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Grainger

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grainger trust plc annual report and accounts 2006

2

Strategy and operations

4

regulated
tenancies

6

market
tenancies

8

equity
release

10

property 
and asset
management

12

development

14

europe

16

17

20

30

31

36

44

46

52

59

62

64

69

125

127

128

133

134

135

136

138

Highlights 2006 

Chairman’s statement 

Chief executive’s review 

Leadership and strategy group 

Financial review 

Corporate social responsibility 

The board 

Corporate governance report 

Report of the remuneration committee 
and directors’ remuneration report 

Directors’ report 

Independent auditors’ report to the 
members of Grainger Trust plc 

Consolidated financial statements 

Notes to the consolidated financial statements 

Independent auditors’ report to the 
members of Grainger Trust plc 

Parent company financial statements 

Notes to parent company financial statements 

Five-year record 

Shareholders’ information 

Advisers 

Glossary of terms 

Corporate addresses 

With over 12,000 homes, Grainger is the largest quoted residential property owner 

in the UK. While acquiring, managing and selling these properties is the mainstay of

our business, we’re increasingly active in other areas such as equity release, residential

development, fund and asset management. We are also expanding into residential

development and investment in Continental Europe. 

1

P I T M A S T O N   C O U RT  

2

Grainger Trust plc Annual report and accounts 2006

grainger strategy and operations

Grainger’s strategy is to provide its shareholders 

with sustained superior returns through its long term

exposure to all aspects of the residential market. 

Our ambition is to use our residential skills to become 

one of Europe’s leading co-investing fund managers.

our six areas of operation

regulated tenancies

market tenancies

equity release

This mature business is low yielding 

These assets are let at market rates on

The assets in this business produce no

but produces high reversionary returns.

standard assured shorthold tenancy

rental income year-on-year, but a high

A key aspect of this portfolio is that 

agreements. Not only do they produce 

margin on eventual sale. It therefore 

it is extremely cash generative. With

a market rent but they also offer an

has similar return characteristics to the

approximately 9% of the total properties

element of reversionary potential through

regulated portfolio despite its relative

falling vacant every year, it produces in

their discount to vacant possession

immaturity. We aim to build this activity

excess of £100m cash per annum which

value. We now operate these assets

both in size and scope; achieving a

is available for recycling either into other

through our recently launched Fund,

portfolio that will produce a large future

regulated assets or into other parts of

G:res 1, and our objectives are to raise

stream of cash flow but also widening

the Grainger business. Our objective for

further equity in this Fund and grow 

the types of retirement solution product

this part of the business is to continue 

the assets under management. As well

that we can offer.

to invest as much as expected returns

as sharing in the performance of our 

and availability allow.

co-investment stake, we receive fees,

enhancing our overall return. 

PA G E   4

PA G E   6

PA G E   8

3

Our strategy is currently applied through:

Within the business we use numerous benchmarks 

•

direct ownership of a high quality, reversionary

to measure operational performance and to assess

portfolio of residential properties; 

the success of our strategy in creating long term

•

our property and asset management skills which

shareholder value. Key amongst these are:

not only service our own portfolio but which

produce income from third parties; and

•

our development division which delivers returns

from changes of use or density and from

development.

•

•

•

Total shareholder return;

Return on shareholder equity; and

Return on capital employed.

property and 
asset management

development

europe

This represents the core skill of the

This division gives us valuable exposure

We aim to provide a similar mix of 

Grainger business. It includes the 

to another side of the residential market,

return profiles as our UK businesses. 

ability to manage large-scale residential

building on our residential expertise,

In Germany, our portfolio produces a net

portfolios from the point of view of 

funding capability and ability to work 

rental return after financing costs whilst

both an investor and a manager. Our

in partnership with a variety of other

also providing an opportunity for capital

objectives are to continue to provide 

organisations such as housing

growth. Our objective is to successfully

a cost effective high quality service to

associations, local councils, other

acquire sufficient assets to use as the

our tenants and to generate additional

developers and occupiers. Our objective

basis of a third party fund and to recycle

fee income for the group by selling 

is to produce a consistent stream of

some of the capital released into new

that service to third party owners. This

good quality returns by focusing on

opportunities. 

ties very closely with our market-rented

larger scale, mixed use developments.

properties which are largely held in a

fund in which we have secured third

party investors. 

PA G E   1 0

PA G E   1 2

PA G E   1 4

4

Grainger Trust plc Annual report and accounts 2006

graingerinvests

Regulated tenancies Grainger own over 7,700 regulated

residential properties, valued at over £1bn. Our tenants

have security of tenure and pay a ‘fair’ rent. This portfolio 

is core to our business and provides significant, predictable

ongoing cash flows from rents and sales proceeds. 

Grainger’s core business remains the ownership, management and trade 

of residential properties which are subject to regulated tenancies. Under

this arrangement, the tenant can stay in the property for the rest of their

life. The rent is set by an independent rent officer and is usually less than

that which would be achieved if the property was let on the open market.

We buy these properties at a discount to vacant possession value (the 

price achievable without a tenant in place) to reflect the low rent we

receive and the fact that the tenant has lifetime rights of occupation.

When the tenant leaves we sell the property into the owner-occupier

market, realising the discount and any house price inflation from the 

date of purchase.

These properties give us two sources of income – rents and the profits

made when they are sold. The size and geographic spread of the portfolio

(some 7,700 units across the UK), combined with the fact that we buy 

and sell properties over long periods of time, help to protect us against

some of the risks associated with residential investment – in particular 

a short term or localised fall in house prices.

Due to a change in the law, no new regulated tenancies have been 

created since January 1989 so the overall number in existence is falling

from year to year. We make every effort to replace the regulated properties

that fall vacant and are then sold but inevitably the portfolio will decline

over time. The management and trading skills that we have developed

over many years working with the regulated portfolio are now being

applied to our other areas of residential ownership such as equity release

NORTH & SCOTLAND

MIDLANDS/EAST

 OTHER SOUTH

14%

£261m
18%

£331m
20%

£363m
48%

LONDON 

£864m

and market let properties.

W H O L E   U K   R E S I D E N T I A L

P O RT F O L I O   B Y   G E O G R A P H Y,

I N C L U D I N G   S H A R E   O F  

J O I N T   V E N T U R E S   ( £ M )

( I N V E S T M E N T   VA L U E )

 
5

L O C K H O U S E was purchased

E S S E X   P O RT F O L I O

G L O U C E S T E R   R O A D , South

at auction. This unique property 

one of the 21 attractive, rural,

Kensington, London was acquired

in East London is occupied by 

regulated properties acquired 

a regulated tenant.

in October 2005.

in June 2006. Three of the six

apartments are ‘regulateds’.

WALBOTTLE HALL COTTAGE forms part of a mixed tenure

portfolio of 84 properties, acquired in September 2006 from 

the Duke of Northumberland. The properties are predominantly

located in attractive and desirable rural locations where excellent

capital growth potential exists.

the vacant possession value of our 7,715 regulated properties is £1,403m

6

Grainger Trust plc Annual report and accounts 2006

graingerlets

Market tenancies are those properties let at market 

rates on assured shorthold tenancy agreements, 

typically six months or a year in length. The majority 

of these are now held in our recently launched 

co-investment Fund, G:res 1.

Although Grainger’s core tenanted residential business has been in

regulated tenancies, we also built up a large high quality market-rented

portfolio of properties, much of which came from our acquisition of 

City North Group plc in 2005.

During the course of the year, in common with many other property

companies, we transferred these assets (some 1,044 units worth

approximately £200m) to a Jersey Property Unit Trust with a view 

to attracting third party equity investment into the fund.

The successful first close was announced on 22 November 2006 with

committed equity from a number of institutional investors. This, together

with currently available bank finance of up to £125m, should enable this

fund to grow to achieve significant assets under management. Such

structures enable us to not only retain a geared exposure to the residential

investment market through our retained ownership but also to provide 

us with a valuable source of both property and asset management fees,

enhancing the overall return. There is also the potential to earn

performance fees.

In addition to providing management services to G:res 1, we also 

continue as property advisor and provide property management services 

to Schroder’s ResPUT, a market let fund. We also own a 22% stake in 

this fund, which at the year end was valued at some £19m. 

7

THE COURTYARD, KEMPSHOT PARK is a block of 25 apartments

and two retail units specifically developed by Grainger in 2005 for

the letting market. All of the apartments were let within one month

following completion of the works. The building has a gross yield

G:res 1 has property
with a total value of

£210m

of approximately 6%.

P I T M A S T O N   C O U RT ,

Birmingham, is a purpose-built

1930s art deco block comprising

65 recently refurbished flats.

S H I L L I N G T O N   O L D   S C H O O L ,

Clapham, formerly a Victorian

school, now comprises 58

apartments and studios.

B E T H N A L G R E E N is a mixed

use estate in East London. 

There is a rolling programme of

refurbishment and improvement.

8

Grainger Trust plc Annual report and accounts 2006

graingerinnovates

Equity release offers home owners in or near retirement

the opportunity to access some of the value of their home

while continuing to live there for the rest of their lives.

Grainger specialises in home reversions, which can provide

customers with both certainty and access to more cash 

than a lifetime mortgage.

Grainger constantly seeks innovative ways to maintain long term

investment exposure to the housing market. One of our major initiatives

over the last few years has been in the area of flexible retirement solutions

and in particular, the sale of home reversion plans. These plans are part 

of the wider equity release market and enable home owners to raise 

cash from what is usually their most significant asset – their home.

Under a typical plan, we buy some or all of a home owner’s property 

for a lump sum or series of payments which depend on the value of the

property, the age of the owner(s) and the proportion they wish to sell. 

The owner can then stay in the property, rent free, for the rest of their 

life or until they decide to leave. At that point, Grainger is able to sell the

property and realise its profit. The long term cash flows from this business

provide a good strategic fit with the cash flows already being generated 

by the regulated tenancy business.

We acquire home reversion assets from three main sources – our own

Bridgewater brand, through our distribution agreement with Norwich

Union and through the direct acquisition of existing portfolios or home

reversion plans from third parties.

We expect the home reversions market to grow considerably in the next

few years as elderly people seek to release cash from their homes to

supplement their pensions or to fund improvements in their lifestyles. 

We are also seeking opportunities to broaden the types of retirement

196

354

241

421

05

06

INVESTMENT VALUE £m

VACANT POSSESSION VALUE £m

products we can offer.

I N V E S T M E N T   VA L U E   A N D

VA C A N T   P O S S E S S I O N   VA L U E

Bridgewater Equity Release offers home owners aged 65 and 

over all the advantages of home reversions, with added flexibility.

They choose how much equity in their home they want to release

– from a minimum of 25% – and they can release further amounts

at any time.

9

3,000 full or part-equity residential properties under home reversion plans

A typical Grainger home reversion property is a 3 bedroom
bungalow with a vacant possession value of some £200,000.

The innovation award,
won by Bridgewater 

Bridgewater won ‘Best
Provider – Home Reversions’

in October 2006.

in November 2006.

10

Grainger Trust plc Annual report and accounts 2006

graingerconnects

Property and asset management We are proud of our

skills as property and asset managers – producing the

required returns for our shareholders whilst ensuring that

the needs of our customers are met. We also apply this

added value ‘owner’s’ approach to the benefit of our

increasing number of co-investment arrangements.

One of Grainger’s key strengths is our ability to manage property on 

a large-scale. Operating from seven UK offices and one in Germany, our

property management teams look after almost 18,000 homes and are

trained to understand all types of property and tenure.

Residential property management is a demanding role requiring complex

daily decisions. We fulfil our obligations as landlords and provide excellent

service to our customers whilst protecting the value of our assets and

enhancing the performance of our portfolio. Our property management

professionals are skilled at balancing these demands.

Further, our property management and sales and acquisitions teams work

together to ensure that the correct strategy and targets for the portfolio

are set at the outset and that the right blend of refurbishments, sales 

and acquisitions achieve the required performance. We believe that 

our combination of large-scale residential ownership and nationwide

management capabilities provides us with a unique offer to third 

party partners. 

We currently provide such services to the Schroders ResPUT residential

investment and to two partnerships set up between Grainger and the

Genesis Housing Group. We also service G:res 1, our own residential fund

which was launched in November 2006. This fund will act as a blueprint

for our ambitions to grow our business as a co-investing fund manager; 

a model which could be applied to all of our business sectors.

13,226

13,567

15,221

04

05

06

N U M B E R   O F   U K  

P R O P E RT I E S   M A N A G E D

11

B E R K E L E Y   PA R K  

we successfully completed a 

project to create an additional

17 studio apartments and a new

reception area at this serviced

apartment development near

Heathrow.

W E L L E S L E Y   C O U RT,

Twickenham, is a 1930s block 

of 24 apartments. We created

five additional apartments 

in the roof space.

C AV E N D I S H   S T R E E T is an 

off-market acquisition made 

on behalf of Schroders ResPUT.

managing some

18,000

properties

DIBDIN HOUSE, MAIDA VALE was included within the 

first portfolio of three estates acquired from the Church

Commissioners in a joint venture with Genesis Housing Group.

The three estates will undergo a comprehensive refurbishment

programme, increasing the value of our investment and 

also improving the environment for our tenants.

12

Grainger Trust plc Annual report and accounts 2006

graingerdevelops

Development Grainger’s evolving development business 

is increasingly focused on large and complex mixed use

projects. The recently strengthened management team is

based in London, Newcastle and Oxford, thus ensuring

good geographic coverage. Working as either principal or

with joint venture partners, Grainger has a diverse portfolio

of existing development opportunities.

Grainger is keen to maintain its exposure to all sectors of the residential

market. One way in which we do this is through our development division.

Our interests range from strategic land holdings to large-scale mixed use

developments, often in co-operation with a funding or development partner.

Our development division produces added value through gaining planning

permission with a change of use or density, or through physical development.

One example of this is the acquisition of green or brownfield land sites

and, over time, obtaining planning permission for residential or mixed 

use developments.

We are increasingly involved in large mixed use developments where our

residential expertise can be used to good effect with the skills of other

development partners – for example, during the year we announced 

a collaborative agreement with Development Securities plc. Since the year

end we have entered into our first transaction under this agreement for

the development of a 10 acre site in Birmingham.

13

M A C A U L AY   R O A D Detailed

N E W L A N D S ,   WAT E R L O O V I L L E , 

planning consent was obtained 

will provide 1,550 residential units and

in 2006 for 94 residential units 

one million sq. ft. of commercial space.

and a 26,000 sq. ft. office building. 

HORNSEY ROAD will include 145 private residential

units, 62 affordable units and a 40,000 sq. ft. office

building. Demolition will be finished in early 2007 and

completion is due during summer 2008.

end value of our development portfolio £675m

14

Grainger Trust plc Annual report and accounts 2006

graingerexpands

Europe represents an opportunity for Grainger to expand

and use our skills and experience in new and less developed

residential markets. As owner occupation increases,

Grainger is well positioned to take advantage of this 

trend and build a profitable part of the business.

Grainger is seeking to replicate some of the main characteristics of our 

UK activities in mainland Europe – long term exposure to the tenanted

residential market and residential development opportunities.

Our main focus for residential investment is currently Germany where 

we have recently built up a portfolio of some 3,000 residential units. 

We see the German market as providing opportunities for an experienced

professional landlord such as Grainger. The low price per unit relative 

to other European markets and the low level of home ownership (42%

compared to an average of 59% in the rest of the European Union) augur

well for future capital growth. The attractive financing environment also

means that net rents can exceed financing costs, unlike the UK market

where low residential net yields require an element of house price inflation

to produce an acceptable total level of return. In the future our European

tenanted residential assets could form the basis for us to act as a 

co-investing fund manager on a much larger scale – the recent opening 

of our management office in Mannheim is the first step in this journey.

On the development side we have two relatively small but exciting

ventures with experienced local partners in Estonia (Tallinn) and the Czech

Republic (Prague). We continue to look for other markets where we can

utilise our skills to achieve appropriate returns.

303 units

1,501 units

935 units

G E R M A N Y

Our investments in Germany are

in 3 main regions – Metro-Ruhr,

Baden-Wurttemberg/Bavaria

and Berlin

15

2,739 residential units exchanged in three regions of Germany

GERMANY is in a different stage in the residential cycle 

to the UK and has had in aggregate, flat house prices for 

a decade. With economic growth returning, we think now 

is a good time to invest.

A Grainger Property
in Mannheim.

A Grainger Property 
in Karlsruhe.

A Grainger Property 
in Böblingen.

16

Grainger Trust plc Annual report and accounts 2006

highlights 2006

+20%

Grainger NAV up to 595p

+10%

dividend increased to 5.62p per share

39.1%

total shareholder return for the year

+19%

increase in market value of property assets to £1.9bn

£314m

total UK and European residential acquisitions in the year

1,294

1,438

1,597

1,901

03

04

05

06

439

03

546

04

563

05

677

06

3.26

4.65

5.11

5.62

03

04

05

06

G R O S S   P R O P E RT Y   A S S E T S

G R O S S   N AV   P E R   S H A R E   ( P E N C E ) *

D I V I D E N D S   P E R   S H A R E   ( P E N C E ) * *

* ’03 and ’04 are under UK GAAP, ’05 and ’06 are under IFRS, there are no material differences.

** Dividends per share relate to the total of the interim and final declared for the financial year.

17

chairman’sstatement

In my last statement as Chairman of Grainger Trust I am

pleased to report on another year of significant progress and

achievement. In particular our emerging business lines are

evolving well to complement our core residential regulated

tenancy business.

R O B E RT   D I C K I N S O N

Chairman

Results This is the first full year for which we present our results under

International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) and therefore the financial

review contains a greater degree of explanation and interpretation than is usual.

Suffice to say that the implementation of IFRS has no impact on the strategy and

cash flows of our business and our key financial indicators, based around net

asset values, show very healthy growth levels. Gross net asset value per share

(i.e. before any deductions for contingent tax or mark to market adjustments)

has risen by 20.2% to 677p from 563p. Base case Grainger Net Asset Value

(NAV) which brings in contingent tax and the reversionary surplus within our

long term portfolio now stands at 595p, up 19.8% from 496p. Statutory NAV

figures can be found in the financial review. 

Profit before tax has increased by 75% to £71.7m from £41.0m. Much of the

increase comes from revaluation or mark to market surpluses; on a like-for-like

basis, removing these items and the goodwill impairment loss, earnings before

interest and tax (‘EBIT’) fell by 4% to £81.5m from £85.3m, largely as a result

of the previously foreseen decrease in contribution from our development

division and from the increased cost of running a larger and more complex

enterprise. Increased borrowing costs from funding our investment programme

have reduced profit before tax on the same basis to £27.4m from £35.6m. 

18

Grainger Trust plc Annual report and accounts 2006

chairman’s statement continued

a final dividend 

of 3.75p

per share

total dividend 
for the year of

5.62p

per share

We are again increasing our dividend by 10% per annum and consequently

the board are recommending a final dividend of 3.75p per share. If approved,

this will be paid on 6 March 2007 to shareholders on the register on 16 February

2007. Together with the interim dividend of 1.87p per share paid in July this

will produce a total dividend for the year of 5.62p per share (2005: 5.11p).

Strategy and Outlook Grainger has been successful at delivering consistent

shareholder value over a sustained period of time. Over the last ten years our

average total shareholder return has been 28.4% per annum. By comparison,

over the same period, the FTSE 250 has delivered average annual returns of

13.6% and the UK Real Estate Sector 15.9%. Our performance has largely

been based on the trading profits and revaluation surpluses generated by our

substantial residential portfolio. 

It is our aim to continue to deliver superior returns to shareholders. 

Whilst we believe that a major part of this will come from the core regulated

portfolio we also acknowledge that Grainger must evolve over time to replace

those returns as the overall stock of regulated assets declines. Grainger’s 

key strengths come from a combination of its asset base, sound financial

platform, reputation with key stakeholders and experience and expertise in 

the residential market. We have ambitious plans to leverage these to expand

the range and depth of the Grainger business to ensure further growth in

shareholder value. These include introducing third party capital (both debt 

and equity) to improve the efficiency of our capital structure and to achieve

significant scale more quickly but without taking on disproportionate risk. 

This will also be achieved by working with joint venture and collaborative

partners and using our management skills to produce fee income for the 

group at little or no incremental cost. 

We have already made significant progress with these plans, including the

introduction of equity funding in our Jersey Property Unit Trust, G:res 1, by

bringing in non-recourse debt to our European business and some equity

release interests, by working with joint venture partners to acquire both

residential and development assets and by acting as property and asset

managers for a number of third parties.

This evolution will continue and as our various portfolios mature and reach

critical mass we can foresee a time when our returns will come from a more

balanced combination of direct property ownership, co-investment in residential

funds and fee income. In the long term, this will help us deliver sustainable

19

performance driven returns and thereby further enhance shareholder value. 

We see a real opportunity for Grainger ultimately to become the leading

European co-investing fund manager in residential property. 

As shareholders will be aware, a consortium comprising Regis, Merrill Lynch

and the William Pears Group announced in October that it was ‘assessing the

attractions of making a proposal regarding a possible cash offer’ for Grainger.

Later that month, the consortium announced that it had no present intention

of making an offer. I can confirm that their activity did not deflect the Board 

of Grainger or its executive management from the strategy outlined above. 

Prospects We have great belief in Grainger’s ability to deliver attractive returns

to shareholders:

• we have a unique and irreplaceable portfolio, unrivalled expertise 

and a very strong reputation amongst our stakeholders; 

•

the existing business model has substantial income and growth potential; 

• we can create additional income and shareholder value by moving 

towards a co-investing fund management model; and 

•

our ability to work with co-investors and other partners has been

illustrated by our joint venture relationships, our launch of G:res 1 

and our agreement with Development Securities plc. 

These are exciting times for Grainger – and I leave the board optimistic

and confident about its future prospects. 

The group has considerably changed the way in which it operates over the 

last few years and to reflect those changes we consider it appropriate to 

move forward with a clearer identity – one which is more in keeping with the

reputation and image we intend to present in the future. Consequently, we 

will propose to our shareholders at our Annual General Meeting a change 

of name to Grainger plc. 

I would like to take this final opportunity to thank all of our staff for the

commitment and expertise they have demonstrated not only during the year

but also throughout my time as a director.

Robert H. Dickinson

22 December 2006

20

Grainger Trust plc Annual report and accounts 2006

chiefexecutive’sreview

Our major business areas share a common theme: an ability to 

generate superior returns through our expertise in owning, managing,

developing and trading residential property either directly or as 

co-investor. We are pleased with the progress made in these areas 

in the year and are excited by the opportunities we are creating. 

R U P E RT D I C K I N S O N Chief executive

The Market The UK residential market has shown strong levels of growth in the 

12-month period to the end of September – both the Nationwide and the Halifax House

Price Indices showed year-on-year growth of 8.2%. Healthy growth levels were recorded 

in most parts of the country with London and the South East showing particular increases

in the latter part of the year. Our own portfolio, which has some 59% by value in London

and the South East, showed an average increase of 9.1%. 

The increase in interest rates in August has done little to deter price growth and it is 

too early to say what impact the November movement will have, although it is likely that

lenders will pass on a higher proportion of the increase to their customers than seems 

to have been the case to date. Since September, we have seen the annualised October

Halifax Index rise to 8.7% and sales from our own portfolio have been achieving prices

3% above our September vacant possession values. This figure should, however, be

treated with some caution because of the relatively low number of transactions involved. 

The UK residential market has shown significant growth levels over extended periods 

of time: the average UK house price in 1986 was £41,000; in 2006 that has risen to

£181,000, an annual compound growth rate of just under 8%. Much of this has come 

in the last five years where the equivalent rate has been 14%. Whilst the economic and

interest rate outlook are likely to dampen these rates, we still remain confident of the 

long term potential of the residential market. We believe that our core portfolio is

particularly well placed to withstand short term fluctuations. It has a broad geographical

base but also a strong core in London and the South East where average annual values 

are expected to remain firm because of high demand. The average vacant possession 

value of the individual properties in our main reversionary portfolio, the regulated

tenancies, is £182,000 and some 31% of the portfolio is within 20% of that figure. 

We have relatively few properties at the more volatile top end of the market and as the

majority of our properties are unmodernised there is usually strong demand from first 

or second time buyers and property developers who wish to improve the property. 

Geographic distribution of UK residential portfolio 

(figures include our share of joint ventures)

London

South East

South West

East

East Midlands

West Midlands

Wales

Yorkshire

North West

North East

Scotland

Northern Ireland

Investment
value £m

864

267

96

112

73

134

12

68

140

39

13

1

% of 
value

47%

15%

5%

6%

4%

7%

1%

4%

8%

2%

1%

–

1,819

100%

21

144

03

164

04

173

05

188

06

AV E R A G E   VA C A N T

P O S S E S S I O N   VA L U E   O F

G R A I N G E R ’ S   P R O P E RT I E S

£ ’ 0 0 0

484

03

536

04

560

05

566

06

R E V E R S I O N A RY   S U R P L U S   £ m

(the difference between 

vacant possession value 

and investment value)

01

02

03

04

05

06

GRAINGER TRUST
FTSE 350 REAL ESTATE

FTSE 250 INDEX

Source Datastream

Grainger’s share price was 628p 

at the year end, up 38% on last

year’s closing share price and 

up 315% on the share price five

years ago.

22

Grainger Trust plc Annual report and accounts 2006

chief executive’s review continued

Our Business Core Portfolio – Regulated Tenancies Our core portfolio consists

primarily of regulated tenancies which account for 54% by value of our total property 

and investment interests. At 30 September 2006, we owned 7,715 regulated units 

valued at £1,090m (2005: 8,161 units at £984m). At the same date, the vacant 

possession value (the value at which we hope to sell them when vacant at today’s prices)

of the regulated portfolio amounted to £1,403m (2005: £1,349m). Including our share 

of regulated tenancies held within joint ventures, the vacant possession value becomes

£1,474m (2005: £1,367m). 

The regulated portfolio is valued by deducting a discount from the vacant possession

value. This discount takes account of the fact that the rental yield is generally below

market rates and that it may be some years before we obtain vacant possession and 

can then sell the property. Over time, this discount has narrowed although for the last 

few years we have used a rate of 27.5%. Strong market and transaction activity has 

led us to believe that this discount is conservative and our valuers have now certified 

the valuation of these properties at 77.5% of vacant possession value – a discount of 

22.5%. This realignment has produced an increase in value at the year end of £67m.

In addition to regulated tenancies, our core portfolio includes a further 652 units

comprising vacants, assured tenancies short term lets, and other interests. These 

units have a value at 30 September 2006 of £141m (2005: £117m) and their vacant

possession value is £160m (2005: £124m). 

Range of residential vacant possession values (excluding other interests 

and share of joint ventures) 

>£500K

£250K – £500K

£175K – £250K

£100K – £175K

<£100K

No. of
properties

Vacant
possession
value £m

141

1,679

3,716

4,823

2,061

119

559

784

706

172

12,420

2,340

NB: shows full vacant possession of equity release assets even if we own less than 100%. 

Sales in this division have remained constant at £126m and margins on normal sales 

(i.e. when a property is sold on vacancy as opposed to with a tenant in situ) amounted 

to 48.6% (2005: 48.5%). Including net rental and other income of £24m, the regulated

23

The highlight of 

the year was the

acquisition of five

London flat blocks 

for £196m

from the Church

Commissioners in

the second 50:50 

joint venture of this

type with Genesis

Housing Group.

portfolio produced an operating contribution of £76m (2005: £74m). The 2005 figure

includes market rented properties transferred to the Jersey Property Unit Trust (JPUT) as

explained below. 

Analysis of residential sales in the year (from stock and fixed assets)

Regulated (including APT)

Assured 

Vacant

Equity release

Other 

Sales
proceeds
£m

Trading
profit/profit
on disposal
£m

91

25

3

13

7

139

45

4

1

6

5

61

No.

607

166

14

110

–

897

For a portfolio of this type it is essential that we recycle capital – during the year, we

acquired 325 units for a consideration of £44m. The highlight of the year, however, 

was the acquisition of five London apartment blocks for £196m from the Church

Commissioners in the second 50:50 joint venture of this type with the Genesis Housing

Group. This portfolio included 429 regulated units. 

Analysis of acquisitions in the year 

Regulated (including APT)

Assured 

Vacant

Equity release

Other 

No.

325

121

16

432

–

894

Cost
£m

44

19

3

29

4

99

Vacant
possession 
value £m

61

22

4

60

4

151

Equity Release The equity release business is a strong fit and a natural investment

channel for the surplus cash generated by our regulated business. We are building up a

highly reversionary portfolio which will provide us with the long term geared exposure 

to the residential market that we strategically seek. We have been building our portfolio

through three primary routes – our distribution agreement with Norwich Union, portfolio

acquisitions and our Bridgewater brand. 

24

Grainger Trust plc Annual report and accounts 2006

chief executive’s review continued

Industry figures from Safe Home Income Plans (‘SHIP’) indicate that we are now providing

44% of all new home reversions in the UK. 

The market value of our 3,003 unit equity release portfolio at 30 September 2006 stood 

at £241m, with a vacant possession value of £421m (2005: 2,663 units with a market

value of £196m, vacant possession value of £354m). During the year, we acquired 

432 units for £29m and sold 110 units for £13m. The division produced an operating

contribution of £3m (2005: £4m).

Average vacant possession values in our three key portfolios are:

Regulated

Market rented

Equity release

Overall (excluding other interests)

£’000

182

196

203

188

This is a market in which critical mass, service integrity and product innovation and

development are key. We were therefore delighted to receive the ‘Award for Innovation’ 

at the Investment, Life and Pension Awards 2006. 

Critical mass will enable us to put in place more efficient forms of financing, while 

product development will help us to provide a greater selection of retirement solutions 

to potential customers. 

Since the year end we have announced an offer to acquire a portfolio of over 900

retirement properties, which are subject to lifetime leases, or are currently vacant.

Market-Rented Properties Over the years, the group has acquired a number of market

rented properties usually as a result of purchases of mixed tenure portfolios. This was

bolstered by the acquisition of City North Group plc in 2005, and by the start of this

financial year we owned 1,102 market rented properties with a value of £188m. We believe

that we can maximise returns from such a portfolio by introducing third party equity and

non-recourse debt, with Grainger retaining a substantial investment and obtaining the

benefit of asset and property management fees. 

Consequently, during the year, we transferred the bulk of our market rented properties to

a JPUT and then marketed the holding as G:res 1, an independent Jersey exempt company,

to institutional investors. Although we still owned all of the units at 30 September 2006,

we announced first closing on 22 November 2006 having raised third party equity

commitments of £56m. We are expecting to secure further equity commitments of £69m in

due course and see this as a model for other co-invested funds which we could establish. 

25

shortly after the year
end we closed G:res 1 
our market rented
fund with equity
committments of 

£56m

In G:res 1 at the year end, we had 1,178 market rented properties with a market value 

of £210m and a vacant possession value of £238m, producing operating profit before

valuation gains of £4.6m. 

Property and Asset Management One of Grainger’s key strengths is its ability to provide

property and asset management services to third parties with the specialist expertise

derived from being a substantial owner in its own right. Almost uniquely we can provide

these services across the UK through our seven managing offices and network of managing

agents. We expanded this capability into mainland Europe in October when we opened 

an office in Mannheim to manage our growing German residential portfolio.

In total we employ 103 staff in our property and asset management division. As well as

taking responsibility for our own UK portfolio of 12,420 residential units they also provide

services for a total of 2,801 units for third party owners or for joint venture vehicles in

which we are participants. This includes the Schroders ResPUT, in which we hold a 22.3%

stake and the joint ventures with the Genesis Housing Group. 

Our property managers also support our own market rented fund, G:res 1, which was

valued at 30 September 2006 at £210m; we anticipate that, before any performance

related elements, this will generate annualised fee income for the group of approximately

£2.2m. Our total recurring fee income will be approximately £4m per year. 

We see great potential for the fund management structure to be applied to other areas 

of our business, most obviously our European portfolio. 

Analysis of tenanted residential portfolio by tenure

Regulated

Assured 

Vacant

Equity Release

Hotel complex – 
short term lettings

Other interests

Share of joint ventures

30 September 2006

30 September 2005

No. of
properties

7,715

1,297

355

3,003

50

–

–

12,420

12,382

Vacant
possession
value £m

1,403

Investment
value £m

1,090

254

62

421

9

57

179

2,385

2,067

224

56

241

9

48

151

1,819

1,507

% of vacant 
possession
value

78%

88%

89%

57%

100%

84%

84%

76%

73%

26

Grainger Trust plc Annual report and accounts 2006

chief executive’s review continued

the value of our 
UK development
portfolio stands at

£97m

(including share 
of joint ventures)

Development Grainger Development is an important profit contributor to the group 

and provides us with entrepreneurial development skills which complement our other

spheres of residential expertise. We have refined our focus in this division to concentrate

on larger scale residential or residential-led mixed use opportunities, particularly in those

areas where the longevity of the project, the need to work with partners or the nature of

the development itself makes it unsuitable for housebuilders. 

At the year end, the value of our UK development portfolio stood at £90m (2005: £124m)

and the division produced operating profits and profits on the sale of fixed assets totalling

£7m (2005: £13m). Major gross contributions were £2.8m from The Glasshouse, Putney,

£2.5m from sales of three properties in Slough and £2.3m from the ongoing sales of

Grainger Homes sites. The decrease in returns compared to the prior year was foreseen

and reflects the predictable but volatile nature of the profit stream in any development

business. It is our ambition to enable this division to produce a more steady flow of returns

but given that many of our current projects are at an early stage of development, this may

be some time in the future. 

At 30 September, the completed development value of our sites is estimated at £675m, 

of which £178m has planning consent.

Major development projects

Project

Description

Status

Estimated
end value

Income 
expected from

West Waterlooville

520 acres of greenland 
in Hampshire

Outline planning 
application submitted

Land Phase 1 – £105m 2008
Phase 2 – unknown

Macaulay Road, 
Clapham. SW4

Barnsbury Complex, 
Islington

94 residential units 
26,000 sq. ft. office

140 residential units

Planning consent 
obtained

Detailed planning 
consent obtained

Hornsey Road Baths, 
Islington

200 residential units and
community buildings

Detailed planning 
consent obtained

Wards Corner, 
Seven Sisters

Newbury

327 residential units, 
53,000 sq. ft retail

Cooperation agreement 
signed

331 units
47,000 sq. ft. retail

Preferred developer 
status

£48m

£44m

£44m

£102m

£73m

Gateshead College

200-220 residential units

Site under contract. 

£47m

Planning application to 

be submitted in 2008

2008/09

2009/10

2007/08

2008/09

2008/09

2009/10

27

During the year, we outsourced project management and delivery responsibility for

Grainger Homes to its then management. Although we retain ownership of the existing

sites, representing a future bank of some 318 new houses and will receive profits as they

are sold, it is not our intention to have future involvement in small-scale housebuilding

activities where we are competing directly against national and/or local housebuilders. 

There has been significant progress in planning on our major sites in the year. At the

Barnsbury Complex in Islington we have achieved detailed planning consent on a scheme

comprising 140 private and affordable residential units. At Hornsey Road Baths, Islington,

we have commenced demolition at the start of the development of new council offices,

200 private and affordable units and community buildings. We were also pleased to obtain

planning consent for 94 residential units and a 26,000 sq. ft. office building at Macaulay

Road, Clapham after many years of endeavour. We have also submitted an outline planning

application for 1,550 residential units, 12 hectares of employment use and 14 hectares 

of mixed use at our site at West Waterlooville. Other major sites in our current portfolio

include two large residential schemes in the North East of England which will deliver

approximately 300 housing units. Further details on when these projects are expected to

become income producing are shown in the Financial Review later in this report. 

The division’s future pipeline includes a scheme above Seven Sisters underground station

for 327 residential units and 53,000 sq. ft. of retail under a co-operation agreement 

with the London Borough of Haringey and appointment as preferred developer by

Newbury Council to develop 331 units and 47,000 sq. ft of retail at Market Street 

in the town centre. 

Since the year end, we have been delighted to announce the first joint venture acquisition

with Development Securities plc under the co-operation agreement we revealed previously.

This is for the 10 acre Curzon Park site in Birmingham, with an end value in the region 

of £350m-£400m. It will provide a mixed use scheme of c. 1.4 million sq. ft. to include 

c. 800,000 sq. ft. of grade A office space, c. 400,000 sq. ft. of residential accommodation,

a 180 bed hotel and c. 30,000 sq. ft. of retail space.

We see our ability and willingness to work with partners (other developers, land owners,

councils, housing associations) as being key to giving us access to the larger mixed use

residential-led schemes on which we aim to focus. This enables us to achieve scale without

taking on a disproportionate level of risk. 

We have invested heavily in the human capital of this division in the year and feel that 

we now have the team to deliver our vision. 

28

Grainger Trust plc Annual report and accounts 2006

chief executive’s review continued

Europe At this stage last year we were looking forward to completing our first 

acquisition of 1,406 German residential properties. At 30 September 2006, the 

portfolio stood at 2,739 units and, as announced in October, we have acquired 

a further 308 units in Munich with anticipated completion early in 2007.

Geographic analysis of German portfolio

Location

Metro Ruhr

Baden-Wuerttemberg

Berlin

Residential
units

1,501

935

303

€m
Gross
annual
rent

4.9

4.7

1.3

2,739

10.9

163.5

€m
Purchase

€
Purchase
price price psm

76.0

71.3

16.2

759

1,069

818

875

€’000
Average
price
per unit

50.6

76.3

53.5

59.7

Net
yield

4.5%

5.5%

6.3%

5.1%

Whilst we are constantly examining other areas for potential residential investment,

Germany still holds attraction for us. A combination of low levels of home ownership, 

an attractive financing environment enabling us to achieve a positive yield spread, low

price levels relative to other European markets and potential for rental growth provides

good opportunities for experienced professional landlords. 

At 30 September, our portfolio comprised 186,844 sq. metres of residential space at 

a cost of £117m (generally below replacement cost) and providing an annualised gross 

rent of £7.5m. The operating contribution of the division in the year was £2.0m. 

There has been considerable comment on the opportunities for residential investment in

Germany and it is clear that competition for portfolios is fierce. However, we are constantly

pursuing opportunities and our decision to open a small management office in Mannheim

illustrates our commitment and enthusiasm for this sector. 

It is our ambition to grow the German portfolio to a size where it becomes an attractive

proposition for third party investment and where we can apply our strategic model for 

co-investing fund management.

In addition to our residential interests we also have an 81.6% stake in a company registered

in the Czech Republic. This company owns a well positioned development site of 21 acres in

Zizkov to the East of Prague City Centre. The site is designated as a mixed use development

site and we are hopeful of receiving a detailed planning consent in 2008. 

29

Robert Dickinson We would also like to take this opportunity to pay tribute to Robert

Dickinson who retires as Chairman at the conclusion of our next Annual General Meeting.

Robert was made a director of Grainger in 1961 and has been Chairman since 1992. 

Since 1961, Grainger has evolved from a small family company through initial listing on 

the then Unlisted Securities Market, full listing and is now the UK’s largest listed residential

property company. This tenure has seen a remarkable period of growth and return. 

A shareholder who had invested £10,000 in Grainger shares on flotation in March 1983

would, at 30 September, have had shares worth £438,124 and would have benefited from

£30,210 in dividends, including the proposed 2006 final dividend. Further, if dividends had

been reinvested on receipt, the shareholder would, at 30 September, have had shares

worth £738,565*.

In a long term business like Grainger it has proved invaluable to have someone who has

been able to provide unrivalled experience and knowledge of the group and its market

over such a long continuous period. We have been fortunate to have been the recipients

of his wise and expert leadership. 

Rupert J. Dickinson 

22 December 2006

*Source: Datastream

30

Grainger Trust plc Annual report and accounts 2006

graingerworks

As the Grainger business grows in size and complexity, 

it is essential that we have an appropriate management

structure in place to achieve our objectives.

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

L E A D E R S H I P   A N D   S T R AT E G Y   G R O U P

During the year, the senior executive team (pictured) have made significant

1 M A R I E   G L A N V I L L E Company 

secretary and financial operations 

2 D E B R A   Y U D O L P H Residential asset 

and property management

3 R I C H A R D   E X L E Y Development

4 P E T E R   C O U C H   Equity release

5 Q U I N T O N   H I L L - L I N E S Corporate

development and fund management

6 C A M E R O N   S P RY Europe

progress, working with the board to formulate future strategy for each

distinct operating division with the aim of delivering growth within 

the existing capital structure. Currently, Grainger is valued primarily on 

the basis of net assets. We believe that future outperformance will be

achievable if we are able to leverage our day-to-day operational expertise

in managing, trading and developing residential property, with strategic

corporate and financial skills not widely used or accepted in the currently

7 R U P E RT   D I C K I N S O N Chief executive

fragmented residential investment sector. We are therefore continuing 

8 A N D R E W   C U N N I N G H A M

Deputy chief executive and finance director

to invest in our management and staff as their proficiency and retention

are key to our ongoing success.

31

financialreview

This is the first year in which the group’s results have been

presented under International Financial Reporting Standards

(IFRS) as endorsed by the EU. Although this has resulted 

in some material restatements of the statutory figures, 

the change of accounting basis has had no effect on our

underlying business performance, and little effect on our

primary Key Performance Indicators of net asset value. 

A N D R E W C U N N I N G H A M

Deputy chief executive 

and finance director

operatinghighlights

39.1%

total shareholder return

26.5%

return on shareholder equity

15.3%

return on capital employed

32

Grainger Trust plc Annual report and accounts 2006

Financial Review continued

Financial Position 

General 

Most of our properties are held as trading stock and are therefore shown in the statutory balance sheet at cost. This does

not reflect the true worth of Grainger’s assets and so we set out below a summary of our net assets with the properties

restated to market value. 

Properties

Investments/other assets

Goodwill

Cash

Total assets

Borrowings etc

Other net liabilities

Provisions/deferred tax

Total liabilities

Net assets

2006 Net assets per share (pence)

2005 Net assets per share (pence)

Statutory
balance
sheet 
£m

1,374

93

2

39

1,508

(1,100)

(65)

(92)

(1,257)

251

193p

159p

Market value 
deferred tax
and derivatives
adjustment
£m

Gross NAV
balance 
sheet 
£m

Contingent
tax
£m

Derivatives
£m

Triple NAV
balance
sheet
£m

527

16

(2)

–

541

2

(4)

89

87

628

484p

404p

1,901

109

–

39

2,049

(1,098)

(69)

(3)

(1,170)

879

677p

563p

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

(243)

(243)

(243)

(187)p

(165)p

–

–

–

–

–

(5)

–

2

(3)

(3)

(3)p

(9)p

1,901

109

–

39

2,049

(1,103)

(69)

(244)

(1,416)

633

487p

389p

The European Public Real Estate Association (EPRA) Best Practices Committee has recommended the calculation and use 

of a diluted EPRA NAV and a diluted EPRA Net Net Asset Value (NNNAV). The definitions of these measures are consistent

with Gross NAV and Triple NAV shown in the above table. 

Market value analysis of property assets

Residential 

Development

Total September 2006

Total September 2005

Shown as 
stock at cost
£m

Market value
adjustment
£m

Market value
£m

Fixed assets
at value 
£m

864

89

953

962

515

12

527

413

1,379

101

1,480

1,375

421

–

421

222

Total 
£m

1,800

101

1,901

1,597

Net Asset Value 
Measurements of net asset value are Key Performance Indicators for the group. We set out three measurements 
to better enable shareholders to compare our performance with our peers, while reflecting the somewhat unique 
nature of our business. 

33

Gross Net Assets Per Share

of our tenants we can estimate the timing of the vacancy and

Up 20.2% to 677p from 563p. This measure gives the

therefore also the timing of the crystallisation of the tax liability.

market value net assets per share before any deductions

If we were to discount this liability at our weighted average

for deferred tax on revaluation gains. 

cost of capital, the deferred tax deduction would reduce by

The chart below shows the major movements in NAV 

£112m and so our NNNAV would increase by 86p per share. 

in the year.

Grainger NAV

950

900

850

800

750

700

650

600
£m

£45m

£(63)m

£65m

34p 

(49)p 

£(20)m

£879m

£124m

50p 

(17)p 

£728m

96p 

563p 

V
A
N
s
s
o
r
G

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677p 

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a
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e
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E

Triple Net Assets Per Share NNNAV

Up 25.0% to 487p from 389p. This is the gross net assets

per share figure adjusted for deferred tax on revaluation

gains and for mark to market adjustments such as those

Base case up 19.8% to 595p from 496p. Grainger’s NAV

brings in the reversionary value which resides in our long

term regulated and equity release portfolios. It adjusts

NNNAV for the taxed present value of the reversionary

surpluses in these portfolios which will revert over the

expected duration of our tenants occupation. The major

variables in calculating the Grainger NAV are:

• anticipated house price inflation over the 

reversionary period;

• the discount rate used to calculate the present value;

• whether deferred taxation on the revaluation surpluses

recognised in our market value balance sheet is 

discounted; and

• the average period it will take to obtain vacancy.

The base case Grainger NAV takes a very prudent approach 

to these key assumptions as follows:

• house price inflation is taken as zero over the entire

expected remaining period of occupation by the tenants;

• we have used a discount rate of 8.67% (our weighted

average cost of capital plus 3%); 

• deferred taxation on revaluation surpluses has not been

discounted; and

arising from the restatement of financial instruments. 

• we have taken the period of reversion as being 12 years

It should be noted that the deduction for deferred tax

assumes that all of the tax on the revaluation gains in our

for our regulated tenants and 9.5 years for our equity

release tenants. We update these figures each year.

portfolio is payable immediately. With our long term

To illustrate the sensitivity of the Grainger NAV under

reversionary portfolios (regulated and equity release) the

different assumptions, we have prepared a financial model

assets will only be sold when vacancy arises and this will

on our website www.graingertrust.co.uk where these figures

be some time in the future. As we know the average age

can be flexed. Some illustrative examples are:

House price inflation per annum

0%

4%

6%

No discount of deferred tax
Discount rate
WACC

Discount rate
WACC +3%

Discounting deferred tax
Discount rate
WACC

Discount rate
WACC +3%

595p

654p

693p

634p

715p

768p

708p

767p

806p

720p

801p

854p

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
34

Grainger Trust plc Annual report and accounts 2006

Financial Review continued

Other Financial Performance Measures 

Our total administrative costs in the year of £32m have

As well as NAV measures we use other key performance

risen from £22m in 2005. The major increases have come

indicators to evaluate our financial performance:

from a series of one-off costs (City North and development

Total shareholder return for the year was 39.1%, an

increase of 13.2 percentage points over 2005.

Return on shareholder equity (measured as the growth 

in NNNAV plus dividends per share as a percentage of

opening NNNAV) was 26.5%, compared to 6.0% in 2005.

Return on capital employed (measured as profit before

costs of financing together with all revaluation surpluses 

as a percentage of opening gross capital) was 15.3%, 

an increase of 9.1 percentage points over 2005.

Financial Performance in the Year

Operating profit before fair value movements fell from

£85.3m to £81.5m in the year, the major changes as

shown below:

division re-organisations, various transaction costs) and

from the investments in high quality staff we are making 

in our emerging business lines (Europe, equity release 
and development). 

Many of our administrative overheads (property

management, sales and acquisitions, and our development

division’s costs) are directly attributable to operating divisions

and for statutory disclosure purposes are netted off those

income streams. Overall, £12m has been added to property

expenses, £6m has been added to sales costs and £4m 

has been added to the cost of development sales. 

Earnings Per Share

Basic earnings per share has increased by 57% to 39.1p

from 24.9p as shown below:

100

90

80

70

60
£m

£7.1m

£(2.5)m

£(2.9)m

£(8.8)m

£85.3m

£3.3m

£81.5m

n

i
e
s
a
e
r
c
n

I

s
t
n
e
r

s
s
o
r
g

5
0
0
2

t
i
f
o
r
p
g
n
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(net rents together with trading profits and profits on sale

of fixed assets) increased by 6.5% to £83m from £78m.

As predicted last year, operating contribution from our

development and trading division fell by £6m to £7m.

60

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The gain in valuation of investment properties of £39.9m

has arisen largely from the establishment of our Jersey

Property Unit Trust for market rented properties. On transfer,

these assets were classified as investment properties and the

uplift in value from cost is shown as a revaluation surplus. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
35

Not all of our financial instruments met the complex

hedging requirements of IAS 39 during the year and so

movements in their fair value have been taken to the

income statement. These amount to £10.4m. The vast

majority by value of these instruments are now compliant

and so value movements will be taken through reserves in
future and we should see less income statement volatility.

Since the year end we have entered into a non-recourse
€150m facility which will be drawn down to fund our
German acquisitions. 

Also since the year end we have reached agreement 

with our major lenders to revise the terms of our core 

£1.3bn facility, which will spread the loan maturity dates

and extend the average maturity by two years and which

Our net interest bill has increased by £5.3m to £54.5m,

will reduce the overall borrowing margin by 13 basis

with interest payable increasing by £8.9m. This is primarily

points. Together with a reduction in commitment fees on

as a result of higher average debt levels arising from our

any un-drawn facility this will produce an annualised

significant investment programme in Europe, equity release

saving of some £1.7m. 

and in joint venture acquisitions. The average of our

monthly debt levels has been some £188m higher in 

2006 than 2005. 

At the year end, our net borrowings were £1,051m (2005:

£861m) and our average cost of borrowings was 5.8%

(2005: 5.9%). To protect ourselves against interest rate risk

Our annual tax charge is at an effective rate of 29.59%,

the group’s treasury policy is to maintain a floating rate

the major items affecting it being:

exposure of no greater than 35% of expected borrowings.

At the year end, we were 66% economically hedged 

(2005: 76%) and at current levels of borrowing we have

protection in place to meet our policy requirement for the

next 2.5 years and have at least £250m of hedging for the

next six years.

Our loan to value ratio at 30 September was 52% 

(2005: 53%). 

Group profit before tax

Tax at 30%

Adjustments:

Goodwill impairment (not allowable)

Utilisation of capital losses

Other including prior period adjustments

Actual tax charge

Financial Resources 

£m

71.7

21.5

1.9

(6.4)

4.2

(0.3)

21.2

The business continues to be highly cash generative. Cash

from operating activities and from sales of investment

Andrew R. Cunningham FCA
22 December 2006

property, amounted to £208m (2005: £174m).

Out of this cash flow we paid interest of £55m, and tax 

of £15m and we reinvested a total of £301m in acquiring

properties, funding development and investing in joint

ventures. We borrowed an additional £165m, and the

headroom on our core facility at the year end stood at

£307m. This headroom affords us enviable strength in

bidding for significant acquisitions.

36

Grainger Trust plc Annual report and accounts 2006

graingertargets
corporate social responsibility

I am pleased to report that CSR is gathering momentum within

Grainger, and this year we have worked hard to achieve our

targets. Our corporate culture is very dynamic and go-getting

which has enabled us to embrace some of the challenges of CSR

with gusto and creativity. I believe this responsiveness to change

will increasingly be necessary in rapidly changing global markets,

and in the face of new business risks such as climate change. 

In 2006, Grainger developed a corporate environmental policy and we now

look forward to further formalising our environmental commitments across

areas of significant impact. We have reviewed and extended our community

investment practices, both through active employment programmes run in

conjunction with BiTC, and through our charitable activities. During the year,

we also developed our new Employee Charter and launched an award-winning

The following symbol 

has been used throughout

this section to cross-reference

detailed information on the

company website at

www.graingertrust.co.uk

1 
1 
4 

0% ACHIEVED

50% ACHIEVED

75% ACHIEVED

15 

100% ACHIEVED

Payroll Giving scheme that has already been a tremendous success. Following 

a comprehensive Health and Safety (H&S) review across all of our activities, we

now have robust procedures in place to manage, measure, monitor and reduce

H&S incidents across the entire business. We have also continued to improve

our customer service quality through extensive training of property managers,

and issued clear concise guidance to our tenants on a variety of issues,

including facilitating grant applications for them to improve heating and

insulation standards in their homes. These are just some of the areas that 

we have been working on in the past year.

This report summarises our achievements against our 2006 CSR targets,

structured under our seven longer-term CSR objectives (reviewed and updated

in 2005). It also includes a number of quantitative measures of our performance

against each objective, and thereby further improves our transparency on 

social and environmental issues. 

Of course, we recognise that we still have more to learn, and we continue 

to have ideas to further improve our business performance and align it with

the values underpinning CSR. We look forward to continuing our efforts over

the coming year.

Rupert J. Dickinson Chief executive

The above chart indicates the

progress that Grainger Trust made

against its CSR targets in 2005/06. It

is encouraging that, in our first year

of official CSR target-setting, we fully

achieved over 70% of our targets,

with just one target unprogressed 

at year end. A detailed review of

progress against individual targets,

carried out by our CSR advisors.

Upstream, is on our website

.

37

objective 1

Encourage staff to contribute to, and share in, the success of 

the company through their own ideas and ongoing professional

development, whilst supporting them to maintain a healthy balance

between home and work commitments.

In Autumn 2005, Grainger Trust participated in the Times 100 Best Companies to work 

for Survey. Although not making the top 100, Grainger scored well across a broad range

of areas, and the survey was helpful in confirming areas Grainger has identified as in 

need of improvement. The most important of these was internal communication and staff

involvement, which we will be working on in the coming year. Grainger will participate in

the survey again in 2006, and will hope to demonstrate real improvement in performance.

key performance indicators

Number of employees undertaking professional education

as reported in 2005/06 

Average number of training days per employee 

KPI

Investment in training per employee 

% of employees with five or more years’ service 

Proportion of all staff that are female 

% of women in senior management positions 

% of women in technical or professional positions 

new in 2006

% of part-time employees 

% of eligible employees participating in the 

sharesave scheme 

% of eligible employees participating in share incentive plan

*Due to change in definitions.

2005

31

3

£671

30%

56%

23.5%

16%

–

–

–

2006

34

3

£674

38.5%

56%

4%*

12.8%

9.6%

50%

83%

targets 2006/07

• Develop and implement an action plan to encourage employees to lead a healthy 

and sustainable lifestyle.

• Conduct a survey of all staff to canvas opinions on the quality and effectiveness 

of internal communications within Grainger.

•

Review and evaluate the effectiveness of current methods and opportunities 

for employee involvement.

• Develop our employee benefits package to offer greater flexibility, thereby enabling

employees to better reflect their individual needs.

• Develop and launch a new Training & Development site on SOURCE, providing

employees with easier access to training and personal development information 

and activities.

•

For all our property managers, and 50% of property management assistants, 

to become Association of Residential Letting Agents qualified. 

38

Grainger Trust plc Annual report and accounts 2006

Corporate Social Responsibility continued

objective 2

Ensure that we treat our tenants and customers fairly, and that we are

responsive to their needs.

During the year, Grainger developed new Tenant Guide Packs for both our regulated and

market let tenants. These packs provide clear information relating to the terms of the rental

agreement, complaints procedures, and respective rights of both tenants and landlord. 

We have also published a Tenants Charter which clearly states our commitment to act 

in a professional and helpful manner to our tenants. Our website includes ‘graingerlets’,

which includes details of our properties available to let and a tenant guide to renting, for

prospective tenants. We began to centrally monitor all complaints received in March, and to

date we have received a total of 27, which represents only 0.2% of our tenants by number.

Throughout the year we also supported our tenants in accessing funding via Warm Front,

the government’s main grant-funded programme for tackling fuel poverty. 28% of the

properties we inspected had insulation work carried out and many of our tenants

successfully secured funding for central heating installation. 

Our property managers are the ‘face’ of Grainger to our tenants. It is essential, therefore,

that our property managers are equipped to manage the great range of demands made 

of them. With this in mind, Grainger launched ‘The Balancing Act’, an innovative and

interactive e-learning programme for property managers. Consisting of four modules, 

the programme challenges staff to find ways to balance the often conflicting demands 

and expectations of property management. The programme has proved a great success, 

and all property managers have now completed modules one and two, with the 

remaining modules to be completed in early 2007. 

“The Balancing Act has given us a new and innovative way of learning; many of our day-to-day issues 

do not have one specific solution – we must apply our experience and knowledge of operational

objectives to deal with a range of complex issues.” DAVID HANCOCK, PROPERTY MANAGER, ALTRINCHAM

key performance indicators

•

445 properties surveyed to date under the Warm Front initiative, of which 28% 

new in 2006

had insulation work done.

•

•

98.7% of rent due has been collected.

Rent loss due to voids as a percentage of Open Market Rental Value was 5.5% 

for the year against a target of 7%. 

•

60% of exiting market rented tenants rated Grainger’s Management Service 

as very good or excellent. 

39

targets 2006/07

•

Become accredited under the local authority initiative ‘Landlords Accreditation Scheme’

where this is implemented in areas in which we manage housing.

• Develop and issue a Tenant Satisfaction Questionnaire for regulated tenants.

• Develop and launch a web area for tenants providing easy access to information

relevant to their tenancy, as well as guidance on other topical issues, such as 

the environment.

• Monitor our performance against the percentage of emergency repairs completed 

in 48 hours.

•

Increase the proportion of our exiting market let tenants who rate our management

service as either Very Good or Excellent to 65% (from 60%).

Reduce our direct adverse environmental impacts, and help and

encourage our tenants and customers to do the same in respect 

of the properties they occupy.

In 2006, we have formalised our commitment to the environment in a policy statement,

with a particular focus on our development activities, where we feel we have the greatest

ability to mitigate our impacts. The policy can be viewed on our website 

. 

In May 2006, we conducted a preliminary review against EcoHomes for our Hornsey Road

development. This assessment included a cost benefit analysis of a variety of heating

systems, and indicated that we are likely to achieve a Very Good EcoHomes rating. 

objective 3

targets 2006/07

• Undertake a baseline review of Grainger’s environmental aspects and impacts 

with a view to formalising our management procedures around those that are 

most significant.

• All new Grainger developments to achieve a minimum EcoHomes rating of Very Good.

• Monitor the performance of all our development projects in relation to both waste

management during construction and cost in use following completion.

• Carry out research to identify environmentally friendly materials/products with a view

to listing these on our refurbishment site ‘Property Design Solutions’ and actively

encourage our contractors to use them.

40

Grainger Trust plc Annual report and accounts 2006

Corporate Social Responsibility continued

objective 4

Seek to understand the needs of the communities within which we

operate, and positively contribute to their well-being.

During 2006, Grainger strengthened its commitment to act as a responsible corporate

citizen, through the implementation of several initiatives and improved engagement 

with local communities.

•

Community Consultation at Widdrington Station Grainger piloted a best practice

community consultation technique at our proposed regeneration development at

Widdrington Station. We commissioned local social regeneration consultants to carry

out the consultation, including proactive communication with residents, and design

workshops. The technique proved very successful and we have now committed to

apply minimum community consultation standards at all future development projects. 

•

Business in the Community In 2006, Grainger became a member of Business in the

Community. This has helped us identify opportunities to make a real difference in the

communities in which we operate. As a result, we have committed to providing work

placements to disadvantaged groups by operating a ‘buddying’ scheme with our

existing staff to assist long term unemployed in getting back into the workplace.

• Workplace Giving In 2006, we launched our employee payroll giving scheme 

in partnership with Workplace Giving and Shelter, which has proved to be very

successful. Peter O’Hara, Managing Director of Workplace Giving UK said “It is great

Community consultation

Widdrington Station

to see that smaller employers who embrace Payroll Giving are successful and we

congratulate Grainger for their initial and ongoing commitment to the scheme 

which has already raised more than £13,000 for UK Charities.” 

Grainger has already won two awards for its payroll giving scheme and been awarded

the Gold Award under the new Payroll Giving Quality Mark.

key performance indicators

•

£24,112 raised for Shelter, our charity of the year again in 2006 

as reported in 2005

(Shelter in 2005 – £30,764).

•

•

220 staff involved in community activities (180 in 2005). 

£58,747 raised in total for charities (£42,234 in 2005).

4,480

25,455

42,234

58,747

03

04

05

06

T O TA L   R A I S E D   F O R   C H A R I T I E S   ( £ )

41

targets 2006/07

•

To provide four work placements to socially disadvantaged persons under Business 

in the Community’s Business Action on Homelessness Programme. 

objective 5

•

Review and redevelop a corporate-wide charity strategy which seeks to encourage

staff participation in identifying local charities for support. 

• Develop a community consultation procedure to include minimum standards to be

implemented on all development projects, and guidance on the use of best practice

techniques for appropriate projects.

Safeguard the health, safety and welfare of our employees, 

and where possible that of our tenants, contractors, visitors, 

clients and the general public.

During 2006, Grainger carried out an extensive and detailed Health and Safety (H&S)

review, which resulted in a detailed action plan being put in place. The majority of 

actions have now been completed, so we are developing a further plan for the coming

year to ensure continuous improvement. All property managers and development division

managers were required to attend a comprehensive H&S training course during 2006. 

The H&S manager also started a programme of e-learning display screen equipment

training, which 110 members of staff have now completed.

key performance indicators

• No RIDDOR* reportable accidents and incidents.

new in 2006

• No pollution incidents.

targets 2006/07

• Gather and present H&S data for major development projects to track H&S

performance and identify any trends.

•

Embed Grainger’s Construction, Design and Management policy into the organisation

and monitor KPIs.

• Undertake H&S audits of a sample of Managing Agents, in order that their H&S

performance can be assessed.

• All Property Maintenance Contractors to be issued, and confirm compliance, 

with Grainger’s Health and Safety Handbook.

*Reporting of injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations 1995.

42

Grainger Trust plc Annual report and accounts 2006

Corporate Social Responsibility continued

objective 6

Engage proactively with prioritised suppliers to ensure that they meet

with our specified economic, social and environmental standards.

During the year, Grainger developed the ‘Black Book’, a new electronic supplier

management database. The system, which already includes H&S criteria, has been

designed to accommodate more CSR related questions, and will allow for contractors 

to be graded accordingly. 

Scorecards are being used to measure the community and environmental practice 

of suppliers, and environmentally preferable office suppliers are being identified.

key performance indicators

• Average payment term from invoice date remained at 30 days in 2006.

as reported in 2005

targets 2006/07

• Develop relevant guidance for contractors on tenant care, considerate construction,

and environmental good practice.

objective 7

Maintain high standards of business conduct, and secure long term

sustainable returns for our investors.

•

Investor Engagement We continue to keep our investors well informed of our

strategy and success through regular meetings and presentations. In particular, during

2006, the group’s chief executive and deputy chief executive/finance director have,

between them, conducted almost 100 meetings with shareholders, potential investors

and analysts (approximately  80 in 2005) in the UK, Europe and the US.

•

Employee Charter During the year, we developed an Employee Charter 

setting

out all the guiding principles by which we expect our growing number of staff to

conduct business. In keeping with our ‘people first’ culture, this Charter clarifies to

employees the nature of their own, and Grainger's responsibilities. It refers employees

to other more detailed policies including public interests disclosure (whistle blowing).

targets 2006/07

•

Formally respond to requests for information sent by our major investors 

(owners of at least 3% shares) on CSR.

•

Proactively undertake research into the public CSR commitments of our major

stakeholders (including investors, peers, partners, and contractors) to shape 

our future strategy.

43

Advisor’s Statement

Upstream has assessed Grainger’s achievement against these targets based on:

• Meetings and face-to-face interviews with the Grainger individuals responsible 

for specific CSR areas and for target delivery.

• Detailed review of documentation and information submitted as evidence against 

the targets.

On this basis we can provide assurance that Grainger has fully achieved 15 out of its 

21 targets (70%), with five substantially progressed, and only one target not met at all. 

This demonstrates a high level of achievement by a company that set CSR targets for 

the first time, suggesting a commendable sense of ownership and commitment to CSR.

Grainger performed particularly well against its socio-economic targets, but has also

demonstrated significant progress this year in developing its environmental policy

statement and further addressing the management of its environmental impacts.

The year’s highlights are well documented in these pages of the Annual Report, and more

detail is provided on the company website. The only target not to have been met was the

inclusion of a set of CSR standards in major construction contracts. Although a number of

environmental and H&S issues are covered as standard practice, the company is committed

to further strengthening its requirements of contractors on specific issues such as waste

management. 

Tighter management of environmental impacts also represents a considerable challenge 

to Grainger, given that it is not able to exert direct control over many of its properties due

to the management/leasehold arrangements. However, the company is committed to

identifying those areas where it does have influence, and to taking action in these areas 

as much as possible. 

At Upstream, we look forward to continuing to work with Grainger as it addresses current

and future challenges, and continues to embed CSR into the core of its business. 

Julie Hirigoyen Director

44

Grainger Trust plc Annual report and accounts 2006

1

3

5

7

2

4

6 

8

45

theboard

1  ROBERT DICKINSON* C.B.E., D.L. Chairman,

6 

JOHN BARNSLEY* F.C.A. Chairman of Audit

chairman of Nomination Committee 

Committee and member of Remuneration

Aged 72, Solicitor

Committee Aged 58, Chartered Accountant. 

Appointed a director of the company in 1961,

Appointed a director of the company in 2002.

and chairman in 1992. Chairman of AON Minet
Pension Trust.

Non-executive director of Northern Investors
Company plc, American Appraisal Associates LLP

2  RUPERT DICKINSON M.R.I.C.S. 

Chief executive Aged 47, Chartered Surveyor

Joined the company in 1992 from Richard Ellis

(now Insignia Richard Ellis). Appointed a director

of the company in 1994. Appointed chief

executive in October 2002. Joined Workspace

Group plc as a non-executive director in 

August 2006.

3  ANDREW CUNNINGHAM F.C.A. 

Deputy chief executive and finance director 

Aged 50, 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.

4

STEPHEN DICKINSON* F.C.A. Deputy chairman 
Aged 72, 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 1993 – 2004.

Chairman of Deutsche Land plc since 

February 2006.

5  ROBERT R S HISCOX* M.A., A.C.I.I. Member of
Nomination and Remuneration Committees 
Aged 63

Appointed a director of the company in March
2002. Chairman of Hiscox plc. Deputy chairman
of Lloyd’s 1993 to 1995.

and Leo Capital plc. Chairman KCS plc 2005.

Until December 2001 was a senior partner at

PricewaterhouseCoopers.

7  ROBIN BROADHURST* C.B.E., F.R.I.C.S. 

Senior independent non-executive director

and member of Nomination and Audit

Committees Aged 60

Appointed a director of the company in February

2004. Previously European chairman of Jones

Lang La Salle, trustee and non-executive director

of Grosvenor, a senior advisor to Credit Suisse

Group, property consultant to Sir Robert

McAlpine Limited, member of the Prince’s Council

for the Duchy of Cornwall and non-executive

director of the British Library and Invista plc.

8

BILL TUDOR JOHN* M.A. Chairman of

Remuneration Committee, member of Audit

Committee Aged 62

Appointed a director of the company in February

2005. Currently a managing director of Lehman

Brothers, previously a partner at Allen & Overy 

LLP for 29 years, serving as senior partner for 

six years. Also deputy chairman of the Portman

Building Society and deputy chairman of the Bank

of England Financial Markets Law Committee. An

Associate Fellow of Downing College, Cambridge.

* Non-executive directors.

46

Grainger Trust plc Annual report and accounts 2006

Corporate governance report

The board of Grainger continue to believe that it is

at such meetings is almost always achieved, although due

essential to maintain the highest standards of corporate

to the unpredictability of such transactions, cannot always

governance. In their view, good corporate governance is

be guaranteed. In these circumstances, the chairman speaks

achieved through the way that Grainger acts, and does 

to the director who is unable to join the meeting in advance.

not necessarily automatically follow from ‘ticking boxes’.

As in prior years, where the group departs from the
Combined Code 2003 (‘the Code’), this has been an 

active decision taken by the board that the provision 

is not in the best interests of the group.

In June each year, the board meets for two days to receive

presentations from senior management and to discuss

strategy at length. This ensures that non-executives fully

understand and are able to impact the strategy of the

group in bringing their respective experiences to bear. 

As required by the Listing Rules, a statement of how the

It also gives opportunities for the non-executive directors

principles of the Code are applied is given below, along

to meet with senior management to discuss their specific

with our formal compliance statement and explanations

business areas.

where the Code has not been applied. The main part 

of this report should be read in conjunction with the

additional statements made by the board committees

which follow.

Board Conduct

Further to the outcome of last year’s board evaluation, 

the board have held strategy meetings on the evening

prior to each of the four ordinary board meetings this year.

Each meeting has been some two hours in length and has

included presentations from the most senior management

The board meets regularly, four times each year, for the

where appropriate to the topic for debate. Dinner follows

consideration of strategy and to monitor and evaluate the

each of the strategy meetings, allowing the directors more

group’s performance and prospects. This brings together 

informal time together.

a wealth and depth of experience ranging from the

cautious to the entrepreneurial, suitable to the effective

management of the group.

The table below shows the attendance by each director 

at the ‘ordinary’ board meetings held during the year.

Biographical details are given on page 45.

There is a formal schedule of matters reserved for the

board’s attention which includes:

• setting the overall strategy;

• approving major transactions;

• setting loan to value limits and associated 

hedging strategy; and

Dec  Mar
‘06
‘05

Jun 
‘06

Sep 
‘06

• accounting policies

Robert Dickinson

Stephen Dickinson

Rupert Dickinson

Andrew Cunningham

Robin Broadhurst

Robert R S Hiscox

John Barnsley

Bill Tudor John

✓

✓

✓

✓

✓

✓

✓

✓

✓

✓

✓

✓

✓

✓

✓

✓

✓

✓

✓

✓

✓

✓

✓

✓

✓

✓

✓

✓

✓

✗

✓

✓

Further to the regular ‘ordinary’ meetings, the board 
also meets, by teleconference where necessary, in order to
consider major transactions as they arise. Full attendance

The schedule is kept under review and updated as

appropriate to ensure that the most important matters

affecting the business are dealt with by the main board.

Other tasks which require main board director attention

are delegated to the board’s committees or to the

executives. Grainger therefore considers committee

membership and chairmanship to be of the utmost

importance to ensure each committee has the necessary

skills to properly discharge its duties.

Relevant financial and non-financial information is supplied

to directors in a timely manner before each board/committee

meeting. Any ad hoc request for information from a

director is dealt with as a high priority, and every director 

47

is able to table agenda items at a board meeting. The

Chief executive

directors have direct access to the services of the company

Reports to the chairman

secretary, who reports to the chairman regarding matters

of corporate governance. The appointment and removal of

the company secretary is a matter for the board as a whole.

Procedures also exist for directors to take independent
professional advice as required, at the group’s expense.

The chairman met during the year with the non-executives,

without the executive directors.

Investment Committee

All executive management report to him, 
directly or indirectly

Responsible for running the business

Responsible for implementing the board’s decisions

As announced at the interim on 13 June 2006, Robert

Dickinson will be retiring from the board at the Annual

General Meeting on 28 February 2007. He will be replaced

During the year, Grainger has formed an investment

as chairman by Robin Broadhurst, currently senior

committee. Its terms of reference include the objectives of

independent director. Bill Tudor John will replace Robin

approving strategic and/or material investments made by

the group, to monitor ‘routine’ investments to ensure they

are made in line with the group’s acquisition policies and

business plan, and finally, to recommend major investment

proposals to the main board. The committee comprises

Rupert Dickinson, Andrew Cunningham, Richard Exley 

and Cameron Spry (see page 30). 

Broadhurst as senior independent director. A search is

under way to find a new independent non-executive

director. Following the appointment, committee

membership will be reviewed to ensure the most

appropriate composition for each committee depending

upon the skills and experience of the directors.

Independence

The formation of this committee has added a new depth

The independence of the non-executive directors remains

and formality to the strategic decision-making of the group 

the principal potentially contentious corporate governance

in line with its increasing size and complexity.

Roles

issue. The board does not consider that the criteria set out

in section A.3.1 of the Combined Code should be taken 

Grainger employs a relatively small board, which consisted

as automatic failure of a director to be independent. It is

throughout the year of the chairman, deputy chairman,

their fundamental belief that directors should be assessed

two executive and four non-executive directors. Each 

non-executive is therefore required to participate in two

committees of the board and Robin Broadhurst fulfilled 

the senior independent director role.

The roles of chairman and chief executive are very distinct,

and a written division of their respective responsibilities has

been reviewed and approved by the board as a whole. In

brief, the principal differentiating factors are:

robustly as individuals, taking into account their own

unique experiences, reputations and competencies along

with their mindfulness and willingness to contribute to

decisions of the board on the basis of those. However, 

the board has carefully made progress with this issue over

the last few years, and after the retirement of the chairman

in February 2007, would expect that all non-executive

directors except for Stephen Dickinson and Robert Hiscox

will be independent on the strict A.3.1 criteria.

Chairman

Reports to the board

Only the CEO and company secretary report to him

Responsible for running the board

Guardian of the board’s decision-making

48

Grainger Trust plc Annual report and accounts 2006

Corporate governance report continued

The board itself is in the best position to assess independence, given their knowledge and experience of working with the

individuals themselves as professionals. The board has therefore, after due diligence and careful consideration, assessed

the independence of the non-executives as follows:

Director

Board’s determination

Explanatory notes

Robert Dickinson 

Not independent

• close family ties

(Chairman)

• more than nine years’ service

Stephen Dickinson

Not independent

• close family ties

(Deputy Chairman)

• more than nine years’ service

• previously managing director

• part-time executive responsibilities

• participation in all-employee share scheme

Robin Broadhurst

Independent

• although previously European chairman at Jones Lang LaSalle, 

who have valued some of Grainger’s German properties, there is 

no material business relationship under A.3.1

• regarded as independent by search consultants used for 

his appointment

Robert R S Hiscox

Independent

• although a trustee for an Estate holding a material shareholding, 

the board is of the opinion that this position does not interfere with

or influence his character or judgement in any way. As chairman of

Hiscox plc, and past deputy chairman of Lloyds, Mr Hiscox brings

extensive skills and experience in his own right, which can only be

beneficial to Grainger’s board

• the Estate has reduced its shareholding over the past two years, 

from 12.5m shares to 9.5m (10.1% to 7.3%)

John Barnsley

Independent

• John Barnsley was not connected with any service provided to

Grainger, whilst a partner at PwC, the group’s auditors. It is now
almost five years since Mr Barnsley left PwC

Bill Tudor John

Independent

• no A.3.1 criteria relevant

The board therefore concluded that it included four

Retirement by Rotation and Re-election 

independent non-executive directors throughout the year

Although board members have been required to stand 

under review. The independent directors therefore

for re-election at intervals of no more than three years 

comprised one half of the board for the full year, and are

for several years now, the board believes it is important 

greater in number than any other ‘group’ of directors.

to maintain stability and continuity for longer periods.

Following the AGM in February 2007, and the expected

Principally, this is due to the long term nature of the

appointment of a further independent non-executive, there

group’s core businesses. The process of purchasing land,

will be five independent directors including the chairman.

negotiating planning and then subsequent development 

to sale can amount to many years’ diligent work, where

continuity of leadership is a real asset. The board in fact

49

considers itself fortunate to have retained the services 

Feedback from the process was discussed by the board 

of several long-standing directors for extended periods.

as a whole at a meeting specifically held for the purpose.

Along with those directors retiring by rotation, the deputy

There were no comments regarding individuals required 

chairman will stand for re-election again this year, having

to be made, which would have been made directly by 

passed the age of 70. As described above, whilst he is

the chairman to the individual concerned.

willing and able, the board considers itself fortunate to
benefit from his continued services.

The board is provided with technical updates relating to

the property industry and the listed company regime, as

Induction, Evaluation and Training

appropriate. In particular this year, the board has been

During the year, there were no new appointments to 

regularly updated on the upcoming REIT regime.

the board, so no tailored induction has been undertaken.

Upon appointment to the board, a director would expect

to receive an introduction to the group via meetings with

all senior management and also a ‘bible’, divided into

digestible chapters, of policies and procedures of the

board, committees and the operating business.

The evaluation this year, built on the experience gained 

last year, was considered to have been very successful,

with a number of outcomes being acted upon.

Should the need for any further training be identified, this

would be provided to directors on appointment or thereafter.

Relations with Shareholders and Potential Investors

The chief executive and deputy chief executive/finance

director meet regularly with institutional shareholders and

analysts. In addition to the usual meetings after results

announcements, ad hoc meetings are arranged to continue

dialogue throughout the year. In particular, during the year

under review, the group’s chief executive and deputy chief

Further to last year, the written questionnaire was

executive/finance director have, between them, conducted

extended to be two dimensional, asking all board members

almost 100 meetings with shareholders, potential investors

to rate how important they thought various characteristics

and analysts. Further, the executives also presented at The

were, as well as how good they thought that the board/

Credit Suisse Annual Real Estate Conference held in New

committees are at those things. The result was a matrix

York, and gave one-to-one presentations at the Morgan

ensuring that the board acted upon any items considered

Stanley 9th Annual European Property Conference. They

essential, but where performance could be improved. This

also participated in roadshows in Amsterdam, Rotterdam,

part of the process resulted in an effective self-assessment

Paris, Munich and Frankfurt, as well as in the UK. Feedback

of the board as a whole and the committees.

gathered by the group’s broker and financial PR agent

Given the upcoming handover of the chairmanship, 

the chairman and the chairman-elect together formally

interviewed each director, with an agenda of items

covering board, committee and individual director

evaluation. Results of the individual meetings are held only

by the chairman and company secretary so that directors

following such meetings and presentations is always

presented to the board as a whole and the board is briefed

on the views of major shareholders. Further, non-executive

directors are available for meetings with the same, although

there have been no requests for such meetings in the year

under review, or since the year end. 

are encouraged to be open and free with their views.

The Annual General Meeting (AGM) is the primary route

Certain topics for discussion were particularly tabled 

due to their being of particular importance to Grainger

currently or imminently.

As the timing for the evaluation process is towards the end

of the financial year, and the chairman’s retirement had

already been announced, it was felt that it was not necessary

or appropriate to evaluate the chairman this year.

for communication with smaller/private shareholders,

although the group’s website also includes a specific

Investor Relations section. All directors attend the AGM,

and the chairmen of all committees are available to answer

questions. The notice of meeting and annual report and

accounts are sent out at least 20 working days before 

the meeting. Separate votes are held for each proposed

resolution, including the approval of the remuneration

50

Grainger Trust plc Annual report and accounts 2006

Corporate governance report continued

committee report, and a proxy count is given in each case

The board also discusses in detail the projected financial

after the voting on a show of hands. At the AGM in March

impact of major proposed acquisitions and disposals,

2006, Grainger included a ‘vote withheld’ category for the

including their financing. All such proposed substantial

second year, in line with best practice. Shareholders were

investments are considered by all directors. Where

also able to lodge their votes through the CREST system.

meetings are required between board meetings and a full

Internal Control

The group has a cyclical process for identifying, assessing

and managing its significant risks, which has been in place

for the full year under review. The process is designed 

to enable the board to be confident that such risks are

complement of directors cannot be achieved, an executive
committee of directors considers the necessary formalities.

The board is also responsible for the discussion and approval

of the group’s treasury strategy, including mitigation

against changes in interest rates. 

mitigated, or controlled as far as possible. It should be

Going Concern

noted, however, that no system can eliminate the risk of

After making enquiries, including the review of future

failure to achieve business objectives entirely and can only

anticipated cash flows and banking covenants, the directors

provide reasonable and not absolute assurance against

have a reasonable expectation that the group and company

material misstatement or loss. The audit committee is

have adequate resources to continue in existence for the

delegated the task of reviewing all identified risks, with the

foreseeable future. For this reason they continue to adopt

absolute key risks retained for full board review. Risks and

the going concern basis in preparing the accounts.

controls are reviewed to ensure effective management of

appropriate strategic, financial, operational and compliance

issues. The audit committee also reviews the half year and

full year financial statements and holds discussions with

the group’s auditors. In addition, the group has an internal

audit function which performs relevant reviews as part of 

a programme approved by the audit committee. During

the year, Grainger also employed KPMG to perform

internal audit work on the German operations, ensuring

that the work was done by suitably qualified individuals.

The committee considers any issues or risks arising from

internal audit in order that appropriate actions can be

undertaken for their satisfactory resolution. The internal

audit manager has a direct reporting line to the chairman

of the audit committee.

An annual budget is produced, together with longer-term

projections, which are presented to the board for approval.

At each meeting the board discusses progress against the

budget and monitors any variances. Where applicable,

revisions are made to expected outturn against which

further progress can be monitored.

Compliance Statement

Independence of non-executive directors is explained in

detail above. In the board’s view it is their assessment 

of independence which determines compliance with the

Code and therefore no non-compliance on grounds of

independence has been recorded.

Except as noted below, the board considers that it 

has complied with the Code throughout the year ended

30 September 2006:

B.1.6 As explained in detail in the Directors’ Remuneration

Report, Rupert Dickinson and Andrew Cunningham

currently hold service contracts with notice periods

in excess of one year. The notice periods are being

reduced from two years to one year on a straight-

line basis over a period of five years from 1 October

2002. At the date of this report the notice period

outstanding stood at approximately 14 months.

Report of the Nomination Committee

The nomination committee consists of the chairman 

and two non-executive directors. It met once formally

during the year, and informally on other occasions. 

The attendance of individual directors, who all served

throughout the year under review, are shown overleaf:

51

Robert Dickinson

Chairman

Robert R S Hiscox
Member

Robin Broadhurst

Member 

Sep 
’06

✓

✗

✓

John Barnsley

Chairman

Robin Broadhurst
Member

Bill Tudor John

Member

Nov 
‘05

Feb  May 
‘06

‘06

Sep 
‘06

✓

✓

✓

✓

✓

✓

✓

✓

✓

✓

✓

✓

The terms of reference of the nomination committee are

The audit committee adheres to particularly strict and

available on the group’s website and principally relate to

detailed terms of reference, which are available for

filling vacancies on the board, whether arising through

inspection on the group’s website. In addition to the work

resignation, retirement or desired expansion and also

described within the ‘Internal Control’ section of the main

consideration of succession planning.

report above, the audit committee is also responsible for

During the year, the committee started to consider the

appointment of an independent non-executive director, to

follow the resignation of the chairman. The nomination

committee first discussed with the board the desirable

background and experience of a new non-executive, 

reviewing the independence of the external auditor, which

includes the approval of any non-audit service fees above a

relatively nominal level. The audit committee is responsible

for the appointment of the external auditor and for

agreeing the audit fee.

and then approached an agency with this information. 

The deputy chief executive/finance director and external

The process is ongoing.

The nomination committee is also responsible for reviewing

the desirability of the continuation of service of directors

required to retire by rotation. In this regard, each of the

directors required to retire by rotation this year has

continued to demonstrate full, capable and committed

participation in setting and monitoring strategy for the

audit partner as well as other senior management are

invited to attend meetings of the committee. Once each

year the audit committee meet with management without

the auditors present and also with the auditors without

management present.

group. Details of those directors standing for re-election 

By order of the board 

at the February 2007 Annual General Meeting are given 

in the Notice of Meeting which accompanies this report,

with biographies on page 45.

Report of the Audit Committee

The audit committee meets four times each year, ahead 

of each board meeting, reporting any relevant matters to

the board where fit. Attendance of the individual directors,

Marie Glanville ACA ACIS

who all served on the committee throughout the year, 

Company Secretary

is shown below. In the opinion of the directors, the audit

22 December 2006

committee comprised three independent non-executive

directors throughout the period, and Mr Barnsley has the

particular recent, relevant financial experience required by

the Code.

52

Grainger Trust plc Annual report and accounts 2006

Report of the Remuneration Committee and Directors’ Remuneration Report

This report meets the disclosure requirements of the

Remuneration Policy

Companies Act and the Listing Rules and in accordance

Grainger’s remuneration policy is designed to attract,

with usual practice will be put to shareholders for approval

motivate and retain high calibre individuals to enable the

at the Annual General Meeting.

group to operate strategically for the continued benefit of

PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP have audited certain parts 

of this report where indicated.

The Remuneration Committee

The composition and attendance of the individual directors

at the three remuneration committee meetings held during

the year were as follows:

Bill Tudor John

Chairman

Robert R S Hiscox
Member 

John Barnsley

Member

Dec 
‘05

✓

Jun 
‘06

✓

Sep 
‘06

✓

✓

✓

✓

✓

✗

✓

In the opinion of the directors, the committee therefore

comprised three independent non-executives throughout

the year. Certain shareholder pressure groups raised

concerns that Mr Hiscox, as trustee of an estate containing

a material shareholding, should not be regarded as

independent. The board maintains their view that

Mr Hiscox is independent and a valued contributor 

to the remuneration committee. 

This year, the committee continued to receive advice from

New Bridge Street Consultants LLP (‘NBSC’). As well as

providing information regarding the competitiveness of

overall packages for the executive directors, NBSC also

advised on the group’s incentive schemes. In particular,

specific guidance has been given on the changes to the

long term incentive plan for senior executives, which 

is further described later in the report. 

The committee has also had access to advice from the

group’s HR Manager, who is invited to attend

remuneration committee meetings when appropriate.

The committee’s terms of reference are available on the

group’s website.

shareholders, over the long term. In order to operate this

policy, the Remuneration Committee receives information
on remuneration packages awarded to directors in the

most comparable organisations and aims to ensure that

the rewards paid by Grainger are competitive.

The policy is also designed to align directors’ interests 

with those of shareholders. This is principally achieved

through the use of share-based incentives and by

encouraging executive directors to maintain a reasonable

shareholding in the group. As a guideline, executive directors

(and senior executives) are expected to hold the equivalent

value of at least one year’s salary in Grainger shares. Details

of executive directors’ shareholdings are shown on page 59.

Share awards are generally satisfied by the acquisition of

shares in the market, so are not dilutive to shareholders.

Share options are satisfied by the issue of new share capital.

Remuneration packages balance both short and long-

term rewards, as well as performance related pay and 

non-performance related. They include salary, bonus and

defined contribution pension elements as well as long-

term share incentive and option schemes. Usual benefits

are also afforded.

No executive director is involved in the determination of 

his own remuneration. Fees of the non-executive directors,

which include increments where a committee chairmanship

are held, are determined by the board as a whole.

The salaries and bonuses of senior management are

determined by the executive directors and reported to the

remuneration committee. Senior management also participate

in long term incentive scheme arrangements described

below. Usual benefits are also afforded to these individuals.

In this context, senior management are those employees

who are members of the Leadership & Strategy Group,

which was formed in the year (see page 30). In addition to

this, specific bonus schemes were negotiated with certain

key senior management during the year, based on their

specific business areas, in order to drive performance.

53

The remuneration committee also reviews the total level of salaries and bonuses paid to the group as a whole. 

This includes reviewing the details of any employee earning over £50,000 or earning a bonus in excess of £5,000.

Service Contracts

As explained in prior years, Rupert Dickinson and Andrew Cunningham each hold service contracts with notice periods

decreasing on a straight-line basis from two years to one year, over a period of five years which began on 1 October 2002.

At the date of this report, therefore, the notice periods have been reduced to approximately 14 months. 

Contract dates and unexpired terms for the directors are as follows:

Rupert Dickinson

Andrew Cunningham

Robert Dickinson

Stephen Dickinson

Robin Broadhurst

John Barnsley

Robert Hiscox

Bill Tudor John

Contract date

Unexpired term*

Notice period

19 July 1996

No fixed term

26 July 2000

No fixed term

14 months

14 months

17 July 1998

10 months**

28 February 2000

26 February 2004

27 February 2003

6 March 2002

24 February 2005

5 months

5 months

5 months

5 months

5 months

None

None

None

None

None

None

*Calculated as at 30 September 2006 and rounded to the nearest whole month.

**Note that as Robert Dickinson is retiring at the forthcoming AGM he will only serve five months from 30 September 2006.

Apart from salary and benefits in relation to the notice

Non-Performance Related Remuneration

period described above, there are no other terms in any 

of the contracts which would give rise to compensation

payable for early termination, or any other liability of 

the company.

Basic Salaries and Benefits

Basic salaries are reviewed by the remuneration committee

annually. Uplifts are by reference to cost of living,

responsibilities and market rates, as for all employees and

Each non-executive director has specific terms of reference.

are performed at the same time of year. Executive directors

Their letters of appointment state an initial one-year

and the deputy chairman, Stephen Dickinson, who has

period, with a continuation subject to review at that time.

part-time executive responsibilities, along with other senior

The letters of appointment contain no entitlement to

members of staff, receive a fully expensed company car, 

compensation for early termination.

or a car allowance. All members of staff, including the

Other Directorships

executive directors, benefit from health and life insurances.

On 2 August 2006, Rupert Dickinson joined Workspace

The chairman’s and non-executive directors’ fees are

Group plc as a non-executive director. Grainger’s board

reviewed on a biennial basis by the whole board. 

were satisfied that the appointment would be of mutual

Pensions

benefit, with Rupert gaining invaluable experience of

another plc. The associated non-executive fees are 

payable to Grainger.

The group contributes 15% of basic salary to the money

purchase pension schemes of Rupert Dickinson and

Andrew Cunningham. No other elements of remuneration

are pensionable.

54

Grainger Trust plc Annual report and accounts 2006

Report of the Remuneration Committee and Directors’ Remuneration Report continued

Share Schemes open to all Employees

Long Term Incentives

Executive directors, and Stephen Dickinson, deputy

Grainger’s policy in relation to long term incentive schemes

chairman, are eligible to participate in two share schemes

has evolved over time to more closely align the long term

which are open to all employees with relevant service,

interests of executives and senior management with those

subject to the rules of the schemes.

of shareholders, to reward sustained performance over 

The first is a Save as you Earn scheme (SAYE), and the

second a Share Incentive Plan (SIP). Both are Inland Revenue

a number of financial years and to encourage these
employees to grow their shareholdings.

approved and therefore subject to the limits prescribed.

In order to maintain best practice and more closely align

Amounts relating to directors’ participation in the SIP 

and share options under the SAYE scheme are shown 

on pages 56 and 57. 

Performance Related Remuneration

As should be expected, a significant element of executive

directors’ and senior management’s potential remuneration

is performance related. The combination of short and 

long term incentives attempt to align the interests of

executives and senior management with the interests 

of shareholders, and to reward significant outperformance

of budgeted expectations.

Non-executive directors do not receive performance related

remuneration.

Annual Discretionary Bonus

Each year, the remuneration committee considers the

award of a bonus to the executive directors, which 

is at their ultimate discretion. The chief and deputy 

chief executive officers, Rupert Dickinson and Andrew

Cunningham participate in an arrangement introduced 

in 2003 whereby the provisional bonus is calculated over 

a three-year period, by reference to the enhancement 

of the triple net asset value of Grainger, relative to a

theoretical market comparator. The comparator movement

is calculated with regard to the Nationwide and Halifax

house price indices and also interest rates, using five-

performance with reward, a proposal is being made to

shareholders, to adopt a new Long Term Incentive Scheme

(LTIS). A resolution will be put to shareholders at the AGM

in February 2007.

Proposed Long Term Incentive Scheme

It has been recognised that the Grainger business is

somewhat unique and as such it has become increasingly

difficult to find a meaningful comparator group. For this

principal reason, a new LTIS has been proposed, and major

shareholders have been consulted on its proposed operation.

The main elements of the proposal are as follows:

• Two-thirds of the award will be based upon the increase

in NNNAV above WACC over a three-year period. The

remaining third will be based upon the absolute increase

in TSR, again over a three-year period. In each case,

minimum thresholds must be achieved and a prorate

award is made between that level and a preset top level,

above which the entire conditional award would vest.

• The maximum award will, in normal circumstances, be

made up to 150% of relevant salary, though may be

made up to 200% in exceptional circumstances.

• Participants may also purchase or pledge existing shares

worth up to 30% of their relevant salary and receive a

matching award of an equivalent size, depending on the

same performance criteria.

year swap rates. Bonuses remain capped at 150% of 

• The remuneration committee retain the ability to award

salary which would only be achieved under exceptional

up to £30,000 of approved share options to

performance conditions. Subject always to the committee’s

participants.

discretion, one-third of the calculated amount is approved

for payment and the provisional balance is taken into

account over the next two years. The award payable for

the year ended 30 September 2006 represents 90% of

salary for that year (2005: 63%). 

Full details of the proposed LTIS are included in the Notice

of Meeting which accompanies this report.

55

Existing Long Term Incentive Scheme

It should be noted that during its period of operation, 

In the year under review, awards were made to executive

it has been necessary to change the comparator group 

directors and senior management under the existing LTIS.

due to companies being taken over. The comparator group

In those schemes, participants are eligible to receive annual

for the awards made in January 2006 comprised A & J

conditional awards of shares worth up to 50% of salary

Mucklow Group plc, Big Yellow Group plc, Brixton plc,

under the Long Term Incentive Scheme and of share
options up to a maximum of 125% of salary under the

Capital and Regional plc, CLS Holdings plc, Daejan
Holdings plc, Derwent Valley Holdings plc, Freeport plc,

Executive Share Option Scheme. The awards under both

Great Portland Estates plc, Helical Bar plc, London

schemes become unconditional provided challenging

Merchant Securities plc, Mapeley Limited, Minerva plc,

performance criteria are satisfied over a single three-year

Quintain Estates and Development plc, Shaftesbury plc, 

performance period following grant. The criteria for all

St Mowden Properties plc, The Unite Group plc, Warner

awards granted since March 2002 have been based on

Estate Holdings plc and Workspace Group plc.

Total Shareholder Return (TSR) – dependent upon where

Grainger’s TSR lies with respect to a predetermined

comparator group as follows:

Performance 
condition

Vesting 
of option

If Grainger’s TSR is equal to or 

greater than the upper quartile 

TSR of the comparator companies

100%

Total shareholder return graph

The graph below shows TSR (based upon share price

growth with dividends reinvested) for Grainger, compared

to the extended 2006 comparator group, the original

comparator group, the FTSE 250 and the FTSE Real Estate

Index. These comparators have been chosen on the basis

that they are the markets within which Grainger operates.

If Grainger’s TSR is equal 

to the median TSR of the 
comparator companies

If Grainger’s TSR is above the 

median but below the upper 

quartile TSR of the comparator 
companies

If Grainger’s TSR is below the 

median TSR of the comparator 

40%

Pro-rata vesting

companies

0%

As shown in the table above, no award vests unless

Grainger’s TSR is at least equal to the median TSR of the

comparator group.

01

02

03

04

05

06

GRAINGER TRUST
COMPARATOR GROUP OLD 14

FTSE 350 REAL 
ESTATE

COMPARATOR GROUP NEW 21

FTSE 250 INDEX

Source Datastream

56

Grainger Trust plc Annual report and accounts 2006

Report of the Remuneration Committee and Directors’ Remuneration Report continued

The auditors have audited the following parts of the Remuneration Report:

Directors’ Remuneration

Chairman, deputy chairman 
and executive directors

Non-performance related remuneration

Salary and fees

Taxable benefits

Share incentive plan

Robert

Rupert
Stephen 
Dickinson Dickinson Dickinson
£’000

£’000

£’000

Andrew
Cunning-
ham
£’000

Sean
Slade
£’000

108

142

440

330

–

–

18

6

12

6

20

6

Total non-performance related remuneration

108

166

458

356

Performance related remuneration

Annual discretionary bonus

Total performance related remuneration

Total remuneration for the year ended 

–

–

–

–

398

398

297

297

30 September 2006

108

166

856

653

Total
£’000

1,020

50

18

1,088

695

695

1,783

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

Total remuneration for the year ended 

30 September 2005

108

165

714

535

267

1,789

Pension contributions into money 

purchase schemes

Year ended 30 September 2006

Year ended 30 September 2005

–

–

–

–

Non-executive directors

Robin
Broadhurst
£’000

John
Barnsley
£’000

Robert
Hiscox
£’000

Non-performance related remuneration

Salary and fees

Taxable benefits

Share incentive plan

Total non-performance related 

remuneration

Performance related remuneration

Annual discretionary bonus

Total performance related remuneration

Total remuneration for the year ended 

30 September 2006

Total remuneration for the year ended 

30 September 2005

38

–

–

38

–

–

38

34

38

–

–

38

–

–

38

38

30

–

–

30

–

–

30

34

66

63

Bill
Tudor 
John
£’000

38

–

–

38

–

–

38

18

50

47

–

2

116

112

Robin
Herbert
£’000

Nichola
Pease
£’000

Total all
directors
2006
£’000

Total
£’000

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

144

1,164

–

–

50

18

144

1,232

–

–

695

695

144

1,927

15

15

154

1,943

57

Taxable benefits for Stephen Dickinson, Rupert Dickinson and Andrew Cunningham relate to car and fuel benefits and

private medical insurance.

Details of share awards and options exercised in the year are included below.

On 24 February 2005, Bill Tudor John was appointed. This followed Robin Herbert’s and Nichola Pease’s resignations 

of the same date. Sean Slade resigned from the board on 12 November 2004.

Directors’ Share Options

Ordinary Shares (thousands)
Dates exercisable

Stephen 
Dickinson

Rupert 
Dickinson

Andrew 
Cunningham

Total

Exercise
price

30 Sep
2006

30 Sep
2005

30 Sep
2006

30 Sep
2005

30 Sep
2006

30 Sep
2005

30 Sep
2006

30 Sep
2005

Non-performance related (available to all staff)

SAYE scheme

8 August 07 to 8 February 08

1 September 08 to 1 March 09

Performance related (conditional awards)

Inland Revenue Approved Executive 

Share Option Scheme

£1.636

£1.865

23 December 99 to 23 December 06

£0.685

Long Term Incentive Scheme

9 July 00 to 9 July 07

24 January 06 to 24 January 13

12 January 07 to 12 January 14

11 January 08 to 11 January 15

12 January 09 to 12 January 16

£0.534

£1.918

£3.264

£3.818

£5.280

–

9

–

–

–

–

–

–

9

–

9

–

–

–

–

–

–

9

10

–

10

–

10

–

10

–

20

9

20

9

–

–

64

196

153

138

–

64

–

153

138

104

469

–

–

–

115

103

78

44

–

44

37

143

115

103

–

64

–

268

241

182

101

339

268

241

–

561

306

452

784 1,022

Under the company’s Executive Share Option Scheme,

The closing market price of the company’s shares at the

Andrew Cunningham exercised 43,795 approved share

end of the financial year was £6.28, and the range of 

options at £0.685 on 26 June 2006. On the same date, 

the closing mid-market prices during the year was £4.29 

he also exercised 37,075 unapproved share options under

to £6.28.

the LTIS at £0.5342. The mid-market closing price on that

date was £5.04. The total gain before tax was £357,780.

The current LTIS replaced an older scheme, however, some

options granted under this scheme are still in existence and

On 24 January 2006, 65.9% of the share options in the

are disclosed above. Exercise is conditional upon a growth

£1.918 scheme vested and were exercised by Andrew

in earnings per share in excess of the retail price index over

Cunningham and Rupert Dickinson. The share price at 

a period of three consecutive years during the period of

the previous night closing was £5.46. The total number 

the option.

of options exercised by Rupert Dickinson was 128,844 

and by Andrew Cunningham was 94,484 with gains

before tax arising of £456,365 and £334,662 respectively.

All remaining £1.918 options lapsed.

58

Grainger Trust plc Annual report and accounts 2006

Report of the Remuneration Committee and Directors’ Remuneration Report continued

Directors’ Share Awards

Ordinary Shares of 5p each (thousands)

Performance related (conditional awards)

Long Term Incentive Scheme

Rupert 
Dickinson

Andrew 
Cunningham

Total

Award 
date

Earliest  30 Sep
2006

vesting date

30 Sep
2005

30 Sep
2006

30 Sep
2005

30 Sep
2006

30 Sep
2005

1999 scheme (matching awards)

5 Dec 05

2002 scheme

2003 scheme

2004 scheme

24 Jan 03

24 Jan 06

12 Jan 04

12 Jan 07

11 Jan 05

11 Jan 08

2005 scheme (granted in the year)

12 Jan 06

12 Jan 09

–

–

61

55

42

52

78

61

55

–

–

–

46

41

31

45

57

46

41

–

–

–

107

96

73

97

135

107

96

–

158

246

118

189

276

435

On 12 December 2005, the matching awards under the 1999 scheme vested. The share price at the previous close was

£4.815. On 24 January 2006, when the previous closing share price was £5.46, 65.9% of the 2002 scheme awards vested

in accordance with the performance conditions of that scheme. The remaining awards lapsed.

Rupert Dickinson and Andrew Cunningham were awarded as follows:

Number of matching awards

Value of matching shares (£)

Number of LTIS awards (after performance criteria applied)

Value of LTIS shares (£)

Deferred Bonus

Rupert
Dickinson

51,945

250,115

51,537

Andrew
Cunningham

45,450

218,842

37,794

281,392

206,355

As reported fully in previous years, Rupert Dickinson and Andrew Cunningham participate in a one-off deferred bonus

scheme as detailed below:

Rupert Dickinson

Original 
monetary 
amount

£600,000

Andrew Cunningham

£300,000

On behalf of the board

Equivalent number
of shares, based on 
average share price 
1 Oct 00 – 30 Sep 01 
(£1.4264)

First tranche – 
vested 11 Dec 03 
(mid-market 
value £3.15) 

Second tranche – 
vested 12 Dec 05 
(mid-market 
value £4.815)

420,650

210,320

210,325

105,160

210,325

105,160

Gain before tax
on second tranche

£1,012,715

£506,345

Bill Tudor John

Chairman of the Remuneration Committee

22 December 2006

59

Directors’ report 

The directors present their report and the audited financial

An interim dividend of 1.87p per share (2005: 1.70p) was

statements for the year ended 30 September 2006.

paid on 28 July 2006 amounting to £2.4m (2005: £2.2m)

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 17 to 19

and the chief executive’s statement on pages 20 to 29.

Results for the Year

The results of the group are set out in the consolidated

income statement on page 64 which shows a profit for 

the financial year of £50.5m (2005: £31.1m).

and the directors recommend the payment of a final

dividend of 3.75p per share (2005: 3.41p), to be paid 

on 6 March 2007, amounting to £4.9m (2005: £4.4m).

Any shareholder wishing to participate in the Dividend
Reinvestment Plan for the 2006 final dividend will need 

to ensure that their application form is returned to our

registrars by 5 February 2007. 

Directors

The directors of the company who served during the year

are listed on page 45. 

Directors’ and other Interests

The interests of the directors in the shares of the company

at 30 September 2006 and 5 December 2006, with

comparative figures as at 1 October 2005, are as follows:

Ordinary Shares of 5p each (thousands)

Robert Dickinson

Stephen Dickinson

Rupert Dickinson

Robin Broadhurst

Andrew Cunningham

John Barnsley

Robert Hiscox

Bill Tudor John

1 Oct
2005

958

3,758

1,248

–

371

14

–

–

Beneficial
30 Sep
2006

808

3,560

1,374

3

487

14

10

–

5 Dec
2006

808

3,560

1,374

3

487

14

10

–

1 Oct
2005

2,102

2,436

212

–

–

–

Non-beneficial
30 Sep
2006

2,002

2,436

207

–

–

–

5 Dec
2006

2,002

2,386

207

–

–

–

10,227

9,500

9,500

–

–

–

Details of directors’ share options are given on page 57.

6,349

6,256

6,256

14,977

14,145

14,095

60

Grainger Trust plc Annual report and accounts 2006

Directors’ report continued

Save as disclosed in the previous table, as at 5 December

The directors confirm that they have complied with the

2006, the company is aware of the following interests

above requirements in preparing the financial statements.

amounting to 3% or more in the company’s shares:

The directors are responsible for keeping proper

Schroder Investment 

Management Limited*

Taube Hodson & Stonex 

Partners Ltd*

Aberforth Partners*

Majedie Asset Management*

F+C Asset Management plc*

Holding
000’s

%
Holding

accounting records that disclose with reasonable accuracy

at any time the financial position of the company and the

9,951

7.65%

assets of the company and of the group, and hence for

group. They are also responsible for safeguarding the

taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection

7,512

6,339

4,927

4,751

5.78%

4.88%

3.79%

3.65%

of fraud and other irregularities.

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 2006 relating to purchases of property stock

* 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

generally complete 28 days after exchange of contracts.

amounting to 3% or more.

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 which 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 for that period and comply with the Companies 

Act 1985.

The directors are responsible for ensuring that applicable

accounting standards have been followed and that suitable

accounting policies, consistently applied and supported by

reasonable and prudent judgments and estimates, have

been used in the preparation of the financial statements

for the year ended 30 September 2006. 

The directors must also prepare the financial statements 

on the going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to

presume that the company and the group will continue 

in business.

Trade creditor days relating to other trade creditors of 

the company and group were calculated as 30 days 

(2005: 30 days).

Financial Risk Management

Details of this are included in note 21 to the financial

statements.

Charitable Donations

During the year the group made charitable donations

amounting to £58,747 (2005: £42,234). Details are

provided on page 40.

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. The group employs a full-time health

and safety manager.

61

Employment of Disabled Persons

Post Balance Sheet Events 

The company gives full and fair consideration to

Since the year end, Grainger has announced first closing 

applications for employment made by disabled persons,

of G:res 1, its market let fund, made an offer for a

having regard to their particular aptitudes and abilities. 

company containing some 900 retirement homes, signed 

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

a development agreement relating to a 10 acre site in
Birmingham and made a €32m portfolio acquisition in
Germany. We have also arranged a €150m facility with
EuroHypo AG and restructured the group’s core debt.

that the training, career development and promotion of

See note 36 to the financial statements for further details.

By order of the board 

Marie Glanville ACA ACIS

Company Secretary

22 December 2006

disabled persons should, as far as possible, be identical 

to that of other employees.

Employee Involvement

The group places considerable value on the involvement 

of its employees and has continued its practice of keeping

them informed on matters affecting them as employees,

for example, eligibility to join company share schemes, 

and on the various factors affecting the performance of

the group. Communication is made using the intranet,

‘The Source’, and through regular meetings with, and

presentations by senior management.

Auditors

So far as each director is aware, there is no relevant audit

information of which the company’s auditors are unaware.

Each director has taken all steps that he ought to have

taken as a director in order to make himself aware of 

any relevant audit information and to establish that the

company’s auditors are aware of that information.

PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP have expressed their

willingness to continue in office as auditors to the

company and group. A resolution to reappoint them 

as auditors to the company will be proposed at the 

next Annual General Meeting. 

Shares

As disclosed in Note 28 to the financial statements, 

the company issued 551,088 5p Ordinary Shares for 

an aggregate consideration of £960,083 in the year under

various employee share schemes. As at 30 September

2006, the directors had unexpired power to repurchase 

up to 19,411,990 shares.

62

Grainger Trust plc Annual report and accounts 2006

Independent auditors’ report to the members of Grainger Trust plc

We have audited the group financial statements of

In addition we report to you if, in our opinion, we have

Grainger Trust plc for the year ended 30 September 2006

not received all the information and explanations we

which comprise the consolidated income statement, 

require for our audit, or if information specified by law

the consolidated statement of recognised income and

regarding director’s remuneration and other transactions 

expense, the consolidated balance sheet, the statement 

is not disclosed.

of consolidated cash flows and the related notes. These
group financial statements have been prepared under 

the accounting policies set out therein.

We review whether the Corporate governance report

reflects the company’s compliance with the nine provisions

of the Combined Code (2003) specified for our review by

We have reported separately on the parent company

the Listing Rules of the Financial Services Authority, and 

financial statements of Grainger Trust plc for the year

we report if it does not. We are not required to consider

ended 30 September 2006 and on the information in 

whether the board’s statements on internal control cover all

the Report of the Remuneration Committee and Directors’

risks and controls, or form an opinion on the effectiveness

Remuneration Report that is described as having been

of the group’s corporate governance procedures or its risk

audited.

and control procedures.

Respective Responsibilities of Directors and Auditors

We read other information contained in the Annual 

The directors’ responsibilities for preparing the Annual

Report and consider whether it is consistent with the

Report and the group financial statements in accordance

audited group financial statements. The other information

with applicable law and International Financial Reporting

comprises only the chairman’s statement, the chief

Standards (IFRSs) as adopted by the European Union are

executive’s review, the financial review, the Corporate

set out in the Statement of Directors’ Responsibilities

governance report, the Directors’ report, the corporate

included within the Directors’ report.

social responsibility report and the unaudited part of 

Our responsibility is to audit the group financial statements

in accordance with relevant legal and regulatory

requirements and International Standards on Auditing 

(UK and Ireland). 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

the Report of the Remuneration Committee and Directors’

Remuneration Report. We consider the implications for our

report if we become aware of any apparent misstatements

or material inconsistencies with the group financial

statements. Our responsibilities do not extend to any 

other information.

Act 1985 and for no other purpose. We do not, in giving

The maintenance and integrity of the Grainger Trust plc

this opinion, accept or assume responsibility for any other

website is the responsibility of the directors; the work

purpose or to any other person to whom this report is

carried out by the auditors does not involve consideration

shown or into whose hands it may come save where

of these matters and, accordingly, the auditors accept no

expressly agreed by our prior consent in writing.

responsibility for any changes that may have occurred to

We report to you our opinion as to whether the group

financial statements give a true and fair view and whether

the financial statements since they were initially presented

on the website.

the group financial statements have been properly prepared

Legislation in the United Kingdom governing the

in accordance with the Companies Act 1985 and Article 4

preparation and dissemination of financial statements 

of the IAS Regulation. We also report to you whether in

may differ from legislation in other jurisdictions.

our opinion the information given in the Directors’ report 

is consistent with the group financial statements.

63

Basis of Audit Opinion

We conducted our audit in accordance with International

Standards on Auditing (UK and Ireland) issued by the

Auditing Practices Board. An audit includes examination,

on a test basis, of evidence relevant to the amounts and

disclosures in the group financial statements. It also
includes an assessment of the significant estimates and

judgments made by the directors in the preparation of the

group financial statements, and of whether the accounting

policies are appropriate to the group’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 group financial

statements 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 group 

financial statements.

Opinion

In our opinion:

• the group financial statements give a true and fair 

view, in accordance with IFRSs as adopted by the

European Union, of the state of the group’s affairs 

as at 30 September 2006 and of its profit and 

cash flows for the year then ended;

• the group financial statements have been properly

prepared in accordance with the Companies Act 1985

and Article 4 of the IAS Regulation; and

• the information given in the Directors’ report is

consistent with the group financial statements.

PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP 

Chartered accountants and registered auditors 

Newcastle upon Tyne 

22 December 2006

64

Grainger Trust plc Annual report and accounts 2006

Consolidated income statement

For the year ended 30 September 2006

notes

Group revenue

Net rental income

Profit on disposal of trading properties

Administrative expenses

Other income

Goodwill impairment loss

Net other (expenses)/income

Profit on disposal of investment property

Operating profit before net valuation gains on investment 

properties and changes in fair values

Net valuation gains on investment properties

Net gain in fair value of derivatives 

Gain in fair value through profit or loss financial assets

Operating profit 

Interest expense

Interest income

Share of loss from associates after tax

Share of profit/(loss) from joint ventures after tax

Profit before tax

Taxation – current

Taxation – deferred

Tax charge for the year

Profit for the financial year 

Attributable to:

Equity shareholders of the parent 

Minority interest

Profit for the financial year

Basic earnings per share

Diluted earnings per share

4

5

7

22

6

3

14

10, 21

18

10

10

16

17

3, 9

11

13

13

2006
£m

205.7

28.3

55.9

(10.4)

2.1

(6.4)

(4.3)

5.6

75.1

39.9

10.4

0.4

125.8

(60.3)

5.8

(0.1)

0.5

71.7

(30.6)

9.4

(21.2)

50.5

50.5

–

50.5

39.1p

38.9p

2005
£m

227.6

19.1

67.2

(5.4)

2.9

–

2.9

1.5

85.3

5.4

–

–

90.7

(51.6)

2.4

(0.2)

(0.3)

41.0

(17.9)

8.0

(9.9)

31.1

31.1

–

31.1

24.9p

24.5p

Included within profit for the financial year is a loss of £29,000 (2005: nil) attributable to minority interests.

All of the above results relate to continuing operations. 

Consolidated statement of recognised income and expense

For the year ended 30 September 2006

notes

Profit for the year

Actuarial profit/(loss) on BPT Limited defined benefit pension scheme net of tax

25

Net exchange adjustments offset in reserves 

Changes in fair value of cash flow hedges net of tax

Total recognised income and expense in the year
Effect of adoption of IAS 32 and IAS 39 on 1 October 2005 net of tax

17, 21

23

The total recognised income and expense in the year is attributable to:

Equity shareholders of the parent 

Minority interest

65

2006
£m

50.5

0.4

0.1

(0.8)

50.2
(5.4)

44.8

50.2

–

50.2

2005
£m

31.1

(0.5)

–

–

30.6
–

30.6

30.6

–

30.6

66

Grainger Trust plc Annual report and accounts 2006

Consolidated balance sheet

At 30 September 2006

ASSETS

Non-current assets

Investment property

Property, plant and equipment

Investments in associates
Investments in joint ventures

At fair value through profit or loss financial assets (2005: Investments)

Goodwill

Current assets

Inventories – trading properties

Trade and other receivables

Derivative financial instruments

Cash and cash equivalents

Assets held for sale

Total assets

LIABILITIES

Non-current liabilities

Interest bearing loans and borrowings

Trade and other payables

Retirement benefits

Provisions for other liabilities and charges

Deferred tax liabilities

Current liabilities

Interest bearing loans and borrowings

Trade and other payables

Current tax liabilities

Derivative financial instruments 

Total liabilities

Net assets

Notes

2006
£m

2005
£m

14

15

16

17

18

22

19

20

21

23

22

23

24

25

24

26

23

27

21

252.7

222.4

2.1

2.0

71.5

19.0

–

2.0

0.1

17.9

15.4

6.1

347.3

263.9

952.7

5.3

2.3

34.5

168.3

1,163.1

1,510.4

961.5

10.5

–

53.3

–

1,025.3

1,289.2

1,070.5

887.9

8.0

4.6

1.3

91.1

8.0

5.3

3.9

102.8

1,175.5

1,007.9

19.4

23.3

37.2

4.4

84.3

26.4

21.8

22.0

–

70.2

1,259.8

1,078.1

250.6

211.1

Consolidated balance sheet continued

At 30 September 2006

EQUITY

Capital and reserves attributable to the company’s equity holders

Issued share capital

Share premium

Merger reserve
Capital redemption reserve

Cash flow hedge reserve

Retained earnings

Total shareholders’ equity

Minority interest

Total equity 

67

Notes

28, 29

29

29

29

29

29

29

29

2006
£m

2005
£m

6.5

22.6

20.1

0.2

(0.8)

201.8

250.4

0.2

250.6

6.5

21.6

20.1

0.2

–

162.7

211.1

–

211.1

The financial statements on pages 64 to 124 were approved by the Board of Directors on 22 December 2006 and were

signed on their behalf by:

Rupert J. Dickinson

Andrew R. Cunningham

Director

Director

68

Grainger Trust plc Annual report and accounts 2006

Statement of consolidated cash flows 

For the year ended 30 September 2006

Cash flow from operating activities

Profit for the year

Depreciation

Impairment of goodwill

Net valuation gains on investment properties
Net finance costs

Share of (profit)/loss from associates and joint ventures

Gain on disposal of investment properties and other investments

Equity settled share-based payment expenses

Change in fair value of derivatives and fair value through profit or loss 

financial assets

Taxation

Operating profit before changes in working capital and provisions

Decrease in trade and other receivables

Increase/(decrease) in trade and other payables

Increase in trading properties

Increase in provisions for liabilities and charges

Cash generated from operations

Interest paid

Taxation paid 

Net cash outflow from operating activities

Cash flow from investing activities 

Proceeds from sale of investment property and property, plant and equipment 

Interest received

Dividends received

Acquisition of subsidiaries, net of cash acquired

Investment in associates and joint ventures

notes

15

22

14

10

16, 17

6

8

10, 18

11

37

Acquisition of investment property and property, plant and equipment

Acquisition of at fair value through profit or loss financial assets (2005: Investments)

18

Net cash outflow from investing activities

Cash flows from financing activities 

Proceeds from the issue of share capital 

Proceeds from new borrowings

Purchase of own shares

Repayment of borrowings

Dividends paid

Net cash inflow from financing activities

Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year

Cash and cash equivalents at end of year

29

29

12

23

2006
£m

50.5

0.6

6.4

(39.9)

54.5

(0.4)

(5.6)

0.9

(10.8)

21.2

77.4

3.2

2.7

(31.4)

–

51.9

(55.0)

(15.4)

(18.5)

47.8

2.6

0.4

(3.4)

(57.8)

(131.8)

(0.4)

(142.6)

1.0

165.2

(0.5)

(12.0)

(6.9)

146.8

(14.3)

53.3

39.0

2005
£m

31.1

0.4

–

(5.4)

49.2

0.5

(1.5)

0.5

–

9.9

84.7

0.9

(24.2)

(42.6)

0.6

19.4

(49.9)

(16.6)

(47.1)

13.3

2.2

0.1

(41.6)

(11.1)

(18.8)

(8.4)

(64.3)

0.1

170.0

(0.1)

(52.2)

(6.9)

110.9

(0.5)

53.8

53.3

69

Notes to the financial statements

1 Accounting Policies

(a) Basis of preparation

Grainger Trust plc is a company incorporated in the United Kingdom. The group financial statements consolidate those 

of the company and its subsidiaries, together referred to as the ‘group’, and equity account the group’s interests in joint

ventures and associates. The Parent Company financial statements present information about the company and not about
its group.

The group financial statements have been prepared and approved by the directors in accordance with International

Financial Reporting Standards as adopted by the European Union (IFRS) and with those parts of the Companies Act 1985

applicable to companies reporting under IFRS. The company has elected to prepare its company financial statements in

accordance with UK GAAP. These are presented on pages 127 to 132.

The accounting policies set out below have, unless otherwise stated, been applied consistently to all periods presented 

in the group financial statements and in preparing an opening IFRS balance sheet as at 1 October 2004 for the purposes

of transition to IFRS. The principal exception is that, as more fully explained in note (m) below, financial instruments are

accounted for on different bases in the current year and the comparative year owing to the transitional provisions of IAS

32 ‘Financial Instruments: Disclosure and Presentation’ and IAS 39 ‘Financial Instruments: Recognition and Measurement’.

The consolidated financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention except for the following assets

and liabilities which are stated at their fair value; investment property, derivative financial instruments and investments.

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with IFRS requires management to make judgements, estimates and

assumptions that affect the application of accounting policies and the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, income

and expenses. Although these estimates are based on management’s best knowledge of the events and amounts involved,

actual results ultimately may differ from those estimates.

Transition to IFRS

The group is preparing its financial statements in accordance with IFRS for the first time and, consequently, has applied

IFRS 1. An explanation of how the transition to IFRS has affected the reported financial position and the financial

performance of the group is provided in note 38 to the financial statements. IFRS 1 contains certain exemptions, both

mandatory and optional, to assist the transition to IFRS. The group has utilised these exemptions as follows:

i) Business combinations exemption – The group has applied the business combinations exemption in IFRS 1 allowing 

it not to restate business combinations that took place prior to the 1 October 2004 transition date.

ii) Share-based payment transactions exemption – The group has applied this exemption and has therefore applied 

IFRS 2 to all grants of shares and share options made after 7 November 2002 that had not vested by 1 January 2005.

iii) Exemption from restatement of comparatives for IAS 32 and IAS 39 – The group has applied this exemption thereby

allowing it to present comparative information that does not comply with IAS 32 and IAS 39. Accordingly, the

adjustments required for differences between UK GAAP and IAS 32 and IAS 39 are recognised in the opening balance

sheet as at 1 October 2005.

iv) Employee benefits – In accordance with IFRS 1 the group has elected to recognise all actuarial gains and losses 

in full at the date of transition. Accordingly, the deficit in the BPT Retirement Benefits pension scheme as at 1 October

2004 has been taken through reserves. The group has applied the amendment to IAS 19 with effect from 1 October

2004 allowing it to report all actuarial gains or losses in full in the period in which they were incurred through the

statement of recognised income and expense.

70

Grainger Trust plc Annual report and accounts 2006

Notes to the financial statements continued

1 Accounting Policies continued

(b) Basis of consolidation

i) Subsidiaries

Subsidiaries are all entities (including special purposes entities) over which the group has the power to govern the

financial and operating policies generally accompanying a shareholding of more than one half of the voting rights. 
The existence and effect of potential voting rights that are currently exercisable or convertible are considered when

assessing whether the group controls another entity. Subsidiaries are fully consolidated from the date on which control

is transferred to the group. They are de-consolidated from the date control ceases.

ii) Goodwill and impairment

The purchase method of accounting is used to account for the acquisition of subsidiaries by the group. The cost 

of the acquisition is measured as the fair value of the assets given, equity instruments issued plus the costs directly

attributable to the acquisition. Identifiable assets acquired and liabilities and contingent liabilities assumed in a

business combination are measured initially at their fair values at the date of acquisition. Goodwill represents the

excess of the cost of an acquisition over the fair value of the group’s share of net identifiable assets, including

intangible assets of the acquired entity at the date of acquisition. If the cost of the acquisition is less than the fair

value of the net assets of the subsidiary acquired, the difference is recognised directly in the income statement.

Goodwill on acquisition of subsidiaries is included in intangible assets. Goodwill on acquisitions of joint ventures 

and associates is included in investments in joint ventures and associates. 

Goodwill is allocated to cash-generating units for the purpose of impairment testing and is tested annually for

impairment and carried at cost less accumulated impairment losses. For details of the impairment review performed 

in 2006, see note 22. Gains and losses on the disposal of an entity include the carrying amount of goodwill relating 

to the entity sold.

iii) Joint ventures and associates

Joint ventures are those entities over whose activities the group has joint control, established by contractual agreement.

Associates are all entities over which the group has significant influence but not control, generally accompanying 

a shareholding of between 20% and 50% of the voting rights. Investment in joint ventures and associates are

accounted for by the equity method of accounting and are initially recognised at cost. The group’s investment in 

joint ventures and associates includes goodwill (net of any accumulated impairment loss) identified on acquisition.

The group’s share of its joint ventures’ and associates’ post-acquisition profits or losses is recognised in the income

statement, and its share of post-acquisition movements in reserves is recognised in reserves. The cumulative post-

acquisition movements are adjusted against the carrying amount of the investment. 

71

1 Accounting Policies continued

(c) Segmental reporting

A business segment is a distinguishable group of assets and operations, reflected in the way that the group manages 

its business, that are subject to risks and returns that are different from those of other business segments.

The group has identified six such segments as follows:
• UK Core portfolio – Regulated tenancies

• UK Market-Rented Properties 

•

Equity Release

• UK Development

•

•

European Tenanted Residential

European Development.

More detail is given relating to each of the above segments in the chief executive’s review on pages 20 to 29 and in note 3. 

(d) Foreign currency translation

i) Functional and presentation currency

Items included in the financial statements of each of the group’s entities are measured using the currency of the

primary economic environment in which the entity operates (‘the functional currency’). The consolidated financial

statements are presented in pounds sterling, which is the company’s functional and presentation currency.

ii) Foreign currency transactions

Foreign currency transactions are translated at the foreign exchange rates prevailing at the dates of the transactions.

Monetary assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies at the balance sheet date are translated to sterling at

the foreign exchange rate ruling at that date. Foreign exchange gains and losses resulting from the settlement of such

transactions are recognised in the income statement.

iii) Foreign operations

The assets and liabilities of foreign operations, including goodwill and fair value adjustments arising on consolidation,

are translated to sterling at foreign exchange rates ruling at the balance sheet date. Revenues and expenses of foreign

operations are translated at average foreign exchange rates for the relevant period.

Exchange differences arising from the translation of the net investment in foreign operations are taken to the

translation reserve.

72

Grainger Trust plc Annual report and accounts 2006

Notes to the financial statements continued

1 Accounting Policies continued

(e) Investment property

Property that is held for long term rental yields or for capital appreciation or both, and that is not occupied by the

companies in the consolidated group, is classified as investment property.

Investment property is measured initially at its cost, including related transaction costs.

After initial recognition, investment property is carried at fair value. Fair value is based on active market prices, adjusted, 

if necessary, for any difference in the nature, location or condition of the specified asset. If this information is not available,

the group uses alternative valuation methods such as recent prices on less active markets or discounted cash flow

projections. 

A structured sample of in-house valuations is reviewed annually by external valuers who have an appropriate recognised

professional qualification and who have recent experience of the location and type of the property being valued.

Subsequent expenditure is included in the carrying amount of the property when it is probable that future economic

benefit associated with the item will flow to the group and the cost of the item can be measured reliably. All other repairs

and maintenance costs are charged to the income statement during the financial period in which they are incurred. 

Gains or losses arising from changes in the fair value of the group’s investment properties are included in the income

statement of the period in which they arise.

(f) Property, plant and equipment

Property, plant and equipment is stated at historical cost less subsequent depreciation and impairment. Cost includes

expenditure that is directly attributable to the acquisition of the items.

Subsequent costs are included in the assets’ carrying amount or recognised as a separate asset, as appropriate, only when

it is probable that the future economic benefits associated with the item will flow to the group and the cost of the item

can be measured reliably. All other repairs and maintenance costs are charged to the income statement during the

financial period in which they are incurred.

Land is not depreciated. Depreciation on property, plant and equipment is calculated using the straight-line method 

to allocate their cost less residual values over their estimated useful lives, as follows:

Land

Nil

Fixtures, fittings and equipment

Five years

The assets’ residual values and useful lives are reviewed, and adjusted if appropriate, at each balance sheet date.

73

1 Accounting Policies continued

(g) Inventories – trading properties

Tenanted residential properties held for sale in the normal course of business are shown in the financial statements at 

the lower of cost and net realisable value. Cost 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.

Land and property held within the development’s segment of the business, including house-building sites, are shown in 

the financial statements at the lower of cost and net realisable value. Cost represents the acquisition price including legal

and other professional costs associated with the acquisition together with subsequent development cost net of amounts

transferred to costs of sale. Net realisable value is the current market value which the group expects to receive on sale net

of associated selling costs.

(h) Cash and cash equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents includes cash in hand, deposits held at call with banks, other short term highly liquid

investments with original maturities of three months or less, and bank overdrafts.

(i) Income tax

Income tax on the profit for the periods presented comprises both current and deferred tax. Current tax is the expected

tax payable on the taxable income for the year using rates applicable at the balance sheet date. Tax payable upon the

realisation of revaluation gains recognised in prior periods is recorded as a current tax charge with a release of the

associated deferred taxation.

Deferred income tax is provided using the balance sheet liability method. Provision is made for temporary differences

between the carrying value of assets and liabilities in the consolidated financial statements and the values used for tax

purposes. Deferred income tax is calculated after taking account of any indexation allowances and capital losses. The

amount of deferred tax provided is based on the expected manner of realisation or settlement of the carrying amount 

of assets and liabilities and is calculated using rates enacted or substantially enacted at the balance sheet date in the tax

jurisdiction in which the temporary differences arise.

Deferred income tax assets are recognised only to the extent that it is probable that future taxable profits will be available

against which the assets can be used. The deferred income tax assets and liabilities are only offset if there is a legally

enforceable right of set off.

74

Grainger Trust plc Annual report and accounts 2006

Notes to the financial statements continued

1 Accounting Policies continued

(j) Employee benefits

i) Defined contribution pension scheme

Obligations for contributions to defined contribution pension schemes are recognised as an expense in the income

statement in the period to which they relate.

ii) Defined benefit pension scheme

The group currently contributes to a defined benefit pension scheme that was closed to new members and employee

contributions in 2003. The full deficit in the scheme was recognised in the balance sheet as at 1 October 2004.

An actuarial valuation of the scheme is carried out every three years. However, the valuation is updated annually

by a qualified actuary for the purpose of determining the amounts to be reflected in the group’s financial

statements under IAS 19.

There are no current or past service costs as the scheme is closed to new members and employee contributions.

Interest on pension scheme liabilities and the expected return on pension scheme assets will be reflected in the

income statement each year. Actuarial gains and losses will be reflected in the consolidated statement of

recognised income and expense each year.

iii) Share-based compensation 

The group operate an equity-settled, share-based compensation plan comprising awards under a Long Term

Incentive Scheme (‘LTIS’) and a Save As You Earn Scheme (‘SAYE’). The fair value of the employee services received

in exchange for the grant of shares and options is recognised as an employee expense with a corresponding

increase in equity. The total amount to be expensed is spread over the vesting period during which the employees

become unconditionally entitled to the shares and options. This excludes the impact of any non-market vesting

conditions which are included in assumptions about the number of options that are expected to become

exercisable. At each balance sheet date, the group revises its estimates of the number of options that are 

expected to become exercisable. 

Awards under the LTIS are fair valued using a Monte Carlo simulation model and under SAYE using a Black 

Scholes model.

When options are exercised, the proceeds received net of any directly attributable transaction costs, are credited 

to share capital (nominal value) and share premium.

75

1 Accounting Policies continued

(k) Revenue recognition

Revenue is measured at the fair value of the consideration received or receivable and is stated net of sales taxes and value

added taxes. Revenue is recognised as follows:

i)  Rental and similar income

Rental income from operating leases is recognised on a straight-line basis over the lease term on an accruals basis. 

ii) Service charge and similar income

Service charge and management charge income is recognised in the accounting period in which the services are

rendered. The group acts as principal in the operation of service charge accounts and therefore gross income received

is recorded as revenue.

Other income is accounted for as follows:

i) Profit or loss on property sales

Profits or losses arising from the sale of investment and trading properties (including development properties) are

included in the income statement of the group where contract completion has taken place. Profits or losses arising

from the sale of trading and investment properties are calculated by reference to their carrying value and are included

in operating profit.

ii) Income from investments

Dividend income from investments is recognised when the shareholders’ rights to receive payment have 

been established.

(l) Leases

i) Group as lessor

The net present value of ground rents receivable is, in the opinion of the directors, immaterial. Accordingly, 

ground rents receivable are taken to the income statement on a straight-line basis over the period of the lease.

Properties leased out to tenants are included in the balance sheet as either investment property or as trading 

property under inventories. 

ii) Group as lessee

The group occupies a number of its offices as a lessee. After a review of all of its occupational leases, the directors

have concluded that all such leases are operating leases. Payments, including prepayments, made under operating

leases (net of any incentives received from lessor) are charged to the income statement on a straight-line basis over

the period of the lease.

The net present value of ground rents payable is, in the opinion of the directors, immaterial. Accordingly, ground rent

expenses are taken to the income statement on a straight-line basis over the lease term. 

76

Grainger Trust plc Annual report and accounts 2006

Notes to the financial statements continued

1 Accounting Policies continued

(m) Financial instruments 

(Under UK GAAP from 1 October 2004 until 30 September 2005)

i) 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 investment ceases to be 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.

ii) Loan issue costs

Costs incurred in raising loan finance are capitalised and set off against the outstanding debt in the balance sheet. 

The costs are charged to the profit and loss account on a straight-line basis over the term of the facility.

iii) Investments

Investments are stated at cost less provisions for permanent diminution in value.

Financial instruments

(Under IFRS from1 October 2005)

Derivatives

The group uses derivative instruments to help manage its interest rate risk. In accordance with its treasury policy, 

the group does not hold or issue derivatives for trading purposes.

The derivatives are recognised initially at fair value. Subsequently, the gain or loss on re-measurement to fair value is

recognised immediately in the income statement, unless the derivatives qualify for cash flow hedge accounting in which

case any gain or loss is taken to equity in a cash flow hedge reserve. 

In order to qualify for hedge accounting, the group is required to document in advance the relationship between the 

item being hedged and the hedging instrument. The group is also required to document the relationship between the

hedged item and the hedging instrument and demonstrate that the hedge will be highly effective on an ongoing basis.

This effectiveness testing is re-performed at each period end to ensure that the hedge remains highly effective.

When a hedging instrument expires or is sold, or when a hedge no longer meets the criteria for hedge accounting, any

cumulative gain or loss existing in equity at that time remains in equity and is recognised when the forecasted transaction

is ultimately recognised in the income statement. When a forecasted transaction is no longer expected to occur, the

cumulative gain or loss that was recognised in equity is immediately transferred to the income statement.

77

1 Accounting Policies continued

Fair value estimation

The fair value of interest rate swaps is based on a discounted cash flow model using quoted market information. 

Derecognition of financial assets and liabilities

Derecognition is the point at which the group removes an asset or liability from its balance sheet. The group’s policy is to
derecognise financial assets only when the contractual right to the cash flows from the financial asset expires. The group

also derecognises financial assets that it transfers to another party, provided the transfer of the assets also transfers the

right to receive cash flows from the financial asset. When the transfer does not result in the group transferring the right 

to receive the cash flows of the financial asset but it does result in the group assuming a corresponding obligation to 

pay the cash flows to another recipient, the financial asset is derecognised.

The group derecognises financial liabilities only when its obligation is discharged, is cancelled or expires.

At fair value through profit or loss financial assets

At fair value through profit or loss financial assets represents the group’s holding of units in the Schroder Residential

Property Unit Trust. They are included in the balance sheet at fair value with changes in fair value taken through the

income statement. These units have been designated at fair value through profit or loss as they are managed and their

performance is evaluated on a fair value basis in accordance with the group’s documented investment policy. The group

adopts the valuation provided by the fund manager as long as the valuation method adopted does not differ materially

from group valuation methods.

(n) Borrowings

Borrowings are initially recognised at cost, being the fair value of consideration received, net of transaction costs incurred.

Borrowings are subsequently stated at amortised cost; any difference between the proceeds (net of transaction costs) 

and the redemption value is recognised in the income statement over the period of the borrowings using the effective

interest method.

Borrowings are classified as current liabilities unless the group has an unconditional right to defer settlement of the liability

for at least 12-months after the balance sheet date.

(o) Trade receivables

Trade receivables are recognised initially at fair value and subsequently measured at amortised cost using the effective interest

method, less provision for impairment. A provision for impairment in trade receivables is established when there is objective

evidence that the group will not be able to collect all amounts due. The amount of the provision is the difference between

the asset’s carrying amount and the present value of estimated future cash flows, discounted at the effective interest rate. 

The movement in the provision is recognised in the income statement.

(p) Provisions

Provisions are recognised when a) the group has a present obligation as a result of a past event and b) it is probable that

an outflow of resources will be required to settle the obligation and c) a reliable estimate can be made of the amount of

the obligation.

78

Grainger Trust plc Annual report and accounts 2006

Notes to the financial statements continued

1 Accounting Policies continued

(q) Dividends

Dividend distributions to the company’s shareholders are recognised as a liability in the group financial statements in the

period in which the dividends are approved by the company’s shareholders.

(r) Assets held for sale
Where a group of assets are to be disposed of by sale together as a single group, they are classified as a disposal group.

The disposal group is classified as held for sale as defined by IFRS 5 when they are available for sale in their present

condition and the sale is highly probable and expected to be completed within one year from the date of classification.

Non-current assets held for sale within a disposal group are stated at the lower of their carrying amount and fair value 

less costs to sell.

(s) Investment in own shares

The group acquires its own shares through the Grainger Trust Employee Trustee Company Limited. The shares are held 

to enable the company to meet its obligations under the LTIS. The acquisition cost of shares is debited to an investment 

in own shares reserve within retained earnings. When shares are issued to employees under the LTIS, a transfer is made at

the average cost of the shares issued between the investment in own shares reserve and the share-based payments reserve

all within retained earnings (see note 29).

(t) Standards and Interpretations issued but not applied

At the date of approval of these financial statements, the following Standards and Interpretations which have not been

applied in these financial statements, were issued but the application was not yet mandatory for the period:

IFRS 6 ‘Exploration for and Evaluation of Mineral Resources’

IFRS 7 ‘Financial Instruments: Disclosures’; and the related amendment to IAS 1 on capital disclosures

IFRS 8 ‘Operating Segments’

IFRIC 4 ‘Determining whether an Arrangement contains a Lease’

IFRIC 5 ‘Rights to Interests Arising from Decommissioning, Restoration and Environmental Rehabilitation Funds‘

IFRIC 7 ‘Applying the Restatement Approach under IAS 29 Financial Reporting in Hyperinflationary Economies‘

IFRIC 8 ‘Scope of IFRS 2’

IFRIC 9 ‘Reassessment of Embedded Derivatives’

IFRIC 10 ‘Interim Financial Reporting and Impairment’

IFRIC 11 ‘IFRS 2 – Group and Treasury Share Transactions’

IFRIC 12 ‘Service Concession Arrangements’

The directors anticipate that, with the exception of the additional financial instrument disclosures required by IFRS 7 

‘Financial Instruments: Disclosures’, the adoption of these Standards and Interpretations in future periods will have 

no material impact on the financial statements of the group.

79

2 Critical accounting estimates and assumptions

Those estimates and assumptions that have a risk of causing a material adjustment to the carrying amount of the assets

and liabilities are shown below:

Investment property valuations

The group uses the valuations performed by its own in-house surveying team to value the core regulated portfolio. 
A structured sample of these valuations is checked by external independent valuers. Investment property in the JPUT and

in Germany has been valued by external independent valuers. In the UK, the majority of the portfolio is invested in the

type of properties where demand is high. Accordingly, the valuers generally have good information on current market

prices for properties similar to our own. Valuers also make reference to discounted cash flow projections based upon

estimates of future rental income, anticipated property expenses and an appropriate discount rate.

Trading property valuations

The group’s residential trading properties are carried in the balance sheet at the lower of cost and net realisable value. 

In assessing net realisable value, the group uses valuations performed by its own in-house surveying team. A structured

sample of these valuations is subjected to checks by an external independent valuer and where the valuations initially

differ, agreement is reached after further discussion. As with investment properties, the valuers generally have good

information on current market prices for properties similar to our own.

Development trading properties are carried in the balance sheet at the lower of cost and net realisable value. All properties

in the portfolio have been valued by an external independent valuer with the exception of short term housebuilding sites

and assets pre-sold prior to practical completion. Provision is made on a project-by-project basis to reduce cost to net

realisbale value to the extent that the total projected costs exceed total projected revenues.

Market valuation of regulated residential property assets

The group values its regulated residential property assets for market value purposes by deducting a discount from the

vacant possession value. This discount takes account of the fact that the rental yield is generally below market rates and

that it may be some years before we obtain vacant possession value and can then sell the property. Over time, this

discount has narrowed, although for the last few years we have used a rate of 27.5%. Strong market and transaction

activity has led us to believe that this discount is conservative and our valuers have now certified the valuation of these

properties at 77.5% of vacant possession value, a discount of 22.5%. This realignment has produced an increase in 

market value at the year end of £67m. 

Distinction between investment and trading properties

The group considers the intention at the outset for each property acquired in order to classify the property as either 

an investment property or a trading property. Where the intention is either to trade the property or to hold it during its

normal life cycle and to sell it upon receiving vacant possession, the property is classified as a trading property. Where 

the intention is to hold the asset for its long term rental yield and/or capital appreciation, the property is classified as 

an investment property. Where the intention for a property changes, the property is reclassified accordingly.

Income taxes

There are some transactions and calculations that involve a degree of estimation and judgement and whose tax treatment

can not be finally determined until a formal resolution has been reached with the relevant tax authorities. In such cases,

the group’s policy is to be prudent and conservative in its assessment of the tax benefit that may accrue in line with the

contingent asset rules set out in IAS 37. Where the final tax outcome of these matters is different from the amounts initially
recorded, such differences will impact on the income and deferred tax amounts reflected in subsequent accounting periods.

80

Grainger Trust plc Annual report and accounts 2006

Notes to the financial statements continued

3 Segmental information

2006 Income Statement (£m)

Total revenue

Gross rental income
Net property operating expenses

Net rental income

Proceeds from sale of trading property

Carrying value of trading properties sold and administrative expenses

Profit on disposal of trading properties

Administrative expenses

Other income/(expense)

Goodwill impairment loss

Net other income/(expense)

Investment property disposal proceeds

Carrying value of investment property sold

Profit on disposal of investment property

Operating profit before valuation gains on investment 

properties and changes in fair values

Net valuation gains on investment properties

Change in fair value of derivatives

Change in fair value through profit or loss financial assets

Operating profit

Net interest expense

Share of loss from associates after tax

Share of profit from joint ventures after tax

Profit before tax

Included in the above analysis are:

Depreciation

Goodwill impairment loss

Other non-cash expenses

UK core
portfolio-
regulated
tenancies

UK market 
tenancies

Equity release/
retirement 
solutions

38.0
(17.8)

20.2

107.6

(56.7)

50.9

–

3.8

–

3.8

18.3

(17.4)

0.9

75.8

8.6
(2.5)

6.1

–

–

–

–

(1.9)

–

(1.9)

2.1

(1.7)

0.4

4.6

0.1
(0.3)

(0.2)

12.0

(9.4)

2.6

–

0.1

–

0.1

0.5

(0.2)

0.3

2.8

(0.4)

–

(0.2)

–

–

–

(0.1)

–

(0.1)

The Group monitors its operations in the above segments, there is no natural primary and secondary split although the 
above is a complete analysis by business and geographic segments. 

See note 7 for further information in connection with the allocation of administrative expenses.

Although property and asset management are one of the six areas in which the group operates, historically the financial 
results and financial position of that segment have not been recorded separately and it is not possible to reliably extract 
that financial information for the purpose of this segmental analysis. In future, the results of this segment will be recorded 

separately and we will report this in future accounts.

81

UK 
development 

European 
tenanted 
residential

European 
development

Total
30 September 
2006

Group

1.4
(1.0)

0.4

31.4

(29.0)

2.4

–

–

–

–

26.1

(22.3)

3.8

6.6

4.5
(2.7)

1.8

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

0.8

(0.6)

0.2

2.0

–
–

–

–

–

–

–

0.1

–

0.1

–

–

–

–
–

–

–

–

–

(10.4)

–

(6.4)

(6.4)

–

–

–

0.1

(16.8)

(0.1)

–

(0.2)

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

(6.4)

(0.4)

52.6
(24.3)

28.3

151.0

(95.1)

55.9

(10.4)

2.1

(6.4)

(4.3)

47.8

(42.2)

5.6

75.1

39.9

10.4

0.4

125.8

(54.5)

(0.1)

0.5

71.7

(0.6)

(6.4)

(0.9)

82

Grainger Trust plc Annual report and accounts 2006

Notes to the financial statements continued

3 Segmental information continued

2005 Income Statement (£m)

Total revenue

Gross rental income
Net property operating expenses

Net rental income

Proceeds from sale of trading property

Carrying value of trading properties sold and administrative expenses

Profit on disposal of trading properties

Administrative expenses

Other income

Goodwill impairment loss

Net other income/(expense)

Investment property disposal proceeds

Carrying value of investment property sold

Profit on disposal of investment property

Operating profit before valuation gains on investment 

properties and changes in fair values

Net valuation gains on investment properties

Change in fair value of derivatives

Change in fair value through profit or loss financial assets

Operating profit

Net interest expense

Share of loss from associates after tax

Share of loss from joint ventures after tax

Profit before tax

Included in the above analysis are:

Depreciation

Goodwill impairment loss

Other non-cash expenses

UK core
portfolio-
regulated
tenancies

UK market 
tenancies

Equity release/
retirement 
solutions

42.7
(25.2)

17.5

124.9

(71.0)

53.9

–

2.1

–

2.1

6.4

(5.6)

0.8

74.3

(0.4)

–

(0.1)

–
–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–
–

–

7.8

(4.2)

3.6

–

–

–

–

0.5

(0.3)

0.2

3.8

–

–

–

The Group monitors its operations in the above segments, there is no natural primary and secondary split although the 
above is a complete analysis by business and geographic segments. 

See note 7 for further information in connection with the allocation of administrative expenses.

The UK market tenancies segment was formed in 2006 with the transfer of properties into the JPUT. It is not possible 
to reliably measure the result from that segment in 2005. Operations in the European residential segment and the 
European development segment did not commence until 2006.

83

UK 
development 

European 
tenanted 
residential

European 
development

Total
30 September 
2005

Group

2.8
(1.2)

1.6

45.1

(35.4)

9.7

–

0.8

–

0.8

6.7

(6.2)

0.5

12.6

–

–

(0.1)

–
–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–
–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–
–

–

–

–

–

(5.4)

–

–

–

–

–

–

(5.4)

–

–

(0.3)

45.5
(26.4)

19.1

177.8

(110.6)

67.2

(5.4)

2.9

–

2.9

13.6

(12.1)

1.5

85.3

5.4

–

–

90.7

(49.2)

(0.2)
(0.3)

41.0

(0.4)

–

(0.5)

84

Grainger Trust plc Annual report and accounts 2006

Notes to the financial statements continued

3 Segmental information continued

2006 Segment Assets (£m)

Assets

Investment property
Property, plant and equipment

At fair value through profit or loss financial assets

Goodwill

Trading properties

Trade and other receivables

Assets held for sale

Investments in associates (equity accounted)

Investments in joint ventures (equity accounted)

Derivative financial instruments

Cash and cash equivalents

Total assets

Liabilities

Trade and other payables

Provisions for other liabilities and charges

Segment Liabilities

Interest-bearing loans and borrowings

Retirement benefits

Deferred tax liabilities

Current tax liabilities

Derivative financial instruments

Total Liabilities

Net assets

Other segment items:

UK regulated
tenancies

UK market 
tenancies

UK
development

60.0

42.1

–

–

–

720.2

1.1

(2.6)

778.7

–

67.4

–

–

846.1

5.0

–

5.0

–

–

–

–

0.1

170.9

213.1

–

–

–

1.1

214.2

0.5

–

0.5

0.4

–

–

–

83.1

0.3

–

83.8

–

4.1

–

–

87.9

9.3

–

9.3

Capital expenditure on property, plant and equipment

–

–

–

The Group monitors its operations in the above segments, there is no natural primary and secondary split although the 

above is a complete analysis by business and geographic segments. 

Although property and asset management are one of the six areas in which the group operates, historically the financial 

results and financial position of that segment have not been recorded separately and it is not possible to reliably extract 

that financial information for the purpose of this segmental analysis. In future, the financial position of this segment will 

be recorded separately and we will report this in future accounts.

85

Equity release/
retirement 
solutions

European 
tenanted 
residential

European 
development

Total
30 September 
2006

Group

33.3
–

–

–

143.8

0.1

–

177.2

–

–

–

–

116.9
–

–

–

–

0.1

–

117.0

–

–

–

–

177.2

117.0

2.6

–

2.6

1.6

–

1.6

–
–

–

–

5.6

–

–

5.6

2.0

–

–

–

7.6

0.4

–

0.4

–
2.1

19.0

–

–

3.6

–

252.7
2.1

19.0

–

952.7

5.3

168.3

24.7

1,400.1

–

–

2.3

33.4

60.4

11.9

1.3

13.2

2.0

71.5

2.3

34.5

1,510.4

31.3

1.3

32.6

1,089.9

4.6

91.1

37.2

4.4

1,259.8

250.6

–

–

–

0.7

0.7

86

Grainger Trust plc Annual report and accounts 2006

Notes to the financial statements continued

3 Segmental information continued

2005 Segment Assets (£m)

Assets

Investment property
Property, plant and equipment

Investments

Goodwill

Trading properties

Trade and other receivables

Investments in associates (equity accounted)

Investments in joint ventures (equity accounted)

Derivative financial instruments

Cash and cash equivalents

Total assets

Liabilities

Trade and other payables

Provisions for other liabilities and charges

Segment Liabilities

Interest-bearing loans and borrowings

Retirement benefits

Deferred tax liabilities

Current tax liabilities

Derivative financial instruments

Total Liabilities

Net assets

Other segment items:

UK regulated
tenancies

UK market 
tenancies

UK
development

195.3

–

–

–

726.8

1.0

923.1

–

8.8

–

–

931.9

5.8

–

5.8

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

19.6

–

–

–

91.3

0.6

111.5

–

9.1

–

–

120.6

11.4

–

11.4

Capital expenditure on property, plant and equipment

–

–

–

The Group monitors its operations in the above segments, there is no natural primary and secondary split although the 

above is a complete analysis by business and geographic segments. 

The UK market tenancies segment was formed in 2006 with the transfer of properties into the JPUT. It is not possible 

to reliably extract information for that segment in 2005. 

87

Equity release/
retirement 
solutions

European 
tenanted 
residential

European 
development

Total
30 September
2005

Group

7.5
–

–

–

143.4

1.1

152.0

–

–

–

–

152.0

2.3

–

2.3

–
–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–
–

–

–

–

–

–

0.1

–

–

–

0.1

–

–

–

–
2.0

15.4

6.1

–

7.8

31.3

–

–

–

53.3

84.6

10.3

3.9

14.2

222.4
2.0

15.4

6.1

961.5

10.5

1,217.9

0.1

17.9

–

53.3

1,289.2

29.8

3.9

33.7

914.3

5.3

102.8

22.0
–

1,078.1

211.1

–

–

–

1.0

1.0

88

Grainger Trust plc Annual report and accounts 2006

Notes to the financial statements continued

4 Net rental income

Gross rental income

Property operating expenses

Ground rents paid
Service charge income on principal basis 

Service charge expenses on principal basis

5 Profit on disposal of trading properties

Proceeds from sale of trading properties

Carrying value of trading properties sold and administrative expenses

6 Profit on disposal of investment property

Proceeds from sale of investment property 

Carrying value of investment property sold

7 Administrative expenses

Total group administrative expenses

2006
£m

52.6

(23.7)

(0.1)
0.9

(1.4) 

28.3

2006
£m

151.0

(95.1)

55.9

2006
£m

47.8

(42.2)

5.6

2006
£m

32.0

2005
£m

45.5

(26.1)

(0.2)

1.2

(1.3)

19.1

2005
£m

177.8
(110.6)

67.2

2005
£m

13.6

(12.1)

1.5

2005
£m

21.8

Many of the group’s administrative expenses are directly attributable to the operating divisions. Therefore, for statutory

reporting purposes, these are added to the costs in those divisions. The group administrative expenses shown above have

been allocated as follows:

Included within property operating expenses (see note 4)
Added to the carrying value of trading properties sold (see note 5)
Disclosed as administrative expenses 

2006
£m

11.6
10.0
10.4

32.0

2005
£m

11.6
4.8
5.4

21.8

89

7 Administrative expenses continued

Included within total administrative expenses in 2006 are redundancy costs of £1.5m, abortive deal costs of £1.4m, an

accelerated write off of equity release transaction costs of £1.1m and £0.6m of overhead costs relating to a subsidiary

company SIP Home Limited which has ceased trading since the year end.

Resulting from a review of the allocation of overheads to the various business streams in 2005, the amount disclosed as
administrative expenses in the consolidated income statement shown previously as £9.8m has been reduced to £5.4m. 

The difference has been reallocated to increase property expenses by £2.0m and the carrying value of trading properties

sold by £2.4m. There is no impact on net profit and management consider the revised figures to be better cost allocations

to the different business areas.

8 Employees

Wages and salaries

Social security costs

Other pension costs – defined contribution scheme (note 25)

Share-based payments

2006
£m

13.8

1.8

0.7

0.9

17.2

2005
£m

9.2

1.1

0.7

0.5

11.5

Included in wages and salaries is £1.5m relating to redundancy costs primarily incurred as a result of reorganisation within

the property management and development teams.

The average monthly number of group employees during the year (including executive directors) was:

UK tenanted residential

UK development

Europe

2006

203

16

3

222

2005

172

16

0

188

Details of directors’ remuneration (including pensions), share options and interests in the LTIS are provided in the audited

section of the remuneration committee report on pages 56 to 58.

Key management compensation

Salaries and short term employee benefits

Post-employment benefits

Share-based payments

Key management figures shown above include the executive directors.

2006
£m

3.5

0.2

0.6

4.3

2005
£m

2.0

0.2

0.3

2.5

90

Grainger Trust plc Annual report and accounts 2006

Notes to the financial statements continued

9 Profit before tax

Profit before tax is stated after charging:

Depreciation on fixtures, fittings and equipment

Impairment of goodwill
Bad debt expense

Auditors’ remuneration – audit

Auditors’ remuneration – non-audit

2006
£m

0.6

6.4
0.1

0.2

0.1

2005
£m

0.4

0.4
0.5

0.1

0.2

Total audit fees charged in 2006 were £168,050. Non-audit fees comprised £61,500 for tax advisory services and £66,575

for other services which included £48,000 for advice on IFRS transition.

The goodwill impairment relates primarily to goodwill on the acquisition of City North Group plc of £5.8m. This goodwill

was impaired following the transfer of properties to the JPUT (see note 22 for further details of the goodwill impairment).

10 Interest

Interest expense

Bank loans and mortgages

Loan notes

Other interest payable

Amortisation of issue costs 

Interest on net pension scheme liabilities

Interest income

Income from at fair value through profit or loss financial assets

Interest receivable from associates and joint ventures

Other interest receivable

Net gain in fair value of derivatives

2006
£m

56.8

0.9

1.1

1.3

0.2

60.3

0.4

2.8

2.6

5.8

10.4

2005
£m

48.0

1.3

1.0

1.1

0.2

51.6

0.3

–

2.1

2.4

–

In accordance with IAS 39, the group has reviewed its interest rate hedges and those of its joint ventures. The fair values 

of such hedges have been assessed by JC Rathbone Associates Limited, financial risk consultants. Movements in fair value

since 1 October 2005 have been taken directly to the income statement unless they are viewed as being effective in which

case they have been recognised through equity (see note 21).

All interest payable is charged to the income statement. No interest has been capitalised in this year or in prior years.

11 Income tax expense

Current tax:

UK corporation tax on profits

Adjustments relating to prior years

Deferred tax:

Origination and reversal of timing differences

Adjustments relating to prior years

Income tax expense for the year

The tax for the year is lower than the standard rate of corporation tax in the UK (30%). 

The differences are explained below:

Profit before tax

Profit before tax at a rate of 30%

Expenses not deductible for tax purposes

Goodwill impairment

Corporation tax on capital gains

Capital losses not previously recognised

Deferred tax released in respect of capital gains

Other losses and non-taxable items

Adjustment in respect of prior periods

Total income tax expense in the income statement (see above)

91

2006
£m

26.3

4.3

30.6

(9.8)

0.4

(9.4)

21.2

2006
£m

71.7

21.5

0.4

1.9

12.7

(6.4)

(11.0)

(2.6)

4.7

21.2

2005
£m

17.9

–

17.9

(5.0)

(3.0)

(8.0)

9.9

2005
£m

41.0

12.3

0.6

–

–

–

–

–

(3.0)

9.9

As detailed in note 26, deferred tax has been taken direct to equity in relation to the actuarial surplus on the BPT pension

scheme and the fair value movement in cash flow hedges.

Factors that may affect future tax charges

The group has not taken all of the benefit in respect of capital losses brought forward and available to offset against

subsequent capital gains arising as this has yet to be formally agreed with the relevant tax authorities. If it is found that 

all the capital losses are available for offset against capital gains, then provisions of up to £23m would be released over

the coming years.

92

Grainger Trust plc Annual report and accounts 2006

Notes to the financial statements continued

12 Dividends

Under IAS 10, final dividends are excluded from the balance sheet until they are approved by the company in general

meeting. Dividends paid in the year are shown below:

Ordinary dividends on equity shares:

Interim paid of 1.87p per share (2005: 1.7p)

Final for prior year paid 3.41p per share (2004: 3.84p)

2006
£m

2.5

4.4

6.9

2005
£m

2.2

4.7

6.9

A final dividend relating to 2006 of 3.75p per share has been proposed by the board. This will result in a further

distribution of £4.9m. If approved, it will be paid on 6 March 2007 to shareholders on the register on 16 February 2007.

The 2006 interim dividend of 1.87p per share was paid in July 2006. This gives a total dividend for 2006 of 5.62p per

share compared to £5.11p per share in 2005, an increase of 10%.

13 Earnings per share

Basic

Basic earnings per share is calculated by dividing the profit attributable to equity holders of the company by the weighted

average number of ordinary shares in issue during the year, excluding ordinary shares purchased by the Grainger Trust

Employee Trustee Company Limited to meet its obligations under the LTIS (see note 29).

Diluted

Diluted earnings per share is calculated by adjusting the weighted average number of shares outstanding by the dilutive

effect of ordinary shares that the company may potentially issue relating to its share option schemes and contingent share

awards under its LTIS, based upon the number of shares that would be issued if 30 September 2006 was the end of the

contingency period.

30 September 2006

30 September 2005

Profit
for the 
year

Weighted
average
number 
of shares
£m (thousands)

Earnings
per share
pence

Profit
for the
year

Weighted
average
number 
of shares
£m (thousands)

Earnings
per share
pence

Basic earnings per share

Profit attributable to shareholders

50.5

129,001

39.1

31.1

125,077

24.9

Effect of potentially dilutive securities

Options and shares

–

803

(0.2)

–

1,770

(0.4)

Diluted earnings per share

Profit attributable to shareholders

50.5

129,804

38.9

31.1

126,847

24.5

14 Investment property

At 1 October 2004

Additions – capital expenditure

– asset acquisitions

– corporate acquisitions

Disposals

Transferred to joint ventures

Revaluation gain

At 30 September 2005

Additions – capital expenditure

– asset acquisitions

Disposals

Transferred from trading properties

Transferred to trading properties

Revaluation gain

Transferred to a disposal group (see note 22)

At 30 September 2006

93

Total
£m

105.3

2.5

15.3

110.8

(11.9)

(5.0)

5.4

222.4

3.7

144.4

(33.3)

43.5

(2.1)

42.4

(168.3)

252.7

Investment properties in the core-regulated portfolio, with a value of £93.7m, were valued as at 30 September 2006 at

their market value by our in-house chartered surveyors. These valuations were reviewed and approved by the directors. A

structured sample of the in-house valuations was reviewed by Allsop LLP, Chartered Surveyors, independently of the group.

Based on the results of that review, Allsop LLP concluded that they have a high degree of confidence in all of the valuations.

Investment properties in the JPUT with a value of £210.4m as at 30 September 2006, were valued at their market value by

DTZ Debenham Tie Leung Limited. The JPUT is considered to be a disposal group as at 30 September 2006, and 80% of

the value of its investment properties have been transferred to current assets (£168.3m).

Investment properties in Germany were valued by CB Richard Ellis prior to their acquisition by the group. These valuations

took place between September 2005 and July 2006. The directors consider that these initial values have not changed

materially in the period to 30 September 2006. The value of investment properties in Germany as at 30 September 2006 

is £116.9m.

The historical cost of the group’s investment and development properties as at 30 September 2006, including those held 

as a disposal group under current assets was £370.4m (2005: £214.3m).

The revaluation gain in 2006 of £42.4m shown above has been included in the income statement. However, an accrual 

for fees of £2.5m relating to the cost of raising equity investment in the JPUT has been set against this revaluation gain 

to give a net amount of £39.9m.

The total value of investment property shown in the above table, includes £13.0m (2005: £10.8m) held under long leases.

94

Grainger Trust plc Annual report and accounts 2006

Notes to the financial statements continued

15 Property, plant and equipment

Cost:

At 1 October 2004
Additions

At 30 September 2005

Additions

At 30 September 2006

Depreciation:

At 1 October 2004

Charge for the year

At 30 September 2005

Charge for the year

At 30 September 2006

Net book value:

At 30 September 2006

At 30 September 2005

At 30 September 2004

16 Investments in associates

At 1 October 2004

Additions

Loans advanced

Provisions against loan and goodwill impairment loss

Share of losses

At 30 September 2005

Loans advanced

Share of losses

At 30 September 2006

Fixtures, 
fittings and
equipment
£m

Owner-
occupied
property
£m

2.2
1.0

3.2

0.7

3.9

0.9

0.4

1.3

0.6

1.9

2.0

1.9

1.3

0.1
–

0.1

–

0.1

–

–

–

–

–

0.1

0.1

0.1

Total
£m

2.3
1.0

3.3

0.7

4.0

0.9

0.4

1.3

0.6

1.9

2.1

2.0

1.4

Total
£m

–

0.5

0.6

(0.8)

(0.2)

0.1

2.0

(0.1)

2.0

The group’s interest in associates at 30 September 2006 and for the period then ended is as follows:

Oü Robbins (incorporated in Estonia)

Assets
£m

2.1

Liabilities
£m

(2.2)

Loans
£m

2.1

Profit/(loss)
£m

Interest held
%

(0.1)

43.2

17 Investments in joint ventures

The movement in investments in joint ventures is as follows:

Net assets
£m

Loans
£m

Goodwill 
£m

At 1 October 2004
Additions

Loans advanced

Transfer from investment property

Transfer from other investments

Share of losses

At 30 September 2005

Additions

Loans advanced

Share of profits

Share of effective portion of changes in fair value 

of cash flow hedges

Disposals 

At 30 September 2006

At 30 September, the group’s interest in joint ventures is as follows:

–
2.4

–

5.0

3.3

(0.3)

10.4

6.5

–

0.5

(0.2)

(5.0)

12.2

–
–

6.0

–

–

–

6.0

–

51.7

–

–

–

–
1.5

–

–

–

–

1.5

0.1

–

–

–

–

57.7

1.6

95

Total
£m

–
3.9

6.0

5.0

3.3

(0.3)

17.9

6.6

51.7

0.5

(0.2)

(5.0)

71.5

Grainger Geninvest LLP

Grainger Geninvest No 2 (2006) LLP

Regen (NT) LLP

% of share
capital held

50

50

331⁄3

Country of 
incorporation

United Kingdom

United Kingdom

United Kingdom

96

Grainger Trust plc Annual report and accounts 2006

Notes to the financial statements continued

17 Investments in joint ventures continued

The group sold its share in the Prescot Street Partnership to its joint venture partner in February 2006. The group’s share 

of the results of its joint ventures can be summarised as follows:

Summarised income statement

Net rental income

Administrative expenses

Operating profit before valuation and fair value gains

Gain on valuation of investment properties

Gain on fair value of derivatives

Operating profit

Interest payable

Profit before tax

Taxation

Profit after tax

Summarised balance sheet

Investment property

Current assets

Total assets

Non-current liabilities

Current liabilities

Net assets

2006
£m

1.7

(0.1)

1.6

3.5

0.8

5.9

(5.3)

0.6

(0.1)

0.5

2006
£m

143.3

8.6

151.9

(134.9)

(4.8)

12.2

Investment property within Grainger Geninvest LLP, with a market value of £81.2m at 30 September 2006 was valued 

by Allsop LLP. The remaining investment property was acquired in March and June 2006 and was not revalued at 

30 September 2006.

18 At fair value through profit or loss financial assets (2005: Investments)

Investments were carried at cost less provisions for permanent diminution in value in 2005. 

In accordance with IAS 39, the group’s investment in the units of the Schroder Residential Property Unit Trust have been

designated as ‘at fair value through profit or loss’ financial assets. Accordingly, changes in the fair value of the units have

been taken to the income statement. The provisions of IAS 39 have been applied with effect from 1 October 2005 and

the movements during the year are set out below:

18 At fair value through profit or loss financial assets (2005: Investments) continued

Balance as at 30 September 2005

Effect of adoption of IAS 39 on 1 October 2005 – Uplift to fair value*

Balance as at 1 October 2005
Units acquired in the year

Uplift to fair value

Balance as at 30 September 2006

The cost of at fair value through profit or loss financial assets at 30 September 2006 is £15.8m.

* There is a rounding adjustment of £0.1m within this amount.

19 Inventories – trading properties

Residential trading properties

Development trading properties

97

£m

15.4

2.8

18.2
0.4

0.4

19.0

2005
£m

870.2

91.3

961.5

2006
£m

864.0

88.7

952.7

The residential trading properties shown above at the lower of cost and net realisable value, were all valued as at 

30 September 2006 at their market value by our in-house chartered surveyors. These valuations were reviewed and

approved by the directors. A structured sample of the in-house valuations was reviewed by Allsop LLP, Chartered

Surveyors, independently of the group. Based on the results of that review, Allsop LLP concluded that they have a high

degree of confidence in all of the valuations. The market value of the residential trading properties as at 30 September

2006 was £1,379.1m.

The development trading properties are shown above at the lower of cost and net realisable value. The majority of these

assets were valued by Knight Frank LLP as at 30 September 2006. The remaining trading properties were valued internally

by the directors. The Knight Frank valuation of £72.8m compared to book value of £65.7m, a surplus of £7.1m. The

directors valuation of the remaining properties was equal to their book cost.

20 Trade and other receivables

Trade receivables
Other receivables
Prepayments and accrued income

2006
£m

2.9
2.2
0.2

5.3

2005
£m

1.9
4.8
3.8

10.5

As at 30 September 2006, the impairment provision relating to trade receivables is £1.0m (2005: £1.1m).

98

Grainger Trust plc Annual report and accounts 2006

Notes to the financial statements continued

21 Financial risk management and derivative financial instruments

(i) Financial risk management

The group is subject to a number of financial risks, in particular, interest rate, liquidity, foreign currency and credit risks. 

Interest rate risk – The group does not take trading positions in financial instruments but uses them to minimise the 

risk of exposure to fluctuating interest rates. The majority of the group’s debt is subject to protective swaps, caps or collars
or is maintained at fixed rates of interest (see note 23). To protect itself against interest rate risk the group’s treasury policy

is to maintain floating rate exposure of no greater than 35% of expected borrowings. At 30 September 2006, 66% of the

group’s debt was economically hedged.

Liquidity risk – The group maintains a combination of long term and short term committed facilities that are designed 

to ensure that it has sufficient available funds for ongoing operations and to meet planned future investments. 

Foreign currency risk – The group invests in property acquired in currency other than pounds sterling. In such situations,

the group’s policy is to take out loans in the same currency to act as a natural hedge against currency fluctuations.

Credit risk – The group’s principal financial assets are cash and bank balances and trade and other receivables. The

group’s credit risk is primarily attributable to its trade receivables. The amounts presented in the balance sheet are shown

net of provisions for impairment (see note 20). Such provisions are made where there is objective evidence that the group

will not be able to collect all amounts due. The group has no significant concentration of credit risk as its exposure is

spread over a large number of counterparties.

Until 1 July 2006, the group did not meet the strict criteria set out in IAS 39 to enable certain swaps to be treated as

being effective cash flow hedges. Accordingly, all fair value movements on derivatives were taken to the income statement

until 30 June 2006. From 1 July, certain swaps did qualify to be treated as effective cash flow hedges and the movement 

in their fair values to 30 September 2006 has been taken directly through equity.

The profile of the group’s interest rate swaps in existence at 30 September 2006 which were classified as effective cash

flow hedges at 30 September 2006 was as follows:

Maturity date

Interest rate swaps

07 June 2009

07 March 2014

07 June 2012

07 June 2009

18 December 2011

Amount
£m

50.0

30.0

155.0

55.0

10.2

300.2

Rate
%

5.100

5.170

5.380

4.782

3.510

Fair value at
30 September
2006
£m

Fair value at
01 October 
2005
£m

Movement
reflected
in income
statement
£m

Movement
reflected
in equity
£m

–

(0.4)

(2.4)

1.0

0.1

(1.7)

(1.0)

(1.3)

(7.6)

(0.8)

–

(10.7)

1.0

1.1

5.6

1.9

0.2

9.8

–

(0.2)

(0.4)

(0.1)

(0.1)

(0.8)

99

21 Financial risk management and derivative financial instruments continued

In addition to the above, there were a number of financial instruments that were in existence at 30 September 2006 but

which were classified as ineffective hedges during the whole year to that date.

Maturity date

Interest rate swaps

08 June 2015

07 June 2006

07 June 2006

07 March 2016

30 September 2013

Interest rate collars 

and caps

14 November 2006

07 December 2009

07 September 2007

18 December 2011

07 March 2016

Swaption

07 March 2014

Amount
£m

–

–

–

16.8

17.0

Rate
%

5.380

5.677

4.855

3.598

3.965

15.0

5.550

232.2

3.501- 6.000

6.000

3.430

3.598

5.170

25.0

10.2

16.3

–

332.5

632.7

Fair value at
30 September
2006
£m

Fair value at
01 October 
2005
£m

Movement
reflected
in income
statement
£m

Movement
reflected
in equity
£m

(1.0)

–

–

0.2

(0.2)

–

0.4

–

0.3

0.3

(0.4)

(0.4)

(2.1)

(0.2)

(0.8)

–

–

–

–

0.4

–

–

–

(0.4)

(1.0)

(0.8)

0.8

–

0.2

(0.2)

–

–

–

0.3

0.3

–

0.6

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

(11.7)

10.4

(0.8)

Derivative financial instruments are shown in the consolidated balance sheet as follows:

Current assets

Current liabilities

2006
£m

2.3

(4.4)

(2.1)

As at 30 September 2006, the following interest rate swaps, shown at their full amount, were held within Grainger

Geninvest LLP and Grainger Geninvest No. 2 (2006) LLP both of which are joint ventures in which the group holds 

a 50% interest. As with the group swaps these hedges were ineffective until 1 July 2006 and all fair value movements 

up to that date have been taken through the income statement. Movements in fair value since 1 July 2006 have been

taken directly through equity.

100

Grainger Trust plc Annual report and accounts 2006

Notes to the financial statements continued

21 Financial risk management and derivative financial instruments continued

Maturity date

Grainger 
Geninvest LLP

23 June 2010

Grainger Geninvest 

No. 2 (2006) LLP

20 March 2011

20 March 2011

Amount
£m

Rate
%

Fair value at
30 September
2006
£m

Fair value at
01 October 
2005
£m

Movement
reflected
in income
statement
£m

Movement
reflected
in equity
£m

29.3

4.455

120.0

–

149.3

4.890

4.890

0.3

0.8

0.1

1.2

–

–

–

–

0.3

1.1

0.2

1.6

–

(0.3)

(0.1)

(0.4)

All of the financial derivatives included in the above tables were valued by JC Rathbone Associates Limited, financial risk

consultants, using a discounted cash flow model using quoted market information and were checked internally using a

bespoke software package.

22 Assets held for sale

The sale of 38% of the units in the Jersey Property Unit Trust (JPUT) completed on 21 November 2006. Negotiations are

ongoing with investors and the current expectation is that 80%, in total, of the units will be sold within 12-months of the

balance sheet date. Accordingly, as at 30 September 2006, 80% of the net assets of the JPUT, less an accrual for sales

fees, have been reclassified as a disposal group under assets held for sale within current assets. The balance is comprised

as follows:

Investment property

Trade and other receivables

Cash and cash equivalents

Trade and other payables

2006
£m

168.3

0.2

4.5

(4.7)

168.3

Included within the transfer of assets into the JPUT on 1 December 2005 was £67m of properties that had previously been

classified as trading stock. On transfer to the JPUT their intended use was changed to them being held for rental yield 

and long term capital appreciation. Accordingly, these properties were re-classified as investment properties. A one-off

revaluation gain of £23.5m was recognised within net valuation gains on investment properties in the income statement.

Goodwill amounting to £5.8m was written off following the transfer of the properties as they were transferred out of

their respective income generating units resulting in the goodwill being impaired.

22 Assets held for sale continued

The goodwill impairment loss of £6.4m comprises the following: 

Goodwill relating to the JPUT transfer
Goodwill on acquisition of remaining shares in SIP Home Limited

Goodwill relating to the acquisition of Farm House Enterprises Limited

101

2006
£m

5.8
0.3

0.3

6.4

23 Financial assets and liabilities

(i) Transition to IAS 32 and IAS 39

The group has taken advantage of the IFRS 1 exemption which allows it to present comparative information for 2005 that

does not comply with IAS 32 and IAS 39.

The following adjustments were made at 1 October 2005 to implement the provisions of IAS 32 and IAS 39. 

Uplift in fair value through profit or loss financial assets (note 18)

Fair value of derivative financial instruments

Tax effect of the above adjustments

The adjustment shown above was charged against retained earnings at 1 October 2005.

(ii) Interest-bearing loans and borrowings

Current liabilities

Bank loans 

Loan notes

Non-current liabilities

Mortgages

Bank loans

Total interest-bearing loans and borrowings

2006
£m

2.9

(10.6)

(7.7)

2.3

(5.4)

2005
£m

–

26.4

26.4

–

887.9

887.9

914.3

2006
£m

1.0

18.4

19.4

17.7

1,052.8

1,070.5

1,089.9

Costs relating to the raising of the loan finance set off against the balances shown in the above table amount to £6.2m
(2005: £7.2m).

102

Grainger Trust plc Annual report and accounts 2006

Notes to the financial statements continued

23 Financial assets and liabilities continued

Analysis of bank loans

(a) £1.3bn Multi-Option Facility Agreement (the ‘MOF’)

Term Facility A

Term Facility B

Revolving Facility A

Revolving Facility B 

Revolving Facility B (Euro)

Total

2006
£m

225.0

200.0

475.0

10.0

83.5

993.5

2005
£m

225.0

200.0

425.0

–

–

850.0

Headroom on the MOF facility at 30 September 2006 was £307m (2005: £460m). This headroom provides the group 

with a strong position when it bids for significant acquisitions.

Interest is payable at the agreed margin over LIBOR plus Mandatory Costs. The agreed margin and final repayment date 

of the options are as follows:

Facility

Term Facility A

Term Facility B

Revolving Facility A

Revolving Facility B 

Revolving Facility B (Euro) 

The MOF is secured by floating charges over various assets of the group.

(b) Fixed rate loan

Bank loan

Margin
%

Final 
repayment 
date

0.90

0.90

1.00

0.70

0.70

2006
£m

44.0

Jun-09

Jun-14

Jun-09

Jun-09

Jun-09

2005
£m

45.1

The loan is secured by fixed charges over the specific assets it is financing and bears interest at a fixed rate of 6.32%.

23 Financial assets and liabilities continued

(c) Loan notes

103

2006
£m

18.4

2005
£m

26.4

The loan notes are secured by bank guarantees and cash collateral and bear interest at between 0.75% and 1% under LIBOR.

(d) Grainger Recklinghausen Portfolio 1 Sarl & Co. K.G.

Bank loan (Euro)

Mortgage (Euro) 

2006
£m

19.4

17.7

37.1

2005
£m

–

–

–

The loans are secured by fixed and floating charges and bear interest at rates between 0% and 0.95% over EURIBOR.

(e) CCZ a.s.

Bank loan (Czech Crowns)

2006
£m

3.1

2005
£m

–

The loan is secured by a fixed charge over the specific asset it is financing and bears interest at 2% over PRIBOR.

The MOF, Euro bank loan and loan in CCZ a.s. are generally rolled over every 3 months. At roll over LIBOR, EURIBOR and

PRIBOR are re-set for the following interest period. The fixed rate loan on page 102 and mortgage shown in (d) above 

are at fixed rates of interest which do not re-price. The fixed rate loan is all repayable after more than five years. The

mortgage has repayments of £0.2m within one year, £0.9m within two to five years and £16.6m after more than five

years. The effective interest rate on borrowings was 5.8% (2005: 5.9%).

The maturity profile of the group’s debt, net of finance costs, is as follows:

Within one year

Between one and two years

Between two and five years

Over five years

2006
£m

19.4

0.4

822.3

247.8

1,089.9

2005
£m

26.4

644.8

201.2

41.9

914.3

104

Grainger Trust plc Annual report and accounts 2006

Notes to the financial statements continued

23 Financial assets and liabilities continued

The interest rate risk profile of the group’s debt after taking into account the various financial derivatives used by the

group to manage its interest rate risk is as follows:

Loan notes (pounds sterling)

Mortgages (Euro)

Bank loans

Pounds sterling

Euro

Czech Crowns

Unamortised issue costs

Loan notes (pounds sterling)

Bank loans (pounds sterling)

Unamortised issue costs

2006

Fixed rate
liabilities
£m

Capped rate
liabilities
£m

Floating rate 
liabilities
£m

–

17.7

44.0

–

–

61.7

–

–

562.2

70.5

–

632.7

18.4

–

347.8

32.4

3.1

401.7

2005

Fixed rate
liabilities
£m

Capped rate
liabilities
£m

Floating rate 
liabilities
£m

–

45.1

45.1

–

612.5

612.5

26.4

237.5

263.9

Total
£m

18.4

17.7

954.0

102.9

3.1

1,096.1

(6.2)

1,089.9

Total
£m

26.4

895.1

921.5

(7.2)

914.3

The group’s borrowings subject to fixed interest rates and to swaps, caps and collars (capped rates) have the following

weighted average interest rates and weighted average maturity dates. The weighted average interest rates shown are

inclusive of loan margins.

Mortgages (Euro)

Bank loans (pounds sterling)

Bank loans (Euro)

2006

Effective 
interest rate.
Fixed rate
%

Weighted
average
period 
Years

Effective 
interest rate.
Capped rate
%

Weighted
average
period
Years

0.5

6.3

–

43

19

–

–

6.0

4.3

–

4

5

23 Financial assets and liabilities continued

Bank loans – pounds sterling

6.3

19

6.0

2005

Fixed rate 
weighted
average rate
%

Weighted
average
period 
Years

Capped rate 
weighted
average rate
%

105

Weighted
average
period
Years

4

Since the year end, the following matters have been concluded:

(1) A refinancing of the MOF was completed on 13 December 2006. The four tranche £1.3bn structure was retained but

with lower interest margins and an extension to the average maturities of two years.

(2) A €150m credit facility for Grainger Berlin Portfolio 1 Sarl & Co.KG, Grainger Stuttgart Portfolio 1 Sarl & Co.KG and
Grainger Stuttgart Portfolio 2 Sarl & Co.KG was completed on 11 October 2006. This facility extends the overall

funding available to the group, provides greater flexibility for future investment within Germany and acts as a natural

currency hedge against Euro currency property acquisitions.

(iii) Financial assets

The group has the following cash and cash equivalents at 30 September 2006:

Pounds sterling

Euro

Czech Crowns

Cash and cash equivalents are shown in the consolidated balance sheet as:

Cash and cash equivalents as a separate line item

Within assets held for sale

2006
£m

33.0

4.8

1.2

39.0

2006
£m

34.5

4.5

39.0

2005
£m

53.3

–

–

53.3

2005
£m

53.3

–

53.3

Short term deposits totalling £17.7m with an average maturity of three months are held as cash collateral. These have an

effective interest rate of 4.395%. At the year end £6.4m was placed on the overnight money market at a rate of 4.95%.

Remaining cash and cash equivalents are held as cash at bank or in hand.

106

Grainger Trust plc Annual report and accounts 2006

Notes to the financial statements continued

23 Financial assets and liabilities continued

(iv) Fair value table

The fair value of the group’s financial assets and liabilities including those within assets held for sale are as follows:

Other non-current assets

Trade and other receivables

Derivative financial instruments

Cash and cash equivalents

Non-current liabilities

2006

2005

Book 
value
£m

19.0

5.5

2.3

39.0

65.8

Fair value
£m

Fair value
adjustment
£m

19.0

5.5

2.3

39.0

65.8

–

–

–

–

–

Book 
value
£m

15.3

10.5

–

53.3

79.1

Fair value
£m

Fair value 
adjustment
£m

18.2

8.7

0.4

53.3

80.6

2.9

(1.8)

0.4

–

1.5

Interest-bearing loans and borrowings

(1,070.5)

(1,073.9)

(3.4)

(887.9)

(904.6)

(16.7)

Trade and other payables

Provision for other liabilities and charges

Current liabilities

Interest-bearing loans and borrowings

Trade and other payables

Derivative financial instruments

(8.0)

(1.3)

(19.4)

(28.0)

(4.4)

(8.0)

(1.3)

(19.4)

(28.0)

(4.4)

–

–

–

–

–

(8.0)

(3.9)

(26.4)

(21.8)

–

(8.0)

(1.0)

(26.4)

(21.8)

–

–

2.9

–

–

–

Total net financial liabilities

(1,065.8)

(1,069.2)

(3.4)

(868.9)

(881.2)

(12.3)

The fair value adjustment in 2006 relates to the group’s fixed rate loan with Lloyds TSB bank which is stated at amortised

cost in the consolidated balance sheet. There is no requirement under IAS 39 to revalue this loan to fair value.

24 Non-current liabilities

Included within non-current liabilites are the following amounts:

i)  Trade and other payables of £8.0m (2005: £8.0m) – This represents deferred consideration for the purchase of land 

at West Waterlooville. It is payable in two equal instalments in April 2009 and April 2013 respectively.

Provisions for other liabilities and charges £1.3m (2005: £3.9m). This comprises the following:

At 30 September 2005

Effect of adoption of IAS 32 and IAS 39 (see note 18)

At 1 October 2005

Released to income statement

Provision charged to income statement

At 30 September 2006

Retirement 
liabilities
£m

Provision for
fair value
of financial
instruments
£m

1.0

–

1.0

(0.1)

0.4

1.3

2.9

(2.9)

–

–

–

–

Total
£m

3.9

(2.9)

1.0

(0.1)

0.4

1.3

107

24 Non-current liabilities continued

The provision for retirement liabilities reflects an estimate of the amount required to meet future contracted salary

commitments to former employees. 

The provision for fair value of financial instruments as at 30 September 2005 was taken to retained earnings on

implementation of IAS 39 on 1 October 2005 as part of the overall adjustment made to reflect the fair value of derivative
financial instruments on implementation of IFRS.

25 Pension costs

Defined contribution scheme

The group operates a defined contribution scheme for its employees. The assets of the scheme are held separately from

those of the group in independently administered funds. Pension arrangements for directors are disclosed in the report 

of the remuneration committee and the directors’ remuneration report on page 56. The pension cost charge in these

financial statements represents contributions payable by the group. This is shown in note 8.

Defined benefit scheme

In addition to the above, the group also operates a defined benefit scheme, the BPT Retirement Benefits Scheme. The

assets of the scheme are held separately 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 attained age

method. Actuarial valuations are carried out every three years and the last full actuarial valuation was undertaken as at 

1 July 2004. This scheme was operated by BPT Limited which became a subsidiary of Grainger Trust plc in 2003.

The actuarial valuation as at 1 July 2004 was based on the main actuarial assumptions of an investment return of 6.5%

per annum, salary increases of 5% per annum and inflation-linked increases to pensions in deferment of 2.5% per

annum, the scheme assets were valued at £10.5m and scheme liabilities at £13.3m, a funding level of 79%. The actuary

has recommended an employer contribution rate of 28.5% in order to eliminate the deficit over the expected working

lifetimes of the members. The actuary also undertook a Minimum Funding Requirement valuation as at 1 July 2004 in

accordance with the Pensions Act 1995. The value of assets of the scheme was determined at 101% of the liabilities 

of the scheme.

The scheme was closed to new members and to employee contributions in 2003. Accordingly, there is no current service

cost for the scheme.

The IAS 19 calculations for disclosure purposes have been based upon the 1 July 2004 actuarial valuation but have been

updated to 30 September 2006 by a qualified independent actuary.

108

Grainger Trust plc Annual report and accounts 2006

Notes to the financial statements continued

25 Pension costs continued

Pension cost recognised in the income statement

Interest on pension scheme liabilities

Expected return on pension scheme assets

The net pension cost shown above has been included within interest expense (see note 10).

Change in the present value of defined benefit obligation in the year

Present value of opening defined benefit obligation

Interest on pension scheme liabilities

Actuarial loss

Benefits paid

Present value of closing defined benefit obligation

Change in the present value of the scheme assets in the year

Opening fair value of scheme assets

Expected return on scheme assets

Employer contributions

Actuarial gain

Benefits paid

Closing fair value of scheme assets

Scheme deficit since the acquisition of BPT Limited

Total market value of assets

Present value of scheme liabilities

Scheme deficit at 30 September

2006
£m

13.5

(18.1)

(4.6)

2005
£m

12.1

(17.4)

(5.3)

2006
£m

0.9

(0.7)

0.2

2006
£m

17.4

0.9

–

(0.2)

18.1

2006
£m

12.1

0.7

0.3

0.6

(0.2)

13.5

2004
£m

10.7

(15.3)

(4.6)

2005
£m

0.8

(0.6)

0.2

2005
£m

15.3

0.8

1.5

(0.2)

17.4

2005
£m

10.7

0.6

0.2

0.8

(0.2)

12.1

2003
£m

10.5

(14.2)

(3.7)

The scheme deficit of £4.6m, net of deferred tax, was taken into the opening IFRS balance sheet as at 1 October 2004.

25 Pension costs continued

Actuarial gain/(loss) recognised in the statement of recognised income and expense

Actual return less expected return on assets

Experience gain on liabilities

Loss on change of assumptions

Total actuarial gain/(loss) before tax

Market value of scheme assets and expected rates of return

109

2006
£m

0.6

–

–

0.6

2005
£m

0.8

0.9

(2.4)

(0.7)

Equities

Bonds

Properties

Other

Total value of assets

30 September 2006

30 September 2005

Long term
expected rate 
of return
%

7.0

4.4

7.0

4.5

Market
value
£m

5.5

7.2

0.4

0.4

13.5

Long term
expected rate 
of return
%

6.8

4.7

6.8

–

Market
value
£m

4.9

6.9

0.3

–

12.1

The assets are held with AXA Sun Life in a managed fund. As the above table shows, the assets of the scheme are

primarily held within equities and bonds. The equity return of 7% in 2006 is based on an equity risk premium of 2.6%

above the 15-year fixed rate on gilts of 4.4%. The directors consider this to be at the mid-point of the acceptable range.

The directors have used the 15-year fixed rate on gilts as the expected rate of return on bonds. 

Principal actuarial assumptions under IAS 19

Discount rate

Inflation

Rate of increase in salaries

Rate of increase in pensions in payment

Mortality tables for pensioners and non-pensioners

2006

2005

5.10% pa

3.00% pa

4.50% pa

5.00% pa

5.00% pa

2.90% pa

3.90% pa

5.00% pa

PXA92c2025

PXA92c2025

The mortality table referred to above, PXA92c2025, is based on the latest commonly used study of pensioners carried out

over the period 1991 to 1994 and includes updates for reductions in mortality levels up to 2025.

110

Grainger Trust plc Annual report and accounts 2006

Notes to the financial statements continued

25 Pension costs continued

History of experience gains and losses since the acquisition of BPT Limited

Difference between the expected and the 

actual return on scheme assets

– Amount

– Percentage of scheme assets

Experience gains and losses on scheme liabilities

– Amount

– Percentage of present value of liabilities

2006

2005

2004

2003

£0.6m

4.2%

–

–

£0.8m

6.6%

£0.9m

5.2%

(£0.9m)

(8.4%)

(£0.5m)

(3.3%)

(£0.3m)

(2.9%)

£0.1m

0.1%

In the above tables, where relevant, 2005 and 2006 figures above are stated under IAS 19. 2003 and 2004 figures are

stated under FRS 17.

The actual returns on scheme assets in 2006 was £1.3m (2005:£1.4m). The cumulative amount included within equity 

is £(0.1)m (2005: £(0.5)m).

Payments to the scheme in 2007

The group expects to continue its payments to the scheme in 2007 based on the recommendations of the actuary.

Contributions in the next 12-months are estimated at £300,000.

26 Deferred tax liabilities

The movement in the provision for deferred taxation is as follows:

At 1 October 2004

Recognised in the income statement

Acquisition of subsidiary

At 30 September 2005

Effect of adoption of IAS 39 on 1 October 2005 

At 1 October 2005

Recognised in the income statement

Recognised in equity: 

Actuarial surplus on BPT pension scheme

Fair value movement in cash flow hedges

At 30 September 2006

Total
£m

101.5

(8.0)

9.3

102.8

(2.3)

100.5

(9.4)

0.2

(0.2)

91.1

In addition to the above, the group has a contingent tax liability on the difference between the carrying value of trading
properties as recorded in the balance sheet and their market value. This contingent tax, which is not provided in the
accounts, amounts to £152.6m (2005: £108.0m).

27 Trade and other payables

Deposits received

Trade payables

Other taxation and social security
Accruals and deferred income

28 Share capital

Authorised:

160,000,000 (2005: 160,000,000) ordinary shares of 5p each

Allotted, called-up and fully paid:

129,925,482 (2005: 129,374,394) ordinary shares of 5p each

111

2006
£m

0.8

8.4

1.5
12.6

23.3

2006
£m

8.0

6.5

2005
£m

1.1

6.7

1.5
12.5

21.8

2005
£m

8.0

6.5

As at 30 September 2006, share capital included 584,673 (2005: 1,164,380) shares held by the Grainger Trust Employee

Trustee Company Limited. These shares had a nominal value of £29,234 (2005: £58,219).

Movements in issued share capital during the year were as follows:

At 1 October 2004

Issued on purchase of City North Group plc
Options exercised under the executive share option scheme

Options exercised under SAYE schemes

At 30 September 2005

Options exercised under the executive share option scheme

Options exercised under the LTIS

Options exercised under SAYE schemes

At 30 September 2006

Number

124,055,020

5,189,893
89,925

39,556

Nominal
value
£’000

6,203

259
4

2

129,374,394

6,468

43,795

454,359

52,934

2

23

3

129,925,482

6,496

112

Grainger Trust plc Annual report and accounts 2006

Notes to the financial statements continued

28 Share capital continued

Share options

Certain senior executives hold options to subscribe for shares in the company under executive share option and long term

incentive schemes. In addition, the company operates a SAYE share option scheme available to all employees. The number

of shares subject to options as at 30 September 2006, the periods in which they were granted and the periods in which
they may be exercised are given below:

Year of grant

Executive share option scheme

1996

1997

Long Term Incentive Scheme (LTIS)

2003

2004

2005

2006

SAYE share options

2001

2002

2003

2004

2005

2006

Total share options

Exercise price
(pence)

Exercise
period

2006
number

2005
number

68.5

53.4

1999-06

2000-07

191.8

326.4

381.8

528.0

138.0

163.6

186.5

271.8

334.0

413.0

2006-13

2007-14

2008-15

2009-16

2004-07

2005-08

2006-09

2007-10

2008-11

2009-12

–

63,645

63,645

115,739

471,365

495,689

420,322

43,795

100,720

144,515

787,410

564,225

563,955

–

1,503,115

1,915,590

12,225

56,630

58,455

94,490

46,791

71,153

26,895

66,745

95,425

102,850

47,358

–

339,744

339,273

1,906,504

2,399,378

113

Closing
position

–

63,645

63,645

115,739

471,365

495,689

420,322

28 Share capital continued

The movement on the share option schemes during the year was as follows:

Number of ordinary shares

Executive scheme
1996

1997

LTIS

2003

2004

2005

2006

SAYE scheme

2001

2002

2003

2004

2005

2006

Exercised

Granted

Lapsed

Opening
position

43,795

100,720

144,515

787,410

564,225

563,955

–

(43,795)

(37,075)

(80,870)

(408,215)

–

(9,069)

–

1,915,590

(417,284)

26,895

66,745

95,425

102,850

47,358

–

(14,670)

–

(36,970)

(1,294)

–

–

339,273

(52,934)

–

–

–

–

–

–

463,882

463,882

–

–

–

–

–

71,153

71,153

–

–

–

(263,456)

(92,860)

(59,197)

(43,560)

(459,073)

1,503,115

–

(10,115)

–

(7,066)

(567)

–

12,225

56,630

58,455

94,490

46,791

71,153

(17,748)

339,744

Further details of the above option schemes are provided in the report of the remuneration committee and directors’

remuneration report on page 57.

114

Grainger Trust plc Annual report and accounts 2006

Notes to the financial statements continued

29 Consolidated statement of changes in equity

Balance as at 30 September 2004

Retained profit for the year
Actuarial loss on BPT pension scheme net of tax

Premium on shares issued to acquire City North Group plc

Issue of shares

Share-based payments charge

Dividends paid

Balance as at 30 September 2005

Effect of adoption of IAS 32 and 39 on 1 October 2005

Retained profit for the year

Actuarial gain on BPT pension scheme net of tax

Changes in fair value of cash flow hedges net of tax

Net exchange adjustment offset in reserves

Purchase of own shares

Issue of shares to satisfy employee share options

Share-based payments charge

Dividends paid

Minority interest on business combination

Balance as at 30 September 2006

Share
capital
£m

6.2

Share 
premium
£m

21.5

–
–

–

0.3

–

–

6.5

–

6.5

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

6.5

–
–

–

0.1

–

–

21.6

–

21.6

–

–

–

–

–

1.0

–

–

–

22.6

Merger 
reserve
£m

–

–
–

20.1

–

–

–

20.1

–

20.1

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

20.1

115

Capital 
redemption 
reserve 
£m

0.2

–
–

–

–

–

–

0.2

–

0.2

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

Cash flow
hedge reserve
£m

–

–
–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

(0.8)

–

–

–

–

–

–

Retained 
earnings
£m

138.5

31.1
(0.5)

–

–

0.5

(6.9)

162.7

(5.4)

157.3

50.5

0.4

–

0.1

(0.5)

–

0.9

(6.9)

–

Total
£m

166.4

31.1
(0.5)

20.1

0.4

0.5

(6.9)

211.1

(5.4)

205.7

50.5

0.4

(0.8)

0.1

(0.5)

1.0

0.9

(6.9)

–

0.2

(0.8)

201.8

250.4

Minority
interest
£m

–

–
–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

0.2

0.2

Total
equity
£m

166.4

31.1
(0.5)

20.1
0.4

0.5

(6.9)

211.1

(5.4)

205.7

50.5

0.4

(0.8)

0.1

(0.5)

1.0

0.9

(6.9)
0.2

250.6

116

Grainger Trust plc Annual report and accounts 2006

Notes to the financial statements continued

29 Consolidated statement of changes in equity continued

The retained earnings reserve comprises various elements. Those elements and the movements in each are set out below:

Balance as at 30 September 2004

Retained profit for the year

Actuarial loss on BPT pension scheme 

net of tax

Share-based payments charge

Dividends paid

Balance as at 30 September 2005

Effect of adoption of IAS 32 and 39 

on 1 October 2005

Retained profit for the year

Actuarial gain on BPT pension scheme 

net of tax

Net exchange adjustment offset 

in reserves

Purchase of own shares

Award of shares from own shares

Share-based payments charge

Dividends paid

Balance as at 30 September 2006

Share-based
payment 
reserve
£m

Investment in
own share
reserve
£m

Translation
reserve
£m

0.5

–

–

0.5

–

1.0

–

1.0

–

–

–

–

(1.4)

0.9

–

0.5

(2.3)

–

–

–

–

(2.3)

–

(2.3)

–

–

–

(0.5)

1.4

–

–

(1.4)

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

0.1

–

–

–

–

0.1

Retained
earnings
£m

140.3

31.1

(0.5)

–

(6.9)

Retained
earnings
reserve
total
£m

138.5

31.1

(0.5)

0.5

(6.9)

164.0

162.7

(5.4)

158.6

50.5

0.4

–

–

–

–

(6.9)

202.6

(5.4)

157.3

50.5

0.4

0.1

(0.5)

–

0.9

(6.9)

201.8

Merger reserve – the merger reserve arose when the company issued shares in partial consideration for the acquisition 

of City North Group plc. The issue satisfied the provisions of section 131 of the Companies Act 1985 and the premium

relating to the shares issued was credited to a merger reserve.

Cash flow hedge reserve – the fair value movements on those derivative financial instruments qualifying for hedge

accounting under IAS 39 are taken to this reserve.

Share-based payments reserve – this reserve comprises the credit entry relating to the share-based payments charge

made in the income statement less the average cost of own shares issued to employees as part of the LTIS.

Investment in own shares reserve – the Grainger Trust Employee Trustee Company Limited acquired 100,000 shares in

Grainger Trust plc in the year at a cost of £504,000. The shares are held to enable the company to meet its obligations

under the LTIS. A total of 679,707 shares were issued to employees during the year. At the year end 584,673 shares 

were held at an average total cost of £1,438,375. The shares had a market value at the year end of £3,671,746.

117

29 Consolidated statement of changes in equity continued

Translation reserve – exchange differences arising from the translation of the net investment in foreign operations are

taken to this reserve.

The movement in minority interest is as follows:

At 1 October 2005

Arising on acquisition of CCZ a.s.

Minority interest in CCZ a.s. loss for the year

At 30 September 2006

30 Share-based payments

2006
£m

–

0.2

–

0.2

The group operates an equity-settled, share-based compensation plan comprising awards under a Long term Incentive

Scheme (LTIS) and a Save As You Earn (SAYE) scheme. Awards under the LTIS are fair valued using a Monte Carlo

simulation model and under the SAYE scheme using a Black Scholes model.

Awards under the LTIS are subject to market performance conditions under which the Total Shareholder Return (TSR) 

of the company is measured against a peer group. There is no vesting below median performance. If the company TSR

equals the median of the peer group, 40% will vest. If the group’s TSR is equal to or greater than the upper quartile TSR

of the peer group, 100% will vest. At points between the median and upper quartile of the peer group there is pro-rata

vesting between 40% and 100%. The Monte Carlo simulation model takes into account these market based performance

conditions which effectively estimate the number of shares expected to vest. No subsequent adjustment is made to the 

fair value charge for shares that do not vest in the event that these performance conditions are not met. Adjustments are,

however, made for leavers and once adjusted for leavers the total expense for each equity-settled award is spread over 

the vesting period.

Options under the SAYE scheme are fair valued at the date of grant and are not adjusted thereafter. Adjustment is made,

however, for assumptions about leavers.

The tables below summarise the main assumptions used to fair value the awards made under the above schemes. 

For the LTIS, the number of shares or options is shown for both the maximum number at award and the latest number 

as at 30 September 2006 after adjustment for leavers. This same information is given for the SAYE scheme.

118

Grainger Trust plc Annual report and accounts 2006

Notes to the financial statements continued

30 Share-based payments continued

LTIS

Share awards:

Award date

Number on grant
Number adjusted for leavers

Exercise price (£)

Vesting period from date of grant (years)

Exercise period after vesting (years)

Share price at grant (£)

Expected risk-free rate (%)

Expected dividend yield (%)

Expected volatility (%)

Fair value per share (£)

24-Jan-03

12-Jan-04

11-Jan-05

12-Jan-06

338,995

303,393

250,165

194,099

225,575

194,997

185,553

185,553

–

3

7

1.960

3.869

1.7

21.90

0.9906

–

3

7

3.360

4.370

1.15

22.68

–

3

7

3.786

4.453

1.14

23.31

1.8022

1.7504

–

3

7

5.350

4.217

0.96

20.18

3.226

Translation reserve – exchange differences arising from the translation of the net investment in foreign operations are

taken to this reserve.

The movement in minority interest is as follows:

At 1 October 2005

Arising on acquisition of CCZ a.s.

Minority interest in CCZ a.s. loss for the year

At 30 September 2006

LTIS
Options:

Award date

Number on grant

Number adjusted for leavers

Exercise price (£)

Vesting period from date of grant (years)

Exercise period after vesting (years)

Share price at grant (£)

Expected risk-free rate (%)

Expected dividend yield (%)

Expected volatility (%)
Fair value per share (£) 

2006

–

0.2

–

0.2

24-Jan-03

12-Jan-04

11-Jan-05

12-Jan-06

847,530

758,518

1.918

3

7

1.960

4.165

2.34
21.90
0.3052

625,495

485,301

3.264

3

7

3.360

4.589

1.53
22.68
0.6796

563,955

495,508

3.818

3

7

3.786

4.493

1.56
23.31
0.5876

463,882

463,882

5.280

3

7

5.350

4.260

0.96
20.18
1.178

119

30 Share-based payments continued

SAYE

Award date

Number on grant

Number adjusted for leavers

Exercise price (£)

Vesting period from date of grant (years)

Expected exercise date 

Share price at grant (£)

Expected risk-free rate (%)

Expected dividend yield (%)

Expected volatility (%)

Fair value per share (£)

7-Aug-03
3-year
scheme

7-Aug-03
5-year
scheme

5-Aug-04
3-year
scheme

5-Aug-04
5-year
scheme

1-Aug-05
3-year
scheme

1-Aug-05
5-year
scheme

37,660

37,365

1.865

3

58,060

52,610

1.865

5

75,870

67,280

2.718

3

32,105

29,700

2.718

5

32,718

32,718

3.340

3

14,640

14,640

3.340

5

1-Dec-06

1-Dec-08

1-Dec-07

1-Dec-09

1-Dec-08

1-Dec-10

2.546

4.100

1.580

23.43

2.546

4.280

1.740

21.24

0.8674

0.9228

3.498

5.010

1.280

23.97

1.18

3.498

5.040

1.400

22.71

4.24

4.267

1.310

4.24

4.301

1.310

22.340

21.170

1.3142

1.32

1.48

SAYE options awarded in August 2006 under the 2006 scheme have not been fair valued in the accounts to 30 September

2006 as the cost to be charged to the income statement is very small in the context of materiality to the group results.

The cost of calculating the fair value exceeded the benefit to be obtained. The 2006 SAYE awards will be valued early in

2007 along with the 2007 LTIS awards.

Movements in options and options exercisable as at 30 September 2006 are detailed in note 28.

120

Grainger Trust plc Annual report and accounts 2006

Notes to the financial statements continued

31 List of principal subsidiaries

The directors consider that providing details of all subsidiaries, joint ventures and associates as at 30 September 2006

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. A full list will be

appended to the next Annual Return.

Name of undertaking

Northumberland and Durham Property 

Trust Limited

GIP Limited

Grainger Limited

Grainger Residential Management Limited

Grainger Asset Management Limited

City North Group Limited

Derwent Developments Limited

Grainger Homes Limited

West Waterlooville Developments Limited

Grainger Rural Limited

BPT (Bradford Property Trust) Limited

BPT (Assured Homes) Limited

BPT (Residential Investments) Limited

Grainger (Octavia Hill) Limited

Grainger Finance Company Limited

Bromley Property Investments Limited

Home Properties Limited

Bridgewater Tenancies Limited

Bridgewater Equity Release Limited

Homesafe Equity Release LP

Hamsard 2518 Limited

Grainger Residential Property Unit Trust

Grainger Recklinghausen Portfolio 1 Sarl & Co KG

Grainger Recklinghausen Portfolio 2 Sarl & Co KG

Grainger Berlin Portfolio 1 Sarl & Co KG

Grainger Stuttgart Portfolio 1 Sarl & Co KG

Grainger Stuttgart Portfolio 2 Sarl & Co KG

Grainger Luxembourg Financing (No 1) Sarl

Grainger Luxembourg Financing (No 2) Sarl

Grainger Luxembourg Financing (No 3) Sarl

Grainger Luxembourg Germany Holdings Sarl

All subsidiaries are consolidated in the group accounts.

Proportion of nominal 
value of ordinary 
issued shares held by:

Group 
%

Company 
%

Incorporated

Activity

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

80

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

England & Wales

England & Wales

Property Trading

Property Trading 

& Investment

100

100

100

100

England & Wales

Property Management

England & Wales

Property Management

England & Wales

Asset Management

England & Wales

Property Investment

England & Wales

England & Wales

England & Wales

England & Wales

England & Wales

Land Development

House-building

Land Development

Property Trading

Property Trading

England & Wales

Property Investment

England & Wales

Property Investment

England & Wales

Investment holding

100

England & Wales

England & Wales

England & Wales

England & Wales

Finance Company

Finance Company

Property Trading

Property Trading

England & Wales

Property Investment

England & Wales

Property Investment

England & Wales

Holding Company

Jersey

Property Investment

Germany

Germany

Germany

Germany

Germany

Luxembourg

Luxembourg

Luxembourg

Luxembourg

Property Investment

Property Investment

Property Investment

Property Investment

Property Investment

Finance Company

Finance Company

Finance Company

Holding Company

121

32 Related party transactions

During the year, the group held a 50% interest in Grainger Geninvest LLP and Grainger Geninvest No. 2 (2006) LLP. 

The group provides a number of services to both partnerships and receives an asset adviser fee of 0.25% p.a. of the 

latest property valuation, a sales fee of 0.5% of gross sales proceeds from the sale of properties, a commercial

management fee of 7% of gross commercial rents received and a treasury fee of £30,000 p.a. These fees are 
calculated on an arm’s length basis.

In addition to the above, the group has provided loans to both partnerships totalling £57.7m. These loans are shown

within investments in joint ventures in note 17 and were provided by way of fixed interest 8.5% p.a. and 11% p.a. loan

notes and a mezzanine loan bearing interest at LIBOR plus 4%. Interest receivable on the loan notes in the year amounted

to £2.7m and is included in interest receivable from associates and joint ventures shown in note 10.

The group also has a 331⁄3% interest in Regen (NT) LLP and receives a management fee for the provision of accountancy

and other services. As above, the fees are calculated on an arm’s length basis.

On 1 September 2006, the group acquired a portfolio of properties at a cost of £13.1m from the Duke of

Northumberland. The Duke of Northumberland is a joint venture partner in Regen (NT) LLP with an interest of 331⁄3%.

During the year, the group disposed of its 50% share in the Prescot Street Partnership to its joint venture partner for 

a consideration of £5.5m.

The group has a 43.2% interest in OÜ Robbins, a company incorporated in Estonia. The group has provided a loan to 

OÜ Robbins amounting to £2.1m by way of 9% p.a. fixed rate unsecured loan notes. Interest receivable on the loan notes 

in the year to 30 September 2006 amounted to £0.1m and is included in interest receivable from associates and joint

ventures shown in note 10.

During the year, the group disposed of five properties in Crouch End, London to Clocktower Asset Management Limited, 

a company which is 50% owned by Clocktower Properties Limited which in turn is owned 100% by Mr Michael Sherley-

Dale. Mr Sherley-Dale although never a director of Grainger Trust plc, was a director of City North Group plc at the time 

of its acquisition by Grainger in April 2005. Following Grainger’s decision to sell the properties, an independent agent 

was appointed to market the properties. A significant number of offers were received by the agent but Clocktower’s 

was the highest bid.

On 1 December 2005, the bulk of the group’s market-rented properties with a value of £197m were transferred to a

Jersey Property Unit Trust (JPUT). The group owned all of the units in the JPUT as at 30 September 2006.

Details of the key management compensation are provided in note 8.

33 Capital commitments

As at 30 September 2006, the group had capital commitments of £0.2m (2005: Nil).

122

Grainger Trust plc Annual report and accounts 2006

Notes to the financial statements continued

34 Operating lease arrangements

Future minimum lease payments payable by the group under non-cancellable operating leases are as follows:

Operating leases which expire:
No later than one year

Later than one year and no later than five years

Later than five years

2006
£m

595

750

6,949

8,294

2005
£m

586

512

6,937

8,035

35 Contingent liabilities

The properties in certain subsidiary companies forming a ‘guarantee group’ provide the security for the group’s MOF

facility (see note 23). The properties in certain of the group’s German subsidiaries provide security for the non-recourse

finance raised in those subsidiary undertakings.

In addition, the group has an obligation, under the sale and purchase agreement for the land at West Waterlooville, 

to pay further consideration should the site value exceed certain pre-agreed amounts. It is not possible to determine the

amount or timing of any such future payments due to the long term nature of the site’s development and the associated

uncertainties with respect to planning applications. However, any future payments will not fall due until at least 2015 and

will be spread over a number of years.

36 Post balance sheet events

The group acquired a 308-unit residential portfolio in Munich for €32m at the end of October 2006 with anticipated
completion in early 2007. In addition, in November, the group and an external third party company, Development

Securities, have jointly acquired a 10 acre site at Curzon Park in Birmingham for £33.5m. 

On 1 December 2006, the group made a conditional offer to the shareholders of The Capital Appreciation Trust (CAT)

which contains a portfolio of some 912 retirement properties. The offer price values CAT at £71.6m. 

On 21 November 2006, the group sold 38% of the shares in an independently managed private Jersey exempt company

which, through its subsidiaries, invested in the JPUT. This was after having raised third party equity commitments of £56m.

On 11 October, a €150m Euro credit facility was completed to fund further acquisitions in Germany and on 13 December
2006 the group refinanced its main MOF lending agreement retaining a four tranche structure and £1.3bn of financing

but with lower margins and an average extension of two years to debt maturity. 

37 Acquisition of subsidiaries

The group acquired three subsidiaries during the year for a total consideration of £3.4m. Just prior to the year end, 100%
of Suburban Homes Limited was acquired for £2.1m. The balance represents the acquisition of CCZ a.s., a company
registered in the Czech Republic, in which the group owns 81.6% of the voting rights and the acquisition of the

remaining shares in SIP Home Limited.

123

38 Reconciliation of UK GAAP to IFRS

Explanation of transition to IFRS

As stated in Note 1, these are the group’s first consolidated financial statements prepared in accordance with IFRS. 

The accounting policies set out in Note 1 have been applied in preparing the financial statements for the year ended 
30 September 2006, the comparative information presented in these financial statements for the year ended 30 September

2005 and in the preparation of the opening balance sheet on 1 October 2004 (the group’s date of IFRS transition).

In preparing the opening IFRS balance sheet, the group adjusted amounts reported previously in its financial statements

under UK GAAP. An explanation of how the transition from UK GAAP to IFRS has affected the group’s financial position

and financial performance is set out in the accompanying reconciliations and notes.

Reconciliation of equity reported under UK GAAP to equity under IFRS

Equity shareholders’ funds under UK GAAP

IFRS adjustments

Share-based payments

Negative goodwill reversed

Goodwill/deferred tax adjustment relating to City North Group plc

Dividend exclusion

Deferred taxation

Pension deficit 

Equity shareholders’ funds under IFRS 

30 September
2005
£m 

note

1 October
2004
£m 

223.6

177.9

a

b

b

c

d

e

1.6

81.6

(2.5)

4.4

(96.8)

(0.8)

211.1

1.6

85.0

–

4.7

(102.6)

(0.2)

166.4

Reconciliation of profit for the financial year reported under UK GAAP to profit under IFRS 

Profit for the year under UK GAAP

IFRS adjustments

Share-based payments

Negative goodwill

Taxation

Investment property revaluations

notes

Year ended
30 September 
2005
£m

note

a

b

d

f

26.5

(0.5)

(5.9)

5.6

5.4

31.1

a Under IFRS 2 the group operate an equity-settled, share-based compensation plan comprising awards under a Long

Term Incentive Scheme (LTIS) and a Save As You Earn Scheme (SAYE). The fair value of the employee services received

in exchange for the grant of shares and options is recognised as an employee expense with a corresponding increase

in equity. The total amount to be expensed is spread over the vesting period during which the employees become

unconditionally entitled to the shares and options. Awards under the LTIS are fair valued using a Monte Carlo simulation

model and under SAYE using a Black Scholes model. The charge in the year ended 30 September 2005 was £0.5m. 

124

Grainger Trust plc Annual report and accounts 2006

Notes to the financial statements continued

38 Reconciliation of UK GAAP to IFRS continued

As there is a corresponding credit to equity, there is no impact on group net assets in respect of the IFRS 2 adjustment.

The adjustment in the reconciliation of equity of £1.6m in both years relates to the reversal of provisions made under

UK GAAP, UITF 17.

b Negative goodwill of £85.0m arising on acquisitions prior to 1 October 2004 has been credited to opening retained
earnings at that date. Subsequent releases of negative goodwill to the profit and loss account under UK GAAP have

been reversed. The reversal amounted to £5.9m in the year ended 30 September 2005.

The acquisition of City North Group plc on 15 April 2005 has been re-stated to account for the deferred tax payable

on the difference between the fair value of the properties acquired and the tax base cost at entity level. This provision

is required under IFRS whereas no provision was allowed under FRS 19. In the balance sheet at 30 September 2005 it

results in the negative goodwill of £2.5m calculated under UK GAAP becoming positive goodwill of £5.8m under IFRS

with a corresponding increase of £8.3m in deferred tax liabilities.

c

Proposed final dividends at both 1 October 2004 and 30 September 2005 respectively reflected in the UK GAAP

balance sheets at these dates have been excluded from current liabilities in the IFRS balance sheet reflecting the fact

that neither dividend was a liability of the group under IFRS at those dates. The proposed final dividend for the years

ended on these dates is reflected in the statement of changes in equity in the period in which those dividends were

formally approved at an Annual General Meeting.

d A provision for deferred taxation of £102.6m has been made in the balance sheet at 1 October 2004 with a

corresponding charge made to opening retained earnings. This provision relates primarily to the tax that may be

payable on the difference ascribed to trading stock properties on acquisition compared to the tax base cost at entity

level. This tax, which relates mainly to the BPT plc acquisition, could not be provided under FRS 19. In addition, the

adjustment includes provision for tax that may be payable arising from the revaluation of the group’s investment

properties and based upon the expected manner of realisation either through continued use or sale. The future impact

of making these provisions in the balance sheet under IFRS is that the group’s effective tax rate, which has been

historically high at around 40%, will be much closer to the actual current rate of tax of 30%. This is because when

properties are sold, the majority of the tax payable as a result of the sale has already been provided for under IFRS

whereas under UK GAAP the full tax payable was charged to the profit and loss account in the year of sale. This has

resulted in a reduction in the tax charge of £7.2m in the year ended 30 September 2005. After providing for the

deferred tax of £1.6m on the revaluation gain (see (f) below) the overall reduction in the tax charge in the year ended

30 September 2005 was £5.6m. 

e

The deficit of £4.6m and the related deferred tax asset of £1.4m on the BPT Limited defined benefit scheme has been

reflected in the opening balance sheet as at 1 October 2004 in full. When Grainger acquired BPT Limited it made

provision for the pension scheme deficit. As at 1 October 2004 that provision was £4.7m with a related deferred tax

asset of £1.7m. Those entries have been reversed in the 1 October 2004 balance sheet. The net effect of the above

entries is a charge of £0.2m to retained earnings at 1 October 2004.The deficit had increased to £5.3m at 30

September 2005 and, net of tax, there was a £0.8m charge to retained earnings at 30 September 2005. The group

has applied the amendment to IAS 19 with effect from 1 October 2004 allowing it to report all actuarial gains and

losses in full in the period in which they were incurred through the statement of recognised income and expense. 

f

The revaluation reserve at 1 October 2004 of £13.9m has been transferred into retained earnings. In the year ended
30 September 2005, the revaluation gain on investment property of £5.4m has been included in profit for the year 

in the income statement. The deferred tax thereon of £1.6m is part of the adjustment referred to in (d) above.

125

Independent auditors’ report to the members of Grainger Trust plc

We have audited the parent company financial statements of

In addition we report to you if, in our opinion, the

Grainger Trust plc for the year ended 30 September 2006

company has not kept proper accounting records, if we

which comprise the Company balance sheet and the related

have not received all the information and explanations 

notes. These parent company financial statements have

we require for our audit, or if information specified by law

been prepared under the accounting policies set out therein.

regarding directors’ remuneration and other transactions 

We have also audited the information in the Report of the
Remuneration Committee and Directors’ Remuneration

Report that is described as having been audited.

is not disclosed.

We read other information contained in the Annual 

Report and consider whether it is consistent with the

We have reported separately on the group financial

audited parent company financial statements. The other

statements of Grainger Trust plc for the year ended 

information comprises only the chairman’s statement, the

30 September 2006.

Respective responsibilities of directors and auditors

The directors’ responsibilities for preparing the Annual

Report, the Directors’ Remuneration Report and the 

parent company financial statements in accordance with

applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards

(United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice)

are set out in the Statement of Directors’ Responsibilities

included within the Directors’ report.

Our responsibility is to audit the parent company financial

statements and the part of the Report of the

Remuneration Committee and Directors’ Remuneration

Report to be audited in accordance with relevant legal 

and regulatory requirements and International Standards

on Auditing (UK and Ireland). This report, including the

chief executive’s review, the financial review, the Corporate

governance report, the Directors’ report, the corporate

social responsibility report and the unaudited part of the

Report of the Remuneration Committee and Directors’

Remuneration Report. We consider the implications for our

report if we become aware of any apparent misstatements

or material inconsistencies with the parent company

financial statements. Our responsibilities do not extend 

to any other information.

The maintenance and integrity of the Grainger Trust plc

website is the responsibility of the directors; the work

carried out by the auditors does not involve consideration

of these matters and, accordingly, the auditors accept no

responsibility for any changes that may have occurred to

the financial statements since they were initially presented

opinion, has been prepared for and only for the company’s

on the website.

members as a body in accordance with Section 235 of the

Legislation in the United Kingdom governing the preparation

Companies Act 1985 and for no other purpose. We do

and dissemination of financial statements may differ from

not, in giving this opinion, accept or assume responsibility

legislation in other jurisdictions.

for any other purpose or to any other person to whom this

Basis of audit opinion

report is shown or into whose hands it may come save

where expressly agreed by our prior consent in writing.

We conducted our audit in accordance with International

Standards on Auditing (UK and Ireland) issued by the

We report to you our opinion as to whether the parent

Auditing Practices Board. An audit includes examination,

company financial statements give a true and fair view and

on a test basis, of evidence relevant to the amounts and

whether the parent company financial statements and the

disclosures in the parent company financial statements 

part of the Report of the Remuneration Committee and

and the part of the Report of the Remuneration

Directors’ Remuneration Report to be audited have been

Committee and Directors’ Remuneration Report to be

properly prepared in accordance with the Companies Act

audited. It also includes an assessment of the significant

1985. We also report to you whether in our opinion the

estimates and judgments made by the directors in the

information given in the Directors’ report is consistent with

preparation of the parent company financial statements,

the parent company financial statements.

and of whether the accounting policies are appropriate 

to the company’s circumstances, consistently applied and

adequately disclosed.

126

Grainger Trust plc Annual report and accounts 2006

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

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 parent company

financial statements and the part of the Report of the

Remuneration Committee and Directors’ Remuneration
Report to be audited 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 parent

company financial statements and the part of the Report of

the Remuneration Committee and Directors’ Remuneration

Report to be audited.

Opinion

In our opinion:

• the parent company financial statements give a true and

fair view, in accordance with United Kingdom Generally

Accepted Accounting Practice, of the state of the

company’s affairs as at 30 September 2006;

• the parent company financial statements and the part 

of the Report of the Remuneration Committee and

Directors’ Remuneration Report to be audited have been

properly prepared in accordance with the Companies

Act 1985; and

• the information given in the Directors’ report is

consistent with the parent company financial statements.

PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP 

Chartered accountants and registered auditors 

Newcastle upon Tyne 

22 December 2006

Company balance sheet

At 30 September 2006

Tangible fixed assets

Investments

Debtors

Cash at bank and in hand

Creditors: amounts falling due within one year

Net current assets

Total assets less current liabilities

Deferred tax liabilities

Net assets

Called up equity share capital

Share premium account

Capital redemption reserve

Profit and loss account

Investment in own shares reserve

Equity shareholders’ funds

127

Notes

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

8

8

8

2006
£m

0.5

144.5

145.0

164.7

0.7

165.4

(124.7)

40.7

185.7

(1.0)

184.7

6.5

22.6

0.2

156.8

(1.4)

184.7

2005
restated
£m

0.7

140.9

141.6

52.5

1.7

54.2

(3.2)

51.0

192.6

–

192.6

6.5

21.6

0.2

166.6

(2.3)

192.6

The balance sheet is restated following adoption of FRS 21, ‘Events after the Balance Sheet Date’.

The financial statements on pages 127 to 132 were approved by the Board of Directors on 22 December 2006 and signed 

on their behalf by:

Rupert J. Dickinson

Andrew R. Cunningham

Director

Director

128

Grainger Trust plc Annual report and accounts 2006

Notes to the company financial statements

1 Accounting policies

(i) Basis of preparation

The financial statements have been prepared on a going concern basis in accordance with the historical cost convention, 

as modified by the revaluation of certain investments, in accordance with the Companies Act 1985 and applicable UK

accounting standards.

The Company has taken the exemption allowed under Section 230(4) of the Companies Act 1985 from the requirement

to present its own profit and loss account. The loss for the year was £3.5m (2005: profit of £1.5m). On an historic cost

basis, the loss for the year would have been £3.9m (2005: a profit of £1.5m). These financial statements present

information about the company as an individual undertaking and not about its group.

In accordance with the exemption in FRS 1, ‘Cash Flow Statements’, the company has not prepared a cash flow statement

because one is included in its own consolidated financial statements.

The company has taken advantage of the exemption in FRS 8, ‘Related Party Transactions’, from the requirement to

disclose such transactions on the grounds that it has presented its own consolidated financial statements.

(ii) Adoption of new standards

The company financial statements have been prepared under UK GAAP, rather than under IFRS which has been adopted

for group reporting. UK GAAP is converging towards IFRS and a number of new Financial Reporting Standards became

applicable for the first time in the year.

In these financial statements the following new standards have been adopted for the first time:

– FRS 20 ‘Share-Based Payments’

– FRS 21 ‘Events after the Balance Sheet Date’

– FRS 23 ‘The Effects of Changes in Foreign Exchange Rates’

– FRS 25 ‘Financial Instruments: Disclosure and Presentation’

– FRS 26 ‘Financial Instruments: Measurement’.

The corresponding amounts in these financial statements are, other than those covered by the exemption permitted by 

FRS 25 and FRS 26, restated in accordance with the new Standards. FRS 25 and FRS 26 permit the corresponding amounts

not to be restated and the company has adopted this approach. The fixed assets investment policy set out in note (iv)

below provides further details of the effect of adopting FRS 26 on 1 October 2005.

FRS 21 requires that final dividends payable are recognised only in the period in which they are approved in the Annual

General Meeting and therefore become a liability. Interim dividends are recognised in the period in which they are paid.

This accounting treatment has superseded SSAP 17, ‘Accounting for Post Balance Sheet Events’ which required dividends

to be accrued for when proposed.

The following accounting policies have been applied consistently in dealing with items which are considered material 

in relation to the company’s financial statements.

129

1 Accounting policies continued

(iii) Tangible fixed assets

These assets comprise office fixtures, fittings and equipment and are carried at cost less accumulated depreciation and

impairment. Depreciation is provided on a straight-line basis over the estimated useful life of the assets.

(iv) Investments
In 2005, investments are shown at cost less any provision for impairment. For 2006, investments in equity instruments that

have a quoted market price in an active market or whose fair value can be reliably measured are fair valued under FRS 26.

(v) Taxation

Corporation tax is provided on taxable profits at the current rate.

Deferred tax assets and liabilities arise from timing differences between the recognition of gains and losses in the accounts

and their recognition in a tax computation.

In accordance with FRS 19 ‘Deferred Tax’, deferred tax is provided in respect of all timing differences that have originated,

but not reversed, at the balance sheet date that may give rise to an obligation to pay more or less tax in future. Deferred

tax is measured on a non-discounted basis. 

(vi) Own shares

Transactions of The Grainger Trust Employee Trust Company Limited are included in the financial statements. In particular,

the Trust’s purchases of shares in Grainger Trust plc are debited directly to equity.

2 Tangible fixed assets

Cost:
At 1 October 2005

Additions

Disposals

At 30 September 2006

Depreciation:

At 1 October 2005

Charge for the year

Released on disposals

At 30 September 2006

Net book value:

At 30 September 2006

At I October 2005

Fixtures,
fittings
& equipment
£m

1.5

–

(0.6)

0.9

0.8

0.2

(0.6)

0.4

0.5

0.7

130

Grainger Trust plc Annual report and accounts 2006

Notes to the company financial statements continued

3 Fixed asset investments

Cost

At 1 October 2005

Effect of adoption of FRS 25 and FRS 26 on 1 October 2005

Uplift to fair value

Units acquired in the year

At 30 September 2006

Investment in
Schroder
Residential
Property
Unit Trust
£m

Investment in 
subsidiaries
£m

125.5

–

125.5

–

–

125.5

15.4

2.8

18.2

0.4

0.4

19.0

Total
£m

140.9

2.8

143.7

0.4

0.4

144.5

The company has taken advantage of the transitional arrangements not to restate corresponding amounts in accordance

with FRS 25 and FRS 26. In the comparative period, all financial assets and liabilities were carried at cost, amortised as

appropriate, less, in the case of financial assets, provision for any permanent diminution in value. 

Investments in equity instruments that do not have a quoted market price in an active market or whose fair value cannot

be reliably measured cannot be fair valued under FRS 26. The investment in the Schroder Residential Property Unit Trust

can be reliably measured and, therefore, has been fair valued under FRS 26.

A list of the principal subsidiaries of the company is given on page 120.

4 Debtors

Amounts owed by group undertakings
Other debtors
Prepayments and accrued income

5 Creditors: amounts falling due within one year

Loan notes

Trade creditors

Amounts owed to group undertakings

Corporation tax payable

Other taxation and social security

Accruals and deferred income

2006
£m

164.7
–
–

164.7

2006
£m

0.8

0.3

118.4

0.8

0.7

3.7

124.7

2005
£m

49.4
0.4
2.7

52.5

2005
£m

1.3

0.4

–

1.0

–

0.5

3.2

6 Deferred tax liabilities

On adoption of FRS 26

On revaluation gains in the year

131

2006
£m

0.9

0.1

1.0

2005
£m

–
–

–

The deferred tax balance relates to the tax on the unrealised gain relating to the revaluation of the investment in units 

in the Schroder Residential Property Unit Trust. The adjustment on 1 October 2005 relating to the adoption of FRS 26 

is £0.9m and the movement on revaluation gains in the year is £0.1m.

7 Share capital

Authorised:

160,000,000 (2005: 160,000,000) ordinary shares of 5p each

Allotted, called-up and fully paid:

129,925,482 (2005: 129,374,394) ordinary shares of 5p each

2006
£m

8.0

6.5

2005
£m

8.0

6.5

As at 30 September 2006, share capital included 584,673 (2005: 1,164,380) shares held by the Grainger Trust Employee

Trustee Company Limited. These shares had a nominal value of £29,234 (2005: £58,219).

Movements in issued share capital during the year were as follows:

At 1 October 2004
Issued on purchase of City North Group plc

Options exercised under the executive share option scheme

Options exercised under SAYE schemes

At 30 September 2005

Options exercised under the executive share option scheme

Options exercised under the LTIS

Options exercised under SAYE schemes

At 30 September 2006

Number

124,055,020

5,189,893

89,925

39,556

Nominal
value
£’000

6,203

259

4

2

129,374,394

6,468

43,795

454,359

52,934

2

23

3

129,925,482

6,496

132

Grainger Trust plc Annual report and accounts 2006

Notes to the company financial statements continued

8 Reserves

At 1 October 2005 as originally stated
Restatement in respect of 

FRS 21: 2005 final dividend

Effect of adoption of FRS 20

Balance at 1 October 2005 as restated

Effect of adoption of FRS 25 and FRS 26

on 1 October 2005 net of tax

Retained loss for the year

Issue of shares to satisfy employee 

share options

Award of shares from own shares

Purchase of own shares

Dividends paid

At 30 September 2006

Share 
premium
£m

21.6

–

–

21.6

–

21.6

–

1.0

–

–

–

22.6

Capital
redemption
reserve
£m

Investment
in own
shares
reserve
£m

0.2

–

–

0.2

–

0.2

–

–

–

–

–

0.2

–

–

(2.3)

(2.3)

–

(2.3)

–

–

1.4

(0.5)

–

(1.4)

Profit
and loss
account
£m

159.9

4.4

2.3

166.6

2.0

168.6

(3.5)

–

(1.4)

–

(6.9)

156.8

The Grainger Trust Employee Trust Company Limited acquired 100,000 shares in Grainger Trust plc in the year at a cost 

of £504,000. The shares are held to enable the company to meet its obligations under the LTIS. A total of 679,707 shares

were issued to employees during the year. At the year end, 584,673 shares were held at an average total cost of

£1,438,375. The shares had a market value at the year end of £3,671,746.

9 Other Information 

Dividends – information on dividends paid and declared is given on page 92.

Share options – details of share options outstanding and the movements during the year are given on pages 112 

and 113 respectively.

Contingent liabilities – 2006 £Nil (2005: £Nil).

Employees – The Company had no employees in 2006 (2005: Nil).

Audit fees – The audit fee for the year was £8,000 (2005: £6,000).

133

Five-year record for the year ended 30 September 2006

Turnover

Gross rentals
Sales of investment properties

Trading profits

Profit before taxation**

Profit after taxation 

and minority interests**

Dividends 

Earnings**

Dividends per share

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 market value*

Dividend cover**

Gearing

Share price at 30 September

UK GAAP

IFRS

2002
£m

213.8

22.0
7.1

33.7

44.9

23.5

3.5

2003
£m

173.6

21.4
2.1

38.8

48.5

29.3

4.0

2004
£m

217.4

41.0
41.1

72.6

59.6

36.8

5.7

2005
£m

227.6

45.5
13.3

67.2

41.0

31.1

6.9

2006
£m

205.7

52.6
47.8

55.9

71.7

50.5

6.9

Pence
per share

Pence
per share

Pence 
per share

Pence
per share

Pence
per share

19.28

2.84

£m

372.8

680.3

119.2

Pence
per share

23.96

3.26

£m

907.2

1,305.8

146.7

Pence
per share

29.94

4.65

£m

950.8

1,454.5

177.9

Pence 
per share

24.88

5.11

£m

1,225.4

1,639.3

211.1

Pence
per share

39.11

5.62

£m

1,468.3

2,009.9

250.6

Pence
per share

96.4

118.4

143.4

159.1

192.8

344.8

6.7x

52%

198.5p

438.8

7.3x

125%

273.0p

546.8

6.5x

103%

367.0p

475.4

4.7x

140%

456.0p

606.3

6.9x

133%

628.0p

Share price and per share figures have been restated for 2002, 2003 and 2004 to take account of the five for one share

split that took place in February 2005. 

Information relating to 2002, 2003 and 2004 is presented under UK GAAP as directed by IFRS 1. The main adjustments

that would be required to comply with IFRS are those set out in note 38 to the consolidated financial statements.

In addition:

* Corporation tax has not been provided on valuation surpluses relating to stocks.

** Excluding exceptional items and including share of joint venture.

134

Grainger Trust plc Annual report and accounts 2006

Shareholders’ information

Financial calendar

Share dealing service

Annual general meeting 28 February 2007

A share dealing service is available to existing shareholders

Payment of 2006 final dividend 6 March 2007

to buy or sell the company’s shares via Capita Share

Announcement of 2007 interim results June 2007

Dealing Services. Online and telephone dealing facilities

Payment of 2007 interim dividend July 2007

provide an easy to access and simple to use service.

Announcement of 2007 final results November 2007

For further information on this service, or to buy or sell

Share price

During the year ended 30 September 2006, the range of

the closing mid-market prices of the company’s ordinary

shares, please contact:

www.capitadeal.com – online dealing

0870 458 4577 – telephone dealing

Please note that the directors of the company are not

seeking to encourage shareholders to either buy or sell

their shares. Shareholders in any doubt as to what action

to take are recommended to seek financial advice from an

independent financial adviser authorised by the Financial

Services and Markets Act 2000.

Secretary and registered office
Marie Glanville ACA ACIS,
Citygate,

St James’ Boulevard,

Newcastle upon Tyne,

NE1 4JE

Company registration number 125575 

shares were:

Price at 30 September 2006

Lowest price during the year

Highest price during the year

628p

429p

628p

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 6.08p.

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, 

Northern House,

Woodsome Park, Fenay Bridge,

Huddersfield, West Yorkshire,

HD8 0LA

135

Advisers

Solicitors

Dickinson Dees, 

St Ann’s Wharf,112 Quayside, 

Newcastle upon Tyne

Freshfields, Bruckhaus Deringer, 
65 Fleet Street, London

Hammonds, 

2 Park Lane, Leeds

Auditors

PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, 

89 Sandyford Road, Newcastle upon Tyne

Stockbrokers

JPMorgan Cazenove Limited, 
20 Moorgate, London

Brewin Dolphin Securities, 

Commercial Union House, 39 Pilgrim Street, 

Financial public relations

Newcastle upon Tyne

Registrars and transfer office

Capita IRG plc, 

Northern House, Woodsome Park,

Huddersfield, West Yorkshire

Financial Dynamics, Holborn Gate, 

26 Southampton Buildings, London

Golley Slater, 8 Mosley Street, 

Newcastle upon Tyne

Bankers

Clearing Bank and Facility Agent

Barclays Bank PLC

Other Bankers

Lloyds TSB Bank plc

The Royal Bank of Scotland plc 

Allied Irish Banks plc

Bradford & Bingley plc

The Governor and Company of the Bank of Scotland

National Australia Bank Limited

Nationwide Building Society

Eurohypo AG

136

Grainger Trust plc Annual report and accounts 2006

Glossary of terms

Property 

Assured periodic tenancy (‘APT’)

Market-rented tenancy arising from succession from regulated. 

Assured shorthold tenancy (‘AST’)

Assured tenancy (‘AT’)

Investment value (‘IV’)

Home reversion

Regulated tenancy

Tenanted Residential (‘TR’)

Tenant has security of tenure. 

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

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 home reversion. 

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.

Corporate 

Grainger NAV

IFRS

NNNAV adjusted for the after tax value of the reversionary surplus in 

our regulated and equity release portfolios discounted back to present

value using our risk adjusted weighted average cost of capital over the

expected average period of realisation. Base case and sensitivities exist.

International Financial Reporting Standards. Mandatory for UK listed

companies for accounting periods ending on or after 31 December

2005. These are Grainger’s first financial statements prepared under IFRS.

137

Financial

Cap

Financial instrument which, in return for a fee, guarantees an upper 

limit for the interest rate on a loan.

Contingent tax

The amount of tax that would be payable on the difference between 

Dividend cover 

Earnings per share (‘EPS’)

Hedging

IAS 39

Interest cover

Loan to value (‘LTV’)

Net asset value (‘NAV’)

the carrying value of trading properties as recorded in the balance sheet
and their market value.

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.

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

Accounting standard containing complex rules for the recognition 
of the market value of long term debt and financial instruments. 

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

Ratio of net debt to the market value of properties.

Shareholders’ funds adjusted for the market value of property assets 
held as stock, and adding back deferred tax.

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.

138

Grainger Trust plc Annual report and accounts 2006

Corporate addresses

Newcastle

Citygate

St James’ Boulevard

Newcastle upon Tyne

NE1 4JE

Tel: 0191 261 1819

London

161 Brompton Road

London

SW3 1QP

Tel: 020 7795 4700

Birmingham

The Circle

Harborne

Birmingham

B17 9DY

Ipswich

42a Barrach Square

Martlesham Heath

Ipswich 

Suffolk

IP5 3RF

www.graingertrust.co.uk

Putney

1st Floor

SW15H Building

Luxembourg

5 Parc d’Activite Syrdall

L-5365 Munsbach

73-75 Upper Richmond Road

Luxembourg

Germany
D-68161 Mannheim

Germany

Willy-Brandt-Platz 3

Malta

Suite 1, 17

Sir A Bartolo Street

Ta Xbiex

Malta

Ireland

57 Herbert Lane

Dublin 2

Ireland

London

SW15 2SR

Manchester

St John’s House

Barrington Road

Altrincham 

Cheshire

WA14 1TJ

Oxford

East 24

Central 127

Milton Park

Abingdon

Oxford

OX14 1SE

Exeter

Lower Ground Floor

4 Barnfield Crescent

Southernhay

Exeter

EX1 1RF

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Grainger Trust plc Annual report and accounts 2006

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