, asset, tenant, region 

concentration; 

 – co-investment arrangements.

Development provides an 
opportunity for outperformance  
but this brings with it elevated risk. 
The care with which we make our 
decisions around which schemes  
to develop when, as well as our 
execution of these projects,  
must reflect this.
Development risks could adversely 
impact underlying income and 
capital performance including:
 – development letting exposure; 
 – construction timing and costs; 
 – major contractor failure; 
 – adverse planning judgements.

People

Responsible 
executive:  
Chris Grigg

A number of critical business 
processes and decisions lie  
in the hands of a few people. 
Failure to recruit, develop and  
retain staff and Directors with  
the right skills and experience  
may result in significant 
underperformance or impact the 
effectiveness of operations and 
decision making, in turn impacting 
business performance.

How we monitor 
and manage the risk

Change in the period

Our investment strategy is determined to be 
consistent with our target risk appetite and is based 
on the evaluation of the external environment.

 – Progress against the strategy and continuing 
alignment with our risk appetite is discussed 
at each Risk Committee with reference to the 
property markets and the external economic 
environment.

 – Individual investment decisions are subject to 

robust risk evaluation overseen by our Investment 
Committee including consideration of returns 
relative to risk adjusted hurdle rates.

 – Review of prospective performance of individual 

assets and their business plans.

 – We foster collaborative relationships with our 

co-investors and enter into ownership agreements 
which balance the interests of the parties.

We maintain our levels of total and speculative 
development exposure as a proportion of the 
investment portfolio value within a target range 
taking into account associated risks and the impact 
on key financial metrics. This is monitored quarterly 
by the Risk Committee along with progress of 
developments against plan.

 – Prior to committing to a development, the Group 
undertakes a detailed appraisal overseen by our 
Investment Committee including consideration 
of returns relative to risk adjusted hurdle rates. 
 – Pre-let targets are used to reduce development 

letting risk where considered appropriate.

 – We actively engage with the communities in which 
we operate, as detailed in our Local Charter, to 
ensure that our development activities consider 
the interests of all stakeholders. 

 – We manage environmental and social risks across 
our development supply chain by engaging with our 
suppliers, including through our Sustainability Brief 
for Developments and Health and Safety Policy.

Our HR strategy is designed to minimise risk through:
 – informed and skilled recruitment processes;
 – talent, performance management and succession 

planning for key roles;

 – highly competitive compensation and benefits;
 – people development and training;

The risk is measured through employee engagement 
surveys, employee turnover and retention metrics 
and regular ‘people review’ activities.

We monitor this through the number of unplanned 
executive departures in addition to conducting exit 
interviews.
We engage with our outsourced suppliers to make 
clear our requirements in managing key risks 
including health and safety, fraud and bribery and 
other social and environmental risks, as detailed 
in our Supply Chain Charter.

 We are focusing the business around 
long term trends and continue to see 
the benefits of the investments we 
made in recent years. In line with our 
priorities set out last year, we have 
focused our investment on London 
and the South East, and investing 
around transport infrastructure; 
we’ve achieved some key development 
milestones and are also getting closer 
to our customers. In Retail, we made 
£420 million of disposals as we increase 
our focus on the multi-let portfolio 
where we can put our placemaking 
skills to work to drive rental growth.
 Our investment strategy is 
outlined on pages 24 to 25

 Development is an important part 
of our business and a key driver of 
returns. We have assembled an 
attractive pipeline of development 
opportunities which gives us growth 
into the future, and where we are able 
to make timely decisions to reflect 
changes in market conditions. These 
include exciting opportunities across 
our three existing London campuses, 
the potential to create a new London 
campus at Canada Water, alongside 
significant investment opportunities 
in our existing Retail assets.
 For more on our development 
programme, see pages 37 to 39

 Having expert people is one of the four 
core focus areas of our business model. 
We provide a strong corporate culture 
committed to our people, a great 
working environment, competitive 
benefits and career development 
opportunities. We empower our people 
to make the most of their potential with 
us. Our high level of staff engagement 
was recognised by maintaining a One 
Star rating in the Sunday Times Best 
Companies to Work For survey.
 For more on our expert people, 
see page 23 

62

British Land    Annual Report and Accounts 2016

Risks and 
impacts

Capital 
Structure 
– leverage

Responsible 
executive:  
Lucinda Bell

Finance 
strategy 
execution

Responsible 
executive:  
Lucinda Bell

Income 
sustainability

Responsible 
executives:  
Lucinda Bell, 
Charles Maudsley, 
Tim Roberts

How we monitor 
and manage the risk

Change in the period

We maintain a capital structure 
which recognises the balance 
between performance, risk  
and flexibility. 
 – Leverage magnifies returns,  
both positive and negative. 

 – An increase in leverage increases 
the risk of a breach of covenants  
on borrowing facilities and may 
increase finance costs.

 – We manage our mix of equity and debt  

financing to achieve the right balance between 
enhancing returns for shareholders and the  
risk of higher leverage.

 – We monitor our LTV to manage leverage levels  
over the property cycle and seek to ensure that  
LTV should not exceed a maximum threshold if 
market yields were to rise to previous peak levels. 
This means we will not increase our LTV if asset 
values increase only as a result of market  
yield improvement.

 – We manage our investment activity, the size 

and timing of which can be uneven, as well as 
our development commitments to ensure that 
our LTV level remains appropriate.

 – We leverage our equity and achieve benefits of 

scale while spreading risk through joint ventures 
and funds which are typically partly financed with 
debt without recourse to British Land.

Our strategy addresses risks both 
to continuing solvency and the 
stability of our profits. 

Failure to manage the refinancing 
requirement may result in a 
shortage of funds to sustain 
the operations of the business 
or repay facilities as they fall due. 

This and a breach of financial 
covenant limits are considered to  
be significant risks to the continuing 
operation of British Land as a  
going concern.

We have five key principles guiding our financing 
which together are employed to manage the risks 
in this area: diversify our sources of finance, phase 
maturity of debt portfolio, maintain liquidity, maintain 
flexibility, and maintain strong balance sheet metrics. 
See page 55 for further details.

 – We monitor the period until refinancing is 

required, which is a key determinant of financing 
activity, and regularly evaluate the likelihood of 
covenant breach.

 – We are committed to maintaining and enhancing 
relationships with our key financing partners.
 – We are mindful of relevant emerging regulation 
which has the potential to impact the way that 
we finance the Group.

We must be mindful of maintaining 
sustainable income streams in 
order to continue to generate 
returns for our shareholders  
and provide the platform from 
which to grow the business  
through development and  
capital appreciation.
We consider sustainability  
of our income streams in: 
 – execution of investment  

strategy and capital recycling, 
notably timing of reinvestment  
of sale proceeds; 

 – nature and structure  
of leasing activity;
 – nature and timing of  

asset management and 
development activity.

 – We undertake comprehensive profit and cash 

flow forecasting incorporating scenario analysis 
to model the impact of proposed transactions.

 – Pro-active asset management approach to 

maintain strong occupier line-up. We monitor 
our market letting exposure including vacancies, 
upcoming expiries and breaks and tenants in 
administration as well as our weighted average 
lease length.

 – We have a diversified occupier base and monitor 
concentration of exposure to individual occupiers 
or sectors.

 – We are proactive in addressing key lease breaks 

and expiries to minimise periods of vacancy.
 – We actively engage with the communities in 

which we operate, as detailed in our Local Charter, 
to ensure we provide buildings that meet the needs 
of all relevant stakeholders.

 Balance sheet metrics in the year 
remained strong. We have maintained 
our capital discipline with investment 
and development being broadly 
balanced by asset disposals, and 
reduced our proportionally consolidated 
LTV to 32% in line with our strategy to 
not increase leverage solely on the basis 
of an improvement in market yields.

 For more on our financial 
policies, see pages 54 to 56

 We continue to achieve attractive 
financings which improve earnings 
and liquidity. We have completed over 
£1 billion of financing activity during 
the year, including a zero coupon £350 
million senior unsecured convertible 
bond due 2020 which provides further 
diversification of our sources of 
finance, and includes flexible 
settlement options. Based on current 
commitments and our current available 
facilities, the Group has no requirement 
to refinance for four years.

 For more on our financial policies, 
see pages 54 to 56

 The quality of our portfolio and 
environments enables us to attract 
some of the strongest occupiers to 
our properties; this, together with our 
high occupancy levels and long lease 
lengths, provides security of income. 
We are increasing the diversity of our 
occupier mix and no single occupier 
accounts for more than 5.7% of 
revenues. In delivering our investment 
strategy we are mindful of the impact 
on our income security.

KEY
Change from last year:   

  Risk exposure has increased 

  No significant change in risk exposure 

  Risk exposure has reduced

Our principal Key Risk Indicators are highlighted within ‘How we monitor and manage the risk’.

British Land    Annual Report and Accounts 2016

63

 
 
 
 
Governance and 
remuneration

Board of Directors 

Board of Directors – biographies 

Chairman’s governance review 

Our governance structure 

Governance review 

Report of the Audit Committee 

Report of the Nomination Committee 

Remuneration report 

Letter from the Chairman of the Remuneration Committee 

Remuneration Policy 

Annual Report on Remuneration 

Directors’ report and  
additional disclosures 

Directors’ responsibility statement 

66

68

70

72

74

80

84

86

90

99

111

113

Photo taken by Sonni Modi 

64

British Land    Annual Report and Accounts 2016

British Land    Annual Report and Accounts 2016

65

Governance and remuneration

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Our Board develops strategy  
and leads British Land to  
achieve long term success

Chris Grigg
Chief Executive

Appointed in January 2009 

Lord Turnbull
Senior Independent Director 

Appointed Non-Executive Director  
in April 2006; became Senior 
Independent Director in January 2013

Lynn Gladden
Non-Executive Director

Appointed in March 2015

Charles Maudsley
Head of Retail and Leisure

Appointed in February 2010

Simon Borrows
Non-Executive Director

Appointed in March 2011

William Jackson
Non-Executive Director

Appointed in April 2011

66

British Land    Annual Report and Accounts 2016

Tim Score
Non-Executive Director

Appointed in March 2014

Lucinda Bell
Chief Financial Officer 

Appointed in March 2011; became 
Chief Financial Officer in May 2011

Aubrey Adams
Non-Executive Director

Appointed in September 2008

Laura Wade-Gery
Non-Executive Director

Appointed in May 2015

Tim Roberts
Head of Offices and Residential 

Appointed in July 2006

John Gildersleeve
Non-Executive Chairman

Appointed Non-Executive Director in 
September 2008 and Chairman in 
January 2013

British Land    Annual Report and Accounts 2016

67

Governance and remuneration

BOARD OF DIRECTORS – BIOGRAPHIES

About the Board

Board composition

Men

9
3

Women

Board of Directors

8%

33%

59%

  Non-Executive Chairman

  Independent Non-Executive Directors

  Executive Directors

Directors’ core areas of expertise1

Property

Finance

Retail and consumer

12%

Academic

Public sector

6%

6%

1  Some Directors are represented in more than one category.

Executive Directors’ appointments

50%

Appointed internally

50%

Appointed externally

Length of Non-Executive Directors’ tenures

Non-Executive Chairman

John Gildersleeve

Skills and experience: John is deputy chairman and senior independent 
director of Spire Healthcare Group plc and deputy chairman of TalkTalk 
Telecom Group PLC. John was the chairman of Carphone Warehouse 
Group until December 2015 and a non-executive director of Pick n Pay SA 
until March 2016. He was formerly chairman of New Look Retail Group, 
EMI Group and Gallaher Group; a non-executive director of Dixons 
Carphone plc, Lloyds TSB Bank PLC and Vodafone Group and an 
executive director of Tesco plc (B.3.1) 

. 

Committee membership: 
 – Nomination (Chairman)

Executive Directors

Chris Grigg
Chief Executive

Skills and experience: Chris was chief executive of Barclays Commercial 
Bank until November 2008, having joined the bank in 2005. Prior to 
Barclays, he was a partner of Goldman Sachs, where his career spanned 
20 years. 

38%

38%

External appointments: 
 – Non-executive director of BAE Systems plc. 
 – Member of the executive board of the European Public  

Real Estate Association.

 – Member of the board of the British Property Federation.

Lucinda Bell
Chief Financial Officer

Skills and experience: Lucinda is a chartered accountant with  
over 20 years of industry experience. In 2006 she was a member  
of the HM Treasury appointed working party which designed the 
implementation of the REIT regime.

External appointments: 
 – Non-executive director of Rotork plc. 
 – Member of the Accounting for Sustainability CFO Leadership Network.

Charles Maudsley
Head of Retail and Leisure 

Under 3 years

3 to 6 years

Over 6 years

24%

38%

38%

Skills and experience: Charles joined British Land in 2010 from LaSalle 
Investment Management. He had previously been with AXA Real Estate 
Investment Managers for seven years. 

Tim Roberts
Head of Offices and Residential

Skills and experience: Before joining British Land in 1997 Tim was  
a partner at Drivers Jonas, in the Investment Agency team. He was 
formerly a non-executive director of Songbird Estates until 2009.

External appointments: 
 – Trustee of the property industry charity, LandAid,  

and Chair of the Grants Committee.

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British Land    Annual Report and Accounts 2016

Non-Executive Directors

Aubrey Adams

Skills and experience: Aubrey is group chair of L&Q, the housing 
association and residential developer. He was formerly head of property 
within RBS’s Restructuring Division, a non-executive director of Pinnacle 
Regeneration Group Limited, senior independent director of Associated 
British Ports PLC, non-executive chairman of Unitech Corporate Parks 
PLC, non-executive chairman of Air Partner PLC, chief executive of 
Savills PLC and non-executive chairman of Max Property Group PLC. 
Aubrey is chairman of the board of trustees of Wigmore Hall.

Committee membership: 
 – Audit

Simon Borrows

Skills and experience: Simon is the chief executive of 3i Group plc and a 
member of the supervisory board of Peer Holdings BV, the Dutch holding 
company for 3i’s investment in Action, the non-food discount retailer. 
He worked for 28 years in the banking and finance industry, most 
recently as chairman of Greenhill & Co. International LLP. He was also 
chief executive officer of Baring Brothers International Limited, the 
corporate finance division of ING Barings and was a non-executive 
director of Inchcape plc until May 2015.

Committee membership: 
 – Audit

Lynn Gladden

Skills and experience: Lynn is a non-executive director of IP Group plc. 
She is Professor of Chemical Engineering at the University of Cambridge, 
commissioner of the Royal Commission for the Exhibition of 1851 and 
a fellow of the Royal Society and Royal Academy of Engineering. She 
was formerly a member of the Council of the Engineering and Physical 
Sciences Research Council and held the position of pro-vice-chancellor 
for research at the University of Cambridge until 31 December 2015. 

Committee membership: 
 – Remuneration

William Jackson 

Skills and experience: William is Managing Partner of Bridgepoint, one 
of Europe’s leading private equity groups, which he has led since 2002. 
He also serves as chairman of the board of Pret A Manger and president 
of Dorna Sports SL, the rights holder to the MotoGP world motorcycling 
championships. He has served on a range of boards during his career 
and has extensive operational and transaction experience.

Committee membership: 
 – Remuneration
 – Nomination

Laura Wade-Gery 

Skills and experience: Laura is an executive director, Multi Channel of 
Marks and Spencer Group plc (M&S). Prior to joining M&S in July 2011, 
she had served in a variety of senior roles at Tesco PLC. Laura was a 
non-executive director of Trinity Mirror plc until 2012. Laura is a trustee 
of the Royal Opera House and Aldeburgh Music.

Committee membership: 
 – Remuneration

Tim Score 

Skills and experience: Tim is a non-executive director of Pearson plc 
and HM Treasury. He was formerly chief financial officer of ARM 
Holdings PLC and held senior financial positions at Rebus Group Limited, 
William Baird plc, LucasVarity plc and BTR plc. From 2005 to 2014, 
he was a non-executive director of National Express Group PLC.

Committee membership: 
 – Audit (Chairman)

Lord Turnbull
Senior Independent Director 

Skills and experience: Andrew entered the House of Lords in 2005 
as a Crossbench Life Peer. He retired as Secretary of the Cabinet and 
Head of the Home Civil Service in July 2005. Andrew previously held 
the positions of Permanent Secretary of HM Treasury and Permanent 
Secretary at the Department of the Environment. He was formerly a 
non-executive director of Arup Group, chairman of BH Global Limited 
and a non-executive of Prudential PLC from 2006 until May 2015. He  
was a non-executive director of Frontier Economics Ltd from 2006 
until November 2015.

Committee membership: 
 – Remuneration (Chairman)
 – Nomination

Company Secretary

Elaine Williams

Elaine was appointed Company Secretary and General Counsel in 
November 2015. She was formerly Deputy Group Company Secretary  
at HSBC Holdings plc and, prior to that, a partner at Freshfields 
Bruckhaus Deringer.

British Land    Annual Report and Accounts 2016

69

Governance and remuneration
Strategic Report

CHAIRMAN’S GOVERNANCE REVIEW

Welcome to the Corporate Governance  
and Remuneration sections of our  
Annual Report

Our robust governance structure is an integral part of the way British Land 
designs and delivers its strategy; supporting effective decision-making 
and enabling the right people to have access to the right information at the 
right time. As reported in the Chief Executive’s review, we have delivered 
another strong set of results as we progress in implementing our strategy 
of creating ‘Places People Prefer’. The Board continues to make a valuable 
contribution in overseeing the delivery of our strategy, providing 
constructive challenge to management and ensuring key risks  
are identified and properly managed.

More information on our strategy and 
progress can be found on pages 18 to 25

British Land has a highly effective Board, as confirmed by this year’s 
internally conducted Board evaluation exercise, reinforcing the positive 
results of last year’s externally facilitated evaluation. We have not made 
any changes to the Board or Committee membership this year, other 
than the appointment of Laura Wade-Gery on 13 May 2015, which we 
reported on last year. We are not proposing any changes to the Board 
at the 2016 Annual General Meeting (AGM).

Read our Board biographies on pages 66 to 69

We value continuity and experience of British Land’s business and are 
delighted to endorse the Nomination Committee’s recommendation 
that Lord Turnbull be re-appointed as Senior Independent Director. 
Lord Turnbull will step down as Chairman of the Remuneration 
Committee following this year’s Annual General Meeting, although he 
will remain a member of that committee. William Jackson has agreed 
to take on the position of Chairman of the Remuneration Committee.

The Remuneration Committee has recommended that we seek approval 
this year of a new Remuneration Policy, as our Matching Share Plan 
expires this year. Amendments to our Long-Term Incentive Plan (LTIP) 
are proposed to deliver a simplified remuneration structure with one 
long term incentive arrangement. No other material changes to the 
existing policy are proposed. 

The Remuneration Report is set out on 
pages 86 to 110

John Gildersleeve
Chairman

Directors’ attendance during the year ended  
31 March 2016 
John Gildersleeve
Chris Grigg
Lord Turnbull
Aubrey Adams
Lucinda Bell
Simon Borrows
Lynn Gladden
William Jackson1
Charles Maudsley
Tim Roberts
Tim Score1
Laura Wade-Gery2

8/8
8/8
8/8
8/8
8/8
8/8
8/8
7/8
8/8
8/8
7/8
4/6

1 

2 

 William Jackson and Tim Score were unable to attend an unscheduled Board 
meeting called on short notice and held by telephone, due to pre-existing 
business commitments.
 Laura Wade-Gery was appointed on 13 May 2015. Laura Wade-Gery was 
unable to attend one Board meeting due to a pre-existing business 
commitment and one due to illness. 
(A.1.2) 

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British Land    Annual Report and Accounts 2016

We believe that good governance requires open engagement with 
stakeholders and have sought and responded to feedback about our 
governance structures and the way our business is run. We have 
consulted widely, and taken into account investor views, in relation to 
the proposed changes to our LTIP and hope to receive your continued 
support of our Remuneration Policy to enable us to offer competitive 
remuneration structures to attract and retain the best people. I look 
forward to receiving your feedback on this and other matters at and 
in advance of our AGM on 19 July 2016.

John Gildersleeve
Non-Executive Chairman 

Chairman’s statement go to pages 4 to 5

Paddington Central 

Compliance with the Code
The Board has continued to apply good governance practices during  
the year, operating in compliance with the UK Corporate Governance 
Code (the ‘Code’). For ease of reference, this is how we demonstrate 
our compliance throughout the Governance and remuneration section  
of the Annual Report and Accounts 2016:

A. Leadership

B. Effectiveness

C. Accountability

D. Remuneration

E.  Relations with shareholders

Ealing Broadway

British Land    Annual Report and Accounts 2016

71

Governance and remuneration
Strategic Report

OUR GOVERNANCE STRUCTURE 

Our governance structure ensures 
that the right people have access  
to the right information

Board
 – Develops strategy and leads British Land 

Non-Executive Chairman
 – Leads the Board and ensures it operates 

to achieve long term success
 – Determines nature and extent 

of significant risks

effectively

 – Maintains a culture of openness and debate
 – Ensures effective dialogue between the 

 – Maintains dialogue with shareholders

Board and shareholders 

Independent Non-Executive Directors
 – Work with and challenge Executive Directors
 – Provide an independent, external perspective
 – Contribute with a broad range of experience  

and expertise

Committees of the Board
 – Report on their activities to the Board

Audit Committee
 – Oversees financial and narrative reporting, 
internal control, risk management systems 
and audit processes

Nomination Committee
 – Leads process for Board appointments 
and evaluates composition of the Board 
and its Committees

  Report of the Audit Committee 
see pages 80 to 83

 Report of the Nomination Committee 
see pages 84 to 85

Management Committees
 – Report on their activities to the Board  
and its Committees, as appropriate

Risk Committee
 – Manages strategic and operational risk in 

achieving the Company’s performance goals
 – Recommends appropriate risk appetite levels
 – Monitors the Company’s risk exposure
 – Reviews operation of risk management 

processes

 – Meets four times a year
 – Reports to the Audit Committee
 – Chaired by Chief Financial Officer
 – Membership: Executive Directors

Executive Committee
 – Considers day-to-day operational matters  

for running the business

 – Reviews performance of the Group’s assets  

and development programme
 – Generally meets twice monthly
 – Reports to the Board
 – Chaired by Chief Executive
 – Membership: Executive Directors and six  

senior executives 

Operations Committee
 – Provides collaborative leadership across  

the Company, operationalises business strategy, 
champions vision, placemaking and values  
and leads change in the business
 – Meets regularly through the year
 – Membership: senior individuals across  

business functions 

Health and Safety Committee
 – Reviews performance against targets and drives 

forward actions in pursuit of the Company’s 
health and safety goals
 – Meets four times a year
 – Reports to the Risk Committee
 – Chaired by Chief Financial Officer
 – Membership: staff with relevant responsibilities 

from across the business

 – Three subcommittees: Construction, Managed 

Portfolio and Head Office (staff committee)

72

British Land    Annual Report and Accounts 2016

Matters reserved for Board approval
 – Transactions and financing arrangements over £100 million.
 – Issue of securities.
 – Employee share and option schemes.
 – Documents for distribution to shareholders and the Annual Report 

and Accounts.

 – Dividends.
 – Establishing authority levels below those of the Board.

Chief Executive and Executive Directors
 – Day-to-day management of the business  

and implementation of strategy

 – Overall responsibility lies with the Chief 

Executive, with specific areas delegated to the 
Executive Directors (Retail, Finance, Offices)

Remuneration Committee
 – Sets remuneration of the Chairman, 
Chief Executive, Executive Directors  
and Company Secretary

Remuneration report see pages 86 to 110

Investment Committee
 – Reviews, approves or recommends 

capital transactions

 – Recommends major transactions 

for Board approval
 – Meets as required
 – Chaired by Chief Executive
 – Membership: Executive Directors

Investment: sticking to our strategy  
see page 77 

Charity and Community Committee
 – Approves all spend under the charity  

and community budget

 – Reports to the Executive Committee
 – Chaired by a Senior Retail Asset Manager

Sustainability Committee
 – Custodian for sustainability strategy
 – Reports to the Board
 – Chaired by Chief Financial Officer
 – Membership: executives with defined areas  

of responsibility

British Land    Annual Report and Accounts 2016

73

Governance and remuneration
Strategic Report

GOVERNANCE REVIEW

Our robust governance structure is an 
integral part of the way we design and 
deliver our strategy

The Board has continued to apply good governance practices during 
the year and considers that the Company has fully complied with the UK 
Corporate Governance Code (the Code). This section of the Annual Report 
and Accounts 2016 outlines how we have applied the Code’s principles 
and provisions throughout the year. We are reporting against the Code 
which applies to companies with reporting periods beginning on or after 
1 October 2014. A copy of the Code is available at www.frc.org.uk

Leadership
The Board’s core responsibilities include setting British Land’s strategic 
aims and leading the Company as it works to achieve these aims and 
attain long term success. The Board focuses on strategy throughout 
the year and the annual Strategy Days provide a key opportunity to 
do this, as explained in the box to the right. Progress against, and the 
appropriateness of, the agreed strategy are considered at Board 
meetings during the year, in light of Company performance and 
changes to the external environment. 

There is a written division of responsibilities between the Chairman 
(responsible for running the Board) and the Chief Executive (responsible 
for running the Company’s business), which has been approved by the 
Board (A.2.1) 

.

The Executive Directors, led by the Chief Executive, are responsible  
for ensuring that the business is run in accordance with the Board’s 
strategy. The relatively small number of employees at British Land 
means that the Executive Directors are involved in, or aware of, all major 
activities of the Group – hence they are extremely well placed to ensure 
that actions are aligned with the Board’s strategy. This is exemplified by 
the process by which investment opportunities are appraised. More 
information on the involvement of the Executive Directors in the 
investment process can be found on page 77.

The Board sets the parameters and controls within which the Company’s 
management may operate when undertaking the day-to-day running of 
the business. These controls ensure that decisions are taken by people 
with the correct authority to do so.

. 

The major decisions reserved for Board approval and other decisions 
delegated to the Executive Directors are formally documented (A.1.1) 
The Executive Directors make decisions within these predefined 
parameters. Decisions that would normally fall within these parameters 
may still be taken to the full Board for approval where such decisions 
relate to activities outside the ordinary course of business or where 
the Executive Directors consider it appropriate to do so. Management 
Committees deal with their specific areas of responsibility before making 
decisions (where they have authority to do so) or recommending actions 
for Board-level approval, if this is required. A key consideration when 
making each decision is on whether the proposed action is aligned with 
the strategy the Board has developed.

74

British Land    Annual Report and Accounts 2016

The Chairman meets with individual Directors outside formal Board 
meetings, as part of each Director’s continuing contribution to the 
delivery of the Company’s strategy. This process also allows for open, 
two-way discussion about the effectiveness of the Board, its Committees 
and individual Directors, both Executive and Non-Executive. By these 
means, the Chairman is continually informed of the views of individual 
Directors and can act as necessary to deal with any issues relating to 
Board effectiveness before they become a risk to the Company.

The Strategy Days
The annual Strategy Days held in February are attended by the full 
Board and the Executive Committee.

The Executive Directors, senior executives and external guests deliver 
a number of presentations to the Board, providing an in-depth analysis 
on all aspects of the business and the external environment. The 
Strategy Days are a key opportunity to discuss, challenge and develop 
the Company’s strategy.

As well as considering the Group as a whole and the overall corporate 
strategy, consideration is given to each part of the Group’s current and 
prospective portfolio, and to Group financing. 

The days are carefully structured to achieve a balance between 
presentations and time for debate and discussion.

Areas focused on at the 2016 Strategy Days included:
 – Corporate Strategy
 – Feedback from Investor Perception Audit
 – Office Strategy
 – Retail Strategy
 – Canada Water

Culture and composition of the Board
The composition of the Board is a fundamental driver of its success as  
it provides strong and effective leadership; the breadth of knowledge, 
skills and experience of our Non-Executive Directors is detailed in their 
biographies on pages 68 and 69. The Nomination Committee is responsible 
for reviewing the composition of the Board and Board-level Committees 
and assessing whether the balance of skills, experience, knowledge and 
independence is appropriate to enable them to operate effectively (B.2.2) 

. 

The procedure for the appointment of new Directors is rigorous and 
transparent. Other than the appointment of Laura Wade-Gery on 13 May 
2015, no changes to the composition of the Board occurred during the year.

Non-Executive Directors are appointed for specified terms and all 
Directors offer themselves for election or re-election by shareholders  
at the Annual General Meeting (AGM) each year, if the Board, on the 
recommendation of the Nomination Committee, deems it appropriate 
that they remain in office (B.7) 

Lord Turnbull has been a Non-Executive Director since April 2006.  
He has now completed ten years in office. Whilst taking into account the 
need to progressively refresh its members through new appointments, 
the Board recognises the importance of continuity and the value  
that Directors who serve for many years are able to bring. When a 
Non-Executive Director’s tenure goes further than nine years their 
independence is carefully reviewed and monitored. The Nomination 
Committee has again rigorously reviewed Lord Turnbull’s contribution 
and independence over the years, and recommended to the Board that 
it is appropriate for him to remain in office and the Board is satisfied  
that he remains independent (B.2.3) 

.

We continue to have a strong mix of experienced individuals on the Board, 
with the majority being Non-Executive Directors who are independent 
and can offer an external perspective on the business and constructively 
challenge the Executive Directors, particularly when developing the 
Company’s strategy (B.1.1) 
. The Non-Executive Directors 
scrutinise the performance of management in meeting their agreed 
goals and objectives, and monitor the reporting of performance. They 
satisfy themselves of the integrity of financial information and that 
internal controls and systems of risk management are effective.

 (B.1.2) 

The Board culture is one of openness and constructive debate; the 
Directors voice their opinions in a relaxed and respectful environment, 
allowing coherent discussion. The Chairman is responsible for maintaining 
this culture. He does so by ensuring information of an appropriate quality 
is provided in a timely manner before Board meetings; the opportunity to 
properly consider such information in advance leads to focused discussion 
in the boardroom. When running Board meetings the Chairman maintains 
a collaborative atmosphere and ensures that all Directors contribute  
to debates. The Chairman arranges informal meetings and events 
throughout the year to help build constructive relationships between  
the Board members.

The high calibre of debate and the participation of all Directors, Executive 
and Non-Executive, allow the Board to utilise the experience and skills 
of the individual Directors to their maximum potential and make 
well-considered decisions that are in the best interest of the Company.

The Board considers that Aubrey Adams, Simon Borrows, Lynn Gladden, 
William Jackson, Tim Score, Lord Turnbull and Laura Wade-Gery are 
independent. In making this determination, the Board has considered 
whether each Director is independent in character and judgement, and 
whether there are relationships or circumstances which are likely to 
affect, or could appear to affect, the Director’s judgement (B.1.1) 

. 

The Board believes that the Non-Executive Directors’ biographies 
demonstrate that they are of the stature and experience required to 
properly perform their roles as independent Non-Executive Directors. 
Following this year’s Board evaluation, the Board believes each Non-
Executive Director standing for re-election at the next AGM continues to 
effectively fulfil and remains committed to their role within British Land. 
The terms and conditions of appointment of Non-Executive Directors are 
available for inspection at the Company’s registered office and at the AGM 
(B.3.2) 

.

Effectiveness
Regular Board and Committee meetings are scheduled throughout 
the year and the Directors ensure that they allocate sufficient time to 
discharge their duties effectively. Occasionally, Board meetings may be 
held at short notice, when Board-level decisions of a time-critical nature 
need to be made. Non-Executive Directors’ letters of appointment set out 
the time commitments expected and each Director’s attendance record 
(shown on page 70) is considered when assessing whether they should 
stand for reappointment by shareholders.

The Chairman considers that all the Directors continue to devote 
sufficient time to discharging their duties to the required high standard. 
British Land’s policy is to allow Executive Directors to take one non-
executive directorship at another FTSE company, subject to British Land 
Board approval. External appointments of the Directors are disclosed in  
their biographies and fees earned by Executive Directors are disclosed 
on page 101 of the Remuneration Report. (D.1.2) 

The Directors are required to notify the Company of any potential 
conflicts of interest that may affect them in their roles as Directors of 
British Land. All potential conflicts of interest are recorded and reviewed 
by the full Board at least annually. 

The Non-Executive Directors are kept well informed of the key 
developments in the business by both the Executive Directors and other 
senior executives, through regular reports and presentations. Reports 
include a Management Report delivered by the Chief Executive at each 
Board meeting and updates on the activities of the Risk and Sustainability 
Committees.

Throughout the year presentations and reports on specific aspects of 
the business and individual assets are also delivered, along with updates 
on the regulatory and external environment.

Care is taken to ensure that information is circulated in good time  
before Board and Committee meetings whenever possible, and that 
reports are presented clearly and contain the appropriate level of detail 
to enable the Board to discharge its duties. It is the Company Secretary’s 
role to facilitate effective information flows between the Board and  
its Committees, and between senior management and Non-Executive 
Directors. The Company Secretary is responsible for advising the  
Board on governance matters, through the Chairman (B.5.2) 

.

The Non-Executive Directors are therefore able to monitor the 
management of the business and the implementation of the strategic 
aims effectively, and are able to assess the suitability of the current 
strategy and the performance of the Chairman and Executive Directors 
(B.5.1) 

.

Board evaluation
The effectiveness of the Board and its Committees is reviewed annually, 
with an independent, externally facilitated review being conducted at 
least once every three years. The last external review was conducted 
in 2015 (B.6.2). 

.

An internal review of the Board and its Committees was conducted in 
2016 by the Company Secretary by way of questionnaire and covered 
the following areas: (i) role, organisation and a composition of the Board 
and its Committees; (ii) agenda; (iii) corporate governance; (iv) quality  
of information; (v) monitoring Company performance; and (vi) Board 
leadership and culture. The review concluded that overall the Board 
operated very effectively with a continuous, high standard of performance 
throughout the year (B.6.1). 

.

British Land    Annual Report and Accounts 2016

75

 
Governance and remuneration
Strategic Report

GOVERNANCE REVIEW CONTINUED

During the year the Chairman met each Non-Executive Director 
individually to discuss their contribution to the Board and the Senior 
Independent Director met with the other Non-Executive Directors (with 
Executive Directors present) to discuss the performance of the Chairman 
(A.4.2) 
an appraisal of the Chief Executive’s performance by the Chairman, 
and an appraisal of the performance of the Executive Directors by  
the Chief Executive.

. The Remuneration Committee was provided with 

 (B.6.3) 

Board training and development 
British Land provides for all Directors a tailored and thorough induction, 
including the opportunity to meet with senior executives to be given 
an overview of their specific areas of responsibility within the business, 
and the opportunity to visit the Company’s key properties and 
developments (B.4.1) 

.

The Company also offers Directors opportunities to update and refresh 
their knowledge on an ongoing basis, to enable them to continue fulfilling 
their roles as Board members and Committee members effectively.  
This includes training opportunities and further visits to the Company’s 
properties, as required. In 2015/16 the Board held meetings at the 
Company’s properties: Broadgate Estate and Paddington Central 
in addition to the Company’s head office. Updates on the external 
environment and regulatory matters are delivered to the Board 
and relevant committees by external speakers, including corporate 
governance updates (B.4.2) 

.

Key areas discussed and reviewed by the Board  
in 2016 

 – outcomes of the Board Strategy Days and approval of strategy;
 – approval of risk appetite;
 – principal risks faced by the Company;
 – reports of the activities of the Audit (including risk), Remuneration  

and Nomination Committees;

 – Chief Executive’s Management Reports: quarterly updates on 

the business and external environment;

 – updates on the portfolio, including developments, acquisitions 

and disposals;

 – updates on financing;
 – results of the Board performance evaluation;
 – reappointment of Directors at the AGM;
 – conflicts of interest;
 – approval of year end results, the Annual Report and Accounts, 

the AGM Circular and dividends;

 – people: development and succession planning;
 – health & safety;
 – sustainability;
 – investor relations reports;
 – Remuneration policy;
 – cybersecurity; and 
 – information technology.

76

British Land    Annual Report and Accounts 2016

Accountability
The Board is responsible for preparing the Annual Report and Accounts 
and, as confirmed in the Directors’ responsibility statement, the Board 
believes that this Annual Report and Accounts, taken as a whole, is fair, 
balanced and understandable, and provides the information necessary  
to assess British Land’s position, performance, business model and 
strategy (C.1.1) 
. The basis on which the Company creates and 
preserves value over the long term is described in the strategic 
report (C.1.2) 

.

The Directors Responsibility Statement is set out on page 113

Strategic report see pages 1 to 63

The Annual Report and Accounts is compiled by the relevant responsible 
individuals across the Company. Specific sections are reviewed by 
Department Heads and Executive Committee members as appropriate, 
ensuring that all key stakeholders across the business are involved.  
The Executive Directors are closely involved in drafting and reviewing 
their relevant sections of the Report, before formally signing them off. 
Finance, Investor Relations and Company Secretariat conduct a robust 
due diligence process, verifying key statements made within the Annual 
Report and Accounts. The full Annual Report and Accounts is then 
reviewed thoroughly by the Audit Committee, before it is presented  
to the Board for approval.

The procedure undertaken to enable the Board to provide the fair, 
balanced and understandable confirmation to shareholders has been 
reviewed by the Audit Committee. The process is enhanced by a specific 
meeting between the Chief Financial Officer, Head of Strategy and 
Investor Relations and the Group Financial Controller and their relevant 
team members to review and document the key considerations 
undertaken to ensure that information presented is fair, balanced and 
understandable. A report detailing those considerations was reviewed 
by the Audit Committee alongside a summary of the detailed procedures 
undertaken and the full Annual Report and Accounts.

Risk management and internal control
The Board determines the nature and extent of the significant risks  
it is willing to take in achieving the Company’s strategic objectives.

The maintenance of the Company’s risk management and internal 
control systems is the responsibility of the Board. Oversight of the 
effectiveness of the risk management and internal control system 
has been delegated to the Audit Committee. A top-down risk review 
is combined with a complementary bottom-up approach to ensure that 
risks are fully considered. As well as complying with the Code, the best 
practice recommendations in ‘Guidance for Risk Management, Internal 
Control and Related Financial and Business Reporting’ have been 
adopted and the Company’s internal control framework has been 
assessed against the internationally recognised COSO Internal Control 
Integrated Framework. The latter assessment showed that all key 
control elements are in place. Appropriate internal control and risk 
management processes apply to all entities which British Land 
administers, including all material joint ventures and funds (C.2.3) 

.

British Land’s approach to risk, including the roles of the Board, the 
Audit Committee and the Risk Committee in setting risk appetite and 
monitoring risk exposure, is described in the ‘Managing risk in delivering 
our strategy’ section of the report on pages 57 to 63 (C.2.1) 

.

Formal and transparent arrangements exist for considering how 
corporate reporting, risk management and internal control principles 
are applied and for maintaining an appropriate relationship with the 
Company’s auditor. 

Investment: sticking to our strategy

Viability and going concern

Executive Directors are involved throughout the investment process 
and alignment with the Board’s strategy is considered from the 
initial discussion of a transaction, right through to final approval.

1 All new investment opportunities are discussed at weekly  

deal sourcing meetings, attended by investment executives. 
Potentially attractive deals that are in line with strategy  
are selected to be investigated and analysed in detail by  
project teams.

2 Project teams assess whether investment opportunities 

should be pursued, conducting detailed property and 
corporate due diligence; ongoing dialogue with the relevant 
Executive Committee members takes place throughout  
the process.

3 Investment opportunities with potential are presented for 

Investment Committee approval. Depending on the size  
and nature of a transaction, the Investment Committee  
can approve the proposed transaction outright or  
recommend it for approval by the full Board. 

4 Investment opportunities are presented to the full Board  

for approval, when required.

The Group’s internal control system is built on the following fundamental 
principles, and is subject to review by Internal Audit:
 – A defined schedule of matters reserved for approval by the full Board;
 – A detailed authorisation process: no material commitments are entered 

into without thorough review and approval by more than one  
authorised person;

 – Formal documentation of all significant transactions;
 – A robust system of business and financial planning: includes cash flow 
and profitability forecasting and scenario analysis performed on major 
corporate, property and financing proposals;

 – A robust process for property investment appraisals;
 – Monitoring of key outcomes, particularly expenditure and performance 

of significant investments, against budget and forecast;

 – Clearly defined policies and review of actual performance against policies
 – Benchmarking of property performance against external sources such 

as Investment Property Databank;

 – Key controls testing;
 – A comprehensive property and corporate insurance programme; and
 – A formal whistle-blowing policy. 

The Audit Committee reviews the effectiveness of the Group’s system 
of internal control over financial reporting annually, including the 
systems of control for material joint ventures and funds. During the 
course of its review of the risk management and internal control systems 
over financial reporting, the Audit Committee has not identified, nor 
been advised of, a failing or weakness which it has determined to be 
significant (C.2.3) 

.

A number of policies are in place to ensure that the Company not only 
meets its legal obligations, but also behaves ethically, acts with integrity 
and protects its assets from the unlawful activities of others. These 
include an Anti-Bribery and Corruption Policy, a Competition Policy  
and a Fraud Awareness Policy. All employees are made aware of the 
policies and procedures in place, with understanding enhanced by staff 
communications and training.

To read our viability statement see page 58 (C.2.2) 

The Group has considerable undrawn debt facilities and cash deposits  
in excess of current drawn banking facilities. There is substantial 
headroom against the covenants for its unsecured banking facilities.  
It also benefits from a diverse and secure income stream from leases 
with long average lease terms.

Having assessed the principal risks and other matters discussed in 
connection with the viability statement, the Directors believe that the 
Group is well placed to manage its financing and other business risks 
satisfactorily, and have a reasonable expectation that the Company and 
the Group have adequate resources to continue in operation for at least 
12 months from the date of the Annual Report. They therefore consider it 
appropriate to adopt the going concern basis of accounting  
in preparing the financial statements (C.1.3) 

.

Taxation 
Our principles of good governance extend to our responsible approach  
to tax. It remains important to our stakeholders that the Company’s 
approach to tax is aligned to the long term values and strategy of the 
Group. The Group’s tax strategy is the responsibility of the Chief Financial 
Officer, with close involvement of Executive Directors and senior 
management in all activity. The Audit Committee is presented with 
an annual tax update.

Employees 
Having expert people at British Land is one of the four core elements  
of our business model. This applies both to the individuals on the Board 
who have responsibility for leading the Company and to the employees 
who work throughout British Land.

 We encourage a high degree of employee involvement in the Company 
and provide regular information on business activities and explanations 
of strategy through Company meetings, training sessions, internal 
communications and an annual Company conference. Employee 
feedback is also strongly encouraged.

The Operations Committee (OpCo), which is comprised of senior 
individuals across British Land’s business functions, assists the 
Executive Committee with operational matters arising in the day-to-day 
management of the business. The OpCo forms a link between the 
Executive Committee and wider teams of employees, enhancing the flow 
of information around the Company, both upwards and downwards, to 
improve the strategic and tactical decisions that are made. The aim of 
the OpCo is to strengthen collaboration across the Company in driving 
initiatives that help us achieve our objectives. The OpCo also plays an 
increasingly important role in the development of the operational 
leadership areas of our business, such as technology.

British Land continues to implement a number of initiatives to help 
develop our employees and grow internal talent, reinforcing the 
Company culture of excellence and embedding values and behaviours. 
As a relatively small company in terms of number of employees we are 
proud to be able to invest in our people on an individual basis, taking  
time to understand specific requirements to progress careers.

We have well-established all-employee share schemes to incentivise 
employees at all levels in the Company and align their interests with 
those of shareholders by building a holding of British Land shares. 
Separate pension fund reports are made available to members.

British Land    Annual Report and Accounts 2016

77

Remuneration
The Remuneration Committee has recommended that we seek approval 
this year of a new Remuneration Policy, as our Matching Share Plan 
expires this year. We are not intending to renew the Matching Share Plan. 
Amendments to our Long-Term Incentive Plan are proposed to deliver  
a simplified remuneration structure with one long term incentive 
arrangement. The new Remuneration Policy is set out on pages 92 to 98. 

Relations with shareholders
The Board remains committed to maintaining open channels  
of communication with shareholders. It is important to us that 
shareholders understand the Company’s strategy and objectives:  
these must be explained clearly and shareholders’ feedback must  
be heard and the issues and questions raised properly considered.

British Land has a dedicated Investor Relations team which reports to 
the Chief Financial Officer. Communication with investors and analysts  
is an ongoing process throughout the year. This includes regular 
scheduled Investor Relations events, summarised in the box on the page 
opposite, one-to-one and group meetings with Executive Directors and 
tours of our properties, as well as regular contact with the Investor 
Relations team. During the year, the Chief Executive, Chief Financial 
Officer and our Investor Relations team met with representatives from 
over 180 institutions. We periodically commission an independent 
investor perception study which is presented to the Board.

The full Board plans to attend the AGM, which provides an opportunity 
for all shareholders to question the Directors in person.

Significant emphasis is placed on the importance of feeding shareholder 
views, both positive and negative, back to the Board. A written investor 
relations report which includes direct market feedback on activity during 
the period is presented to the Executive and Non-Executive Directors 
at each scheduled Board meeting for discussion. Shareholder opinions 
are also given due consideration throughout the annual Strategy Days 
(E.1.1) 

 (E.1.2) 

.

Governance and remuneration
Strategic Report

GOVERNANCE REVIEW CONTINUED

Staff turnover

2016

2015

2014

Head office

44 (19%)

31 (12%)

32 (15%)

Broadgate Estates

53 (15%)

28 (11%)

42 (20%)

Total (average)

98 (17%)

59 (12%)

74 (17%)

The benefit of diversity, both on the Board and throughout the Company, 
continues to be a key consideration when searching for candidates for 
Board and other appointments. In addition, the Company continues to 
support the Pathways to Property programme, which aims to increase 
diversity within the property industry as a whole by attracting students 
from a variety of backgrounds into the property sector.

Funding to charity and good causes
Our Local Charter sets out how we build trust by supporting successful 
local communities, and develop skills and opportunities to help local 
people and businesses grow. Our Charitable and Community Funding 
Guidelines set out how we allocate funding, with a particular focus on 
initiatives close to our assets that have a positive impact on young people, 
education, employment and training. Both documents can be found on 
our website at www.britishland.com/policies

The Charity and Community Committee, which approves all spend under 
the Charity and Community Budget, is chaired by a Senior Retail Asset 
Manager, and reports to the Executive Committee on an annual basis.

Donations during the year totalled £1,371,044, compared with £1,287,500 
in the previous year. British Land does not make any donations to 
political organisations.

Health and Safety
We have retained formal recognition of our focus on health and safety 
through a successful audit of our OHSAS 18001 accreditation. We 
continue to improve our approach to health and safety management to 
ensure that we consistently achieve best practice across all activities in 
the business (construction, managed portfolio and head office) to deliver 
Places People Prefer to our employees and our customers.

RIDDOR* Year ended 31 March

Total RIDDOR 
Accidents

2016

2015

Construction

Retail

Offices

Head Office

3

23

6

0

8

19

2

0

Accident Frequency Rate

2016

0.14

2015

0.19 

0.01

0.01 

18.85

7.50 

0

0 

per 100,000 
hours worked

per 100,000 
footfall

per 100,000 
workers

per 100,000 
full time 
equivalents

*Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations 2013.

78

British Land    Annual Report and Accounts 2016

 
Key investor relations activities during the year included

May 2015

June 2015

July 2015

September 2015

 – Full-year results presentation.
 – Full-year roadshow, London.

 – Investor property conferences, London 

and Netherlands.

 – Investor roadshow, Edinburgh.

 – Q1 interim management statement and call.
 – AGM.
 – Retail capital markets day, London.

 – Investor roadshow, US.
 – Private Client roadshow, London.
 – Investor property conference, London.
 – Investor property tour, The Leadenhall Building.

November 2015

 – Half-year results presentation.
 – Half-year results roadshow, London.
 – Investor property conference, London.

December 2015

 – Investor property conference, London.
 – Analyst and investor tour, Broadgate.

January 2016

 – Investor property conference, London.
 – Trading statement, investor video and call.

February 2016

 – Investor roadshow, Netherlands.

March 2016

 – Investor conference, US.
 – Private Client roadshow, London.

British Land aims to be informative and accessible to all shareholders. 
For results and other key announcements we provide information on 
a timely basis to both retail and institutional shareholders. A number 
of case studies, covering topics that range from profiles of our key 
assets to sustainability activities, are also available to view online. 
Shareholders can ask questions at any time via our contacts page on 
the corporate website.

Contact British Land 
www.britishland.com/contacts

We are pleased with the level of engagement with shareholders achieved 
during the year and the Board also recognises the important contribution 
of providers of capital other than shareholders, namely our lenders and 
bond holders. We maintain a regular and open dialogue with our lenders 
to help us understand their investment appetite and criteria.

Lord Turnbull, Senior Independent Director, is available to address  
any concerns shareholders may wish to raise other than via the usual 
channels of the Chairman, Chief Executive or other Executive Directors 
(A.4.1) 

.

British Land    Annual Report and Accounts 2016

79

Governance and remuneration

REPORT OF THE AUDIT COMMITTEE

We are committed to monitoring 
the Group’s control environment 
and financial reporting processes

Welcome to the report of the Audit Committee.

The key areas of focus for the Committee this year have been reviewing 
and advising the Board on the viability statement included in the Annual 
Report and Accounts, scrutinising the process for valuation of 
investment and development properties by the Group’s external valuers 
and overseeing the Internal Audit tender. 

Composition
The Committee comprises Aubrey Adams, Simon Borrows and myself, 
as Committee Chairman. (C.3.1) 

Each of the Committee members is considered to be appropriately 
qualified and experienced to fulfil their role. For the purposes of the 
Code, I am the member of the Committee nominated as having 
significant, recent and relevant financial experience. 

Activities
During the year the Committee has undertaken each of its principal 
responsibilities, receiving relevant reports from the external valuers, 
the internal and external auditors, the Risk Committee and management 
and challenging the validity of accounting assumptions and judgements. 
The table on page 81 details the principal responsibilities of the 
Committee and key areas of focus throughout the year. 

The Committee performs a detailed review of the content and tone of  
the annual and half-yearly press releases and the Annual Report and 
Accounts, as well as trading updates. The Committee has satisfied itself 
that controls over the accuracy and consistency of information presented 
in the Annual Report and Accounts are robust, and has confirmed to the 
Board that it believes this Annual Report and Accounts is fair, balanced 
and understandable (C.3.4) 
the Company from PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP (PwC) over selected 
sustainability data and a verification exercise is performed by management 
to ensure consistency and accuracy of information presented.

. An assurance opinion is obtained for  

In addition to regular committee meetings additional time is spent by 
members of the Audit Committee meeting with executive management  
to understand key issues. The Committee regularly meets with PwC 
and Internal Audit without management present and the Committee 
Chairman meets privately with the external valuers.

Tim Score
Chairman of the Audit Committee

Audit Committee members’ attendance during 
the year ended 31 March 20161 
Tim Score 
Aubrey Adams
Simon Borrows

5/5
5/5
5/5

1   During 2016 senior executives were invited to attend and/or present at 

meetings of the Committee including the Chief Financial Officer, the Head of 
Strategy and Investor Relations, the Financial Controller, the Head of Tax, the 
Head of Financial Reporting and the Head of Financial Planning and Analysis 
and Risk Committee Secretary. 
(A.1.2) 

Terms of Reference

The Committee’s Terms of Reference, can be found on the Company’s 
website at www.britishland.com/committees  
(C.3.2) 

 (C.3.3) 

80

British Land    Annual Report and Accounts 2016

  Reporting  
and External  
Audit

 Valuations

  Risk and  
internal  
control

  Internal Audit

Principal responsibilities 
of the Committee

 – Monitoring the integrity of the Company’s financial statements 

and all formal announcements relating to the Company’s 
financial performance; reviewing significant financial reporting 
issues, judgements and estimates, including the consistency, 
quality and appropriateness of accounting policies and the quality 
and completeness of disclosures.

 – Making recommendations to the Board regarding the 

reappointment of the external auditor and approving the external 
auditor’s remuneration and terms of engagement (C.3.7) 

.

 – Monitoring and reviewing the external auditor’s independence, 

objectivity and effectiveness.

 – Reviewing the content of the Annual Report and Accounts 

to ensure it is fair, balanced and understandable.

 – Developing and implementing policy on the engagement  

of the external auditor to supply non-audit services, taking  
into account relevant guidance.

Key areas discussed and reviewed by the 
Committee during 2016

 – Results, commentary and announcements.
 – Key accounting judgements, including valuations.
 – Changes to accounting policies.
 – Going concern and the viability statement.
 – Fair, balanced and understandable assessment in relation 

.
to the annual report (C.3.4) 
 – External auditor effectiveness.
 – External auditor reports on planning the half-yearly review  

and the full-year audit, including the final opinion.

 – The external auditor’s remuneration.

 – Monitoring and reviewing the valuation process.
 – Reviewing assumptions and methodology.
 – Monitoring the external valuers’ competence  

and effectiveness.

 – Effectiveness of the external valuers.
 – The quality of the valuation process and judgements at half year 

and year end.

 – Valuer presentations to the Committee.

 – Overseeing the internal control environment and risk 

 – Risk register, including identification of the Group’s principal 

management systems on behalf of the Board.

risks and movement in exposures. 

 – Monitoring the Company’s risk exposure and recommending 

 – Status of key risk indicators including any breaches of 

the Company’s risk appetite to the Board for approval.
 – Overseeing the assessment of the principal risks and  

mitigating actions. 

 – Reviewing the risk management disclosures on the Group’s 

approach to risk in the half-yearly and annual reports.

 – Reviewing the whistle-blowing policy and its implementation 

(C.3.5) 

.

thresholds. 

 – Activities of the Risk Committee, including review of its minutes. 
 – Effectiveness of internal control systems.
 – Responses to audit findings and recommendations for control 

improvements, including reviewing the External Audit 
management letter.

 – An annual fraud risk assessment.
 – Cyber security.
 – The insurance programme for property, development and 

corporate risks.

 – Approval of arrangements for the provision of internal audit 

 – Annual internal audit plan, including consideration of its 

services and any termination of such arrangements.

 – Monitoring and reviewing the effectiveness of the Company’s 
Internal Audit function, including its plans, level of resources  
and budget.

 – Reviewing internal audit reports, recommendations and progress 

in implementation of those recommendations.

 – Coordination between Internal Audit and External Audit.

 Other

 – Reviewing the Audit Committee’s effectiveness and its Terms 

of Reference.

 – Considering compliance with legal requirements, accounting 

standards and the Listing Rules.

alignment to the principal risks, consideration of emerging 
areas of risk, coverage across the Group and its joint ventures, 
and review of the Group’s processes and controls.

 – KPMG’s execution of the internal audit plan and reviewing 

the resultant audit reports and findings.

 – Internal Audit effectiveness.
 – Internal Audit reports: payroll, tax compliance, IT, 

The Leadenhall Building and Broadgate joint ventures, 
procurement (phase 2), Broadgate Estates, leasing process, 
anti-bribery and corruption, key financial controls, treasury.

 – Annual internal controls overview.
 – Internal Audit charter, defining its role and responsibilities.
 – Internal Audit tender process.

 – The Committee’s Terms of Reference.
 – Effectiveness of the Committee.
 – Maintenance of the Group’s REIT status.
 – Annual tax update.
 – Review of PwC’s Sustainability Assurance Report.

British Land    Annual Report and Accounts 2016

81

REPORT OF THE AUDIT COMMITTEE CONTINUED

Significant issues in relation to financial statements
The Committee pays particular attention to matters it considers to  
be important by virtue of their size, complexity, level of judgement 
required and potential impact on the financial statements and wider 
business model. Identification of the issues deemed to be significant 
takes place following open, frank and challenging discussion between  
the Committee members, with input from the Chief Financial Officer, 
PwC and Internal Audit and other relevant British Land employees.

A particular area of focus for the Committee has been the viability 
statement which is included within the strategic report for the first 
time this year on page 58. The Committee has discussed the form 
and content of the statement, and the analysis carried out to support it, 
with management and PwC throughout the year. The Committee has 
confirmed to the Board that it believes the viability statement adequately 
considers the Group’s principal risks, covers an appropriate period, is 
supported by the assessment prepared by management and includes 
disclosure of all relevant material assumptions made. 

The significant issues considered by the Committee during the year 
ended 31 March 2016 are detailed below, alongside the actions taken  
by the Committee to address these issues (C.3.8) 

.

Internal Audit
The Company’s Internal Audit function during the year was outsourced 
to KPMG, who reported regularly to the Committee. The Committee 
monitored the performance of Internal Audit throughout the year, as 
well as performing an annual review of its effectiveness. The Committee 
believes KPMG discharged its duties effectively (C.3.6) 

.

KPMG has performed the Internal Audit function since it was outsourced 
in 2012. It was decided that the Internal Audit function should be put out 
to tender in March 2016 to facilitate evaluation of different internal audit 
approaches. Following a competitive process, Ernst & Young LLP (EY) 
was appointed. EY will report regularly to the Committee and it is 
envisaged that its performance will be monitored in a similar way.

Policy on PwC providing non-audit services (C.3.8) 
With respect to non-audit services provided by PwC, the following 
framework was in place during the year.

 – Audit related services: audit related services include formal reporting 

relating to borrowings, shareholder and other circulars and various work 
in respect of acquisitions and disposals. Where the external auditor must 
carry out the work because of their office, the external auditor is selected. 
In other circumstances the selection depends on which firm is best suited.

Significant issues in relation to financial statements 
considered by the Committee during the year

How these issues were addressed by the Committee

Valuation of 
investment and 
development 
properties

The valuation of investment and development 
properties, which is conducted by external 
valuers, is inherently subjective as it is made 
on the basis of assumptions made by the  
valuers which may not prove to be accurate. 
The outcome of the valuation is significant 
to the Group in terms of investment decisions, 
results and remuneration.

The external valuers presented their reports to the Committee and were 
asked to highlight any significant judgements or disagreements with 
management. Valuation certificates and outcomes were reviewed and 
assumptions challenged, with particularly rigorous scrutiny this year 
given the lower volumes of evidence setting transactions, compared 
to recent periods.

Accounting for 
transactions

Risk is encountered through property and 
financing transactions, as large and non-standard 
accounting entries can be required.

The Committee reviewed management papers on key judgements, 
including those for significant transactions, as well as the external  
auditor’s report presented following the conclusion of the audit.

Going concern 
statement

The appropriateness of preparing the Group 
financial statements on a going concern basis.

Viability statement

Whether the statement appropriately reflects the 
prospects of the Group and covers an appropriate 
period of time.

The Committee reviewed management’s analysis supporting the going 
concern basis of preparation. This included consideration of forecast  
cash flows, availability of committed debt facilities and expected covenant 
headroom. PwC reported to the Committee the results of testing performed 
on management’s analysis. 

The Committee considered whether the assessment performed by 
management adequately reflects the Group’s principal risks as disclosed on 
pages 59 to 63; whether the period covered by the statement is reasonable in 
light of the industry the Group operates in and is a fair reflection of the 
forecast period typically considered by management; and whether the 
assumptions made and sensitivities identified represent severe but plausible 
scenarios in the context of solvency or liquidity.

REIT status

Maintenance of the Group’s REIT status through 
compliance with certain conditions has a 
significant impact on the Group’s results.

The Committee reviews compliance with the REIT tests annually. 
Management presented the methodology and results of the REIT tests, 
highlighting any change in long term trends and the current level of 
headroom.

Judgements affecting 
revenue recognition

For certain transactions, judgement is applied 
by management as to whether, and to what 
extent, they should be treated as revenue for 
the financial year.

The Committee and PwC considered the appropriateness of the accounting 
treatment applied by management in relation to revenue recognition. The 
Committee and PwC also considered the scope of the accounting standard 
and the reasonableness of the judgement made.

82

British Land    Annual Report and Accounts 2016

 – Sustainability assurance: the selection depends on which firm is best 
suited and is reviewed on a five yearly basis. Currently the external  
auditor provides an assurance opinion over selected sustainability data.

 – Tax advisory: the selection depends on which firm is best suited in the 

circumstances.

 – General consulting: the external auditor is not selected to provide general 
consultancy services except in certain limited circumstances, and then  
only after consideration that they are best placed to provide the service  
and that their independence and objectivity will not be compromised.

The following commitment protocol operated throughout the year and 
applied to any engagement for conducting other work (excluding audit 
and half-yearly reporting) performed by PwC:
 – The total non-audit fees are limited to 70% of the audit fees in any 
one year. The audit and non-audit fees for the three-year average 
are calculated in line with the methodology set out in the 2014  
EU Regulations and include fees for joint ventures and funds;

 – Audit Committee approval is required where there were any doubts 
as to whether the external auditor had a conflict of interest; and
 – Approval by the Audit Committee Chairman is required for each 

additional project over £0.1m in value where the cumulative fees for 
non-audit work are projected to exceed 50% of the audit fee in any 
financial year. During the year no project approvals by the Audit 
Committee Chairman were required.

Effectiveness of the External Audit process
The Committee places great importance on ensuring a high quality, 
effective External Audit process. Following best practice and in 
accordance with its Terms of Reference, the Committee annually reviews 
the audit requirements of the Group, for the business and in the context of 
the external environment. The Committee also conducts an annual review 
of the performance of the external auditor and considers its independence, 
compliance with relevant statutory, regulatory and ethical standards and 
objectivity. (C.3.8) 

Following its appointment in 2014, PwC successfully completed its first 
audit last year. The Committee reviewed PwC’s performance this year and 
was content with the quality of the audit it had delivered. The Committee 
reviewed PwC’s proposals for the audit and is confident that appropriate 
plans were put in place to carry out an effective and high quality audit.  
No significant issues were raised during the course of the audit. PwC 
confirmed to the Committee that it maintained appropriate internal 
safeguards to ensure its independence and objectivity. The Committee 
considered and approved PwC’s assessment of its independence and  
has recommended its reappointment to the Board, approval of which  
will be sought from shareholders at the 2016 AGM.

The Committee has agreed to consider the need for a competitive tender 
for the role of external auditor every five years, with a competitive tender 
taking place at least every ten years. To the extent that the auditor did 
not rotate earlier through this process, the Company will rotate audit 
partner, as required by legislation. There are no contractual obligations 
which would restrict the selection of a different auditor.

The Company has complied with the relevant parts of the Competition 
and Markets Authority Final Order on the statutory audit market for the 
year ended 31 March 2016.

Valuations
The external valuation of British Land’s portfolio is a key determinant  
of the Group’s balance sheet, performance and senior management’s 
remuneration. In accordance with its Terms of Reference, the Committee 
adopts a rigorous approach to monitoring and reviewing the valuation 
process and the effectiveness of the Group’s valuers, Knight Frank and 
CBRE. The Committee reviews the effectiveness of the external valuers 
biannually, focusing on a qualitative analysis of capital values, yield 
benchmarking, availability of comparable market evidence and major 
outliers to subsector movements. 

The valuers present directly to the Committee at the half-yearly  
and annual reviews of results, including providing confirmation of the 
valuation process, market conditions and significant judgements made. 
PwC reviews the valuations and valuation process, having full access 
to the valuers to determine that due process has been followed and 
appropriate information used. It reports its findings to the Committee. 
The valuation process is also subject to regular review by Internal Audit, 
the most recent being undertaken in 2013, with another one planned for 
later this calendar year. In addition I, as the Committee Chairman, meet 
privately with the valuers.

For the valuation of the Group’s wholly-owned assets, the Company 
has fixed fee arrangements with Knight Frank and CBRE, in line with 
the recommendations of the Carsberg Committee Report. Copies of 
the valuation certificates of Knight Frank and CBRE can be found on 
the corporate website at www.britishland.com/reports

Identification and evaluation of commercial risks and 
related control objectives
The Audit Committee is responsible for overseeing the effectiveness 
of sound risk management and internal control systems. It fulfils this 
role by overseeing the activities of and receiving reports from the Risk 
Committee and monitoring the risk management processes in place and 
the activities of the Internal Audit function, including its reporting on the 
effectiveness of controls. The Risk Committee minutes are circulated to 
the Committee for review, with any significant matters highlighted for 
discussion. Twice yearly the principal risks, which are derived from an 
assessment of the risk register, are presented to the Committee, along 
with commentary on changes in the exposure to these risks in the period. 
Annually, a report on the effectiveness of internal controls and the risk 
management system is prepared by Internal Audit for presentation to the 
Committee. Internal Audit and the Risk Committee work closely together 
to ensure that identified risk areas are incorporated in the Internal Audit 
programme and similarly, findings of Internal Audit reviews are taken 
into account in identifying and evaluating risks within the business. 
British Land maintains a framework of controls related to key financial 
processes and management of the associated risks. The effectiveness 
of such controls is reviewed annually, either by Internal Audit or as part 
of the year-end external audit.

Tim Score
Chairman of the Audit Committee

British Land    Annual Report and Accounts 2016

83

Governance and remuneration
Strategic Report
Strategic Report
Governance and Remuneration

REPORT OF THE NOMINATION COMMITTEE

The Committee  
leads the process for  
Board appointments

The Board and its Committees
Throughout the year the membership of each Committee has comprised 
independent Non-Executive Directors to the extent required by the Code 
(B.2.1) 
. We value continuity and experience of British Land’s business 
and were delighted to recommend that Lord Turnbull be re-appointed  
as Senior Independent Director. Lord Turnbull will however step down  
as Chairman of the Remuneration Committee following this year’s AGM, 
although he will remain a member of that Committee. William Jackson  
has agreed to take on the position of Chairman of the Remuneration 
Committee. (B.2.4) 

As reported last year, following a rigorous selection process, Laura 
Wade-Gery was appointed as a Non-Executive Director of British Land 
on 13 May 2015. Laura’s biography demonstrates her huge retail and 
consumer experience. No further changes to the Board occurred during 
the year.

Composition of the Board
The Committee considers that the Board consists of individuals with 
the right balance of skills, experience and knowledge to provide strong 
and effective leadership of the Company. The majority of the Board 
are independent Non-Executive Directors, and the Board’s collective 
experience covers a range of relevant sectors, as illustrated in the left 
hand column. As well as a breadth of property and financial experience, 
many Board members have personal experience of working in the retail 
and corporate environments that are typical of many of our occupiers.

All of British Land’s Directors will retire and submit themselves for 
re-election by shareholders at the 2016 Annual General Meeting. 
The Committee believes that all the Directors continue to demonstrate 
commitment to their roles as Board and Committee members, continue 
to discharge their duties effectively and that each makes a valuable 
contribution to the leadership of the Company. 

Diversity
British Land pays full regard to the benefits of diversity, including gender 
diversity, both when the Nomination Committee is searching for 
candidates for Board appointments and when the Company is searching 
for candidates for other appointments.

The Board agrees with the conclusions of the Women on Boards report 
by Lord Davies of Abersoch that greater efforts should be made in 
improving the gender balance of corporate boards and that quotas 
for female board representation are not the preferred approach. The 
Company currently has three female Directors: Lynn Gladden and Laura 
Wade-Gery, who were appointed as Non-Executive Directors in 2015, 
and Lucinda Bell, who was appointed Chief Financial Officer in May 2011. 
This currently represents 25% female Board membership.

John Gildersleeve
Chairman of the Nomination Committee

Nomination Committee members’ attendance during 
the year ended 31 March 2016 
John Gildersleeve
William Jackson
Lord Turnbull

2/2
2/2
2/2

(A.1.2) 

Composition of the Board

8%

33%

  Non-Executive Chairman
Independent Non-Executive Directors
Executive Directors

59%

Directors’ core areas of expertise1

Property

Finance

Retail and consumer

12%

Academic

Public sector

6%

6%

38%

38%

1  Some Directors are represented in more than one category.

84
84

British Land    Annual Report and Accounts 2016
British Land    Annual Report and Accounts 2016

 
  
  
Principal responsibilities of the Committee

Key areas discussed and reviewed 
by the Committee in 2016

Regular review of the structure, size and composition of the Board.

Review of the structure, size, composition of the Board, along with  
the skills, knowledge and experience of its members to ensure that 
Directors remain able to discharge their duties and responsibilities 
effectively and to the required high standard.

Recommendations to the Board with regard to Board changes 
and Committee membership changes.

Selection and appointment of Laura Wade-Gery as a Non-Executive 
Director. Appointment of William Jackson as Chairman of the 
Remuneration Committee.

Succession planning for Directors and other senior executives.

Succession planning, including identification of potential internal 
candidates for senior vacancies which may arise on a crisis, short, 
medium or long term basis.

Reviewing time commitments required from Non-Executive Directors.

Time commitments required from Non-Executive Directors were 
reviewed as part of the year end process.

Recommendations for re-election of Non-Executive Director’s.

Recommendations to the Board regarding Directors standing 
for re-election by shareholders at the AGM.

Terms of Reference

The Committee’s Terms of Reference can be found on the Company’s website at www.britishland.com/committees (B.2.1) 

The promotion of women to the Board and other senior positions 
within the Company is dependent on the recruitment, development 
and retention of women in the workforce, both within the Company 
and more widely throughout the business and professional community.

As of 31 March 2016, British Land’s employees (including Broadgate 
Estates) comprised 283 females and 306 males (2015: 218 and 247 
respectively); of the employees considered to be executives, 141 were 
female and 257 were male (2015: 115 and 205 respectively). Senior 
executives, comprising the Executive Committee and Operations 
Committee, consisted of 11 females and 26 males (2015: 8 and 17 
respectively). To encourage and help mothers return to work, we offer 
enhanced maternity leave payments and support flexible working 
patterns; currently 27 of our female employees take advantage of this 
facility (2015: 31). We also offer enhanced paternity leave payments and 
support flexible working patterns for all parents and other employees 
whose personal circumstances may make this beneficial. Currently 13 
men work flexibly and 5 men took advantage of enhanced paternity leave 
(2015: 9 and 14 respectively). Training and mentoring programmes are 
provided to ensure that all our employees achieve their potential, taking 
account of their diverse development needs. It is pleasing that our Chief 
Financial Officer, Lucinda Bell, was an internal appointment, reflecting 
the development of our own people.

The Nomination Committee seeks to increase the percentage of female 
Board members as quickly as we are able. The speed at which we can 
achieve this will be subject to the availability of suitable candidates  
and compliance with the requirements of the Equality Act: the Board  
has a fundamental obligation to ensure that appointments are of the 
candidates best able to promote the success of the Company and we  
do not consider that it would be to the long term benefit of the Company  
if appointments were made on any other basis. Subject to these 
requirements, we have an ongoing commitment to further strengthening 
female representation at Board and top management level.

Our people strategy focuses on creating a team who can deliver  
Places People Prefer. Getting closer to our customers is one of our key 
strategic priorities and having a workforce which reflects the diversity  
of our customers helps us achieve this. The policy throughout British Land 
is to employ the best candidates available in every position regardless of 
sex, race, ethnic origin, nationality, colour, age, religion or philosophical 
belief, sexual orientation, marriage or civil partnership, pregnancy, 
maternity, gender reassignment or disability. Applications for employment 
by disabled persons are always fully considered, bearing in mind the 
aptitudes of the applicants concerned. In the event of members of staff 
becoming disabled, every effort is made to ensure that their employment 
continues and that appropriate training is arranged. The policy provides 
that the training, career development and promotion of disabled people 
should, as far as possible, be identical to that of other employees.

We achieved a key milestone on our journey towards creating a truly 
inclusive environment with our formation of BL Pride, our lesbian, gay, 
bisexual, transgender (LGBT) and allies network, and our Women’s 
network this year. Both networks have been active in the year and we are 
pleased that our Chief Executive, Chris Grigg was ranked 11th in the 2015 
Leading 30 LGBT Ally Executives by OUTstanding and the Financial Times.

We are also piloting a mentoring scheme for women, offering help, 
guidance, advice and support where it is needed.

John Gildersleeve
Chairman of the Nomination Committee

British Land    Annual Report and Accounts 2016

85

Governance and Remuneration

REMUNERATION REPORT: LETTER FROM THE CHAIRMAN OF THE REMUNERATION COMMITTEE

Our Remuneration Policy is 
designed to align management 
incentives with our strategy

During the year we as the Committee have continued to focus 
on ensuring that our Remuneration Policy appropriately reflects 
our remuneration philosophy, which is based on three 
fundamental principles:
 – remuneration should align management incentives with strategy 
and so encourage activities that support our strategy of creating 
Places People Prefer;

 – remuneration packages should be designed to attract and retain 

expert people throughout British Land’s business; and

 – the level of remuneration should be directly linked to corporate 

and individual performance.

We were delighted to receive over 97% of shareholder votes in favour of 
our existing Remuneration Policy at our 2014 AGM. As our Matching 
Share Plan (MSP) will expire in July 2016, we have taken the opportunity 
to review the current Remuneration Policy this year rather than at its 
expiry in 2017, with a particular focus on simplifying our long term 
incentive arrangements. Taking into account investor sentiment around 
matching share plans, we have decided not to renew the MSP. 
As a result we will have one single long term incentive arrangement 
under the proposed new Remuneration Policy.

To achieve this we are proposing the following key changes to our 
Remuneration Policy: removal of the MSP and amendments to the 
Long-Term Incentive Plan (LTIP) which address the removal of the MSP 
and respond to investor preferences for the introduction of post-vesting 
holding periods and the extension of time periods over which awards 
should be subject to clawback. Proposed amendments are summarised in 
the box on the facing page. Given the level of shareholder support received 
for the existing Remuneration Policy in 2014, we are not proposing to make 
any other material changes to our Remuneration Policy.

Consultation on proposed changes to Remuneration Policy
We were pleased to be able to engage in meaningful discussion with 
key shareholders during consultation on the proposed amendments 
to our Remuneration Policy. A number of opinions expressed during 
consultation have directly influenced the design of the Remuneration 
Policy that will be presented for approval at our AGM in July 2016.

Our proposals to move to a single long term incentive arrangement, 
introduce a two year holding period following LTIP vesting and maintain 
the compulsory deferral of a proportion of an Annual Incentive award 
into shares were particularly well received by investors and have been 
incorporated into the new Remuneration Policy.

In response to feedback received during consultation, we are also this 
year providing more information about performance against Annual 
Incentive measures over the financial year (included on pages 102 to 103 
of this Report) and we are reducing the percentage of LTIP that vests for 
achieving median performance under the new Policy.

Lord Turnbull 
Chairman of the Remuneration Committee 

Remuneration Committee members’ attendance 
during the year ended 31 March 20161
Lord Turnbull
Lynn Gladden
William Jackson
Laura Wade-Gery2

3/3
3/3
3/3
2/2

1  Other individuals attend Remuneration Committee meetings by invitation.  

Alan Judes of Strategic Remuneration attended Committee meetings during 
2016. Alan Judes has been appointed by the Committee as its Independent 
Advisor; further detail is provided on page 110. During the year, by the 
Committee’s invitation, the following senior executives attended and/or were 
present at Committee meetings (other than when their own remuneration was 
being discussed): the Company Chairman, the Chief Executive, the Company 
Secretary and General Counsel and the Head of Operations.

2  Laura Wade-Gery was appointed as a Director and member of the 

Remuneration Committee on 13 May 2015. 
(A.1.2) 

Terms of Reference

The Committee’s Terms of Reference, can be found on the Company’s 
website at www.britishland.com/committees (D.2.1) 

 (D.2.2) 

86

British Land    Annual Report and Accounts 2016

 
Design of new Remuneration Policy
The Remuneration Committee is satisfied that the design of our new 
Remuneration Policy remains aligned with our remuneration philosophy. 
The elements of our remuneration structure have been chosen so that 
they support our business model and our four areas of strategic focus: 
Customer Orientation, Right Places, Capital Efficiency and Expert 
People. Performance measures attached to variable elements of 
remuneration are stretching, with Annual Incentive starting to be 
awarded and LTIP awards starting to vest only once median performance 
has been reached; maximum levels of remuneration are only paid out 
when upper quartile performance is achieved. Both short term (Annual 
Incentive) and long term (LTIP) performance measures have been 
carefully selected to incentivise activities that support our strategy of 
creating Places People Prefer. The measures that will be attached to 
awards granted under the amended LTIP and their respective links to 
our strategy are summarised in the box on the next page. Page 21 of our 
Strategic Report highlights the relationship between our strategy and 
our incentive measures.

Our new Remuneration Policy will be presented to shareholders for 
approval at the AGM in July 2016. Shareholders will also be asked to  
vote on separate resolutions to approve the amendments to the LTIP 
(D.2.4) 
ended 31 March 2016. If approved, our new Remuneration Policy will 
apply from the date of the AGM and will consist of the following key 
elements for Executive Directors:
 – Basic salaries and benefits will be set by reference to comparator 

 and to approve the Directors’ Remuneration Report for the year 

companies of a similar position in the FTSE 100 Index;

 – Annual Incentive awards will be linked to performance against 

quantitative, qualitative and personal measures and one third of 
each Annual Incentive award granted will be deferred to purchase 
British Land shares; and

 – LTIP awards will be linked to both specific property related performance 
measures (TPR and TAR, assessing performance at the gross and net 
levels respectively) and TSR performance measures, and will be subject 
to a two year holding period following the three year vesting period.

The Executive Directors are responsible for setting the levels of fees paid 
to the Non-Executive Directors. In line with other FTSE 100 companies, 
it is proposed that under the new Remuneration Policy fees payable 
to Non-Executive Directors will be structured as an annual fee, plus 
additional fees for membership of committees and/or holding certain 
positions, as outlined in the box to the right. This represents a change 
from the structure under the current Policy whereby Non-Executive 
Directors receive fees based in part on their attendance at Board and 
Committee meetings throughout the year. Levels of fees under the new 
Policy (outlined on page 100) have been selected so that total fees for the 
year commencing 1 April 2016 will not change materially compared to 
the fees that would have been received had the current Policy remained 
in place, based on the anticipated number of meetings that will take 
place during the year (D.2.3) 

.

Element of remuneration Change in Remuneration Policy

Matching Share Plan 
(MSP)

Annual Incentive 
Deferral

Long-Term Incentive 
Plan (LTIP)

Non-Executive 
Directors’ Fees

No MSP will be included in the Policy presented 
for shareholder approval at the AGM in July 2016. 
Under the current Policy one third of an Executive 
Director’s post-tax Annual Incentive award is 
deferred and used to purchase shares (MSP 
Bonus Shares) that must be held for three years 
and a conditional award of additional matching 
shares is granted.

The deferral of one third of the post-tax Annual 
Incentive into shares will be retained, but no 
award of additional matching shares will be 
granted. This will result in continued alignment 
between Executive Directors’ and shareholders’ 
interests and will provide a longer term aspect  
to the Annual Incentive award. One third of an 
Executive Director’s post-tax Annual Incentive 
award will be deferred and used to purchase 
‘Annual Incentive Shares’ that must be held  
for three years, regardless of whether or  
not the individual remains an employee of  
British Land throughout this period. Annual 
Incentive Shares will be subject to clawback 
during the holding period.

For Executive Directors a two year holding period 
will be introduced following vesting of an LTIP 
award, during which awards will be subject  
to clawback. The holding period will apply 
regardless of whether or not the individual 
remains an employee of British Land throughout 
this period. The maximum award potential will be 
increased from 200% to 300% of basic salary, as 
Executive Directors will no longer be eligible to 
receive additional matching share awards under  
the MSP. The proportion of award vesting on 
achievement of the median level of performance 
will be reduced from 25% to 20% of the award. 
The performance conditions attached to LTIP 
awards will be amended as detailed in the box  
on the next page.

Non-Executive Directors will receive an annual 
fee, with additional fees if they are members of 
Board Committees or hold the position of Senior 
Independent Director or Chairman of the Audit  
or Remuneration Committee. This replaces the 
current fee structure which is based in part  
on meeting attendance.

British Land    Annual Report and Accounts 2016

87

Governance and Remuneration

REMUNERATION REPORT: LETTER FROM THE CHAIRMAN OF THE REMUNERATION COMMITTEE 
CONTINUED

Remuneration in respect of the year ended 31 March 2016
British Land has had another active and successful year, demonstrated 
in our strong full year results. Relative to the prior year, underlying profit 
has increased by 16%, our NAV is 11% ahead and the dividend has 
increased by 2.5%. The results were driven by good performances 
across the business with good leasing activity and rental growth key 
features. The executive management team was strengthened through 
a number of key appointments including Roger Madelin, who has been 
hired to lead our important Canada Water project. The receipt of the 
prestigious 2016 Queen’s Award for Enterprise is a great endorsement 
of our economic, social and environmental achievements.

Key activities of the Committee during the year  
ended 31 March 2016:
 – Approval of the Remuneration Report presented for shareholder 

approval at the AGM on 21 July 2015.

 – Development of Remuneration Policy to be presented for shareholder 
approval at the AGM on 19 July 2016 and preparation for consultations 
with key shareholders.

 – Review of corporate and individual performances over the year ended 

31 March 2015.

 – Approval of performance measures for the year ended 31 March 2016.
 – Review of:

Performance during the year was in line with or exceeded expectations 
on all but one of the Annual Incentive measures. However, overall 
performance was less strong than performance in the previous financial 
year. Consequently Annual Incentives awarded to Executive Directors in 
respect of the year ended 31 March 2016 are lower than those awarded in 
respect of performance over the prior financial year. The Remuneration 
Committee’s assessment of Annual Incentive performance over the year 
is set out on pages 102 to 103 of this Report.

 – Chairman’s annual fee;
 – Chief Executive’s remuneration;
 – Executive Directors’ remuneration; and
 – Employees’ salaries and Annual Incentives.

 – Approval of discretionary share scheme grants and vestings.
 – Approval of all-employee share scheme grants.

LTIP performance measures 
The following performance measures will apply to LTIP awards granted under the new Remuneration Policy:

Measure

Link to strategy

Measured relative to

Total Property Return (TPR)
The change in capital value, less any capital 
expenditure incurred, plus net income. TPR is 
expressed as a percentage of capital employed  
over the LTIP performance period and is calculated  
by Investment Property Databank (IPD).

Total Accounting Return (TAR)
The growth in British Land’s EPRA NAV per  
share plus dividends per share paid over the  
LTIP performance period.

The TPR measure is designed to link reward to 
strong performance at the gross property level.

TPR performance will be assessed against  
the performance of an IPD benchmark.

The TAR measure is designed to link reward  
to performance at the net property level that  
takes account of gearing and our distributions  
to shareholders.

TAR will be measured relative to a comparator 
group consisting of the 17 largest FTSE property 
companies that use EPRA accounting (including 
British Land).

Total Shareholder Return (TSR)
The growth in value of a British Land  
shareholding over the LTIP performance  
period, assuming dividends are reinvested  
to purchase additional shares.

The TSR measure is designed to directly 
correlate reward with the return delivered  
to shareholders.

50% of the TSR measure will be measured 
relative to the performance of the FTSE 100  
and 50% of the TSR measure will be measured 
relative to the performance of a comparator 
group consisting of the 17 largest FTSE property 
companies that use EPRA accounting (including 
British Land).

Performance against the LTIP measures will be assessed over a period of three years. For each measure, 100% of the part of the award attached  
to that measure will vest if British Land’s performance is at the upper quartile level. If performance against a measure is equal to the median, 20% of the 
part of the award attached to that measure will vest and if performance is below median the part of the award attached to that measure will lapse. There 
will be straight-line vesting between median and upper quartile performance for each measure.

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British Land    Annual Report and Accounts 2016

This is my last report as Chairman of the Remuneration Committee as  
I intend to stand down following British Land’s Annual General Meeting  
in July 2016. I will remain a member of the Committee and look forward  
to continuing to work with William Jackson, who will take over the 
Committee Chairmanship, as well as Lynn Gladden and Laura Wade-Gery, 
who were both appointed Committee members in 2015.

The Committee very much valued your support of our Remuneration 
Policy when it was introduced in 2014. We hope that you will be 
supportive of the proposed changes to our long term incentive 
arrangements set out in our new Remuneration Policy and supportive 
of our Annual Report on Remuneration for the year ended 31 March 2016, 
at the AGM in July 2016.

Lord Turnbull
Chairman of the Remuneration Committee

Vesting of the MSP and LTIP awards granted to Executive Directors in 
2013 is dependent on British Land’s performance over the three year 
period ended 31 March 2016. Vesting of these awards is scheduled to 
take place in August 2016 and estimated vesting values are included in 
the Executive Directors’ single total figures of remuneration on page 101. 
Performance measures attached to the MSP award measure growth in 
gross income and total shareholder return (TSR). Half of the MSP award 
is expected to vest, as the gross income growth target has been fully 
achieved, however the remaining half of the MSP award will lapse, as 
British Land’s TSR over the period was below the median TSR of the 
comparator group of companies.

The two performance measures attached to the vesting LTIP award 
measure total property return (TPR) and total accounting return (TAR). 
The TPR part of the award is expected to vest at 69%, reflecting partial 
achievement of this condition, and the TAR part is estimated to vest at 
44%, again showing that the performance condition has been met in part 
but upper quartile performance (required for the full award to vest) has 
not been achieved.

Executive Directors’ single total figures of remuneration for the year 
to 31 March 2016 have decreased relative to the figures for the previous 
financial year, reflecting the partial vesting of long term incentive awards 
and reduced Annual Incentive awards compared to the prior year. The 
Committee believes this demonstrates that our Remuneration Policy 
is designed so that the third strand of our remuneration philosophy, 
“the level of remuneration received should be directly linked to corporate 
and individual performance”, is properly reflected in the Policy.

Remuneration in respect of the year commencing 1 April 2016
The Committee is satisfied that the Executive Directors’ salaries and 
the Chairman’s annual fee remain correctly positioned in relation to 
our comparator group (being FTSE 100 companies of a similar market 
capitalisation to British Land) and these will not be increased for the 
year commencing 1 April 2016.

As explained earlier in this letter, a new Remuneration Policy and 
amended LTIP rules will be presented for shareholder approval at the 
AGM in July 2016. The Committee intends to grant the final LTIP award 
under the current Remuneration Policy and rules before the AGM, 
therefore the first LTIP award under the new Policy and amended 
rules will not be granted until the year commencing 1 April 2017.

British Land    Annual Report and Accounts 2016

89

Governance and Remuneration

REMUNERATION REPORT: OVERVIEW OF REMUNERATION POLICY

Overview of Remuneration Policy

Having expert people is one of the four core focus areas of our business 
model. Our Remuneration Policy is intended to help retain the expert 
people we have recruited and developed and mitigate the risk of losing 
them. Our Remuneration Policy is also designed to foster employee share 
ownership and align Executive Directors’ interests with those of investors. 
The Remuneration Policy outlined on pages 92 to 98 will take effect from 
19 July 2016, subject to shareholder approval at British Land’s Annual 
General Meeting on that day. The bar charts below illustrate the levels of 
remuneration receivable by the Executive Directors under this proposed 
Remuneration Policy for varying levels of performance.

Within the remuneration package, variable elements (the Annual 
Incentive and Long-Term Incentive Plan (LTIP)) are designed to reward 
performance that supports our strategy and creates sustainable long 
term value for shareholders. If only the minimum level of performance is 
achieved, only fixed remuneration elements will be paid to the Directors. 
In the illustrative bar charts, this minimum remuneration consists of 
basic salary, benefits, pension or pension allowance and shares awarded 
by British Land under the all-employee Share Incentive Plan1. 

For the maximum level of performance, the Annual Incentive award  
will be granted at a level equivalent to 150% of basic salary and the LTIP 
award is expected to vest in full (equivalent to 300% of basic salary). One 
third of the Annual Incentive award granted will be deferred into Annual 
Incentive Shares. Remuneration payable in respect of this maximum level 
of performance has not changed materially compared to that payable 
under the current Remuneration Policy approved by shareholders in 2014.

The illustrative bar charts below do not take into account any share 
price appreciation between grant and vesting of LTIP awards or between 
deferral and release of Annual Incentive Shares. Share price growth will 
result in the values of LTIP awards and Annual Incentive Shares increasing 
in the period between grant and vesting/release to the Director.

As explained on page 89, the first LTIP award grant under the new Policy 
(with maximum level equivalent to 300% basic salary) will not take place 
until the year ending 31 March 2018, as it is intended that an LTIP award 
will be granted under the existing Policy (with maximum level equivalent 
to 200% basic salary) in advance of the 2016 AGM.

For performance that is in line with expectations, up to half of the 
maximum Annual Incentive award possible will be granted (equivalent 
to 75% of basic salary) and the proportion of the LTIP award expected 
to vest is equivalent to 140% of basic salary. One third of the Annual 
Incentive award granted will be deferred into shares which must be 
held by the Executive Director for three years (Annual Incentive Shares).

1   Calculated using salaries for the year ending 31 March 2017, assuming that 

benefit values for the year ending 31 March 2017 will remain the same as the 
values for the year ended 31 March 2016 and that the maximum value of shares 
that can be awarded by the Company under the Share Incentive Plan is granted. 
Pension values are based on the Remuneration Policy and estimates supplied  
by the scheme actuary for defined benefit scheme members.

Illustration of application of Remuneration Policy

Chris Grigg

Chief Executive

Minimum

100%

In line with
expectations

40% 21% 39%

Charles Maudsley

£000

Head of Retail and Leisure

 £1,187

Minimum

100%

 £2,993

In line with
expectations

37% 22% 41%

Maximum

24%

25%

51%

 £4,967

Maximum

22%

26%

52%

Lucinda Bell

Chief Financial Officer

Minimum

100%

Tim Roberts

£000

Head of Offices and Residential

 £609

Minimum

100%

In line with
expectations

37% 22% 41%

 £1,669

In line with
expectations

37% 22% 41%

Maximum

22%

26%

52%

 £2,828

Maximum

22%

26%

52%

£000

 £553

 £1,512

 £2,561

£000

 £572

 £1,531

 £2,580

 Fixed remuneration

 Annual Incentive

 Long Term Incentive

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British Land    Annual Report and Accounts 2016

 
 
 
 
 
 
Executive Directors

  Fixed Remuneration

 Long-Term Incentive Plan (LTIP)

The components of fixed remuneration are intended to provide a base 
package at a level that will attract high-calibre individuals, with the 
appropriate degree of expertise and experience to carry out their roles  
to the high standards we require. Executive Directors’ salaries are 
positioned around the median of our comparator group (FTSE100 
companies with broadly similar market capitalisations to British Land) 
and, in addition to salary, the fixed remuneration package includes the 
provision of benefits, a pension or pension allowance and the opportunity 
to take part in all-employee share schemes.

 Annual Incentive

The Annual Incentive forms part of the variable proportion of an 
Executive Director’s remuneration package. The level of Annual Incentive 
award received is directly linked to corporate and individual performance 
against annually tailored measures. 

A proportion of each Executive Director’s Annual Incentive award is used 
to purchase shares that must be held for three years, adding a longer 
term aspect to the Annual Incentive award. 

Magnitude of Annual Incentive award is dependent on performance 
against Annual Incentive measures over one year

Two thirds is paid as  
cash on award

One third (net of tax) is used 
to purchase shares, which must 
be held for three years 
(Annual Incentive Shares)

The LTIP is the second element of variable remuneration. The proportion 
of an LTIP award that is actually released to an Executive Director is 
dependent on British Land’s performance against specified performance 
measures over a three year period. 

LTIP award consists of performance shares 
or market value options or a combination of the two, 
with performance measures attached

Performance is measured 
over three years

The number of performance shares vesting and the number of options 
becoming exercisable are both dependent on the degree 
to which the performance measures have been met

A two year holding period applies to LTIP awards following vesting

Chairman and Non-Executive Directors
Fees paid to the Company Chairman and Non-Executive Directors are 
positioned around the median of our comparator group of companies 
(FTSE100 companies with broadly similar market capitalisations to 
British Land) with the aim of attracting individuals with the appropriate 
degree of expertise and experience to work with and challenge the 
Executive Directors.

British Land    Annual Report and Accounts 2016

91

Governance and Remuneration

REMUNERATION REPORT: REMUNERATION POLICY

Executive Directors’ Remuneration Policy

Component and Purpose

Operation

  Fixed Remuneration

Basic salary
To attract and retain expert people 
with the appropriate degree of 
expertise and experience.

Benefits and all-employee  
share schemes
To attract and retain  
expert people and to  
foster share ownership.

Pension or pension allowance
To attract and retain expert people 
and to provide an appropriate level 
of pension on retirement.

The level of basic salary is positioned around the median of our comparator group of FTSE 100 
companies with broadly similar market capitalisations. Executive Directors’ responsibilities 
are taken into account when basic salaries are set.

Basic salaries are reviewed annually by the Remuneration Committee, with increases usually 
taking effect on 1 April for the subsequent year. Employment conditions and salary increases 
throughout the Group are taken into account when basic salaries are set.

In addition to basic salary, Executive Directors may be eligible to receive fees for sitting on the 
boards of certain subsidiary companies.

A car allowance is paid to Executive Directors in lieu of the provision of a company car.

Executive Directors are eligible to receive other taxable and non-taxable benefits, which  
may include:
 – private medical insurance (covering the Director, spouse and any children under the age of 25);
 – life assurance cover, under which a lump sum of four times basic salary will be paid out in  

the event of death in service;

 – permanent health insurance, under which 75% of basic salary will be paid in the event  

of long term absence due to certain medical reasons;

 – access to independent actuarial, financial and legal advice when necessary;
 – gym membership, subsidised by the Company;
 – annual medical checks;
 – relevant professional subscription fees;
 – other benefits on substantially the same basis as other employees.

Executive Directors are eligible to participate in British Land’s Share Incentive Plan (SIP)  
and Sharesave Scheme on the same basis as other eligible employees.

The Company provides Directors’ and Officers’ Liability Insurance and may provide an 
indemnity to the fullest extent permitted by the Companies Act.

Executive Directors may receive pension benefits through a defined contribution 
arrangement, may receive a cash allowance in lieu of pension contributions or (provided the 
Director joined British Land before its defined benefit scheme closed to new members in 
2006) may receive benefits through a defined benefit arrangement, as deemed appropriate  
by the Committee.

Accrual rates for Directors receiving benefits through the defined benefit scheme are 
determined by the rules of the scheme and are dependent on the age at which the Director 
joined the Company. Benefits up to the limit permitted by the tax legislation are provided  
in a registered plan. Benefits over that limit are currently provided in an employer financed 
retirement benefit scheme (EFRBS). EFRBS participants are currently offered a choice 
annually as to whether they wish to accrue benefits in the EFRBS or to receive a cash  
payment in lieu.

Directors participating in a defined contribution arrangement may choose whether 
contributions are made into British Land’s defined contribution scheme or into their  
own personal pension plan. Cash allowances in lieu of pension contributions would  
typically be paid at the same level of salary as Company contributions under the defined 
contribution arrangement.

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British Land    Annual Report and Accounts 2016

Maximum Opportunity

Performance Conditions

The maximum level of basic salary will not be greater than the upper 
quartile of the comparator group.

Not applicable.

Increases will typically be in line with inflation and general salary 
increases throughout the Group. If an individual is appointed at a 
salary positioned below the level aligned with our comparator group, 
a larger increase may be awarded in order to position the salary 
around the median of our comparator group.

Executive Directors’ fees for sitting on subsidiary company boards 
are capped at a maximum of £1,500 per annum in aggregate for all 
qualifying appointments.

The maximum car allowance is £20,000 per annum.

Not applicable.

The maximum cost of other taxable and non-taxable benefits 
permitted under the Policy is the amount required to continue 
providing benefits at a similar level year-on-year.

The maximum opportunities under the SIP and Sharesave Scheme 
are set by the rules of the schemes and determined by statutory limits.

Under the defined benefit scheme the target benefit is the pension 
that can be provided by the 31 March 2012 lifetime allowance (£1.8 
million), uplifted by RPI from that date. The maximum accrual rate 
for a defined benefit scheme member is that which will give the target 
benefit at age 60, subject to the accrual rate being no greater than 
one thirtieth and no less than one sixtieth of salary.

Employer pension contributions to Executive Directors under 
the defined contribution arrangement and cash allowances in lieu 
of pension are made at a fixed percentage of salary, between 
15% and 35%.

Not applicable.

British Land    Annual Report and Accounts 2016

93

Governance and Remuneration

REMUNERATION REPORT: REMUNERATION POLICY CONTINUED

Component and Purpose

Operation

  Annual Incentive

To reward Company and individual 
performance that supports the 
strategic priorities of the business 
and to promote activities that help 
the business successfully 
implement its strategy.

To foster share ownership and align 
participants’ interests with those of 
shareholders.

  Long-Term Incentive Plan (LTIP)

To link the level of reward to 
Company performance against 
specified long term measures, 
promoting and rewarding activities 
that support our strategy and create 
sustainable long term value for 
shareholders.

To foster share ownership and align 
participants’ interests with those of 
shareholders.

Annual Incentive awards may be granted to Executive Directors each year, with the level of  
award reflecting Company and individual performance against measures set by the 
Remuneration Committee. Awards are granted following the financial year end, when actual 
performance over that year has been measured.

Two thirds of an Executive Director’s Annual Incentive award is paid in cash when the award  
is granted. The remaining third of the Annual Incentive award (net of tax) is used to purchase 
British Land shares on behalf of the Executive Director (Annual Incentive Shares). Annual 
Incentive Shares must be held for three years from the date of grant of the Annual Incentive 
award before they may be transferred or sold, regardless of whether or not the individual 
remains an employee of British Land throughout this period. Executive Directors are entitled 
to the dividends paid in respect of the Annual Incentive Shares during the holding period.

The Annual Incentive Shares may be clawed back during the three year period following issue, 
if it is discovered that the relevant Annual Incentive award was granted on the basis of 
materially misstated accounts or other data.

LTIP awards may be granted annually by the Remuneration Committee to Executive Directors. 
Awards may consist of performance shares (conditional rights to receive shares) or market 
value options or a combination of the two. Executive Directors may indicate a preference as to 
the proportions of their award received as performance shares and/or market value options.

LTIP awards vest after three years. The number of performance shares and/or options vesting 
is dependent on the degree to which performance conditions attached to the LTIP award have 
been met over this three year performance period. A payment equivalent to the dividends 
accrued on vesting performance shares and the interest thereon is paid at the point of vesting.

On vesting sufficient performance shares may be sold to cover any liability to income tax and 
National Insurance Contributions. The remaining performance shares must be held for two 
years following vesting before they are permitted to be transferred or sold, regardless of 
whether or not the individual remains an employee of British Land throughout this period.

LTIP options may be exercised at any point during the seven years following vesting. If LTIP 
options are exercised within two years of the vesting date, sufficient of the shares acquired  
may be sold to cover the cost of exercise and any liability to income tax and National Insurance 
Contributions, but the remaining shares must be held until the point two years from the 
vesting date before they are permitted to be transferred or sold, regardless of whether or not 
the individual remains an employee of British Land throughout this period.

If it is discovered that an LTIP award was granted or vested on the basis of materially 
misstated accounts or other data:
 – the Committee may require some or all of the performance shares to be forfeited or clawed 

back during the five year period following the grant date;

 – the Committee may require some or all unexercised options to be forfeited at any point; and
 – where an option is exercised within five years of its grant date, the Committee may require 

some or all of the shares acquired to be clawed back during the five year period following the 
option grant date.

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British Land    Annual Report and Accounts 2016

Maximum Opportunity

Performance Conditions

The maximum level of Annual Incentive which may be granted  
is equivalent to 150% of basic salary.

The maximum value of an LTIP award which may be granted is 
equivalent to 300% of basic salary. The value for this purpose  
is the aggregate fair value of the shares and/or options granted,  
at the date of award.

The fair value of a share is the average market value of British Land 
shares over the three dealing days preceding grant. The fair value of  
a market value option is such fraction of the fair value of a share as is 
set by the Committee. This fraction is currently one quarter but may 
be varied by the Committee to reflect the economic models used by 
the Company for the valuation of options.

The Annual Incentive performance measures relate to British Land’s 
strategic focus areas and the Executive Director’s individual areas of 
responsibility. The measures are set by the Remuneration Committee 
at the beginning of the financial year over which performance will be 
assessed and are not strictly weighted. When determining the level of 
an Executive Director’s Annual Incentive award the Committee takes 
into account performance against all measures and makes an 
assessment in the round.

If actual performance averaged over all measures is equal to the 
median level of performance, the Annual Incentive award granted 
will be one quarter of the maximum potential award (equivalent to 
37.5% of basic salary). Up to half of the maximum potential award 
(equivalent to 75% of basic salary) is payable for performance that  
is in line with expectations. If average performance is below the 
median level of performance, no Annual Incentive award will  
be granted.

No further performance conditions are attached to the Annual 
Incentive Shares during the holding period.

The LTIP performance conditions have been chosen to reward 
performance that is aligned with British Land’s strategy:
 – total property return (TPR) performance is assessed relative  

to an Investment Property Databank (IPD) benchmark, rewarding 
strong returns at the property level;

 – total accounting return (TAR) performance is assessed relative 
to a comparator group consisting of the 17 largest property 
companies within the FTSE that use EPRA accounting (including 
British Land); and

 – total shareholder return (TSR) performance is assessed against both 
the FTSE100 and a comparator group consisting of the 17 largest 
property companies within the FTSE that use EPRA accounting 
(including British Land).

The relative weighting of the performance conditions may be varied 
by the Committee to ensure the LTIP best supports British Land’s 
strategy and to meet investor preferences. The Committee currently 
intends to apply the performance conditions with the following 
weightings: 40% of the award will be linked to the TPR condition, 
40% will be linked to the TAR condition and 20% will be linked to  
the TSR condition. 

TPR performance is currently assessed against the IPD UK Annual 
Property Index. The Committee may amend the comparator groups 
of companies during the performance period if there is a corporate 
event affecting any member of the group and may amend the IPD 
benchmark if a different benchmark is deemed more appropriate.

Performance conditions are challenging, requiring significant 
outperformance for 100% of the LTIP award to vest. 20% of the 
award will vest if the minimum performance threshold is achieved; 
performance below the minimum threshold for a performance 
condition will result in the LTIP award in respect of that condition 
lapsing. Upper quartile performance must be achieved against  
each performance measure for the entire award to vest.

British Land    Annual Report and Accounts 2016

95

Governance and Remuneration

REMUNERATION REPORT: REMUNERATION POLICY CONTINUED

Non-Executive Directors’ Remuneration Policy

Component and Purpose

Operation

Maximum Opportunity

Performance Conditions

Chairman’s fee
To attract and retain an individual 
with the appropriate degree  
of expertise and experience.

Chairman’s benefits
To facilitate the Chairman’s 
travel in the fulfilment of his 
or her duties.

Non-Executive Directors’ fees
To attract and retain expert 
people with the appropriate 
degree of expertise and 
experience.

Other arrangements for  
the Chairman and the  
Non-Executive Directors
To support the Directors in  
the fulfilment of their duties.

The Chairman’s annual fee  
is set by the Remuneration Committee 
and reviewed annually. The level of the 
Chairman’s annual fee is positioned 
around the median of our chosen 
comparator group, which consists 
of FTSE 100 companies with broadly 
similar market capitalisations.

The Chairman is provided with a car 
and chauffeur, together with any taxes 
thereon.

Remuneration of the Non-Executive 
Directors is a matter for the Executive 
Directors, and fees are reviewed 
annually. 

Non-Executive Directors receive an 
annual fee plus additional fees if they 
are members of a Committee or if 
they hold the position of Senior 
Independent Director or Chairman 
of the Remuneration or Audit 
Committee.

The Company’s Policy is to deliver a 
total fee at a level in line with similar 
positions at our chosen comparator 
group, which consists of FTSE 100 
companies with broadly similar 
market capitalisations.

The Company may reimburse 
expenses reasonably incurred by 
the Chairman and the Non-Executive 
Directors in fulfilment of the 
Company’s business, together 
with any taxes thereon.

The Company provides the Chairman 
and the Non-Executive Directors with 
Directors’ and Officers’ Liability 
Insurance and may provide an 
indemnity to the fullest extent 
permitted by the Companies Act.

Not applicable.

Not applicable.

Not applicable.

The maximum annual fee  
will not be greater than the 
upper quartile of the chosen 
comparator group. Typically 
increases, if required,  
will be in line with inflation.

The maximum opportunity 
is the cost to the Company 
of providing this grossed-up 
taxable benefit at a similar 
level each year.

The maximum aggregate 
amount of basic fees payable 
to all Non-Executive Directors 
shall not exceed the £600,000 
limit set in the Company’s 
Articles of Association.

Not applicable.

The maximum reimbursement 
is expenses reasonably 
incurred, together with any 
taxes thereon.

The maximum value of the 
Directors’ and Officers’ Liability 
Insurance and the Company’s 
indemnity is the cost at the 
relevant time.

96

British Land    Annual Report and Accounts 2016

Notes to the Remuneration Policy table

Remuneration Policy for other employees
Salary reviews across the Group are carried out on the same basis  
as salary reviews for the Executive Directors; consideration is given  
to the individual’s role, duties, experience and performance, along  
with consideration of typical salary levels of employees in similar  
roles in comparable companies, where the data is available. Employees 
are entitled to taxable and non-taxable benefits, with executives being 
entitled to substantially the same benefits as the Executive Directors.

All employees are eligible to receive an Annual Incentive, the level of 
which will be dependent on individual, departmental and Company 
performance. A proportion of a senior executive’s Annual Incentive 
award may be deferred to purchase Annual Incentive Shares. Executives 
may be granted Long-Term Incentive Plan awards. Some executives 
(not including Executive Directors) are eligible to receive shares under 
the Fund Managers’ Performance Plan (FMPP). The final FMPP award 
was granted in 2013 and the final FMPP vesting will take place in 2016. 
Employees joining the company after 2006 are eligible to take part in a 
defined contribution pension arrangement. The Company’s all-employee 
share schemes (the Share Incentive Plan and the Sharesave Scheme) 
are also open to eligible employees.

Pre-existing obligations and commitments
It is a provision of this Policy that the Company can honour all  
pre-existing obligations and commitments that were entered into prior to 
this Remuneration Policy taking effect. The terms of those pre-existing 
obligations and commitments may differ from the terms of the Remuneration 
Policy and may include (without limitation) obligations and commitments 
under service contracts, long term incentive schemes (including previous 
Long-Term Incentive Plans and the Matching Share Plan), pension and 
benefit plans.

Considerations when setting Remuneration Policy
In drawing up the Remuneration Policy, the Committee took into  
account views expressed by shareholders during meetings and 
communicated to the Company. The Company engaged with its 
shareholders via consultation meetings with investor bodies,  
and by writing to its largest shareholders, offering each a meeting  
to discuss remuneration proposals.

Each year the Remuneration Committee takes into account the pay and 
employment conditions of employees in the Group, noting the general 
increase in salary proposed for all employees and levels of incentive 
payments and performance, before setting the remuneration of the 
Directors. The Committee did not consult with the Company’s employees 
or use remuneration comparison measurements when drawing up the 
Directors’ Remuneration Policy.

Approach to recruitment remuneration
Executive Directors
Basic salary is set at a level appropriate to recruit a suitable candidate, 
taking into account external market competitiveness and internal equity. 
The level of basic salary may initially be positioned below the median  
of the chosen comparator group, with the intention of increasing it to 
around the median of the comparator group after an initial period of 
satisfactory service.

Where a recruit is forfeiting incentive awards granted by his or her existing 
employer, compensation in the form of a Restricted Share Plan (RSP) 
award may be made (in accordance with Listing Rule 9.4.2), the maximum 
value of which will be that which the Committee, in its reasonable opinion, 
considers to be equal to the value of the awards which have lapsed.  
The value of dividends paid on the RSP shares during the vesting period 
is paid directly to the Director. Vesting of the shares granted under the 
RSP award will be subject to the Director completing a minimum period 
of qualifying service, so the award will not be released until this condition 
has been satisfied. The vesting of the RSP award may be subject to 
additional performance measures being met over the same period;  
the Committee will determine the most relevant measures to use at  
the time of award, bearing in mind the responsibilities of the individual 
being appointed and the Company’s strategic priorities at the time.

The Committee may choose to offer a Co-Investment Share Plan (CIP) 
award to a new Executive Director on recruitment (in accordance with 
Listing Rule 9.4.2), to assist the Director in building a holding of British 
Land shares with the aim of further aligning the Director’s personal 
interests with those of British Land’s shareholders.

Under the CIP a director may invest a maximum of 150% salary  
(225% salary for a Chief Executive) to purchase British Land shares, 
these limits being determined by the Director’s minimum shareholding 
guideline. The Company will match the purchased CIP shares on a  
1:1 basis (before allowing for tax liabilities that will arise on vesting of  
the matching shares). All the CIP shares are then deferred for three 
years, subject to the Director remaining employed by the Group and 
holding the shares for this time. Should the Director leave the Group 
before the qualifying period is completed, all of the matching shares  
will lapse and the purchased shares will be released to the Director. 
Dividends paid on the purchased CIP shares during the vesting period 
are paid directly to the Director; a dividend equivalent payment is made 
on vesting to compensate for dividends accrued on matching CIP shares. 
The Committee will impose performance measures on CIP awards, 
which must be achieved over the three-year holding period for the 
matching shares to vest. The Committee will determine the most 
relevant measures to use at the time of award, bearing in mind the 
responsibilities of the individual being appointed and the Company’s 
strategic priorities at the time.

The Company’s Policy is to give notice periods of no longer than  
12 months. However, when recruiting an external candidate it may  
be necessary to give an initial notice period of up to 24 months; this 
reduces at the end of 12 months’ work to 12 months. The remainder  
of the package offered to a new Executive Director would be in line  
with the Company’s ongoing Remuneration Policy.

Chairman and Non-Executive Directors 
On recruitment, the Chairman will be offered an annual fee and benefits 
in accordance with the Policy. The level of the annual fee may initially  
be positioned below the median of the chosen comparator group, with 
the intention of increasing it to around the median of the comparator 
group after an initial period of satisfactory service. Non-Executive 
Directors will be offered Non-Executive Directors’ fees in accordance 
with the Policy.

Appointment of internal candidates
If an existing employee of the Group is appointed as an Executive Director, 
Chairman or Non-Executive Director, any obligation or commitment 
entered into with that individual prior to his or her appointment can  
be honoured in accordance with the terms of those obligations or 
commitments, even where they differ from the terms of the Policy.

British Land    Annual Report and Accounts 2016

97

Governance and Remuneration

REMUNERATION REPORT: REMUNERATION POLICY CONTINUED

Chairman and Non-Executive Directors
The letters of appointment of Non-Executive Directors are subject  
to renewal on a triennial basis. In accordance with the UK Corporate 
Governance Code, all Directors stand for election or re-election by  
the Company’s shareholders on an annual basis. The Directors’ service 
contracts and letters of appointment are available for inspection during 
normal business hours at the Company’s registered office and at the 
Annual General Meeting. The unexpired terms of the Chairman’s and 
Non-Executive Directors’ letters of appointment are shown below:

Director

Date of current 
appointment

Unexpired term of 
appointment at  
31 March 2016

John Gildersleeve (Chairman)

01/01/2016

33 months

Aubrey Adams

Simon Borrows

Lynn Gladden

William Jackson

Tim Score

Lord Turnbull

Laura Wade-Gery

01/09/2014

17 months

17/03/2014

11 months

20/03/2015

23 months

11/04/2014

12 months

 20/03/2014

11 months

01/04/2015

24 months

13/05/2015

25 months

Although the Chairman’s and Non-Executive Directors’ appointments 
are for fixed terms, their appointments may be terminated immediately 
without notice if they are not reappointed by shareholders or if they are 
removed from the Board under the Company’s Articles of Association  
or if they resign and do not offer themselves for re-election. In addition, 
their appointments may be terminated by either the individual or the 
Company giving three months’ written notice of termination (or, for  
the Chairman, six months’ written notice of termination). Despite these 
terms of appointment, neither the Chairman nor the Non-Executive 
Directors are entitled to any compensation (other than accrued and 
unpaid fees and expenses for the period up to the termination) for loss  
of office for any reason.

Policy on loss of office
Executive Directors 
The Executive Directors’ service contracts can be lawfully terminated by 
either party giving 12 months’ notice, or by the Company making a lump 
sum payment in lieu of notice (PILON) equal to the Executive Director’s 
base salary for the notice period. Additionally, when the Company makes 
a PILON, it may either pay a lump sum equal to the value of any benefits 
for the notice period or continue to provide benefits until the notice period 
expires or the Executive Director starts new employment (whichever  
is the earlier). These lawful termination mechanisms do not prevent  
the Company, in appropriate circumstances, from terminating an 
Executive Director’s employment in breach of his or her service  
contract and seeking to apply mitigation in determining the damages 
payable. Where this is achievable in negotiation with the outgoing 
Director, settlement arrangements are structured so that the 
termination payment is paid in instalments and the instalments  
are reduced by an amount equal to any earnings received from the 
outgoing Director’s new employment, consultancy or other paid work.

For departing Executive Directors and Executive Directors that have left 
British Land the Committee may agree to cash commutation of pension 
benefits under the defined benefit scheme (including EFRBS benefits) 
and other pension arrangements entered into prior to the adoption of the 
2014 Remuneration Policy. Any commutation would take into account 
valuations provided by independent actuarial advisors so as to be 
undertaken on a basis considered by the Committee to be cost neutral 
to the Company.

The circumstances of the loss of office dictate whether the individual is 
treated as a good leaver or otherwise, in accordance with the Company’s 
Policy. The Remuneration Committee uses its discretion to form a view 
taking into account the circumstances. Good leavers typically receive 
pro-rata Annual Incentive and long term incentive awards, subject to 
performance measurement, and other leavers forfeit their entitlements. 
In the event of a change of control the rules of the share plans generally 
provide for accelerated vesting of awards, subject (where applicable)  
to time apportionment and achievement of performance targets. All of 
the Company’s Executive Directors have contracts that pre-date 27 June 
2012 but these do not contain contractual provisions that could impact  
on the amount of any payment for loss of office and which fall outside  
the Policy. Details of the Executive Directors’ service contracts and 
notice periods are given in the table below (D.1.5) 

:

Director

Chris Grigg

Lucinda Bell

Length 
of service 
contract

Date of 
service 
contract

Normal 
notice 
period to 
be given by 
Company

Normal 
notice 
period to 
be given by 
Director

12 mths

19.12.08

12 mths

12 mths

12 mths

10.03.11

12 mths

12 mths

Charles Maudsley

12 mths

03.11.09

12 mths

12 mths

Tim Roberts

12 mths

14.11.06

12 mths

12 mths

The Company may terminate a Director’s appointment with immediate 
effect without notice or payment in lieu of notice under certain 
circumstances, prescribed within the Director’s service contract.

98

British Land    Annual Report and Accounts 2016

REMUNERATION REPORT: ANNUAL REPORT ON REMUNERATION 

How we intend to apply our  
Remuneration Policy during the  
year commencing 1 April 2016

Pages 99 to 100 detail how the Remuneration Committee intends to apply 
the Remuneration Policy during the coming year.

 Long term incentive awards

Executive Directors’ Remuneration

 Basic salaries

Basic salaries have been set at the following levels for the year 
commencing 1 April 2016. Salaries have not been changed relative 
to the prior year.

Director

Chris Grigg

Lucinda Bell

Charles Maudsley

Tim Roberts

Basic salary £

840,000

493,000

446,250

446,250

 Annual Incentive awards

During the year Annual Incentive performance will be assessed against  
a range of quantitative and qualitative measures:

Quantitative measures:
 – Property returns: Unlevered property capital returns relative to IPD  

and total property return relative to IPD;

 – Accounting returns: Total accounting return relative to property majors;
 – Rental growth: ERV growth relative to IPD; and
 – Underlying profit performance: Profit performance relative to budget.

Qualitative measures supporting the four areas of our business model:
 – Right Places: progress on key projects including developments and 

execution of targeted acquisitions and disposals;

 – Customer Orientation: company reputation with all stakeholders  

and supporting the delivery of sustainability objectives;

 – Capital Efficiency: execution of debt financings and progress  

on strengthening the dividend; and

 – Expert People: quality of people and management renewal.

The Executive Directors’ individual performance will also be assessed 
against measures relating to their specific areas of responsibility that 
support the corporate measures, above. Further information regarding 
the measures and the assessment of performance used to determine 
Executive Directors’ Annual Incentive awards for the year ending 
31 March 2017 will be disclosed in the 2017 Remuneration Report.

Matching Share Plan (MSP)
Under the Remuneration Policy approved by shareholders at the Annual 
General Meeting in 2014 (available on pages 84 to 91 of British Land’s 
2014 Annual Report), one third of each Executive Directors’ Annual 
Incentive award must be deferred and used to purchase MSP Bonus 
Shares. Therefore the Annual Incentive awards that are due to be paid to 
Executive Directors in June 2016, in respect of performance during the 
year ended 31 March 2016, will be subject to such a deferral and an 
associated award of MSP Matching Shares will be granted. This will be 
the final MSP award granted to Executive Directors, as the Remuneration 
Policy that will be presented to shareholders for approval at the AGM in 
July 2016 (detailed on pages 90 to 98 of this Report) does not include a 
matching share plan.

Two equally weighted performance measures will be applied to MSP 
Matching Share awards; each measure relates to half of the total MSP 
award meaning no more than half of the total award can vest if one of the 
performance measures does not meet its minimum vesting threshold.

The total shareholder return (TSR) part
The comparator group against which TSR performance will be  
assessed over the three-year performance period consists of:  
Great Portland Estates plc, Hammerson plc, Intu Properties plc,  
Land Securities Group PLC, SEGRO plc, Big Yellow Group PLC,  
Capital & Counties PLC, Derwent London plc, Grainger plc,  
Hansteen Holdings plc, Helical Bar plc, LondonMetric Property plc,  
St. Modwen Properties PLC, Shaftesbury PLC, The UNITE Group plc,  
UK Commercial Property Trust Ltd and British Land. The percentage  
of the part of the MSP Matching Award linked to TSR performance  
will be determined as follows:

British Land’s TSR relative to the comparator group  
at the end of the performance period

Percentage of TSR part 
of award vesting %

Below median

Median

Further vesting per each 1% TSR exceeds median 
(to a maximum of 100% of TSR part of award)

0

25

18.75

British Land    Annual Report and Accounts 2016

99

Governance and Remuneration

REMUNERATION REPORT: ANNUAL REPORT ON REMUNERATION CONTINUED

The gross income growth (GIG) part
British Land’s gross income growth will be assessed relative to the 
Investment Property Databank (IPD) Quarterly Universe (the IPD 
Universe). In order for the part of the MSP Matching Award linked to GIG 
performance to vest, British Land’s GIG over the three-year performance 
period must be equal to that of the IPD Universe (the ’Growth 
Requirement’). The percentage of the GIG part of the MSP Matching 
Award vesting will be determined as follows:

Total Accounting Return (TAR)
British Land’s TAR over the three-year performance period will be 
assessed relative to the same comparator group of companies that 
performance will be assessed against under the MSP TSR measure.  
The percentage of the TAR part of the LTIP award vesting will be 
determined as follows:

British Land’s TAR relative to the comparator group  
at the end of the performance period

Percentage of TAR part 
of award vesting %

British Land’s GIG relative to the IPD Universe  
at the end of the performance period

Percentage of GIG part 
of award vesting %

Below median

Median

Upper quartile

0

25

100

Below Growth Requirement

Equal to Growth Requirement

Further vesting per each 0.5% per annum GIG 
exceeds the Growth Requirement (to a maximum  
of 100% of GIG part of award)

0

25

25

Long-Term Incentive Plan (LTIP)
It is intended that the final LTIP grant under the Remuneration Policy 
approved by shareholders at the AGM in 2014 (available on pages 84 to 91 
of British Land’s 2014 Annual Report) will take place in June 2016. As the 
intention is to grant an LTIP award in advance of the new Remuneration 
Policy and amended LTIP rules being presented for shareholder approval 
at the AGM in July 2016, no further LTIP award will be granted to 
Executive Directors during the year to 31 March 2017. Therefore the first 
LTIP award to Executive Directors under the new Policy, if approved, is 
not intended to be granted until the financial year ending 31 March 2018. 
Two equally weighted performance measures will be applied to LTIP 
awards granted in the year ending 31 March 2017; each measure relates 
to half of the total LTIP award meaning no more than half of the total 
award can vest if one of the performance measures does not meet its 
minimum vesting threshold. 

The total property return (TPR) part
British Land’s TPR over the three-year performance period will be 
assessed relative to the IPD UK Annual Property Index (the ‘IPD 
Benchmark’). The percentage of the TPR part of the LTIP award vesting 
will be determined as follows:

British Land’s TPR relative to the IPD Benchmark  
at the end of the performance period

Percentage of TPR part 
of award vesting %

There will be straight-line vesting between median and upper quartile 
performance.

The performance measures that will apply to LTIP awards granted under 
the new Remuneration Policy that will be presented for shareholder 
approval at the AGM in July 2016 (the first grant of which is not intended 
to take place until the financial year ending 31 March 2018) are described 
on page 88.

Non-Executive Directors’ remuneration
The following fee structure will apply for the Chairman’s and Non-
Executive Directors’ fees, subject to shareholder approval of our new 
Remuneration Policy at the AGM in July 2016. This represents a change 
from the current structure under which Non-Executive Directors receive 
fees based in part on their attendance at Board and Committee meetings.

The Chairman’s annual fee has not been changed relative to the prior 
year. It is intended that fees paid to the other Non-Executive Directors 
in respect of service between 1 April 2016 and the 2016 AGM (paid in 
accordance with the current Remuneration Policy, approved by 
shareholders in 2014) will be deducted from the annual fees set out 
below, so that fees received in respect of the full year to 31 March 2017 
are in line with the structure set out below.

Chairman’s annual fee

Non-Executive Director’s annual fee

Senior Independent Director’s annual fee

Below median

Median

Upper quartile

0

25

100

Audit Committee or Remuneration Committee Chairman’s 
annual fee

Remuneration Committee or Audit Committee member’s 
annual fee

Nomination Committee member’s annual fee

100

British Land    Annual Report and Accounts 2016

£369,340

£61,000

£10,000

£20,000

£8,000

£4,000

How we applied our Remuneration  
Policy during the year ended  
31 March 2016

Single total figure of remuneration (audited information)
The following tables detail all elements of remuneration receivable by British Land’s Directors in respect of the year ended 31 March 2016 and show 
comparative figures for the year ended 31 March 2015.

Executive Directors

Chris Grigg

Lucinda Bell

Charles Maudsley

Tim Roberts

Executive Directors

Chris Grigg

Lucinda Bell

Charles Maudsley

Tim Roberts

Salary/fees

2016  
£000

 840 

 493

 446

 448

2015  
£000

 800 

 465 

 425 

 427 

Taxable
benefits1

2016  
£000

 21 

 21 

 22 

 21 

2015  
£000

 21 

 21 

 22 

 22 

Annual 
incentive

Long term 
incentives

Other items in 
the nature of
remuneration2

Pension or 
pension 
allowance

2016  
£000

 840 

 410 

 410 

 400 

2015  
£000

 1,152 

 500 

 540 

 570 

2016  
£000

 1,681 

 819 

 861 

 861 

2015  
£000

 4,259 

 1,863 

 1,670 

 1,696 

2016  
£000

 33 

 28 

 17 

 19 

2015  
£000

 39 

 17 

 16 

 21 

2016 
£000

 294 

 82 

 67 

 106 

2015  
£000

 280 

 68 

 64 

 76 

Total

2016  
£000

 3,709 

 1,853 

 1,823 

 1,855 

2015  
£000

 6,551 

 2,934

 2,737 

 2,812 

1   Taxable benefits include car allowance, private medical insurance, and subsidised gym membership. The Company provides the tax gross up on subsidised gym 
membership and the figures included above are the grossed up values. An adjustment has been made to the prior year’s corresponding amount to reflect the fact 
that gym membership benefits were not disclosed on a grossed up basis in that year.

2   Other items in the nature of remuneration include life assurance, permanent health insurance, annual medical check-ups, professional subscription fees, the value 
of shares awarded under the all-employee Share Incentive Plan and the notional gain on exercise for any Sharesave Scheme options that mature during the year.

Chairman and Non-Executive Directors

John Gildersleeve (Chairman)

Aubrey Adams

Simon Borrows

Lynn Gladden

Dido Harding4

William Jackson

Tim Score

Lord Turnbull

Laura Wade-Gery5

Fees

Taxable benefits3

2016  
£000

 369 

 68 

 68 

 67 

 n/a 

 70 

 88 

 97 

 44 

2015  
£000

 352 

 69 

 67 

 1 

 34 

 66 

 73 

 79 

 n/a 

2016  
£000

60

– 

– 

1 

n/a

– 

1

– 

– 

2015  
£000

 60 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

n/a 

Total

2016  
£000

 429 

 68 

 68 

 68 

n/a 

 70 

 89 

 97 

 44 

2015  
£000

 412 

 69 

 67 

 1

 34 

 66 

 73 

 79 

n/a 

3   Taxable benefits include the Chairman’s chauffeur cost and expenses incurred by other Non-Executive Directors. The Company provides the tax gross up on these 

benefits and the figures shown above are the grossed up values. An adjustment has been made to the prior year’s corresponding amount to reflect the fact that chauffeur 
costs were not disclosed on a grossed up basis in that year.
4  Dido Harding resigned as a Director on 10 December 2014.
5  Laura Wade-Gery was appointed as a Director on 13 May 2015.

British Land    Annual Report and Accounts 2016

101

Governance and Remuneration

REMUNERATION REPORT: ANNUAL REPORT ON REMUNERATION CONTINUED

Notes to the single total figure of remuneration table

 Annual Incentive

The level of Annual Incentive award is determined by the Remuneration Committee based on British Land’s performance and each individual 
Executive Director’s contribution during the year. Annual Incentive measures are not strictly weighted and the Committee assesses performance  
in the round. The Committee’s assessment for the year ended 31 March 2016 is set out below, undertaken with reference to performance against  
the following quantitative and qualitative measures using data available at the year end.

Range of 
performance 
between 
‘median’ and 
‘in line with 
expectations’

Range of 
performance 
between 
‘in line with 
expectations’ 
and maximum pay-out

25%1 pay-out 
(no pay-out below 
this median point)

50%1 pay-out 
(performance 
in line with 
expectations)

100%1 pay-out 
(no increased 
pay-out above 
this maximum 
pay-out point)

Quantitative Measures

Property 
returns

Unlevered property 
capital return vs IPD

Total property returns 
vs IPD

Accounting 
returns

Total accounting return 
vs property majors

Rental 
growth

Leasing activity vs ERV

ERV growth vs IPD

Underlying 
profit 
performance

Profit growth vs budget 
and property majors

Qualitative Measures

Right 
Places

Progress on key 
projects including 
developments; and 
Execution of targeted 
acquisitions and 
disposals

Customer 
Orientation

Company reputation 
with all stakeholders; 
and 
Supporting delivery 
of sustainability 
objectives

Capital 
Efficiency

Progress on 
strengthening 
the dividend; and 
Execution of 
debt financings

Expert 
People

Quality of people and 
management renewal

Narrative description of performance against measures

 – Capital growth of 6.8%, outperforming IPD by 50 bps; both 

Retail and Offices outperformed their sector indices.

 – Total property return of 11.3% performing in line with IPD, 
although both Retail and Offices outperformed their sector 
indices.

 – Total accounting return above the estimated median of the 
property majors at 15.8% when adjusted to reflect changes 
to UK Commercial Stamp Duty (as described opposite).

 – Lettings and renewals 6.8% ahead of ERV.

 – ERV growth of 5.3% outperforming IPD by 130 bps; 

both Retail and Offices outperformed their sector indices.

 – Profit growth of 16.0%; ahead of budget and above the 

estimated median of the property majors.

 – In Offices, completed 5 Broadgate; planning achieved at 

100 Liverpool Street, 1 Finsbury Avenue and Blossom Street; 
planning application submitted for 2 and 3 Finsbury Avenue. 

 – In Retail, completed Whiteley Phase 2; planning consent 
received at Speke; planning application submitted for 
Eden Walk. 

 – Public consultation for development of 46-acre site at 

Canada Water.

 – Continued repositioning of the portfolio with £1.3 billion of 
gross activity; acquisitions and investments balanced with 
disposals in line with plan.

 – Awarded the Queen’s Award for Enterprise, the UK’s highest 
accolade for business success, for our continued economic, 
social and environmental achievements over five years.

 – Strong progress on developing Places People Prefer.

 – Customer satisfaction score maintained at 7.9/10.

 – Maintained inclusion in the four target ESG Indices; Dow Jones 

Sustainability Indices World and Europe; FTSE4GOOD and 
GRESB (Europe Sector Leader). 

 – Full year dividend increased by 2.5 % to 28.36 pence per share.

 – £915 million refinancings executed including £350 million zero 

coupon convertible bond.

 – Finance costs reduced further; weighted average interest rate 

reduced 50 bps to 3.3%.

 – Retained One Star rating for employee satisfaction. 

 – Further strengthening of senior team with two external 

Executive Committee appointments.

1  25% of the maximum level = 37.5% of basic salary. 50% of the maximum level = 75.0% of basic salary. 100% of the maximum level = 150% of basic salary.

102

British Land    Annual Report and Accounts 2016

The increase in UK Commercial Stamp Duty, which took effect on 17 March 2016, impacted the total accounting return (TAR) and IFRS profits of 
companies with a financial year end of 31 March 2016 but did not impact those with a financial year end of 31 December 2015. The underlying profit 
figure, used to assess Annual Incentive performance, was not affected by the change to UK Commercial Stamp Duty. So that the TAR performance 
of British Land for 2015/16 can be compared on a like-for-like basis with the other property majors an adjusted and audited figure for British Land’s 
TAR, which excludes the impact of the UK Commercial Stamp Duty change, has been used to assess performance. In assessing the performance 
of the comparator group for TAR and profit performance relative to property majors, analysts’ consensus (before the impact of the UK Commercial 
Stamp Duty change) has been used for one company with a March year end and reported data has been used for the December year end companies. 

Over the year each Executive Director’s individual performance was measured against objectives supporting the key areas of our business model: 
Right Places, Customer Orientation, Capital Efficiency and Expert People. The Group does not disclose prospective and retrospective performance 
measures for individual performance beyond that disclosed above as the Directors consider this to be commercially sensitive; this information will 
not be disclosed at future dates for the same reason.

Taking into account corporate performance against the quantitative and qualitative measures over the year to 31 March 2016, as well as each 
Executive Director’s individual performance, the Remuneration Committee set the Annual Incentive awards received by the Executive Directors 
at the following levels.

Executive Director

Chris Grigg

Lucinda Bell

Charles Maudsley

Tim Roberts

Proportion of maximum 
potential award granted 
%

67

55

61

60

The maximum Annual Incentive award achievable is equivalent to 150% base salary. The Remuneration Committee set the aggregate Annual 
Incentive received by the Executive Directors for the year ended 31 March 2016 at 62% of the maximum (93% of base salary), as compared with 
87% of the maximum (130% of base salary) for the year ended 31 March 2015.

One third of each Executive Director’s Annual Incentive award will be deferred and used to purchase MSP Bonus Shares, subject to a three-year 
holding requirement, under British Land’s Matching Share Plan (MSP) in accordance with the current Remuneration Policy. No further performance 
measures apply to these deferred shares; the MSP is described on pages 99 to 100.

  Long term incentives (audited information)

Figures in the “Long term incentives” column are comprised of awards vesting under the Long-Term Incentive Plan (LTIP) and Matching Share Plan 
(MSP), including, where applicable, dividend equivalent payments on those vesting awards and interest accrued on those dividend equivalents. The 
LTIP awards and MSP Matching awards granted to Executive Directors in 2013 are included in the 2016 Long term incentives column. Vesting of these 
awards is subject to performance over the three year period to 31 March 2016 against the relevant performance conditions, which are detailed on 
pages 99 to 100. The estimated vesting values of these awards have been calculated using the average market value for a British Land share for the 
period from 1 January 2016 to 31 March 2016 (702.6 pence) as the vesting share price.

LTIP
Two equally weighted performance conditions are attached to the LTIP awards granted in 2013, measuring British Land’s total property return (TPR) 
relative to the funds in the December IPD UK Annual Property Index (the Index) and total accounting return (TAR) relative to a comparator group of 
British Land and 16 other property companies. These awards are due to vest on 5 August 2016. The increase in UK Commercial Stamp Duty, which 
took effect on 17 March 2016, impacted British Land’s TPR at 31 March 2016 but did not impact the Index. So that the performance of the Company 
and the Index can be compared on the same basis, an adjusted and audited figure for British Land’s TPR, excluding the impact of the UK Commercial 
Stamp Duty change, has been used to assess LTIP TPR performance. This adjustment will not be required in future years because when determining 
LTIP vesting levels the impact of this UK Commercial Stamp Duty change will (a) already have been reflected in the TPR of the Company and 
the comparator group for awards granted in 2014 and 2015 and (b) be reflected in the start point for awards granted in 2016 and future years. 
The TPR part is expected to vest at 69%, based on British Land’s adjusted TPR of 14.9% compared to the Index median of 13.9%. It is estimated that 
the TAR part will vest at 44%; the actual vesting rate of the TAR part will be calculated once results have been published by all of the companies 
within the comparator group. This produces the estimated values on vesting set out in the table on the following page. The actual vesting will be 
confirmed by the Committee and provided in the 2017 Remuneration Report.

British Land    Annual Report and Accounts 2016

103

Governance and Remuneration

REMUNERATION REPORT: ANNUAL REPORT ON REMUNERATION CONTINUED

Executive Director

LTIP award date

Chris Grigg

Lucinda Bell

05/08/2013

05/08/2013

Charles Maudsley

05/08/2013

Tim Roberts

05/08/2013

Award price 
(exercise price)
p

Number of 
performance  
shares awarded

Number of  
options awarded

Estimated 
percentage of  
award vesting  
%

Estimated value of 
award on vesting  
£000

Estimated dividend 
equivalent and 
interest  
£000

601

601

601

601

266,222

 116,056 

 141,430 

 141,430 

 – 

 154,742 

 – 

 – 

57

57

57

57

 1,057

 549 

 561 

 561 

 125 

 55 

 67 

 67 

The LTIP awards granted to Executive Directors in 2012 (which vested on 14 September 2015 and are shown in the 2015 Long term incentives column) 
were subject to a performance condition assessing the growth in British Land’s net asset value relative to the increase in the capital growth 
component of the IPD UK Annual Property Index. This condition is detailed on page 102 of the 2015 Annual Report. The vesting values of these awards 
have now been calculated using the actual market value on the day vesting, replacing the estimated vesting values included in the prior year’s single 
total figure of remuneration table.

MSP
Two equally weighted performance conditions are attached to the MSP Matching awards granted in 2013, measuring British Land’s total shareholder 
return (TSR) relative to a comparator group of 17 property companies (including British Land) and British Land’s gross income growth (GIG) relative 
to the IPD Quarterly Universe (the Universe). These awards are due to vest on 2 August 2016. Aon Hewitt has confirmed that the TSR part of the award 
will lapse as British Land’s TSR performance over the period was 38.0% compared to a median of 53.7% for the comparator group. The GIG part is 
expected to vest at 100%, as British Land’s annualised GIG over the period is expected to exceed the growth of the Universe by more than the upper 
hurdle of 1.5%. This produces the estimated values on vesting set out below. The actual vesting rate will be confirmed by the Committee and provided 
in the 2017 Remuneration Report.

Executive Director

Chris Grigg

Lucinda Bell

Charles Maudsley

Tim Roberts

Number of  
Matching Shares 
awarded

Estimated 
percentage of  
award vesting  
%

Estimated 
value of award 
on vesting  
£000

Estimated 
dividend 
equivalent  
£000

 127,096 

 54,720 

 59,428 

 59,428 

50

50

50

50

 446 

 192

 209 

 209 

 53 

 23 

 25 

 25 

MSP award date

02/08/2013

02/08/2013

02/08/2013

02/08/2013

The MSP awards granted to Executive Directors in 2012 (which vested on 7 September 2015 and are shown in the 2015 Long term incentives column) 
were subject to the same performance conditions as the MSP awards granted in 2013. The vesting values of these awards have now been calculated 
using the actual market value on the day vesting, replacing the estimated vesting values included in the prior year’s single total figure of 
remuneration table.

  Pension or pension allowance (audited information)

The figures shown in the Pension column represent the differing pension arrangements of the Executive Directors. During the year ended 31 March 
2016 Chris Grigg received 35% basic salary as cash in lieu of pension and Charles Maudsley received 15% basic salary as cash in lieu of pension. 
Lucinda Bell and Tim Roberts earned pension benefits in defined benefit schemes sponsored by the Company during the year. The increase in value 
over the year of their respective pensions is shown in the single total figure of remuneration table and further detail is provided on page 105.

There are no additional benefits that will become receivable by a Director in the event that a Director retires early.

104

British Land    Annual Report and Accounts 2016

Share scheme interests awarded during the year (audited information)

Long-Term Incentive Plan
The total fair value of each Executive Director’s LTIP award for the year ended 31 March 2016 was equivalent to 200% of basic salary at grant. At grant 
each Director can indicate a preference as to the proportion of the award that they wish to receive as performance shares and the proportion that 
they wish to receive as market value options. The share price used to determine the face value of performance shares and the fair value of options 
– and therefore the number of performance shares and market value options awarded – is the average market value of the Company’s shares over 
the three dealing days immediately prior to the day of award. The performance conditions attached to these awards are detailed on page 100.

Performance shares

Executive Director

Chris Grigg

Lucinda Bell

Charles Maudsley

Tim Roberts

Options

Executive Director

Grant date

Number of 
performance 
shares  
granted

154,949

121,254

109,756

Grant date

22/06/2015

22/06/2015

22/06/2015

Face value
£000

End of 
performance 
period

Vesting date

 1,260 

31/03/2018

22/06/2018

 986 

31/03/2018

22/06/2018

 892 

31/03/2018

22/06/2018

22/06/2015

109,756

 892 

31/03/2018

22/06/2018

Percentage vesting on 
achievement of minimum 
performance threshold
%

25

25

25

25

Number 
of options 
granted

Face value
£000

Fair value
£0001

Exercise price
p

End of 
performance 
period

Vesting date

Percentage vesting on 
achievement of minimum 
performance threshold
%

Chris Grigg

22/06/2015

206,599

 1,680 

 420

824.5 

31/03/2018

22/06/2018

25

1   Options are currently valued at one quarter of the value of a performance share therefore the fair value of each option awarded is one quarter of the face value 

of the option.

Matching Share Plan
The total face value of each Executive Director’s MSP Matching Share award for the year ended 31 March 2016 was equal to two thirds of their  
Annual Incentive award in respect of the year ended 31 March 2015, equivalent to 91% basic salary at grant for Chris Grigg, 68% for Lucinda Bell,  
81% for Charles Maudsley and 85% for Tim Roberts. The share price used to determine the number of Matching Shares awarded is the market 
value of the Company’s shares on the day the proportion of the Annual Incentive is deferred. 

Matching Shares

Executive Director

Chris Grigg

Lucinda Bell

Charles Maudsley

Tim Roberts

Number of 
Matching 
Shares  
granted

94,348

40,950

44,226

46,682

Grant date

29/06/2015

29/06/2015

29/06/2015

29/06/2015

Face value
£000

End of 
performance 
period

Vesting date

Percentage vesting on 
achievement of minimum 
performance threshold
%

 768 

31/03/2018

29/06/2018

 333 

31/03/2018

29/06/2018

 360 

31/03/2018

29/06/2018

 380 

31/03/2018

29/06/2018

25

25

25

25

Sharesave Scheme
The following options were granted to the Executive Directors during the year under the all-employee Sharesave Scheme. The exercise price is set 
at a 20% discount to the average market price of the Company’s shares over the three dealing days immediately preceding invitation to the Scheme. 
The cost of exercise is met entirely by the Director, and is accumulated by deductions from salary over the period between grant and vesting.

Options

Executive Director

Lucinda Bell

Total to be 
deducted from 
salary to cover 
exercise cost
£000

Number of 
options 
granted

Face value
£000

Exercise price
p

Earliest 
exercise date

Expiry date

9

1,291

9

697

01/09/2018

28/02/2019

Grant date

22/06/2015

Directors’ pension entitlements under the defined benefit pension scheme (audited information)

The below table details the defined benefit pension accrued by participating Directors at 31 March 2016.

Executive Director

Lucinda Bell

Tim Roberts

1  The accrued pension is based on service to the year end and final pensionable salary at that date.

Defined benefit pension 
accrued at 31 March 20161
£000

Normal 
retirement
age

101

81

60

60

British Land    Annual Report and Accounts 2016

105

Governance and Remuneration

REMUNERATION REPORT: ANNUAL REPORT ON REMUNERATION CONTINUED

Directors’ shareholdings and share interests (audited information)

Directors’ shareholdings at 31 March 2016
The following table shows the Directors’ interests in fully paid ordinary British Land shares including shares held by connected persons and, 
for Executive Directors, including Matching Share Plan Bonus Shares and shares held in the Share Incentive Plan. All interests are beneficial.

Director

Chris Grigg

Lucinda Bell

Charles Maudsley

Tim Roberts

John Gildersleeve

Aubrey Adams

Simon Borrows

Lynn Gladden

William Jackson 

Tim Score

Lord Turnbull

Laura Wade-Gery1

Holding at 
31 March 2016

1,118,090

162,894

158,887

173,042

5,220 

20,000

300,000

1,665

120,304 

12,693 

20,471 

1,670 

Holding at 
31 March 2015

955,204

164,201

159,801

274,189

5,220

20,000

300,000

0

42,983

6,946

18,790

n/a

1  Laura Wade-Gery was appointed as a Director on 13 May 2015.

Purchases after the year end up to one month before publication of the Notice of Annual General Meeting
On 6 April 2016 Lynn Gladden was allotted 1,063 shares, William Jackson was allotted 486 shares, Tim Score was allotted 1,416 shares, Lord Turnbull 
was allotted 359 shares and Laura Wade-Gery was allotted 718 shares, all at a price of 696.3945 pence per share, as part of their standing 
instructions to receive shares in full or part satisfaction of their Non-Executive Directors’ fees.

On 14 April 2016 Chris Grigg purchased 20 shares, Lucinda Bell purchased 20 shares, Charles Maudsley purchased 17 shares and Tim Roberts 
purchased 21 shares, all at a price of 730.5208 pence per share, under the partnership element of the Share Incentive Plan (SIP). Accordingly, 
Chris Grigg was awarded 40 shares, Lucinda Bell was awarded 40 shares, Charles Maudsley was awarded 34 shares and Tim Roberts was 
awarded 42 shares under the matching element of the SIP. On 6 May 2016 Chris Grigg acquired 68 shares, Lucinda Bell acquired 153 shares, Charles 
Maudsley acquired 50 shares and Tim Roberts acquired 144 shares, all at a price of 722 pence per share, under the dividend element of the SIP.

Executive Directors’ minimum shareholding guideline
The minimum shareholding guideline requires the Executive Directors to hold fully vested shares of a certain percentage of salary. The number 
and value of shares required as a target is fixed once a year.

There is no set timescale required to reach the target but it should be achieved through the regular additions anticipated by vestings of long term 
incentive awards. No purchases are required either to reach the level or to respond to share price falls but Executive Directors are expected to increase 
their holding of shares each year until the target is attained. Shares included are those unfettered and beneficially owned by the Director and by his or 
her connected persons (not including deferred Annual Incentive Shares, Matching Share Plan Bonus Shares or locked-in Share Incentive Plan shares).

The guideline shareholdings for the year to 31 March 2017 are shown below.

Executive Director

Chris Grigg

Lucinda Bell

Charles Maudsley

Tim Roberts

Percentage  
of basic salary 
to be held  
in shares

Guideline 
holding

Unfettered 
holding at  
31 March  
2016

Percentage of 
basic salary 
held at 
31 March  
2016

225%

150%

150%

150%

269,807

 1,031,183

105,567

122,478

95,557

95,557

116,707

129,031

860%

174%

183%

203%

Although there is no guideline holding for Non-Executive Directors, they are encouraged to hold shares in British Land. The Company facilitates this 
by offering Non-Executive Directors the ability to purchase shares using their post-tax fees. Lynn Gladden, William Jackson, Tim Score, Lord 
Turnbull and Laura Wade-Gery received shares in full or part satisfaction of their Non-Executive Directors’ fees during the year.

106

British Land    Annual Report and Accounts 2016

Unvested share awards

Executive Director

Type

Chris Grigg

LTIP performance shares

LTIP performance shares

LTIP performance shares

MSP Matching Shares

MSP Matching Shares

MSP Matching Shares

Lucinda Bell

LTIP performance shares

LTIP performance shares

LTIP performance shares

MSP Matching Shares

MSP Matching Shares

MSP Matching Shares

Charles Maudsley

LTIP performance shares

LTIP performance shares

LTIP performance shares

MSP Matching Shares

MSP Matching Shares

MSP Matching Shares

Tim Roberts

LTIP performance shares

LTIP performance shares

LTIP performance shares

MSP Matching Shares

MSP Matching Shares

MSP Matching Shares

Number  
outstanding at  
31 March 2016

Subject to 
performance 
measures

End of  
performance  
period1

Date of grant

Vesting date

05/08/13

266,222

23/06/14

233,804

22/06/15

02/08/13

30/06/14

29/06/15

05/08/13

23/06/14

22/06/15

02/08/13

30/06/14

29/06/15

05/08/13

23/06/14

22/06/15

02/08/13

30/06/14

29/06/15

05/08/13

23/06/14

22/06/15

02/08/13

30/06/14

29/06/15

154,949

127,096

101,766

94,348

116,056

135,898

121,254

54,720

43,816

40,950

141,430

124,208

109,756

59,428

47,584

44,226

141,430

124,208

109,756

59,428

47,584

46,682

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

31/03/16

05/08/16

31/03/17

23/06/17

31/03/18

22/06/18

31/03/16

02/08/16

31/03/17

30/06/17

31/03/18

29/06/18

31/03/16

05/08/16

31/03/17

23/06/17

31/03/18

22/06/18

31/03/16

02/08/16

31/03/17

30/06/17

31/03/18

29/06/18

31/03/16

05/08/16

31/03/17

23/06/17

31/03/18

22/06/18

31/03/16

02/08/16

31/03/17

30/06/17

31/03/18

29/06/18

31/03/16

05/08/16

31/03/17

23/06/17

31/03/18

22/06/18

31/03/16

02/08/16

31/03/17

30/06/17

31/03/18

29/06/18

1   Awards with a performance period ended 31/03/2016 are included within the 2016 Long term incentives column of the single total figure of remuneration table on 

page 101. The notes to the single total figure table on pages 103 to 104 outline the degree to which performance measures have been, or are expected to be, achieved 
and the resultant proportions of the awards that are expected to vest.

Unvested option awards (not available to be exercised)

Executive Director

Type

Date of grant

Number 
outstanding at  
31 March 2016

Option price  
p

Subject to 
performance 
measures

End of 
performance
period1

Date becomes 
exercisable

Exercisable 
until

Chris Grigg

LTIP options

22/06/15

206,599

824.5

Lucinda Bell

LTIP options

05/08/13

154,742

Sharesave options

Sharesave options

Tim Roberts

Sharesave options

Sharesave options

23/06/14

22/06/15

19/06/13

23/06/14

1,567

1,291

2,348

3,135

601

 574

697

511

574

Yes

Yes

No

No

No

No

31/03/18

22/06/18

22/06/25

31/03/16

05/08/16

05/08/23

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

01/09/17

28/02/18

01/09/18

28/02/19

01/09/18

28/02/19

01/09/19

29/02/20

1   Awards with a performance period ended 31/03/2016 are included within the 2016 Long term incentives column of the single total figure of remuneration table on 

page 101. The notes to the single total figure table on pages 103 to 104 outline the degree to which performance measures have been, or are expected to be, achieved 
and the resultant proportions of the awards that are expected to vest.

British Land    Annual Report and Accounts 2016

107

Governance and Remuneration

REMUNERATION REPORT: ANNUAL REPORT ON REMUNERATION CONTINUED

Vested option awards (available to be exercised)

Executive Director

Type

Chris Grigg

LTIP options

LTIP options

LTIP options

LTIP options

Lucinda Bell

LTIP options

LTIP options

LTIP options

Number 
outstanding at  
31 March 2016

Date of grant

Option price  
p

Exercisable 
until

29/06/09

7,751

11/06/10

1,073,825

28/06/11

695,652

14/09/12

743,494

11/06/10

14/12/10

67,952

11,764

14/09/12

138,289

387

447

575

538

447

510

538

29/06/19

11/06/20

28/06/21

14/09/22

11/06/20

14/12/20

14/09/22

Options exercised during the year ended 31 March 2016 

Executive Director

Type

Lucinda Bell

Sharesave options

Tim Roberts

LTIP options

Date of grant

26/06/12

05/12/05

Number 
exercised

Option price
p

Date became 

exercisable Date exercised

Market price on 
date of exercise  
p

2,295

17,483

392

01/09/15

01/09/15

823.6

05/12/08

01/12/15

803.5 

846

108

British Land    Annual Report and Accounts 2016

 
 
 
 
 
Further disclosures

Relative importance of spend on pay
The graph below shows the amount spent on remuneration of all 
employees (including Executive Directors) relative to the amount spent 
on distributions to shareholders for the years to 31 March 2016 and 
31 March 2015. Remuneration of employees increased by 7% relative to 
the prior year and distributions to shareholders increased by 3%.
Distributions to shareholders include ordinary and scrip dividends and 
the split between property income distributions (PID) and non-property 
income distributions (non-PID) is shown.

Relative importance of spend on pay

2015/16

2014/15

£81m

£76m

£287m

£277m

Seven-year total shareholder return and Chief Executive’s remuneration
The graph to the right shows British Land’s total shareholder return for 
the seven years from 1 April 2009 to 31 March 2016 against that of the 
FTSE Real Estate Investment Trusts (REIT) Total Return Index for the 
same period. The graph shows how the total return on a £100 investment 
in the Company, made on 1 April 2009, would have changed over the 
seven-year period measured, compared with the total return on a £100 
investment in the FTSE REIT Total Return Index. The FTSE REIT Total 
Return Index has been selected as a suitable comparator because it is 
the index in which British Land’s shares are classified.

The 2009 base point, required by the regulations governing this 
remuneration report disclosure, was close to the bottom of the property 
cycle. British Land’s share price had not fallen as much at that time as 
the average share price of the FTSE REITs Sector, thereby setting a 
higher base point for subsequent growth. The table below details the total 
remuneration of the person undertaking the role of Chief Executive over 
the same period, calculated on the same basis as the single total figure  
of remuneration table, and the Annual Incentive payouts and long term 
incentive vesting rates as a percentage of the maximum opportunity. 

Remuneration of employees including Directors:

 Wages & salaries
 Annual Incentives
 Social security costs
 Pension costs
 Equity-settled share-based payments

Distributions to shareholders:

 PID cash dividends paid to shareholders
 PID tax withholding
  Net cash equivalent of new shares issued under  
Non-PID Scrip dividends
  Net cash equivalent of new shares issued under  
PID Scrip dividends

Total Shareholder Return
Rebased to 100, April 2009

350

300

250

200

150

100

April
2009

April
2010

April
2011

April
2012

April
2013

April
2014

April
2015

March
2016

  The British Land Company PLC
  FTSE REITs Sector

  Source: Aon Hewitt

Chief Executive

Chris Grigg

Chris Grigg

Chris Grigg

Chris Grigg

Chris Grigg

Chris Grigg

Chris Grigg

2010

2011

2012

2013

2014

2015

2016

Chief Executive’s single total figure 
of remuneration (£000)

Annual Incentive payout against maximum 
opportunity (%)

Long term incentives vesting rate against 
maximum opportunity (%)

2,082

2,329

5,353

4,810

 5,398 

6,551

3,709

67

n/a

83

n/a

75

99

75

63

90

98

96

93

67

54

British Land    Annual Report and Accounts 2016

109

Governance and Remuneration

REMUNERATION REPORT: ANNUAL REPORT ON REMUNERATION CONTINUED

Chief Executive’s remuneration compared to remuneration of British Land employees
The below table shows the percentage changes in different elements of the Chief Executive’s remuneration relative to the previous financial year 
and the average percentage changes in those elements of remuneration for employees based at British Land’s head office over the same period. 
Head office employees have been chosen as an appropriate comparator group for this purpose as employees based at British Land’s head office 
carry out work of the most similar nature to the Chief Executive.

Remuneration element

Salary

Taxable benefits

Annual Incentive

Value of Chief  
Executive  
remuneration  
element 2016 
£000

Value of Chief  
Executive  
remuneration  
element 2015 
£000

Change in  
Chief Executive 
remuneration  
element 
%

840

21

840

800

21

 1,152 

5.0

0.0

-27.1

Average change  
in remuneration 
element of  
British Land  
employees 
%

5.4

2.7

-6.8

Executive Directors’ external appointments
Executive Directors may take up one non-executive directorship at another FTSE company, subject to British Land Board approval. Chris Grigg was 
appointed a non-executive director of BAE Systems plc on 1 July 2013. During the year to 31 March 2016, Chris Grigg received a fee of £86,495 
(including £2,495 of expenses deemed to be taxable) from BAE Systems plc, which he retained in full. Lucinda Bell was appointed a non-executive 
director of Rotork plc on 10 July 2014. During the year to 31 March 2016, Lucinda Bell received a fee of £43,625 from Rotork plc, which she retained 
in full (D.1.2) 

.

Statement of voting at the Annual General Meeting
The table below details the results of the shareholder vote to approve the Directors’ Remuneration Report at the 2015 AGM and the shareholder vote 
to approve the current Remuneration Policy at the 2014 AGM. The Committee was pleased to note the high levels of shareholder support.

Resolution

Approval of Directors’ Remuneration Report

Approval of Directors’ Remuneration Policy

AGM

2015

2014

Votes  
for

%  
for

Votes  
against

%  
against

Total votes  
cast

Votes  
withheld

680,540,864

97.53

17,257,841

2.47

697,798,705

54,059,367

684,058,054

97.30

18,953,426

2.70 703,011,480

1,198,374

Consideration by the Directors of matters relating to Directors’ remuneration
Throughout the year the Remuneration Committee was chaired by Lord Turnbull. Lynn Gladden and William Jackson were members of the 
Committee throughout the year. Laura Wade-Gery was appointed as a Director of the Company and member of the Committee on 13 May 2015. 
The following persons assisted the Committee during the year: Chris Grigg (Chief Executive); Joff Sharpe (Head of Operations); Elaine Williams, 
Charles Middleton and Victoria Penrice (each of whom acted as secretary to the Remuneration Committee during the year) and Alan Judes, 
of Strategic Remuneration.

The Committee appointed Alan Judes, of Strategic Remuneration, as its independent advisor for the year. He also gave advice to the Company on 
human resources and share plan matters. The Committee is satisfied there is no conflict in him providing such services to the Company. Strategic 
Remuneration is a member of the Remuneration Consultants Group and adheres to the Remuneration Consultants Group’s Code of Conduct. 
Strategic Remuneration was selected by the Chairman of the Remuneration Committee following a competitive tender process.

The Committee assesses the advice given by Alan Judes of Strategic Remuneration to satisfy itself that the advice received is objective and 
independent. Alan Judes has a private meeting with the Chairman of the Remuneration Committee once a year in accordance with the Code 
of Conduct of the Remuneration Consultants Group. Fees charged by Strategic Remuneration for the year amounted to £48,400 excluding VAT 
(£73,400 excluding VAT for the year ended 31 March 2015) and are charged on a time basis.

This Report was approved by the Board on 16 May 2016.

Lord Turnbull
Chairman of the Remuneration Committee

110

British Land    Annual Report and Accounts 2016

DIRECTORS’ REPORT AND ADDITIONAL DISCLOSURES

Directors’ report and additional disclosures 
The Directors present their report on the affairs of the Group, together 
with the audited financial statements and the report of the auditor for  
the year ended 31 March 2016. Information required to be disclosed  
in the Directors’ Report may be found below and in the following  
sections of the Annual Report and Accounts 2016:

Information

Dividend recommended during 
the year

Sustainability governance

Section in 
Annual Report

Page

Strategic Report

52

Strategic Report

15 to 17

Each ordinary share carries the right to participate equally in distributions 
and dividends. There are neither restrictions on the transfer of shares nor 
on the size of a holding. 

At the AGM in 2015, the Directors were given the power to allot shares 
up to a nominal amount of £85,056,863, as well as additional authority 
to allot a further £85,056,863 on a rights issue. This authority expires 
at this year’s AGM, at which a similar resolution will be proposed. 

The issued share capital has been increased during the year by fully paid 
issues as follows:

Political donations and expenditure

Greenhouse gas emissions

Governance and 
remuneration

Strategic Report

Financial instruments – risk management 
objectives and policies

Strategic Report

78

48

54

15 April 2015 to 
14 January 2016

1 April 2015 to 
30 March 2016

Future developments of the business of 
the Company

Strategic Report

6 to 19

Employment policies and employee 
involvement

Governance and 
remuneration

77 and 85

Risk factors and principal risks

Strategic Report

57 to 63

Articles of Association
The Company’s Articles of Association may only be amended by special 
resolution at a general meeting of shareholders.

Subject to applicable law and the Company’s Articles of Association,  
the Directors may exercise all powers of the Company.

 Matters reserved for Board approval see page 73 

Board of Directors
The Directors listed on the Board of Directors pages constituted the 
Board during the year. In accordance with best practice, the Directors 
will retire at the AGM and will offer themselves for election and annual 
re-election, as required.

Board of Directors see pages 66 to 69

15 May 2015 to 
21 December 2015

7 April 2015 to 
16 September 2015

15 April 2015 to 
4 March 2016

5 August 2015 to 
12 February 2016

21 August 2015

07 September 2015

Shares in lieu of 
Directors’ fees

On exercise of options 
under the Long-Term 
Incentive Plan (LTIP)

On vesting of shares 
under the LTIP

On vesting of shares 
under the Fund Managers 
Performance Plan

On exercise of options under 
the Sharesave Scheme

Scrip allotment

Share Incentive Plan Free 
Share Award allotment

On vesting of Matching 
Shares under the Matching 
Share Plan (MSP)

Number of ordinary
shares of 25p

12,504

603,817

894,761

360,986

134,107

6,407,965

177,066

182,831

Substantial interests
As at 31 March 2016, the Company had been notified of the following 
major interests in its ordinary shares:

Interests in the 
Company’s 
ordinary shares

Percentage of 
ordinary shares 
in issue  
%

Directors’ liability insurance and indemnity
The Company has indemnified its current Directors. The indemnity 
arrangements are qualifying indemnity provisions under the Companies 
Act 2006 and are currently in force at the date of this Report (A.1.3) 

.

Purchase of own shares
The Company was granted authority at the AGM in 2015 to purchase its 
own shares up to a total aggregate value of 10% of the issued nominal 
capital, subject to market-standard maximum and minimum price 
constraints. That authority expires at this year’s AGM and a resolution 
will be proposed for its renewal. During the year the Company made no 
purchases of its own shares.

Share capital
The Company has one class of ordinary share and all shares are fully 
paid (25 pence each). On a poll at a general meeting every holder or proxy 
has one vote for every share that they hold. On a show of hands at a 
general meeting each holder and proxy has one vote. 

Blackrock, Inc.1

Norges Bank

APG Algemene Pensioen Groep NV

GIC Private Limited

86,222,399

61,739,045

51,212,198

41,042,589

8.29

5.93

4.92

3.94

1   Of the 86,222,399 share interests notified to the Company by Blackrock, 327,645 
share interests are held pursuant to qualifying financial instruments (or financial 
instruments with similar economic effect). The remainder of Blackrock’s 
holding, and all other substantial interests listed in the above table, arise from 
direct or indirect interests in ordinary shares.

So far as the Company is aware, no other person holds a notifiable 
interest in the Company’s ordinary shares.

Since the year end, but prior to the date of this Report, the Company has 
been notified by GIC Private Limited that its interests in the Company’s 
ordinary shares has increased to 41,226,746.

British Land    Annual Report and Accounts 2016

111

Strategic Report
Governance and remuneration

DIRECTORS’ REPORT AND ADDITIONAL DISCLOSURES CONTINUED

Directors’ interests in contracts and conflicts  
of interest
No contract existed during the year in relation to the Company’s business 
in which any Director was materially interested. 

The Company’s policy is that Directors notify the Chairman and the 
Company Secretary of all new outside interests and conflicts of interest 
as and when they arise. The notification is then annually referred to the 
Board for approval. Furthermore, the Board reviews the policy on an 
annual basis and following the most recent review in November 2015 it 
concluded that the policy operated effectively. 

Annual General Meeting (AGM)
The AGM of The British Land Company PLC will be held at The Montcalm 
London Marble Arch, 34-40 Great Cumberland Place, London, W1H 7TW 
on Tuesday 19 July 2016, at 11.00 am. Further information will be 
available on the Notice of AGM (E.2.4) 
. The AGM is the principal 
occasion when shareholders are able to ask questions of their Board  
and the chairmen of the main committees. We look forward to seeing  
you there (E.2.3) 

.

Management Report
The Strategic Report and the Directors’ Report together are the 
‘management report’ for the purposes of the FCA’s Disclosure & 
Transparency Rules (DTR 4.1.5R).

The Directors’ Report was approved on behalf of the Board on 16 May 2016.

Elaine Williams
Company Secretary and General Counsel 
16 May 2016

Waiver of dividends 
Under the trust deed establishing the British Land Employee Share 
Trust, the trustee has waived any dividends payable in respect of any 
shares held by them unless otherwise directed by the Company (other 
than in respect of shares held as a nominee). 

Significant agreements
There are no significant agreements to which the Company is party that 
take effect, alter or terminate upon a change of control of the Company.

Payments policy
We recognise the importance of good supplier relationships to the 
overall success of our business. We manage dealings with suppliers  
in a fair, consistent and transparent manner and have signed up to the 
UK Government’s Prompt Payment Code. At the year end there were  
34 (2015: 36) suppliers’ days outstanding.

Events after the balance sheet date
There were no reportable events after the balance sheet date. 

Auditor
The Audit Committee has recommended resolutions at the 2016 AGM to 
reappoint PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP as the Company’s auditor and 
to authorise the Audit Committee to agree the auditor’s remuneration. 

Disclosure of information to auditor
Each of the persons who is a Director at the date of approval of this 
Report confirms that: 
 – so far as the Director is aware, there is no relevant audit information 

of which the Company’s auditor is unaware; and 

 – the Director has taken all the steps that he/she ought to have taken 
as a Director in order to make himself/herself aware of any relevant 
audit information and to establish that the Company’s auditor is aware 
of that information.  

This confirmation is given and should be interpreted in accordance with 
the provisions of section 418 of the Companies Act 2006. 

Disclosures under Listing Rule 9.8.4R
Information required to be disclosed in compliance with LR 9.8.4R may 
be found in the following sections:

Information

Amount of interest 
capitalised by the Group

Additional unaudited 
financial information

Waiver of dividends

Section in 
Annual Report

Financial statements

Page

132

Other information 
unaudited

184 to 204

Additional disclosures

112

Governance arrangements
Information regarding the Company’s governance arrangements is set 
out on pages 66 to 85. These pages are incorporated by reference into 
the Directors’ Report.

112

British Land    Annual Report and Accounts 2016

DIRECTORS’ RESPONSIBILITY STATEMENT

The Directors are responsible for preparing the Annual Report,  
the Directors’ Remuneration Report and the financial statements  
in accordance with applicable law and regulations.

Company law requires the Directors to prepare financial statements  
for each financial year. Under that law the Directors have prepared the 
Group financial statements in accordance with International Financial 
Reporting Standards (IFRSs) as adopted by the European Union, and  
the parent Company financial statements in accordance with United 
Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice (United Kingdom 
Accounting Standards and applicable law). 

Under Company law the Directors must not approve the financial 
statements unless they are satisfied that they give a true and fair view of 
the state of affairs of the Group and the Company and of the profit or loss 
of the Group for that period. In preparing these financial statements, the 
Directors are required to:
 – select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently;
 – make judgements and accounting estimates that are reasonable  

and prudent;

 – state whether IFRSs as adopted by the European Union and applicable 
UK Accounting Standards have been followed, subject to any material 
departures disclosed and explained in the Group and parent Company 
financial statements respectively; and

 – prepare the financial statements on the going concern basis  
unless it is inappropriate to presume that the Company will  
continue in business.

The Directors are responsible for keeping adequate accounting records 
that are sufficient to show and explain the Company’s transactions and 
disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of  
the Company and the Group and enable them to ensure that the financial 
statements and the Directors’ Remuneration Report comply with the 
Companies Act 2006 and, as regards the Group financial statements, 
Article 4 of the IAS Regulation. They are also responsible for safeguarding 
the assets of the Company and the Group and hence for taking reasonable 
steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities.

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

The Directors consider that the Annual Report and Accounts, taken  
as a whole, is fair, balanced and understandable and provides the 
information necessary for shareholders to assess the Company’s 
position and performance, business model and strategy. 

Each of the Directors, whose names and functions are listed in the 
governance and remuneration section, confirm that, to the best of  
their knowledge:
 – the Group financial statements, which have been prepared in accordance 
with IFRSs as adopted by the EU, give a true and fair view of the assets, 
liabilities, financial position and profit of the Group; and

 – the Strategic Report and the Directors’ Report include a fair review  

of the development and performance of the business and the position  
of the Group, together with a description of the principal risks and 
uncertainties that it faces.

By order of the Board.

Lucinda Bell
Chief Financial Officer 
16 May 2016

British Land    Annual Report and Accounts 2016

113

Financial 
statements and 
other information

Report of the auditor 

Financial statements

Consolidated income statement 

Consolidated statement of comprehensive income 

Consolidated balance sheet 

Consolidated statement of cash flows 

Consolidated statement of changes in equity 

Notes to the accounts 

Company balance sheet 

Company statement of changes in equity 

Supplementary disclosures unaudited 

Other information unaudited 

116

122

123

124

125

126

127

165

166

177

184

114

British Land    Annual Report and Accounts 2016

 
 
 
 
 
British Land    Annual Report and Accounts 2016

115

Financial statements

INDEPENDENT AUDITORS’ REPORT TO THE MEMBERS OF THE 
BRITISH LAND COMPANY PLC

Report on the financial statements

Our audit approach

Our opinion
In our opinion:
 – the British Land Company PLC’s Group financial statements and 

Company financial statements (the ‘financial statements’) give a true  
and fair view of the state of the Group’s and of the Company’s affairs as  
at 31 March 2016 and of the Group’s profit and cash flows for the year 
then ended;

 – the Group financial statements have been properly prepared in 

accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards (‘IFRSs’) 
as adopted by the European Union;

 – the Company financial statements have been properly prepared 

in accordance with United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting 
Practice; and

 – the financial statements have been prepared in accordance with  

the requirements of the Companies Act 2006 and, as regards the Group 
financial statements, Article 4 of the IAS Regulation.

What we have audited
The financial statements, included within the Annual Report, comprise:
 – the Consolidated Balance Sheet as at 31 March 2016;
 – the Company Balance Sheet as at 31 March 2016;
 – the Consolidated Income Statement and the Consolidated Statement of 

Overview
Our 2016 audit was planned and executed having regard to the fact  
that the Group’s operations were largely unchanged in nature from  
the previous year, additionally, there have been no significant changes  
to the valuation methodology and accounting standards relevant to the 
Group. In light of this, our approach to the audit in terms of scoping and 
areas of focus was largely unchanged.

A full scope audit was performed by the Group team for all subsidiaries 
of the Group, and the following joint ventures: Broadgate, Meadowhall 
and Leadenhall.

Materiality
 – Overall Group materiality: £138 million (2014/15: £130 million) which 

represents 1% of Total assets.

 – Specific Group materiality, applied to pre-tax profit; £18 million (2014/15: 

£15 million) which represents 5% of underlying pre-tax profit.

Areas of focus
 – Valuation of investment and development properties.
 – Revenue recognition, specifically focusing on non-standard revenue 

transactions.

Comprehensive Income for the year then ended;

 – Accounting for transactions including acquisitions and disposals of 

 – the Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows for the year then ended;
 – the Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity for the year then ended; 

and

 – the notes to the financial statements, which include a summary of 
significant accounting policies and other explanatory information.

investment properties, review of the accounting treatment of the deferred 
consideration received from one of the Group’s joint venture partners, the 
£110 million debenture bonds tender offer and purchase and the issuance 
of £350 million convertible bonds in the year.

 – Taxation – REIT status and tax provisions.

Certain required disclosures have been presented elsewhere in the 
Annual Report, rather than in the notes to the financial statements. 
These are cross-referenced from the financial statements and are 
identified as audited.

The financial reporting framework that has been applied in the 
preparation of the Group financial statements is applicable law and 
IFRSs as adopted by the European Union. The financial reporting 
framework that has been applied in the preparation of the Company 
financial statements is applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting 
Standards (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice), 
including FRS 101 ‘Reduced Disclosure Framework’.

The scope of our audit and our areas of focus
We conducted our audit in accordance with International Standards on 
Auditing (UK and Ireland) (‘ISAs (UK & Ireland)’).

We designed our audit by determining materiality and assessing the 
risks of material misstatement in the financial statements. In particular, 
we looked at where the Directors made subjective judgements, for 
example in significant accounting estimates that involved making 
assumptions and considering future events that are inherently uncertain. 
As in all of our audits we also addressed the risk of management 
override of internal controls, including evaluating whether there was 
evidence of bias by the Directors that represented a risk of material 
misstatement due to fraud. 

The risks of material misstatement that had the greatest effect on our 
audit, including the allocation of our resources and effort, are identified 
as ‘areas of focus’ in the table below. We have also set out how we 
tailored our audit to address these specific areas in order to provide an 
opinion on the financial statements as a whole, and any comments we 
make on the results of our procedures should be read in this context. 
This is not a complete list of all risks identified by our audit.

116

British Land    Annual Report and Accounts 2016

 
Area of focus

How our audit addressed the area of focus

Valuation of investment and development properties
Refer to pages 80 to 83 (Report of the Audit Committee), pages 127 
to 129 (Accounting policies) and pages 136 to 139 (Note).

The Group’s investment property portfolio is split between office  
and residential properties in London, retail and leisure properties  
across the UK, and the assets at the Canada Water site, with a  
valuation in the Consolidated Balance Sheet of £9,643 million.

The valuation of the Group’s investment property portfolio is inherently 
subjective due to, among other factors, the individual nature of each 
property, its location and the expected future rentals for that particular 
property. For developments, factors include projected costs to complete 
and timing of practical completion.

The valuations were carried out by third party valuers, CB Richard Ellis 
and Knight Frank (the ‘Valuers’). The Valuers were engaged by the 
Directors, and performed their work in accordance with the Royal 
Institute of Chartered Surveyors (‘RICS’) Valuation – Professional 
Standards. The Valuers used by the Group have considerable  
experience of the markets in which the Group operates.

In determining a property’s valuation the Valuers take into  
account property-specific information such as the current tenancy 
agreements and rental income. They apply assumptions for yields and 
estimated market rent, which are influenced by prevailing market yields 
and comparable market transactions, to arrive at the final valuation.  
For developments, the residual appraisal method is used, by estimating 
the fair value of the completed project using a capitalisation method less 
estimated costs to completion and a risk premium.

The significance of the estimates and judgements involved, coupled with 
the fact that only a small percentage difference in individual property 
valuations, when aggregated, could result in a material misstatement, 
warrants specific audit focus in this area. 

There were also a number of specific factors affecting the valuations  
in the year:
 – a number of developments that were completed in the year are now 
valued as standing investment properties so we have paid particular 
focus to the valuation methodology applied to those assets;

 – the nature of the Canada Water site, which comprises three contiguous 
sites that British Land are currently master-planning as a combined 
large scale, mixed use development site, resulted in our audit paying 
particular focus to the relevant valuations; and

 – the UK supermarket sector continues to be an area of focus given 

performance in the sector.

We read the valuation reports for all the properties and confirmed  
that the valuation approach for each was in accordance with RICS 
standards and suitable for use in determining the carrying value  
for the purpose of the financial statements.

We assessed the Valuers’ qualifications and expertise and read their 
terms of engagement with the Group to determine whether there  
were any matters that might have affected their objectivity or may  
have imposed scope limitations upon their work. We also considered  
fee arrangements between the Valuers and the Group and other 
engagements which might exist between the Group and the Valuers.  
We found no evidence to suggest that the objectivity of the Valuers  
in their performance of the valuations was compromised.

We performed testing on the standing data in the Group’s information 
systems concerning the valuation process. We carried out procedures,  
on a sample basis, to satisfy ourselves of the accuracy of the property 
information supplied to the Valuers by management. For developments, 
we confirmed that the supporting information for construction contracts 
and budgets, which was supplied to the Valuers, was also consistent  
with the Group’s records.

The audit team, including our valuation specialists, attended  
meetings with each of the Valuers at which the valuations and the key 
assumptions therein were discussed. Our work focused on the largest 
properties in the portfolio and those where the assumptions used and/or 
year-on-year capital value movement suggested a possible outlier 
versus market data for the relevant sector. We also focused on 
superstores, Canada Water and completed developments for the 
reasons referred to opposite. We compared the investment yields used 
by the Valuers with an estimated range of expected yields, determined 
via reference to published benchmarks. We also considered the 
reasonableness of other assumptions that are not so readily comparable 
with published benchmarks, such as Estimated Rental Value (‘ERV’), void 
rates and rent-free periods. Finally, we evaluated year-on-year 
movements in capital value with reference to published benchmarks. 
Where assumptions were outside the expected range or otherwise 
unusual, and/or valuations showed unexpected movements, we 
discussed these with the Valuers in our meetings held with them and 
obtained additional audit evidence to support the explanations received 
e.g. copies of lease agreements to support new lettings that have 
increased valuation during the period. In this way professional 
scepticism was exercised in our evaluation of whether assumptions were 
appropriate in light of the evidence provided by significant transactions 
which had taken place in the market during the year.

It was evident from our interaction with management and the Valuers,  
and from our review of the valuation reports, that close attention had 
been paid to each property’s individual characteristics at a granular, 
tenant by tenant level, as well as considering the overall quality, 
geographic location and desirability of the asset as a whole. The 
evaluation of what were the appropriate assumptions to apply to any 
given property included determining the level of impact that recent  
and significant market transactions should have on each individual 
property’s valuation, given its unique characteristics did not reveal  
any issues. We saw evidence that alternative assumptions had been 
considered and evaluated by management and the Valuers, before 
determining the final valuation. We concluded that the assumptions used 
in the valuations were supportable in light of available and comparable 
market evidence.

British Land    Annual Report and Accounts 2016

117

 
Financial statements

REPORT OF THE AUDITOR CONTINUED

Area of focus

How our audit addressed the area of focus

Revenue recognition
Refer to pages 80 to 83 (Report of the Audit Committee), pages 127 
to 129 (Accounting policies) and page 131 (Note). 

Revenue for the Group consists primarily of rental income. Rental 
income is based on tenancy agreements where there is a standard 
process in place for recording revenue, which is system generated. 
There are however certain transactions within revenue that warrant 
additional audit focus because of an increased inherent risk of error  
due to their non-standard nature.

These include spreading of occupier incentives and guaranteed rent 
increases – these balances require adjustments made to rental income 
to ensure revenue is recorded on a straight-line basis over the course  
of a lease. 

We carried out tests of controls over the cash and accounts receivable 
processes and the related IT systems to obtain evidence that postings to 
these accounts were reliable. For rental income balances, we then used 
data-enabled audit techniques to identify all standard revenue journals 
posted using these systems and processes. 

The remaining journals related to non-standard transactions. These 
included reclassifications within revenue, accrued income, and bad debt 
provisions. For each category of non-standard revenue summarised 
above, we have understood the nature and assessed the reasonableness 
of journals being generated, and performed substantive testing over  
a sample of these items. There have been no exceptions arising from  
our testing over non-standard revenue transactions. 

For balances not included within rental income, such as service charge 
income, we performed substantive testing on a sample basis. No issues 
were noted.

Accounting for transactions 
Refer to pages 80 to 83 (Report of the Audit Committee), pages 127 
to 129 (Accounting policies) and pages 130 to 164 (Notes to Accounts).

For each transaction, we understood the nature of the transaction and 
assessed the proposed accounting treatment in relation to the Group’s 
accounting policies and relevant IFRSs.

There have been a number of transactions during the year.  
These warranted additional audit focus due to the magnitude  
of transactions and the potential for complex contractual terms  
that introduce judgement into how they were accounted for.  
Key transactions subject to additional audit focus were:
 – purchase of additional units in HUT for £59 million;
 – acquisition of One Sheldon Square for £210 million;
 – issuance of £350 million convertible bonds;
 – recognition of deferred consideration received from 

one of the Group’s joint venture partners; 

 – profit on disposal of investment properties and trading  

properties of £45 million; and

 – £110 million debenture bonds tender offer and purchase 

For the purchase of additional units in HUT, we agreed the net asset 
value used in the share price calculation to supporting information 
including external Net Asset Value certificates. 

For all acquisitions and disposals, we obtained and reviewed the key 
supporting documentation such as Sales and Purchase Agreements  
and completion statements. Consideration received or paid was agreed 
to bank statements and deferred consideration postings. No material 
issues were found as a result of these procedures. 

For the convertible bond we have inspected the bond agreement  
and obtained evidence of all the key inputs into the bond issue price.  
We have also considered the accounting treatment and concurred  
with management’s treatment.

For the deferred consideration received from one of the Group’s joint 
venture partners, we have inspected the shareholder agreement that 
governs the fee payment, obtained evidence that the milestones that 
trigger the payment have been met and have inspected the calculation  
of the payment amount and agreed the cash receipt. We have assessed 
the accounting treatment and concur with the treatment.

For the debenture bonds tender offer and purchase we have agreed  
the repayment of the debentures and recalculated the finance charge 
incurred through agreeing the various tender documents, resolutions 
contained in the Committee of the Board and cash payments. The 
finance charges have been expensed through the Income Statement.  
We have reviewed this treatment and concur with this.

118

British Land    Annual Report and Accounts 2016

 
Area of focus

How our audit addressed the area of focus

Taxation 
Refer to pages 80 to 83 (Report of the Audit Committee),  
pages 127 to 129 (Accounting policies) and pages 133 and 146 (Notes).

The Group’s status as a REIT underpins its business model and 
shareholder returns. For this reason, it warrants special audit focus. 
The obligations of the REIT regime include requirements to comply with 
balance of business, dividend and income cover tests. The Broadgate 
joint venture is also structured as a REIT and as such, REIT compliance 
is also of relevance for this joint venture in addition to the overall Group.

Tax provisions are in place to account for the risk of challenge  
of certain of the Group’s tax provisions. Given the subjective  
nature of these provisions, additional audit focus was placed  
on tax provisions.

How we tailored the audit scope
We tailored the scope of our audit to ensure that we performed enough 
work to be able to give an opinion on the financial statements as a whole, 
taking into account the structure of the Group, the accounting processes 
and controls, and the industry in which the Group operates. 

The Group and Company financial statements are produced using a 
single consolidation system that has a direct interface with the general 
ledger. We performed our audit procedures over the general ledger 
system and tested the interface with the consolidation system.

 A full scope audit was performed by the Group audit team for all 
subsidiaries of the Group, and the following joint ventures: Broadgate, 
Meadowhall and Leadenhall. This gives coverage over substantially  
all of the Group.

In establishing the overall approach to our audit, we assessed the risk  
of material misstatement, taking into account the nature, likelihood and 
potential magnitude of any misstatement. Following this assessment,  
we applied professional judgement to determine the extent of testing 
required over each balance in the financial statements.

Materiality
The scope of our audit was influenced by our application of materiality.  
We set certain quantitative thresholds for materiality. These, together  
with qualitative considerations, helped us to determine the scope of our 
audit and the nature, timing and extent of our audit procedures on the 
individual financial statement line items and disclosures and in evaluating 
the effect of misstatements, both individually and on the financial 
statements as a whole. 

Based on our professional judgement, we determined materiality 
for the financial statements as a whole as follows:

Overall Group materiality
How we determined it
Rationale for benchmark applied A key determinant of the  

1% of total assets.

£138 million.

Group’s value is direct property 
investments. Due to this, the key 
area of focus in the audit is the 
valuation of investment properties. 
On this basis, we set an overall 
Group materiality level based  
on total assets. 

We re-performed the Group’s annual REIT compliance tests, as well as 
those tests for the Broadgate REIT. Based on our work performed, we 
agreed with management’s assessment that all REIT compliance tests 
had been met to ensure that the Group and Broadgate maintains its  
REIT status.

We used our tax expertise to evaluate tax provisions and potential 
exposures as at 31 March 2016, challenging the Group’s assumptions and 
judgements through our knowledge of tax circumstances and by reading 
relevant correspondence between the Group and Her Majesty’s Revenue 
& Customs and the Group’s external tax advisors. We concluded that the 
tax provisions were within an appropriate range based on the supporting 
information provided by the Group’s tax department.

In addition, we set a specific materiality level of £18 million (2014/15: 
£15 million) for items within underlying pre-tax profit. This equates to 5% 
of profit before tax adjusted for capital and other items. In arriving at this 
judgement we had regard to the fact that the underlying pre-tax profit  
is a secondary financial indicator of the Group (refer to note 2 of the 
financial statements page 130 where the term is defined in full). 

We agreed with the Audit Committee that we would report to them 
misstatements identified during our audit of underlying pre-tax items 
above £1 million (2014/15: £1 million) as well as misstatements below 
that amount that, in our view, warranted reporting for qualitative reasons. 
This year, we agreed with the Audit Committee that we would report to 
them, any misstatements identified during our audit of capital and other 
items above £6.9 million (2014/15: n/a) as well as misstatements below 
that amount that, in our view, warranted reporting for qualitative reasons.

Going concern 
Under the Listing Rules we are required to review the Directors’ 
statement, set out on page 77, in relation to going concern.  
We have nothing to report having performed our review. 

Under ISAs (UK & Ireland) we are required to report to you if we have 
anything material to add or to draw attention to in relation to the 
Directors’ statement about whether they considered it appropriate to 
adopt the going concern basis in preparing the financial statements. We 
have nothing material to add or to draw attention to. 

As noted in the Directors’ statement, the Directors have concluded that it 
is appropriate to adopt the going concern basis in preparing the financial 
statements. The going concern basis presumes that the Group and 
Company have adequate resources to remain in operation, and that the 
Directors intend them to do so, for at least one year from the date the 
financial statements were signed. As part of our audit we have concluded 
that the Directors’ use of the going concern basis is appropriate. 
However, because not all future events or conditions can be predicted, 
these statements are not a guarantee as to the Group’s and Company’s 
ability to continue as a going concern.

British Land    Annual Report and Accounts 2016

119

Financial statements

REPORT OF THE AUDITOR CONTINUED

Other required reporting

Consistency of other information

Companies Act 2006 opinion
In our opinion, the information given in the Strategic Report and  
the Directors’ Report for the financial year for which the financial 
statements are prepared is consistent with the financial statements.

ISAs (UK & Ireland) reporting
Under ISAs (UK & Ireland) we are required to report to you if,  
in our opinion:

 – Information in the Annual Report is:

 – materially inconsistent with the information 

in the audited financial statements; or

 – apparently materially incorrect based on, or 
materially inconsistent with, our knowledge 
of the Group and Company acquired in the 
course of performing our audit; or

 – otherwise misleading.

 – The statement given by the Directors on  

page 76, in accordance with provision C.1.1  
of the UK Corporate Governance Code (the 
‘Code’), that they consider the Annual Report 
taken as a whole to be fair, balanced and 
understandable and provides the information 
necessary for members to assess the Group’s 
and Company’s performance, business model 
and strategy is materially inconsistent with  
our knowledge of the Group and Company 
acquired in the course of performing our audit.

 – The section of the Annual Report on page 82, 
as required by provision C.3.8 of the Code, 
describing the work of the Audit Committee 
does not appropriately address matters 
communicated by us to the Audit Committee.

We have no exceptions 
to report.

We have no exceptions 
to report.

We have no exceptions 
to report.

The Directors’ assessment of the prospects of the Group and of  
the principal risks that would threaten the solvency or liquidity  
of the Group 

Under ISAs (UK & Ireland) we are required to report to you if we have 
anything material to add or to draw attention to in relation to:

We have nothing material 
to add or to draw 
attention to.

We have nothing material 
to add or to draw 
attention to.

We have nothing material 
to add or to draw 
attention to.

 – the Directors’ confirmation on page 76  

of the Annual Report, in accordance with 
provision C.2.1 of the Code, that they have 
carried out a robust assessment of the 
principal risks facing the Group, including 
those that would threaten its business model, 
future performance, solvency or liquidity.

 – the disclosures in the Annual Report  

that describe those risks and explain how 
they are being managed or mitigated.

 – the Directors’ explanation on page 58 

of the Annual Report, in accordance with 
provision C.2.2 of the Code, as to how  
they have assessed the prospects of the 
Group, over what period they have done  
so and why they consider that period to  
be appropriate, and their statement as  
to whether they have a reasonable 
expectation that the Group will be able  
to continue in operation and meet its 
liabilities as they fall due over the period 
of their assessment, including any related 
disclosures drawing attention to any 
necessary qualifications or assumptions.

Under the Listing Rules we are required to review the Directors’ 
statement that they have carried out a robust assessment of the 
principal risks facing the Group and the Directors’ statement in relation 
to the longer term viability of the Group. Our review was substantially 
less in scope than an audit and only consisted of making inquiries and 
considering the Directors’ process supporting their statements; 
checking that the statements are in alignment with the relevant 
provisions of the Code; and considering whether the statements are 
consistent with the knowledge acquired by us in the course of performing 
our audit. We have nothing to report having performed our review.

Adequacy of accounting records and information  
and explanations received
Under the Companies Act 2006 we are required to report to you if,  
in our opinion:
 – we have not received all the information and explanations we require for 

our audit; or

 – adequate accounting records have not been kept by the Company,  

or returns adequate for our audit have not been received from branches 
not visited by us; or

 – the Company financial statements and the part of the Directors’ 

Remuneration Report to be audited are not in agreement with the 
accounting records and returns.

We have no exceptions to report arising from this responsibility.

120

British Land    Annual Report and Accounts 2016

Directors’ remuneration

Directors’ remuneration report – Companies Act 2006 opinion
In our opinion, the part of the Directors’ Remuneration Report  
to be audited has been properly prepared in accordance with  
the Companies Act 2006.

Other Companies Act 2006 reporting
Under the Companies Act 2006 we are required to report to you if,  
in our opinion, certain disclosures of Directors’ remuneration specified 
by law are not made. We have no exceptions to report arising from  
this responsibility. 

Corporate governance statement
Under the Listing Rules we are required to review the part of the 
Corporate Governance Statement relating to ten further provisions 
of the Code. We have nothing to report having performed our review. 

Responsibilities for the financial statements  
and the audit

Our responsibilities and those of the Directors
As explained more fully in the Directors’ Responsibilities Statement  
set out on page 113, 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 ISAs (UK & Ireland). 
Those standards require us to comply with the Auditing Practices 
Board’s Ethical Standards for Auditors.

This report, including the opinions, has been prepared for and only for 
the Company’s members as a body in accordance with Chapter 3 of Part 
16 of the Companies Act 2006 and for no other purpose. We do not, in 
giving these opinions, accept or assume responsibility for any other 
purpose or to any other person to whom this report is shown or into 
whose hands it may come save where expressly agreed by our prior 
consent in writing.

What an audit of financial statements involves
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 Group’s and the 

Company’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. 

We primarily focus our work in these areas by assessing the Directors’ 
judgements against available evidence, forming our own judgements, 
and evaluating the disclosures in the financial statements.

We test and examine information, using sampling and other auditing 
techniques, to the extent we consider necessary to provide a reasonable 
basis for us to draw conclusions. We obtain audit evidence through 
testing the effectiveness of controls, substantive procedures or a 
combination of both. 

In addition, we read all the financial and non-financial information in  
the Annual Report to identify material inconsistencies with the audited 
financial statements and to identify any information that is apparently 
materially incorrect based on, or materially inconsistent with, the 
knowledge acquired by us in the course of performing the audit.  
If we become aware of any apparent material misstatements or 
inconsistencies we consider the implications for our report.

John Waters (Senior Statutory Auditor)
for and on behalf of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP 
Chartered Accountants and Statutory Auditors 
London

16 May 2016

(a)  The maintenance and integrity of the The British Land Company PLC website 

is the responsibility of the Directors; the work carried out by the auditors does 
not involve consideration of these matters and, accordingly, the auditors accept 
no responsibility for any changes that may have occurred to the financial 
statements since they were initially presented on the website.

(b)  Legislation in the United Kingdom governing the preparation and dissemination 

of financial statements may differ from legislation in other jurisdictions.

British Land    Annual Report and Accounts 2016

121

Financial statements

CONSOLIDATED INCOME STATEMENT

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2016

Note

Underlying1
£m

2016

Capital  
and other 
£m

Revenue

Costs

Joint ventures and funds (see also below)

Administrative expenses

Valuation movement 

Profit on disposal of investment properties and investments

Net financing costs

 – financing income

 – financing charges

Profit on ordinary activities before taxation

Taxation 

Profit for the year after taxation

Attributable to non-controlling interests

Attributable to shareholders of the Company

Earnings per share:

– basic

– diluted

All results derive from continuing operations.

3

3

3

11

4

6

6

7

2

2

569

(128)

441

135

(93)

–

–

5

(111)

(106)

377

14

363

21

(11)

10

262

–

616

35

65

(34)

31

954

33

5

982

20152

Capital  
and other 
£m

Underlying1
£m

505

(115)

390

129

(85)

–

–

7

(112)

(105)

329

16

313

51

(45)

6

597

–

884

20

–

(47)

(47)

1,460

(24)

39

1,397

Total  
£m

590

(139)

451

397

(93)

616

35

70

(145) 

(75)

1,331

33

1,364

19

1,345

131.2p

124.1p

Note

Underlying1
£m

2016

Capital 
and other  
£m

Total  
£m

Underlying1
£m

20152

Capital 
and other  
£m

Total  
£m

556

(160)

396

726

(85)

884

20

7

(159)

(152)

1,789

(24)

1,765

55

1,710

168.3p

167.3p

Total  
£m

129

589

6

2

129

–

–

–

–

589

6

2

129

597

726

Results of joint ventures and funds accounted for using the 
equity method

Underlying Profit

Valuation movement

Profit on disposal of investment properties, trading properties 
and investments

Taxation

1 See definition in glossary.

2 The prior year comparatives have been restated. See note 1. 

4

135

–

–

–

11

135

–

245

18

(1)

262

135

245

18

(1)

397

122

British Land    Annual Report and Accounts 2016

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2016

Profit for the year after taxation

Other comprehensive income:

Items that will not be reclassified subsequently to profit or loss:

Net actuarial loss on pension scheme

Valuation movements on owner-occupied property

Items that may be reclassified subsequently to profit or loss:

(Losses) gains on cash flow hedges

– Group

– Joint ventures and funds

– Reclassification of items from the statement of comprehensive income

Transferred to the income statement (cash flow hedges)

– Foreign currency derivatives

– Interest rate derivatives

Exchange differences on translation of foreign operations

– Hedging and translation

– Other

Deferred tax on items of other comprehensive income

Other comprehensive loss for the year 

Total comprehensive income for the year

Attributable to non-controlling interests

Attributable to shareholders of the Company

2016 
£m

1,364

2015  
£m

1,765

(1)

19

18

(24)

(3)

–

(27)

2

10

12

(3)

3

–

(15)

(12)

1,352

19

1,333

(5)

10

5

(71)

3

30

(38)

(11)

8

(3)

6

(6)

–

10

(26)

1,739

53

1,686

British Land    Annual Report and Accounts 2016

123

Financial statements

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET

AS AT 31 MARCH 2016

ASSETS

Non-current assets

Investment and development properties

Owner-occupied property

Other non-current assets

Investments in joint ventures and funds

Other investments

Deferred tax assets

Interest rate and currency derivative assets

Current assets

Trading properties

Debtors

Cash and short term deposits

Total assets

LIABILITIES

Current liabilities

Short term borrowings and overdrafts

Creditors

Corporation tax

Non-current liabilities

Debentures and loans

Other non-current liabilities

Deferred tax liabilities

Interest rate and currency derivative liabilities

Total liabilities

Net assets

EQUITY

Share capital

Share premium

Merger reserve

Other reserves

Retained earnings

Equity attributable to shareholders of the Company

Non-controlling interests

Total equity

EPRA NAV per share*

* As defined in glossary.

John Gildersleeve 
Chairman  

Note

2016 
£m

2015 
£m

10

10

11

12

16

17

10

13

17

17

14

17

15

16

17

2

9,643

95

9,738

9,120

60

9,180

3,353

2,901

142

3

167

379

–

139

13,403

12,599

325

33

114

472

274

20

108

402

13,875

13,001

(74)

(218)

(18)

(310)

(102)

(261)

(9)

(372)

(3,687)

(3,847)

(122)

–

(137)

(3,946)

(4,256)

9,619

260

1,295

213

(93)

7,667

9,342

277

9,619

919p

(79)

(12)

(126)

(4,064)

(4,436)

8,565

258

1,280

213

(82)

6,563

8,232

333

8,565

829p

Lucinda Bell
Chief Financial Officer

The financial statements on pages 122 to 164 were approved by the Board of Directors and signed on its behalf on 16 May 2016.
Company number 621920

124

British Land    Annual Report and Accounts 2016

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Distributions and other receivables from joint ventures and funds

11

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2016

Rental income received from tenants

Fees and other income received

Operating expenses paid to suppliers and employees

Cash generated from operations

Interest paid

Interest received

Corporation taxation repayments received

Net cash inflow from operating activities

Cash flows from investing activities

Development and other capital expenditure

Purchase of investment properties

Sale of investment and trading properties

Payments received in respect of future trading property sales

Purchase of investments

Acquisition of Speke Unit Trust

Tesco property swap

Investment in and loans to joint ventures and funds

Capital distributions and loan repayments from joint ventures and funds

Net cash inflow (outflow) from investing activities

Cash flows from financing activities

Issue of ordinary shares

Dividends paid

Dividends paid to non-controlling interests

Acquisition of units in Hercules Unit Trust

Closeout of interest rate derivatives

Cash collateral transactions

Decrease in bank and other borrowings

Drawdowns on bank and other borrowings

Issue of zero coupon 2015 convertible bond

Net cash outflow from financing activities

Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents at 1 April

Cash and cash equivalents at 31 March

Cash and cash equivalents consists of:

Cash and short term deposits

1 The prior year comparatives have been restated. See note 1. 

Note

2016 
£m

435

58

(152)

341

20151 
£m

397

49

(128)

318

(124)

(124)

11

8

58

294

(256)

(243)

564

40

–

–

–

(241)

366

230

5

(235)

(16)

(61)

15

(24)

(919)

373

344

(518)

6

108

114

18

–

73

285

(157)

(172)

415

32

(7)

(90)

(93)

(173)

134

(111)

12

(228)

(19)

(93)

(12)

10

(581)

703

–

(208)

(34)

142

108

19

17

114

108

British Land    Annual Report and Accounts 2016

125

Financial statements

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN EQUITY

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2016

Balance at 1 April 2015

Profit for the year after taxation

Losses on cash flow hedges

Revaluation of owner-occupied property

Exchange and hedging movements in joint ventures and 
funds

Reclassification of gains on cash flow hedges

– Foreign currency derivatives

– Interest rate derivatives

Exchange differences on translation of foreign operations

Net actuarial loss on pension schemes

Deferred tax on items of  
other comprehensive income

Other comprehensive (loss) income

Total comprehensive income for the year

Share issues

Fair value of share and share option awards

Purchase of units from non-controlling interests

Loss on purchase of units from non-controlling interests

Dividends payable in year (28.0p per share)

Dividends payable by subsidiaries

Adjustment for scrip dividend element

Share 
capital  
£m

Share 
premium 
£m

 258 

 1,280 

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

 2 

–

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

– 

 15 

–

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

Hedging 
and 
translation 
reserve1 
£m

Re- 
valuation 
reserve 
£m

 (76)

–

(24)

–

–

2

10

(3)

–

(16)

(31)

(31)

– 

–

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

 (6)

–

–

19

(3)

–

–

3

–

1

20 

 20 

– 

–

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

Merger 
reserve 
£m

Retained 
earnings 
£m

 213 

 6,563 

Non-
controlling 
interests 
£m

Total  
equity  
£m

 333 

 8,565 

19

1,364

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

– 

(24)

19

(3)

2

10

–

(1)

(15)

(12)

Total  
£m

8,232

1,345

(24)

19

(3)

2

10

–

(1)

(15)

(12)

1,345

–

–

–

–

–

–

(1)

–

(1)

1,344

1,333

 19 

1,352

(12)

8

–

(1)

5

8

–

(1)

(287)

(287)

– 

52

– 

52

– 

–

(59)

– 

–

(16)

– 

 5 

8

(59)

 (1)

(287)

(16)

52 

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

– 

– 

– 

–

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

Balance at 31 March 2016

260

1,295 

(107)

14

213 

7,667 

9,342

277 

 9,619 

Balance at 1 April 2014

Profit for the year after taxation

Losses on cash flow hedges

Revaluation of owner-occupied property

Exchange and hedging movements in joint ventures and 
funds

Reclassification of items from the statement  
of comprehensive income

Reclassification of (losses) gains on cash flow hedges

– Foreign currency derivatives

– Interest rate derivatives

Exchange differences on  
translation of foreign operations

Net actuarial loss on pension schemes

Deferred tax on items of other comprehensive income

Other comprehensive (loss) income

Total comprehensive income for the year

Share issues

Non-controlling interest on acquisition of subsidiary

Fair value of share and share option awards

Purchase of units from non-controlling interests

Dividends payable in year (27.3p per share)

Dividends payable by subsidiaries

Adjustment for scrip dividend element

Balance at 31 March 2015

255

1,257 

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

– 

– 

– 

– 

3

– 

– 

– 

– 

–

– 

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

– 

– 

– 

– 

 23 

– 

– 

– 

– 

–

– 

(32)

–

(69)

–

–

–

(11)

8

6

– 

22 

(44)

(44) 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

–

– 

(38)

213 

–

–

10

3

30

–

–

(6)

– 

 (5) 

32 

32 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

–

– 

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

–

– 

5,091

1,710

 6,746 

1,710

–

–

–

–

– 

– 

– 

(5)

(7)

(12)

(69)

10 

3 

30

(11)

8

–

(5)

10 

(24)

1,698 

1,686

(10)

– 

10 

2

16 

– 

10

2 

(277)

(277)

–

49

– 

49 

371 

 55

(2)

–

–

–

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

7,117

1,765

(71)

10

3

30

(11) 

8 

– 

(5)

10 

(2) 

(26) 

 53 

– 

 31

– 

 (103)

– 

(19)

– 

1,739 

16 

31 

10 

(101)

(277)

(19)

49 

258 

1,280 

(76)

(6)

213 

6,563 

8,232 

 333 

8,565 

1  The balance at the beginning of the year includes £10m in relation to translation and (£86m) in relation to hedging.

126

British Land    Annual Report and Accounts 2016

NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS

1 Basis of preparation, significant accounting 
policies and accounting judgements

The financial statements for the year ended 31 March 2016 have been 
prepared on the historical cost basis, except for the revaluation of 
properties, investments held for trading and derivatives. The financial 
statements have also been prepared in accordance with International 
Financial Reporting Standards (IFRSs) as adopted by the European  
Union and therefore comply with article 4 of the EU IAS regulation,  
and in accordance with the Companies Act 2006.

In the current financial year the Group has adopted Annual Improvements 
to IFRSs 2010-2012 cycle and 2011-2013 cycle and Defined Benefit Plans: 
Employee Contributions – Amendments to IAS 19.

The adoption of these standards has not had a material impact on the 
Group and otherwise the accounting policies used are consistent with 
those contained in the Group’s previous Annual Report and Accounts 
for the year ended 31 March 2015.

A number of new standards and amendments to standards and 
interpretations have been issued but are not yet effective for the current 
accounting period. None of these are expected to have a material impact 
on the consolidated financial statements of the Group, except the 
following set out below:
 – IFRS 9 – Financial Instruments, will impact both the measurement and 
disclosures of financial instruments and is effective for the Group’s year 
ending 31 March 2019. The Group has not yet completed its evaluation 
of the effect of the adoption.

 – IFRS 15 – Revenue from contracts with customers, does not apply  
to gross rental income, but does apply to service charge income, 
management and performance fees and trading property disposals  
and is effective for the Group’s year ending 31 March 2019. The Group 
does not expect adoption of IFRS 15 to have a material impact on the 
measurement of revenue recognition, but additional disclosures will  
be required with regards to the above sources of income.

 – IFRS 16 – Leases, will impact both the measurement and disclosures 
of the Group’s head leases and is effective for the Group’s year ending 
31 March 2020. The Group has not yet completed its evaluation of the 
effect of the adoption.

Restatement
During the year, the accounting for Broadgate Estates, a wholly-owned 
subsidiary of the Group which acts as a property manager, has been 
reviewed resulting in a reclassification of items presented in the 
Consolidated Income Statement and the Consolidated Statement  
of Cash Flows. 

Going concern
The financial statements are prepared on a going concern basis as 
explained the corporate governance section on page 77. 

Subsidiaries, joint ventures and associates (including funds)
The consolidated accounts include the accounts of the British Land 
Company PLC and all subsidiaries (entities controlled by British Land). 
Control is assumed where British Land has the power and the ability 
to affect the financial and operating policies of an investee entity so as 
to gain benefits from its activities.

The results of subsidiaries, joint ventures or associates acquired or 
disposed of during the year are included from the effective date of 
acquisition or up to the effective date of disposal. Accounting policies  
of subsidiaries, joint ventures or associates which differ from Group 
accounting policies are adjusted on consolidation.

Business combinations are accounted for under the acquisition method. 
Any excess of the purchase price of business combinations over the fair 
value of the assets, liabilities and contingent liabilities acquired and 
resulting deferred tax thereon is recognised as goodwill. Any discount 
received is credited to the income statement in the period of acquisition.

All intra-Group transactions, balances, income and expenses are 
eliminated on consolidation. Joint ventures and associates, including 
funds, are accounted for under the equity method, whereby the 
consolidated balance sheet incorporates the Group’s share (investor’s 
share) of the net assets of its joint ventures and associates. The 
consolidated income statement incorporates the Group’s share  
of joint venture and associate profits after tax.

Their profits include revaluation movements on investment properties. 

Distributions and other receivables from joints ventures and associates 
(including funds) are classed as cash flows from operating activities, 
except where they relate to a cash flow arising from a capital transaction, 
such as a property or investment disposal. In this case they are classed 
as cash flows from investing activities. 

Properties
Properties are externally valued on the basis of fair value at the balance 
sheet date. Investment and owner-occupied properties are recorded at 
valuation whereas trading properties are stated at the lower of cost and 
net realisable value.

Any surplus or deficit arising on revaluing investment properties is 
recognised in the capital and other column of the income statement.

This reclassification had no impact on either IFRS profit before tax 
or Underlying Profit. It resulted in a £29m increase in other fees and 
commissions received offset by a £26m increase in other fees and 
commissions expenses and a £3m increase in administrative expenses.

Any surplus arising on revaluing owner-occupied properties above 
cost is recognised in other comprehensive income, and any deficit arising 
in revaluation below cost for owner-occupied and trading properties is 
recognised in the capital and other column of the income statement.

This reclassification had no impact on the net cash inflow from operating 
activities presented in the Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows.  
It resulted in £35m increase in fees and other income received and a 
£35m increase in operating expenses paid to suppliers and employees. 

In addition, the format of the Consolidated Income Statement has been 
changed to aid the clarity and usability of the financial statements and the 
prior-year comparatives have been re-presented to reflect this change.

The cost of properties in the course of development includes attributable 
interest and other associated outgoings including attributable 
development personnel costs. Interest is calculated on the development 
expenditure by reference to specific borrowings, where relevant, and 
otherwise on the weighted average rate interest rate of British Land PLC 
borrowings. Interest is not capitalised where no development activity is 
taking place. A property ceases to be treated as a development property 
on practical completion.

Investment property disposals are recognised on completion. Profits  
and losses arising are recognised through the capital and other column 
of the income statement. The profit on disposal is determined as the 

British Land    Annual Report and Accounts 2016

127

Financial statements

NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS CONTINUED

difference between the net sales proceeds and the carrying amount of 
the asset at the commencement of the accounting period plus capital 
expenditure in the period.

Cash equivalents are limited to instruments with a maturity of less than 
three months.

Trading property disposals are recognised in line with the revenue 
policies outlined below.

Where investment properties are appropriated to trading stock, 
they are transferred at market value. If properties held for trading 
are appropriated to investment, they are transferred at book value. 
In determining whether leases and related properties represent 
operating or finance leases, consideration is given to whether the 
tenant or landlord bears the risks and rewards of ownership.

Financial assets and liabilities
Trade debtors and creditors are initially recognised at fair value and 
subsequently measured at amortised cost and discounted as appropriate.

Other investments include loans and receivables held at amortised  
cost and investments held for trading classified as fair value through 
profit or loss. Amortised cost of loans and receivables is measured using 
the effective interest method, less any impairment. Interest is recognised 
by applying the effective interest rate. Investments held for trading are 
initially recorded at fair value and are subsequently externally valued on 
the same basis at the balance sheet date. Any surplus or deficit arising 
on revaluing investments held for trading is recognised in the capital  
and other column of the income statement.

Where an investment property is held under a head lease, the head  
lease is initially recognised as an asset, being the sum of the premium 
paid on acquisition plus the present value of minimum ground rent 
payments. The corresponding rent liability to the head leaseholder  
is included in the balance sheet as a finance lease obligation.

Debt instruments are stated at their net proceeds on issue. Finance 
charges including premia payable on settlement or redemption  
and direct issue costs are spread over the period to redemption, using 
the effective interest method. Exceptional finance charges incurred due 
to early redemption (including premiums) are recognised in the income 
statement when they occur. 

Convertible bonds are designated as fair value through profit or loss  
and so are presented on the balance sheet at fair value with all gains  
and losses, including the write-off of issue costs, recognised in the 
capital and other column of the income statement as a component of 
net financing costs. The interest charge in respect of the coupon rate on 
the bonds has been recognised within the underlying component of net 
financing costs on an accruals basis.

As defined by IAS 39, cash flow and fair value hedges are carried at fair 
value on the balance sheet. Changes in the fair value of derivatives that 
are designated and qualify as effective cash flow hedges are recognised 
directly through other comprehensive income as a movement in the 
hedging and translation reserve. Changes in the fair value of derivatives 
that are designated and qualify as effective fair value hedges are 
recorded in the capital and other column of the income statement, along 
with any changes in the fair value of the hedged item that is attributable 
to the hedged risk. Any ineffective portion of all derivatives is recognised 
in the capital and other column of the income statement. Changes in the 
fair value of derivatives that are not in a designated hedging relationship 
under IAS 39 are recorded directly in the capital and other column of the 
income statement. These derivatives are carried at fair value on the 
balance sheet.

Revenue
Revenue comprises rental income and surrender premia, service charge 
income, management and performance fees and proceeds from the sale 
of trading properties. 

Rental income, including fixed rental uplifts, from investment property 
leased out under an operating lease is recognised as revenue on a 
straight-line basis over the lease term. Lease incentives, such as rent-free 
periods and cash contributions to tenant fit-out, are recognised on the 
same straight-line basis being an integral part of the net consideration for 
the use of the investment property. Any rent adjustments based on open 
market estimated rental values are recognised, based on management 
estimates, from the rent review date in relation to unsettled rent reviews. 
Contingent rents, being those lease payments that are not fixed at the 
inception of the lease, including for example turnover rents, are 
recognised in the period in which they are earned.

Surrender premia for the early determination of a lease are recognised 
as revenue immediately upon receipt, net of dilapidations and non-
recoverable outgoings relating to the lease concerned. 

Service charge income is recognised as revenue in the period to which 
it relates.

Management and performance fees receivable are recognised as revenue 
in the period to which they relate. Performance fees are recognised at the 
end of the performance period when the fee amount can be estimated 
reliably and it is virtually certain that the fee will be received.

Proceeds from the sale of trading properties are recognised when the 
risks and rewards of ownership have been transferred to the purchaser. 
This generally occurs on completion. Proceeds from the sale of trading 
properties are recognised as revenue in the capital and other column of 
the income statement. All other revenue described above is recognised 
in the underlying column of the income statement. 

Taxation
Current tax is based on taxable profit for the year and is calculated using 
tax rates that have been enacted or substantively enacted at the balance 
sheet date. Taxable profit differs from net profit as reported in the 
income statement because it excludes items of income or expense that 
are not taxable (or tax deductible).

Deferred tax is provided on items that may become taxable in the future, 
or which may be used to offset against taxable profits in the future, on the 
temporary differences between the carrying amounts of assets and 
liabilities for financial reporting purposes, and the amounts used for 
taxation purposes on an undiscounted basis. On business combinations, 
the deferred tax effect of fair value adjustments is incorporated in the 
consolidated balance sheet.

Employee costs
The fair value of equity-settled share-based payments to employees is 
determined at the date of grant and is expensed on a straight-line basis 
over the vesting period, based on the Group’s estimate of shares or 
options that will eventually vest. In the case of options granted, fair value 
is measured by a Black-Scholes pricing model. 

Defined benefit pension scheme assets are measured using fair values. 
Pension scheme liabilities are measured using the projected unit credit 
method and discounted at the rate of return of a high quality corporate 
bond of equivalent term to the scheme liabilities. The net surplus  

128

British Land    Annual Report and Accounts 2016

(where recoverable by the Group) or deficit is recognised in full in the 
consolidated balance sheet. Any asset resulting from the calculation is 
limited to the present value of available refunds and reductions in future 
contributions to the plan. 

The current service cost and gains and losses on settlement and 
curtailments are charged to operating profit. Actuarial gains and losses 
are recognised in full in the period in which they occur and are presented 
in the consolidated statement of comprehensive income. 

Contributions to the Group’s defined contribution schemes are expensed 
on the basis of the contracted annual contribution.

Accounting judgements and estimates
In applying the Group’s accounting policies, the Directors are required 
to make judgements and estimates that affect the financial statements. 

Significant areas of estimation are:

The key areas of accounting judgement are: 

REIT status: British Land is a Real Estate Investment Trust (REIT) 
and does not pay tax on its property income or gains on property sales, 
provided that at least 90% of the Group’s property income is distributed 
as a dividend to shareholders, which becomes taxable in their hands. 
In addition, the Group has to meet certain conditions such as ensuring 
the property rental business represents more than 75% of total profits 
and assets. Any potential or proposed changes to the REIT legislation are 
monitored and discussed with HMRC. It is Management’s intention that 
the Group will continue as a REIT for the foreseeable future. 

Accounting for joint ventures and funds: In accordance with IFRS 10 
‘Consolidated financial statements’, IFRS 11 ‘Joint arrangements’, and 
IFRS 12 ‘Disclosures of interests in other entities’ an assessment is 
required to determine the degree of control or influence the Group 
exercises and the form of any control to ensure that the financial 
statement treatment is appropriate.

Valuation of properties and investments held for trading: The Group 
uses external professional valuers to determine the relevant amounts. 
The primary source of evidence for property valuations should be recent, 
comparable market transactions on an arms-length basis. However, 
the valuation of the Group’s property portfolio and investments held for 
trading are inherently subjective, as they are made on the basis of 
assumptions made by the valuers which may not prove to be accurate.

Interest in the Group’s joint ventures is commonly driven by the terms 
of the partnership agreements which ensure that control is shared 
between the partners. These are accounted for under the equity method, 
whereby the consolidated balance sheet incorporates the Group’s share 
of the net assets of its joint ventures and associates. The consolidated 
income statement incorporates the Group’s share of joint venture and 
associate profits after tax.

Other less significant areas of estimation include the valuation of fixed 
rate debt and interest rate derivatives, the determination of share-based 
payment expense, and the actuarial assumptions used in calculating the 
Group’s retirement benefit obligations.

Accounting for transactions: Property transactions are complex in 
nature and can be material to the financial statements. Assessment is 
required to determine the most appropriate accounting treatment of 
assets acquired and of potential contractual arrangements in the legal 
documents for both acquisitions and disposals. Management consider 
each transaction separately and, when considered appropriate, seek 
independent accounting advice.

British Land    Annual Report and Accounts 2016

129

Financial statements

NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS CONTINUED

2 Performance measures

Earnings per share
The Group measures financial performance with reference to underlying earnings per share, the European Public Real Estate Association (EPRA) 
earnings per share and IFRS earnings per share. The relevant earnings and weighted average number of shares (including dilution adjustments) 
for each performance measure are shown below, and a reconciliation between these is shown within the supplementary disclosures (Table B on page 179).

EPRA earnings per share is calculated using EPRA earnings, which is the IFRS profit after taxation attributable to shareholders of the Company 
excluding investment and development property revaluations, gains/losses on investing and trading property disposals, changes in the fair value  
of financial instruments and associated close-out costs and their related taxation. EPRA earnings (diluted) also takes into account dilution due  
to the 2012 convertible bond. 

Underlying earnings per share is calculated using Underlying Profit adjusted for underlying taxation (see note 7). Underlying Profit is the pre-tax 
EPRA earnings measure, with additional Company adjustments. No Company adjustments were made in either the current or prior year. For the year 
ended 31 March 2015 the 2012 convertible bond was not dilutive for underlying earnings, as the contingent conditions associated to the bond had not 
been met. The convertible conditions period ended on 25 September 2015 and therefore the bond was treated as dilutive in the current year.

Earnings per share

Underlying

Underlying basic

Underlying diluted

EPRA

EPRA basic

EPRA diluted

IFRS

Basic

Diluted

2016

Relevant 
 number  
of shares 
million

Relevant 
earnings 
£m

Earnings 
per share 
pence

Relevant 
earnings 
£m

2015

Relevant  
number  
of shares 
million

Earnings 
per share 
pence

365

371

365

371

1,345

1,351

1,025

1,089

1,025

1,089

1,025

1,089

35.6

34.1

35.6

34.1

131.2

124.1

313

313

313

319

1,710

1,710

1,016

1,022

1,016

1,080

1,016

1,022

30.8

30.6

30.8

29.5

168.3

167.3

Net asset value
The Group measures financial position with reference to EPRA net asset value (NAV) per share and EPRA triple net asset value (NNNAV) per share. 
The net asset value and number of shares for each performance measure is shown below. A reconciliation between IFRS net assets and EPRA net 
assets, and the relevant number of shares for each performance measure, is shown within the supplementary disclosures (Table B on page 180). 
EPRA net assets is a proportionally consolidated measure that is based on IFRS net assets excluding the mark-to-market on effective cash flow 
hedges and related debt adjustments, the mark-to-market on the convertible bonds as well as deferred taxation on property and derivative 
valuations. They include the valuation surplus on trading properties and are adjusted for the dilutive impact of share options and the £400 million 
convertible bond maturing in 2017.

Net asset value per share

EPRA

EPRA NAV

EPRA NNNAV

IFRS

Basic

Diluted

2016

Relevant 
number  
of shares 
million

1,096

1,096

1,029

1,096

Relevant 
net assets 
£m

10,074

9,640

9,619

10,019

Net asset  
value per  
share 
pence

Relevant 
net assets 
£m

2015

Relevant  
number  
of shares 
million

Net asset  
value per  
share 
pence

919

880

935

914

9,035

8,359

8,565

8,565

1,090

1,090

1,020

1,032

829

767

840

830

Total accounting return
The Group also measures financial performance with reference to total accounting return. This is calculated as the increase in EPRA net asset value 
per share and dividend paid in the year as a percentage of the EPRA net asset value per share at the start of the year.

Total accounting return

90

28.02

14.2%

141

27.30

24.5%

2016

2015

Increase in 
NAV per share
pence

Dividend per 
share paid
pence

Total 
accounting 
return

Increase in NAV 
per share 
pence

Dividend per 
share paid
pence

Total 
accounting 
return

130

British Land    Annual Report and Accounts 2016

3 Revenue and costs

Rent receivable

Spreading of tenant incentives and guaranteed rent increases

Surrender premia

Gross rental income

Trading property sales proceeds

Service charge income

Management and performance fees (from joint ventures and funds)

Other fees and commissions

Revenue

Trading property cost of sales

Service charge expenses

Property operating expenses

Other fees and commissions expenses

Costs

2016

2015

Underlying  
£m

Capital  
and other 
£m

Underlying  
£m

Capital  
and other 
£m

437

12

2

451

–

72

8

38

569

–

(72)

(26)

(30)

(128)

441

–

–

–

–

21

–

–

–

21

(11)

–

–

–

(11)

10

369

26

4

399

–

65

7

34

505

–

(65)

(24)

(26)

(115)

390

–

–

–

–

51

–

–

–

51

(45)

–

–

–

(45)

6

The cash element of net rental income recognised during the year ended 31 March 2016 from properties which were not subject to a security  
interest was £229m (2014/15: £182m). Property operating expenses relating to investment properties that did not generate any rental income were 
£1m (2014/15: £2m). Contingent rents of £3m (2014/15: £3m) were recognised in the year. 

4 Valuation movements on property

Consolidated income statement

Revaluation of properties

Revaluation of properties held by joint ventures and funds accounted for using the equity method

Consolidated statement of comprehensive income

Revaluation of owner-occupied properties

5 Auditors’ remuneration – PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP

Fees payable to the Company’s auditors for the audit of the Company’s annual accounts

Fees payable to the Company’s auditors for the audit of the Company’s subsidiaries, pursuant to legislation

Total audit fees

Audit-related assurance services

Total audit and audit-related assurance services

Other fees

Tax advisory services

Other services

Total

2016 
£m

2015 
£m

616

245

861

19

880

884

589

1,473

10

1,483

2016 
£m

2015 
£m

0.2

0.4

0.6

0.1

0.7

–

0.1

0.8

0.2

0.4

0.6

0.1

0.7

–

0.1

0.8

In addition to the above, PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP were remunerated for non-audit fees in PREF, an equity accounted property fund (see note 11). 
The Group’s share of fees totalled £0.2m (2014/15: £0.2m). PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP are not the external auditors to PREF.

British Land    Annual Report and Accounts 2016

131

Financial statements

NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS CONTINUED

6 Net financing costs

Underlying

Financing charges

Bank loans, overdrafts and derivatives

Other loans

Obligations under head leases

Development interest capitalised

Financing income

Deposits, securities and liquid investments

Loans to joint ventures

2016 
£m

2015 
£m

(30)

(88)

(2)

(120)

9

(111)

3

2

5

(36)

(88)

(2)

(126)

14

(112)

2

5

7

Net financing charges – underlying

(106)

(105)

Capital and other

Financing charges

Valuation movements on translation of foreign currency debt

Hedging reserve recycling

Valuation movements on fair value derivatives

Valuation movements on fair value debt

Recycling of fair value movement on close-out of derivatives

Capital financing costs1

Fair value movement on convertible bonds

Valuation movement on translation of foreign currency net assets

Fair value movement on non-hedge accounted derivatives

Financing income

Fair value movement on convertible bonds

Fair value movement on non-hedge accounted derivatives

Net financing income (charges) – capital

Net financing costs

Total financing income

Total financing charges

Net financing costs

1 Primarily debenture bonds tender offer and purchase.

2

(2)

54

(53)

(6)

(29)

–

–

–

(34)

64

1

65

31

70

(145)

(75)

(11)

11

108

(104)

(12)

(2)

(35)

(1)

(1)

(47)

–

–

–

(47)

7

(159)

(152)

Interest payable on unsecured bank loans and related interest rate derivatives was £19m (2014/15: £24m). Interest on development expenditure  
is capitalised at the Group’s weighted average interest rate of 2.6% (2014/15: 3.3%). The weighted average interest rate on a proportionately 
consolidated basis at 31 March 2016 was 3.3% (2014/15: 3.8%). 

132

British Land    Annual Report and Accounts 2016

7  Taxation

Taxation income (expense) 

Current taxation:

UK corporation taxation: 20% (2014/15: 21%)

Adjustments in respect of prior years

Total current taxation income (expense)

Deferred taxation on revaluations and derivatives

Group total taxation

Attributable to joint ventures and funds

Total taxation income (expense)

Taxation reconciliation

Profit on ordinary activities before taxation

Less: profit attributable to joint ventures and funds1

Group profit on ordinary activities before taxation

Taxation on profit on ordinary activities at UK corporation taxation rate of 20% (2014/15: 21%)

Effects of:

REIT exempt income and gains

Taxation losses

Deferred taxation on revaluations and derivatives

Adjustments in respect of prior years

Group total taxation income (expense)

2016 
£m

2015  
£m

(15)

17

2

31

33

(1)

32

1,331

(397)

934

(187)

161

11

31

17

33

(1)

–

(1)

(23)

(24)

2

(22)

1,789

(726)

1,063 

(223)

232

(10)

(23)

–

(24)

1  A current taxation expense of £1m (2014/15: £2m expense) and a deferred taxation expense of £nil (2014/15: £4m credit) arose on profits attributable to joint ventures 

and funds. 

Taxation attributable to Underlying Profit for the year ended 31 March 2016 was a credit of £2m (2014/15: £nil). Corporation taxation payable at 31 
March 2016 was £18m (2014/15: £9m) as shown on the balance sheet.

8 Staff costs

Staff costs (including Directors)

Wages and salaries

Social security costs

Pension costs

Equity-settled share-based payments

2016 
£m

2015 
£m

57

7

7

10

81

50

6

6

14

76

The average monthly number of employees of the Company during the year was 260 (2014/15: 249). The average monthly number of Group 
employees, including those employed directly at the Group’s properties and their costs recharged to tenants, was 692 (2014/15: 598).

The Executive Directors and Non-Executive Directors are the key management personnel. Their emoluments are summarised below and further 
detail is disclosed in the Remuneration Report on pages 86 to 110.

Directors’ emoluments

Short term employee benefits

Service cost in relation to defined benefit pension schemes

Equity-settled share-based payments

2016 
£m

5.4

0.2

5.9

11.5

2015 
£m

5.8

0.2

6.4

12.4

British Land    Annual Report and Accounts 2016

133

Financial statements

NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS CONTINUED

8 Staff costs continued

Staff costs
The Group’s equity-settled share-based payments comprise the Long-Term Incentive Plan (LTIP) the Matching Share Plan (MSP), the Fund 
Managers’ Performance Plan (FMPP) and various savings related share option schemes.

The Company expenses an estimate of how many shares are likely to vest based on the market price at the date of grant, taking account of expected 
performance against the relevant performance targets and service periods which are discussed in further detail in the Remuneration Report.

For all schemes except the Company’s Long-Term Incentive Plan share options, the fair value of awards are equal to the market value at grant date. 
The key inputs used to value share options using a Black-Scholes model granted under the Company’s Long-Term Incentive Plan are shown below.

Long-Term Incentive Plan: Awards in the year ended 31 March 2016

Share price and exercise price at grant date

Expected option life in years

Risk free rate

Expected volatility

Expected dividend yield

Value per option

Movements in shares and options are given in note 20.

9 Pensions

22 June 
2015

825p

7

1.9%

34%

3%

201p

The British Land Group of Companies Pension Scheme (‘the scheme’) is the principal defined benefit pension scheme in the Group. The assets of the 
scheme are held in a trustee-administered fund and kept separate from those of the Company. It is not contracted out of SERPS (State Earnings-
Related Pension Scheme) and it is not planned to admit new employees to the scheme. The Group has three other small defined benefit pension 
schemes. There is also a Defined Contribution Pension Scheme. Contributions to this scheme are at a flat rate of 15% of salary for non-Directors 
and paid by the Company. 

The total net pension cost charged for the year was £7m (2014/15: £6m), of which £4m (2014/15: £3m) relates to defined contribution plans and £3m 
(2014/15: £3m) relates to the current service cost of the defined benefit schemes.

A full actuarial valuation of the scheme was carried out at 31 March 2012 by consulting actuaries, AON Hewitt Associates Ltd. The employer’s 
contributions will be paid in the future at the rate recommended by the actuary of 54.4% per annum of basic salaries. The best estimate of employer 
contributions expected to be paid during the year to 31 March 2017 is £3m. The major assumptions used for the actuarial valuation were:

Discount rate

Salary inflation

Pensions increase

Price inflation

2016 
% pa

3.2

4.8

3.2

3.3

2015 
% pa

3.1

4.8

3.2

3.3

2014 
% pa

4.4

5.2

3.5

3.7

2013 
% pa

4.1

4.7

3.1

3.2

2012 
% pa

4.6

4.7

3.1

3.2

The mortality assumptions are based on standard mortality tables which allow for future mortality improvements. The assumptions are that a 
member currently aged 60 will live on average for a further 29.7 years if they are male and for a further 31.5 years if they are female. For a member 
who retires in 2036 at age 60, the assumptions are that they will live on average for a further 31.6 years after retirement if they are male and for a 
further 33.1 years after retirement if they are female.

Composition of scheme assets

Equities

Diversified growth funds

Other assets

Total scheme assets

The vast majority of the scheme assets are quoted in an active market.

134

British Land    Annual Report and Accounts 2016

2016 
£m

52

77

8

137

2015 
£m

55

81

3

139

9 Pensions continued

The amount included in the balance sheet arising from the Group’s obligations in respect of its defined benefit scheme is as follows:

Present value of defined scheme obligations

Fair value of scheme assets

Irrecoverable surplus

Liability recognised in the balance sheet

History of experience gains and losses

Total actuarial loss recognised in the consolidated statement of comprehensive income1

Amount2

Percentage of present value on scheme liabilities

1 Movements stated after adjusting for irrecoverability of any surplus.
2 Cumulative loss recognised in the statement of comprehensive income is £37m (2014/15: £36m).

Movements in the present value of defined benefit obligations were as follows:

2016 
£m

(143)

137

–

(6)

2015 
£m

(145)

139

–

(6)

2016 
£m

2015 
£m

(1)

0.7%

(5)

3.6%

2014 
£m

(125)

131

(6)

–

2014 
£m

(2)

1.6%

At 1 April

Current service cost

Interest cost

Actuarial gain (loss)

Gain from change in demographic assumptions

Gain (loss) from change in financial assumptions

Gain on scheme liabilities arising from experience

Benefits paid

At 31 March

Movements in the fair value of the scheme assets were as follows:

At 1 April

Interest income on scheme assets

Contributions by employer

Actuarial (loss) gain

Benefits paid

At 31 March

2013 
£m

(119)

120

(1)

–

2013 
£m

(4)

3.1%

2016 
£m

(145)

(3)

(5)

–

4

3

3

2012 
£m

(107)

109

(2)

–

2012 
£m

(3)

2.7%

2015 
£m

(125)

(3)

(5)

14

(32)

4

2

(143)

(145)

2016 
£m

139

4

4

(7)

(3)

137

2015 
£m

131

6

2

2

(2)

139

Through its defined benefit plans, the Group is exposed to a number of risks, the most significant of which are detailed below:

Asset volatility 
The liabilities are calculated using a discount rate set with a reference to corporate bond yields; if assets underperform this yield, this will create 
a deficit. The scheme holds a significant portion of growth assets (equities and diversified growth funds) which, although expected to outperform 
corporate bonds in the long term, create volatility and risk in the short term. The allocation to growth assets is monitored to ensure it remains 
appropriate given the scheme’s long term objectives.

Changes in bond yields 
A decrease in corporate bond yields will increase the value placed on the scheme’s liabilities for accounting purposes, although this will be partially 
offset by an increase in the value of the scheme’s bond holdings.

British Land    Annual Report and Accounts 2016

135

Financial statements

NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS CONTINUED

9 Pensions continued

Inflation risk 
The majority of the scheme’s benefit obligations are linked to inflation, and higher inflation will lead to higher liabilities (although, in most cases, caps 
on the level of inflationary increases are in place to protect against extreme inflation). The majority of the assets are either unaffected by or only 
loosely correlated with inflation, meaning that an increase in inflation will also increase the deficit.

Life expectancy 
The majority of the scheme’s obligations are to provide benefits for the life of the member, so increases in life expectancy will result in an increase 
in the liabilities.

10 Property

Property reconciliation for the year ended 31 March 2016

Canada Water was added as a property sector in the year, reflecting the key role the campus has in the strategy of the Group. Consequently the prior 
year comparatives in this note have been restated to reflect this additional property sector.

Investment

Retail & 
leisure 
Level 3 
£m

Offices & 
residential 
Level 3 
£m

5,584

2,902

Canada
Water
Level 3
£m

249

Investment 
and  
development 
properties 
Level 3 
£m

Developments 
Level 3 
£m

Trading 
properties 
£m

Owner- 
occupied 
Level 3 
£m

Total 
£m

385

9,120

274

60

9,454

Carrying value at 1 April 2015

Additions

– property purchases

– development expenditure

– capitalised interest and staff costs

–  capital expenditure on asset management 

initiatives

Depreciation

Disposals

Reclassifications

Revaluations included in income statement

Revaluation included in OCI

Movement in tenant incentives and contracted 
rent uplift balances

Carrying value at 31 March 2016

Head lease liabilities (note 15)

Valuation surplus on trading properties

Group property portfolio valuation at 31 March 2016

Non-controlling interests

4

4

–

91

99

–

(372)

135

161

–

10

5,617

234

6

–

24

264

–

(130)

22

369

–

9

–

1

1

1

3

–

–

–

4

–

–

–

43

3

–

46

–

(7)

(172)

82

–

–

3,436

256

334

238

54

4

116

412

–

(509)

(15)

616

–

19

9,643

–

59

5

–

64

–

(11)

(2)

–

–

–

325

–

–

–

–

–

(1)

–

17

–

19

–

95

238

113

9

116

476

(1)

(520)

–

616

19

19

10,063

(37)

85

10,111

(324)

9,787

Group property portfolio valuation at 31 March 2016 attributable to shareholders

136

British Land    Annual Report and Accounts 2016

10 Property continued

Property reconciliation for the year ended 31 March 2015

Investment

Retail & 
leisure 
Level 3 
£m

Offices & 
residential 
Level 3 
£m

4,356

2,550

6

1,000

1

–

35

1,042

–

(219)

–

397

–

8

5,584

–

–

11

–

1

12

–

(102)

(4)

423

–

23

2,902

Carrying value at 1 April 2014

Additions:

– property purchases

– acquisition of subsidiaries

– development expenditure

– capitalised interest

–  capital expenditure on asset management 

initiatives

Depreciation

Disposals

Reclassifications

Revaluations included in income statement

Revaluation included in OCI

Movement in tenant incentives and contracted 
rent uplift balances

Carrying value at 31 March 2015

Head lease liabilities (note 15)

Valuation surplus on trading properties

Group property portfolio valuation at 31 March 2015

Non-controlling interests

Group property portfolio valuation at 31 March 2015 attributable to shareholders

Property valuation

The different valuation method levels are defined below:

Canada 
Water 
Level 3 
£m

Developments 
Level 3 
£m

Investment 
and  
development 
properties 
Level 3 
£m

Trading 
properties 
£m

Owner- 
occupied 
£m

Total 
£m

261

7,272

271

47

7,590

105

141

–

4

–

6

151

–

–

–

(7)

–

–

249

385

–

–

52

–

–

52

–

(12)

6

71

–

7

147

1,000

68

–

42

1,257

–

(333)

2

884

–

38

9,120

–

–

46

8

–

54

–

(45)

(6)

–

–

–

274

–

–

–

–

–

–

(1)

–

4

–

10

–

60

147

1,000

114

8

42

1,311

(1)

(378)

–

884

10

38

9,454

(41)

96

9,509

(441)

9,068

Level 1: Quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets for identical assets or liabilities.
Level 2:  Inputs other than quoted prices included within Level 1 that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly (i.e. as prices) or indirectly 

(i.e. derived from prices).

Level 3: Inputs for the asset or liability that are not based on observable market data (unobservable inputs).

These levels are specified in accordance with IFRS 13 ‘Fair Value Measurement’. Property valuations are inherently subjective as they are made on 
the basis of assumptions made by the valuer which may not prove to be accurate. For these reasons, and consistent with EPRA’s guidance, we have 
classified the valuations of our property portfolio as Level 3 as defined by IFRS 13. The unobservable inputs to the valuations are analysed in the table 
on the following page.

The Group’s total property portfolio was valued by independent external valuers on the basis of fair value, in accordance with the RICS Valuation 
– Professional Standards 2014, ninth edition, published by The Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors. 

The information provided to the valuers, and the assumptions and valuations models used by the valuers are reviewed by the property portfolio team, 
the Head of Offices, the Head of Retail and the Chief Financial Officer. The valuers meet with the external auditors and also present directly to the 
Audit Committee at the interim and year end review of results. Further details of the Audit Committee’s responsibilities in relation to valuations can 
be found in the Report of the Audit Committee (on pages 80 to 83).

British Land    Annual Report and Accounts 2016

137

Financial statements

NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS CONTINUED

10 Property continued

Investment properties, excluding properties held for development, are valued by adopting the ‘investment method’ of valuation. This approach 
involves applying capitalisation yields to current and future rental streams net of income voids arising from vacancies or rent-free periods and 
associated running costs. These capitalisation yields and future rental values are based on comparable property and leasing transactions in the 
market using the valuers’ professional judgement and market observation. Other factors taken into account in the valuations include the tenure 
of the property, tenancy details and ground and structural conditions.

In the case of ongoing developments, the approach applied is the ‘residual method’ of valuation, which is the investment method of valuation as 
described above, with a deduction for all costs necessary to complete the development, including a notional finance cost, together with a further 
allowance for remaining risk. Properties held for development are generally valued by adopting the higher of the residual method of valuation, 
allowing for all associated risks, or the investment method of valuation for the existing asset.

Copies of the valuation certificates of Knight Frank LLP and CBRE can be found at www.britishland.com/reports

Within their valuation report, CBRE have highlighted that they expect considerable uncertainty to arise if there is a decision for the UK to exit the 
EU following the referendum on 23 June 2016 and that this has the potential to reduce investment volumes and liquidity. This is a forward-looking 
statement which has no impact on the valuations as at 31 March 2016.

A breakdown of valuations split between the Group and its share of joint ventures and funds is shown below:

Knight Frank LLP

CBRE

Total property portfolio valuation

Non-controlling interests

Total property portfolio valuation  
attributable to shareholders

2016

Joint  
ventures and 
funds 
£m

 3,576 

 1,361 

 4,937 

(76)

Group 
£m

7,529

2,582

10,111

(324)

Total 
£m

 11,105 

 3,943 

 15,048 

(400)

2015

Joint  
ventures and 
funds 
£m

3,313

1,401

4,714

(105)

Group 
£m

6,795

2,714

9,509

(441)

Total 
£m

10,108

4,115

14,223

(546)

9,787

4,861

14,648

9,068

4,609

13,677

Information about fair value measurements using unobservable inputs (Level 3) 

Investment

Retail & leisure

Offices & residential1,2

Canada Water

Developments2

Total

Trading properties 
at fair value

Group property 
portfolio valuation

Fair value at 
31 March 2016 
£m

Valuation 
technique

Min 
£

Max 
£

Average 
£

Min 
%

Max 
%

Average 
%

Min 
£

Max 
£

Average 
£

ERV per sq ft

Equivalent Yield

Costs to complete per sq ft

2

4

15

65

75

136

25

107

22

53

22

73

3

1

1

4

11

8

5

5

5

4

3

4

–

–

–

–

45

150

5

8

15

4

664

447

Investment 
methodology

Investment 
methodology

Investment 
methodology

Residual 
methodology

5,608

3,492

250

343

9,693

418

10,111

1 Includes owner-occupied.
2 Includes Residential with an average capital value per sq ft of £1,028 including developments at end value and mixed use.

138

British Land    Annual Report and Accounts 2016

 
 
 
10 Property continued

All other factors being equal:
 – a higher equivalent yield or discount rate would lead to a decrease in the valuation of an asset;
 – an increase in the current or estimated future rental stream would have the effect of increasing the capital value; and
 – an increase in the costs to complete would lead to a decrease in the valuation of an asset.

However, there are interrelationships between the unobservable inputs which are partially determined by market conditions, which would impact  
on these changes. There were no transfers between valuation levels in the period. 

Additional property disclosures – including covenant information
At 31 March 2016, the Group property portfolio valuation of £10,111m (2014/15: £9,509m) comprises freeholds of £6,184m (2014/15: £6,098m); virtual 
freeholds of £906m (2014/15: £811m); and long leaseholds of £3,021m (2014/15: £2,600m). The historical cost of properties was £6,544m (2014/15: £6,582m).

The property valuation does not include any investment properties held under operating leases (2014/15: £nil).

Cumulative interest capitalised against investment, development and trading properties amounts to £88m (2014/15: £81m).

Properties valued at £2,559m (2014/15: £2,479m) were subject to a security interest and other properties of non-recourse companies amounted 
to £1,244m (2014/15: £1,365m), totalling £3,803m (2014/15: £3,844m).

Included within the property valuation is £110m (2014/15: £102m) in respect of accrued contracted rental uplift income.

11 Joint ventures and funds

Summary movement for the year of the investments in joint ventures and funds 

At 1 April 2015

Additions

Disposals

Share of profit on ordinary activities after taxation

Distributions and dividends:

– Capital

– Revenue

Hedging and exchange movements

At 31 March 2016

Joint 
ventures 
£m

2,586

246

(2)

365

–

(90)

4

3,109

Funds 
£m

315

–

(13)

32

(76)

(13)

(1)

244

Total 
£m

2,901

246

(15)

397

(76)

(103)

3

Equity 
£m

2,598

14

–

397

(76)

(103)

3

Loans 
£m

303

232

(15)

–

–

–

–

Total 
£m

2,901

246

(15)

397

(76)

(103)

3

3,353

2,833

520

3,353

Additional investments in joint ventures and funds covenant information
At 31 March 2016 the investments in joint ventures included within the total investments in joint ventures and funds was £3,348m (2014/15: £2,869m), 
being the £3,353m total investment shown above, less the net investment of £5m (2014/15: £32m) in PREF, a property fund in Continental Europe.

British Land    Annual Report and Accounts 2016

139

Financial statements

NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS CONTINUED

11 Joint ventures and funds continued

The summarised income statements and balance sheets below and on the following page show 100% of the results, assets and liabilities of joint 
ventures and funds. Where necessary these have been restated to the Group’s accounting policies. 

Joint ventures’ and funds’ summary financial statements for the year ended 31 March 2016

Partners

Property sector

Group share

Summarised income statements

Revenue5

Costs

Administrative expenses

Net interest payable

Underlying Profit

Net valuation movement

Profit on disposal of investment properties and investments

Profit on ordinary activities before taxation

Taxation

Profit on ordinary activities after taxation

Other comprehensive income (expenditure)

Total comprehensive income

British Land share of total comprehensive income

British Land share of distributions payable

Summarised balance sheets

Investment and trading properties

Current assets

Cash and deposits

Gross assets

Current liabilities

Bank and securitised debt

Other non-current liabilities

Gross liabilities

Net external assets

British Land share of net assets

Broadgate  
REIT
Ltd

MSC Property
Intermediate
Holdings Ltd

BL Sainsbury
Superstores
Ltd

 Tesco Joint
Ventures1

Euro Bluebell LLP
(GIC)

Norges Bank 
Investment
Management

City Offices
Broadgate

Shopping Centres
Meadowhall

J Sainsbury plc

Tesco PLC

Superstores

Superstores

50%

50%

50%

£m

244

(48)

196

–

(86)

110

334

–

444

–

444

5

449

225

44

£m

4,622

4

293

4,919

(77)

(1,842)

(65)

(1,984)

2,935

1,467

£m

102

(23)

79

–

(36)

43

50

–

93

–

93

–

93

46

17

£m

1,786

5

32

1,823

(31)

(694)

(24)

(749)

1,074

537

£m

56

(1)

55

–

(24)

31

(36)

2

(3)

–

 (3)

–

(3)

(2)

11

£m

946

2

80

1,028

(30)

(462)

–

(492)

536

269

50%

£m

19

–

19

–

(9)

10

(9)

–

1

1

2

3

5

3

4

£m

354

–

6

360

(3)

(184)

(15)

(202)

158

79

1   Tesco joint ventures include BLT Holdings (2010) Limited as at 31 March 2016.
2   USS joint ventures include the Eden Walk Shopping Centre Unit Trust and the Fareham Property Partnership.
3   Hercules Unit Trust joint ventures and sub-funds includes 50% of the results of Deepdale Co-Ownership Trust, Gibraltar Limited Partnership and Valentine Co-Ownership 

Trust and 41.25% of Birstall Co-Ownership Trust. The balance sheet shows 50% of the assets of these joint ventures and sub-funds.

4   Included in the column headed ‘Other joint ventures and funds’ are contributions from the following: BL Goodman Limited Partnership, The Aldgate Place Limited 
Partnership, Bluebutton Property Management UK Limited, City of London Office Unit Trust and Pillar Retail Europark Fund (PREF). The Group’s ownership share 
of PREF is 65%, however as the Group is not able to exercise control over significant decisions of the fund, the Group equity accounts for its interest in PREF.

5   Revenue includes gross rental income at 100% share of £451m (2014/15: £495m).

140

British Land    Annual Report and Accounts 2016

The SouthGate Limited 
Partnership

USS
Joint
Ventures2

Leadenhall
Holding Co
(Jersey) Ltd

Hercules Unit Trust
joint ventures
and sub-funds3

Other
joint ventures
and funds4

TOTAL
2016

TOTAL
Group share
2016

Universities 
Superannuation 
Scheme Group  
PLC

Shopping  
Centres

50%

Oxford  
Properties

City Offices
Leadenhall

50%

Retail
Parks

Various

£m

12

(3)

9

–

–

9

12

–

21

–

21

–

21

11

6

£m

252

1

7

260

(6)

–

–

(6)

254

128

£m

35

(10)

25

(1)

–

24

124

–

148

–

148

–

148

74

3

£m

942

–

5

947

(6)

–

–

(6)

941

471

£m

38

(7)

31

(6)

(8)

17

4

–

21

–

21

(2)

19

10

59

£m

612

4

9

625

(7)

(139)

(4)

(150)

475

237

£m

6

(1)

5

(2)

–

3

7

30

40

(3)

37

–

37

25

31

£m

108

14

33

155

(51)

–

(18)

(69)

86

44

£m

531

(99)

432

(10)

(164)

258

490

32

780

(2)

778

6

784

400

179

£m

9,889

32

470

10,391

(215)

(3,321)

(154)

(3,690)

6,701

3,353

£m

266

(44)

222

(5)

(82)

135

245

18

398

(1)

397

3

400

£m

4,944

18

239

5,201

(111)

(1,660)

(77)

(1,848)

3,353

Aviva  
Investors

Shopping  
Centres

50%

£m

19

(6)

13

(1)

(1)

11

4

–

15

–

15

–

15

8

4

£m

267

2

5

274

(4)

–

(28)

(32)

242

121

The borrowings of joint ventures and funds and their subsidiaries are non-recourse to the Group. All joint ventures are incorporated in the United Kingdom, with 
the exception of Broadgate REIT Limited, the Eden Walk Shopping Centre Unit Trust and Leadenhall Holding Co (Jersey) Limited which are incorporated in Jersey. 
Of the funds, the Hercules Unit Trust (HUT) joint ventures and sub-funds are incorporated in Jersey and PREF in Luxembourg. 

These financial statements include the results and financial position of the Group’s interest in the Fareham Property Partnership, the Aldgate Place Limited Partnership, 
the BL Goodman Limited Partnership, the Auchinlea Partnership and the Gibraltar Limited Partnership. Accordingly, advantage has been taken of the exemptions 
provided by Regulation 7 of the Partnership (Accounts) Regulations 2008, not to attach the partnership accounts to these financial statements.

British Land    Annual Report and Accounts 2016

141

 
Financial statements

NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS CONTINUED

11 Joint ventures and funds continued

The summarised income statements and balance sheets below and on the following page show 100% of the results, assets and liabilities of joint 
ventures and funds. Where necessary these have been restated to the Group’s accounting policies. 

The prior year comparatives below have been represented to reflect the presentation adopted in the current period

Joint ventures’ and funds’ summary financial statements for the year ended 31 March 2015

Partners

Property sector

Group share

Summarised income statements

Revenue

Costs

Administrative expenses

Net interest payable

Underlying Profit

Net valuation movement

Profit on disposal of investment properties and investments

Profit on ordinary activities before taxation

Taxation

Profit on ordinary activities after taxation

Other comprehensive (expenditure) income

Total comprehensive income

British Land share of total comprehensive income

British Land share of distributions payable

Summarised balance sheets

Investment and trading properties

Current assets

Cash and deposits

Gross assets

Current liabilities

Bank and securitised debt

Other non-current liabilities

Gross liabilities

Net external assets

British Land share of net assets

Broadgate  
REIT
Ltd

MSC Property
Intermediate
Holdings Ltd

BL Sainsbury
Superstores
Ltd

 Tesco Joint
Ventures

Euro Bluebell LLP
(GIC)

Norges Bank 
Investment
Management

City Offices
Broadgate

Shopping Centres
Meadowhall

J Sainsbury plc

Tesco PLC

Superstores

Superstores

50%

50%

50%

50%

£m

214

(50)

164

(1)

(88)

75

664

–

739

–

739

(21)

718

359

15

£m

4,209

5

272

4,486

(82)

(2,142)

(64)

(2,288)

2,198

1,099

£m

94

(19)

75

–

(38)

37

161

–

198

–

198

(7)

191

96

2

£m

1,719

5

32

1,756

(31)

(721)

(24)

(776)

980

490

£m

60

–

60

–

(28)

32

14

(3)

43

–

43

4

47

24

42

£m

1,039

3

25

1,067

(26)

(478)

–

(504)

563

282

£m

97

(5)

92

(1)

(50)

41

17

(4)

54

9

63

6

69

35

37

£m

363

–

6

369

(5)

(184)

(20)

(209)

160

80

142

British Land    Annual Report and Accounts 2016

The SouthGate Limited 
Partnership

USS
Joint
Ventures

Leadenhall
Holding Co
(Jersey) Ltd

Hercules Unit Trust
joint ventures
and sub-funds

Other
joint ventures
and funds

TOTAL

2015

TOTAL
Group share
2015

Universities 
Superannuation 
Scheme Group  
PLC

Shopping  
Centres

50%

Aviva  
Investors

Shopping  
Centres

50%

Oxford  
Properties

City Offices
Leadenhall

50%

Retail
Parks

Various

£m

14

(1)

13

(1)

(1)

11

26

–

37

–

37

–

37

19

4

£m

262

2

2

266

(4)

–

(28)

(32)

234

117

£m

11

(3)

8

–

–

8

25

–

33

–

33

–

33

17

4

£m

235

–

9

244

(4)

–

–

(4)

240

120

£m

15

(9)

6

–

–

6

201

–

207

–

207

–

207

104

–

£m

770

2

4

776

(4)

–

–

(4)

772

386

£m

53

(6)

47

–

(5)

42

63

(1)

104

–

104

(1)

103

52

37

£m

706

2

11

719

(7)

(127)

(1)

(135)

584

283

£m

15

(3)

12

(3)

(2)

7

–

16

23

(2)

21

(10)

11

7

–

£m

140

23

21

184

(65)

–

(44)

(109)

75

44

£m

573

(96)

477

(6)

(212)

259

1,171

8

1,438

7

1,445

(29)

1,416

713

141

£m

9,443

42

382

9,867

(228)

(3,652)

(181)

(4,061)

5,806

2,901

£m

289

(49)

240

(4)

(107)

129

589

6

724

2

726

(13)

713

£m

4,719

25

192

4,936

(119)

(1,827)

(89)

(2,035)

2,901

British Land    Annual Report and Accounts 2016

143

Financial statements

NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS CONTINUED

11 Joint ventures and funds continued

Operating cash flows of joint ventures and funds (Group share)

Rental income received from tenants

Fees and other income received

Operating expenses paid to suppliers and employees

Cash generated from operations

Interest paid

Interest received

UK corporation tax paid

Foreign tax paid

Cash inflow from operating activities

Cash inflow from operating activities deployed as:

Surplus cash retained within joint ventures and funds

Revenue distributions per consolidated statement of cash flows

Revenue distributions split between controlling and non-controlling interests

Attributable to non-controlling interests

Attributable to shareholders of the Company

2016 
£m

208

1

(18)

191

(86)

1

(3)

(1)

102

44

58

4

54

12 Other investments

2016

2015

At 1 April

Additions

Disposals

Revaluation

Depreciation

At 31 March

Investment  
held for  
trading 
£m

Loans, 
receivables 
and other 
£m

99

–

–

2

–

101

280

35

(272)

–

(2)

41

Total 
£m

379

35

(272)

2

(2)

142

Investment  
held for  
trading 
£m

Loans,  
receivables 
and other 
£m

92

–

–

7

–

99

170

113

(2)

–

(1)

2015 
£m

234

1

(26)

209

(114)

2

(7)

(2)

88

15

73

7

66

Total 
£m

262

113

(2)

7

(1)

280

379

The investment held for trading comprises interests as a trust beneficiary. The trust’s assets comprise freehold reversions in a pool of commercial 
properties, comprising Sainsbury’s superstores. The interest was categorised as Level 3 in the fair value hierarchy, is subject to the same inputs as 
those disclosed in note 10, and its fair value was determined by independent external valuers.

Included within the loans, receivables and other balance is £nil (2014/2015: £243m) in relation to a loan to the Broadgate joint venture, which is 
carried at amortised cost, and was fully repaid in the year.

144

British Land    Annual Report and Accounts 2016

13 Debtors

Trade and other debtors

Prepayments and accrued income

2016 
£m

24

9

33

2015 
£m

16

4

20

Trade and other debtors are shown after deducting a provision for bad and doubtful debts of £16m (2014/15: £16m). The charge to the income 
statement in relation to bad and doubtful debts was £1m (2014/15: £1m).

The Directors consider that the carrying amount of trade and other debtors is approximate to their fair value. There is no concentration of credit risk 
with respect to trade debtors as the Group has a large number of customers who are paying their rent in advance.

As at 31 March, trade and other debtors outside their payment terms yet not provided for are as follows:

Outside credit terms but not impaired

Within credit 
terms 
£m

Total
£m

24

16

12

9

0-1 month 
£m

1-2 months 
£m

11

7

1

–

More than 
2 months 
£m

–

–

2016

2015

14 Creditors

Trade creditors

Other taxation and social security

Accruals

Deferred income

Trade creditors are interest-free and have settlement dates within one year. The Directors consider that the carrying amount of trade and other 
creditors is approximate to their fair value.

15 Other non-current liabilities

Other creditors

Head leases1

Net pension liabilities

1  Includes £9m in relation to head lease liabilities on trading properties held at cost.

2016 
£m

70

46

6

122

2016 
£m

39

34

72

73

218

2015 
£m

61

31

98

71

261

2015 
£m

32

41

6

79

British Land    Annual Report and Accounts 2016

145

Financial statements

NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS CONTINUED

16 Deferred tax

The movement on deferred tax is as shown below:

Deferred tax assets year ended 31 March 2016

Interest rate and currency derivative revaluations

Other timing differences

Deferred tax liabilities year ended 31 March 2016

Property and investment revaluations

Interest rate and currency derivative revaluations

Other timing differences

Net deferred tax (liability) asset

Deferred tax assets year ended 31 March 2015

Deferred tax liabilities year ended 31 March 2015

Property and investment revaluations

Interest rate and currency derivative revaluations

Other timing differences

Net deferred tax (liability) asset

1 April 
2015 
£m

Credited to 
income 
£m

Credited (debited) 
to equity 
£m 

Transferred to 
joint ventures 
£m 

31 March 
2016 
£m 

–

–

–

£m

(5)

(4)

(3)

(12)

(12)

1 April 
2014 
£m

–

£m

–

–

(4)

(4)

(4)

–

6

6

£m

–

25

–

25

31

5

–

5

£m

(2)

(21)

–

(23)

(18)

–

–

–

£m

–

–

2

2

2

5

6

11

£m

(7)

–

(1)

(8)

3

Expensed
to income 
£m

Credited to  
equity 
£m 

Transferred to 
joint ventures 
£m 

31 March 
2015 
£m 

–

£m

(5)

(19)

1

(23)

(23)

–

£m

–

15

–

15

15

–

£m

–

–

–

–

–

–

£m

(5)

(4)

(3)

(12)

(12)

The following corporation tax rates have been substantively enacted; 20% effective from 1 April 2015 reducing to 19% effective from 1 April 2017 
and 18% effective from 1 April 2020. The deferred tax assets and liabilities have been calculated at the tax rate effective in the period that the tax is 
expected to crystallise.

The Group has recognised a deferred tax asset calculated at 18% (2014/2015: 20%) of £6m (2014/2015: £nil) in respect of capital losses from previous 
years available for offset against future capital profit. Further unrecognised deferred tax assets in respect of capital losses of £60m (2014/2015: 
£87m) exist at 31 March 2016.

The Group has recognised deferred tax assets on derivative revaluations to the extent that future matching taxable profits are expected to arise.

At 31 March 2016, the Group had an unrecognised deferred tax asset calculated at 18% (2014/2015: 20%) of £51m (2014/2015: £38m) in respect of UK 
revenue tax losses from previous years.

Under the REIT regime, development properties which are sold within three years of completion do not benefit from tax exemption. At 31 March 2016, 
the value of such properties is £967m (2014/2015: £1,008m) and if these properties were to be sold and no tax exemption was available, the tax arising 
would be £56m (2014/15: £66m).

146

British Land    Annual Report and Accounts 2016

17 Net debt

Secured on the assets of the Group

9.125% First Mortgage Debenture Stock 2020

5.264% First Mortgage Debenture Bonds 2035

5.0055% First Mortgage Amortising Debentures 2035

5.357% First Mortgage Debenture Bonds 2028

6.75% First Mortgage Debenture Stock 2020

Bank loans

Loan notes

Unsecured

5.50% Senior Notes 2027

6.30% Senior US Dollar Notes 2015

3.895% Senior US Dollar Notes 2018

4.635% Senior US Dollar Notes 2021

4.766% Senior US Dollar Notes 2023

5.003% Senior US Dollar Notes 2026

3.81% Senior Notes 2026

3.97% Senior Notes 2026

1.5% Convertible Bond 2017

0% Convertible Bond 2020

Bank loans and overdrafts

Gross debt

Interest rate and currency derivative liabilities

Interest rate and currency derivative assets

Cash and short term deposits

Total net debt

Net debt attributable to non-controlling interests

Net debt attributable to shareholders of the Company

1  These are non-recourse borrowings with no recourse for repayment to other companies or assets in the Group:

1.1 BLD Property Holdings Ltd

1.2 Hercules Unit Trust

1.3 TBL Properties Limited and subsidiaries

Footnote

1.1

1.2, 1.3

2016 
£m

2015 
£m

34

371

100

349

62

733

2

35

355

99

344

176

963

2

1,651

1,974

2

2

2

2

3

4,5

101

–

28

165

105

69

113

116

445

334

634

2,110

3,761

137

(167)

(114)

3,617

(104)

3,513

2016 
£m

34

443

290

767

98

104

28

158

99

64

111

114

493

–

706

1,975

3,949

126

(139)

(108)

3,828

(190)

3,638

2015 
£m

35

645

318

998

2  Principal and interest on this borrowing was fully hedged into Sterling at a floating rate at the time of issue.
3   The principal amount of gross debt at 31 March 2016 was £3,552m (2014/15: £3,717m). Included in this is the principal amount of secured borrowings and other 

borrowings of non-recourse companies of £1,563m of which the borrowings of the partly-owned subsidiary, Hercules Unit Trust, not beneficially owned by the Group 
is £109m.

4   Included within cash and short term deposits is the cash and short term deposits of Hercules Unit Trust, of which £8m is the proportion not beneficially owned 

by the Group.

5  Cash and deposits not subject to a security interest amount to £93m (2014/15: £84m).

British Land    Annual Report and Accounts 2016

147

Financial statements

NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS CONTINUED

17 Net debt continued

Maturity analysis of net debt

Repayable: within one year and on demand

Between:  one and two years

two and five years

five and ten years

ten and fifteen years

fifteen and twenty years

twenty and twenty five years

Gross debt

Interest rate and currency derivatives

Cash and short term deposits

Net debt

2016 
£m

74

504

2015 
£m

102

71

1,491

1,707

807

500

385

–

3,687

3,761

(30)

(114)

943

747

6

373

3,847

3,949

(13)

(108)

3,617

3,828

1.5% Convertible bond 2012 (maturity 2017)
On 10 September 2012, British Land (Jersey) Limited (the 2012 Issuer), a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Group, issued £400 million 1.5% guaranteed 
convertible bonds due 2017 (the 2012 bonds) at par. The 2012 Issuer is fully guaranteed by the Company in respect of the 2012 bonds.

Subject to their terms, the 2012 bonds are convertible into preference shares of the 2012 Issuer which are automatically transferred to the Company in 
exchange for ordinary shares in the Company or, at the Company’s election, any combination of ordinary shares and cash. Bondholders may exercise 
their conversion right at any time up to (but excluding) the 20th dealing day before 10 September 2017 (the maturity date). 

The initial exchange price was 693.07 pence per ordinary share. The exchange price is adjusted based on certain events.

From 25 September 2015, the Company has the option to redeem the 2012 bonds at par if the Company’s share price has traded above 130% of 
the exchange price for a specified period, or at any time once 85% by nominal value of the 2012 bonds have been converted, redeemed, or purchased 
and cancelled. The 2012 bonds will be redeemed at par on 10 September 2017 (the maturity date) if they have not already been converted, redeemed 
or purchased and cancelled. No redemption of the bonds occurred in the year.

0% Convertible bond 2015 (maturity 2020)
On 9 June 2015, British Land (White) 2015 Limited (the 2015 Issuer), a wholly owned subsidiary of the Group, issued £350 million zero coupon 
guaranteed convertible bonds due 2020 (the 2015 bonds) at par. The 2015 Issuer is fully guaranteed by the Company in respect of the 2015 bonds.

Subject to their terms, the 2015 bonds are convertible into preference shares of the Issuer which are automatically transferred to the Company in 
exchange for ordinary shares in the Company or, at the Company’s election, any combination of ordinary shares and cash. From 20 July 2015 up to 
and including 29 June 2018, a bondholder may exercise its conversion right if the share price has traded at a level exceeding 130% of the exchange 
price for a specified period. Thereafter, and up to but excluding the 7th dealing day before 9 June 2020 (the maturity date), a bondholder may convert 
at any time.

The initial exchange price was 1103.32 pence per ordinary share. The exchange price is adjusted based on certain events (such as the Company 
paying dividends in any year above 14.18 pence per ordinary share).

From 30 June 2018, the Company has the option to redeem the 2015 bonds at par if the Company’s share price has traded above 130% of the 
exchange price for a specified period, or at any time once 85% by nominal value of the 2015 bonds have been converted, redeemed, or purchased 
and cancelled. The 2015 bonds will be redeemed at par on 9 June 2020 (the maturity date) if they have not already been converted, redeemed or 
purchased and cancelled.

148

British Land    Annual Report and Accounts 2016

 
 
 
 
 
17 Net debt continued

Fair value and book value of net debt

Debentures and unsecured bonds

Convertible bonds

Bank debt and other floating rate debt

Gross debt

Interest rate and currency derivative liabilities

Interest rate and currency derivative assets

Cash and short term deposits

Net debt

Net debt attributable to non-controlling interests

Net debt attributable to shareholders of the Company

2016

2015

Fair value 
£m

Book value 
£m

Difference 
£m

Fair value 
£m

Book value 
£m

Difference 
£m

1,637

779

1,384

3,800

137

(167)

(114)

3,656

(106)

3,550

1,613

779

1,369

3,761

137

(167)

(114)

3,617

(104)

3,513

24

–

15

39

–

–

–

39

(2)

37

1,925

493

1,691

4,109

126

(139)

(108)

3,988

(192)

3,796

1,785

493

1,671

3,949

126

(139)

(108)

3,828

(190)

3,638

140

–

20

160

–

–

–

160

(2)

158

The fair values of debt, debentures and the convertible bonds have been established by obtaining quoted market prices from brokers. The bank debt 
and loan notes have been valued assuming they could be renegotiated at contracted margins. The derivatives have been valued by calculating the 
present value of expected future cash flows, using appropriate market discount rates, by an independent treasury advisor.

Short term debtors and creditors and other investments have been excluded from the disclosures on the basis that the fair value is equivalent 
to the book value.

Group loan to value (LTV)

Group loan to value (LTV)

Principal amount of gross debt

Less debt attributable to non-controlling interests

Less cash and short term deposits (balance sheet)

Plus cash attributable to non-controlling interests

Total net debt for LTV calculation

Group property portfolio valuation (note 10)

Investments in joint ventures and funds (note 11)

Other investments (note 12)

Less property and investments attributable to non-controlling interests

Total assets for LTV calculation

Proportionally consolidated loan to value (LTV)

Proportionally consolidated loan to value (LTV)

Principal amount of gross debt

Less debt attributable to non-controlling interests

Less cash and short term deposits

Plus cash attributable to non-controlling interests

Total net debt for proportional LTV calculation

Group property portfolio valuation (note 10)

Share of property of joint ventures and funds (note 10)

Other investments (note 12)

Less other investments attributable to joint ventures and funds

Less property attributable to non-controlling interests

Total assets for proportional LTV calculation

2016 
£m

25%

3,552

(109)

(114)

8

3,337

10,111 

3,353 

142 

(384)

2015 
£m

28%

3,717

(200)

(108)

10

3,419

9,509

2,901

379

(528)

13,222

12,261

2016 
£m

32%

5,217

(128)

(353)

9

4,745

10,111

4,937

142

(4)

(400)

2015 
£m

35%

5,404

(200)

(300)

10

4,914

9,509

4,714

379

(123)

(546)

14,786

13,933

British Land    Annual Report and Accounts 2016

149

Financial statements

NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS CONTINUED

17 Net debt continued

British Land Unsecured Financial Covenants
The two financial covenants applicable to the Group unsecured debt including convertible bonds are shown below:

Net Borrowings not to exceed 175% of Adjusted Capital and Reserves

Principal amount of gross debt

Less the relevant proportion of borrowings of the partly-owned subsidiary/non-controlling interests

Less cash and deposits (balance sheet)

Plus the relevant proportion of cash and deposits of the partly-owned subsidiary/non-controlling interests

Net Borrowings

Share capital and reserves (balance sheet)

EPRA deferred tax adjustment (EPRA Table A)

Trading property surpluses (EPRA Table A)

Exceptional refinancing charges (see below)

Fair value adjustments of financial instruments (EPRA Table A)

Less reserves attributable to non-controlling interests (balance sheet)

Adjusted Capital and Reserves

2016 
£m

34%

2015 
£m

38%

3,552 

3,717

(109)

(114)

8 

3,337 

9,619 

5

93 

287 

198 

(277)

9,925 

(200)

(108)

10

3,419

8,565

13

96

300

257

(333)

8,898

In calculating Adjusted Capital and Reserves for the purpose of the unsecured debt financial covenants, there is an adjustment of £287m (2014/15: 
£300m) to reflect the cumulative net amortised exceptional items relating to the refinancings in the years ended 31 March 2005, 2006 and 2007.

Net Unsecured Borrowings not to exceed 70% of Unencumbered Assets

Principal amount of gross debt

Less cash and deposits not subject to a security interest (being £93m less the relevant proportion of cash and deposits of the 
partly owned subsidiary/non-controlling interests of £5m)

Less principal amount of secured and non-recourse borrowings

Net Unsecured Borrowings

Group property portfolio valuation (note 10)

Investments in joint ventures and funds (note 11)

Other investments (note 12)

Less investments in joint ventures (note 11)

Less encumbered assets (note 10)

Unencumbered Assets

2016 
£m

29%

2015 
£m

28%

3,552 

3,717

(88)

(1,563)

1,901 

10,111

3,353

142

(3,348)

(3,803)

6,455

(77)

(1,906)

1,734

9,509

2,901

379

(2,869)

(3,844)

6,076

150

British Land    Annual Report and Accounts 2016

17 Net debt continued

Reconciliation of movement in Group net debt for the year ended 31 March 2016

2015

Cash flows

 Business 
combinations

Transfers3

Foreign 
exchange

Fair value

Arrangement 
costs 
amortisation

Short term borrowings

Long term borrowings

Derivatives1

Total liabilities from financing activities

Cash and cash equivalents

Net debt

102

3,847

(13)

3,936

(108)

3,828

(104)

(98)

22

(180)

(6)

(186)

–

–

–

–

–

–

74

(74)

–

–

–

–

2

14

(13)

3

–

3

–

(9)

(26)

(35)

–

(35)

–

7

–

7

–

7

Reconciliation of movement in Group net debt for the year ended 31 March 2015

Short term borrowings

Long term borrowings

Derivatives2

Total liabilities from financing activities

Cash and cash equivalents

Net debt

Cash flows

Business 
combinations

Transfers3

Foreign 
exchange

Fair value

Arrangement 
costs 
amortisation

(495)

616

(4)

117

34

151

–

379

–

379

–

379

102

(102)

–

–

–

–

–

40

(47)

(7)

–

(7)

–

104

13

117

–

117

–

7

–

7

–

7

2014

495

2,803

25

3,323

(142)

3,181

2016

74

3,687

(30)

3,731

(114)

3,617

2015

102

3,847

(13)

3,936

(108)

3,828

1  Cash flows on derivatives include £7m of net receipts on derivative interest.
2  Cash flows on derivatives include £8m of net receipts on derivative interest.
3  Transfers comprises debt maturing from long term to short term borrowings.

British Land    Annual Report and Accounts 2016

151

Financial statements

NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS CONTINUED

17 Net debt continued

Fair value hierarchy

The table below provides an analysis of financial instruments carried at fair value, by the valuation method. The fair value hierarchy levels are defined 
in note 10.

2016

2015

Level 1 
£m

Level 2 
£m

Level 3 
£m

–

–

–

–

779

779

779

(167)

–

(167)

137

–

137

(30)

–

(101)

(101)

–

–

–

(101)

Total 
£m

(167)

(101)

(268)

137

779

916

648

Level 1 
£m

Level 2 
£m

Level 3 
£m

–

–

–

–

493

493

493

(139)

–

(139)

126

–

126

(13)

–

(99)

(99)

–

–

–

(99)

Total 
£m

(139)

(99)

(238)

126

493

619

381

Interest rate and currency derivative assets

Other investments – held for trading

Assets

Interest rate and currency derivative liabilities

Convertible bonds

Liabilities

Total

Categories of financial instruments

Financial assets

Fair value through income statement

Other investments – held for trading

Derivatives in designated hedge accounting relationships

Derivatives not in designated hedge accounting relationships

Amortised cost

Trade and other debtors

Cash and short term deposits

Other investments – loans and receivables

Financial liabilities

Fair value through income statement

Convertible bonds

Derivatives in designated hedge accounting relationships

Amortised cost

Gross debt

Head leases payable

Creditors

Total

2016 
£m

2015 
£m

101

164

3

24

114

41

447

99

139

–

16

108

280

642

(779)

(493)

(137)

(126)

(2,982)

(3,456)

(46)

(41)

(133)

(4,077)

(3,630)

(178)

(4,294)

(3,652)

Gains and losses on financial instruments, as classed above, are disclosed in note 6 (net financing costs), note 13 (debtors), note 4 (valuation 
movements on property), the consolidated income statement and the consolidated statement of comprehensive income. The Directors consider that 
the carrying amounts of other investments and head leases payable are approximate to their fair value, and that the carrying amounts are recoverable.

152

British Land    Annual Report and Accounts 2016

17 Net debt continued

Capital risk management
The capital structure of the Group consists of net debt and equity attributable to the equity holders of The British Land Company PLC, comprising 
issued capital, reserves and retained earnings. Risks relating to capital structure are addressed within managing risk in delivering our strategy on 
pages 57 to 63. The Group’s objectives, policies and processes for managing debt are set out in the financial policies and principles on pages 54 to 56.

Interest rate risk management
The Group uses interest rate swaps to hedge exposure to the variability in cash flows on floating rate debt, such as revolving bank facilities and 
floating rate bonds caused by movements in market rates of interest.

At 31 March 2016, the fair value of these derivatives is a net liability of £136m. Interest rate swaps with a fair value of £137m have been designated 
as cash flow hedges under IAS 39.

The ineffectiveness recognised in the income statement on cash flow hedges in the year ended 31 March 2016 was £nil (2014/15: £nil).

The cash flows occur and are charged to profit and loss until the maturity of the hedged debt. The table below summarises variable rate debt and 
foreign currency denominated debt hedged at 31 March 2016.

Cash flow hedged debt

Outstanding:  at one year

at two years

at five years

at ten years

2016 
£m

413

663

250

250

2015 
£m

1,138

538

450

250

Fair value hedged debt
The Group uses interest rate swaps to hedge exposure on fixed rate financial liabilities caused by movements in market rates of interest.

At 31 March 2016, the fair value of these derivatives is a net asset of £166m. Interest rate swaps with a fair value of £164m have been designated as 
fair value hedges under IAS 39 (2014/15: asset of £133m).

The cross currency swaps of the 2018/2021/2023/2026 US Private Placements fully hedge the foreign exchange exposure at an average floating rate 
of 146 basis points above LIBOR. These have been designated as fair value hedges of the US Private Placements.

Interest rate profile – including effect of derivatives

Fixed or capped rate

Variable rate (net of cash)

2016 
£m

2,372

1,245

3,617

2015 
£m

2,589

1,239

3,828

All the debt is effectively Sterling denominated except for £10m (2014/15: £39m) of Euro debt of which £nil is at a fixed rate (2014/15: £36m).

At 31 March 2016 the weighted average interest rate of the Sterling fixed rate debt is 3.5% (2014/15: 4.8%). The weighted average period for which the 
rate is fixed is 9.1 years (2014/15: 7.1 years). The floating rate debt is set for periods of the Company’s choosing at the relevant LIBOR (or similar) rate. 

The proportion of net debt at fixed or capped rates of interest was 66% at 31 March 2016 on a spot basis. The proportion of net debt at fixed or capped 
rates of interest as an average over the next five-year forecast period, on a proportionally consolidated basis, was 60% at 31 March 2016. Based on 
the Group’s interest rate profile, at the balance sheet date, a 576 bps increase in interest rates would decrease annual profits by £72m (2014/15:  
£53m decrease). Similarly, a 59 bps reduction would increase profits by £7m (2014/15: £5m increase). The change in interest rates used for this 
sensitivity analysis is based on the largest annual change in three month Sterling LIBOR over the last ten years. The impact assumes LIBOR  
does not fall below 0%.

British Land    Annual Report and Accounts 2016

153

 
 
 
Financial statements

NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS CONTINUED

17 Net debt continued

Interest rate profile – including effect of derivatives continued
Upward movements in medium and long term interest rates, associated with higher interest rate expectations, increase the value of the Group’s 
interest rate swaps that provide protection against such moves. The converse is true for downward movements in the yield curve. The majority of the 
Group’s interest rate swaps which provide such protection qualify as effective cash flow hedges under IAS 39 therefore movements in the fair value 
are recognised directly in equity rather than the income statement. A 204 bps shift represents the largest annual change in the seven-year Sterling 
swap rate over the last ten years. At 31 March 2016 a 204 bps parallel upward shift in swap rates would increase the value of these interest rate 
swaps by £151m (2014/5: £151m). A 204 bps downward shift in swap rates would reduce the value of these interest rate swaps by £197m (2014/15: 
£155m). Because the interest rate swaps are matched by floating rate debt, the overall effect on Group cash flows of such movements is minimal.

The 1.5% 2012 Convertible Bond and 0% 2015 Convertible Bond are both designated as fair value through profit or loss. Principal components of the 
market value of both bonds include British Land’s share price and its volatility, and market interest rates. 

The fair value of the 1.5% 2012 Convertible Bond at 31 March 2016 was a £445m liability. At 31 March 2016 a 204 bps parallel upward shift in interest 
rates would reduce the fair value liability by £13m, and a 204 bps downward shift in interest rates would increase the fair value liability by £14m. 

The fair value of the 0% 2015 Convertible Bond at 31 March 2016 was a £334m liability. At 31 March 2016 a 204 bps parallel upward shift in interest 
rates would reduce the fair value liability by £27m, and a 204 bps downward shift in interest rates would increase the fair value liability by £30m.

Foreign currency risk management
The Group’s policy is to have no material unhedged net assets or liabilities denominated in foreign currencies. The currency risk on overseas 
investments is hedged via foreign currency denominated borrowings and derivatives. The Group has adopted net investment hedging in accordance 
with IAS 39 and therefore the portion of the gain or loss on the hedging instrument that is determined to be an effective hedge is recognised directly  
in equity. The ineffective portion of the gain or loss on the hedging instrument is recognised immediately in the income statement.

The table below shows the carrying amounts of the Group’s foreign currency denominated assets and liabilities. Contingent tax on overseas 
investments not expected to occur is ignored for hedging purposes, as is the requirement to fair value interest rate swaps. Based on the 31 March 
2016 position a 33% appreciation (largest annual change over the last ten years) in the Euro relative to Sterling would result in a £nil change (2014/15: 
£nil) in reported profits.

Euro denominated

Assets

2016  
£m

10

2015 
£m

39

Liabilities

2016 
£m

10

2015 
£m

39

Credit risk management
The Group’s approach to credit risk management of counterparties is referred to in the financial policies and principles on pages 54 to 56 and the 
risks addressed within managing risk in delivering our strategy on pages 57 to 63. The carrying amount of financial assets recorded in the financial 
statements represents the Group’s maximum exposure to credit risk without taking account of the value of any collateral obtained.

Cash and short term deposits at 31 March 2016 amounted to £114m (2014/15: £108m). Deposits and interest rate deposits were placed with financial 
institutions with BBB+ or better credit ratings.

At 31 March 2016, the fair value of all interest rate derivative assets was £167m (2014/15: £139m).

At 31 March 2016, prior to taking into account any offset arrangements, the largest combined credit exposure to a single counterparty arising from 
money market deposits, liquid investments and derivatives was £85m (2014/15: £59m). This represents 0.6% (2014/15: 0.5%) of gross assets.

The deposit exposures are with UK banks and UK branches of international banks.

The Group’s exposure to credit risk in respect of its trade receivables is analysed in note 13. Provisions are made taking account historic credit losses 
and the creditworthiness of debtors.

Liquidity risk management
The Group’s approach to liquidity risk management is discussed in the financial policies and principles on pages 54 to 56, and the risks addressed 
within managing risk in delivering our strategy on pages 57 to 63.

The following table presents a maturity profile of the contracted undiscounted cash flows of financial liabilities based on the earliest date on which 
the Group can be required to pay. The table includes both interest and principal flows. Where the interest payable is not fixed, the amount disclosed 
has been determined by reference to the projected interest rates implied by yield curves at the reporting date. For derivative financial instruments 
that settle on a net basis (e.g. interest rate swaps) the undiscounted net cash flows are shown and for derivatives that require gross settlement  
(e.g. cross currency swaps) the undiscounted gross cash flows are presented. Where payment obligations are in foreign currencies, the spot 
exchange rate ruling at the balance sheet date is used. Trade creditors and amounts owed to joint ventures, which are repayable within one year,  
have been excluded from the analysis.

154

British Land    Annual Report and Accounts 2016

17 Net debt continued

Liquidity risk management continued
The Group expects to meet its financial liabilities through the various available liquidity sources, including a secure rental income profile, asset sales, 
undrawn committed borrowing facilities and, in the longer term, debt refinancings.

The Group leases out all its investment properties under operating leases with a weighted average lease length of nine years. This secure income 
profile is generated from upward only rent reviews, long leases and high occupancy rates. The future aggregate minimum rentals receivable under 
non-cancellable operating leases is also shown in the table below. Income from joint ventures and funds is not included below. Additional liquidity 
will arise from letting space in properties under construction as well as from distributions received from joint ventures and funds.

Debt1

Interest on debt

Derivative payments

Head lease payments

Total payments

Derivative receipts

Net payment

Operating leases with tenants

Liquidity surplus (deficit)

Cumulative liquidity surplus (deficit)

Debt1

Interest on debt

Derivative payments

Head lease payments

Total payments

Derivative receipts

Net payment

Operating leases with tenants

Liquidity surplus (deficit)

Cumulative liquidity surplus (deficit)

Within  
one year 
£m

Following 
year 
£m

76

103

13

2

194

(23)

171

437

266

266

461

100

14

2

577

(25)

552

419

(133)

133

Within  
one year 
£m

Following 
year 
£m

105

126

121

2

354

(132)

222

443

221

221

76

125

16

2

219

(24)

195

431

236

457

2016

Three 
to five 
years 
£m

1,471

268

77

6

1,822

(104)

1,718

1,133

(585)

(452)

2015

Three 
to five 
years 
£m

1,615

328

74

6

2,023

(90)

1,933

1,180

(753)

(296)

Over five 
years 
£m

1,577

538

395

239

2,749

(383)

2,366

2,389

23

(429)

Over five 
years 
£m

1,950

619

407

223

3,199

(385)

2,814

2,782

(32)

(328)

Total 
£m

3,585

1,009

499

249

5,342

(535)

4,807

4,378

(429)

Total 
£m

3,746

1,198

618

233

5,795

(631)

5,164

4,836

(328)

1  Gross debt of £3,761m (2014/15: £3,949m) represents the total shown, less unamortised issue costs of £19m (2014/15: £23m), plus fair value adjustments to debt 

of £195m (2014/15: £226m).

Any short term liquidity gap between the net payments required and the rentals receivable can be met through other liquidity sources available to the 
Group. The Group currently holds cash and short term deposits of £114m of which £93m is not subject to a security interest (see footnote 5 to net debt 
table on page 147). Further liquidity can be achieved through sales of property assets or investments and debt refinancings.

The Group’s property portfolio is valued externally at £10,111m and the share of joint ventures and funds’ property is valued at £4,937m. The undrawn 
committed borrowing facilities available to the Group are a further source of liquidity. The maturity profile of committed undrawn borrowing facilities 
is shown overleaf.

British Land    Annual Report and Accounts 2016

155

Financial statements

NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS CONTINUED

17 Net debt continued

Maturity of committed undrawn borrowing facilities

Maturity date:  over five years

between four and five years

between three and four years

Total facilities available for more than three years

Between two and three years

Between one and two years

Within one year

Total

2016 
£m

–

1,113

95

1,208

85

–

60

2015 
£m

–

930

–

930

61

235

10

1,353

1,236

The above facilities are comprised of British Land undrawn facilities of £1,150m, plus undrawn facilities of Hercules Unit Trust totalling £203m.

18 Leasing

Operating leases with tenants
The Group leases out all of its investment properties under operating leases with a weighted average lease length of nine years (2014/15: ten years).

The future aggregate minimum rentals receivable under non-cancellable operating leases are as follows:

Less than one year

Between one and two years

Between three and five years

Between six and ten years

Between eleven and fifteen years

Between sixteen and twenty years

After twenty years

Total

2016 
£m

437

419

1,133

1,241

626

357

165

2015 
£m

443

431

1,180

1,353

783

443

203

4,378

4,836

The Group’s leasehold investment properties are typically under non-renewable leases without significant restrictions. Finance lease liabilities are 
payable as follows; no contingent rents were payable in either period.

2016

2015

Minimum 
lease 
payments 
£m

Interest 
£m

Principal 
£m

Minimum 
lease 
payments 
£m

Interest 
£m

Principal 
£m

2

2

6

182

192

–

–

–

41

41

2

2

6

193

203

–

–

–

46

46

2

2

6

239

249

(203)

46

46

46

2

2

6

223

233

(192)

41

41

41

British Land Group

Less than one year

Between one and two years

Between two and five years

More than five years

Total

Less future finance charges

Present value of lease obligations

More than five years

Present value of lease obligations

156

British Land    Annual Report and Accounts 2016

 
 
19 Dividend

The fourth quarter interim dividend of 7.09 pence per share, totalling £73m (2014/15: 6.92 pence per share, totalling £71m) was approved by the Board 
on 16 May 2016 and is payable on 5 August 2016 to shareholders on the register at the close of business on 1 July 2016.

The Board will announce the availability of the Scrip Dividend Alternative, if available, via the Regulatory News Service and on its website (www.
britishland.com/dividends), no later than four business days before the ex-dividend date of 30 June 2016. The Board expects to announce the split 
between Property Income Distributions (PID) and non-PID income at that time. Any Scrip Dividend Alternative will not be enhanced. PID dividends  
are paid, as required by REIT legislation, after deduction of withholding tax at the basic rate (currently 20%), where appropriate. Certain classes of 
shareholders may be able to elect to receive dividends gross. Please refer to our website www.britishland.com/dividends for details.

Payment date

Current year dividends

05.08.2016

06.05.2016

12.02.2016

06.11.2015

Prior year dividends

07.08.2015

06.05.2015

13.02.2015

07.11.2014

08.08.2014

02.05.2014

Dividend

2016 4th interim

2016 3rd interim

2016 2nd interim

2016 1st interim

2015 4th interim

2015 3rd interim

2015 2nd interim

2015 1st interim

2014 4th interim

2014 3rd interim

Dividends in consolidated statement 
of changes in equity

Dividends settled in shares

Dividends settled in cash

Timing difference relating to payment 
of withholding tax

Dividends in cash flow statement

1  Scrip alternative treated as non-PID for this dividend.

20 Share capital and reserves

Number of ordinary shares in issue at 1 April

Share issues

At 31 March

Pence per 
share

2016 
£m

2015 
£m

7.09

7.09 

7.09 

7.09 

28.36 

6.921

6.92 

6.92 

6.92 

27.68 

6.751

6.751

73

72

71

71

287

(52)

235

–

235

71

70

68

68

277 

(49) 

228 

–

228 

2016

2015

1,031,788,286

1,019,766,481

8,774,037

12,021,805

1,040,562,323

1,031,788,286

Of the issued 25p ordinary shares, 627 shares were held in the ESOP trust (2014/15: 98,453), 11,266,245 shares were held as treasury shares 
(2014/15: 11,266,245) and 1,029,295,451 shares were in free issue (2014/15: 1,020,423,588). No treasury shares were acquired by the ESOP trust 
during the year. All issued shares are fully paid.

Hedging and translation reserve
The hedging and translation reserve comprises the effective portion of the cumulative net change in the fair value of cash flow and foreign currency 
hedging instruments, as well as all foreign exchange differences arising from the translation of the financial statements of foreign operations.  
The foreign exchange differences also include the translation of the liabilities that hedge the Company’s net investment in a foreign subsidiary.

Revaluation reserve
The revaluation reserve relates to owner-occupied properties and investments in joint ventures and funds.

Merger reserve
This comprises the premium on the share placing in March 2013. No share premium is recorded in the Company’s financial statements, through  
the operation of the merger relief provisions of the Companies Act 2006.

British Land    Annual Report and Accounts 2016

157

Financial statements

NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS CONTINUED

20 Share capital and reserves continued

At 31 March 2016, options over 7,341,620 ordinary shares were outstanding under employee share option plans. The options had a weighted average 
life of 6.4 years. Details of outstanding share options and shares awarded to employees including Executive Directors are set out below and on the 
following pages:

Date of grant

Share options Sharesave Scheme

At 1 April 
2015

Granted

Vested but 
not exercised

Exercised/ 
Vested

Lapsed

At 31 March 
2016

Exercise 
price pence

From

To

Exercise dates

28.06.10

01.07.11

26.06.12

26.06.12

19.06.13

19.06.13

23.06.14

23.06.14

22.06.15

22.06.15

38,159

8,476

92,390

52,262

41,201

16,376

159,415

131,633

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

84,687

63,599

539,912

148,286

Long-Term Incentive Plan – Options Vested, Not Exercised

31.05.05

05.12.05

29.06.09

25.11.09

21.12.09

11.06.10

14.12.10

28.06.11

19.12.11

14.09.12

20.12.12

05.08.13

05.12.13

23.06.14

164,840

141,254

21,913

6,063

77,443

1,420,932

90,568

1,108,890

174,824

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

1,178,819

151,658

18,172

22,530

87,845

3,206,727

1,459,024

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

(37,700)

(911)

(87,800)

(2,320)

(2,005)

(489)

(1,061)

(696)

–

–

(459)

(393)

(4,590)

(7,244)

(4,404)

(685)

–

7,172

–

42,698

34,792

15,202

(21,100)

137,254

(3,745)

(8,520)

(5,249)

127,192

76,167

58,350

(132,982)

(56,389)

498,827

(73,551)

(105,483)

(91,289)

(35,771)

(7,441)

(6,063)

(4,989)

–

–

–

–

–

14,472

–

72,454

(208,549)

(4,026) 1,208,357

(19,112)

(19,412)

(75,649)

(58,030)

(28,853)

(1,789)

69,667

(5,245) 1,084,233

(3,600)

95,575

(4,079) 1,116,710

(2,488)

120,317

–

–

–

(11,456)

(16,764)

(79,955)

6,716

5,766

7,890

(607,132)

(256,462) 3,802,157

370.00

473.00

392.00

392.00

511.00

511.00

574.00

574.00

697.00

697.00

726.66

823.60

387.00

475.00

446.00

447.00

510.00

575.00

451.00

538.00

563.00

601.00

600.00

01.09.15

29.02.16

01.09.16

28.02.17

01.09.15

29.02.16

01.09.17

28.02.18

01.09.16

28.02.17

01.09.18

28.02.19

01.09.17

28.02.18

01.09.19

28.02.20

01.09.18

28.02.19

01.09.20

28.02.21

31.05.08

30.05.15

05.12.08

04.12.15

29.06.12

29.06.19

25.11.12

21.12.12

25.11.19

21.12.19

11.06.13

11.06.20

14.12.13

14.12.20

28.06.14

28.06.21

19.12.14

14.09.15

20.12.15

19.12.21

14.09.22

20.12.22

05.08.16

05.08.23

05.12.16

05.12.23

684.00

23.06.17

23.06.24

Long-Term Incentive Plan – Unvested Options

14.09.12

20.12.12

05.08.13

05.12.13

23.06.14

12.12.14

22.06.15

Total

1,292,739

198,211

799,292

508,874

1,131,228

26,127

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

1,199,784

(1,178,819)

(151,658)

(18,172)

(22,530)

(87,845)

–

–

3,956,471

1,199,784

(1,459,024)

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

(113,920)

(46,553)

–

–

(117,442)

663,678

(83,744)

402,600

(213,675)

829,708

–

26,127

(81,261) 1,118,523

(656,595) 3,040,636

538.00

563.00

601.00

600.00

684.00

757.83

824.50

14.09.15

14.09.22

20.12.15

20.12.22

05.08.16

05.08.23

05.12.16

05.12.23

23.06.17

23.06.24

12.12.17

12.12.24

22.06.18

22.06.25

7,703,110

2,807,094

(1,459,024)

(740,114)

(969,446) 7,341,620

Weighted average exercise price 
of options (pence)

563

676

551

535

651

580

158

British Land    Annual Report and Accounts 2016

20 Share capital and reserves continued 

Date of grant

Performance Shares Long-Term Incentive Plan

14.09.12

20.12.12

05.08.13

05.12.13

23.06.14

12.12.14

22.06.15

Fund Managers’ Performance Plan

12.09.12

02.08.13

02.08.13

Matching Share Plan

05.09.12

02.08.13

30.06.14

29.06.15

Total

At 1 April 
2015

Granted

Exercised/ 
Vested

Lapsed

At 31 March 
2016

Share price  
at grant date 
pence

Vesting date

860,412

103,130

1,124,612

270,334

1,539,336

4,354

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

1,289,926

(815,950)

(44,462)

(86,845)

(16,285)

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

(88,159) 1,036,453

(40,108)

230,226

(180,113) 1,359,223

–

4,354

(88,057) 1,201,869

538.00

563.00

601.00

600.00

684.00

757.83

824.50

14.09.15

20.12.15

05.08.16

05.12.16

23.06.17

12.12.17

22.06.18

3,902,178

1,289,926

(902,795)

(457,184) 3,832,125

170,466

199,543

199,476

569,485

386,994

375,338

317,166

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

296,638

(166,936)

(190,251)

(3,530)

(9,292)

–

–

(5,380)

(14,432)

179,664

(362,567)

(27,254)

179,664

537.00

599.00

599.00

12.09.15

02.08.15

02.08.16

(182,831)

(204,163)

–

–

–

–

(26,448)

348,890

(27,606)

289,560

(14,468)

282,170

500.00

609.66

702.40

806.00

05.09.15

02.08.16

30.06.17

29.06.18

1,079,498

296,638

(182,831)

(272,685)

920,620

5,551,161

1,586,564

(1,448,193)

(757,123) 4,932,409

Weighted average price of shares (pence)

611

821

540

595

697

British Land    Annual Report and Accounts 2016

159

Financial statements

NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS CONTINUED

21 Segment information

The Group allocates resources to investment and asset management according to the sectors it expects to perform over the medium term. Its three 
principal sectors are Offices, Retail and Canada Water. The Office sector includes residential, as this is often incorporated into Office schemes, and 
Retail includes leisure, for a similar rationale. Canada Water was added as a principal sector in the year, reflecting the key role the campus has in the 
strategy of the Group. Consequently the prior year comparatives in this note have been restated to reflect this additional principal sector.

The relevant gross rental income, net rental income, operating result and property assets, being the measures of segment revenue, segment result and 
segment assets used by the management of the business, are set out below. Management reviews the performance of the business principally on a 
proportionally consolidated basis, which includes the Group’s share of joint ventures and funds on a line-by-line basis and excludes non-controlling 
interests in the Group’s subsidiaries. The chief operating decision maker for the purpose of segment information is the Executive Committee.

Gross rental income is derived from the rental of buildings. Operating result is the net of net rental income, fee income and administrative expenses. 
No customer exceeded 10% of the Group’s revenues in either year.

Segment result

Gross rental income

British Land Group

Share of joint ventures and funds

Total

Net rental income

British Land Group

Share of joint ventures and funds

Total

Operating result

British Land Group

Share of joint ventures and funds

Total

Offices and residential

Retail and leisure

Canada Water

Other/unallocated

2016
£m

133

114

247

124

110

234

112

109

221

2015
£m

121

89

210

112

85

197

101

82

183

2016
£m

291

104

395

277

99

376

260

102

362

2015
£m

248

146

394

233

141

374

218

138

356

2016
£m

2015
£m

2016
£m

2015
£m

8

–

8

7

–

7

7

–

7

6

–

6

6

–

6

6

–

6

–

4

4

–

3

3

–

8

8

–

8

8

(46)

(1)

(47)

(41)

10

(31)

Reconciliation to Underlying Profit

Operating result

Net financing costs

Underlying Profit

Reconciliation to profit on ordinary activities before taxation

Underlying Profit

Capital and other

Underlying Profit attributable  
to non-controlling interests

Total

2016
£m

432

222

654

408

212

620

333

210

543

2016
£m

543

(180)

363

363

954

14

2015
£m

375

243

618

351

234

585

284

230

514

2015
£m

514

(201)

313

313

1,460

16

Total profit on ordinary activities before taxation

1,331

1,789

Of the total revenues above, £4m (2014/15: £8m) was derived from outside the UK.

160

British Land    Annual Report and Accounts 2016

21 Segment information continued

Segment assets 

Offices and residential

Retail and leisure

Canada Water

Other/unallocated

Property assets

British Land Group

Share of joint ventures and funds

Total

2016
£m

2015
£m

2016
£m

2015
£m

4,181

2,843

7,024

3,520

2,530

6,050

5,323

2,018

7,341

5,275

2,039

7,314

2016
£m

283

–

283

2015
£m

273

–

273

Reconciliation to net assets

British Land Group

Property assets

Other non-current assets

Non-current assets

Other net current liabilities

Adjusted net debt

Other non-current liabilities

EPRA net assets (undiluted)

Convertible dilution

EPRA net assets (diluted)

Non-controlling interests

EPRA adjustments

Net assets

22 Capital commitments

2016
£m

2015
£m

Total

2016
£m

2015
£m

–

–

–

–

40

40

9,787 

4,861 

9,068

4,609

14,648 

13,677

2016
£m

2015
£m

14,648

13,677 

138

256 

14,786

13,933 

(257)

(307)

(4,765)

(4,918)

(90)

9,674

400

10,074

277

(732)

9,619

(73)

8,635 

400

9,035 

333 

(803)

8,565 

The aggregate capital commitments to purchase, construct or develop investment property, for repairs, maintenance or enhancements, or for the 
purchase of investments which are contracted for but not provided, are set out below:

British Land and subsidiaries (includes share of development loan facility)

Share of joint ventures

Share of funds

2016
£m

174

40

2

216

2015
£m

198

42

2

242

23 Related party transactions

The Group had provided a development loan of up to £320m to the Broadgate joint venture, secured against the 5 Broadgate development. The loan 
was fully repaid during the year. Interest and commitment fees earned on the loan during the year were £4m (2014/15: £8m).

Details of transactions with joint ventures and funds are given in notes 3, 6 and 11. During the year the Group recognised joint venture management 
fees of £8m (2014/15: £7m).

Details of Directors’ remuneration are given in the Remuneration Report on pages 86 to 110. Details of transactions with key management personnel 
are provided in note 8.

Details of transactions with The British Land Group of Companies Pension Scheme, and other smaller pension schemes, are given in note 9.

The purchases by related parties of Simon Borrows of two flats in London for a total of £4m from a British Land Group company, as approved at last 
year’s Annual General Meeting, completed during the year.

British Land    Annual Report and Accounts 2016

161

Financial statements

NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS CONTINUED

24  Contingent liabilities

Group, joint ventures and funds
The Group, joint ventures and funds have contingent liabilities in respect of legal claims, guarantees and warranties arising in the ordinary course  
of business. It is not anticipated that any material liabilities will arise from contingent liabilities.

25  Subsidiaries with material non-controlling interests

Set out below is summarised financial information for each subsidiary that has non-controlling interests that are material to the Group.  
The information below is the amount before intercompany eliminations, and represents the consolidated results of the Hercules Unit Trust group.

Summarised income statement for the year ended 31 March

Profit on ordinary activities after taxation

Attributable to non-controlling interests

Attributable to the shareholders of the Company

Summarised balance sheet for the year ended 31 March

Total assets

Total liabilities

Net assets

Non-controlling interests

Equity attributable to shareholders of the Company

Summarised cash flows

Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents at 1 April

Cash and cash equivalents at 31 March

The Hercules Unit Trust is a publicly listed Unit Trust. The Unit price at 31 March 2016 is £719 (2014/15: £711).

Hercules Unit Trust

2016
£m

59

19

40

2015
£m

142

55

87

Hercules Unit Trust

2016
£m

1,490

(469)

1,021

277

744

2015
£m

1,687

(674)

1,013

333

680

Hercules Unit Trust

2016
£m

(5)

35

30

2015
£m

2

33

35

162

British Land    Annual Report and Accounts 2016

26 Audit exemptions taken for subsidiaries

The following subsidiaries are exempt from the requirements of the Companies Act 2006 relating to the audit of individual accounts by virtue of 
Section 479A of that Act.

Name

British Land Aqua Partnership Limited
British Land Aqua Partnership (2) Limited
Apartpower Limited
Pillarcaisse Management Limited
BL Guaranteeco Limited
WK Holdings Limited
Wates City Point Limited
BL HC Property Holdings Limited
BL Health Clubs Ph No 1 Limited
BL Health Clubs Ph No 2 Limited
St James Retail Park Northampton Limited
Pillar Nugent Limited
Pillar Developments Limited
United Kingdom Property Company Limited
British Land Hercules No 1 Limited
Pillar Estates Limited
Pillar (Dartford) Limited
BL Goodman (LP) Limited
Pillar Broadway Limited
Parwick Investments Limited
Hilden Properties Limited
BL (Maidenhead) Company Limited
Wardrobe Holdings Limited
BL Cwmbran Limited
BL GP Chess No 1 Limited
Ludgate West Limited
Bayeast Property Company Limited
Boldswitch Limited
Exchange House Holdings Limited
Paddington Central I (GP) Limited
Regis Property Holdings Limited
Dinwell Limited
TPP Investments Limited
BL Osnaburgh St Residential Ltd
Moorage (Property Developments) Limited
39 Victoria Street Limited
Teesside Leisure Park Limited
Cavendish Geared Limited
Pillar Auchinlea Limited
Pillar Europe Management Limited
Pillar Retail Parks Limited
Wates City Of London Properties Limited
BLD (SJ) Investments Limited
Adamant Investment Corporation Limited

Companies House 
reg number

Name

Companies House 
reg number

6024919
6024921
2832059
2941307
5403335
2487591
2973114
06894046
05643248
05643261
5396394
2567031
2850421
266486
3527580
3044028
2783384
5056902
3589116
00454239
NI062887
7667834
06049158
7780251
8572585
4882129
635800
2307096
2037407
3891376
891470
5035303
4843814
06874523
1185513
7037133
2672136
2779045
2661047
2891826
2725163
1788526
4484750
225149

The Liverpool Exchange Company Limited
Osnaburgh Street Limited
Adshilta Limited
Rohawk Properties Limited
Blaxmill (Twenty-Nine) Limited
Pillar (Beckton) Limited
British Land Property Advisers Limited
British Land Hercules Limited
British Land Hercules No 4 Limited
Sprint 1118 Limited
Longford Street Residential Limited
Meadowbank Retail Park Edinburgh Limited
BF Propco (No 19) Limited
Ivorydell Limited
Broadgate (PHC 8) Limited
BVP Developments Limited
FRP Group Ltd
BLU Property Management Limited
Pillar Hercules No 2 Limited
Drake Circus Leisure Limited
Blu Estates Limited
Diomedes Property No 1 Limited
Chrisilu Nominees Limited
Ivoryhill Limited
Pardev (Broadway) Limited
Pillar (Kirkcaldy) Limited
Pillar Fort Limited
Pillar Fulham No 2 Limited
Pillar Glasgow 3 Limited
Bexile Limited
T (Partnership) Limited
TBL (Ferndown) Limited
TBL (Brent Park) Limited
Paddington Block A (GP) Ltd
Paddington Block B (GP) Ltd
Paddington Kiosk (GP) Ltd
PC Lease Nominee Ltd
PC Partnership Nominee Ltd
BL Broadgate Fragment 1 Limited
BL Broadgate Fragment 2 Limited
BL Broadgate Fragment 3 Limited
BL Broadgate Fragment 4 Limited
BL Broadgate Fragment 5 Limited
BL Broadgate Fragment 6 Limited

490255
5886735
1052683
789485
5279010
2783376
2793828
2783381
3108851
5860847
8700158
5489809
5270113
3264791
3707220
3534586
2844685
1020347
2839069
9190208
3325057
5278996
732510
2307407
2891851
3074412
2806956
266246
5070568
5738899
03436754
3854372
3852947
9320570
9320577
9320562
9320541
9320533
9400407
9400541
9400411
9400409
9400413
9400414

British Land    Annual Report and Accounts 2016

163

Financial statements

NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS CONTINUED

The following partnerships are exempt from the requirements to prepare, publish and have audited individual accounts by virtue of regulation 7 
of The Partnerships (Accounts) Regulations 2008. The results of these partnerships are consolidated within these Group accounts.

Name

Name

Bl Shoreditch Limited Partnership
Bl Chess No 1 Limited Partnership
Paddington Central I LP
Paddington Central II LP
Meadowhall Opportunities Limited Partnership

Hereford Shopping Centre Limited Partnership
Bl Lancaster Limited Partnership
Paddington Block A LP
Paddington Block B LP
Paddington Kiosk LP

164

British Land    Annual Report and Accounts 2016

COMPANY BALANCE SHEET

PREPARED IN ACCORDANCE WITH FRS 101 AS AT 31 MARCH 2016

Fixed assets

Investments and loans to subsidiaries

Investments in joint ventures

Other investments

Interest rate derivative assets

Deferred tax assets

Current assets

Debtors

Cash and short term deposits

Current liabilities

Short term borrowings and overdrafts

Creditors

Amounts due to subsidiaries

Net current liabilities

Total assets less current liabilities

Non-current liabilities

Debentures and loans

Interest rate derivative liabilities

Deferred tax and other non-current liabilities

Net assets

Equity

Called up share capital

Share premium

Other reserves

Merger reserve

Retained earnings

Equity shareholders’ funds

John Gildersleeve 
Chairman  

Approved by the Board on 16 May 2016

Company number 621920

Note

2016
£m

20151
£m

D
D
D
E

G
E

E
H

E
E

I

 27,518 

 27,370 

 395 

 17 

167

 1 

 392 

 264 

 139 

– 

 28,098 

 28,165 

 14 

 36 

 50 

 4 

 18 

 22 

 (74)

 (77)

 (102)

 (103)

 (19,225)

 (18,881)

 (19,376)

 (19,086)

 (19,326)

 (19,064)

 8,772

 9,101 

 (2,216)

 (2,462)

 (119)

 – 

 (111)

 (13)

 (2,335)

 (2,586)

 6,437 

 6,515 

 260 

 1,295 

 (120)

 213 

 4,789 

 6,437

 258 

 1,280 

 (94)

 213 

 4,858 

 6,515 

Lucinda Bell
Chief Financial Officer

1 The prior year comparatives have been restated on transition to FRS 101. See note A on page 167.

British Land    Annual Report and Accounts 2016

165

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Financial statements

COMPANY STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN EQUITY

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2016

Balance at 1 April 2015 (restated)

Share issues

Adjustment for scrip dividend element

Dividend paid

Fair value of share and share option awards

Net actuarial loss on pension schemes

Profit for the year after taxation

Derivative valuation movement

Balance at 31 March 2016

Share capital
£m

Share 
premium
£m

Other 
reserves
£m

Merger 
reserve
£m

 Profit and 
loss
account
£m

Total
£m

 258 

 1,280 

 (94)

 213 

 4,858

 6,515

2

–

–

–

–

–

–

15

–

–

–

–

–

–

 260 

 1,295 

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

 (26)

 (120)

– 

 213 

(12)

52

 5 

 52

 (287)

 (287)

8

 (1)

 171

 –

 8

 (1)

 171 

 (26)

 4,789 

 6,437 

Balance at 1 April 2014 (restated)

 255 

 1,257 

 (24)

 213 

 3,632 

 5,333 

Adjustment for change in capitalised interest accounting policy

Share issues

Adjustment for scrip dividend element

Dividend paid

Net actuarial loss on pension schemes

Profit for the year after taxation

Derivative valuation movement

Balance at 31 March 2015 (restated)

–

 3 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

–

 23 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 258 

 1,280 

–

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 (70)

 (94)

–

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 37 

 – 

 49 

 (277)

 (5)

 1,422

 – 

 37 

 26 

 49 

 (277)

 (5)

1,422

 (70) 

 213 

 4,858

 6,515

The value of distributable reserves within the profit and loss account is £3,336m (2014/15: £3,514m).

166

British Land    Annual Report and Accounts 2016

(A)  Accounting policies

(c) the requirements of IAS 1 to provide a statement of compliance  

The financial statements for the year ended 31 March 2016 have been 
prepared on the historical cost basis, except for the revaluation of 
derivatives. These financial statements have also been prepared in 
accordance with Financial Reporting Standard 101 Reduced Disclosure 
Framework (‘FRS 101’). The amendments to FRS 101 (2013/14 Cycle) 
issued in July 2014 and effective immediately have been applied.

In preparing these financial statements, the Company applies the 
recognition, measurement and disclosure requirements of International 
Financial Reporting Standards as adopted by the EU (‘Adopted IFRSs’), 
but makes amendments where necessary in order to comply with the 
Companies Act 2006 and has set out below where advantage of the FRS 
101 disclosure exemptions has been taken. In these financial statements, 
the Company has adopted FRS 101 for the first time.

The Company meets the definition of a qualifying entity under FRS 100 
(Financial Reporting Standard 100) issued by the Financial Reporting 
Council. Accordingly, in the year ended 31 March 2016, the Company  
has changed its accounting framework from UK GAAP to FRS 101 as 
issued by the Financial Reporting Council and has, in doing so, applied 
the requirements of IFRS 1.6.33 and related appendices. The prior year 
financial statements were restated for material adjustments on adoption 
of FRS 101 in the current year, as set out below.

The Company has taken advantage of the following disclosure 
exemptions under FRS 101:

(a) the requirements of IAS 1 to provide a Balance Sheet at the beginning 

of the period in the event of a prior period adjustment;

(b) the requirements of IAS 1 to provide a Statement of cash flows for  

the period; 

with IFRS;

(d) the requirements of IAS 1 to disclose information on the  

management of capital;

(e) the requirements of paragraphs 30 and 31 of IAS 8 Accounting  

Policies, Changes in Accounting Estimates and Errors to disclose  
new IFRSs that have been issued but are not yet effective; 
(f)  the requirements in IAS 24 Related Party Disclosures to  

disclose related party transactions entered into between two  
or more members of a group, provided that any subsidiary which  
is a party to the transaction is wholly owned by such a member; 

(g) the requirements of paragraph 17 of IAS 24 Related Party Disclosures 

to disclose key management personnel compensation;

(h) the requirements of IFRS 7 to disclose financial instruments; and
(i)  the requirements of paragraphs 91-99 of IFRS 13 Fair Value 
Measurement to disclose information of fair value valuation 
techniques and inputs. 

Explanation of transition to FRS 101
This is the first year that the Company has presented its financial 
statements under FRS 101 (Financial Reporting Standard 101) issued  
by the Financial Reporting Council. The following disclosures are 
restatements of balances disclosed under previous UK GAAP in the prior 
year. The last financial statements under previous UK GAAP were for the 
year ended 31 March 2015 and the date of transition to FRS 101 was 
therefore 1 April 2014.

The following is a reconciliation illustrating the adjustments posted to 
the Profit and Loss and Balance Sheet to restate the prior year 
comparatives as a result of the transition to FRS 101 from UK GAAP.

Reconciliation of Profit and Loss

Administrative expenses

Finance costs

Other Profit and Loss

Total impact to Profit and Loss

Reconciliation of Balance Sheet

Creditors

Share premium

Retained earnings

Other Balance Sheet

Total impact to Balance Sheet

2015 UK 
GAAP
£m

Transition 
adjustments
£m

 (77)

 (85)

 1,584 

 1,422 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

2015  
FRS 101
£m

 (77)

 (85)

 1,584 

 1,422 

Transition 
reference

2015 UK
£m

Transition 
adjustments 
£m

2015 FRS
£m

2014 UK 
GAAP
£m

Transition 
adjustments
£m

2014 FRS  
101
£m

(i)

(ii)

(i),(ii)

 (101)

 1,283 

 4,857 

478 

6,517

 (2)

 (3)

 1 

2 

(2)

 (103)

 1,280 

 4,858 

 480 

6,515

 (89)

 1,260 

 3,631 

 533 

5,335

 (2)

 (3)

 1 

 2 

(2)

 (91)

 1,257 

 3,632 

 535

5,333

British Land    Annual Report and Accounts 2016

167

Financial statements

COMPANY BALANCE SHEET CONTINUED

Explanation of transition to FRS 101 continued

Transition adjustment (i)
Share schemes are subject to National Insurance on the gain employees 
make. Under UK GAAP the exercise price was estimated to be the share 
price prevailing at the balance sheet date, whereas under FRS 101 this 
was measured as the estimated share price at the exercise date. Upon 
conversion this resulted in an additional £2m creditor and a £2m debit  
to retained earnings.

Significant judgements and sources of estimation uncertainty
The key source of estimation uncertainty relates to the Company’s 
investments in subsidiaries and joint ventures. In estimating the 
requirement for impairment of these investments, management make 
assumptions and judgements on the value of these investments using 
inherently subjective underlying asset valuations, supported by 
independent valuers.

(B)  Dividends

Transition adjustment (ii)
Under UK GAAP, upon redemption of a convertible bond in 2004 
unamortised capitalised loan issue costs were debited to the profit  
and loss. Under FRS101 these issue costs of £3m are debited to share 
premium and credited to retained earnings. 

Details of dividends paid and proposed are included in note 19 of  
the consolidated financial statements.

(C)  Company profit for the financial year after tax

Notice of continued adoption of financial reporting standard (FRS) 101 – 
reduced disclosure framework
The Board continues to consider that it is in the best interests of the 
Group for The British Land Company PLC to continue to apply FRS 101 
Reduced Disclosure Framework for its next financial year, commencing 
1 April 2016. A shareholder or shareholders holding in aggregate 5% or 
more of the total allotted shares in The British Land Company PLC may 
serve objections to the continued use of the disclosure exemptions on 
The British Land Company PLC, in writing, to its registered office (York 
House, 45 Seymour Street, London, W1H 7LX) not later than 31 July 2016. 

The Company has not presented its own profit and loss account as 
permitted by Section 408 of the Companies Act 2006. The profit after  
tax for the year was £171m (2014/15: profit £1,422m).

The average monthly number of employees of the Company during  
the year was 260 (2014/15: 249).

Employee costs include wages and salaries of £35m (2014/15: £33m), 
social security costs of £5m (2014/15: £5m) and pension costs of £6m 
(2014/15: £5m). Details of the Executive Directors’ remuneration are 
disclosed in the Remuneration Report.

Going concern
The financial statements are prepared on the going concern basis as 
explained in the corporate governance section on page 77. 

Audit fees in relation to the parent Company only were £0.2m  
(2014/15: £0.2m).

Investments and loans
Investments and loans in subsidiaires and joint ventures are stated 
at cost less provision for impairment. 

(D)  Investments and loans to subsidiaries

On 1 April 2015 (restated)

Additions

Disposals

Write back of (provision for)

As at 31 March 2016

Shares in 
subsidiaries
£m

Loans to 
subsidiaries
£m

Investments 
in joint 
ventures
£m

Other 
investments
£m

20,197

–

–

71

20,268

7,173

509

(432)

–

7,250

392

18

(14)

(1)

395

264

4

(251)

–

17

Total
£m

28,026

531

(697)

70

27,930

The historical cost of shares in subsidiaries is £20,529m (2014/15: £20,558m). Investments in joint ventures of £395m (2014/15: £392m) includes 
£216m (2014/15: £205m) of loans to joint ventures by the Company. Results of the joint ventures are set out in note 11 of the consolidated financial 
statements. The historical cost of other investments is £87m (2014/15: £252m).

168

British Land    Annual Report and Accounts 2016

(E)  Net debt

Secured on the assets of the Company

5.264% First Mortgage Debenture Bonds 2035

5.0055% First Mortgage Amortising Debentures 2035

5.357% First Mortgage Debenture Bonds 2028

6.75% First Mortgage Debenture Bonds 2020

Loan notes

Unsecured 

5.50% Senior Notes 2027

6.30% Senior US Dollar Notes 2015

3.895% Senior US Dollar Notes 20181

4.635% Senior US Dollar Notes 20211

4.766% Senior US Dollar Notes 20231

5.003% Senior US Dollar Notes 20261

3.81% Senior Notes 2026

3.97% Senior Notes 2026

Fair value of options to issue under 1.5% convertible bond 2017

Fair value of options to issue under 0% convertible bond 2020

Bank loans & overdrafts

Gross debt

Interest rate and currency derivative liabilities

Interest rate and currency derivative assets

Cash and short term deposits

Net debt

2016
£m

2015
£m

371 

100 

349 

62

2 

884

101

–

28 

165 

105

69

113

116

48

27

634

355 

98

344 

182

2 

981 

98 

104 

28 

158 

99

64

111

114

100

–

707

1,406

2,290

1,583

2,564

119

(167)

(36)

111

(139)

(18)

2,206

2,518 

1  Principal and interest on these borrowings were fully hedged into Sterling at a floating rate at the time of issue.

1.5% Convertible bond 2012 (maturity 2017)
On 10 September 2012, British Land (Jersey) Limited (the 2012 Issuer), a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company, issued £400 million 1.5% 
guaranteed convertible bonds due 2017 (the 2012 bonds) at par. The 2012 Issuer is fully guaranteed by the Company in respect of the 2012 bonds.

Subject to their terms, the 2012 bonds are convertible into preference shares of the 2012 Issuer which are automatically transferred to the Company 
in exchange for ordinary shares in the Company or, at the Company’s election, any combination of ordinary shares and cash. Bondholders may 
exercise their conversion right at any time up to (but excluding) the 20th dealing day before 10 September 2017 (the maturity date). 

The initial exchange price was 693.07 pence per ordinary share. The exchange price is adjusted based on certain events.

From 25 September 2015, the Company has the option to redeem the 2012 bonds at par if the Company’s share price has traded above 130% of 
the exchange price for a specified period, or at any time once 85% by nominal value of the 2012 bonds have been converted, redeemed, or purchased 
and cancelled. The 2012 bonds will be redeemed at par on 10 September 2017 (the maturity date) if they have not already been converted, redeemed 
or purchased and cancelled. No redemption of the bonds occurred in the year.

The intercompany loan between the Issuer and the Company arising from the transfer of the loan proceeds was initially recognised at fair value, 
net of capitalised issue costs, and is accounted for using the amortised cost method. In addition to the intercompany loan, the Company has entered 
into a derivative contract relating to its guarantee of the obligations of the Issuer in respect of the Bonds and the commitment to provide shares or 
a combination of shares and cash on conversion of the Bonds. This derivative contract is included within the balance sheet as a liability carried at 
fair value through profit and loss.

British Land    Annual Report and Accounts 2016

169

Financial statements

COMPANY BALANCE SHEET CONTINUED

(E)  Net debt continued

0% Convertible bond 2015 (maturity 2020)
On 9 June 2015, British Land (White) 2015 Limited (the 2015 Issuer), a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company, issued £350 million zero coupon 
guaranteed convertible bonds due 2020 (the 2015 bonds) at par. The 2015 Issuer is fully guaranteed by the Company in respect of the 2015 bonds.

Subject to their terms, the 2015 bonds are convertible into preference shares of the Issuer which are automatically transferred to the Company in 
exchange for ordinary shares in the Company or, at the Company’s election, any combination of ordinary shares and cash. From 20 July 2015 up to 
and including 29 June 2018, a bondholder may exercise its conversion right if the share price has traded at a level exceeding 130% of the exchange 
price for a specified period. Thereafter, and up to but excluding the 7th dealing day before 9 June 2020 (the maturity date), a bondholder may convert 
at any time.

The initial exchange price was 1103.32 pence per ordinary share. The exchange price is adjusted based on certain events (such as the Company 
paying dividends in any year above 14.18 pence per ordinary share).

From 30 June 2018, the Company has the option to redeem the 2015 bonds at par if the Company’s share price has traded above 130% of the exchange 
price for a specified period, or at any time once 85% by nominal value of the 2015 bonds have been converted, redeemed, or purchased and cancelled. 
The 2015 bonds will be redeemed at par on 9 June 2020 (the maturity date) if they have not already been converted, redeemed or purchased and 
cancelled.

In addition to the intercompany loan, the Company has entered into a derivative contract relating to its guarantee of the obligations of the Issuer in 
respect of the bonds and the commitment to provide shares or a combination of shares and cash on conversion of the bonds. This derivative contract 
is included within the balance sheet as a liability carried at fair value through profit and loss.

Maturity analysis of net debt

Repayable within one year and on demand

between: one and two years

two and five years

five and ten years

ten and fifteen years

fifteen and twenty years

twenty and twenty five years

Gross debt

Interest rate derivatives

Cash and short term deposits

(F)  Pension

2016
£m

74

109

414

807

500

386

 –

2,216

 2,290 

 (48)

 (36)

2015
£m

102

 75 

 697 

 561 

 747 

 6 

 376 

 2,462 

 2,564 

 (28)

 (18)

 2,206 

 2,518 

The British Land Group of Companies Pension Scheme and the Defined Contribution Pension Scheme are the principal pension schemes of the 
Company and details are set out in note 9 of the consolidated financial statements.

170

British Land    Annual Report and Accounts 2016

(G)  Debtors

Trade and other debtors

Prepayments and accrued income

(H)  Creditors

Trade creditors

Corporation tax

Other taxation and social security

Accruals and deferred income

(I)  Share capital

Issued, called and fully paid

At 1 April 2015

Issued

At 31 March 2016

Issued, called and fully paid

At 1 April 2014

Issued

At 31 March 2015

2016
£m

9

5

 14

2016
£m

3

18

29

27

77

2015
£m

2

2

 4

Restated 
2015
£m

23

19

24

37

103

Ordinary shares  
of 25p each

 1,031,788,286 

8,774,037

 1,040,562,323

Ordinary shares  
of 25p each

 1,019,766,481 

12,021,805

 1,031,788,286

£m

258

2

260

£m

255

3

258

(J)  Contingent liabilities, capital commitments and related party transactions

The Company has contingent liabilities in respect of legal claims, guarantees and warranties arising in the ordinary course of business.  
It is not anticipated that any material liabilities will arise from the contingent liabilities. 

At 31 March 2016, the Company has £13m of capital commitments (2014/15: £27m).

Related party transactions are the same for the Company as for the Group. For details refer to note 23 of the consolidated financial statements.

British Land    Annual Report and Accounts 2016

171

Financial statements

COMPANY BALANCE SHEET CONTINUED

(K) Related undertakings

Disclosures relating to subsidiary undertakings 
The Company’s subsidiaries and other related undertakings at 31 March 
2016 are listed below. All Group entities are included in the consolidated 
financial results.

Unless otherwise stated, the Company holds 100% of the voting rights 
and beneficial interests in the shares of the following subsidiaries, 
partnerships, associated, joint ventures and joint arrangements. 
The subsidiaries and related undertakings are registered in the United 
Kingdom, unless noted otherwise and the share capital of each of the 
Companies, where applicable, comprises of ordinary shares unless 
otherwise stated. 

The Company holds the majority of its assets in UK companies, although 
some are held in overseas companies. In recent years we have reduced 
the number of overseas companies in the Group.

Direct holdings

Company Name

B.L.C.T. Holdings Limited (Jersey)
BL Bluebutton 2014 Limited
BL Davidson Limited
BL Exempt Insurance Services Limited
BL Intermediate Holding Company Limited
BLSSP (Funding) Limited
Bluebutton Property Management UK 
Limited (50% interest)
Boldswitch (No 1) Limited
Boldswitch Limited
British Land (Jersey) Limited (Jersey) 
(Founder Shares)
British Land City
British Land City 2005 Limited
British Land City Offices Limited
British Land Financing Limited
British Land Investments Netherlands 
Holding B.V. (Netherlands)
British Land Properties Limited
British Land Real Estate Limited
British Land Securities Limited
British Land Securitisation 1999
Broadgate (Funding) PLC
Broadgate Estates Insurance Mediation 
Services Limited
Hyfleet Limited
Kingsmere Productions Limited
Linestair Limited
London and Henley Holdings Limited
Meadowhall Pensions Scheme Trustee 
Limited
MSC Property Intermediate Holdings 
Limited (50% interest)
Plantation House Limited
Priory Park Merton Limited
Regis Property Holdings Limited
The British Land Corporation Limited
Vitalcreate
Real Asset Insurance Limited (Guernsey)

UK/Overseas Tax Resident Status

UK Tax Resident
UK Tax Resident
UK Tax Resident
UK Tax Resident
UK Tax Resident
UK Tax Resident
UK Tax Resident

UK Tax Resident
UK Tax Resident
UK Tax Resident

UK Tax Resident
UK Tax Resident
UK Tax Resident
UK Tax Resident
Overseas Tax Resident

UK Tax Resident
UK Tax Resident
UK Tax Resident
UK Tax Resident
UK Tax Resident
UK Tax Resident

UK Tax Resident
UK Tax Resident
UK Tax Resident
UK Tax Resident
UK Tax Resident

UK Tax Resident

UK Tax Resident
UK Tax Resident
UK Tax Resident
UK Tax Resident
UK Tax Resident
Overseas Tax Resident

Indirect holdings

Company Name

1 & 4 & 7 Triton Limited
10 Brock Street Limited
10 Portman Square Unit Trust (Jersey) 
(Units)
10 Triton Street Limited
17-19 Bedford Street Limited
18-20 Craven Hill Gardens Limited
20 Brock Street Limited
20 Triton Street Limited
338 Euston Road Limited
35 Basinghall Street First Limited
35 Basinghall Street Second Limited
350 Euston Road Limited
39 Victoria Street Limited
8-10 Throgmorton Avenue Limited
Adamant Investment Corporation Limited
Adshilta Limited
Aldgate Place (GP) Limited (50% interest)
Apartpower Limited
Ashband Limited
Austral House Unit Trust (Jersey) (Units) 
(35.94% interest) 
Basinghall Street Unit Trust (Jersey) (Units) 
(35.94% interest)
B.L.C.T. (12697) Limited (Jersey)
B.L.C.T. (21500) Limited (Jersey)
B.L.C.T. (29900) Limited (Jersey)
B.L.U. (11193) Limited (Jersey)
Balsenia Limited
Barnclass Limited
Barndrill Limited
Bayeast Property Co Limited
Bexile Limited
BF Propco (No 1 ) Limited
BF Propco (No 10 ) Limited
BF Propco (No 12 ) Limited
BF Propco (No 13 ) Limited
BF Propco (No 19 ) Limited
BF Propco (No 3 ) Limited
BF Propco (No 4 ) Limited
BF Propco (No 5 ) Limited
BF Properties (No 4 ) Limited
BF Properties (No 5 ) Limited
Birstall Co-Ownership Trust (Member 
Interest) (41.25% interest) 
BL & N Acquisition Limited
BL (Maidenhead) Company Limited
BL (SP) Cannon Street Limited
BL (SP) Investment (1) Limited
BL (SP) Investment (2) Limited
BL (SP) Investment (3) Limited
BL (SP) Investment (4) Limited
BL Baker Co 2012 Limited (Jersey)
BL Bradford Forster Limited
BL Broadgate Fragment 1 Limited
BL Broadgate Fragment 2 Limited

172

British Land    Annual Report and Accounts 2016

UK/Overseas Tax Resident Status

UK Tax Resident
UK Tax Resident
Overseas Tax Resident

UK Tax Resident
UK Tax Resident
UK Tax Resident
UK Tax Resident
UK Tax Resident
UK Tax Resident
UK Tax Resident
UK Tax Resident
UK Tax Resident
UK Tax Resident
UK Tax Resident
UK Tax Resident
UK Tax Resident
UK Tax Resident
UK Tax Resident
UK Tax Resident
Overseas Tax Resident

Overseas Tax Resident

UK Tax Resident
UK Tax Resident
UK Tax Resident
UK Tax Resident
UK Tax Resident
UK Tax Resident
UK Tax Resident
UK Tax Resident
UK Tax Resident
UK Tax Resident
UK Tax Resident
UK Tax Resident
UK Tax Resident
UK Tax Resident
UK Tax Resident
UK Tax Resident
UK Tax Resident
UK Tax Resident
UK Tax Resident
UK Tax Resident

UK Tax Resident
UK Tax Resident
UK Tax Resident
UK Tax Resident
UK Tax Resident
UK Tax Resident
UK Tax Resident
Overseas Tax Resident
UK Tax Resident
UK Tax Resident
UK Tax Resident

Company Name

UK/Overseas Tax Resident Status

Company Name

UK/Overseas Tax Resident Status

BL Broadgate Fragment 3 Limited
BL Broadgate Fragment 4 Limited
BL Broadgate Fragment 5 Limited
BL Broadgate Fragment 6 Limited
BL Chess Limited
BL Chess No. 1 Limited Partnership 
(Partnership Interest)
BL City Offices Holding Company Limited
BL Clifton Moor Limited
BL Cwmbran Limited
BL Department Stores Holding Company 
Limited
BL Doncaster Wheatley Limited
BL Eden Walk J2012 Limited (Jersey)
BL ESOP Limited (Isle of Man)
BL European Fund Management LLP 
(Member Interest)
BL European Holdings Limited
BL Fixed Uplift Fund Limited Partnership 
(Jersey)
BL Fixed Uplift Fund Nominee No.1 Limited 
(Jersey)
BL Fixed Uplift Fund Nominee No.2 Limited 
(Jersey)
BL Fund Limited (Jersey)
BL Goodman (General Partner) Limited 
(50% interest)
BL Goodman (LP) Limited
BL GP Chess No. 1 Limited
BL Guaranteeco Limited (Limited by 
Guarantee)
BL HC (DSCH) Limited
BL HC (DSCLI) Limited
BL HC Dollview Limited
BL HC Hampshire PH LLP (Member 
Interest)
BL HC Health And Fitness Holdings Limited
BL HC Invic Leisure Limited
BL HC PH CRG LLP (Member Interest)
BL HC PH LLP (Member Interest)
BL HC PH No 1 LLP (Member Interest)
BL HC PH No 2 LLP (Member Interest)
BL HC PH No 3 LLP (Member Interest)
BL HC Property Holdings Limited
BL Health Clubs PH No 1 Limited
BL Health Clubs PH No 2 Limited
BL High Street and Shopping Centres 
Holding Company Limited
BL Lancaster Limited Partnership 
(Partnership Interest)
BL Leadenhall (Jersey) Ltd (Jersey)
BL Leadenhall CL Co Limited (Jersey)
BL Leadenhall Holding Co (Jersey) Ltd 
(Jersey)
BL Leisure and Industrial Holding Company 
Limited
BL Mayfair Offices Limited
BL Meadowhall Holdings Limited
BL Meadowhall Limited

UK Tax Resident
UK Tax Resident
UK Tax Resident
UK Tax Resident
UK Tax Resident
UK Tax Resident

UK Tax Resident
UK Tax Resident
UK Tax Resident
UK Tax Resident

UK Tax Resident
Overseas Tax Resident
Overseas Tax Resident
UK Tax Resident

UK Tax Resident
Overseas Tax Resident

Overseas Tax Resident

Overseas Tax Resident

Overseas Tax Resident
UK Tax Resident

UK Tax Resident
UK Tax Resident
UK Tax Resident

UK Tax Resident
UK Tax Resident
UK Tax Resident
UK Tax Resident

UK Tax Resident
UK Tax Resident
UK Tax Resident
UK Tax Resident
UK Tax Resident
UK Tax Resident
UK Tax Resident
UK Tax Resident
UK Tax Resident
UK Tax Resident
UK Tax Resident

UK Tax Resident

Overseas Tax Resident
Overseas Tax Resident
Overseas Tax Resident

UK Tax Resident

UK Tax Resident
UK Tax Resident
UK Tax Resident

BL Meadowhall No 4 Limited
BL Office (Non-City) Holding Company 
Limited
BL Office Holding Company Limited
BL Osnaburgh St Residential Ltd
BL Piccadilly Residential Limited
BL Piccadilly Residential Management Co 
Limited
BL Piccadilly Residential Retail Limited
BL Residential General Partner Limited 
(50% interest)
BL Residential No. 1 Limited
BL Residential No. 2 Limited
BL Residual Holding Company Limited
BL Retail Holding Company Limited
BL Retail Warehousing Holding Company 
Limited
BL Sainsbury Superstores Limited (50% 
interest)
BL Shoreditch General Partner Limited
BL Shoreditch Limited Partnership 
(Partnership Interest)
BL Shoreditch No. 1 Limited
BL Shoreditch No. 2 Limited
BL Superstores Holding Company Limited
BL Triton Building Residential Limited
BL Unit Trust (Jersey)
BL Unitholder No. 1 (J) Limited (Jersey)
BL Unitholder No. 2 (J) Limited (Jersey)
BL Universal Limited
BL Wardrobe Court Holdings Limited
BL West (Watling House) Limited
Blackglen Limited
Blackwall (1)
Blaxmill (Thirty ) Limited
Blaxmill (Twenty-nine) Limited
BLD (A) Limited
BLD (Ebury Gate) Limited
BLD (SJ) Investments Limited
BLD (SJ) Limited
BLD Land Limited
BLD Properties Limited
BLD Property Holdings Limited
BLT Holdings 2010 Ltd (50% interest)
BLU Estates Limited
BLU Property Management Limited
BLU Securities Limited
British Land (Joint Ventures) Limited
British Land (White) 2015 Limited (Jersey) 
(Founder Shares)
British Land Acquisitions Limited
British Land Aqua Partnership (2) Limited
British Land Aqua Partnership Limited
British Land Company Secretarial Limited
British Land Construction Limited
British Land Department Stores Limited
British Land Developments Limited
British Land Ealing B.V. (Netherlands)

UK Tax Resident
UK Tax Resident

UK Tax Resident
UK Tax Resident
UK Tax Resident
UK Tax Resident

UK Tax Resident
UK Tax Resident

UK Tax Resident
UK Tax Resident
UK Tax Resident
UK Tax Resident
UK Tax Resident

UK Tax Resident

UK Tax Resident
UK Tax Resident

UK Tax Resident
UK Tax Resident
UK Tax Resident
UK Tax Resident
Overseas Tax Resident
Overseas Tax Resident
Overseas Tax Resident
UK Tax Resident
UK Tax Resident
UK Tax Resident
UK Tax Resident
UK Tax Resident
UK Tax Resident
UK Tax Resident
UK Tax Resident
UK Tax Resident
UK Tax Resident
UK Tax Resident
UK Tax Resident
UK Tax Resident
UK Tax Resident
UK Tax Resident
UK Tax Resident
UK Tax Resident
UK Tax Resident
UK Tax Resident
UK Tax Resident

UK Tax Resident
UK Tax Resident
UK Tax Resident
UK Tax Resident
UK Tax Resident
UK Tax Resident
UK Tax Resident
Overseas Tax Resident

British Land    Annual Report and Accounts 2016

173

Financial statements

COMPANY BALANCE SHEET CONTINUED

Company Name

UK/Overseas Tax Resident Status

Company Name

British Land European Holding B.V. 
(Netherlands)
British Land Fund Management Limited
British Land Hercules Limited
British Land Hercules No.1 Limited
British Land Hercules No.3 Limited
British Land Hercules No.4 Limited
British Land HIF Limited
British Land In Town Retail Limited
British Land Industrial Limited
British Land Investment Management 
Limited
British Land Investments N V (Netherlands)
British Land Investments Netherlands B.V. 
(Netherlands)
British Land Leisure Limited
British Land Offices (Non-City) Limited
British Land Offices (Non-City) No. 2 Limited
British Land Offices Limited
British Land Offices No.1 Limited
British Land Property Advisers Limited
British Land Property Management Limited
British Land Regeneration Limited
British Land Retail Warehouses Limited
British Land Superstores (Non Securitised) 
Number 2 Limited
Broadgate (PHC 8) Limited
Broadgate Adjoining Properties Limited
Broadgate Business Centre Limited
Broadgate City Limited
Broadgate Court Investments Limited
Broadgate Estates Limited
Broadgate Estates People Management 
Limited
Broadgate Estates Retail Management 
Limited
Broadgate Exchange Square
Broadgate Investment Holdings Limited
Broadgate REIT Limited (Jersey) (50% 
interest)
Broadgate Square Limited
Broughton Unit Trust (Jersey) (Units) 
(75.31% interest)
Broughton Retail Park Limited (Jersey) 
(75.31% interest)
Brunswick Park Limited
BVP Developments Limited
Casegood Enterprises
Caseplane Limited
Cavendish Geared II Limited
Cavendish Geared Limited
Caymall Limited
Chantway Limited
Cheshine Properties Limited
Chrisilu Nominees Limited
Clarges Estate Property Management Co 
Limited
Clifton Moor Limited

Overseas Tax Resident

UK Tax Resident
UK Tax Resident
UK Tax Resident
UK Tax Resident
UK Tax Resident
UK Tax Resident
UK Tax Resident
UK Tax Resident
UK Tax Resident

UK Tax Resident
Overseas Tax Resident

UK Tax Resident
UK Tax Resident
UK Tax Resident
UK Tax Resident
UK Tax Resident
UK Tax Resident
UK Tax Resident
UK Tax Resident
UK Tax Resident
UK Tax Resident

UK Tax Resident
UK Tax Resident
UK Tax Resident
UK Tax Resident
UK Tax Resident
UK Tax Resident
UK Tax Resident

UK Tax Resident

UK Tax Resident
UK Tax Resident
UK Tax Resident

UK Tax Resident
Overseas Tax Resident

UK Tax Resident

UK Tax Resident
UK Tax Resident
UK Tax Resident
UK Tax Resident
UK Tax Resident
UK Tax Resident
UK Tax Resident
UK Tax Resident
UK Tax Resident
UK Tax Resident
UK Tax Resident

UK Tax Resident

City of London Office Unit Trust (Jersey) 
(Units) (35.94% interest)
Comgenic Limited
Cornish Residential Properties Trading 
Limited
Cornish Residential Property Investments 
Limited
Crescent West Properties
Deepdale Co-Ownership Trust (Member 
Interest) (37.66% interest)
Derby Investment Holdings Limited
Dinwell Limited
Diomedes Property No.1 Limited
Diomedes Property No.2 Limited
Diomedes Property No.3 Limited
Diomedes Property No.4 Limited
Diomedes Property No.5 Limited
Diomedes Property No.6 Limited
Diomedes Property No.7 Limited
Diomedes Property No.8 Limited
Drake Circus GP, L.L.C. (United States)
Drake Circus Leisure Limited
Drake Circus Limited Partnership (United 
States) (Partnership Interest)
Drake Circus Unit Trust (Jersey) (Units)
Drake Property Holdings Limited
Drake Property Nominee (No. 1) Limited
Drake Property Nominee (No. 2) Limited
Eden Walk Shopping Centre General 
Partner Limited (50% interest)
Eden Walk Shopping Centre Unit Trust 
(Jersey) (Units) (50% interest)
Edinburgh Fort Unit Trust (Jersey) (Units) 
(75.31% interest)
Elementvirtue Limited
Euston Tower Limited
Exchange House Holdings Limited
Finsbury Avenue Estates Limited
Four Broadgate Limited
FRP Group Limited
Garamead Properties Limited
Gardenray Limited
Gibraltar General Partner Limited (37.66% 
interest)
Gibraltar Nominees Limited (37.66% 
interest)
Giltbrook Retail Park Nottingham Limited
Glenway Limited
Hempel Holdings Limited
Hempel Hotels Limited
Hercules Property Limited Partnership 
(Partnership Interest) (40.68% interest)
Hercules Property UK Holdings Limited
Hercules Property UK Limited
Hercules Unit Trust (Jersey) (Units) (75.31% 
interest)
Hereford Shopping Centre GP Limited
Hereford Shopping Centre Limited 
Partnership (Partnership Interest)

UK/Overseas Tax Resident Status

Overseas Tax Resident

UK Tax Resident
UK Tax Resident

UK Tax Resident

UK Tax Resident
UK Tax Resident

UK Tax Resident
UK Tax Resident
UK Tax Resident
UK Tax Resident
UK Tax Resident
UK Tax Resident
UK Tax Resident
UK Tax Resident
UK Tax Resident
UK Tax Resident
Overseas Tax Resident
UK Tax Resident
Overseas Tax Resident

Overseas Tax Resident
UK Tax Resident
UK Tax Resident
UK Tax Resident
UK Tax Resident

Overseas Tax Resident

Overseas Tax Resident

UK Tax Resident
UK Tax Resident
UK Tax Resident
UK Tax Resident
UK Tax Resident
UK Tax Resident
UK Tax Resident
UK Tax Resident
UK Tax Resident

UK Tax Resident

UK Tax Resident
UK Tax Resident
UK Tax Resident
UK Tax Resident
UK Tax Resident

UK Tax Resident
UK Tax Resident
Overseas Tax Resident

UK Tax Resident
UK Tax Resident

174

British Land    Annual Report and Accounts 2016

Company Name

UK/Overseas Tax Resident Status

Company Name

UK/Overseas Tax Resident Status

Hereford Shopping Centre Unit Trust 
(Jersey) (Units)
Hilden Properties Limited
Horndrift Limited
HUT Investments 2 Limited (Jersey)
HUT Investments Limited (Jersey) (75.31% 
interest)
Industrial Real Estate Limited
Insistmetal 2 Limited
Ivorydell Limited
Ivorydell Subsidiary Limited
Ivoryhill Limited
Jetbloom Limited
L & H Developments Limited
Lancaster General Partner Limited
Lancaster Unit Trust (Jersey) (Units)
Leadenhall Holding Co (Jersey) Ltd (Jersey) 
(50% interest)
Liverpool One Management Company 
Limited (50% interest)
Liverpool One Management Services Limited
London and Henley (UK) Limited
London and Henley Limited
Lonebridge UK Limited
Longford Street Residential Limited
Ludgate Investment Holdings Limited
Ludgate West Limited
Manbrig Properties
Marble Arch House Unit Trust (Jersey) 
(Units)
Mayfair Properties
Mayflower Retail Park Basildon Limited
Meadowbank Retail Park Edinburgh Limited
Meadowhall Centre (1999) Limited
Meadowhall Centre Limited
Meadowhall Centre Pension Scheme 
Trustees Limited
Meadowhall Estates (UK) Limited
Meadowhall Group (MLP) Limited
Meadowhall Holdings Limited
Meadowhall Opportunities GP Limited 
(Jersey)
Meadowhall Opportunities Limited 
Partnership (Jersey) (Partnership Interest)
Meadowhall Opportunities Nominee 1 
Limited
Meadowhall Opportunities Nominee 2 
Limited
Meadowhall Training Limited
Mercari
Mercari Holdings Limited
Minhill Investments Limited
Moorage (Property Developments) Limited
Moorfields Nominee 1 Limited
Moorfields Nominee 2 Limited
Nugent Shopping Park Limited
Number 80 Cheapside Limited
One Hundred Ludgate Hill

Overseas Tax Resident

UK Tax Resident
UK Tax Resident
Overseas Tax Resident
Overseas Tax Resident

UK Tax Resident
UK Tax Resident
UK Tax Resident
UK Tax Resident
UK Tax Resident
UK Tax Resident
UK Tax Resident
UK Tax Resident
Overseas Tax Resident
UK Tax Resident

UK Tax Resident

UK Tax Resident
UK Tax Resident
UK Tax Resident
UK Tax Resident
UK Tax Resident
UK Tax Resident
UK Tax Resident
UK Tax Resident
Overseas Tax Resident

UK Tax Resident
UK Tax Resident
UK Tax Resident
UK Tax Resident
UK Tax Resident
UK Tax Resident

UK Tax Resident
UK Tax Resident
UK Tax Resident
UK Tax Resident

UK Tax Resident

UK Tax Resident

UK Tax Resident

UK Tax Resident
UK Tax Resident
UK Tax Resident
UK Tax Resident
UK Tax Resident
UK Tax Resident
UK Tax Resident
UK Tax Resident
UK Tax Resident
UK Tax Resident

One Sheldon Square Limited (Jersey)
Orbital Shopping Park Swindon Limited
Osnaburgh Street Limited
Paddington Block A (GP) Ltd
Paddington Block A LP (Partnership Interest)
Paddington Block B (GP) Ltd
Paddington Block B LP (Partnership Interest)
Paddington Central I (GP) Limited
Paddington Central I LP (Partnership 
Interest)
Paddington Central I Nominee Limited
Paddington Central I Unit Trust (Jersey) 
(Units)
Paddington Central II (GP) Limited
Paddington Central II LP
Paddington Central II Unit Trust (Jersey) 
(Units)
Paddington Central IV Unit Trust (Jersey) 
(Units)
Paddington Kiosk (GP) Ltd
Paddington Kiosk LP
Paddington Central Management Company 
Limited (87.50% interest)
Pardev (Broadway) Limited
Pardev (Luton) Limited
Parinv Northern Limited
Parwick Holdings Limited
Parwick Investments Limited
Parwick Properties Limited (Jersey)
PC Baltic Wharf Limited
PC Canal Limited
PC Lease Nominee Ltd
PC Partnership Nominee Ltd
PCourt Unit Trust (Jersey) (Units)
Pillar (Beckton) Limited
Pillar (Birstall) Limited
Pillar (Cricklewood) Limited
Pillar (Dartford) Limited
Pillar (Fulham) Limited
Pillar (Kirkcaldy) Limited
Pillar Auchinlea Limited
Pillar Broadway Limited
Pillar Cheetham Hill Limited
Pillar City Plc
Pillar Dartford No.1 Limited
Pillar Denton Limited
Pillar Developments Limited
Pillar Estates Limited
Pillar Estates No.2 Limited
Pillar Europe Management Limited
Pillar Farnborough Limited
Pillar Fort Limited
Pillar Fulham No.2 Limited
Pillar Gallions Reach Limited
Pillar Glasgow 1 Limited
Pillar Glasgow 2 Limited

Overseas Tax Resident
UK Tax Resident
UK Tax Resident
UK Tax Resident
UK Tax Resident
UK Tax Resident
UK Tax Resident
UK Tax Resident
UK Tax Resident

UK Tax Resident
Overseas Tax Resident

UK Tax Resident
UK Tax Resident
Overseas Tax Resident

Overseas Tax Resident

UK Tax Resident
UK Tax Resident
UK Tax Resident

UK Tax Resident
UK Tax Resident
UK Tax Resident
UK Tax Resident
UK Tax Resident
UK Tax Resident
UK Tax Resident
UK Tax Resident
UK Tax Resident
UK Tax Resident
Overseas Tax Resident
UK Tax Resident
UK Tax Resident
UK Tax Resident
UK Tax Resident
UK Tax Resident
UK Tax Resident
UK Tax Resident
UK Tax Resident
UK Tax Resident
UK Tax Resident
UK Tax Resident
UK Tax Resident
UK Tax Resident
UK Tax Resident
UK Tax Resident
UK Tax Resident
UK Tax Resident
UK Tax Resident
UK Tax Resident
UK Tax Resident
UK Tax Resident
UK Tax Resident

British Land    Annual Report and Accounts 2016

175

Financial statements

COMPANY BALANCE SHEET CONTINUED

Company Name

UK/Overseas Tax Resident Status

Company Name

UK/Overseas Tax Resident Status

Pillar Glasgow 3 Limited
Pillar Hercules No.2 Limited
Pillar Kinnaird Limited
Pillar Nugent Limited
Pillar Projects Limited
Pillar Property Group Limited
Pillar Retail Europark Fund (Pref) 
(Luxembourg) (Member Interest) (65.30% 
interest)
Pillar Retail Parks Limited
Pillar Speke Limited
PillarCaisse Management Limited (50% 
interest)
Pillarman Limited
PillarStore Limited
PillarStore No.3 Limited
Power Court GP Limited
Power Court Luton Limited Partnership 
(Partnership Interest)
Power Court Nominee Limited
Power Court Nominees No. 2 Limited
PREF Management Company SA (Spain)
Project Sunrise Investments Limited
Project Sunrise Limited
Project Sunrise Properties Limited
Reboline Limited
Regent's Place Holding Company Limited
Regents Place Management Company 
Limited
Renash
Rigphone Limited
Ritesol
Rohawk Properties Limited
Salmax Properties
Seymour Street Homes Limited
Shopping Centres Limited
Six Broadgate Limited
Southgate General Partner Limited (50% 
interest)
Southgate Property Unit Trust (Jersey) 
(Units) (50% interest)
Speke Unit Trust (Jersey) (Units) (65.9% 
interest)
Sprint 1118 Limited
St James Parade (43) Limited
St James Retail Park Northampton Limited
St. Stephens Shopping Centre Limited
Stockton Retail Park Limited
Surrey Quays Limited
Sydale
T (Partnership) Limited
Tailress Limited
TBL (Brent Park) Limited
TBL (Bromley) Limited
TBL (Bursledon) Limited
TBL (Bury) Limited
TBL (Ferndown) Limited

TBL (Lisnagelvin) Limited
TBL (Maidstone) Limited
TBL (Milton Keynes) Limited
TBL (Peterborough) Limited
TBL Holdings Limited
TBL Properties Limited
Teesside Leisure Park Limited (51% interest)
The Aldgate Place Limited Partnership 
(Partnership Interest) (50% interest)
The British Land Residential Limited 
Partnership (Partnership Interest) (50% 
interest)
The Dartford Partnership (Member Interest) 
(50% interest)
The Gibraltar Limited Partnership (37.66% 
interest)
The Liverpool Exchange Company Limited
The Mary Street Estate Limited
The Meadowhall Education Centre (Limited 
by Guarantee) (50% interest)
The Retail and Warehouse Company Limited
The TBL Property Partnership (Partnership 
Interest)
The Whiteley Co-Ownership Trust (Member 
Interest) (50% interest)
TPP Investments Limited
Tweed Premier 1 Limited
Tweed Premier 2 Limited
Tweed Premier 4 Limited
Union Property Corporation Limited
Union Property Holdings (London) Limited
United Kingdom Property Company Limited
Urban Estates Management Limited
Valentine Co-ownership Trust (Member 
interest) (37.66% interest)
Valentine Unit Trust (Jersey) (Units) (75.31% 
interest)
Vicinitee Limited
Vintners' Place Limited
Wardrobe Court Limited
Wardrobe Holdings Limited
Wardrobe Place Limited
Wates City of London Properties Limited
Wates City Point Limited
Wates City Property Management Limited
Westbourne Terrace Partnership 
(Partnership Interest)
Westgate Retail Park Wakefield Limited
Whiteley Shopping Centre Unit Trust 
(Jersey) (Units)
WK (Austral House) First Limited
WK (Austral House) Second Limited
WK Holdings Limited
York House W1 Limited

UK Tax Resident
UK Tax Resident
UK Tax Resident
UK Tax Resident
UK Tax Resident
UK Tax Resident
Overseas Tax Resident

UK Tax Resident
UK Tax Resident
UK Tax Resident

UK Tax Resident
UK Tax Resident
UK Tax Resident
UK Tax Resident
UK Tax Resident

UK Tax Resident
UK Tax Resident
Overseas Tax Resident
UK Tax Resident
UK Tax Resident
UK Tax Resident
UK Tax Resident
UK Tax Resident
UK Tax Resident

UK Tax Resident
UK Tax Resident
UK Tax Resident
UK Tax Resident
UK Tax Resident
UK Tax Resident
UK Tax Resident
UK Tax Resident
UK Tax Resident

Overseas Tax Resident

Overseas Tax Resident

UK Tax Resident
UK Tax Resident
UK Tax Resident
UK Tax Resident
UK Tax Resident
UK Tax Resident
UK Tax Resident
UK Tax Resident
UK Tax Resident
UK Tax Resident
UK Tax Resident
UK Tax Resident
UK Tax Resident
UK Tax Resident

UK Tax Resident
UK Tax Resident
UK Tax Resident
UK Tax Resident
UK Tax Resident
UK Tax Resident
UK Tax Resident
UK Tax Resident

UK Tax Resident

UK Tax Resident

UK Tax Resident

UK Tax Resident
UK Tax Resident
UK Tax Resident

UK Tax Resident
UK Tax Resident

UK Tax Resident

UK Tax Resident
UK Tax Resident
UK Tax Resident
UK Tax Resident
UK Tax Resident
UK Tax Resident
UK Tax Resident
UK Tax Resident
UK Tax Resident

Overseas Tax Resident

UK Tax Resident
UK Tax Resident
UK Tax Resident
UK Tax Resident
UK Tax Resident
UK Tax Resident
UK Tax Resident
UK Tax Resident
UK Tax Resident

UK Tax Resident
Overseas Tax Resident

UK Tax Resident
UK Tax Resident
UK Tax Resident
UK Tax Resident

176

British Land    Annual Report and Accounts 2016

SUPPLEMENTARY DISCLOSURES

UNAUDITED

Table A: Summary income statement and balance sheet

Summary income statement based on proportional consolidation for the year ended 31 March 2016
The following pro forma information is unaudited and does not form part of the consolidated primary statements or the notes thereto. It presents the 
results of the Group, with its share of the results of joint ventures and funds included on a line-by-line basis and excluding non-controlling interests. 

Year ended 31 March 2016

Year ended 31 March 2015

Group
£m

Joint ventures 
and funds
£m

Less 
non-controlling 
interests
£m

Proportionally 
consolidated
£m

Group
£m

Joint ventures 
and funds
£m

Less 
non-controlling 
interests
£m

Proportionally 
consolidated
£m

451

(26)

425

(93)

16

348

(106)

242

2

244

231

(9)

222

(5)

–

217

(82)

135

–

135

(28)

1

(27)

4

1

(22)

8

(14)

–

(14)

654

(34)

620

(94)

17

543

(180)

363

2

365

861

 48

909

1,274

399

(24)

375

(85)

15

305

(105)

200

–

200

250

(10)

240

(4)

–

236

(107)

129

–

129

(31)

1

(30)

1

2

(27)

11

(16)

–

(16)

618

(33)

585

(88)

17

514

(201)

313

–

313

1,473

 50

1,523 

1,836 

Gross rental income

Property operating expenses

Net rental income

Administrative expenses

Net fees and other income

Ungeared Income Return

Net financing costs

Underlying Profit

Underlying taxation

Underlying Profit after taxation

Valuation movement

Other capital and taxation (net)1

Capital and other

Total return

1  Includes other comprehensive income, movement in dilution of share options and the movement in items excluded for EPRA NAV.

British Land    Annual Report and Accounts 2016

177

Financial statements

SUPPLEMENTARY DISCLOSURES CONTINUED

UNAUDITED

Table A (continued)

Summary balance sheet based on proportional consolidation as at 31 March 2016
The following pro forma information is unaudited and does not form part of the consolidated primary statements or the notes thereto. It presents  
the composition of the EPRA net assets of the Group, with its share of the net assets of the joint venture and fund assets and liabilities included  
on a line-by-line basis, and excluding non-controlling interests, and assuming full dilution.

Share of 
joint 
ventures  
& funds
£m

Less 
non-
controlling 
interests
£m

Share 
options
£m

Deferred 
tax
£m

Mark-to-
market on 
effective cash 
flow hedges 
and related 
debt 
adjustments
£m

Head 
leases
£m

Convertible 
bond 
adjustment
£m

Valuation 
surplus on 
trading 
properties
£m

EPRA Net 
assets 
31 March 
2016
£m

EPRA Net 
assets 
31 March 
2015
£m

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

36

–

–

36

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

5

–

–

5

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

198

–

198

(30)

(16)

(6)

–

(52)

–

–

52

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

400

400

7,341

7,024

283

–

7,314

6,050

273

40

14,648

13,677

–

138

–

256

(347)

(380)

(4,765)

(4,918)

–

87

6

–

93

–

–

–

–

–

400

93

10,074

400

9,035

919p

829p

Year ended 
31 March 2016

Year ended 
31 March 2015

£m

9,035

365

909

(235)

–

10,074

Pence per 
share

829

34

77

(21)

–

919

£m

7,027

313

1,523

(228)

400

9,035

Pence per 
share

688

31

145

(27)

(8)

829

Group
£m

5,662

4,118

283

–

2,109

2,835

–

–

(400)

–

–

–

10,063

4,944

(400)

3,353

142

(3,353)

(4)

(322)

(121)

–

–

3

(3.617)

(1,466)

120

–

9,619

–

–

–

(277)

Retail properties

Office properties

Canada Water 
properties

Other properties

Total properties

Investments in joint 
ventures and funds

Other investments

Other net (liabilities) 
assets

Net debt

Dilution due to 
convertible bond

Net assets

EPRA NAV per share 
(note 2)

EPRA Net Assets Movement

Opening EPRA NAV

Income return

Capital return

Dividend paid

Dilution due to 2012 convertible bond

Closing EPRA NAV

178

British Land    Annual Report and Accounts 2016

Table B: EPRA Performance measures

EPRA Performance measures summary table

EPRA Earnings  – basic

– diluted

EPRA Net Initial Yield

EPRA ‘topped-up’ Net Initial Yield 

EPRA Vacancy Rate 

EPRA NAV

EPRA NNNAV

Calculation and reconciliation of EPRA/IFRS earnings and EPRA/IFRS earnings per share

Profit attributable to the shareholders of the Company

Exclude:

Group – current taxation

Group – deferred taxation

Joint ventures and funds – current taxation

Joint ventures and funds – deferred taxation

Group – valuation movement

Group – profit on disposal of investment properties and investments

Group – profit on disposal of trading properties

Joint ventures and funds – net valuation movement (including result on disposals) 

Changes in fair value of financial instruments and associated close-out costs

Non-controlling interests in respect of the above

Underlying Profit

Group – underlying current taxation

EPRA earnings – basic

Dilutive effect of 2012 convertible bond

EPRA earnings – diluted

Profit attributable to the shareholders of the Company

Dilutive effect of 2012 convertible bond

IFRS earnings – diluted

Weighted average number of shares

Adjustment for Treasury shares

IFRS/EPRA Weighted average number of shares (basic)

Dilutive effect of share options

Dilutive effect of ESOP shares

Dilutive effect of 2012 convertible bond

IFRS Weighted average number of shares (diluted)

Dilutive effect of 2012 convertible bond

EPRA Weighted average number of shares (diluted)

2016

2015

£m

365

371

Pence per 
share

35.6

34.1

4.1%

4.5%

2.0%

£m

313

319

Pence per 
share

30.8

29.5

4.3%

4.8%

2.9%

2016

2015

Net asset 
value per 
share pence

919

880

Net assets

10,074

9,640

Net assets

9,035

8,359

2016
£m

1,345

(2)

 (31)

 1 

 – 

 (616)

 (35)

 (10)

 (263)

 (31)

 5 

363

2

365

6

371

1,345

6

1,351

Net asset 
value per 
share pence

829

767

2015
£m

1,710

1

23

2

(4)

(884)

(20)

(6)

(595)

47

39

313

–

313

6

319

1,710

–

1,710

2016
Number
million

2015
Number
million

1,036

(11)

1,025

2

4

58

1,089

–

1,089

British Land    Annual Report and Accounts 2016

1,027

(11)

1,016

2

4

–

1,022

58

1,080

179

Financial statements

SUPPLEMENTARY DISCLOSURES CONTINUED

UNAUDITED

Table B continued

Net assets per share 

Balance sheet net assets

Deferred tax arising on revaluation movements

Mark-to-market on effective cash flow hedges and related debt adjustments

Dilution effect of share options

Surplus on trading properties

Convertible bond adjustment

Less non-controlling interests

EPRA NAV

Deferred tax arising on revaluation movements

Mark-to-market on effective cash flow hedges and related debt adjustments

Mark-to-market on debt

EPRA NNNAV

2016

2015

Pence 
per share

£m

9,619

5

198

36

93

400

(277)

10,074

919 

(24)

(153)

(257)

Pence 
per share

829 

£m

8,565

13 

257 

37 

96 

400

(333)

9,035 

(13)

(257)

(406)

9,640

880

8,359

767 

EPRA NNNAV is the EPRA NAV adjusted to reflect the fair value of the debt and derivatives and to include the deferred taxation on revaluations 
and derivatives.

Number of shares at year end

Adjustment for treasury shares

IFRS/EPRA number of shares (basic)

Dilutive effect of share options

Dilutive effect of ESOP shares

Dilutive effect of 2012 convertible bond

IFRS number of shares (diluted)

Dilutive effect of 2012 convertible bond

EPRA number of shares (diluted)

2016
Number
million

2015
Number
million

1,040

(11)

1,029

2

7

58

1,096

–

1,096

1,031

(11)

1,020

4

8

–

1,032

58

1,090

180

British Land    Annual Report and Accounts 2016

Table B continued

EPRA Net Initial Yield and ‘topped-up’ Net Initial Yield

Investment property – wholly-owned

Investment property – share of joint ventures and funds

Less developments, residential and land

Completed property portfolio

Allowance for estimated purchasers’ costs

Gross up completed property portfolio valuation

Annualised cash passing rental income

Property outgoings

Annualised net rents

Rent expiration of rent-free periods and fixed uplifts1

‘Topped-up’ net annualised rent

EPRA Net Initial Yield

EPRA ‘topped-up’ Net Initial Yield

Including fixed/minimum uplifts received in lieu of rental growth

Total ‘topped-up’ net rents

Overall ‘topped-up’ Net Initial Yield

‘Topped-up’ net annualised rent

ERV vacant space

Reversions

Total ERV

Net Reversionary Yield

2016 
£m

9,787 

4,861 

(894)

2015 
£m

9,068 

4,569 

(1,148)

13,754 

12,489 

985 

784

14,739

13,273

607 

(8)

599

63

662

4.1%

4.5%

24

686

4.7%

662

14 

42

718 

4.9%

575 

(8)

567 

64 

631 

4.3%

4.8% 

26 

657

4.9%

631

20 

18

669 

5.0% 

1  The weighted average period over which rent-free periods expire is 1 year (2014/15: 1 year).

The above is stated for the UK portfolio only.

EPRA Net Initial Yield (NIY) basis of calculation
EPRA NIY is calculated as the annualised net rent (on a cash flow basis), divided by the gross value of the completed property portfolio. The valuation 
of our completed property portfolio is determined by our external valuers as at 31 March 2016, plus an allowance for estimated purchaser’s costs. 
Estimated purchaser’s costs are determined by the relevant stamp duty liability, plus an estimate by our valuers of agent and legal fees on notional 
acquisition. The net rent deduction allowed for property outgoings is based on our valuers’ assumptions on future recurring non-recoverable revenue 
expenditure. 

In calculating the EPRA ‘topped-up’ NIY, the annualised net rent is increased by the total contracted rent from expiry of rent-free periods and future 
contracted rental uplifts where defined as not in lieu of growth. Overall ‘topped-up’ NIY is calculated by adding any other contracted future uplift to 
the ‘topped-up’ net annualised rent.

The net reversionary yield is calculated by dividing the total estimated rental value (ERV) for the completed property portfolio, as determined by our 
external valuers, by the gross completed property portfolio valuation.

The EPRA vacancy rate is calculated as the ERV of the unrented, lettable space as a proportion of the total rental value of the completed property 
portfolio.

EPRA Vacancy Rate

Annualised potential rental value of vacant premises

Annualised potential rental value for the completed property portfolio

EPRA Vacancy Rate

The above is stated for the UK portfolio only.

2016
£m

14 

728

2.0%

2015
£m

20 

692 

2.9%

British Land    Annual Report and Accounts 2016

181

Financial statements

SUPPLEMENTARY DISCLOSURES CONTINUED

UNAUDITED

Table B continued

EPRA Cost Ratios

Property operating expenses

Administrative expenses

Share of joint ventures and funds expenses

Less: Performance and management fees (from joint ventures and funds)

Net other fees and commissions

Ground rent costs

EPRA Costs (including direct vacancy costs) (A)

Direct vacancy costs

EPRA Costs (excluding direct vacancy costs) (B)

Gross Rental Income less ground rent costs

Share of joint ventures and funds (GRI less ground rent costs)

Total Gross Rental Income less ground rent costs (C)

EPRA Cost Ratio (including direct vacancy costs) (A/C)

EPRA Cost Ratio (excluding direct vacancy costs) (B/C)

Overhead and operating expenses capitalised (including share of joint ventures and funds)

2016
£m

25

90

13

(9)

(8)

(3)

108

(11)

97

429

222

651

2015
£m

23

84

14

(9)

(8)

(3)

101

(11)

90

374

241

615

16.6%

14.9%

16.4%

14.6%

4

–

In the current year, employee costs in relation to staff time on development projects have been capitalised into the base cost of relevant development 
assets.

Table C: Gross rental income

Rent receivable

Spreading of tenant incentives and guaranteed rent increases

Surrender premia

Gross rental income

2016
£m

615

36

3

654

2015
£m

581

33 

4 

618

The current and prior period information is presented on a proportionally consolidated basis, excluding non-controlling interests.

182

British Land    Annual Report and Accounts 2016

Table D: Property related capital expenditure

Acquisitions

Development

Like-for-like portfolio

Other

Total property related capex

2016

Joint  
ventures  
and funds

–

58

6

15

79

Group

238

104

99

25

466

Total

238

162

105

40

545

2015

Joint  
ventures  
and funds

–

83

23

8

114

Group

147

64

67

25

303

Total

147

147

90

33

417

The above is presented on a proportionally consolidated basis, excluding non-controlling interests and business combinations. The ‘Other’ category 
contains amounts owing to tenant incentives of £27m (2014/15: £18m), capitalised staff costs of £4m (2014/15: £nil) and capitalised interest of £9m 
(2014/15: £15m).

British Land    Annual Report and Accounts 2016

183

Other Information  
Unaudited

Acquisitions and disposals 

Gross rental income 

Major holdings 

Occupiers representing over 0.5% of total contracted rent 

Portfolio valuation 

Retail portfolio valuation – previous classification basis 

Portfolio weighting 

Portfolio yield and ERV movements 

Total property return (as calculated by IPD) 

Portfolio net yields 

Portfolio net yields – previous classification basis 

Lease length and occupancy 

Annualised rent and estimated rental value (ERV) 

Rent subject to open market rent review 

Rent subject to lease break or expiry 

Superstores 

Recently completed and committed developments 

Near term pipeline 

Medium term pipeline 

Residential development programme 

Sustainability performance measures 

Ten year record 

Shareholder information 

Glossary 

186

187

187

188

 189

189

190

190

191

191

191

192

192

193

193

194

194

195

195

195

196

197

198

200

184

British Land    Annual Report and Accounts 2015

British Land    Annual Report and Accounts 2015

185

Area

London

Various

London

North West

North East

Offices

Retail

Offices

Retail

Retail

Price 
(Gross)  
£m

Price 
(BL Share)  
£m

Annual 
Passing Rent 
£m2

210

95

22

5

2

334

210

95

22

3

2

332

10

5

1

–

–

16

Price 
(Gross)  
£m

Price 
(BL Share)  
£m

Annual 
Passing Rent 
£m1

Area

Retail

Offices

Retail

Retail

Retail

Retail

Retail

Residential

Retail

Retail

Residential

Residential

Yorkshire

London

Yorkshire

Europe

Various

South

South

London

Various

Midlands

London

London

Residential

Residential

London

London

170

139

107

67

45

38

23

20

120

139

31

43

34

38

23

20

154

122

9

4

1

32

18

827

9

4

1

16

18

618

6

5

2

4

2

2

1

–

6

1

–

–

–

–

29

Other Information

UNAUDITED

Acquisitions and disposals

Acquisitions

From 1 April 2015 

Completed 

1 Sheldon Square

Hercules Unit Trust unit purchase1

19-33 Liverpool Street

Broughton, Chester development land

Teesside Leisure Park

Total

1  Units purchased over the course of the period. £95m represents purchased GAV.
2  BL share of net rent topped up for rent frees.

Disposals

From 1 April 2015 

Completed 

Parkgate, Rotherham

39 Victoria Street

Birstall, Leeds

PREF – France and Portugal

Hatters Way, Luton & Hylton Riverside, Sunderland

560 London Road, Camberley

Debenhams, Oxford

The Hempel Collection

Superstore disposals

B&M, Daventry

Bedford Street

Aldgate Place

Exchanged 

Aldgate Place

The Hempel Collection

Total

1  BL share of annualised rent topped up for rent frees.

186

British Land    Annual Report and Accounts 2015

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Gross rental income1,2

Accounting basis £m

Regional

Local

Multi-lets

Department Stores & Leisure

Superstores

Solus/Other

Retail & Leisure

West End

City

Offices

Residential4

Offices & Residential

Canada Water

Total

12 months to 31 March 2016

Annualised as at 31 March 2016

Group

JVs & 
Funds3

55

100

155

57

11

21

244

125

5

130

3

133

8

385

89

26

115

 – 

36

 – 

151

 – 

114

114

 – 

114

 – 

265

Total

144

126

270

57

47

21

395

125

119

244

3

247

8

650

Group

JVs &
Funds3

52

97

149

56

9

18

232

125

5

130

3

133

8

373

83

26

109

–

35

 – 

144

 – 

119

119

 – 

119

 – 

263

Total

135

123

258

56

44

18

376

125

124

249

3

252

8

636

Table shows UK total with previous classification provided on Company website www.britishland.com/results.
1  Excluding developments under construction and assets held for development.
2  Gross rental income will differ from annualised rents due to accounting adjustments for fixed and minimum contracted rental uplifts and lease incentives.
3  Group’s share of properties in joint ventures and funds including HUT at share. 
4  Stand-alone residential.

Major holdings

At 31 March 2016  
(excluding developments under construction)

Broadgate

Regent’s Place

Paddington Central

Meadowhall

Sainsbury’s Superstores4

The Leadenhall Building

Debenhams, Oxford Street

Teeside 

Glasgow Fort

Drake’s Circus

1  Annualised EPRA contracted rent including 100% of joint ventures and funds. 
2  Includes accommodation under offer or subject to asset management at 31 March 2016.
3  Weighted average to first break. 
4  Comprises stand-alone assets/properties. 

BL Share 
%

50 

100 

100 

50 

50 

50 

100 

100 

100 

100 

Sq ft  
‘000

4,724

1,590 

806 

1,500 

2,526 

603 

363 

569 

510 

570 

Rent 
£m pa1

Occupancy 
rate %2

Lease 
length yrs3

226 

79 

33 

80 

56 

37 

11 

15 

14 

16 

99.3 

98.7 

99.8 

98.3 

100.0 

97.8 

100.0 

99.1 

94.2 

98.4 

7.8 

7.4 

7.8 

6.9 

14.0 

11.6 

23.0 

5.7 

6.5 

5.2 

British Land    Annual Report and Accounts 2015

187

Other Information

UNAUDITED CONTINUED

Occupiers representing over 0.5% of total contracted rent

At 31 March 2016

UBS AG1

Tesco plc

Debenhams

J Sainsbury Plc

Kingfisher (B&Q)

HM Government

Next plc

Virgin Active

Facebook 

Spirit Group

Alliance Boots

Wesfarmers

Visa Inc.

Dixons Carphone

Marks & Spencer Plc

Arcadia Group

Dentsu Aegis

Herbert Smith

RBS

TJX Cos Inc (TK Maxx)

Gazprom

% of total
rent2

% of total
rent2

5.7 

5.6 

5.3 

4.6 

2.6 

2.2 

2.1 

1.8 

1.7 

1.6 

1.5 

1.4

1.4 

1.4 

1.4 

1.3 

1.3 

1.2 

1.1 

1.0 

1.0 

  New Look

Vodafone

SportsDirect

Aon Plc

Asda Group

Home Retail Group

JPMorgan

Reed Smith

Hennes

Deutsche Bank AG

JD Sports

Mayer Brown

Mothercare

ICAP Plc

Lend Lease

Carlson (TGI Friday’s)

Pets at Home

Credit Agricole

Lewis Trust

Steinhoff

0.9 

0.9 

0.9 

0.8 

0.8 

0.8

0.7 

0.7 

0.7 

0.7 

0.7 

0.7 

0.7 

0.6 

0.6 

0.6 

0.5 

0.5 

0.5 

0.5 

1   Rent contracted on both 5 Broadgate and 1-3 Finsbury Avenue/100 Liverpool Street lease whilst UBS move. 3.0% pro-forma for run off of UBS rent at 1-3 Finsbury 

Avenue/100 Liverpool Street. 

2  Includes the impact of rent-free incentives.

188

British Land    Annual Report and Accounts 2015

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Portfolio valuation

At 31 March 2016

Regional

Local

Multi-lets

Department Stores & Leisure

Superstores

Solus/Other

Retail & Leisure3

West End

City

Offices

Residential4

Offices & Residential3

Canada Water

Total

Standing Investments

Developments

Group  
£m

1,052 

1,893 

2,945 

1,004 

153 

333 

4,435 

3,904 

104 

4,008 

173 

4,181 

283 

8,899 

8,204 

695 

JVs &
Funds1 
£m

1,792 

485 

2,277 

1 

628 

 – 

2,906 

 – 

2,782 

2,782 

61 

2,843 

 – 

5,749 

5,673 

76 

Total1 
£m

2,844 

2,378 

5,222 

1,005 

781 

333 

7,341 

3,904 

2,886 

6,790 

234 

7,024 

283 

14,648 

13,877 

771 

Change %2

H1

2.8 

1.5 

2.2 

3.4 

(1.7)

(0.1)

1.8 

8.1 

8.5 

8.3 

6.7 

8.2 

2.6 

4.7 

4.5 

6.9 

H2

0.2 

1.1 

0.6 

2.5 

(0.5)

(0.4)

0.7 

4.6 

2.4 

3.7 

(0.3)

3.5 

(0.9)

2.0 

1.9 

3.1 

FY

3.0 

2.6 

2.8 

6.0 

(2.1)

(0.5)

2.4 

12.8 

11.1 

12.1 

5.7 

11.8 

1.7 

6.7 

6.4 

9.4 

Table with previous classification provided on Company website at www.britishland.com/results.
1  Group’s share of properties in joint ventures and funds including HUT at ownership share.
2  Valuation movement during the period (after taking account of capital expenditure) of properties held at the balance sheet date, including developments (classified by   
  end use), purchases and sales.
3  Including committed developments.
4  Stand-alone residential.

Retail portfolio valuation – previous classification basis 

Valuation1 

Change %2

ERV Growth %3

NEY Yield Compression bps

At 31 March 2016

Shopping Parks4

Shopping Centres

Superstores

Department Stores

Leisure

£m

3,346 

2,205 

781 

606 

403 

Retail & Leisure5

7,341 

H1

1.1 

3.8 

(1.6)

2.9 

4.2 

1.8 

H2

0.3 

0.9 

(0.5)

3.0 

1.8 

0.7 

FY

1.3 

4.7 

(2.1)

6.0 

6.1 

2.4 

H1

0.9 

2.0 

(0.9)

 – 

0.3 

0.9 

H2

1.9 

1.9 

(0.3)

0.3 

0.3 

1.5 

FY

2.8 

3.9 

(1.3)

0.3 

0.6 

2.4 

H1

5 

14 

(5)

12 

22 

8 

H2

2 

5 

1 

13 

23 

5 

FY

7 

18 

(6)

25 

54 

13 

1  Group’s share of properties in joint ventures and funds including HUT at share.
2  Valuation movement during the period (after taking account of capital expenditure) of properties held at the balance sheet date, including developments (classified by   
  end use), purchases and sales.
3  As calculated by IPD.
4  Solus/Other assets under current Retail segmentation previously included in Shopping Parks.
5  Including committed developments.

British Land    Annual Report and Accounts 2015

189

 
 
Other Information

UNAUDITED CONTINUED

Portfolio weighting

At 31 March

Regional

Local

Multi-lets

Department Stores & Leisure

Superstores

Solus/Other

Retail & Leisure

West End

City

Offices

Residential2

Offices & Residential

Canada Water

Total

London Weighting

2015 
%

20.2 

16.8 

37.0 

7.1 

6.7 

2.8 

53.6 

23.9 

18.8 

42.7 

1.9 

44.6 

1.8 

2016 
(current) 
%

2016 
(current)  
£m

2016 
(pro-forma1) 
%

19.4 

16.3 

35.7 

6.9 

5.3 

2.3 

50.2 

26.6 

19.7 

46.3 

1.6 

47.9 

1.9 

2,844

2,378

5,222

1,005

781

333

7,341

3,904

2,886

6,790

234

7,024

283

19.0 

15.9 

34.9 

6.7 

5.2 

2.2 

49.0 

28.0 

19.3 

47.3 

1.8 

49.1 

1.9 

100.0 

55%

100.0 

14,648

58%

8,490

100.0 

59%

Table with previous classification provided on Company website www.britishland.com/results.
1  Pro forma for developments under construction at estimated end value (as determined by the Group’s external valuers) and post period end transactions.
2  Stand-alone residential.

Portfolio yield and ERV movements1

At 31 March 2016

Regional

Local

Multi-lets

Department Stores & Leisure

Superstores

Solus/Other

Retail & Leisure

West End

City4

Offices

Canada Water

Total

NEY3
%

4.8 

5.2 

5.0 

5.1 

5.2 

5.1 

5.0 

4.4 

4.4 

4.4 

3.2 

4.7 

ERV Growth %2

NEY Yield Compression bps3

H1

1.7 

1.0 

1.4 

0.2 

(0.9)

0.1 

0.9 

4.1 

4.8 

4.4 

 0.2

2.3 

H2

1.8 

2.2 

2.0 

0.2 

(0.3)

0.0 

1.5 

5.6 

4.3 

5.0 

0.2 

3.0 

FY

3.5 

3.3 

3.4 

0.4 

(1.3)

0.1 

2.4 

9.9 

9.3 

9.6 

 0.5

5.3 

H1

11 

7 

9 

19 

(5)

1 

8 

24 

16 

20 

11

13 

H2

4 

2 

3 

17 

1 

1 

5 

3 

(4)

(0)

1

3 

FY

15 

9 

12 

37 

(6)

2 

13 

28 

12 

21 

13

17 

Table with previous classification provided on Company website www.britishland.com/results.
1  Excluding developments under construction, assets held for development and residential assets. 
2  As calculated by IPD.
3  Including notional purchaser’s costs. 
4  City ERV growth of 7.3% and West End ERV growth of 9.1% on a like-for-like basis.

190

British Land    Annual Report and Accounts 2015

Total property return (as calculated by IPD)

FY to 31 March 2016

%

Capital Return

– ERV Growth

– Yield Compression1

Income Return

Total Property Return

1  Net equivalent yield movement.

Portfolio net yields1,2

At 31 March 2016

Regional

Local

Multi-lets

Department Stores & Leisure

Superstores

Solus/Other

Retail & Leisure

West End

City

Offices

Canada Water

Total

Retail

Offices

Total

British Land

IPD

British Land

IPD

British Land

2.5 

2.4 

2.3 

1.4 

12.3 

9.6 

11.1 

7.8 

6.8 

5.3 

IPD

6.3 

4.0 

13 bps

18 bps

21 bps

20 bps

17 bps

23 bps

5.2 

7.8 

5.1 

7.5 

3.2 

15.8 

3.9 

15.4 

4.2 

11.3 

4.7 

11.3 

EPRA net 
initial yield  
%

EPRA topped 
up net initial 
yield 
%3

Overall 
topped up net 
initial yield
%4

Net 
equivalent 
yield  
%

Net 
reversionary 
yield  
%

4.3 

4.8 

4.5 

4.7 

5.3 

5.6 

4.7 

3.5 

3.2 

3.4 

2.8 

4.1 

4.4 

5.1 

4.7 

4.8 

5.3 

5.6 

4.8 

3.9 

4.4 

4.2 

2.8 

4.5 

4.5 

5.2 

4.8 

6.4 

5.3 

5.6 

5.1 

4.0 

4.5 

4.2 

2.8 

4.7 

4.8 

5.2 

5.0 

5.1 

5.2 

5.1 

5.0 

4.4 

4.4 

4.4 

3.2 

4.7 

4.8 

5.2 

5.0 

4.0 

5.2 

4.7 

4.9 

4.6 

5.3 

4.9 

3.4 

4.9 

1  Including notional purchaser’s costs.
2  Excluding developments under construction, assets held for development and residential assets.
3  Including rent contracted from expiry of rent-free periods and fixed uplifts not in lieu of rental growth.
4  Including fixed/minimum uplifts (excluded from EPRA definition).

Portfolio net yields1,2 – previous classification basis

At 31 March 2016

Shopping Parks

Shopping Centres

Superstores

Department Stores

Leisure

Retail & Leisure

EPRA net 
initial yield  
%

EPRA topped 
up net initial 
yield 
%3

Overall 
topped up net 
initial yield
%4

Net 
equivalent 
yield  
%

Net 
reversionary 
yield  
%

4.7 

4.5 

5.3 

3.9 

6.1 

4.7 

4.9 

4.6 

5.3 

3.9 

6.1 

4.8 

4.9 

4.7 

5.3 

5.6 

7.6 

5.1 

5.1 

4.9 

5.2 

4.2 

6.4 

5.0 

5.0 

4.9 

5.2 

3.5 

4.8 

4.9 

1  Including notional purchaser’s costs.
2  Excluding developments under construction, assets held for development and residential assets.
3  Including rent contracted from expiry of rent-free periods and fixed uplifts not in lieu of rental growth.
4  Including fixed/minimum uplifts (excluded from EPRA definition).

British Land    Annual Report and Accounts 2015

191

Other Information

UNAUDITED CONTINUED

Lease length and occupancy1

At 31 March 2016

Regional

Local

Multi-lets

Department Stores & Leisure

Superstores

Solus/Other

Retail & Leisure

West End

City

Offices

Canada Water

Total

Average lease length years

Occupancy rate %

To expiry

To break

Occupancy

Occupancy
(underlying)2

7.9 

8.7 

8.3 

19.7 

14.2 

10.5 

10.6 

9.5 

10.2 

9.8 

7.5 

10.2 

6.9 

7.5 

7.2 

19.6 

13.8 

10.5 

9.8 

7.5 

8.3 

7.9 

7.4 

9.0 

95.8 

98.9 

97.3 

100.0 

100.0 

100.0 

98.0 

97.8 

98.4 

98.1 

98.4 

98.0 

97.8 

99.6 

98.6 

100.0 

100.0 

100.0 

99.0 

98.1 

99.1 

98.6 

99.1 

98.8 

Table with previous or IPD classification provided on Company website www.britishland.com/results.
1  Excluding developments under construction and assets held for development.
2  Including accommodation under offer or subject to asset management.

Annualised rent and estimated rental value (ERV)1

At 31 March 2016

Regional

Local

Multi-lets

Department Stores & Leisure

Superstores

Solus/Other

Retail & Leisure

West End

City

Offices

Residential4

Offices & Residential

Canada Water

Total

Annualised rent  
(valuation basis) £m2

Group

JVs &  
Funds

54

97

151

51

9

18

229

125

5

130

3

133

8

370

84

27

111

 – 

35

 – 

146

 – 

94

94

 – 

94

 – 

240

ERV £m

Average rent £psf

Total

Contracted3

ERV

155

134

289

44

43

16

392

165

162

327

4

331

9

732

32.8

24.2

28.0

15.3

21.4

18.8

24.0

51.5

50.0

51.0

18.7

30.1

35.9

24.7

29.7

13.1

20.8

16.0

24.3

60.6

60.3

60.4

21.6

32.6

Total

138

124

262

51

44

18

375

125

99

224

3

227

8

610

Table with previous classification provided on Company website at www.britishland.com/results.
1  Excluding developments under construction and assets held for development.
2   Gross rents plus, where rent reviews are outstanding, any increases to ERV (as determined by the Group’s external valuers), less any ground rents payable under head 

leases, excludes contracted rent subject to rent free and future uplift.

3  Annualised rent, plus rent subject to rent free .
4  Stand-alone residential.

192

British Land    Annual Report and Accounts 2015

 
 
 
Rent subject to open market rent review1

At 31 March 2016  
For period to 31 March

Regional

Local

Multi-lets

Department Stores & Leisure

Superstores

Solus/Other

Retail & Leisure

West End

City

Offices

Canada Water

Total

Potential uplift at current ERV

2017  
£m

2018  
£m

2019  
£m

2020  
£m

2021  
£m

2017-19  
£m

2017-21  
£m

15 

11 

26 

 – 

5 

 – 

31 

6 

1 

7 

 – 

38 

1 

12 

24 

36 

 – 

4 

1 

41 

20 

4 

24 

 – 

65 

2 

17 

21 

38 

 – 

8 

 – 

46 

20 

13 

33 

 – 

79 

4 

10 

12 

22 

 – 

12 

 – 

34 

15 

14 

29 

 – 

63 

2 

18 

11 

29 

 – 

14 

 – 

43 

2 

16 

18 

 – 

61 

1 

44 

56 

100 

 – 

17 

1 

118 

46 

18 

64 

 – 

182 

7 

72 

79 

151 

 – 

43 

1 

195 

63 

48 

111 

 – 

306 

10 

Table with previous classification provided on Company website www.britishland.com/results.
1  Excluding developments under construction, residential assets and assets held for development.

Rent subject to lease break or expiry1

At 31 March 2016  
For period to 31 March

Regional

Local

Multi-lets

Department Stores & Leisure

Superstores

Solus/Other

Retail & Leisure

West End

City

Offices2

Canada Water

Total

2017  
£m

2018  
£m

2019  
£m

2020  
£m

2021  
£m

2017-19  
£m

2017-21  
£m

13 

9 

22 

 – 

 – 

1 

23 

10 

17 

27 

1 

51 

12 

6 

18 

1 

 – 

 – 

19 

8 

3 

11 

 – 

30 

9 

8 

17 

 – 

 – 

 – 

17 

10 

17 

27 

1 

45 

13 

11 

24 

 – 

 – 

 – 

24 

4 

14 

18 

 – 

42 

9 

9 

18 

 – 

 – 

6 

24 

19 

8 

27 

1 

52 

34 

23 

57 

1 

 – 

1 

59 

28 

37 

65 

2 

126 

56 

43 

99 

1 

 – 

7 

107 

51 

59 

110 

3 

220 

% of contracted rent

Potential uplift at current ERV3

7.3%

4.4%

4 

3 

6.5%

11 

6.1%

4 

7.6%

18.2%

31.9%

1 

18 

23 

Table with previous classification provided on Company website www.britishland.com/results.
1  Excluding developments under construction and assets held for development.
2  Based on office space only.
3  As determined by the Group’s valuers, excluding near term developments.

British Land    Annual Report and Accounts 2015

193

Other Information

UNAUDITED CONTINUED

Superstores

Store Size  
‘000 sq ft 

>100

75-100

50-75

25-50

0-25

March 2016

March 2015

Geographical Spread

London & South

Rest of UK

Stand-alone Superstores1

In Multi-let assets2

Total Exposure1,2,3

No of 
Stores

Valuation 
(BL share) 
£m

Capital 
Value
psf

 8 

 13 

 16 

 8 

 2 

 47 

 57 

 177 

 270 

 256 

 52 

 8 

 763 

 924 

 351 

 467 

 404 

 226 

 177 

 383 

 395 

WALL  
to FB

 12.4 

 17.9 

 12.6 

 8.3 

 9.1 

 13.9 

 14.5 

No of 
Stores

Valuation 
(BL share)
£m

Capital 
Value
psf

 5 

 2 

 1 

 3 

 17 

 28 

 29 

 357 

 55 

 12 

 32 

 80 

 536 

 529 

 538 

 415 

 196 

 457 

 436 

 482 

 491 

WALL  
to FB

 13.0 

 12.8 

 11.1 

 14.6 

 11.1 

 12.7 

 13.9 

No of 
Stores

Valuation 
(BL share)
£m

Capital 
Value
psf

 13 

 15 

 17 

 11 

 19 

 75 

 86 

 534 

 325 

 268 

 84 

 88 

 1,299 

 1,453 

 457 

 457 

 385 

 281 

 387 

 419 

 426 

Gross Rent (BL Share)

57%

43%

Tesco

Sainsburys

Other

Lease Structure

RPI and Fixed

OMRR

£37m

£30m

£5m

WALL  
to FB

 12.8 

 17.0 

 12.3 

 10.4 

 10.9 

 13.5 

 14.4 

8%

92%

Let & 
Under  
Offer  
£m

Resi End 
Value 
£m

Resi Sales 
Exchanged & 
Completed
£m

ERV 
£m2

19.2

1.9

0.6

2.0

19.2

 – 

0.6

1.7

23.7

21.5

9.5

6.2

0.4

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

0.2

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

456

 – 

50

72

79

16.1

0.2

657

259

36

8

55

358

1  Excludes £8m non-foodstore occupiers in superstore led assets, and £10m Sainsburys Newquay, sold post-period end.
2  Excludes non food-format stores e.g. Asda Living. 
3  Excludes £101m of investments held for trading comprising freehold reversions in a pool of Sainsbury’s Superstores.

Recently completed and committed developments

At 31 March 2016

5 Broadgate

Yalding House

Whiteley Leisure, Fareham

Sector

Offices

Offices

Retail

Glasgow Fort, M&S & Retail Terrace Retail

Total Completed in Period

4 Kingdom Street

Clarges Mayfair

Glasgow Fort (MSCP and additional 
retail/leisure units)

The Hempel Phase 1

The Hempel Phase 2

Aldgate Place, Phase 1

Total Under Construction

Retail Capital Expenditure3

Offices

Mixed Use

Retail

Residential

Residential

Residential

BL Share 
%

Sq ft  
‘000

PC  
Calendar 
Year 

Current  
Value  
£m

Cost to 
complete 
£m1

50

100

50

75

100

100

75

100

100

50

710 Completed

29 Completed

57 Completed

112 Completed

908

147

192

12

25

32

221

629

Q2 2017

Q4 2017

Q3 2016

Q2 2016

Q3 2016

Q2 2016

469

37

12

35

553

81

404

2

26

48

44

605

8

1

1

3

13

64

107

5

2

12

14

204

107

Data includes Group’s share of properties in joint ventures and funds (except area which is shown at 100%).
1  From 1 April 2016.
2  Estimated headline rental value net of rent payable under head leases (excluding tenant incentives).
3  Capex committed and under way within our investment portfolio relating to leasing and asset management.

194

British Land    Annual Report and Accounts 2015

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Near term pipeline

At 31 March 2016

100 Liverpool Street

1 Triton Square2

1 Finsbury Avenue

5 Kingdom Street3

Blossom Street, Shoreditch

Plymouth Leisure

New Mersey, Speke – Leisure

Crawley Homewares Park

Aldgate Place, Phase 2

54 The Broadway, Ealing

Total Near term

Retail Capital Expenditure4

Sector

Offices

Offices

Offices

Offices

Mixed Use

Retail

Retail

Retail

Residential

Residential

BL  
Share

Sq ft  
‘000

Start On  
Site

50

100

50

100

100

100

66

100

50

100

520

217

303

240

340

102

66

52

145

34

2,019

2017

2017

2017

2017

2017

2016

2016

2016

2016

2016

Total Cost1 

£m

279

370

150

228

256

41

20

26

59

21

1,450

90

Status

Consented

Pre-submission

Consented

Consented

Consented

Consented

Consented

Consented

Consented

Consented

1  Total cost including site value. Excludes notional interest as interest is capitalised individually on each development at our capitalisation rate.
2  Existing net areas, scheme in early design stages.
3  210,000 sq ft of which is consented. 
4  Forecast capital commitments within our investment portfolio over the next two years relating to leasing and asset enhancement.

Medium term pipeline

At 31 March 2016

2 – 3 Finsbury Avenue

Eden Walk, Kingston

Canada Water Masterplan1

Forster Square, Bradford, Phase 3

Meadowhall Leisure

Glasgow Fort – Retail Extension

Putney High Street

Total Prospective

1  Assumed net area based on gross area of up to 7m sq ft.

Residential development programme

At 31 March 2016

Clarges Mayfair4

Mixed use

The Hempel Phase 1

The Hempel Phase 2

Aldgate Place Phase 1

Resi-led

Aldgate Place Phase 2

54 The Broadway, Ealing

Near Term prospective

Total Committed Residential

Sector

Offices

Mixed Use

Mixed Use

Retail

Retail

Retail

Residential

BL Share

50

50

100

100

50

75

100

Sq ft  
‘000

550

562

Status

Submitted

Submitted

5,500

Pre-submission

63

330

60

110

7,175

Consented

Pre-submission

Consented

Consented

Sq ft  
‘000

No. Market 
Units 

PC Date/ 
Status 

BL Share 
%

Current
Value1 
£m

Cost to

come2 
£m

End Value3 

Sales 
Exchanged & 
Completed  
£m

103

103

25

32

221

278

145

34

179

381

Q4 2017

Q2 2016

Q3 2016

Q2 2016

Consented

Consented

34

34

15

18

154

187

221

100

100

100

50

50

100

286

286

26

48

44

118

 88 

 88 

 2 

 12 

 14 

 28 

£m

 456 

 456 

 50 

 72 

 79 

 201 

259

259

36

8

55

99

404

 116 

 657 

358

Data includes Group’s share of properties in joint ventures and funds (except area which is shown at 100%).
1  Excluding completed sales.
2  From 1 April 2016. Cost to complete excludes notional interest as interest is capitalised individually on each development at our capitalisation rate.
3  Includes completed units (£22.8m).
4  Includes 9,500 sq ft of affordable housing (11 units).

British Land    Annual Report and Accounts 2015

195

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Other Information

UNAUDITED CONTINUED

Sustainability performance measures
The data below covers 98% of our multi-let managed portfolio by value (66% of assets under management) and 100% of development projects.

EPRA best practice recommendations on sustainability reporting1

Total electricity consumption (MWh)

Total district heating and cooling consumption (MWh)

Total fuel consumption (MWh) 

Building energy intensity (kWh per m²)

Offices

Shopping centres

Retail parks

Building energy intensity (kWh per workstation or 10,000 visitors) Offices

Total direct (Scope 1) greenhouse gas emissions (tonnes CO2e) 
Total indirect (Scope 2) greenhouse gas emissions (tonnes CO2e) 
Greenhouse gas intensity from building energy consumption 
(tonnes CO2e per m²)

Total water consumption (m³)

Building water intensity (m³ per m²)

Shopping centres

Retail parks

Offices (gross internal area)

Shopping centres

Retail parks

Offices

Shopping centres

Retail parks

Building water intensity (m³ per workstation or 10,000 visitors)

Offices

Total waste by disposal route (tonnes and %)

Sustainably certified assets – Energy Performance  
Certificates (% by value)

Shopping centres

Retail parks

Recycled

Incinerated

Landfilled

A to B

C to E

F to G

2015/16

2014/15

2013/14

Scope  
(assets or 
units)

172,238

171,619

164,038

97/109

0

38,234

263.41

51.82

10.23

5,169

1,276

238

7,927

0

36,399

270.99

60.00

9.16

5,978

1,488

224

7,519

38,710

42,503

0.14

0.03

0.006

0.15

0.03

0.006

289

30,085

260.76

60.71

9.37

5,659

1,740

297

7,335

38,619

0.14

0.03

0.005

653,490

557,041

654,591

0.74

0.36

0.06

13.76

8.89

1.32

0.64

0.36

0.07

14.29

8.78

1.94

0.65

0.34

0.08

13.67

9.71

2.27

14,533 (68.6%) 12,541 (67.4%) 13,059 (66%)

6,522 (30.8%) 5,437 (29.2%) 5,306 (27%)

134 (0.6%)

615 (3.3%)

1,465 (7%)

0/0

45/46

34/37

13/13

35/42

31/37

12/13

33/42

45/46

97/109

34/37

13/13

35/42

68/81

32/37

11/12

15/22

30/37

11/12

15/22

60/60

60/60

60/60

30%

67%

3%

22%

75%

3%

– 2,369/2,856

– 2,369/2,856

– 2,369/2,856

Additional sustainability data in year one of our five-year strategy

Wellbeing: Employee score for our offices supporting their wellbeing

Wellbeing: Visitor score for the shopping experience

Community: British Land employee volunteering

Community: Community programme as a percentage of pre-tax profits

Community: Community programme beneficiaries

Future proofing: Developments on track to achieve BREEAM Excellent for offices and Excellent or Very Good for retail

Future proofing: Landlord energy reduction versus 2009 (index score)

Future proofing: Carbon (scope 1 and 2) reduction versus 2009 (index score)

Future proofing: Portfolio at high risk of flood 

Future proofing: Energy generation (MWh)

Skills and opportunity: Employees paid Living Wage Foundation wage

Skills and opportunity: Supplier workforce paid Living Wage Foundation wage at our properties

Skills and opportunity: Supply chain spend within 25 miles of our properties

Skills and opportunity: Supplier workforce living within 25 miles of our places

2015/16 

Scope

87%

4.2/5

84%

0.63%

29,482

82%

38% (62/100)

40% (60/100)

–

29/53

91/107

91/107

91/107

17/17

75/78

75/78

5%

267/273

1,126

100%

72%

49%

67%

8/9

–

89/101

59/108

108/120

1   As per EPRA best practice recommendations, total energy and water data covers energy and water procured by British Land. Energy, water and carbon intensity data 

covers whole building usage for Offices and common parts usage for shopping centres and retail parks. 

For more detailed data on all these indicators and additional indicators, please see our Sustainability Accounts 2016: www.britishland.com/data

196

British Land    Annual Report and Accounts 2015

 
 
 
TEN YEAR RECORD

The table below summarises the last ten years’ results, cash flows and balance sheets.

Income1

Gross rental income

Net rental income

Net fees and other income

Interest expense (net)

Administrative expense

Underlying Profit

Exceptional costs 
(not included in Underlying Profit)4

Dividends declared

Summarised balance sheets

Total properties at valuation1,3

Net debt

2016 
£m

2015 
£m

2014 
£m

2013 
£m

2012 
£m

2011 
£m

2010 
£m

2009 
£m

2008 
£m5

2007 
£m

654

620

17

(180)

(94)

363

–

287

618 

585 

17 

(201)

(88)

313 

 597 

 562 

 15

 (202)

 (78)

 297 

 567 

 541 

 15 

 (206)

 (76)

 274 

 572 

 546 

 17 

 (218)

 (76)

 269 

 541 

 518 

 18 

 (212)

 (68)

 256 

 561 

 545 

 15 

 (246)

 (65)

 249 

–

–

–

–

–

–

 277 

 266 

 234 

 231 

 231 

 225 

 650 

 598 

 20 

 (292)

 (58)

 268 

 (119)

 198 

 709 

 667 

 40 

 (350)

 (73)

 284 

–

 179 

 706 

 661 

 50 

 (370)

 (84)

 257 

 (305)

 107 

14,648

13,677 

12,040 

 10,499 

 10,337 

 9,572 

 8,539 

 8,625 

 13,471 

 16,903 

(4,765)

(4,918)

(4,890)

 (4,266)

 (4,690)

 (4,173)

 (4,081)

 (4,941)

 (6,413)

 (7,741)

Other assets and liabilities

191

276 

(123)

 (266)

 (266)

 (298)

 (51)

 (297)

 (122)

 (300)

EPRA NAV/Fully diluted adjusted net assets

10,074

9,035 

7,027 

 5,967 

 5,381 

 5,101 

 4,407 

 3,387 

 6,936 

 8,862 

Cash flow movement – Group only 

Cash generated from operations

Cash outflow from operations

Net cash inflow from operating activities

Cash inflow (outflow) from capital expenditure, 
investments, acquisitions and disposals

Equity dividends paid

Cash (outflow) inflow from  
management of liquid resources and financing

Increase (decrease) in cash6

341

(47)

294

230

(235)

(283)

6

 318 

 (33)

 285 

 (111)

 (228)

20

(34)

 243 

 (24)

 219 

 (660)

 (159)

607

7

 197 

 (7)

 190 

 (202)

 (203)

213

(2)

 211 

 (5)

 206 

 (547)

 (212)

630

77

 182 

 28 

 210 

 (240)

 (139)

157

(12)

 248 

 (112)

 136 

 (39)

 (154)

(485)

(542)

 406 

 (201)

 205 

 418 

 (188)

(58)

377

 477 

 (295)

 182 

 857 

 (161)

(830)

48

 494 

 (275)

 219 

 (54)

 (91)

(11)

63

Capital returns

Growth in net assets2

Total return4

Total return – pre-exceptional 

Per share information7

11.5%

14.2%

14.2%

28.6%

24.5%

24.5%

17.8%

20.0%

20.0%

10.9%

4.5%

4.5%

5.5%

9.5%

9.5%

15.7%

17.7%

17.7%

30.1%

33.5%

(51.1%)

(21.6%)

(61.6%)

(18.1%)

33.5% (60.3%)

(18.1%)

13.6%

14.3%

21.3%

EPRA net asset value per share

919p

829p

688p

596p

595p

567p

504p

398p

1,114p

1,394p

Memorandum

Dividends declared in the year

Dividends paid in the year

Diluted earnings

28.4p

28.0p

27.7p

27.3p

27.0p

26.7p

26.4p

26.3p

26.1p

26.0p

26.0p

26.0p

26.0p

27.3p

29.8p

30.0p

29.0p

26.7p

16.9p

14.4p

Underlying EPRA earnings per share

34.1p

 30.6p 

 29.4p 

 30.3p 

29.7p

28.5p

28.4p

41.0p

44.3p

35.9p

IFRS earnings (loss) per share4

124.1p

 167.3p 

 110.2p 

 31.5p 

 53.8p 

 95.2p 

 132.6p 

 (614.1p)

 (251.0p)

 389.4p 

1  Including share of joint ventures and funds.
2  Represents movement in diluted EPRA NAV
3  Including surplus over book value of trading and development properties.
4  Including exceptional finance costs in 2007: £305 million and 2009: £119 million.
5  2008 restated for IFRS. The UK GAAP accounts shows gross rental income of £620 million and Underlying Profit of £175 million.
6  Represents movement in cash and cash equivalents under IFRS and movements in cash under UK GAAP.
7  Adjusted for the rights issue of 341 million shares in March 2009.

British Land    Annual Report and Accounts 2016

197

Other information

SHAREHOLDER INFORMATION

Financial calendar 

2016

Fourth quarter ex-dividend date

Fourth quarter dividend payment date

2017

First quarter Trading Statement

First quarter ex-dividend date

First quarter dividend payment date

Half year results

Second quarter ex-dividend date

Second quarter dividend payment date

Third quarter Trading Statement

Third quarter ex-dividend date

Third quarter dividend payment date

Full year results

Fourth quarter ex-dividend date

Fourth quarter dividend payment date

30 June 2016

5 August 2016 

18 July 2016 

6 October 2016

11 November 2016

16 November 2016

January 2017

February 2017

January 2017

March/April 2017

May 2017

May 2017

June/July 2017

August 2017

The Board will announce the availability of a Scrip Alternative for each dividend, if offered, via the Regulatory News Service and on the Group’s 
website www.britishland.com, no later than four business days before each ex-dividend date. For the fourth quarter dividend of 2016, the Board 
expects to announce the split between PID and non-PID income at the same time. Any Scrip Alternative will not be enhanced.

Analysis of shareholders – 31 March 2016

Range

1–1,000

1,001–5,000

5,001–20,000

20,001–50,000

50,001–Highest

Total

Holder type 

Individuals

Nominee and institutional investors

Total

1   Excluding 11,266,245 shares held in treasury.

Number 
of holdings

Balance as
at 31 March 20161

%

8,367

5,257

920

270

628

54.18

34.04

5.96

1.75

4.07

4,024,681

11,211,850

8,659,556

8,654,309

996,745,682

15,442

100.00

1,029,296,078

Number 
of holders

6,693

8,749

Balance as
at 31 March 20161

%

43.34

11,942,035

56.66

1,017,354,043

15,442

100.00

1,029,296,078

%

0.39

1.09

0.84

0.84

96.84

100.00

%

1.16

98.84

100.00

198

British Land    Annual Report and Accounts 2016

Annual General Meeting
The Annual General Meeting of The  
British Land Company PLC will be  
held at The Montcalm London Marble Arch, 
34-40 Great Cumberland Place, London  
W1H 7TW on 19 July 2016, at 11.00am.

ShareGift
Shareholders with a small number of shares, 
the value of which makes it uneconomic to sell 
them, may wish to consider donating them to 
the charity ShareGift (registered charity 
1052686), which specialises in using such 
holdings for charitable benefit.

A ShareGift transfer form can be obtained  
from Equiniti.

For further information, contact:

ShareGift 
17 Carlton House Terrace 
London SW1Y 5AH 
Telephone: +44 (0)20 7930 3737 
Website: www.sharegift.org

Unsolicited mail
On request, British Land is legally required to 
make its share register available to other 
organisations. The Mailing Preference Service 
is an independent organisation offering free 
services to help reduce the amount of 
unsolicited mail you receive. 

For more information, or to register, visit:  
www.mpsonline.org.uk

Registered office
The British Land Company PLC’s registered 
office is:

York House 
45 Seymour Street 
London W1H 7LX 
Telephone: +44 (0)20 7486 4466 
Fax: +44 (0)20 7935 5552

Registrars
British Land’s Share Registrar Equiniti Limited 
(Equiniti) can be contacted at: Aspect House, 
Spencer Road, Lancing, West Sussex  
BN99 6DA.

The Shareholder Helpline is: 0371 384 2143. 
Lines are open from 8:30am to 5:30pm Monday 
to Friday. The general enquiries number for 
overseas callers is +44 (0)121 415 7047.

Equiniti’s website is: www.shareview.co.uk 
Registering on this site will enable you to:

 – view your British Land shareholding online;
 – update your details; and 
 – opt to receive shareholder mailings 

electronically.

Equiniti is also the Registrar for the BLD 
Property Holdings Limited Stock.

Bank of New York (operating through Capita), 
British Land’s Debentures Registrar, can be 
contacted at: The Registry, 34 Beckenham 
Road, Beckenham, Kent BR3 4TU.

The Bondholder Enquiry Line is: 0871 664 0300. 
Calls cost 10 pence per minute plus network 
extras. Lines are open from 9.00am to 5.30pm, 
Monday to Friday.

Share dealing service
Equiniti offers Shareview, a service which 
allows UK residents to buy or sell  
British Land shares.

UK residents can deal in British Land shares  
on the internet or by phone. Log on to  
www.shareview.co.uk/dealing or call  
0845 603 7037 between 8.30am and 4.30pm, 
Monday to Friday, for more information about 
Shareview and for details of the rates. If you  
are an existing shareholder, you will need your 
shareholder reference number which appears 
on your share certificate.

Dividends
As a REIT, British Land pays Property 
Income Distribution (PID) and non-Property 
Income Distribution (non-PID) dividends. 
More information on REITs and PIDs can 
be found in the glossary on page 202 or 
in the Investors section of our website at 
www.britishland.com/dividends

British Land dividends can be paid directly 
into your bank or building society account 
instead of being despatched to you by cheque. 
More information about the benefits of having 
dividends paid directly into your bank or 
building society account, and the mandate 
form to set this up, can be found in the 
Investors section of our website at 
www.britishland.com/dividends

Scrip Dividend Scheme
British Land offers the opportunity to 
participate in the Scrip Dividend Scheme 
from time to time, which enables participating 
shareholders to receive shares instead of 
cash when a Scrip Alternative is offered for 
a particular dividend. For more information 
and for details of how to sign up to the Scrip 
Dividend Scheme, please visit the Investors 
section of our website at  
www.britishland.com/dividends/ 
scrip-dividend-scheme

Honorary President
Sir John Ritblat became Managing Director of 
British Land in 1970 and Chairman in 1971. He 
retired from the Board in December 2006 and 
was appointed Honorary President, in 
recognition of his work building British Land 
into the industry leading company it is today.

Website and shareholder communications
The British Land corporate website contains a 
wealth of material for shareholders, including 
the current share price, press releases and 
information on, among other things, REITs and 
dividends. The website can be accessed at 
www.britishland.com

If you currently receive paper copies of 
shareholder communications, you may prefer 
to receive electronic copies via the British Land 
website instead. When a document is produced 
for shareholders you will receive an email 
containing a link directly to the new document. 

If you would like further information, or  
would like to elect for website delivery of 
shareholder communications, please visit 
www.shareview.co.uk or telephone the 
Shareholder Helpline.

British Land    Annual Report and Accounts 2016

199

Other information

GLOSSARY

Adjusted net debt is the Group net debt and  
the Group’s share of joint venture and funds’ net 
debt excluding the mark-to-market on effective 
cash flow hedges and related debt adjustments 
and non-controlling interests. A reconciliation 
between Group net debt and adjusted net debt 
is included in Table A within the supplementary 
disclosures.

Annualised rent is the gross property rent 
receivable on a cash basis as at the reporting 
date. Additionally, it includes the external 
valuers’ estimate of additional rent in respect of 
unsettled rent review, turnover rent and sundry 
income such as that from car parks and 
commercialisation, less any ground rents 
payable under head leases.

Assets under management is the full value  
of all assets owned and managed by British 
Land and includes 100% of the value of all joint 
ventures and funds.

BREEAM (Building Research Establishment 
Environmental Assessment Method) assesses 
the sustainability of buildings against a range  
of social and environmental criteria.

Capital return is calculated as the change 
in capital value of the UK portfolio, less any 
capital expenditure incurred, expressed as 
a percentage of capital employed (start value 
plus capital expenditure) over the period, 
as calculated by IPD. Capital returns are 
calculated monthly and indexed to provide  
a return over the relevant period.

Capped rents are rents subject to a maximum 
level of uplift at the specified rent reviews as 
agreed at the time of letting.

Collar rents are rents subject to a minimum 
level of uplift at the specified rent reviews as 
agreed at the time of letting.

Contracted rent is the annualised rent 
adjusting for the inclusion of rent subject  
to rent-free periods.

Customer satisfaction includes consumers 
as well as occupiers. This includes exit survey 
data for consumer satisfaction in the retail 
business, as well as office and retail occupier 
satisfaction scores, and in future we aim to 
be able to further expand to include consumer 
satisfaction for other sectors.

Developer’s profit is the profit on cost 
estimated by the valuers that a developer  
would expect. The developer’s profit is typically 
calculated by the valuers to be a percentage  
of the estimated total development costs, 
including land and notional finance costs.

Development uplift is the total increase  
in the value (after taking account of capital 
expenditure and capitalised interest) of 
properties held for development during the 
period. It also includes any developer’s profit 
recognised by valuers in the period.

Development cost is the total cost of 
construction of a project to completion, 
excluding site values and finance costs (finance 
costs are assumed by the valuers at a notional 
rate of 5% per annum).

EPRA is the European Public Real Estate 
Association, the industry body for  
European REITs.

EPRA Cost Ratio (including direct vacancy 
costs) is the ratio of net overheads and 
operating expenses against gross rental 
income (with both amounts excluding ground 
rents payable). Net overheads and operating 
expenses relate to all administrative and 
operating expenses including the share of joint 
ventures’ overheads and operating expenses, 
net of any service fees, recharges or other 
income specifically intended to cover overhead 
and property expenses.

EPRA Cost Ratio (excluding direct vacancy 
costs) is the ratio calculated above, but with 
direct vacancy costs removed from net 
overheads and operating expenses balance.

EPRA earnings is the IFRS profit after taxation 
attributable to shareholders of the Company 
excluding investment and development 
property revaluations, gains/losses on 
investing and trading property disposals, 
changes in the fair value of financial 
instruments and associated close-out costs 
and their related taxation. These items are 
presented in the capital and other column of the 
income statement. A reconciliation between 
profit attributable to shareholders of the 
Company and EPRA earnings is included in 
Table B within the Supplementary Disclosures.

EPRA NAV per share is EPRA NAV divided by 
the diluted number of shares at the period end.

EPRA net asset value (EPRA NAV) is a 
proportionally consolidated measure 
representing the IFRS net assets excluding the 
mark-to-market on effective cash flow hedges 
and related debt adjustments, the mark-to-
market on the convertible bonds as well as 
deferred taxation on property and derivative 
valuations. It includes the valuation surplus 
on trading properties and is adjusted for the 
dilutive impact of share options and the 
£400 million convertible bond maturing in 2017. 
A reconciliation between IFRS net assets and 
EPRA NAV is included in Table B within the 
Supplementary Disclosures.

EPRA net initial yield is the annualised  
rents generated by the portfolio, after the 
deduction of an estimate of annual recurring 
irrecoverable property outgoings, expressed  
as a percentage of the portfolio valuation 
(adding notional purchaser’s costs), excluding 
development and residential properties.

EPRA NNNAV is the EPRA NAV adjusted to 
reflect the fair value of debt and derivatives and 
to include deferred taxation on revaluations.

EPRA Topped-Up Net Initial Yield is the current 
annualised rent, net of costs, topped-up for 
contracted uplifts, where these are not in lieu 
of rental growth, expressed as a percentage of 
capital value, after adding notional purchaser’s 
costs, excluding development and residential 
properties.

EPRA vacancy rate is the estimated market 
rental value (ERV) of vacant space divided by 
ERV of the whole portfolio, excluding 
developments and residential property.

Estimated Rental Value (ERV) is the external 
valuers’ opinion as to the open market rent 
which, on the date of valuation, could reasonably 
be expected to be obtained on a new letting or 
rent review of a property.

ERV growth is the change in ERV over a  
period on the standing investment properties 
expressed as a percentage of the ERV at the 
start of the period. ERV growth is calculated 
monthly and compounded for the period subject 
to measurement, as calculated by IPD.

Fair value movement is an accounting 
adjustment to change the book value of  
an asset or liability to its market value.

Footfall is the annualised number of  
visitors entering our assets.

Footfall growth movement in footfall against 
the same period in the prior year, on properties 
owned throughout both comparable periods, 
aggregated at 100% share.

200

British Land    Annual Report and Accounts 2016

Gross investment activity as measured by 
our share of acquisitions, sales and investment 
in committed development.

Gross rental income is the gross accounting 
rent receivable (quoted either for the period or 
on an annualised basis) prepared under IFRS 
which requires that rental income from fixed/
minimum guaranteed rent reviews and tenant 
incentives is spread on a straight-line basis 
over the entire lease to first break. This can 
result in income being recognised ahead of 
cash flow.

Group is The British Land Company PLC and 
its subsidiaries and excludes its share of joint 
ventures and funds (where not treated as a 
subsidiary) on a line-by-line basis (i.e. not 
proportionally consolidated).

Headline rent is the contracted gross rent 
receivable which becomes payable after all the 
tenant incentives in the letting have expired.

IFRS are the International Financial Reporting 
Standards as adopted by the European Union.

Income return is calculated as net income 
expressed as a percentage of capital employed 
over the period, as calculated by IPD. Income 
returns are calculated monthly and indexed 
to provide a return over the relevant period.

Interest cover is the number of times net 
interest payable is covered by Underlying Profit 
before net interest payable and taxation.

IPD is Investment Property Databank Ltd 
which produces independent benchmarks 
of property returns and British Land UK 
portfolio returns.

Lettings and lease renewals are compared 
both to the previous passing rent as at the start 
of the financial year and the ERV immediately 
prior to letting. Both comparisons are made  
on a net effective basis.

Letting performance against ERV comparison 
of achieved letting terms on long term lettings 
and renewals against valuation assumptions on 
like-for-like space, calculated on a net effective 
basis, aggregated at 100% share.

Leverage see loan to value (LTV).

Like-for-like rental income growth is the 
growth in net rental income on properties 
owned throughout the current and previous 
periods under review. This growth rate includes 
revenue recognition and lease accounting 
adjustments but excludes properties held for 
development in either period and properties 
with guaranteed rent reviews.

Loan to value (LTV) is the ratio of principal 
value of gross debt less cash, short term 
deposits and liquid investments to the 
aggregate value of properties and investments.

Net rental income is the rental income 
receivable in the period after payment of direct 
property outgoings which typically comprise 
ground rents payable under head leases, void 
costs, net service charge expenses and other 
direct irrecoverable property expenses. Net 
rental income is quoted on an accounting basis. 
Net rental income will differ from annualised 
net cash rents and passing rent due to the 
effects of income from rent reviews, net 
property outgoings and accounting adjustments 
for fixed and minimum contracted rent reviews 
and lease incentives.

Managed portfolio consists of multi-let 
properties where we have control of facilities 
and utilities management.

Net reversionary yield is the anticipated yield 
to which the initial yield will rise (or fall) once 
the rent reaches the estimated rental value.

Occupancy rate is the estimated rental  
value of let units as a percentage of the total 
estimated rental value of the portfolio, excluding 
development and residential properties. It 
includes accommodation, under offer, subject to 
asset management (where they have been taken 
back for refurbishment and are not available to 
let as at the balance sheet date) or occupied by 
the Group.

Omni-channel retailing is the evolution of 
multi-channel retailing, but is concentrated 
more on a seamless approach to the consumer 
experience through all available shopping 
channels i.e. mobile internet devices, 
computers, bricks and mortar, television,  
radio, direct mail, catalogue, etc.

Over rented is the term used to describe when 
the contracted rent is above the estimated 
rental value (ERV).

Overall ‘topped-up’ net initial yield is the  
EPRA ‘topped-up’ Net Initial Yield, adding all 
contracted uplifts to the annualised rents.

Mark-to-market is the difference between  
the book value of an asset or liability and its 
market value.

Multi-channel retailing is the use of a  
variety of channels in a customer’s shopping 
experience, including research, before a 
purchase. Such channels include: retail  
stores, online stores, mobile stores, mobile app 
stores, telephone sales and any other method 
of transacting with a customer. Transacting 
includes browsing, buying, returning as well  
as pre- and post-sale service.

Net Development Value is the estimated end 
value of a development project as determined 
by the external valuers for when the building  
is completed and fully let (taking into account 
tenant incentives and notional purchaser’s 
costs). It is based on the valuers view on ERVs, 
yields, letting voids and tenant incentives.

Net effective rent is the contracted gross rent 
receivable taking into account any rent-free 
period or other tenant incentives. The 
incentives are treated as a cost-to-rent  
and spread over the lease to the earliest 
termination date.

Net equivalent yield is the weighted average 
income return (after adding notional 
purchaser’s costs) a property will produce 
based upon the timing of the income received. 
In accordance with usual practice, the 
equivalent yields (as determined by the  
external valuers) assume rent is received 
annually in arrears.

Net Initial Yield is the current annualised 
rent, net of costs, expressed as a percentage 
of capital value, after adding notional 
purchaser’s costs.

British Land    Annual Report and Accounts 2016

201

Other information

GLOSSARY CONTINUED

Passing rent is the gross rent, less any ground 
rent payable under head leases.

Property Income Distributions (PIDs) are 
profits distributed to shareholders which are 
subject to tax in the hands of the shareholders 
as property income. PIDs are normally paid  
net of withholding tax currently at 20% which 
the REIT pays to the tax authorities on behalf  
of the shareholder. Certain types of shareholder 
(i.e. pension funds) are tax exempt and receive 
PIDs without withholding tax. REITs also pay 
out normal dividends, called non-PIDs,  
which are taxed in the same way as dividends  
received from non-REIT companies; these  
are not subject to withholding tax and for UK 
individual shareholders qualify for the tax  
free dividend allowance.

Portfolio valuation is reported by the  
Group’s external valuers. In accordance  
with usual practice, they report valuations  
net, after the deduction of the notional 
purchaser’s costs, including stamp duty  
land tax, agent and legal fees. 

Proportionally consolidated measures include 
the Group’s share of joint ventures and funds 
and exclude non-controlling interests in the 
Group’s subsidiaries.

Rack rented is the term used to describe when 
the contracted rent is in line with the estimated 
rental value (ERV), implying a nil reversion.

Rent-free period see Tenant (or lease) 
incentives.

REITs are property companies that allow 
people and organisations to invest in 
commercial property and receive benefits  
as if they directly owned the properties 
themselves. The rental income, after costs,  
is passed directly to shareholders in the form  
of dividends. In the UK REITs are required to 
distribute at least 90% of their tax exempt 
property income to shareholders as dividends. 
As a result, over time, a significant proportion 
of the total return for shareholders is likely to 
come from dividends. The effect is that taxation 
is moved from the corporate level to the 
investor level as investors are liable for  
tax as if they owned the property directly. 
British Land became a REIT in January 2007.

Rent reviews take place at intervals agreed in 
the lease (typically every five years) and their 
purpose is usually to adjust the rent to the 
current market level at the review date. For 
upwards-only rent reviews, the rent will either 
remain at the same level or increase (if market 
rents have increased) at the review date.

Rents with fixed and minimum uplifts are 
either where rents are subject to contracted 
uplifts at a level agreed at the time of letting;  
or where the rent is subject to an agreed 
minimum level of uplift at the specified 
rent review.

Retailer sales growth movement in retailer 
sales against the same period in the prior  
year, on occupiers providing sales data 
throughout both comparable periods, 
aggregated at 100% share.

Retail planning consents are separated 
between A1, A2 and A3 – as set out in The Town 
and Country Planning (Use Classes) Order. 
Within the A1 category, Open A1 permission 
allows for the majority of types of retail 
including fashion to be accommodated, while 
Restricted A1 permission places limits on the 
types of retail that can operate (for example,  
a restriction that only bulky goods operators 
are allowed to trade at that site).

Class Description

A1

Shops

A2

Financial and 
professional 
services

A3 Restaurants 

and cafes

D2

Assembly 
and leisure

Use for all/any of the following 
purposes

Shops, retail warehouses, 
hairdressers, undertakers, 
travel and ticket agencies, 
post offices, pet shops, 
sandwich bars, showrooms, 
domestic hire shops, dry 
cleaners, funeral directors 
and internet cafes.
Financial services such  
as banks and building 
societies, professional 
services (other than health 
and medical services) 
including estate and 
employment agencies. 
It does not include betting 
offices or pay day loan shops 
– these are now classed as 
‘sui generis’ uses.
For the sale of food and 
drink for consumption on 
the premises – restaurants, 
snack bars and cafes.
Cinemas, music and concert 
halls, bingo and dance halls 
(but not night clubs), 
swimming baths, skating 
rinks, gymnasiums or areas 
for indoor or outdoor sports 
and recreations.

Scrip dividend British Land may offer its 
shareholders the opportunity to receive 
dividends in the form of shares instead 
of cash. This is known as a Scrip dividend.

Standing investments are assets which are 
directly held and not in the course of, or held 
for development.

Tenant (or lease) incentives are incentives 
offered to occupiers to enter into a lease. 
Typically this will be an initial rent-free period, 
or a cash contribution to fit-out. Under 
accounting rules the value of lease incentives 
is amortised through the income statement 
on a straight-line basis to the earliest lease 
termination date.

TMT stands for technology, media and 
telecommunications.

The residual site value of a development is 
calculated as the estimated (net) development 
value, less development profit, all development 
construction costs, finance costs (assumed at 
a notional rate) of a project to completion and 
notional site acquisition costs. The residual 
is determined to be the current site value.

Topping out is a traditional construction 
ceremony to mark the occasion when  
the structure of the building reaches  
the highest point.

Total property return is calculated as the 
change in capital value, less any capital 
expenditure incurred, plus net income, 
expressed as a percentage of capital employed 
over the period, as calculated by IPD. Total 
property returns are calculated monthly  
and indexed to provide a return over the 
relevant period.

Total return (total accounting return) is the 
growth in EPRA NAV per share plus dividends 
paid, and this can be expressed as a percentage 
of EPRA NAV per share at the beginning of  
the period.

Total shareholder return is the growth in value 
of a shareholding over a specified period, 
assuming dividends are reinvested to purchase 
additional units of stock.

Reversion is the increase in rent estimated by 
the external valuers, where the passing rent is 
below the estimated rental value. The increases 
in rent arise on rent reviews and letting of 
vacant space or re-letting of expiries.

Total Tax Contribution is a more 
comprehensive view of tax contributions than 
the accountancy-defined tax figure quoted in 
most financial statements. It comprises taxes 
and levies paid directly, as well as taxes 
collected from others which we administered.

Turnover rents is where all or a portion 
of the rent is linked to the sales or turnover 
of the occupier. 

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British Land    Annual Report and Accounts 2016

Under rented is the term used to describe 
when the contracted rent is below the 
estimated rental value (ERV), implying a 
positive reversion.

Underlying earnings per share (EPS) consists 
of Underlying Profit after tax divided by the 
diluted weighted average number of shares 
in issue during the period.

Underlying Profit is the pre-tax EPRA earnings 
measure with additional Company adjustments. 
No Company adjustments were made in either 
the current or prior year.

Valuation uplift is the increase in the portfolio 
valuation and sales receipts of properties sold 
during the period, net of capital expenditure, 
capitalised interest and development team 
costs, and transaction costs incurred, 
expressed as a percentage of the portfolio 
valuation at the start of the period plus net 
capital expenditure, capitalised interest and 
development team costs, and transaction costs.

Virtual freehold represents a long leasehold 
tenure for a period of up to 999 years. A 
‘peppercorn’, or nominal, rent is paid annually.

Weighted average debt maturity – each 
tranche of Group debt is multiplied by the 
remaining period to its maturity and the sum  
of the results is divided by total Group debt in 
issue at the period end.

Weighted average interest rate is the Group 
loan interest and net derivative costs per 
annum at the period end, divided by total  
Group debt in issue at the period end.

Weighted average unexpired lease term is  
the average lease term remaining to first break, 
or expiry, across the portfolio weighted by 
contracted rent excluding development and 
residential properties. 

Yield compression occurs when the net 
equivalent yield of a property decreases, 
measured in basis points.

Yield on cost is the estimated annual rent of  
the completed development divided by the total 
cost of development including site value and 
notional finance costs to the point of assumed 
rent commencement, expressed as a 
percentage return.

Yield shift is a movement (usually expressed  
in bps) in the net equivalent yield of a property 
asset, or like-for-like portfolio, over a given 
period weighted by net capital value. Yield 
compression is a commonly-used term for 
a reduction in yields.

British Land    Annual Report and Accounts 2016

203

Forward-looking statements
This Press Release contains certain ‘forward-looking’ statements. Such 
statements reflect current views on, among other things, our markets, 
activities, projections, objectives and prospects. Such ‘forward-looking’ 
statements can sometimes, but not always, be identified by their reference 
to a date or point in the future or the use of ‘forward-looking’ terminology, 
including terms such as ‘believes’, ‘estimates’, ‘anticipates’, ‘expects’, 
‘forecasts’, ‘intends’, ‘due’, ‘plans’, ‘projects’, ‘goal’, ‘outlook’, ‘schedule’, 
‘target’, ‘aim’, ‘may’, ‘likely to’, ‘will’, ‘would’, ‘could’, ‘should’ or similar 
expressions or in each case their negative or other variations or comparable 
terminology. By their nature, forward-looking statements involve inherent 
risks, assumptions and uncertainties because they relate to future events 
and depend on circumstances which may or may not occur and may be 
beyond our ability to control or predict. Forward-looking statements should 
be regarded with caution as actual results may differ materially from those 
expressed in or implied by such statements.

Important factors that could cause actual results, performance or 
achievements of British Land to differ materially from any outcomes or 
results expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements include, 
among other things: (a) general business and political, social and economic 
conditions globally, (b) the outcome and consequences of the referendum on 
Britain leaving the EU, (c) industry and market trends (including demand in 
the property investment market and property price volatility), (d) competition, 
(e) the behaviour of other market participants, (f) changes in government and 
other regulation, including in relation to the environment, health and safety 
and taxation (in particular, in respect of British Land’s status as a Real Estate 
Investment Trust), (g) inflation and consumer confidence, (h) labour relations 
and work stoppages, (i) natural disasters and adverse weather conditions, 
(j) terrorism and acts of war, (k) British Land’s overall business strategy, 
risk appetite and investment choices in its portfolio management, (l) legal 
or other proceedings against or affecting British Land, (m) reliable and 
secure IT infrastructure, (n) changes in occupier demand and tenant default, 
(o) changes in financial and equity markets including interest and exchange 
rate fluctuations, (p) changes in accounting practices and the interpretation 
of accounting standards and (q) the availability and cost of finance. The 
Company’s principal risks are described in greater detail in the section  
of this Press Release headed Managing risk in delivering our strategy. 
Forward-looking statements in this Press Release, or the British Land 
website or made subsequently, which are attributable to British Land or 
persons acting on its behalf should therefore be construed in light of 
all such factors.

Information contained in this Press Release relating to British Land or its 
share price or the yield on its shares are not guarantees of, and should not 
be relied upon as an indicator of, future performance, and nothing in this 
Press Release should be construed as a profit forecast. Any forward-looking 
statements made by or on behalf of British Land speak only as of the date they 
are made. Such forward-looking statements are expressly qualified in their 
entirety by the factors referred to above and no representation, assurance, 
guarantee or warranty is given in relation to them (whether by British Land 
or any of its associates, Directors, officers, employees or advisers), including 
as to their completeness, accuracy or the basis on which they were prepared.

Other than in accordance with our legal and regulatory obligations (including 
under the UK Financial Conduct Authority’s Listing Rules and Disclosure 
Rules and Transparency Rules), British Land does not intend or undertake to 
update or revise forward-looking statements to reflect any changes in British 
Land’s expectations with regard thereto or any changes in information, 
events, conditions or circumstances on which any such statement is based. 
This document shall not, under any circumstances, create any implication 
that there has been no change in the business or affairs of British Land since 
the date of this document or that the information contained herein is correct 
as at any time subsequent to this date.

204

British Land    Annual Report and Accounts 2016

 
 
 
Design and production 
Addison Group 
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Photography 

Board photography
Barry Willis

#SayCheesegrater
During the year we held our 
#SayCheesegrater Instagram 
competition. We have used  
two photographs in this report  
which were taken by:
Tom Mearns @themearns
Sonni Modi @stealth_hquk
Ross Dickson @dickson.ross

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Printed by CPI Colour, an ISO 14001, FSC 
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Head Office and registered office
York House
45 Seymour Street
London
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Telephone +44 (0)20 7486 4466
Fax +44 (0)20 7935 5552

www.britishland.com

info@britishland.com

@BritishLandPLC