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Grainger

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FY2003 Annual Report · Grainger
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>
Annual Report and 
Accounts 2003

Continued growth and
development

This year, the growth
of our business
combined with the skill
base of our employees
has given us positive
differentiation in the
marketplace.

>
Tenanted 
Residential 

Our core business lies in the tenanted residential market 
and, in particular, in the regulated and life tenancy sectors. 
As owners/managers of over 12,000 tenanted properties, 
we are the UK’s largest quoted residential landlord.

>

£1.2bn

Property valuation

£63.3m

Operating contribution*
Grainger Trust plus 50%
share of Bromley Joint
Venture

12,030

Number of properties

82%

Proportion of group
operating contribution

*Profit on ordinary activities before
interest and taxation

Development 
and Trading

The Development and Trading Division focuses on high return,
cash-generative projects. This includes the identification and
purchase of land and investment property for residential and
mixed-use development.

£130m

Property valuation

£13.6m

Operating contribution*

57

Number of properties/
development sites

18%

Proportion of group
operating contribution

>
Contents

01 Highlights of the year
02 Chairman’s statement
04 Chief executive’s statement
06 Operating and financial

review

Our business in action
12 Local market knowledge –

nationwide

14 Professional asset
management skills
16 A growing reputation 
in equity release

18 Creating value through

regeneration and
partnerships

20 Corporate Social
Responsibility 
22 Board of directors

23 Corporate governance report
25 Directors’ report
28 Remuneration committee

report

33 Independent auditors’ report
34 Financial statements 

and accounts

60 Notice of the annual 
general meeting
62 Five year record
63 Shareholders’ information
64 Glossary of terms

>
Financial highlights 
2003

£21.94

Net asset value per share*
2002: £17.24
+27%

118.5p

Earnings per share
2002: 95.3p**
+24%

£48.5m

Profit before tax
2002: £44.9m**
+8%

16.31p

Dividends per share
2002: 14.18p
+15%

*After adjusting for the market value of
trading properties and investments

**Excluding exceptional item

>
Highlights of the year

> Acquisition of outstanding share of the Bromley Joint

Venture has doubled our property asset base to £1.3bn.

> With the acquisition we have confirmed our position 
as the largest quoted investor in residential property 
in the UK.

> Significant increase in exposure to life tenancies now

totalling 2,300 units.

> Development and Trading Division continues to make
progress with our appointment as preferred developer
for a major mixed-use scheme and an increased
contribution from our house building operation.

>
Grainger Trust plc 
2003

>
During 2003, Grainger Trust more than doubled the size of its
asset base by completing an acquisition that began in 2001. 
It has enabled us to extend our specialist capabilities in
managing a large-scale tenanted residential portfolio and
opened up opportunities to develop our life tenancy business.
In parallel, we have continued to make progress in our
development and trading activities. 

£1.3bn

Total value of property assets
2002: £0.5bn

Specialist
page 12

Trusted
page 16

Capable 
page 14

Developing
page 18

01
Grainger Trust plc 
Highlights of the year

>
Chairman’s statement

We will continue to develop our key themes;
focusing on tenanted residential activities,
particularly the regulated sector but with the
new challenge of developing the life tenancy
business, applying our property and asset
management skills to produce additional
returns for the group and maintaining the
momentum in our Development and 
Trading Division.

Profit before tax and exceptional items has increased by 8% to
£48.5m (2002: pre exceptional item £44.9m). Grainger’s own 
profit before tax and exceptional items rose 20% to £37.7m from
£31.4m, driven by a rise in profits from trading sales in our Tenanted
Residential Division. We did not acquire the outstanding interest in
Bromley until our year end and so have only included a 50% share
of its results. As expected Bromley’s pre tax profits were lower at
£10.8m from £13.5m last year because of the very significant
£330m asset disposal programme in 2002. The post tax
contribution has, however, remained relatively constant because 
the disposal programme produced a disproportionately high tax
charge. The increase in group post tax profitability has produced 
a rise of 24% in earnings per share before exceptional items to
118.5p from 95.3p. Statutory earnings per share increased by 
40% to 118.5p from 84.6p. 

Net asset value per share (‘NAV’) after adjusting for the market 
value of our trading properties and investments has risen by 27% 
to £21.94 from £17.24. NNNAV, which takes account of all deferred
tax liabilities and adjustments for the market value of our long-term
debt and financial instruments, has advanced by 16% to £13.91
from £12.03. Net asset value on a statutory balance sheet basis is
£6.01 (2002: £4.89).

For the first time we are disclosing an alternative measure of NNNAV
to take into account the potential value of the reversionary surplus in
our regulated and life tenancy portfolios. This is the difference
between the vacant possession value of our properties and the
investment or market value, and currently stands at £455m. We
have calculated the anticipated timing of the realisation of that
surplus, discounted it back to present value and then deducted 
tax. This produces a discounted post tax reversionary surplus
amounting to £111.2m or £4.49 per share. When added to NNNAV
we obtain a ‘Grainger NAV’ of £18.40 per share. Full details of the
calculation are given in the operating and financial review. 

02
Grainger Trust plc 
Chairman’s statement

Robert Dickinson 
Chairman

Your directors are recommending a final dividend of 12.80p per
share (2002: 11.13p), payable on 5 March 2004 to shareholders on
the register at close of business on 13 February 2004. This together
with the interim dividend of 3.51p per share (2002: 3.05p) amounts
to a total of 16.31p per share (2002: 14.18p), an increase of 15%
for the fifth consecutive year.

During the year we successfully refinanced our Bromley Joint
Venture, comprising the BPT portfolio, lowering borrowing costs 
and enabling a dividend of £52.0m to be paid to each of the Joint
Venture partners. BPT was further rationalised during the year and
now comprises a portfolio principally of core regulated assets.
Towards the year end we acquired Deutsche Bank’s interest, to take
full control of the business. This is the major factor in the doubling 
of the group’s asset base (market value at 30 September 2003
£1,388m, 2002: £691m) and has been achieved without recourse
to shareholder funding.

Our tenanted residential business has prospered during the year
and we continued to buy additional stock. In the year Grainger
purchased a total of 1,736 units for £112.2m, and at the year end
our portfolio, including the BPT assets, stood at 12,030 units with a
market value of £1,164m and vacant possession value of £1,648m.
These acquisitions included 918 life tenancy units bought from NPI
for £40.5m, taking our total life tenancy portfolio to 2,291 units with
a market value of £134.3m.

Share price
performance
1999-2003 (p)

99
149.3 

00
220.3 

01
295.0 

02
391.9

03
547.0

Grainger Trust

FTSE 250 Index

Performance of our share price
compared to the FTSE Mid 250
companies.

Profit before 
tax* (£m)

99
12.4

00
16.4

01
21.1

02
44.9

03
48.5

Earnings per
share* (p)

99
35.7

00
44.1

01
52.5

02
95.3

03
118.5

Net asset
value per
share** (£)

99
7.13

00
9.79

01
13.56

02
17.24

03
21.94

Activity profile
The Pimlico development is due
for completion in 2004.

Activity profile
Following the acquisition of the
balance of the Bromley Joint
Venture, our staff have been
actively involved in the integration
of the two companies.

Our development and trading business has generated operating
contributions of £13.6m and we have several exciting opportunities
in the pipeline. In particular, we announced in June 2003 that we
had been selected by Islington Council to develop two key mixed-
use sites in the Borough. 

The acquisition of Bromley not only brings us complete ownership
of a high quality portfolio of residential assets but also provides us
with a core of experienced and efficient staff. This, combined with
our longstanding network of external managing agents, enables us
to achieve high quality national coverage, able to supply both asset
and property management services. 

John Ward will be leaving the board at the annual general meeting.
John was appointed as a non-executive director on 24 February
1994 and has been chairman of the audit committee since 18 June
2002. He brought a high level of general commercial and detailed
banking knowledge to the group. We thank him for his very
significant contribution.

We are pleased with the progress made on the business’s
objectives in the year. In particular, the acquisition of Bromley
provides us with both the asset base and core of skilled, experienced
staff that enables us to deliver effective residential asset and
property management services on a national basis, not only for 
our own activities, but also to third parties. 

We will continue to develop our key themes; focusing on tenanted
residential activities, particularly the regulated sector but with the
new challenge of developing the life tenancy business, applying 
our property and asset management skills to produce additional
returns for the group and maintaining the momentum in our
Development and Trading Division.

Dividends per
share (p)

99
9.32

00
10.72

01
12.33

02
14.18

03
16.31

The future looks both exciting and rewarding. 

Robert Dickinson
Chairman
16 January 2004

*Excluding exceptional items
**After adjusting for the market value of
trading properties and investments

03
Grainger Trust plc 
Chairman’s statement

>
Chief executive’s statement

The major event of the year has been the
acquisition of Bromley. This confirms our
position as the largest quoted residential
investor in the UK.

+26%

Average sale value
Sales of Grainger’s properties on
vacant possession have achieved
an average amount of £110,000,
an increase of 26% in the year
2002-03.

Rupert Dickinson 
Chief executive

04
Grainger Trust plc 
Chief executive’s statement

An effective management structure
The mix of skills within our
management teams enables
decisions to be acted upon quickly
and efficiently throughout the
business. Pictured is our London
based management team.

Activity profile
Major projects within our Development and Trading
Division included the profitable sales of Townsend
House in Victoria and further residential land sales
at Kennel Farm, near Basingstoke.

Future revenue is expected to arise from overage payments, the
development of the B1 site and from the sale of some minor
residential areas. Over the last five years, total revenues from Kennel
Farm have amounted to £62m. 

We started the year with four key objectives:
– to maximise the benefits from Bromley, our Joint Venture company 
– to continue to focus on our core tenanted residential business

and, in particular, to develop our life tenancy activities

– to progress our development and trading business, realising profits
where appropriate and creating effective relationships with partners

– to develop our asset and property management capabilities so

Our key strengths lie in our knowledge and experience of all sectors
of the residential market, including mixed-use developments, and
our ability to trade in those sectors. We will therefore concentrate on
residential or mixed-use opportunities or on projects which have a
residential bias. We are moving away from pure commercial
property investment, although we shall continue to be involved in
commercial property where we perceive residential opportunities. 

that we can offer a high quality, national service 

We are delighted to have made significant progress in all of these
areas, whilst delivering record profitability and net asset value.

Our operating divisions have performed well this year with both
Tenanted Residential and Development and Trading delivering
improved contributions. 

Once again trading profits on residential sales have been very
strong. The housing market has remained robust throughout the
year, particularly for our core properties. Typically these are slightly
below the average UK house price value and may require some
refurbishment by the purchaser. In London, where we have
approximately 43% of our tenanted residential portfolio by value, 
we noticed some weakening of the market in the early part of the
year, particularly at the higher end, but it has strengthened recently.
In the regions we have seen consistent growth. Overall Grainger’s
properties have achieved an average vacant possession sale value
of £110,000, an increase of 26% from 2002. 

We have continued to strengthen our position in the life tenancy
market. We see this sector as being an increasingly important
component of the Grainger business in the future, providing
excellent reversionary opportunities and good synergies with the
existing core regulated activities. Given the appetite shown by home
owners to realise some or all of the equity in their properties, we
believe this market has potential for significant growth.

Disposals from the commercial portfolio will reduce gearing and free
up resources for our core businesses. Since the year end we have
exchanged contracts on the sale of over £20m of commercial
property. Over the next year we will continue to purchase regulated
assets and to maximise the returns that we can obtain by selling on
vacancy. We will grow our life tenancy portfolio and look for structures
enabling us to do this without putting undue strain on gearing. 

The major event of the year, however, has been the acquisition of
Bromley. This confirms our position as the largest quoted residential
investor in the UK and enables a move from a Joint Venture
business plan focused on cash generation to a platform from which
we can take a long-term view.

Following the acquisition we are restructuring the property
management division which will strengthen our ability to provide high
quality asset and property management services nationally. We
believe that this ability will be of paramount importance in raising
equity funding should a REIT (Real Estate Investment Trust) structure
for tax transparent investment vehicles be introduced in the UK.

Grainger has a valuable pool of talented and committed staff – with
the enlarged asset base now available to them we are confident of
our ability to continue to deliver excellent returns for our
shareholders.

The Development and Trading Division continues to make a
significant contribution, with good profits being made on sales of
residential land at Kennel Farm and Townsend House in Victoria.
Since the year end we have sold a further 10.9 acres for £12m at
Kennel Farm completing the major residential land sales on that site.

Rupert Dickinson
Chief executive
16 January 2004

05
Grainger Trust plc 
Chief executive’s statement

>
Operating and financial review

Another successful year with record levels
being achieved in our key performance
indicators – profit before tax, earnings per
share and net asset value.

Operational management 
Our North East based
management team.

Andrew Cunningham
Deputy chief executive 
and finance director

06
Grainger Trust plc 
Operating and financial review

Regional distribution of residential
portfolio by capital value:

United Kingdom

Greater London

14

13

12

11

10

9

8

5

7

4

1

2

6

3

Geographical region
12  Central London
13  Inner London
14  Outer London

value
11%
17%
15%

Geographical region
1  Greater London
2  South East
3  South West
4  East
5  East Midlands
6  West Midlands
7  Wales
8  Yorkshire
9  North West
10 North East
11 Scotland

value
43%
19%
6%
7%
3%
10%
0%
3%
7%
1%
1%

includes our 50% share of the Joint Venture’s results. In future years,
all of Bromley’s results will be consolidated with those of the
Grainger group. 

The cash consideration for the acquisition was £24.3m, with up to a
maximum additional amount of £10.0m payable in December 2004
if the Nationwide UK House Price Index rises by more than 10% in
the two year period to August 2004. Since the year end we have
also purchased Deutsche Bank’s outstanding loan stock and
accrued interest amounting to £15.7m.

The rationalisation of the portfolio continued with the sale of 
1,519 units raising gross revenues of £150.9m. The Joint Venture
contributed trading profits of £18.9m (2002: £26.6m) and net rents
of £8.3m (2002: £13.6m). These decreases were anticipated
because of the very significant disposal programme in 2002. 
Our share of administrative expenses fell from £7.3m to £3.9m,
reflecting the controlled scaling down of the business in line with 
the portfolio rationalisation and cost saving measures put in place. 

Development and Trading
Including profits on sales of fixed assets and writebacks of valuation
provisions this division contributed £14.6m (2002: £13.6m). 

We sold a total of 16.4 acres of development land at Kennel Farm
and adjacent sites, generating revenue of £15.5m and profits of
£8.5m. Other major revenue generators in the year have been
Townsend House (19,000 sq.ft. office block in Victoria sold for
£8.2m, profit £2.7m) and Grainger Homes, our housebuilding
division, which sold 68 units for a total of £6.0m, generating profit 
of £0.8m. Contracts have been exchanged on 62 flats out of the
total of 79 at the Pimlico development site. We anticipate these to
complete early in 2004 at a total sales value in excess of £30m. 

Administrative expenses
These have increased by 7% from £4.4m to £4.7m but at less 
than 4% of turnover are lower proportionally than last year. The
movement has arisen because of inflation and an increase in 
staff numbers. 

Performance
Tenanted Residential
During the year 655 properties were sold for a gross consideration
of £64.0m (2002: 785 for £51.0m) and trading profits rose by 25%
to £29.2m from £23.3m. Gross rents fell slightly by 1% to £16.6m
from £16.8m, reflecting the higher proportion of life tenancy
properties, which are non rent producing. This was more than
compensated for by savings in property expenses of £0.4m.

Tenanted Residential portfolio

Vacant
No. of  possession
value 

residential
properties

% of 
Vacant
£m possession

Investment
value 
£m

Current
gross 
rent
£m

Estimated
market
rent 
£m

Regulated
Assured tenancies
Vacant properties
Life tenancies
Other interests

8,212
1,087
440
2,291
–

1,162
134
59
263
30

72
85
86
51
73

843
114
51
134
22

Total  
30 Sept 2003

Total  
30 Sept 2002

12,030

1,648

71

1,164

4,928

524

74

394

31
6
–
–
1

38

17

37
6
–
–
1

44

21

The increase in portfolio size comes from the Bromley acquisition
and from our life tenancy acquisitions – these now represent 19%
by unit number of properties owned (2002: 4%). 

Assuming sale on vacancy, the reversion on our tenanted 
residential portfolio (the difference between the vacant possession
and investment values) now amounts to £484m, or £19.55 per
share, before contingent tax. 

The average vacant possession value of our properties at 
30 September 2003 rose by 40% to £144,000 (2002: £103,000) 
as a result both of house price rises and of consolidating the higher
average value BPT portfolio. 

Bromley Joint Venture
The group acquired the balance of the Bromley Joint Venture at 
the end of its financial year and so the group profit and loss account

07
Grainger Trust plc 
Operating and financial review

£1,388m

Total market value of assets
Our asset base has more than
doubled by the acquisition of
Bromley.

Operating and
financial review 
continued

Activity profile
Grainger Homes’ residential
development in Seahouses 
will provide 77 units, all of which
are now exchanged or under offer.

Activity profile
Staff development and training
are essential aspects of our
business.

Net interest payable
Net interest payable, including our share of the Joint Venture charge
and after having taken account of last year’s exceptional charge of
£3.8m, has decreased to £28.4m from £37.6m. The group has
carried a lower average level of debt in the year, the cash generated
by the Bromley rationalisation being a major factor, and our average
rate of interest payable has been lower at 5.6% (2002: 6.5%). The
average cost of the debt in Bromley fell to 6.2% from 7.6%. Group
interest cost is covered 2.7 times by profit before exceptional items,
interest and taxation (2002: 2.2 times).

Taxation
As noted in previous years our annual tax charge is significantly
affected by FRS19, the accounting standard that prevents the
provision of deferred tax on revaluation gains when companies are
acquired. This serves to increase our effective tax rate, which this
year stands at 39.4% (2002: 49.2%); the equivalent figure for
Grainger alone is 31.5% (2002: 34.2%). Major items affecting the 
tax charge, most of which relate to Bromley, are:

Group profit before tax

Tax at 30%
Adjusted for:
Additional tax on the difference between book value 
and tax value of trading properties sales
Negative goodwill released (not taxable)
Tax on capital gains

Actual tax charge

£m

48.5

14.5

4.4
(1.5)
1.7

19.1

Earnings per share and dividends
Earnings per share before exceptional items have increased by 24%
from 95.3p to 118.5p and we have increased our dividends by
15%. Dividends are covered 7.3 times by profit after taxation and
minority interest (2002: 6.7 times on a like for like basis).

08
Grainger Trust plc 
Operating and financial review

Financial position
General
The group balance sheet has changed significantly since 2002 as
the acquisition of the Bromley Joint Venture has resulted in its
assets and liabilities being consolidated for the first time.

Most of our properties are held as trading stock and are therefore
shown in the balance sheet at cost. This does not reflect the true
worth of Grainger’s assets and we set out below a statement of 
our net assets with the properties restated to market value.

Proforma net asset statement

Properties at market value:
Tenanted Residential 
Development and Trading

Investments
Other assets
Cash

Total assets
Borrowings
Net current liabilities
Deferred tax/other liabilities

Total liabilities

Net assets

30 Sept 
2003
£m

30 Sept
2002
£m

1,163.9
130.0

1,293.9
10.9
1.0
81.7

393.6
132.1

525.7
153.9
0.7
10.5

1,387.5
(761.2)
(68.9)
(14.0)

690.8
(233.7)
(26.7)
(3.7)

(844.1)

(264.1)

543.4

426.7

Fixed assets
Fixed assets in the statutory balance sheet have increased from
£21.7m to £109.1m, the major movements being the effect of 
the Bromley acquisition, £84.7m, and surpluses on revaluation of
£3.1m. Of the year end property value of £108.1m, £84.4m relates
to tenanted residential properties and £23.7m to commercial
investment properties. 

Figure 1.
Analysis of our NAV and NNNAV

Properties
Investments/other assets
Negative goodwill
Cash

Total assets

Borrowings
Net current liabilities 
Provisions/contingent tax
Minority interest

Total liabilities

Net assets 

2003 Net assets per share £

2002 Net assets per share £

Statutory
balance
sheet 
£m 

996.4
10.2
(97.2)
81.7

991.1

(761.2)
(68.1)
(12.8)
(0.1)

(842.2)

148.9

6.01

4.89

Market
value
adjustments
£m 

297.5
1.7
97.2
–

396.4

–
(0.8)
–
(1.1)

(1.9)

394.5

15.93

12.35

Market
value
balance 
sheet 
£m 

1,293.9
11.9
–
81.7

1,387.5

(761.2)
(68.9)
(12.8)
(1.2)

(844.1)

543.4

21.94

17.24

FRS13
£m 

Contingent
tax 
£m 

–
–
–
–

–

(11.0)
–
3.3
–

(7.7)

(7.7)

–
–
–
–

–

–
–
(191.3)
–

(191.3)

(0.31)

(7.72)

(0.48)

(4.73)

NNNAV
balance
sheet
£m

1,293.9
11.9
–
81.7

1,387.5

(772.2)
(68.9)
(200.8)
(1.2)

344.4

13.91

12.03

(191.3)

(1,043.1)

Investments and intangible assets
Investment balances have decreased significantly because of 
the reclassification of the investment in the Bromley Joint Venture 
on consolidation. Other investments, being shares held in 
Grainger Trust plc for employee benefit purposes and our
investment in Schroders ResPUT, have increased in market value 
by £1.1m to £10.9m. Book value of these investments is £9.2m
(2002: £8.9m). 

The negative intangible asset of £97.2m shown in the statutory
balance sheet principally reflects negative goodwill arising on the
acquisition of Bromley. It will be released to the profit and loss
account in line with sales from the Bromley portfolio. 

Trading properties
Our trading properties can be analysed as follows:

Other assets and liabilities
Other net liabilities, excluding current instalments due on borrowings
and cash balances, have increased from £26.7m to £68.9m. This is
largely due to the loan stock and accrued interest due to Deutsche
Bank at the year end of £15.7m and increases in sundry creditors
and taxation payable as a result of consolidating our Joint Venture
interest. 

Net assets
Net assets at market value have increased from £426.7m to
£543.4m. The major movements are:

Net assets at 1 October 2002

121.1

305.6

426.7

Reflected
in the
accounts
£m

Not
reflected
in the
accounts
£m

Total
£m

Statutory balance sheet
30 Sept
2002
£m 

30 Sept
2003
£m

Tenanted Residential 
Development and Trading 

807.2
81.1

224.4
80.7

Market value balance sheet
30 Sept
2002
£m

30 Sept 
2003
£m

1,079.5
106.3

393.6
111.1

Retained profits
Revaluation surpluses:
Grainger Tenanted Residential
Development and Trading
Investments

25.3

–

–
6.2
–

–
(2.9)
(0.8)

30.7
(5.3)
0.8

(4.7)
69.3
(1.9)

25.3

30.7
0.9
0.8

(4.7)
66.4
(2.7)

Negative goodwill movements
Effect of acquisition of Bromley 
Other share capital and reserve movements

Total for the year

27.8

88.9

116.7

Net assets at 30 September 2003

148.9

394.5

543.4

Net assets per share £

6.01

15.93

21.94

Net assets per share have increased by £4.70 from £17.24 to
£21.94, the increase coming from retained earnings less negative
goodwill of 83p, revaluation surpluses of £1.31, a one-off increase
coming from the acquisition of Bromley of £2.68 and a decrease
from sundry movements of 12p. 

To obtain the figure of NNNAV per share, adjustments to the market
value of long-term debt and derivatives and for contingent tax are
made. These amount to 31p and £7.72 per share respectively 
(2002: 48p and £4.73).

The analysis of our NAV and NNNAV is set out in figure 1 above.

Total 

888.3

305.1

1,185.8

504.7

The cost of our tenanted residential stock as shown in our statutory
balance sheet has increased from £224.4m to £807.2m. We acquired
£112.2m of properties in the year, had sales or write offs of £33.1m,
improvement costs of £3.2m and the balance of the movement,
£500.5m, came from the consolidation of the Bromley assets. 

The market value figures also show a significant increase from
£393.6m to £1,079.5m, of which £572.9m arises from the Bromley
consolidation. The remaining movement is due to valuation
surpluses of £48.3m and the net effect of sales, acquisitions and
transfers of £64.7m. The overall valuation increase in this portfolio
over the course of the year amounts to 9.4%. The total market
value of all our tenanted residential properties, including those
classified as fixed assets, is £1,163.9m (2002: £393.6m).

The overall value of the group’s development and trading assets
remained relatively constant over the year. The decrease in market
value from £111.1m to £106.3m is the result of the net effect of
sales at Kennel Farm and Townsend House and expenditure, 
mostly at Grainger Homes and our development in Slough. 

09
Grainger Trust plc 
Operating and financial review

£118m

Turnover
Turnover increased 14% to
£118.0m from £103.5m.

Operating and
financial review 
continued

Activity profile
The increase in the size of the
Tenanted Residential portfolio 
is a result of our Bromley 
and life tenancy acquisitions –
these now represent 19% 
by unit number of properties
owned (2002: 4%). 

We have also calculated a ‘Grainger NAV’. This reflects our estimate
of the present value of the reversionary surplus in our regulated and
life tenancy portfolios, being the difference between vacant
possession value and market value after tax. Using our knowledge
of the age profile of these tenants we have estimated the expected
average timing of future vacancies (based on standard current
mortality rates, which may change in the future) and the subsequent
realisation of the reversionary surpluses. We have calculated the
present value of those surpluses net of tax using 8.9% (our weighted
average cost of capital plus a risk premium of three percentage
points) as a discount rate. This adjustment increases NNNAV by
£4.49 per share to £18.40 per share (2002: £14.43). Our calculation
is based upon current house prices, i.e. no future house price
movement is assumed. 

Cash and debt
Cash balances at the year end amounted to £81.7m (2002: £10.5m),
of which £53.8m (2002: £6.6m) is held by lenders awaiting
substitution of alternative security, represents deposits received 
or acts as security for cash backed loan notes.

Group borrowings have increased from £233.7m to £761.2m, 
as the Bromley debt is now consolidated into the Grainger balance
sheet. This debt, amounting to £493.7m, remains non-recourse 
to the rest of the Grainger group. New borrowings in the year
amounted to £64.0m (2002: £47.1m); these were used to finance
the acquisition of the Joint Venture and the NPI life tenancy portfolio.
Loan repayments were £30.2m (2002: £38.4m). 

10
Grainger Trust plc 
Operating and financial review

+25%

Tenanted Residential 
trading profits
Trading profits rose by 25% from
£23.3m to £29.2m.

Gearing on a revalued balance sheet basis has moved to 125% 
from 52%.

Cash flow
The significant elements in Grainger’s cash flow were:

Receipts
Net rents and other income
Property sales
Net new loans
Cash acquired on acquisition of subsidiaries
Dividends from Joint Venture

Payments
Interest, tax and dividends
Acquisition of subsidiaries
Property acquisitions
Working capital movements/other costs

Increase in cash in the year

£m

13
95
34
75
52

269

26
26
139
7

198

71

The Grainger business is by its nature strongly cash generative. 
Net income from rents and property sales amounted to £108m 
(2002: £96m). 

Activity profile
During the year we completed the
refurbishment and sale of Evelyn
Gardens, London SW7.

The notional effect of the fair value adjustment of marking the
group’s fixed rate debt and derivatives to current market rates
(‘FRS13 adjustments’) would be to produce an additional ‘liability’
after tax of £7.7m or 31p per share (2002: 48p). This adjustment
represents approximately 1% of group gross borrowings at 
30 September 2003 and will not be recognised in the accounts 
until the position matures or is terminated.

The group also maintains a range of borrowing maturities to enable 
it to balance continuity of funding with flexibility. At 30 September
2003 the average duration of the group’s debt was 6.0 years 
(2002: 6.9 years).

Since the year end we have announced the repayment of the
outstanding £2.5m balance of our 2024 quoted debenture stock 
at an early redemption cost of £1.8m. The administrative burden
associated with this relatively small level of debt exceeded the
benefit we obtained from it.

Andrew Cunningham
Deputy chief executive 
and finance director
16 January 2004

Capital management
The group finances its operations through a combination of
shareholders’ funds and borrowings and seeks to optimise its
weighted average cost of capital (‘WACC’). The estimated WACC 
of the group at 30 September 2003 was 5.89% (2002: 6.34%).

The main source of borrowings are banks and building societies 
but the group also has fixed rate institutional debt of £19.9m 
(2002: £20.5m). The group protects its underlying profitability 
from treasury risk by managing both its level and cost of debt. 

The group does not take trading positions in financial instruments
but holds them to minimise the risk of exposure to fluctuating interest
rates. The majority of our debt is maintained at fixed rates of interest
or is subject to protective caps or collars. At 30 September 2003,
£611.7m (80%) of the group debt was either fixed to termination, 
or for over one year, or was protected by financial instruments
(2002: £185.5m, 79%). 

A combination of interest rate swaps and financial caps is used to
provide a degree of certainty over future interest rate costs whilst
enabling the group to take advantage of any favourable short term
rates. At 30 September 2003 the group held £298.4m of swap
contracts at an average rate of 5.4% maturing between June 2006
and September 2013 (2002: £87.5m at an average rate of 5.3%).
There were also financial caps in place of £235.1m at an average
pre margin rate of 6.1%, expiring between February 2004 and
December 2009 (2002: £102.5m at an average rate of 6.5%).
A summary of our borrowings is:

Permanently fixed
Hedged by swap contracts
Hedged by financial caps
Variable/fixed under one year

Total debt

Less: cash

Net debt

Repayable

2004-32
2006-12
2004-09
2004-22

Principal

Interest
£m payable %

8.1
6.6
5.0
4.7

5.9

78.2
298.4
235.1
149.5

761.2

(81.7)

679.5

11
Grainger Trust plc 
Operating and financial review

>
Local market 
knowledge – 
nationwide

Trading profit in our core business is derived
from the buying and selling of residential
property.

During the year, Grainger bought 1,736
properties with a value of over £112m and
sold 655 with a total value of £64m; in
addition BPT sold 1,519 properties for £151m.
This volume of transactions within the
residential sector demands a high degree 
of commercial, legal and administrative
capability in addition to an in-depth
knowledge of local market forces and trends. 

Our highly experienced acquisition teams
have developed a network of contacts who

provide a steady stream of opportunities, 
from individual properties to sizeable
portfolios. As property specialists in their own
right, the acquisition teams are able to assess
the potential of each opportunity, in the light
of local and national market criteria. 

Similarly, our sales teams are highly skilled 
in assessing values and making measured
judgements as to the level of refurbishment
that may be required to optimise the return 
on our investment. We believe that through
these processes we are able to achieve out-
performance.

Specialist

On our way to becoming the largest quoted residential
investor in the UK, we have acquired an unrivalled specialist
knowledge of the tenanted residential sector.

12
Grainger Trust plc 
Our business in action

Our acquisition teams work alongside
agency contacts to identify investment
opportunities.

All refurbishments are carried out to
the highest quality based on a clear
understanding of current market
demands.

£112m

In 2003, we purchased tenanted
residential properties with a total
value of £112m compared with
£85.8m in 2002.

13
Grainger Trust plc 
Our business in action

>
Professional asset
management skills

In 2003, the size of our tenanted residential
portfolio rose from 4,928 properties to 12,030,
mainly as a result of full acquisition of BPT 
via the Bromley Joint Venture. This high level
of growth has been challenging, but the
experience and knowledge within the
management and administrative teams at
Grainger Trust and the former BPT have
ensured that the integration and rationalisation
process is being achieved efficiently and
effectively. 

Our nationwide business now operates through
six offices, each of which is responsible for
understanding the dynamics of its local
market and maintaining firm control of

management issues. Good communication
between the senior management team and
the regional network ensures rapid feedback
from local markets. 

We have continued to invest in new IT systems
to enhance management control of the
portfolio and provide quick access to the
most relevant information.

Our proven asset management capability is
now being successfully deployed on behalf 
of Schroders Residential Property Unit Trust,
for whom we manage over 1,000 properties,
most of which have recently been constructed
and are let on assured shorthold tenancies.

Capable

The management of a portfolio of over 12,000 tenanted residential
properties with an investment value of £1.2bn demands a 
co-ordinated and consistent professional management approach.

14
Grainger Trust plc 
Our business in action

Our property managers undertake
regular inspections of properties and
provide a proactive and entrepreneurial
approach.

1,000+

We now manage over 1,000 properties
for Schroders Residential Property 
Unit Trust.

We continue to invest in developing
strong management tools such as a
‘best practice’ intranet guide.

Our residential portfolio is managed 
by a network of six offices, giving us
a nationwide presence:
Altrincham – Cheshire
Epsom – Surrey
Harborne – Birmingham
Knightsbridge – London
Martlesham – Suffolk
Newcastle upon Tyne – Tyne & Wear

15
Grainger Trust plc 
Our business in action

>
A growing
reputation in
equity release

As pension income becomes less assured,
many homeowners are looking to release
capital tied up in their homes in order to fund
a better lifestyle in retirement.

Through our Bridgewater brand, we offer
homeowners the opportunity to receive a cash
lump sum and rent free occupation for life in
return for ownership or part-ownership of the
customer’s home. On vacancy, the property is
sold and a trading profit is realised.

Bridgewater is one of the main players in this
sector and is a long-standing member of Safe
Home Income Plans (SHIP), a body set up to
promote fair equity release plans and protect
the interests of planholders by ensuring
adherence to a code of practice. 

With the acquisition of BPT in 2003, our
portfolio now comprises almost 2,300 homes,
valued at £134m, and we foresee further
significant growth in this sector.  

Trusted

Our experience, reputation and scale in the property sector
have enabled us to build an opportunity for growth in home
reversion plans.

16
Grainger Trust plc 
Our business in action

£134m

Our life tenancy portfolio has
increased in size from £10m in
2002 to £134m in 2003.

Our Bridgewater brand offers customers
the opportunity to sell their property
ownership in return for a rent free
occupation for the rest of their life. 

17
Grainger Trust plc 
Our business in action

>
Creating 
value through 
regeneration 
and partnerships

Covering land development, house building
and mixed-use development, our development
and trading activities are becoming increasingly
focused on the residential sector.

Affordable housing is becoming an increasingly
important consideration in relation to
regeneration proposals, and we have developed
closer links with affordable housing providers.

We can now offer a total development solution,
from the initial promotion of greenfield/
brownfield sites by our land development team
to the physical construction of buildings by
Grainger Homes, our housebuilding subsidiary. 

We are actively seeking investment
opportunities where we can promote higher
density or mixed-use development through 
the planning process. 

We have established a number of joint venture
agreements with both individuals and corporates
aimed at generating revenues through
development or trading. With our entrepreneurial
approach, decisive management style, access
to funding and experience in residential and
commercial sectors, we are well placed to add
significant value. We will continue to build links
with key business partners.

Developing

Successful development of land or property is a collaborative
exercise in which our skills and assets can generate benefits
for customers, communities and shareholders.

18
Grainger Trust plc 
Our business in action

Our reputation and straightforward
approach have enabled us to
establish strong joint venture
relationships with key partners.

£62m

Over the last five years, total revenues
from Kennel Farm (opposite) near
Basingstoke, have amounted to £62m. 

19
Grainger Trust plc 
Our business in action

>
Corporate Social Responsibility 

Three year objectives

1 To identify CSR issues and develop a strategic
response to stakeholder information requests.

2 To formalise Human Resources systems to provide
support and appropriate CSR training for all staff.

3 To structure our approach to charitable giving 

and community support. 

4 To ensure compliance with all applicable social 
and environmental legislation as a minimum.

Generating local interest
A Shields Gazette article featuring
football legend Pele, Grainger
Trust and pupils from Brinkburn
Comprehensive School.

Corporate Social Responsibility – Policy

Highlights

Grainger Trust plc is a property trading and development business.
We manage residential and commercial space as well as
undertaking commercial and residential developments. We
understand that our activities can have an impact on the
surrounding environment through the consumption of resources
and generation of waste and pollution. We also have an impact on
society, local communities and our employees. Grainger Trust plc
seeks to address these impacts by:

–

–

–

–

–

identifying areas where we have an impact on the environment
and society, either positive or negative, and ensuring that these
impacts are managed effectively; 
integrating environmental and social issues into business
strategies and developing objectives and targets to continually
improve our environmental and social performance;
ensuring that we treat our tenants in a fair and responsible
manner;
encouraging and supporting our employees in developing 
their careers within Grainger Trust and continuing to share 
our success with them;
complying with relevant environmental and social legislation
and standards of relevance to the industry sectors in which 
we operate;

– preventing pollution where feasible and minimising the use 
of resources and the generation of waste where practical;
– working with all stakeholders who have an interest in our

–

business to improve our CSR performance;
reporting on our CSR strategy and objectives with the aim 
of being transparent and providing relevant factual information
to our stakeholders.

These social and environmental goals will be implemented 
through the formation and achievement of objectives and targets
in the Grainger Trust Corporate Social Responsibility Strategy. 

This policy is fully endorsed and supported by:

Rupert Dickinson
Chief executive
Grainger Trust plc

20
Grainger Trust plc 
Corporate Social Responsibility 

Human Resources – providing employee support
We have an enlightened attitude towards our employees and a
proactive employee reward scheme that encourages participation
and provides staff with a clear path to reward and recognition for
success. Training schemes are being introduced for all staff to
support their continuing professional development. This has led to
excellent retention rates. Staff are also asked to invest in the future
of the company through SIPS and Save as You Earn Schemes.
These schemes ensure that staff are involved and rewarded for the
success of Grainger Trust. Employees are encouraged to put
forward ideas and initiatives to support local community activities
and charitable enterprises. We have a policy of matching any money
raised by staff for local charities and allowing staff to promote these
activities in the workplace.

BALTIC exhibition – sponsoring the Arts
By our stated objective of reinvestment in the community through
the arts, we have recently part-sponsored Antony Gormley’s Domain
Field at the BALTIC Centre for Contemporary Art in Newcastle 
upon Tyne. 

From February to May 2003, BALTIC's largest art space became 
the site of the creation of a new and ambitious work by the
internationally recognised artist. 

As part of the exhibition, volunteers aged from two to eighty-five
years old from Gateshead and Newcastle were moulded in plaster
by teams of specially trained staff. These moulds were then used 
to construct the individual 'Domain' sculptures by a process of
welding steel elements together inside each mould. An individual
Domain is constructed of stainless steel bars of various lengths, 
with the finished installation including a collection of more than 
250 sculptures. 

We also have artists in residence at two of our housing
developments in the region.

Widdrington – regenerating a community
In the late 1990s we took the decision to increase the investment 
of our Land Development Division in the North East. A significant
addition to this investment and our North East landholding in 2001
was the purchase of 600 acres at Widdrington and Hadston. This
made us the first major private investor in the area for many years.
At Widdrington, we were encouraged by the local community forum

Eco-homes
A sustainable house development
built on regenerated land
incorporating recycled materials.

Antony Gormley and 
Grainger Trust
The Domain Field exhibition 
at the BALTIC Centre in Newcastle
upon Tyne, which was partly
sponsored by Grainger Trust.

to become involved in several projects promoted by the East
Northumberland Regeneration Initiative. Liaison with the local
community and public sector led to the delivery of a new Primary
Health Care Centre and refurbished shopping centre. Following
community concerns about its future on the edge of the proposed
housing development we also bought the semi-natural ancient
woodland known as Grange Wood. The new development at
Widdrington will revitalise local services and be consistent with the
Regional Planning Guidance objective of regenerating the coalfield
area. Following our success at Widdrington, we were chosen by
Castle Morpeth Borough Council to re-develop the Park View
Estate, Hadston.

Eco-homes – sustainable developments
As part of the Northumberland Regeneration Project we agreed to
purchase an area of land designated for 20 Scandinavian timberclad
homes which are built to include a number of sustainable design
features. We are the co-ordinator of this self-build project. Members
of the local community have priority and can opt to complete the
projects themselves under our supervision or pay a fee to the house
production company to have them erected. As a result of this
experience in sustainable building and design, we have developed 
a Method Statement for recycling building materials. We are also
considering building in a requirement to use water-recycling systems
in managed housing estates.

Sponsored visit – Pele
We sponsored a recent visit to the North East by Pele, the
internationally renowned Brazilian footballer. The main reason for
Pele’s trip was to launch a photographic exhibition at Northumbria
University featuring images of him created by some of the world’s
most celebrated artists and photographers. 

Pupils from Brinkburn Comprehensive in South Shields also met 
the footballer. A Brazil football shirt was donated to the school and
signed by Pele, who offered words of encouragement to pupils
involved in the school football teams.

Creating a community
Doctor’s surgery and playground
site at Widdrington – part of a
local community investment
project in association with East
Northumberland Regeneration
Initiative.

External Commentary

Casella Stanger are pleased to be invited to comment on Grainger
Trust’s publication of their first Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR)
Policy. We undertook CSR Gap Analysis in August 2003 to identify
the environmental, social and community issues associated with
Grainger Trust’s activities, to assess current performance and to
develop a CSR strategy.

The CSR Gap Analysis was carried out through analysis of existing
business systems, document review and a series of interviews with
key Grainger employees against best practice. Best practice
guidance used for reference included the Global Reporting Initiative,
Environmental Management System Standard ISO 14001 and the
Business in the Community Corporate Responsibility Index.

In our opinion, some of the CSR activities undertaken by Grainger
Trust are considered to be extremely innovative and forward
thinking. Grainger Trust has an enlightened attitude towards human
resources and an extremely proactive employee reward scheme.
Staff are also encouraged to put forward ideas and initiatives to
support local community activities and charitable enterprises are
actively supported by Grainger Trust.

Grainger Trust has a high level of interest and enthusiasm in
implementing CSR issues, particularly those related to community
issues. There is however a need to formalise existing systems and
develop systems where these are currently lacking to cover the full
CSR agenda and to report on progress. It is anticipated that the 
CSR Policy and Strategy will achieve this.

We look forward to working with Grainger Trust as it develops its
CSR reporting in future years.

Emma Griffiths
Principal Consultant
Casella Stanger

Ken Smith
Director, Environmental Management
Sustainability & Risk
Casella Stanger

21
Grainger Trust plc 
Corporate Social Responsibility 

>>
Board of directors

1

5

9

2

6

10

4

8

3

7

22
Grainger Trust plc 
Board of directors

9. Robert R.S. Hiscox M.A.,
A.C.I.I.*
Member of remuneration
committee
Aged 61. Appointed a director
of the company in March 2002.
Chairman of Hiscox plc. Deputy
chairman of Lloyd’s 1993 to
1995.

10. Sean Slade M.R.I.C.S.
Director of development
Aged 39, Chartered Surveyor.
Joined the company in 1996
and appointed director in June
2002. He is the main board
director responsible for the
group’s commercial and mixed-
use development and trading
activities. Previously at Richard
Ellis (now C.B. Richard Ellis) and
Hill Samuel Asset Management.

*Non-executive

1. Robert Dickinson 
C.B.E., D.L.*
Chairman, chairman of
nomination committee
Aged 69, Solicitor. Appointed 
a director of the company in
1961, and chairman in 1992.
Chairman of Northern Investors
Company PLC, chairman of
University of Newcastle upon
Tyne Development Trust.

2. Stephen Dickinson F.C.A.*
Deputy chairman, member of
nomination committee
Aged 69, Chartered Accountant.
In practice in British Virgin Islands
1963-1974. Appointed managing
director of the company in 1974.
Upon retiring as managing
director in October 2002, became
deputy chairman. British Virgin
Islands representative on United
Kingdom Overseas Territories
Association since 1993.

3. Rupert Dickinson M.R.I.C.S.
Chief executive
Aged 44, Chartered Surveyor.
Joined the company in 1992 from
Richard Ellis (now C.B. Richard
Ellis). Appointed a director of the
company in 1994. Appointed
chief executive in October 2002.

4. John Barnsley F.C.A.*
Member of audit and
remuneration committees
Aged 55, Chartered Accountant.
Appointed a director of the
company in 2002. Non-
executive director of Syltone
PLC and Northern Investors
Company PLC. Until December
2001 was a Senior Partner at
PricewaterhouseCoopers.

5. John Ward O.B.E., D.L.*
Chairman of audit committee 
and member of remuneration
committee
Aged 70. Appointed a 
director of the company in
1994. Director of Northern
Investors Company PLC.

6. Robin Herbert C.B.E.*
Senior independent non-
executive director, member 
of audit and nomination
committees
Aged 69. Appointed a director
of the company in 1994.
Appointed senior independent
non-executive director in June
2002. Chairman of Leopold
Joseph Holdings PLC, Investors
Capital Trust plc and F&C
Income Growth Investment 
Trust PLC.

7. Andrew Cunningham F.C.A.
Deputy chief executive and
finance director
Aged 47, Chartered Accountant.
Joined Deloitte Haskins and
Sells in London in 1978 and
worked in their Nairobi and
Bristol offices before being
made a partner in Newcastle in
1989. Appointed a director of
the company in December
1996. Appointed deputy chief
executive in December 2002.

8. Nichola Pease B.A.*
Chairman of remuneration
committee
Aged 42. Appointed a director
of the company in June 2001.
Chief executive of J.O. Hambro
Capital Group Limited and a
director of Northern Rock plc.

Corporate governance report

Grainger Trust plc is fully committed to the principles of good
corporate governance. This report sets out how the group has
applied the principles set out in section 1 of the Combined Code.
The Joint Venture fell outside the scope of the group’s corporate
governance during the year, but will now be included following the
acquisition of the remaining 50% on 26 September 2003.

The board
At the year end the board comprised three executive directors and
seven non-executive directors, including the chairman. The non-
executive directors bring to bear a wide variety of experience and
skills. Robin Herbert is the senior independent non-executive
director.

The board meets four times a year and at such meetings receives 
a full pack of information covering current trading performance,
budgets, forecasts and details of business opportunities and risks.
These packs also contain those matters which require full board
discussion and approval.

Procedures are in place to enable the directors to take independent
external advice when necessary, at the company’s expense, and 
to have direct access to the company secretary if required. Where
necessary, appropriate training is provided to new appointees to 
the board. On 14 October 2002, Stephen Dickinson resigned as
managing director and became non-executive deputy chairman. 
At the annual general meeting on 27 February 2003, Robin Oldfield
resigned as a non-executive director. John Barnsley was appointed
by the board as a non-executive director on the same date. Given
his experience, training was not considered necessary. All directors
are subject to formal re-election every three years at the annual
general meeting and are appointed for one or two years under
specific contracts. Directors appointed during the year are 
subject to formal re-election at the next annual general meeting.

Board committees
The board has established three committees: audit, nomination and
remuneration. Membership of these committees is shown on the list
of directors on page 22 and the remuneration committee report is
set out on pages 28 to 32.

The audit committee meets four times a year, has written terms 
of reference and consists solely of non-executive directors. The
committee monitors the effectiveness of internal controls and
receives external and internal audit reports. The committee is also
responsible for ensuring that the external audit function remains
cost effective, independent and objective.

The nomination committee consists of two non-executive directors
and one executive director. It meets to consider the need for and
suitability of all potential new board members.

Shareholder relations
The company meets regularly with institutional shareholders 
and analysts and uses the annual general meeting to encourage
communication with private investors. The chairmen of the three
board committees attend the annual general meeting and are
available to answer any questions. The notice of the meeting 
and related papers are sent to shareholders at least 20 working
days before the meeting. Shareholders vote separately on each
proposal and a proxy count is available after each resolution. 
A separate resolution to approve the remuneration committee 
report is proposed at the annual general meeting.

Internal control
The group’s systems of internal control are the ultimate responsibility
of the board of directors. Such systems are designed to manage
rather than eliminate the risk of failure to achieve business
objectives and can provide only reasonable and not absolute
assurance against material misstatement or loss. Each year, on
behalf of the board, the audit committee reviews the effectiveness
of these systems, which are aimed at maintaining full and effective
control over appropriate strategic, financial, operational and
compliance issues. This is achieved primarily by consideration of 
the risks appertaining to the group and the monitoring of these
risks, together with a review of the half year and annual financial
statements and by discussion with the external auditors. In addition,
the group has an internal audit programme, under which specific
areas of its activities are reviewed and reported upon on a regular
basis. The committee considers any issues or risks arising
therefrom in order that appropriate action can be undertaken 
for their satisfactory resolution.

The group has an appropriate organisational structure which is
designed to allow the board to retain full control of the business. 
The group produces an annual budget together with longer term
projections, which are presented to and approved by the board 
of directors. At each meeting, the board discusses performance
against the budget and, where applicable, any revisions made to
the profit and loss and cash flow budgets.

The board also discusses in detail, the projected financial impact of
major proposed acquisitions and disposals, including their financing.
All such proposed substantial investments are considered by all
directors and decisions are made either by the board of directors 
or, where required between board meetings, by an executive
committee of directors. The board is also responsible for the
discussion and approval of the group’s treasury strategy, including
mitigation against changes in interest rates.

Going concern
After making enquiries, including the review of future anticipated
cash flows and banking covenants, the directors have a reasonable
expectation that the group and company have adequate resources
to continue in existence for the foreseeable future. For this reason,
they continue to adopt the going concern basis in preparing the
accounts.

23
Grainger Trust plc 
Corporate governance report

Compliance statement
With the exception of the provisions listed below, the company has,
throughout the year ended 30 September 2003, been in compliance
with the Code.

Code provision
A3.2, B2.2, D3.1 Independence
The board considers that all non-executive directors are able to
bring independent judgement to bear on key issues. It feels that
longevity of service is an important attribute in a long-term business
as it provides both continuity and understanding. It also feels that
material shareholdings and cross directorships do not represent a
materially conflicting business relationship. Consequently, the board
does not view any of longevity of service, cross directorships or
material shareholdings in isolation as representing an impairment 
to independence.

B1.7 to B1.10 Length of contracts
Two of the executive directors have contracts of over one year with
no specific provisions for compensation for loss of office. The board
feels that this is necessary to ensure commitment and long-term
continuity in achieving the group’s objectives, which by virtue of the
group’s activities are also long-term in nature. However, their original
two year contracts are being reduced to one year over a period of
five years from 1 October 2002.

By order of the board

Given this statement, the board believes that all non-executive
directors with the exception of Robert Dickinson and Stephen
Dickinson, are independent. Under the terms of the Code, 
however, only Nichola Pease is considered independent.

Marie Glanville
Company secretary
16 January 2004

24
Grainger Trust plc 
Corporate governance report

Directors’ report

For the year ended 30 September 2003. 

The directors present their report and the audited financial
statements for the year ended 30 September 2003.

Principal activities
During the year the group has continued its activities of property
trading and development.

Review of business development and prospects
Development of the group’s activities and its prospects are reviewed
in the chairman’s statement on pages 2 and 3 and the chief
executive’s statement on pages 4 and 5.

Results for the year
The results of the group are set out in the consolidated profit and
loss account on page 36 which shows a profit on ordinary activities
after taxation for the financial year of £29.4m (2002: £20.9m).

An interim dividend of 3.51p per share (2002: 3.05p) was paid on 
25 July 2003 amounting to £0.8m (2002: £0.7m) and the directors
recommend the payment of a final dividend of 12.80p per share
(2002: 11.13p), to be paid on 5 March 2004, amounting to £3.2m 
(2002: £2.8m). The profit, after dividend, of £25.3m (2002: £17.4m)
will be transferred to reserves.

Directors
The directors of the company at 30 September 2003 are listed on
page 22. 

Directors’ and other interests
The interests of the directors in the shares of the company at 
30 September 2003 and 5 January 2004, with comparative 
figures as at 1 October 2002 (*or date of appointment, if later), 
are as follows:

Ordinary shares of 25p each (thousands)

Robert Dickinson
Stephen Dickinson
Rupert Dickinson
Robin Herbert
Andrew Cunningham
John Ward
Nichola Pease
Robert Hiscox
Sean Slade
John Barnsley

1 Oct*
2002

Beneficial
30 Sept
2003

233
800
135
50
38
–
71
–
23
1

222
780
182
50
73
–
71
–
40
2

5 Jan
2004

202
771
249
50
74
–
71
–
32
2

1,351

1,420

1,451

Shares held in trust of which Robert Dickinson is a trustee, included in the above beneficially owned by:

Stephen Dickinson
Rupert Dickinson
Andrew Cunningham
Sean Slade

4
4
2
3

2
2
2
2

1
1
1
1

1 Oct*
2002

526
594
51
–
–
–
175
2,650
–
–

3,996

–
–
–
–

Non-beneficial
30 Sept
2003

494
576
46
–
–
–
37
2,500
–
–

3,653

–
–
–
–

5 Jan
2004

481
541
46
–
–
–
37
2,500
–
–

3,605

–
–
–
–

Shares held in trust of which Robert Dickinson and Stephen Dickinson are both trustees, included in the above non-beneficial holdings:

–

–

–

32

14

14

Details of directors’ share options are given on page 32.

25
Grainger Trust plc 
Directors’ report

Save as disclosed above, as at 5 January 2004, the company is
aware of the following interests amounting to 3% or more in the
company’s shares:

Holding
(thousands)

Holding
%

Schroder Investment Management Limited*
Aberforth Partners*
Henderson Global Investors*
ISIS Asset Management*
Barclays Global Investors*

1,965
1,261
1,144
1,021
826

7.94
5.09
4.62
4.12
3.34

*Shares held by funds managed or advised by the company
indicated and/or its subsidiaries. The company is not aware of 
any other substantial interests amounting to 3% or more.

Retirement and rotation of directors
John Ward is retiring from the board of directors at the annual
general meeting being held in February 2004. John Barnsley was
appointed a director on 27 February 2003, and in accordance with
the Articles of Association, will offer himself for re-election at the
annual general meeting. Robert Dickinson and Robin Herbert retire
by rotation and, being eligible, offer themselves for re-election at the
annual general meeting.

Directors’ interests in significant contracts
No directors were materially interested in any contract of significance.

Insurance of directors
The group maintains insurance for Grainger Trust plc’s directors in
respect of their duties as directors.

Statement of directors’ responsibilities
The directors are required by UK company law to prepare financial
statements for each financial year that give a true and fair view of the
affairs of the company and the group as at the end of the financial
year and of the profit or loss of the group for that period.

The directors confirm that suitable accounting policies have been
used and applied consistently and reasonable and prudent
judgements and estimates have been made in the preparation of 
the financial statements for the year ended 30 September 2003. 
The directors also confirm that applicable accounting standards
have been followed and that the financial statements have been
prepared on the going concern basis.

The directors are responsible for keeping proper accounting records
that 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 comply with the Companies Act 1985.
They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the
company and of the group, and hence for taking reasonable steps
for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities.

The annual report and accounts will be published on the group’s
website. The maintenance and integrity of the group’s website is the
responsibility of the directors. The work carried out by the auditors
does not include consideration of these matters. Legislation in the
United Kingdom governing the preparation and dissemination of
financial statements may differ from legislation in other jurisdictions.

Special business
Resolution 8, which will be proposed as a special resolution,
supplements the directors’ authority to allot shares in the company
given to them by resolution 7 passed at the annual general meeting
of the company held on 29 February 2000. This authority has been
conferred at successive annual general meetings of the company.
Section 89 of the Companies Act 1985 requires a company
proposing to allot equity securities for cash to offer them first to
existing shareholders in proportion to their existing shareholdings. 
If resolution 8 is passed, the requirement imposed by section 89 will
not apply to allotments by the directors in two cases:

1 in connection with a rights (or similar) issue; and

2 allotments of shares for cash up to a total nominal value of

£310,033 (representing 5% of the company’s issued ordinary
share capital at the date of the notice).

The board also confirms its intention that equity securities equivalent
to no more that 7.5% of the issued ordinary share capital of the
company will be allotted for cash on a non pre-emptive basis during
a rolling three-year period, in line with institutional investor guidelines.

This authority will lapse not later than next year’s annual general
meeting except in so far as commitments to allot shares have been
entered into before that date.

Resolution 9, which will be proposed as a special resolution, seeks
to give authority for the company to purchase its own shares in the
market. The proposed resolution sets out the maximum number of
shares which may be purchased (15% of the company’s issued
ordinary share capital), the maximum and minimum prices which the
company may pay for its shares and the date of expiry of the
authority conferred by this resolution. This authority gives the
company greater flexibility in managing its capital resources.

Your directors would only intend to exercise the authority sought at
the annual general meeting to ensure that the company maintains an
efficient capital structure. The authority will only be exercised when,
in the light of market conditions, your directors believe that the effect
of such purchases would be to increase shareholder value, having
taken into consideration the impact of such purchases on both
earnings and net asset values per share, and that the purchases
would be in the best interests of the company’s shareholders
generally. Any shares purchased under the authority may be
cancelled (and the number of Grainger Trust shares in issue will be
reduced accordingly) or may be held in treasury so as to be available
to be sold at a later date, subject to the restrictions set out in
resolution 8 or its equivalent in force at the time. 

26
Grainger Trust plc 
Directors’ report

Auditors
PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP have expressed their willingness 
to continue in office as auditors to the company. A resolution to
reappoint them as auditors to the company will be proposed at 
the next annual general meeting. 

Issue of own shares
As disclosed in note 20 to the financial statements, the company
issued 18,151 25p ordinary shares during the year for an aggregate
consideration of £71,754.

Post balance sheet event
On 21 November 2003, the company announced the early
redemption of its 2024 quoted debenture stock, of £2.5m. 
There was an associated early redemption cost of £1.8m.

By order of the board

Marie Glanville
Company secretary
16 January 2004

The total number of ordinary shares covered by options or warrants
as at 5 January 2004, the latest practicable date prior to publication
of this document, is 273,325, representing 1.1% of the issued
ordinary share capital of the company (1.3% of the issued ordinary
share capital of the company assuming full exercise of the power to
purchase shares contained in resolution 9).

Acquisitions
On 2 December 2002, the company acquired a 100% interest 
in Upminster Holdings Ltd. On 13 December 2002 the company
acquired 100% interests in BPT Peachey Limited, BPT (Peachey 
No 2) Limited, Hamsard 2492 Limited, BPT Bridgewater (Home
Reversions No 1) Limited, BPT Bridgewater (Home Reversions 
No 2) Limited and Hamsard 2342 Limited from its Bromley Property
Holdings Limited Joint Venture. Finally, on 26 September 2003, 
the company acquired the remaining 50% of Bromley Property
Holdings Limited from its Joint Venture partner. Full details of 
these acquisitions are shown in notes 26 and 27 to the financial
statements. 

Creditor payment policy
It is the group’s policy to pay suppliers in accordance with their
normal terms and conditions of trading. Payment in respect of the
purchase of property is subject to and will comply with contractual
terms. Trade creditors existing at 30 September 2003 relating to
purchases of property stock generally complete 28 days after
exchange of contracts. Trade creditor days relating to other trade
creditors of the company and group were calculated as 38 days
(2002: 39 days).

Charitable donations
During the year charitable donations were made by the group to 
a number of charitable organisations for a variety of charitable
purposes, amounting to £4,480 (2002: £3,942).

Health and safety
The company seeks to achieve the highest standards in respect 
of health and safety of employees, and the safety of tenants.
Consultants are employed to ensure that the company complies
with health and safety regulations and each year the gas supply and
appliances within all of the group’s relevant residential properties are
independently inspected under the Gas Safety (Installation and Use)
Amended Regulations 1996 and certificates of compliance issued.
A formal Health and Safety policy for employees was introduced
during the year.

Employment of disabled persons
The company gives full and fair consideration to applications for
employment made by disabled persons, having regard to their
particular aptitudes and abilities. In the event of an employee
becoming disabled every effort is made to ensure that their
employment within the company continues and that appropriate
training is arranged where necessary. It is the policy of the company
that the training, career development and promotion of disabled
persons should, as far as possible, be identical to that of other
employees.

27
Grainger Trust plc 
Directors’ report 

Remuneration committee report

The remuneration committee is responsible for detailed consideration
of the directors’ remuneration packages and makes its
recommendations to the whole board.

The committee comprises Nichola Pease (chairman), John Ward,
John Barnsley and Robert Hiscox all of whom are non-executive
directors. Meetings are held at least twice a year and advice on
various matters has been received from Stern Stewart & Co. The
remuneration of the non-executive directors is determined by the
board as a whole. No director participates in setting his/her own
remuneration. 

The committee is directly accountable to shareholders. As chairman
of the committee, Nichola Pease will be available at the annual
general meeting to answer questions on all aspects of directors’
remuneration. This report will be put forward for approval and
adoption at that meeting.

Remuneration policy 
The overall objective of the remuneration policy is to attract, retain
and motivate high calibre individuals. Remuneration packages are
designed to be competitive with respect to comparable organisations
and to reward executives for superior performance. Executives
receive salary, benefits, pension contributions and annual and 
long-term incentive awards.

Salaries and benefits
Executive salaries are reviewed annually by the committee to take
account of the experience, responsibilities and performance of
individual directors as well as competitive market practice. Executive
directors and the deputy chairman, Stephen Dickinson, who has
part time executive responsibility for land development, receive the
benefits of a fully expensed company car or car allowance and life
and health insurances.

Service contracts
Rupert Dickinson and Andrew Cunningham have service contracts
with a 24 months’ notice period. Sean Slade’s contract is for 
12 months. The board feels that such contracts are an important
element of the overall employment packages of the executives and
are appropriate to the nature of the group’s business. They provide
both the group and the individual with the security to commit to the
group’s long-term objectives. However, the 24 months’ contracts are
being reduced to 12 months over a period of five years from 
1 October 2002.

Pensions
Executive directors receive defined contributions to money purchase
schemes. These contributions are based solely on a percentage of
salary; benefits in kind and bonus awards are not pensionable.
Contributions paid in the year were:

Rupert Dickinson
Andrew Cunningham
Sean Slade (2002: from 20 June 2002)

Pension contributions

2003
£’000

2002
£’000

30
33
13

76

25
27
2

54

Performance incentives 
The group operates annual and long-term incentive schemes for
directors and senior executives. These schemes are designed so
that a large percentage of overall remuneration is performance-
based and that the interests of executives and shareholders in
promoting the group’s progress are aligned. 

Annual discretionary bonus
The executive directors receive an annual discretionary bonus which
is at the discretion of the remuneration committee. This bonus is
performance related and takes into account the performance of
Grainger and how Grainger has performed relative to the UK
housing market. 

Deferred bonus
As noted in last year’s annual report and accounts, Rupert Dickinson
and Andrew Cunningham became entitled to a deferred bonus in
recognition of their contributions with respect to the investment in
BPT Limited and to the subsequent performance of the company’s
interest in the Joint Venture. Approval for the deferred bonus
scheme was obtained at the extraordinary general meeting of the
company held on 5 March 2002. 

The deferred bonus represents total monetary payments of
£600,000 and £300,000 to Rupert Dickinson and Andrew
Cunningham respectively. The payments are made in the form of
shares, calculated at the rate of 713.19 pence per share being the
average share price from 1 October 2000 to 30 September 2001.
Thus, the total number of shares that may be vested are 84,130 
and 42,064.

28
Grainger Trust plc 
Remuneration committee report

The awards are divided into two equal tranches, the first of which
vested on 11 December 2003 at which date the mid-market price
per share was £15.75. The second will vest in December 2005 
after the preliminary results announcement for the year ending 
30 September 2005.

The vesting of the remaining awards is dependent upon the
individuals being in the service of the company and not being 
under notice to leave at the relevant vesting date. 

Long-term incentive scheme
The long-term incentive scheme was originally approved by
shareholders in February 1997 and was subsequently amended 
in February 2000 and March 2002. The main objectives of the 
long-term incentive scheme are to link the rewards of the scheme
participants to overall group performance over a sustained period of
time and to facilitate the acquisition of shareholdings in the company
by executives. 

Under the latest scheme (‘2002 scheme’), executives receive
conditional awards of shares and share options up to a maximum 
of 50% and 125% of salary respectively. The awards may be made
annually and will become unconditional provided certain

performance criteria over a three year period are achieved. For the
full award to be made, the Total Shareholder Return (‘TSR’) must 
be greater than or equal to the upper quartile TSR of a number of
comparator companies. If the TSR equals the median TSR of the
comparators then 40% of the awards will be made; between
median and upper quartile levels, the level will be pro-rated. 
No awards will be made if the TSR is below the median of the
comparators. The comparator companies are determined by the
remuneration committee and the initial selection consists of 14
property companies, chosen on the basis of their market
capitalisation. The comparator companies are currently Benchmark
Group plc, Brixton plc, Capital and Regional plc, CLS Holdings plc,
Daejan Holdings plc, Derwent Valley Holdings plc, Freeport plc,
Great Portland Estates plc, London Merchant Securities plc, Minerva
plc, Pillar Property plc, Quintain Estates and Development plc,
Shaftesbury plc and The Unite Group plc. The executives are also
entitled to matching awards in respect of previous versions of the
long-term incentive scheme. Under these rules, a 1 for 4 matching
award of shares awarded in 2002 under the 1999 scheme will be
made if those shares are held for a three year period. The directors
therefore have the following maximum potential entitlements under
the long-term incentive schemes.

Rupert Dickinson
Andrew Cunningham
Sean Slade

Price per share of awards/options

Ordinary shares of 25p each

Matching awards
under 1999 
scheme

Awards
under 2002
scheme

Options
under 2002
scheme

10,389
9,091
4,156

23,636

£3.85

15,641
11,470
7,820

34,931

£9.59

39,103
28,675
19,551

87,329

£9.59

29
Grainger Trust plc 
Remuneration committee report

Other schemes
Executive directors also participate in other schemes which are
open to all members of staff, subject to the rules of each individual
scheme. These are as follows:

Save As You Earn (‘SAYE’) scheme. Under this scheme participants
enter into a save as you earn contract with the group’s clearing
bankers to provide them with the finance to exercise SAYE options.
The option price is calculated at 80% of the market value of the
shares at the date of issue of invitations to participate. The scheme
rules have received Inland Revenue clearance. SAYE options held
by executive directors are shown in the share option table on 
page 32.

Share Incentive Plan (‘SIP’). The principal features of the plan are:

– partnership shares. From October 2002, all employees are able
to buy shares from pre-tax monthly earnings up to the lower of
£125 per month and 10% of earnings. 

– matching shares. The company is able to give employees up to
two matching shares for each partnership share the employee
buys. Thus the maximum value of matching shares per employee
will amount to £3,000 per annum. 

– free shares. In addition to the above, the company is able to give
up to £3,000 worth of free  shares each year to each employee.
Amounts awarded to the executive directors in respect of the
year ended 30 September 2003 are shown in the directors’
remuneration table.

The plan rules have received Inland Revenue clearance and were
approved by the members at an extraordinary general meeting on 
5 March 2002.

Executive Share Option Scheme
Under this scheme, established in 1987, certain executives were
granted share options, exercise of which is conditional upon a
growth in earnings per share in excess of the retail price index over
a period of three consecutive years during the period of the option.
This scheme is now closed and has been replaced by the long-term
incentive scheme.

Non-executive directors
The remuneration of the non-executive directors is reviewed on a
biennial basis by the whole board. Non-executive directors are not
eligible for any annual or long-term incentives, are not members of
any group pension arrangements and with the exception of Stephen
Dickinson as previously noted, receive no benefits in kind. Each
non-executive director has specific terms of reference.

The graph below shows Total Shareholder Return (based upon
share price growth and with dividends reinvested) for Grainger Trust
plc in comparison with the group of companies shown as a
comparator on page 29, the FTSE 250, and the real estate index.

600

500

400

300

200

100

0

1999

2000

2001

2002

2003

Grainger Trust
Net Total

FTSE Real Estate
Total Return

FTSE Mid 250
Total Return

Comparator Index 
Total

The remainder of this report has been audited in accordance with
Part 3 of Schedule 7A to the Companies Act 1985.

30
Grainger Trust plc 
Remuneration committee report

2002

Total
remuneration
£’000

Salary

Annual
and discretionary
bonus
fees
£’000
£’000

2003

Share
Incentive 
Plan
£’000

Total
Taxable
benefits remuneration 
£’000

£’000

Directors’ remuneration

Chairman, deputy chairman 
and executive directors
Robert Dickinson
Stephen Dickinson
Rupert Dickinson
Andrew Cunningham
Sean Slade

Non-executive directors
The Earl of Portsmouth
Robin Herbert
Robin Oldfield
John Ward
Emanuel Davidson
Nichola Pease
Robert Hiscox
John Barnsley 

Total 

Total – all directors

75
508
1,374
776
273

3,006

8
22
20
22
8
21
11
–

112

3,118

90
127
300
220
150

887

–
30
10
30
–
30
25
12

137

1,024

Directors’ appointments/resignations in the last two financial years have been:

Sean Slade
The Earl of Portsmouth
Robin Oldfield
Emanuel Davidson
Robert Hiscox
John Barnsley 

–
85
263
193
60

601

–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–

–

–
6
6
6
6

24

–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–

–

–
21
33
18
15

87

–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–

–

601

24

87

90
239
602
437
231

1,599

–
30
10
30
–
30
25
12

137

1,736

Appointed

20 June 2002

5 March 2002
27 February 2003

Resigned

5 March 2002
27 February 2003
5 March 2002

The remuneration figures shown above represent the proportion of emoluments from the date of appointment or to the date of resignation. 

31
Grainger Trust plc 
Remuneration committee report

Directors’ share options

Exercise price

Date exercisable

Ordinary shares of 25p each (thousands)

Stephen
Dickinson

Rupert
Dickinson

Andrew
Cunningham

Sean
Slade

Total

30 Sept
2003

1 Oct 30 Sept
2003
2002

1 Oct 30 Sept
2003
2002

1 Oct 30 Sept
2003
2002

1 Oct 30 Sept
2003
2002

1 Oct
2002

Inland Revenue Approved Executive Share Option Scheme
231.2p
–
292.0p
–
342.5p
–

6 Jan 97 to 6 Jan 04
19 Jul 99 to 19 Jul 06
23 Dec 99 to 23 Dec 06

SAYE Scheme
818.0p
932.3p

LTIP
267.1p
959.0p

8 Aug 07 to 8 Feb 08
1 Sept 08 to 1 March 09

9 Jul 00 to 9 Jul 07
24 Jan 06 to 24 Jan 13

–
2

–
–

2

–
–
–

–
–

–
–

–

40
–
–

2
–

13
39

94

40
–
–

2
–

13
–

55 

–
–
9

2
–

7
29

47

–
–
9

2
–

7
–

18

–
10
–

2
–

8
20

40

–
10
–

2
–

8
–

40
10
9

6
2

28
88

20

183

40
10
9

6
–

28
–

93

The above options were granted at nil cost to the directors. There have been no variations in the terms and conditions of the options during
the year.

The market price of the company’s shares at the end of the financial year was 1365.0p and the range during the year was 926.5p 
to 1460.0p. 

No options were exercised by any of the above directors during the year.

Since the year end Rupert Dickinson has exercised options of 40,000 shares under the company’s Inland Revenue Approved Executive
Share Option Scheme at an option price of 231.2p. At the date of exercise the mid-market price per share was 1,615.0p.

Nichola Pease 
Chairman of the remuneration committee
16 January 2004

32
Grainger Trust plc 
Remuneration committee report

Independent auditors’ report to the
members of Grainger Trust plc

We have audited the financial statements which comprise the
statement of accounting policies, the consolidated profit and loss
account, balance sheets, the consolidated cash flow statement, the
statement of group total recognised gains and losses, note of group
historical cost profits and losses and the related notes. We have
also audited the disclosures required by Part 3 of Schedule 7A to
the Companies Act 1985 contained in the remuneration committee
report (‘the auditable part’).

We review whether the corporate governance statement reflects the
company’s compliance with the seven provisions of the Combined
Code specified for our review by the Listing Rules of the Financial
Services Authority, and we report if it does not. We are not required
to consider whether the board’s statements on internal control cover
all risks and controls, or to form an opinion on the effectiveness of
the company’s or group’s corporate governance procedures or its
risk and control procedures. 

Respective responsibilities of directors and auditors
The directors’ responsibilities for preparing the annual report and the
financial statements in accordance with applicable United Kingdom
law and accounting standards are set out in the statement of
directors’ responsibilities. The directors are also responsible for
preparing the remuneration committee report.

Our responsibility is to audit the financial statements and the
auditable part of the remuneration committee report in accordance
with relevant legal and regulatory requirements and United Kingdom
Auditing Standards issued by the Auditing Practices Board. This
report, including the opinion, has been prepared for and only for the
company’s members as a body in accordance with Section 235 of
the Companies Act 1985 and for no other purpose. We do not, in
giving this opinion, 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. 

We report to you our opinion as to whether the financial statements
give a true and fair view and whether the financial statements and
the auditable part of the remuneration committee report have been
properly prepared in accordance with the Companies Act 1985. 
We also report to you if, in our opinion, the directors’ report is not
consistent with the financial statements, if the company has not
kept proper accounting records, if we have not received all the
information and explanations we require for our audit, or if
information specified by law regarding directors’ remuneration 
and transactions is not disclosed.

We read the other information contained in the annual report and
consider the implications for our report if we become aware of any
apparent misstatements or material inconsistencies with the financial
statements. The other information comprises only the chairman’s
statement, the chief executive’s statement, the operating and
financial review, the corporate governance report, the directors’
report and the unaudited part of the remuneration committee report. 

Basis of audit opinion
We conducted our audit in accordance with auditing standards
issued by the Auditing Practices Board. An audit includes
examination, on a test basis, of evidence relevant to the amounts
and disclosures in the financial statements and the auditable part of
the remuneration committee report. It also includes an assessment
of the significant estimates and judgements made by the directors 
in the preparation of the financial statements, and of whether the
accounting policies are appropriate to the company’s
circumstances, consistently applied and adequately disclosed.

We planned and performed our audit so as to obtain all the
information and explanations which we considered necessary in
order to provide us with sufficient evidence to give reasonable
assurance that the financial statements and the auditable part of the
remuneration committee report are free from material misstatement,
whether caused by fraud or other irregularity or error. In forming our
opinion we also evaluated the overall adequacy of the presentation
of information in the financial statements.

Opinion
In our opinion:

• the financial statements give a true and fair view of the state of

affairs of the company and the group at 30 September 2003 and
of the profit and cash flows of the group for the year then ended;

• the financial statements have been properly prepared in

accordance with the Companies Act 1985; and

• those parts of the remuneration committee report required by Part
3 of Schedule 7A to the Companies Act 1985 have been properly
prepared in accordance with the Companies Act 1985.

PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP
Chartered accountants and registered auditors
Newcastle upon Tyne
16 January 2004

33
Grainger Trust plc 
Independent auditors’ report to the members of Grainger Trust plc

Statement of accounting policies

A summary of the principal accounting policies is set out below. 
The policies have been applied consistently in all material respects
throughout the current and the previous year.

Accounting convention 
The group prepares its annual financial statements on the historical
cost basis of accounting, as modified by the revaluation of investment
properties in accordance with the Companies Act 1985 and
applicable accounting standards.

Basis of consolidation 
The group financial statements comprise the consolidated financial
statements of the company and its subsidiaries. The financial
statements of subsidiary companies are made up to 30 September.

The results of subsidiaries sold or acquired are included in the
consolidated profit and loss account up to, or from, the date control
passes. Intra-group sales and profits are eliminated fully on
consolidation. On acquisition of a subsidiary, all of the subsidiary’s
assets and liabilities that exist at the date of acquisition are recorded
at their provisional fair values reflecting their condition at that date.

Goodwill arising on consolidation represents the difference between
the fair value of the consideration paid and the fair value of the
identifiable assets acquired. Goodwill arising on the acquisition of
subsidiaries prior to 30 September 1998 was written off or credited
immediately against reserves and would be transferred to the profit
and loss account on subsequent disposal of the business to which
it relates. Goodwill arising subsequent to that date is shown in the
balance sheet under fixed assets. Positive goodwill is amortised
through the profit and loss account over its estimated useful
economic life. Negative goodwill is amortised through the Profit and
Loss Account over the period in which the non-monetary assets are
realised either through depreciation or sale.

The acquisition of the Bromley Joint Venture has been accounted
for in accordance with FRS2 which, in the circumstances of a joint
venture becoming a subsidiary, is inconsistent with the requirements
of paragraph 9 to Schedule 4 of the Companies Act 1985. This
requires that goodwill arising on the acquisition of a subsidiary 
be calculated at the date the undertaking becomes a subsidiary. 
FRS2 paragraph 89 notes that this may result in accounting that is
inconsistent with the way in which the joint venture was previously
treated in the group consolidated financial statements.

FRS2 requires that fair values should be ascribed to earlier
investments, and that goodwill on the joint venture becoming a
subsidiary should be calculated as the sum of the goodwill arising
from each separate investment. For the purposes of establishing
goodwill on the purchase of the first 50% investment in Bromley, 
the fair value of the identifiable assets and liabilities have been taken
from the financial statements of Bromley Property Holdings Limited
following that company’s acquisition of BPT plc. This reflects the
commercial reality of the fair value of the assets and liabilities
acquired by Grainger Trust plc at the time of this investment. Details
of the fair values ascribed to the identifiable assets and liabilities at
the date of Bromley becoming a subsidiary and the impact of
adopting FRS2 over the Companies Act 1985 are included in 
note 27. 

Turnover
Turnover comprises gross sale proceeds of trading properties and
developments, gross rentals and sundry other income, and is
exclusive of VAT. Sales of land and properties are only accounted 
for when the cash proceeds are received in full or the group has
entered into a legally binding undertaking. Gross rentals are
recognised as they fall due.

Joint Venture 
In compliance with FRS9, the group accounts for joint ventures
under the gross equity method. Under this method, the group’s
share of the Joint Venture’s turnover and profits and losses are
separately disclosed in the group’s profit and loss account. The
group’s share of the gross assets and gross liabilities, together with
goodwill, is shown on the face of the balance sheet. The group’s
statement of total recognised gains and losses includes its share 
of the Joint Venture’s total recognised gains and losses.

Repairs and improvements
Repairs are charged in the year they are incurred. Improvement
costs are capitalised. 

Pensions
The company makes contributions to defined contribution schemes
only for all employees. Pension costs are charged in the year to
which they relate.

The Bromley Property Holdings Limited group currently contributes
to two pension schemes. The first is a defined contribution scheme,
implemented during the year and open to all employees. The
contributions are charged to the profit and loss account during the
year. The second is a defined benefit scheme, which was closed to
new members and employee contributions during the year. The
group will continue to contribute so as to spread the cost over the
expected remaining life of the relevant employees. The transitional
disclosure requirements of FRS17, ‘Retirement Benefits’, are given
in note 28 to the financial statements.

34
Grainger Trust plc 
Statement of accounting policies

Tangible fixed assets
The cost of fixed assets is their purchase cost, together with any
incremental costs of acquisition. In accordance with SSAP 19, 
(i) investment properties are revalued annually and the aggregate
surplus or temporary deficit is transferred to a revaluation reserve,
and (ii) no depreciation or amortisation is provided in respect of
freehold investment properties and leasehold investment properties
with over 20 years to run. Permanent diminutions in value below
cost are charged in the profit and loss account. The requirement 
of the Companies Act 1985 is to depreciate all properties, but that
requirement conflicts with the generally accepted accounting
principle set out in SSAP 19. The directors consider that to
depreciate such properties would not give a true and fair view, 
as the properties are not held for consumption but for investment,
and that a true and fair view is given by following SSAP 19 as
described above. The effect of depreciation and amortisation on
value is already reflected annually in the valuation of properties, and
the amount attributed to this factor by the valuers cannot reasonably
be separately identified or quantified. Had the provisions of the Act
been followed, net assets would not have been affected but revenue
and profits would have been reduced for this and earlier years.

Full valuations are made by independent professionally qualified
valuers every year. The basis of valuation is explained in note 10. 

Depreciation is calculated so as to write off the cost of tangible fixed
assets (excluding investment properties), less their estimated residual
values, over the expected useful economic lives of the assets
concerned. The principal annual rates used for this purpose are:

Derivative financial instruments
The group uses derivative financial instruments to reduce exposure
to interest rate movements. The group does not hold or issue
derivative financial instruments for speculative purposes.

For an interest rate swap to be treated as a hedge the instrument
must be related to actual assets or liabilities or a probable
commitment and must change the nature of the interest rate by
converting a fixed rate to a variable rate or vice versa. Interest
differentials under these swaps are recognised by adjusting net
interest payable over the periods of the contracts.

If an instrument ceases to be accounted for as a hedge, for example
because the underlying hedged position is eliminated, the instrument
is marked to market and any resulting profit or loss recognised at
that time.

Deferred taxation
Deferred tax is measured at the rate expected to apply in the
periods in which the timing differences are expected to reverse,
based on tax rates and laws that have been enacted by the balance
sheet date. Deferred tax is measured on a non-discounted basis.

A net deferred tax asset is regarded as recoverable and therefore
recognised only when, on the basis of all evidence available, it can
be regarded as more likely than not that there will be suitable taxable
profits from which the future reversal of the underlying timing
differences can be deducted.

Fixtures, fittings and equipment

%
20

Method
Straight line

Deferred taxation is not recognised when fixed assets are revalued
unless by the balance sheet date there is a binding agreement to sell
the revalued assets and the gain or loss expected to arise on the
sale has been recognised in the financial statements.

Share schemes
The group operates a long-term incentive plan and a deferred bonus
scheme. Shares in the company are held for these purposes by 
The Grainger Trust Employee Trustee Limited, the assets, income
and costs of which have been included in these financial statements.

Investments
Investments in subsidiaries and other investments are included in the
financial statements at cost less provisions for permanent diminution 
of value.

Stocks
Tenanted residential properties are shown in the financial statements
at the lower of cost to the group and net realisable value. Cost to
the group includes legal and surveying charges incurred during
acquisition together with improvement costs. Net realisable value is
the net sale proceeds which the group expects on sale of a property
with vacant possession. 

Development and trading properties are shown in the financial
statements at the lower of cost to the group and net realisable value.
Cost represents the acquisition price together with subsequent
development costs net of amounts transferred to cost of sales. 
Net realisable value is the current market value as advised by the
group’s professional valuers. 

35
Grainger Trust plc 
Statement of accounting policies

Year ended

Year ended
30 September 30 September
2002
£m

2003
£m

173.6
(55.6)

118.0

213.8
(110.3)

103.5

21.4
38.8
0.9

61.1

(9.1)
(4.7)

47.3

23.6

70.9

1.9
4.1
6.0

76.9

(11.5)
– 
(16.9)
(28.4)

48.5
(19.1)

29.4
(0.1)

29.3
(4.0)

25.3

118.5p

118.0p

118.5p

22.0
33.7
0.4

56.1

(9.7)
(4.4)

42.0

33.0

75.0

0.1
7.4
7.5

82.5

(10.7)
(3.8)
(26.9)
(41.4)

41.1
(20.2)

20.9
–

20.9
(3.5)

17.4

84.6p

84.2p

95.3p

Notes

1

2

3, 4

3

1, 5
7

25

8

21

9

9

9

Consolidated profit and 
loss account

For the year ended 30 September 2003

Turnover (including share of Joint Venture)
Less: share of turnover of Joint Venture

Group turnover

Gross rentals
Trading profits
Other income

Less:
Property expenses
Administration expenses

Group operating profit
Share of operating profit of Joint Venture
(after amortisation of goodwill of £35,000 (2002: £97,000))

Total operating profit: Group and share of Joint Venture
Net profit on disposal of and provisions against fixed assets
– Group
– Joint Venture

Profit on ordinary activities before interest
Net interest payable and similar charges
– Group
– Group exceptional
– Joint Venture

Profit on ordinary activities before taxation
Tax on profit on ordinary activities

Profit on ordinary activities after taxation
Minority interest – equity

Profit attributable to shareholders
Dividends

Retained profit for the year

Basic earnings per share

Diluted earnings per share

Basic earnings per share before exceptional item

All results relate to continuing operations.

36
Grainger Trust plc 
Consolidated profit and loss account

Statement of group total 
recognised gains and losses

For the year ended 30 September 2003

Profit on ordinary activities attributable to shareholders
Taxation on realisation of property revaluation gains of previous years
Unrealised surplus on revaluation of properties
Surplus recognised in the profit and loss account in the year
Adjustment to reserves arising from the consolidation of the Joint Venture

Total gains and losses recognised – group
Share of Joint Venture tax on realisation of revaluation surpluses
Unrealised surplus on revaluation of Joint Venture properties

Total gains and losses recognised since the last annual report – group and Joint Venture

Note of group historical cost profits and losses

Reported profit on ordinary activities before taxation
Realisation of property revaluation gains of previous years

Historical cost profit on ordinary activities before taxation
Taxation
Minority interest
Dividends

Retained historical cost profit for the year

Notes

7
10, 21
21
21

21
21

21

2003
£m

29.3
–
3.1
(1.3)
(2.9) 

28.2
(0.9)
4.4

31.7

2003
£m

48.5
3.1

51.6
(20.0)
(0.1) 
(4.0)

27.5

2002
£m

20.9
(0.4)
0.4
0.1
–

21.0
–
7.8

28.8

2002
£m

41.1
6.8

47.9
(20.6)
–
(3.5)

23.8

37
Grainger Trust plc 
Statement of group total recognised gains and losses

Balance sheets

At 30 September 2003

Fixed assets
Intangible assets
Tangible assets
Investments:
Investment in Joint Venture:
Share of gross assets
Share of gross liabilities

Goodwill arising on acquisition

Loan to Joint Venture

Total investment in Joint Venture

Other investments

Current assets
Stocks
Debtors
Cash at bank and in hand

Creditors: amounts falling due within one year

Net current assets

Total assets less current liabilities

Creditors: amounts falling due after more than one year

Provision for liabilities and charges

Net assets

Capital and reserves
Called up share capital
Share premium account
Revaluation reserve
Capital redemption reserve
Profit and loss account

Equity shareholders’ funds
Minority interests – equity

Total capital employed

Notes

12
10

2003
£m

(97.2)
109.1

Group

Company

2002
£m

(0.9)
21.7

307.0
(281.1)

25.9
0.3

26.2
13.7

39.9

8.9

48.8

69.6

305.1
3.5
10.5

319.1
(52.4)

266.7

2003
£m

–
0.4

–
–

–

97.3

97.3

97.7

–
114.6
0.3

114.9
(46.6)

68.3

2002
£m

–
0.3

15.8
13.7

29.5

45.3

74.8

75.1

–
84.0
2.2

86.2
(42.3)

43.9

–
–

–
–

–
–

–

9.2

9.2

21.1

888.3
10.0
81.7

980.0
(154.5)

825.5

846.6

336.3

166.0

119.0

(684.8)

(211.5)

(12.8)

149.0

6.2
21.4
14.7
0.2
106.4

148.9
0.1

149.0

(3.7)

121.1

6.2
21.3
11.6
0.2
81.8

121.1
–

121.1

(2.5)

–

(5.6)

–

163.5

113.4

6.2
21.4
–
0.2
135.7

163.5
–

163.5

6.2
21.3
–
0.2
85.7

113.4
–

113.4

11
11

11

11

14
15
16

17

17

19

20
21
21
21
21

22
25

The financial statements on pages 34 to 59 were approved by the board of directors on 16 January 2004 and were signed on their 
behalf by:

Rupert Dickinson
Director

Andrew Cunningham
Director

38
Grainger Trust plc 
Balance sheets

Consolidated cash flow statement

For the year ended 30 September 2003

Notes

Net cash outflow from operating activities (see below)

Dividends from Joint Venture 

Returns on investments and servicing of finance
Interest received
Interest paid – normal

– exceptional

Dividends received

Taxation
UK Corporation tax paid

Capital expenditure and financial investment
Purchase of fixed asset investments
Purchase of tangible fixed assets
Sale of fixed asset investments
Sale of tangible fixed assets
Repayment of loan stock

Acquisitions and disposals
Purchase of subsidiaries
Costs on purchase of subsidiaries
Cash acquired on purchase of subsidiaries
Sale of subsidiaries
Investment in Joint Venture

Equity dividends paid

Cash inflow/(outflow) before financing

Financing
New loans raised
Repayment of loans
Issue of shares

Net cash inflow from financing

Increase/(decrease) in cash in the period

Reconciliation of group operating profit to net cash outflow from operating activities

Group operating profit
Depreciation
Amortisation of goodwill
(Increase)/decrease in debtors
(Decrease)/increase in creditors
Increase in stocks

Net cash outflow from operating activities

39
Grainger Trust plc 
Consolidated cash flow statement

26

27

24
24
20

23

2003
£m

(37.3)

52.0

2.9
(14.0)
–
0.2

(10.9)

2002
£m

(18.3)

–

7.6
(18.6)
(3.8)
–

(14.8)

(11.8)

(8.1)

(1.4)
(0.5)
–
2.1
–

0.2

(25.9)
(0.3)
74.9
–
–

48.7

(3.6)

37.3

64.0
(30.2)
0.1

33.9

71.2

2003
£m

47.3
0.2
(0.2)
(1.6)
(13.6)
(69.4)

(37.3)

(8.1)
(0.8)
0.1
7.1
26.3

24.6

(0.2)
(0.1)
–
0.2
(1.6)

(1.7)

(3.1)

(21.4)

47.1
(38.4)
0.1

8.8

(12.6)

2002
£m

42.0
0.2
(0.4)
1.0
7.9
(69.0)

(18.3)

Notes to the financial statements

For the year ended 30 September 2003

1 Segmental analysis by class of business

The analysis by class of business of the group’s turnover, profit before interest and taxation, and net assets is set out below:

Turnover and profit before taxation

Class of business
Continuing operations
Tenanted Residential
Development and Trading

Joint Venture

Net interest payable – group
Net interest payable – Joint Venture

2003
Turnover
£m

2003
Profit before
taxation
£m

2002
Turnover
£m

2002
Profit before
taxation
£m

81.0
37.0

118.0
55.6

173.6
–
–

173.6

35.6
13.6

49.2
27.7

76.9
(11.5)
(16.9)

48.5

68.0
35.5

103.5
110.3

213.8
–
–

213.8

30.0
12.1

42.1
40.4

82.5
(14.5)
(26.9)

41.1

The Joint Venture operated its activities as one class of business encompassing both Tenanted Residential and Development and Trading.

Net assets

Class of business
Continuing operations
Tenanted Residential
Development and Trading

Joint Venture

Net assets

Adjusted net assets*

2003
£m

2002
£m

2003
£m

2002
£m

96.0
53.0

149.0
–

149.0

73.6
37.1

110.7
10.4

121.1

464.8
78.6

543.4
–

543.4

244.1
68.1

312.2
114.5

426.7

*Adjusted net assets represent balance sheet net assets plus the excess of market value over book cost of trading stock, net of minority
interest. Adjusted net assets exclude any provision for contingent taxation. Turnover between segments is immaterial.

Analysis by geographical area
The group operates solely within the United Kingdom.

40
Grainger Trust plc 
Notes to the financial statements

2 Net profit on disposal of and provisions against fixed assets

Group
Profit on disposal of investment properties
Write back of impairment/(impairment) of investment properties

Joint Venture
Profit on disposal of investment properties

Group and Joint Venture

2003
£m

0.6
1.3

1.9

4.1

6.0

The write back of impairment of investment properties resulted from a change in the economic circumstances affecting the valuation of
certain investment properties.

3 Net interest payable and similar charges

Group
Bank loans and overdrafts
Debentures and other loans
Other interest costs

Less:
Income from listed fixed asset investments
Interest receivable

Exceptional item:
Cost of redemption of debenture stock (note 4)

Joint Venture
Bank loans and overdrafts
Debentures and other loans
Other interest costs

Less:
Interest receivable

Group and Joint Venture

All interest payable is charged to the profit and loss account. No interest has been capitalised in this or prior periods.

4 Exceptional item

Cost of redemption of debenture stock

2003
£m

9.7
3.2
1.7

14.6

(0.2)
(2.9)

11.5

–

11.5

12.8
0.9
4.4

18.1

(1.2)

16.9

28.4

2003
£m

–

2002
£m

0.2
(0.1)

0.1

7.4

7.5

2002
£m

11.7
4.5
1.5

17.7

–
(7.0)

10.7

3.8

14.5

16.5
7.6
4.5

28.6

(1.7)

26.9

41.4

2002
£m

(3.8)

The prior year exceptional item was paid in cash during the course of that year and represented the premium paid upon early redemption of
quoted debentures.

41
Grainger Trust plc 
Notes to the financial statements

5 Profit on ordinary activities before taxation

Profit on ordinary activities before taxation is stated after charging:
Depreciation of tangible owned fixed assets
Auditors’ remuneration (including expenses)
(Company £6,000 (2002: £6,000))

And after crediting:
Amortisation of goodwill

2003
£m

0.2

0.1

0.2

2002
£m

0.2

0.1

0.4

Remuneration of the company’s auditors for the provision of non-audit services to the company and its UK subsidiary undertakings was
£81,000 (2002: £91,000). Of this £62,000 (2002: £81,000) related to tax compliance and advisory services.

6 Directors and employees

Staff costs (including executive directors) during the year:
Wages and salaries
Social security costs
Other pension costs (see note 28)

Less: recharged to Joint Venture

2003
£m

5.3
1.0
0.3

6.6
(0.7)

5.9

2002
£m

5.9
0.7
0.2

6.8
(1.1)

5.7

The average weekly number of persons employed by the group during the year (including executive directors) was 94 (2002: 76). All
employees were involved in the management and/or administration of the group. Details of directors’ remuneration (including pensions),
directors’ share options and interests in the long-term incentive plan are provided in the remuneration committee report on pages 28 to 32.

7 Taxation

Analysis of charge in year
Current tax:
Group
UK Corporation tax on profits for the period
Adjustments in respect of prior periods
Transferred to appropriate reserve (see below)
Joint Venture
UK corporation tax on profits for the period
Adjustments in respect of prior periods

Total current tax

Deferred tax:
Origination and reversal of timing differences
Group
Joint Venture

Total deferred tax

Group and Joint Venture

2003
£m

2002
£m

12.3
0.2
–

6.3
1.9

20.7

(0.6)
(1.0)

(1.6)

11.1
–
(0.4)

8.3
–

19.0

(1.2)
2.4

1.2

19.1

20.2

The group allocates the tax arising on the sale of investment properties between the profit and loss account and the appropriate reserve to
match the accounting treatment of the gain arising.

42
Grainger Trust plc 
Notes to the financial statements

7 Taxation (continued)

Factors affecting the tax charge for the year
The tax assessed for the period is higher than the standard rate of corporation tax in the UK (30%).

The differences are explained below:

Profit on ordinary activities before tax

Profit on ordinary activities before tax at a rate of 30%
Expenses not deductible for tax purposes
Effect of negative goodwill written back
Tax on fair values released on sales
Effect of timing differences
Difference between tax and accounting profit on disposals
Adjustments in respect of prior periods

Total current tax

2003
£m

48.5

14.6
0.7
(1.5)
4.4
0.6
(0.2)
2.1

20.7

2002
£m

41.1

12.3
0.5
(4.5)
13.9
(1.5)
(1.7)
–

19.0

Factors that may affect future tax charges
No provisions for deferred tax have been made on gains which would become payable if the group’s investment properties were sold at their
year end values. The estimate of unprovided deferred tax is £16.5m (2002: £1.5m).

FRS19 prohibits the making of provisions for contingent tax liabilities on the fair value of properties on the acquisition of companies. It had
previously been industry practice to make partial provision for such liabilities as part of our fair value exercise on acquisition. Thus there is a
greater tax charge on property sales where there is no brought forward contingent tax provision available to be utilised in its reduction. 

The total contingent tax to the group on the difference between original cost and carrying value of trading properties not provided at 
30 September 2003 is £91.8m (2002: £42.0m).

8 Dividends

Dividends on equity shares:
Ordinary – interim paid of 3.51p per share (2002: 3.05p per share)
Ordinary – final proposed of 12.80p per share (2002: 11.13p per share)

2003
£m

0.8
3.2

4.0

2002
£m

0.7
2.8

3.5

9 Earnings per share

The calculation of basic, diluted and adjusted earnings per share is based on the following earnings and number of shares:

Year ended 30 September 2003

Year ended 30 September 2002

Basic earnings per share 
Profit attributable to shareholders
Exceptional item (note 3) less tax

Adjusted earnings 

Effect of dilutive securities 
Options

Diluted earnings per share
Profit attributable to shareholders
Exceptional item (note 3) less tax

Adjusted earnings 

Profit
for the 
year

Weighted
average
number 
of shares
£m       (thousands)

24,745

29.3
–

29.3

Earnings
per share
pence

118.5
–

118.5

Profit
for the
year
£m     

Weighted
average
number 
of shares
(thousands)

Earnings
per share
pence

24,682

20.9
2.7

23.6

–

117

–

–

126

24,862

29.3
–

29.3

118.0
–

118.0

20.9
2.7

23.6

24,808

84.6
10.7

95.3

–

84.2
10.6

94.8

The adjusted earnings per share is presented as it gives a better picture of the underlying performance of the business.

43
Grainger Trust plc 
Notes to the financial statements

10 Tangible fixed assets

Cost or valuation
At 1 October 2002
Surplus on revaluation
Additions
Disposals
Acquisitions

At 30 September 2003

Depreciation
At 1 October 2002
Charge for year

At 30 September 2003

Net book value
At 30 September 2003

At 30 September 2002

Investment
properties
£m

Group
fixtures,
fittings and
equipment
£m

21.1
3.1
0.3
(1.5)
85.1

108.1

–
–

–

108.1

21.1

1.4
–
0.2
–
0.4

2.0

0.8
0.2

1.0

1.0

0.6

Company
fixtures,
fittings and
equipment
£m

0.8
–
0.2
–
–

1.0

0.5
0.1

0.6

0.4

0.3

Total
£m

22.5
3.1
0.5
(1.5)
85.5

110.1

0.8
0.2

1.0

109.1

21.7

Group investment properties were revalued at their market value at 30 September 2003 by Jones Lang LaSalle, Chartered Surveyors,
independent of the company, and by in-house valuations. A structured sample of the in-house valuations has been independently reviewed
by Allsop & Co., Chartered Surveyors. Based on the results of that review, Allsop & Co. have concluded that they have a high degree of
confidence in those valuations. These represent estimates of the open market value of the properties subject to the tenancies then existing. 

The net book value of investment properties comprises:

Group

Group

2003 
£m

99.8
8.3

108.1

2003
£m

104.9

2002
£m

21.1
_

21.1

2002
£m

20.8

Freehold
Long leasehold

Net book value

If investment properties had not been revalued, they would have been included at the following amounts:

Net book value

44
Grainger Trust plc 
Notes to the financial statements

11 Fixed asset investments

Cost
At 1 October 2002
Goodwill
Other

Additions
Share of retained loss for year
Share of surplus on revaluation of investment properties
Share of tax on realisation of revaluation surpluses
Disposals
Adjustment upon consolidation of Joint Venture

At 30 September 2003
Goodwill
Other

Amortisation of goodwill
At 1 October 2002
Adjustment upon consolidation of Joint Venture

At 30 September 2003

Net book value at 30 September 2003

Group

Equity
investment in
Joint Venture
£m

Loan to
Joint Venture
£m

Own shares
and other
investments
£m

0.4
25.9

26.3

–
(47.9)
4.4
(0.9)
–
18.1

–

–
–

–

0.1
(0.1)

–

–

–
13.7

13.7

–
–
–
–
–
(13.7)

–

–
–

–

–
–

–

–

Total
£m

0.4
48.5

48.9

1.4
(47.9)
4.4
(0.9)
(1.1)
4.4

9.2

–
9.2

9.2

0.1
(0.1)

–

9.2

48.8

–
8.9

8.9

1.4
–
–
–
(1.1)
–

9.2

–
9.2

9.2

–
–

–

9.2

8.9

Net book value at 30 September 2002

26.2

13.7

The goodwill was released in line with the disposal of acquired properties.

45
Grainger Trust plc 
Notes to the financial statements

11 Fixed asset investments (continued)

Cost
At 1 October 2002
Additions
Adjustment on consolidation of Joint Venture

At 30 September 2003

Company

Investment
in Joint Venture
£m

Loan to
Joint Venture
£m

Investment in
subsidiaries
£m

Other
investments
£m

15.8
–
(15.8)

–

13.7
–
(13.7)

–

38.3
36.2
15.8

90.3

7.0
–
–

7.0

Total
£m

74.8
36.2
(13.7)

97.3

Investments at net book value include:
Investments listed on a recognised stock exchange
Aggregate market value of listed investments

Group

Own shares and
other investments

2003
£m

9.2
12.4

2002
£m

8.9
11.2

Listed investments include 263,639 (2002: 323,768) 25p ordinary shares in Grainger Trust plc held by a subsidiary trustee company at a
cost of £2.2m (2002: £1.9m), which had a market value at 30 September 2003 of £3.6m (2002: £3.2m). These are held for the purpose of
awarding shares to certain senior executives under the company’s employee share benefits schemes. The administrative costs of running
this company have been included in these financial statements.

The directors consider that providing details of all subsidiaries as at 30 September 2003 would result in disclosure of excessive length. 
The following information relates to those subsidiary undertakings whose results or financial position, in the opinion of the directors,
principally affected the figures of the group:

Name of undertaking

Northumberland & Durham Property Trust Limited
GIP Limited
N & D London Limited
Derwent Developments Limited
BPT (Bradford Property Trust) Limited
BPT (Assured Homes) Limited
BPT (Residential Investments) Limited
Bromley Property Investments Limited
Home Properties Limited

Proportion of nominal value of
ordinary issued shares held by:
Company %

Group %

100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100

–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–

Activity

Property trading
Property trading and investment
Property management
Land development
Property trading
Property investment
Property investment
Finance company
Property trading

All subsidiaries are consolidated in the group accounts, are incorporated in England and Wales and operate within the United Kingdom.

On 26 September 2003, the company acquired the remaining 50% interest in the ordinary share capital of Bromley Property Holdings
Limited (‘Bromley’), a company incorporated in England and Wales. Prior to that date, the company held a 50% interest in Bromley and the
company’s share of its results for the year are disclosed separately within the profit and loss account. The assets and liabilities of Bromley at 
30 September 2003 are consolidated within the group’s balance sheet. At 30 September 2002 these were shown separately as an
investment in Joint Venture. Further details of the acquisition are shown in note 27.

46
Grainger Trust plc 
Notes to the financial statements

12 Intangible assets

Cost
At 1 October 2002
Additions

At 30 September 2003

Amortisation
At 1 October 2002 
Release for year

At 30 September 2003

Net book value
At 30 September 2003

At 30 September 2002

The negative goodwill arising on acquisitions is being amortised in line with the disposal of acquired assets.

13 Capital commitments

The group had capital commitments contracted but not provided for of £nil at 30 September 2003 (2002: £nil).

14 Stocks

Trading and development properties

Group

Negative
goodwill
£m

2.0
96.5

98.5

1.1
0.2

1.3

97.2

0.9

Group

2003
£m

888.3

2002
£m

305.1

The market value of the group’s trading and development properties is £1,185.8m (2002: £504.7m), as valued on the same basis as
disclosed in note 10.

Group

Company

2003
£m

2.6
–
0.6
4.0
2.8

10.0

2002
£m

1.7
–
0.6
1.2
–

3.5

2003
£m

–
112.6
0.3
1.7
–

114.6

2002
£m

–
82.8
0.4
0.8
–

84.0

15 Debtors

Trade debtors
Amounts owed by group undertakings
Other debtors
Prepayments and accrued income
Deferred tax asset (see note 19)

47
Grainger Trust plc
Notes to the financial statements

16 Cash at bank and in hand

At 30 September 2003, bank balances included £53.8m (2002: £6.6m) which is held by lenders awaiting substitution of alternative security,
represents deposits received or is held as a guarantee for loan note obligations.

17 Creditors 

Amounts falling due within one year:
Mortgages and other loans
Loan notes
Bank loans
Deposits received
Trade creditors
Amounts owed to group undertakings
Corporation tax payable
Other taxation and social security
Accruals and deferred income
Dividends payable

Amounts falling due after more than one year:
10 1/2% debenture stock
11 3/4% debenture stock
Mortgages and other loans
Loan notes
Bank loans

Maturity of finance debt (net of issue costs) is as follows:
In one year or less
Between one and two years
Between two and five years
Between five and ten years
Over ten years

Group

Company

2002
£m

0.4
1.9
19.9
0.6
7.5
–
8.3
1.6
9.4
2.8

52.4

2003
£m

–
1.9
2.0
–
–
25.6
2.8
0.1
11.0
3.2

46.6

2002
£m

–
1.9
2.0
–
–
33.1
1.9
–
0.6
2.8

42.3

Group

Company

2002
£m

1.9
0.9
28.6
0.8
179.3

211.5

22.2
32.5
56.4
95.7
26.9

233.7

2003
£m

2002
£m

1.9
0.6
–
–
–

2.5

3.9
–
–
–
2.5

6.4

1.9
0.9
–
0.8
2.0

5.6

3.9
2.8
–
–
2.8

9.5

2003
£m

11.7
41.2
23.5
1.0
8.1
–
24.9
2.0
38.9
3.2

154.5

2003
£m

1.9
0.6
427.6
–
254.7

684.8

76.4
46.8
210.6
358.7
68.7

761.2

The 10 1/2% and 113/4% debenture stock is repayable on 31 March 2024 and is secured by way of fixed and floating charges over certain of
the group’s properties. 

Mortgages and other loans bear interest rates of between 5% and 13% and are secured by fixed charges over certain of the group’s
properties. Repayments are over terms of 1 to 19 years. Bank loans bear interest rates between 0.75% and 1.40% above LIBOR and are
secured by fixed and floating charges over the assets of the group. Repayments are over terms of 1 to 29 years.

Loan notes carry interest at 0.75% and 1.00% below LIBOR and are payable half-yearly/quarterly on demand. Final redemption is at par on
30 September 2009 and 30 April 2011.

48
Grainger Trust plc 
Notes to the financial statements

18 Financial instruments

The group’s policies relative to financial instruments are set out in the operating and financial review on page 11. All amounts are held in
pounds sterling. Short-term debtors and creditors have been excluded from these disclosures as they do not have a significant impact 
on the financial risk profile of the group.

Interest rate risk profile of financial liabilities

Quoted debentures
Institutional debt
Loan notes
Bank debt

Total

Quoted debentures
Institutional debt
Loan notes
Bank debt

Total

2003

Fixed rate Capped rate
liabilities
£m

liabilities
£m

Floating rate
liabilities
£m

2.5
17.4
–
60.9

80.8

–
–
41.3
111.1

152.4

–
–
–
533.4

533.4

2002

Fixed rate
liabilities
£m

Capped rate
liabilities
£m

Floating rate
liabilities
£m

2.8
17.6
–
15.0

35.4

–
–
–
150.0

150.0

–
–
2.7
45.6

48.3

Total
£m

2.5
17.4
41.3
705.4

766.6

Total
£m

2.8
17.6
2.7
210.6

233.7

The interest rate profile shown above takes into account the various derivative instruments used to manage interest rate fluctuations and is
gross of issue costs.

Borrowings subject to caps, collars and swaps are included in capped rate liabilities. 

Hedge profile
Quoted debentures
Institutional debt
Bank debt

Total

Hedge profile
Quoted debentures
Institutional debt
Bank debt

Total

2003

Fixed rate
Weighted
average 
rate
%

Weighted
average 
period
years

Capped rate
Weighted
average 
rate
%

Weighted
average 
period
years

10.8
11.8
6.9

8.1

21
2
20

17

2002

–
–
5.8

5.8

–
–
4

4

Fixed rate
Weighted

Weighted
average rate average period
years

%

Capped rate
Weighted

Weighted
average rate average period
years

%

10.9
11.9
7.3

9.9

22
3
23

13

–
–
6.9

6.9

–
–
4

4

The fixed and capped rates are inclusive of loan margins and reflect the effective cost of finance after taking account of the effect of interest
rate swaps.

49
Grainger Trust plc 
Notes to the financial statements

18 Financial instruments (continued)

Financial assets
The group’s financial assets at the year end consist of cash at bank and in hand of £81.7m (2002: £10.5m). The interest rate on this 
is floating.

Borrowing facilities
The group had various unutilised borrowing facilities at the year end. The undrawn facilities available to the group amount to £41.0m 
(2002: £20.0m), of which £25.0m expires on 30 September 2004 and £16.0m expires on 9 January 2004 (2002: £20.0m expired on 
30 September 2003).

Fair values of financial liabilities
The following fair values represent the amounts at which the financial instruments could be exchanged on an arm’s length transaction
between informed and willing parties, and exclude accrued interest.

Financial instruments:
Quoted debentures
Institutional debt
Short-term fixed rate bank debt

Total fixed rate debt

Debt fixed under one year

Derivative financial instruments:
Interest rate swaps
Interest rate caps
Interest rate collars

Total current derivatives
Future interest rate swaps

Total derivatives

Financial assets:
Cash

2003

Fair
value
£m

3.4
19.1
60.4

82.9

Book
value
£m

2.5
17.4
58.3

78.2

683.0

683.0

–
–
–

–
–

–

1.6
(0.1)
–

1.5
4.9

6.4

Fair 
value
adjustment
£m

(0.9)
(1.7)
(2.1)

(4.7)

–

(1.6)
0.1
–

(1.5)
(4.9)

(6.4)

2002

Fair
value
£m

3.9
20.4
17.1

41.4

Book
value
£m

2.8
17.6
15.0

35.4

198.3

198.3

–
–
–

–
–

–

2.7
(0.2)
–

2.5
3.2

5.7

761.2

772.3

(11.1)

233.7

245.4

(81.7)

679.5

(81.7)

690.6

–

(11.1)

(10.5)

223.2

(10.5)

234.9

Fair
value
adjustment
£m

(1.1)
(2.8)
(2.1)

(6.0)

–

(2.7)
0.2
–

(2.5)
(3.2)

(5.7)

(11.7)

–

(11.7)

The fair values were calculated at 30 September 2003 using interest rates and market prices prevailing at that date and reflect the
replacement values of the respective financial instruments. This has an after tax effect on NAV of 31p (2002: 33p).

In addition, the group made full provision of £6.8m for the fair value of the financial instruments of Bromley at the date of acquisition 
(see note 19).

Changes in the fair value of derivative instruments are only recognised when the position matures or terminates.

An analysis of the unrecognised gains and losses arising on financial instruments used as hedges is as follows:

Gains/(losses) on hedges at 1 October 2002
Losses arising in previous periods that were recognised during the year
Gains/(losses) not recognised in the year to 30 September 2003
Arising before 1 October 2002
Arising during the year to 30 September 2003

Unrecognised gains/(losses) on hedges at 30 September 2003

Of which:
Losses expected to be recognised in the year to 30 September 2004
Gains/(losses) expected to be recognised in the year to 30 September 2005 or later

50
Grainger Trust plc 
Notes to the financial statements

Gains
£m

0.4
–

0.4
(0.2)

0.2

–
0.2

Losses
£m

Net total
£m

(6.1)
1.1

(5.0)
(1.6)

(6.6)

(0.8)
(5.8)

(5.7)
1.1

(4.6)
(1.8)

(6.4)

(0.8)
(5.6)

19 Provisions for liabilities and charges

Deferred taxation
Provision for retirement liabilities
Provision for fair value of financial instruments

Group

2003 
£m

–
6.0
6.8

12.8 

2002
£m

3.7
–
–

3.7

The provision for retirement liabilities reflects an estimate for the amount required to meet a shortfall in retirement liabilities within Bromley at
the date of acquisition and is to be amortised over the expected remaining service lives of relevant employees.

The provision for fair value of financial instruments reflects the mark to market adjustment calculated on the financial instruments of Bromley
at the date of acquisition and will be amortised over the maturity periods of those financial instruments.

Deferred taxation

Amount provided

Amount unprovided

2003
£m

2002
£m

2003
£m

2002
£m

Group
Tax effect of timing differences due to:
Accelerated capital allowances
Net short-term timing differences
Held over gains in stock arising from transfers from fixed assets
Revalued investment properties
Transferred to debtors

Balance at 30 September 2003

0.2
(6.3)
3.3
–
2.8

–

0.5
(0.1)
3.3
–
–

3.7

–
–
–
16.5
–

16.5

Group
The movements on the provisions for deferred taxation are as follows:
1 October 2002
Amount credited to profit and loss account
Balance acquired on acquisitions
Transferred to debtors

Balance at 30 September 2003

The company has no liability, potential or otherwise, to deferred taxation.

The group does not provide deferred tax on revalued investment properties, in line with FRS19 ‘Deferred taxation’, as there is no binding
agreement to sell the revalued investment properties as at the balance sheet date.

–
–
–
1.5
–

1.5

£m

3.7
(1.6)
(4.9)
2.8

–

51
Grainger Trust plc 
Notes to the financial statements

20 Called-up share capital

Company and group
Authorised:
32,000,000 (2002: 32,000,000) ordinary shares of 25p each

Allotted, called-up and fully paid:
24,762,697 (2002: 24,744,546) ordinary shares of 25p each

Shares issued during the year:
SAYE scheme at £2.58
SAYE scheme at £4.68

2003
£m

2002
£m

8.0

6.2

8.0

6.2

Number

Nominal value Consideration
£’000

£’000

6,282
11,869

18,151

2
3

5

16
56

72

Potential issues of ordinary shares
Certain senior executives hold options to subscribe for shares in the company under executive share option schemes at prices ranging from
231.2p to 959.0p. In addition, the company operates a SAYE share option scheme for employees. Under this scheme, employees hold
options to subscribe for shares in the company at prices ranging from 258.0p to 932.3p. Under these various schemes, options on 18,151
shares were exercised in the year and options on 2,939 shares lapsed. The number of shares subject to options, the periods in which they
were granted and the periods in which they may be exercised are given below: 

Exercise price
(pence)

Exercise
period

2003
Number

231.2
292.0 – 342.5
267.1
959.0

1997-04
1999-06
2000-07
2006-13

40,000
19,032
27,856
169,506

256,394

2002
Number

40,000
19,032
27,856
–

86,888

Exercise price
(pence)

Exercise
period

2003
Number

2002
Number

258.0
308.0
466.0
690.0
818.0
932.3

2001-04
2002-05
2003-06
2004-07
2005-08
2006-09

–
4,382
1,153
9,388
22,706
19,302

56,931

6,282
4,382
13,022
11,492
23,541
–

58,719

313,325

145,607

Year of grant

Executive share options
1994
1996
1997
2003

Year of grant

SAYE share options
1998
1999
2000
2001
2002
2003

Total share options

52
Grainger Trust plc 
Notes to the financial statements

21 Reserves

Group
At 1 October 2002
Issue of shares
Investment properties:
Surplus on revaluation

Group
Joint Venture
Less: Recognised in the profit and loss account in the year

Realisation on disposals
Tax on realisation of revaluation surpluses of Joint Venture
Arising upon consolidation of Joint Venture
Retained profit for the year

Share premium
account
£m

Revaluation
reserve
£m

Capital
redemption
reserve
£m

Profit and
loss account
£m

21.3
0.1

11.6
–

–
–
–
–
–
–
–

3.1
4.4
(1.3) 
(3.1)
–
–
–

0.2
–

–
–
–
–
–
–
–

81.8
–

–
–
–
3.1
(0.9)
(2.9)
25.3

At 30 September 2003

21.4

14.7

0.2

106.4

Company
At 1 October 2002
Issue of shares
Retained profit for the year

At 30 September 2003

Share premium
account
£m

Capital
redemption
reserve
£m

Profit and
loss account
£m

21.3
0.1
–

21.4

0.2
–
–

0.2

85.7
–
50.0

135.7

The group financial statements do not include a separate profit and loss account for the company as permitted under section 230 of the
Companies Act 1985. The amount of group profit after taxation dealt with in the financial statements of the parent company is £54.0m
(2002: £4.6m). Included within the company’s profit and loss account balance of £135.7m is a total of £60.5m which is non-distributable 
as the profit arose on a transfer of assets between group companies (2002: £60.5m). 

53
Grainger Trust plc 
Notes to the financial statements

2003
£m

29.3
(4.0)

25.3
2.4
0.1

27.8
121.1

148.9

2003
£m

71.2
(33.8)

37.4

(493.7)

(456.3)
(223.2)

(679.5)

2002
£m

20.9
(3.5)

17.4
7.4
0.6

25.4
95.7

121.1

2002
£m

(12.6)
(8.7)

(21.3)

(1.1)

(22.4)
(200.8)

(223.2)

At 1 Oct
2002
£m

10.5
(22.2)
(211.5)

(223.2)

Cash flow
£m

On purchase 
of subsidiary
£m

Other non
cash changes
£m

At 30 Sept
2003
£m

71.2
30.2
(64.0)

37.4

–
(39.5)
(454.2)

(493.7)

–
(44.9)
44.9

–

2003
£m

–
0.1

0.1

81.7
(76.4)
(684.8)

(679.5)

2002
£m

–
–

–

22 Reconciliation of movements in equity shareholders’ funds 

Profit for the financial year
Dividends

Other recognised gains and losses for the year
New share capital issued

Net additions to equity shareholders’ funds
Opening equity shareholders’ funds

Closing equity shareholders’ funds

23 Reconciliation of net cash flow to movement in net debt

Increase/(decrease) in cash
Cash inflow from increase in debt

Change in net debt resulting from cash flows
Other non-cash items:
Loans acquired with subsidiary

Movement in net debt for the year
Net debt at 1 October 2002

Net debt at 30 September 2003

24 Analysis of net debt

Cash at bank and in hand
Debt due within one year
Debt due after one year

Total

25 Minority interest – equity

At 1 October 2002
Minority share of profit for the year

At 30 September 2003

54
Grainger Trust plc 
Notes to the financial statements

26 Acquisitions

The following acquisitions were made during the year:

Company

Percentage
purchased 

Date of
acquisition

Satisfied by
Cash
£m

Contingent
deferred
consideration
£m

Acquisition
expenses 
£m

Total
consideration
£m

Bromley Property Holdings Limited
Upminster Holdings Limited
BPT Peachey Limited
BPT (Peachey No2) Limited
Hamsard 2492 Limited
Hamsard 2342 Limited
BPT Bridgewater (Home Reversions No1) Limited
BPT Bridgewater (Home Reversions No2) Limited

50% 26 September 2003
2 December 2002
100%
100% 13 December 2002
100% 13 December 2002
100% 13 December 2002
100% 13 December 2002
100% 13 December 2002
100% 13 December 2002

24.3
1.2
–
–
–
0.4
–
–

25.9

10.0
–
–
–
–
–
–
–

10.0

0.6
–
–
–
–
0.1
–
–

0.7

34.9
1.2
–
–
–
0.5
–
–

36.6

These purchases have been accounted for using the acquisition method of accounting.

Details of the acquisition of Bromley Property Holdings Limited are shown separately in note 27. 

The contingent deferred consideration of £10.0m has been recognised because the directors believe the relevant criteria will be met. 
The £10.0m is calculated by reference to the percentage increase in the non-seasonally adjusted Nationwide House Price Index which the
figure published in respect of August 2004 represents over the figure representing August 2002. If the increase amounts to 10%, the sum 
of £5.0m will be payable, rising by £0.1m for every 0.1% additional increase to a maximum of £10.0m when the increase amounts to 15% 
or more. This consideration is payable on or before 17 December 2004.

The aggregate assets and liabilities acquired, and their provisional fair values, of the other acquisitions were:

Tangible fixed assets

Current assets
Trading properties

Total assets 

Liabilities
Creditors

Net assets acquired

Negative goodwill

Total consideration

Book value
£m

Fair value
adjustments
£m

Provisional 
fair value
£m

0.7

13.5

14.2

(13.4)

0.8

–

1.2

1.2

–

1.2

0.7

14.7

15.4

(13.4)

2.0

(0.3)

1.7

The fair value of the trading properties at the dates of acquisition were prepared internally on a market value basis.

The post acquisition cash flows and results of the above companies are not considered material by the directors and therefore have not
been disclosed separately in the profit and loss account or cash flow statement.

The subsidiaries acquired on 13 December 2002 were purchased from the Bromley Joint Venture. As part of this transaction, the group also
purchased properties valued at £4.5m.

55
Grainger Trust plc 
Notes to the financial statements

27 Bromley Property Holdings Limited

The company purchased the remaining 50% interest in the ordinary share capital of Bromley Property Holdings Limited (‘Bromley’) on 
26 September 2003. Prior to that, Bromley was treated as a Joint Venture in the group’s financial statements. 

The aggregate assets and liabilities acquired and their provisional fair values for the purpose of calculating negative goodwill of the 
Bromley acquisition were:

Fixed assets
Intangible assets
Tangible assets
Current assets
Trading properties
Debtors
Cash at bank and in hand

Total assets 
Liabilities
Creditors: amounts falling due within one year
Creditors: amounts falling due after more than one year
Provisions for liabilities and charges

Net (liabilities)/assets acquired

50% thereof
Consideration

Negative goodwill on acquisition
50% share of Bromley’s negative goodwill
Unamortised goodwill on initial acquisition of Joint Venture

Total negative goodwill

Book value
£m

Fair value
adjustments
£m

Provisional 
fair value
£m

(80.3)
84.8

428.0
7.3
74.9

514.7

(92.7)
(454.2)
(4.7)

(36.9)

80.3
–

144.9
2.4
–

227.6

–
–
(8.1)

219.5

–
84.8

572.9
9.7
74.9

742.3

(92.7)
(454.2)
(12.8)

182.6

91.3
34.9

(56.4)
(40.1)
0.3

(96.2)

The fair value of the properties at the date of acquisition was prepared internally on a market value basis and reviewed by Allsop & Co., as
stated in note 10. The other fair value adjustments reflect provisions for deficits on retirement schemes and the mark to market adjustment
for Bromley’s debt, together with associated provisions for deferred taxation.

The aggregate assets and liabilities acquired and their provisional fair values for the purpose of the group accounts were:

Net assets as reported above
Less 50% of the fair value uplift of trading properties

Net assets acquired on consolidation

£m

182.6
(72.5)

110.1

A 50% adjustment has been made to the fair value of net assets used in the goodwill analysis above to reflect the proportion of ownership 
of these assets as part of the Joint Venture prior to Bromley becoming a subsidiary.

The post acquisition cash flows and results of Bromley are not considered material by the directors and therefore have not been disclosed
separately in the profit and loss account or cash flow statement.

The trading and profitability of Bromley, which is a ‘substantial acquisition’ as defined in FRS6, for the period to acquisition are summarised 
as follows:

Turnover
Operating profit
Profit before taxation
Taxation

Profit for the period

The profit after tax for the year ended 30 September 2002 was £8.0m.

56
Grainger Trust plc 
Notes to the financial statements

1 October 2002 to
26 September 2003
£m

114.1
48.3
24.4
(16.1)

8.3

27 Bromley Property Holdings Limited (continued)

The statement of total recognised gains and losses for Bromley for the period to acquisition is as follows:

Profit on ordinary activities after taxation
Unrealised surplus on revaluation of properties
Tax on realisation of revaluation surpluses

Total recognised gains and losses

28 Pension schemes

1 October 2002 to
26 September 2003
£m

8.3
8.8
(1.8)

15.3

Grainger Trust plc operates defined contribution pension schemes for its employees. The assets of the schemes are held separately from
those of the group in independently administered funds. Pension arrangements for executive directors are disclosed in the remuneration
committee report. The pension cost charge in these financial statements represents contributions payable by the group (see note 6).

BPT Limited, a wholly owned subsidiary of Bromley, currently contributes to two pension schemes. The first is a defined contribution
scheme, implemented during the year and open to all employees. The contributions are charged to the profit and loss account during the
year. The second is a defined benefit scheme, which was closed to new members and employee contributions during the year. The group
will continue to contribute so as to spread the cost over the expected remaining lives of the relevant employees.

Defined benefit scheme
The assets of the defined benefit scheme are held separately from those of the group in funds administered by trustees and are invested
with an independent investment manager. Costs and funding are assessed with the advice of an independent qualified actuary using the
projected unit method.

Actuarial valuations are carried out every three years and the last full actuarial valuation using the projected unit method was undertaken as
at 1 July 2001. Based on actuarial assumptions of an investment return of 7.5% per annum and salary increases of 6% per annum, the
assets were valued at £9.0m. These were held in a relevant insurance contract. These assets represented 85% of the value of the scheme’s
accrued liabilities. The deficiency is being met over the expected working lifetimes of the members. The pension cost in the Joint Venture for
the year ended 30 September 2003 was £0.4m (2002: £0.6m).

The actuary also undertook a Minimum Funding Requirement valuation as at 1 July 2001 in accordance with the Pensions Act 1995. The
value of the assets of the scheme was determined at 95% of the liabilities of the scheme.

FRS17 transitional disclosures
The FRS17 calculations for disclosure purposes have been based on a valuation at 1 August 2003 adjusted to 30 September 2003 by a
qualified independent actuary. The major assumptions used by the actuary were:

Discount rate
Rate of increase in salaries
Rate of increase in pensions in payment
Inflation assumption

5.30% pa
3.70% pa
5.00% pa
2.70% pa

The assets are invested in a with-profits deposit administration insurance policy with AXA Sun Life. The fund value of the assets of the
scheme was £10.5m as at 30 September 2003.

The expected rate of return on the assets was 6.3% as at 30 September 2003.

The following approximate amounts were measured in accordance with the requirements of FRS17:

Total market value of assets
Present value of scheme liabilities

Deficit in the scheme
Related deferred tax assets

Net pension liability

57
Grainger Trust plc 
Notes to the financial statements

30 September
2003
£m

10.5
(14.2)

(3.7)
1.1

(2.6)

28 Pension schemes (continued)

If these amounts had been recognised as part of the net assets of Bromley, the adjustment to the pension liability of £2.6m would have been
reflected in the net assets acquired as at 26 September 2003. The adjustment to pensions balances to reflect the adoption of FRS17 would
be to goodwill, with nil net impact on net assets and the profit and loss reserve. Consequently, the disclosure requirements of FRS17 with
respect to the impact of the above net pension liability measured in accordance with FRS17 have not been presented.

The following amounts would have been recognised in the performance statements of the Joint Venture in the year to 30 September 2003
under the requirements of FRS17:

£m

0.3
–

0.3

(0.7)
0.6

(0.1)

(0.3)
0.1
(1.1)

(1.3)

£m

(3.1)

(0.3)
–
1.1
(0.1)
(1.3)

(3.7)

Operating profit
Current service cost
Past service cost

Total operating charge

Other finance income
Interest on pension scheme liabilities
Expected return on pension scheme assets

Net return

Statement of total recognised gains and losses
Actual return less expected return on pension scheme assets
Experience gains and losses arising on the scheme liabilities
Changes in assumptions underlying the present value of the scheme liabilities

Actuarial loss recognised

Movements in deficit for the year ended 30 September 2003

Deficit in scheme at 1 October 2002
Movement in year:
Current service cost
Past service cost
Contributions
Other finance income
Actuarial loss

Deficit in scheme at year end

58
Grainger Trust plc 
Notes to the financial statements

28 Pension schemes (continued)

Details of experience gains and losses for the year ended 30 September 2003.

1. Difference between the expected and actual return on scheme assets

Amount
Percentage of scheme assets

2. Experience gains and losses on scheme liabilities

Amount
Percentage of the present value of the scheme liabilities

3. Total amount recognised in statement of total recognised gains and losses

Amount
Percentage of the present value of the scheme liabilities 

29 Contingent liabilities

£(0.3m)
(2.9%)

£0.1m
0.1%

£(1.3m)
(9.2%)

The company, in conjunction with certain other group companies, has guaranteed bank loans and other loans of subsidiary companies
amounting at 30 September 2003 to £243.8m (2002: £208.3m).

30 Post balance sheet events

On 21 November 2003, the company announced the early redemption of its 2024 quoted debenture stock, of £2.5m, with an early
redemption cost of £1.8m.

31 Related party transactions

In accordance with the provisions of FRS8 ‘Related Party Disclosures’, details of transactions with subsidiary undertakings are not disclosed.
There are no other related party transactions in addition to those already disclosed in the financial statements.

59
Grainger Trust plc 
Notes to the financial statements

Notice of the annual general meeting

For the year ended 30 September 2003.

Notice is hereby given that the ninety-first annual general meeting of the company will be held at Citygate, St James’ Boulevard, Newcastle
upon Tyne NE1 4JE on 26 February 2004 at 12.15 pm for the following purposes:

As routine business, to consider and, if thought fit, pass the following resolutions as ordinary resolutions of the company:

1. That the directors’ report and the audited financial statements for the year ended 30 September 2003 be approved and adopted.

2. That the remuneration committee report for the year ended 30 September 2003 be approved.

3. That a dividend of 12.80p per share be paid on 5 March 2004 to all holders of ordinary shares on the register of members of the

company at the close of business on 13 February 2004, in respect of all ordinary shares then registered in their names.

4. That Robert Dickinson be re-elected as a director.

5. That Robin Herbert be re-elected as a director.

6. That John Barnsley (having been appointed since the last annual general meeting) be re-elected as a director.

7. That PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP be re-appointed auditors of the company to hold office until the conclusion of the next general

meeting at which accounts are laid before the company and that their remuneration be fixed by the directors.

As special business, to consider and, if thought fit, pass the following resolutions 8 and 9 which will be proposed as special resolutions of
the company.

8. That the directors be empowered pursuant to section 95 of the Companies Act 1985 (the ‘Act’) to allot equity securities (as defined in
section 94(2) of the Act) (including as described in section 94(3A) of the Act) for cash pursuant to the authority conferred by resolution 
7 passed at the annual general meeting of the company on 29 February 2000 as if section 89(1) of the Act did not apply to any such
allotment, provided that this power shall be limited to:

(a) the allotment of equity securities in connection with any rights issue, open offer or other pre-emptive offer to holders of equity securities in
proportion (as nearly as may be practicable) to their respective holdings of such equity securities, but subject to such exclusions or other
arrangements as the directors may deem necessary or expedient in relation to fractional entitlements or any legal or practical problems
under the laws of any territory or the requirements of any regulatory body or stock exchange in any territory or any other matter
whatsoever; and

(b) otherwise than pursuant to paragraph (a) above, the allotment of equity securities up to an aggregate nominal amount of £310,033.

and shall expire on the conclusion of the next annual general meeting of the company after the passing of this resolution or 15 months from
the date of this resolution (whichever is earlier) except that the company may before such expiry make an offer or agreement which would
or might require equity securities to be allotted after such expiry and the directors may allot equity securities in pursuance of any such offer
or agreement notwithstanding that the power conferred by this resolution has expired.

All powers previously conferred under section 95 of the Act are revoked, but such revocation shall not have retrospective effect.

60
Grainger Trust plc 
Notice of the annual general meeting

9. That the company be generally and unconditionally authorised for the purposes of section 166 of the Companies Act 1985 (the ‘Act’) to
make one or more market purchases (within the meaning of section 163(3) of the Act) on the London Stock Exchange of ordinary shares
of 25p each in the capital of the company provided that:

(a) the maximum aggregate number of ordinary shares hereby authorised to be purchased is 3,720,404;

(b) the minimum price which may be paid for such shares is 25p per ordinary share;

(c) the maximum price which may be paid for such ordinary shares shall not be more than 5% above the average of the market values for
an ordinary share as derived from the London Stock Exchange’s Daily Official List for the five business days immediately preceding the
date on which the ordinary shares are purchased;

(d) unless previously renewed, varied or revoked, the authority hereby conferred shall expire at the conclusion of the company’s next annual

general meeting or 15 months from the date of this resolution (whichever is earlier); and

(e) the company may make a contract or contracts to purchase ordinary shares under the authority conferred by this resolution prior to the
expiry of such authority which will or may be executed wholly or partly after the expiry of such authority and may make a purchase of
ordinary shares in pursuance of any such contract or contracts.

By order of the board

Marie Glanville
Company secretary
16 January 2004

Citygate
St James’ Boulevard
Newcastle upon Tyne
NE1 4JE

61
Grainger Trust plc 
Notice of the annual general meeting

Five year record

For the year ended 30 September 2003

Turnover**
Gross rentals
Sales of investment properties
Trading profits
Profit before taxation**
Profit after taxation and minority interests**
Dividends paid

Earnings**
Dividends

Fixed assets and stocks on a financial statement basis
Fixed assets and stocks at market value***

Share capital and reserves

Net asset value on financial statements basis
Net asset value including fixed assets and stocks
at replacement value*

Dividend cover**
Gearing
Share price at 30 September

1999

60.1
22.8
13.3
12.6
12.4
9.0
2.4

35.7
9.32

250.4
335.0

95.1

3.77

7.13

3.8x
76%
397.5p

2000

68.2
24.7
19.9
19.7
16.4
11.1
2.7

44.1
10.72

284.6
439.3

86.8

3.52

9.79

4.2x
74%
575.0p

2001
£m

124.7
23.2
40.0
26.5
21.1
12.9
3.0

pence per share

52.5
12.33

£m

316.0
554.9

95.7

2002

2003

213.8
22.0
7.1
33.7
44.9
23.5
3.5

95.3
14.18

374.7
680.3

121.1

173.6
21.4
2.1
38.8
48.5
29.3
4.0

118.5
16.31

909.4
1,305.8

148.9

£ per share

3.88

4.89

6.01

13.56***

17.24***

21.94

4.3x
60%
757.5p

6.7x
52%
992.5p

7.3x
125%
1,365.0p

Figures for 1999 to 2001 are restated, where relevant, to take account of FRS19. In addition:
*Corporation tax has not been provided on valuation surpluses relating to stocks.
**Excluding exceptional items and including share of Joint Venture
***2001 and 2002 includes share of the market value of Joint Venture properties and negative goodwill write back.

62
Grainger Trust plc 
Five year record

Shareholders’ information

Financial calendar
Annual general meeting
26 February 2004

Payment of 2003 final dividend
5 March 2004

Announcement of 2004 interim results 
June 2004

Payment of 2004 interim dividend
July 2004

Announcement of 2004 final results
December 2004

Share price
During the year ended 30 September 2003,
the range of mid market prices of the
company’s ordinary shares were:

Price at 30 September 2003 1,365.0p
Lowest price during the year 926.5p
Highest price during the year 1,460.0p

Daily information on the company’s share
price can be obtained on our website or by
telephoning:
The Financial Times Cityline Service 
on 09068 432 750.

Capital gains tax
The market value of the company’s 
shares for capital gains tax purposes 
at 31 March 1982 was 30.4p.

Website
Website address www.graingertrust.co.uk

Shareholders’ enquiries
All administrative enquiries relating to
shareholdings (for example, notification 
of change of address, loss of share
certificates, dividend payments) should be
addressed to the company’s registrar at:

Capita IRG plc, The Registry, 
34 Beckenham Road, Beckenham, Kent

Secretary and registered office
Marie Glanville
Citygate
St James’ Boulevard
Newcastle upon Tyne
NE1 4JE

Advisers

Solicitors
Dickinson Dees, St Ann’s Wharf,
112 Quayside, Newcastle upon Tyne

Bankers
Barclays Bank PLC, Regent Centre,
Gosforth, Newcastle upon Tyne

Denton Wilde Sapte, 5 Chancery Lane,
Cliffords Inn, London

Bank of Scotland, 41/51 Grey Street,
Newcastle upon Tyne

Hammonds,
2 Park Lane, Leeds

Financial public relations
Baron Philips Associates,
131 Finsbury Pavement, London

NP Public Relations and Marketing
8 Mosley Street,
Newcastle upon Tyne

Nationwide Building Society, 
Kings Park Road, Moulton Park,
Northampton

Royal Bank of Scotland, Keel Row House,
Quayside, Newcastle upon Tyne

Lloyds TSB Bank plc,
6/7 Park Row, Leeds

Auditors
PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP,
89 Sandyford Road, 
Newcastle upon Tyne

Stockbrokers
Cazenove & Company Ltd,
20 Moorgate, London

Brewin Dolphin Securities,
Commercial Union House, 
39 Pilgrim Street, Newcastle upon Tyne

Registrars and transfer office
Capita IRG plc, The Registry, 
34 Beckenham Road, Beckenham, Kent

63
Grainger Trust plc 
Shareholders’ information

Glossary of terms

Property 

Assured periodic tenancy (‘APT’)

Market rented tenancy arising from succession from regulated. Tenant has security of tenure. 

Assured shorthold tenancy (‘AST’)

Market rented tenancy where landlord may obtain possession if appropriate notice served.

Assured tenancy (‘AT)’

Investment value (‘IV’)

Life tenancy

Regulated tenancy

Tenanted Residential (‘TR’)

Market rented tenancy where tenant has right to renew.

Open market value of a property subject to relevant tenancies in place.

Rent free tenancy where tenant has right of occupation until possession is forfeited (usually
on death). If tenant retains an equity interest in the property this is a partial life tenancy. 

Tenancy regulated under 1977 Rent Act, rent (usually sub market) set by rent officer and
tenant has security of tenure.

Activity covering the acquisition, renting out and subsequent sale (usually on vacancy) of
residential units subject to a tenancy agreement.

Vacant possession value (‘VP’)

Open market value of a property free from any tenancies.

Financial 

Cap

Contingent tax

Dividend cover 

Earnings per share (‘EPS’)

FRS13

FRS19

Gearing

Hedging

Interest cover

Negative goodwill

Financial instrument which, in return for a fee, guarantees an upper limit for the interest 
rate on a loan.

The amount of tax that would be payable should assets be sold at the market value shown
in the accounts.

Earnings per share divided by dividends per share.

Profit attributable to shareholders divided by the weighted average number of shares in
issue in the year.

Accounting standard requiring the disclosure of the market value of long-term debt and
financial instruments.

Accounting standard prohibiting the provision of deferred tax on stock revaluation 
surpluses when companies are acquired. 

The ratio of borrowings net of cash to net asset value.

The use of financial instruments to protect against interest rate movements.

Profit on ordinary activities before interest and tax divided by net interest payable. 

On acquisition of a company, the surplus of the value of the statutory net assets acquired
over the purchase price paid.

Net asset value (‘NAV’)

Shareholders’ funds adjusted for the market value of property assets held as stock.

Net net asset value (triple net or ‘NNNAV’)

NAV adjusted for contingent tax liabilities which would accrue if assets sold at market 
value and for the market value of long-term debt and derivatives. 

Swap

Financial instrument to protect against interest rate movements.

Total Shareholder Return (‘TSR’)

Return attributable to shareholders on basis of share price growth with dividends reinvested.

Weighted average cost of capital (‘WACC’)

The weighted average cost of funding the group’s activities through a combination of
shareholders’ funds and debt.

Corporate 

BPT plc

Formerly Bradford Property Trust plc. Major residential investor acquired by Bromley in 
May 2001.

Bromley Joint Venture (‘Bromley JV’)

The Joint Venture between Grainger and Deutsche Bank which acquired BPT plc.

Bromley Property Holdings Limited (‘Bromley’) Holding company of the vehicle used to acquire BPT plc.

Deutsche Bank (‘DB’)

Joint venture partners in acquisition of BPT plc.

64
Grainger Trust plc 
Glossary of terms

Corporate addresses

Newcastle office
Citygate
St James’ Boulevard
Newcastle upon Tyne
NE1 4JE

London office
203 Brompton Road
London
SW3 1LA

Harborne office
The Circle
Harborne
Birmingham
B17 9DY

Martlesham office
42a Barrach Square
Martlesham Heath
Ipswich 
Suffolk
IP5 3RF

Epsom office
Kings Lodge
28 Church Street
Epsom 
Surrey
KT17 4QB

Altrincham office
St John’s House
Barrington Road
Altrincham 
Cheshire
WA14 1TJ

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Grainger Trust plc
Newcastle office:
Citygate
St James’ Boulevard
Newcastle upon Tyne
NE1 4JE

Website
www.graingertrust.co.uk

Email
info@graingertrust.co.uk

London office:
203 Brompton Road
London
SW3 1LA

Company Registration No.
125575