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Helical

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FY2005 Annual Report · Helical
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Helical Bar plc 
Annual report & accounts 2005

20 years of successful performance

HELICAL BAR PLC  Report & Accounts 2005

Photographs on front cover:
1. Aycliffe Industrial Estate
2. 48 Chiswell Street, London EC1
3. 100 Wood Street, London EC2
4. 60 Sloane Avenue, London SW3
5. George Hotel, Glasgow
6. 40 Berkeley Square, London W1

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CONTENTS
I F C SHARE PRICE GRAPH
0 1
0 1
0 2
0 4
0 7
1 4
2 2
2 6
2 7
28

CORPORATE STATEMENT
FIVE YEAR SUMMARY
PERFORMANCE MEASURES
CHAIRMAN’S STATEMENT
DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME
INVESTMENT PORTFOLIO
FINANCIAL REVIEW
CONSOLIDATED PROFIT AND LOSS ACCOUNT
BALANCE SHEETS
STATEMENT OF TOTAL RECOGNISED 
GAINS AND LOSSES

2 8 NOTES ON HISTORICAL COST PROFITS AND LOSSES
2 8

2 9
2 9

RECONCILIATION OF MOVEMENTS IN
SHAREHOLDERS’ FUNDS
CONSOLIDATED CASH FLOW STATEMENT
RECONCILIATION OF NET CASH FLOW
TO MOVEMENT IN NET DEBT
3 0 NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
4 7
4 8

TEN YEAR REVIEW
THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS AND 
SENIOR MANAGEMENT
DIRECTORS’ REPORT
CORPORATE GOVERNANCE REPORT
DIRECTORS’ REMUNERATION REPORT
REPORT OF THE INDEPENDENT AUDITORS 
CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY

4 9
5 1
5 5
6 2
6 3
I B C FINANCIAL CALENDAR
I B C ADVISORS

Helical Bar plc
11-15 Farm Street, London W1J 5RS
Tel: 020 7629 0113, Fax: 020 7408 1666
www.helical.co.uk

Contact details
Registered office: 11-15 Farm Street, London W1J 5RS
Telephone: 020 7629 0113
Fax: 020 7408 1666
Website address: www.helical.co.uk

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS

PRE-TAX PROFIT £m 

2001

2002

2003

2004

2005

25.8

22.6

25.2

13.7

34.9

ORDINARY DIVIDEND PER SHARE Pence 

2001

12.50

2002

13.75

2003

15.00

2004

16.60

2005

17.60

ADJUSTED DILUTED NET ASSET VALUE PER SHARE Pence

2001

2002

2003

2004

754

775

775

884

2005

1078

Net asset values per share have been restated for the impact of the 
adoption in 2005 of UITF38 – Accounting for ESOP Trusts.

CASH RETURNED TO SHAREHOLDERS £m

2001

–

2002

28.4

2003

–

2004

2005

21.5

96.5

Cash returned to shareholders represents special dividends, shares 
bought in for cancellation and the Return of Cash in December 2004 
but excludes ordinary dividends per share.

 
 
 
 
 
 
20 YEAR SHARE PRICE CHART

Helical Bar has been a property company for 20 years.  
During that time its share price has increased from  
5p per share (adjusted to reflect the bonus issue of shares 
in 1987) to 1410p (its closing price on 14 June 2005).

294p

 19 October 1987 
 Stock Exchange crash 
 on “Black Monday”

204p

 2 August 1990 
 Iraq invades Kuwait

70p

16 September 1992 
Sterling leaves the 
Exchange Rate Mechanism 

88p

 12 November 1986
 Contracts exchanged with
 BP Properties to sell
 48 Chiswell Street, London EC1

11p

   29 November 1985 
  Nigel McNair Scott joins  
   the Board of Helical Bar

5p

21 August 1984 
Michael Slade  
joins the Board 
of Helical Bar

1,400

1,300

1,200

1,100

1,000

900

800

700

600

500

400

300

200

100

0

HELICAL BAR PLC  Report & Accounts 2005

HELICAL BAR PLC  Report & Accounts 2005

1065p

18 November 2004 
400p Return of Cash 
to shareholders announced 

815p

 19 March 2002 
 The Company  
 announces its second  
 100p special dividend

793p

11 September 2001
Twin Towers at World Trade
Center collapse after being
hit by hijacked planes

516p

 18 January 1999
 The Company announces
 its first 100p special dividend

575p

  8 September 1997
 Michael Brown joins Helical Bar  
 as Investment Director

383p

7 March 1994 
Gerald Kaye joins Helical Bar  
as Development Director

FINANCIAL CALENDAR

Year ended 31 March 2005
Annual General Meeting to be held 20 July 2005
Final ordinary dividend payable 22 July 2005

Half year ending 30 September 2005
Results and interim ordinary dividend announced November 2005
Interim ordinary dividend payable December 2005

Year ending 31 March 2006
Results and final dividend announced June 2006
Final ordinary dividend payable July 2006

ADVISORS

Registrars
Capita Registrars
The Registry
34 Beckenham Road
Beckenham
Kent BR3 4TU

Bankers
Barclays Bank plc
Credit Lyonnais
HVB Real Estate
The Royal Bank of
Scotland plc
Aareal Bank AG

Stockbrokers
JP Morgan Cazenove
20 Moorgate
London EC2R 6DA

Auditors
Grant Thornton UK LLP
Grant Thornton House
Melton Street
Euston Square
London NW1 2EP

Merchant bankers
Lazard 
50 Stratton Street
London W1J 8LL

Solicitors
Ashurst Morris Crisp
Clifford Chance
Dechert
Lawrence Graham
Mishcon de Reya
Norton Rose
Olswang 

1,400

1,300

1,200

1,100

1,000

900

800

700

600

500

400

300

200

100

0

1984

1985

1986

1987

1988

1989

1990

1991

1992

1993

1994

1995

1996

1997

1998

1999

2000

2001

2002

2003

2004

2005

Share price graph adjusted to take account of capital events (share splits etc.)
Source: Datastream

Designed and produced by Radley Yeldar (London)

01

HELICAL BAR PLC  Report & Accounts 2005

CORPORATE STATEMENT
Helical Bar is a property development and investment
company. Our objective is to maximise growth in assets per 
share using a recurring stream of development and trading 
profits to build up the investment portfolio.

FIVE YEAR SUMMARY

Rental income

Development profits

Adjusted profits before tax

Profit on sale of investment properties

Pre-tax profits

Return of cash/special dividend

Investment portfolio

Shareholders’ funds

Dividend per ordinary share

Diluted earnings per share

Adjusted diluted net asset value per share

Adjusted diluted triple net asset value per share 

Notes

Notes

31.03.05
£m

31.03.04
£m

31.03.03
£m

31.03.02
£m

31.03.01
£m

22.4

12.7

18.9

16.0

34.9

97.2

271.1

193.0

Pence

17.60

110.50
1078

992

1

2

3

4

25.3

–

11.7

2.0

13.7

–

334.9

234.9

Pence

16.60

39.60

884

804

29.3

4.6

16.7

2.1

25.2

–

342.5

226.9

Pence

15.00

59.20

775

704

31.4

17.1

20.3

2.5

22.6

28.4

439.9

227.7

Pence

13.75

57.80

775

664

28.6

29.5

25.1

0.7

25.8

–

453.6

223.6

Pence

12.50

67.70

754

651

1. Excludes profit on sale of investment properties and loss on sale of subsidiary.

2. Shareholders’ funds have been restated for the impact of the adoption of UITF38 – Accounting for ESOP Trusts.

3. After adding back additional deferred taxation arising from the clawback of capital allowances on sale of investment properties.

4. Adjusted for contingent liabilities of deferred taxation on chargeable gains on investment properties and the market value 

of financial instruments but after adding back the deferred taxation referred to in 3 above.

Helical Bar plc 20 year timeline

1984

On 21 August 1984 Michael Slade
was appointed to the Board of Helical
Bar. The adjusted share price of
the Company was 5p per share.

1985
On 29 November 1985 Nigel McNair
Scott was appointed to the Board of
Helical Bar as non-executive director.

Helical’s steel
reinforcement
business

02

HELICAL BAR PLC  Report & Accounts 2005

PERFORMANCE MEASURES
The performance of Helical’s property portfolio is measured by 
the Investment Property Databank (“IPD”) and compared to 
the portfolios of funds within IPD. In order to evaluate its overall
performance against other companies, Helical looks at total
shareholder return (“TSR”) and equity value added.

Investment Property Databank (“IPD”) Helical has compared the ungeared performance of its total property
portfolio against that of portfolios within the Investment Property Databank for the last 15 years.

IPD (monthly and quarterly valued funds) ungeared returns

Total returns %

Annualised over

Helical

IPD benchmark

Percentile rank

“0” means the top ranked fund.

1 year

5 years

10 years

15 years

28.5

17.2

0

17.3

11.3

1

19.1

11.4

0

17.7

8.5

0

Helical has been in the top percentile or above over one, five, ten and 15 years. The returns on capital earned
by Helical are generally higher than those measured by IPD due to the use of gearing.

The returns noted above take no account of the £13m surplus of trading and development stock above book
value arising from the directors’ valuation.

Shareholders’ return shows the increase in adjusted diluted net assets per share plus dividends paid and payable
in respect of each year as a percentage of the adjusted diluted net assets per share at the start of each year.

Increase in adjusted diluted net asset per share 

Add: dividends

2005
pence

2004
pence

194.00

109.00

2003
pence

0.00

2002*
pence

2001
pence

21.00

175.00

17.60

16.60

15.00

113.75

12.50

211.60

125.60

15.00

134.75

187.50

Adjusted diluted net asset value per share at start of year

884

775

775

754

579

Shareholders’ return

23.9%

16.2%

1.9% 17.9% 32.4%

*Dividends paid in 2002 includes a 100p per share special dividend.

Helical Bar plc 20 year timeline

1986

Michael Slade appointed Managing
Director. Steel reinforcement business
sold. Work commenced on Helical’s first
major development at 48 Chiswell Street,
London EC1.

1987

Nigel McNair Scott appointed Finance
Director. 25p shares sub-divided into
5p shares in 5 for 1 split. The Company
raised £19m from the issue of 5.25%
preference shares.

48 Chiswell Street,
London EC1

03

HELICAL BAR PLC  Report & Accounts 2005

Total shareholder return (Value £)

700

600

500

400

300

200

100

31/1/95

31/1/96

31/3/97

31/3/98

31/3/99

31/3/00

31/3/01

31/3/02

31/3/03

31/3/04

31/3/05

Helical Bar

FTSE All-Share Real Estate Index

Source: Thomson Financial

Above:
TOTAL SHAREHOLDERS’ RETURN 
This graph looks at the value, by 31 March 2005, of £100 invested in Helical Bar on 31 January 1995 compared with the value of £100 invested in the
FTSE All -Share Real Estate Index. The other points plotted are the values at intervening period-ends. Dividends received are re-invested in shares.

Total shareholder return measures the return to shareholders from share price movements and dividend income.

Helical Bar plc

UK equity market

Listed real estate sector index

Direct property

1 year
from
31 March
2004
% pa

3 years
from
31 March
2002
% pa

5 years
from 
31 March
2000
% pa

10 years
from
31 March
1995
% pa

35.6

15.6

25.4

18.0

14.8

2.0

16.4

13.7

20.0

(1.7)

15.8

11.5

20.7

8.1

12.2

11.4

15 years
from 
31 March
1990
% pa

17.7

9.3

8.3

9.1

19 years
from 
31 March
1986
% pa

27.4

10.1

9.5

–*

Source: New Bridge Street Consultants/Datastream. *Information not available.

Total return from activities shows the annual portfolio movement plus net earnings before interest, tax and
dividends and, for the year to 31 March 2003, negative goodwill.

Year ended 31 March

Portfolio valuation movements

2005
£000’s

2004
£000’s

2003
£000’s

2002
£000’s

2001
£000’s

30,097

24,162

(13,434)

18,528

39,320

Net earnings before interest, tax and dividends

41,637

20,225

34,865

37,352

45,065

Less: negative goodwill

Total return from activities

Equity value added

Year ended 31 March

Capital employed

Return on capital

Weighted average cost of capital

Spread

Equity value added/(lost)

1988

John Southwell appointed Chairman
of the Company. Forward sale of
99 City Road to BP Properties.
£43m of properties acquired from 
Rugby Securities, BP Pension Fund
and MFI.

–

–

(6,362)

–

–

71,734

44,387

15,069

55,880

84,385

2005

347

22.0

6.7

15.4

53.4

2004

348

11.5

7.0

4.5

15.6

2003 

377

3.9

6.1

(2.2)

(8.5)

2002 

390

10.5

6.3

4.2

19.6

2001

466

18.2

5.9

12.3

52.9

£m

%

%

%

£m

1989

Helical declared best performing property
share of the 1980s. Syndicated loan
facility of £100m arranged with
Security Pacific National Bank.

99 City Road,
London EC1

04

HELICAL BAR PLC  Report & Accounts 2005

Above:
COMMERCIAL ROAD,
BOURNEMOUTH

CHAIRMAN’S STATEMENT

I am delighted that the year to 31 March 2005, my 
last one as Chairman of Helical Bar plc, has been such 
a good one for the Company and its shareholders.

The Company made record profits in the year as 
the development pipeline returned to profitability. 
The continuation of the buoyant investment market
enabled the Company to sell £140m of investment
properties at prices 14% above March 2004 valuation
and increase year end values on the remaining
investment portfolio by 14.2%. 

In November 2004 the Company announced that 
it intended returning cash to shareholders and
subsequently paid out £97.2m (including costs). 
This Return of Cash has enhanced returns to
shareholders with the adjusted net asset value per
share at 31 March 2005 estimated to have been
boosted by 3% or 28p per share, with further
enhanced growth to come.

Results Profits after tax this year rose to £26.8m from
£11.5m, mainly due to an exceptional £16m profit 
on sale of investment properties and substantially
increased development profits of £12.7m (2004: nil).
Diluted earnings per share as a result rose by 179% 
to 110.5p (2004: 39.6p). The revaluation surplus on
the investment portfolio was £30m (2004: £24m). 
The Group’s adjusted net asset value per share rose by
22% to 1078p (2004: 884p) and the adjusted triple net
asset value (taking account of the contingent liabilities
of deferred tax and the market value of financial
instruments) rose by 23% to 992p per share (2004:
804p). These figures take no account of any surplus 
on the £96m of trading and development stock which
are held in our books, in accordance with normal
practice, at the lower of cost and net realisable value.
The directors’ valuation of trading and development
stock shows a surplus of £13m, the majority of which 
is attributable to the Unwins portfolio.

For shareholders, the Company continued its share
buy-back programme, purchasing 530,000 ordinary 
5p shares for £4.5m at an average of 843p per share.
These purchases took the total number of shares
bought in since July 2003 to 3,435,951 ordinary shares, 

Helical Bar plc 20 year timeline

1990

Helical entered the recession with no
development or Central London office
exposure protected by interest rate caps
and a high level of liquidity.

New Baltic House,
Cardiff

05

HELICAL BAR PLC  Report & Accounts 2005

approximately 11.5% of the Company’s share capital, 
at a cost of £26.0m and an average cost of 756p per
share. This average cost is a 30% discount to the
adjusted net asset value per share at 31 March 2005.

The encouraging prospects for 2005/2006 enable the
Board to recommend to shareholders a final dividend
of 11p per share (2004: 10.0p), an increase of 10%.
This proposed dividend, together with the interim
dividend of 6.6p (2004: 6.6p) paid in December 2004
makes a total dividend of 17.6p per share (2004: 16.6p)
in addition to the dividend paid as part of the Return
of Cash. This is an increase of 6% on last year. The total
dividend is covered over seven times by profits after tax.

Board I am delighted to welcome the appointment 
of Wilf Weeks to the Board of Helical Bar plc as a
non-executive director. Wilf specialises in Government
Relations and is currently Chairman of European
Public Affairs at Weber Shandwick. With Government
policy increasingly impacting on the property market
through planning intervention and tax rises an
experienced approach to local and central government
bodies will become increasingly important. 

1991

Despite making a loss for the only
time in its life as a property company,
Helical held high yielding well let
property enabling it to weather
the storm.

Left:
40 BERKELEY SQUARE,
LONDON W1

I would like to take this opportunity to thank all of Helical’s
staff, our professional advisors and our joint venture
partners, all of whom work very hard for the Company.

This is my last Chairman’s statement as I will be
stepping down at the Annual General Meeting 
after 17 years in this position. I will continue as a 
non-executive director but would like to put on 
record my thanks to my fellow directors throughout
this period for their support and advice. I would also 
like to wish Giles Weaver, my successor as Chairman, 
a long and successful period in office.

John Southwell
Chairman

15 June 2005

Temple Back,
Bristol

06

HELICAL BAR PLC  Report & Accounts 2005

PORTFOLIO BALANCE

Investment

Trading

Development

Total

London
offices

28.3%

0.6%

2.3%

31.2%

Retail 
in-town

17.5%

8.3%

5.3%

31.1%

Retail 
out-of-town

14.5%

1.2%

1.5%

17.2%

Industrial

12.4%

5.5%

0.0%

17.9%

Other

0.1%

0.9%

1.6%

2.6%

Total

72.8%

16.5%

10.7%

100.0%

CASH FLOW YIELDS (YIELDS EARNED BY HELICAL – EXCLUDE NOTIONAL PURCHASER’S COSTS) 

Investment

Trading

Development

Total

Initial

6.7%

5.0%

0.2%

5.7%

Reversionary

Equivalent

8.0%

8.1%

7.9%

8.0%

7.7%

7.8%

7.5%

7.7%

OPERATING REVIEW

Outlook The world appears to have an uncertain
future with continuing concerns over crude oil prices,
the global economy, the state of the High Street and
the housing market. Inflationary pressures seem to be
easing with the next move in interest rates currently
expected to be downwards.

Commercial property has delivered excellent returns
over the last two years, principally due to yield
compression which has lowered the return investors
are likely to earn in future years. Competition for
investment stock remains fierce. Investors need to
price bids based on unleveraged target returns of 
7%-8% or less to stand any chance of acquiring property
in the mainstream markets. 

Despite these challenging conditions, we believe it is
still possible to continue to achieve satisfactory returns
but only through effecting change. This may be
physical change via refurbishment or redevelopment
or through obtaining more valuable planning consents
or active tenant management. Our flexible acquisition
strategy incorporates a willingness to tackle difficult 
or empty properties in all sectors together with a rapid
response time (the 95 Unwins properties were
acquired in 48 hours) and harnessing a myriad of 
local contacts and skills via strong joint venture
relationships. This range of activities not only provides
diversification of risk, but a much increased chance of
sourcing deals at acceptable prices. Once yield shift
has run its course and property returns decline from
2004’s heady levels, we believe the potential for relative
outperformance of this approach should increase.

Helical Bar plc 20 year timeline

1992

In another difficult year for the property
industry, Helical reduced its gearing
through selective sales and benefitted
from falling interest rates.

Lyons Tetley Extension,
Aycliffe Industrial Estate

DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME
Operating Review

08

HELICAL BAR PLC  Report & Accounts 2005

On previous page and below:
ROPEMAKER PLACE, 
LONDON EC2

Above:
THE HEIGHTS, WEYBRIDGE

Completed office developments
40 Berkeley Square, London W1 40 Berkeley Square 
has been a tremendous success. Developed in a 
joint venture with existing owners Morley Fund
Management, the scheme was completed in March
2004 with 20,000 sq.ft. pre-let to The Blackstone
Group. Since completion, Blackstone have leased
a further 12,000 sq.ft. and we have let 11,900 sq.ft. 
to Caxton Europe Asset Management and 
21,310 sq.ft. to Multiplex Constructions (UK) Ltd.
Only the ground floor remains available to let.

The Heights, Brooklands, Weybridge A high quality
business park development of 337,000 sq.ft. in
five separate buildings. Building 2 has been let to
Kia Motors, 16,000 sq.ft., and Alliance Unichem,
23,600 sq.ft. Marketing efforts continue on the
remaining space and the number of viewings
has increased recently. The project was forward
funded with Prudential Assurance Company,
the terms of which limit our financial exposure.

Retail investment
at Wymondham

DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME 

Helical’s development objective is clear. The Group
seeks to recreate the profit streams achieved from
office and retail development over the last ten 
years by focusing on large Central London office
schemes, major mixed-use developments and retail
schemes. As in the last cycle it is anticipated that 
the retail schemes will contribute to development
profits before the larger office and mixed-use 
schemes come on stream.

Helical Bar plc 20 year timeline

1993

The Company raised £20m from the
issue of convertible preference shares to
invest in retail investment properties
and to purchase development sites.
Share price increased from 124p
at 1 January 2003 to 307p at
31 December 2003. 

09

HELICAL BAR PLC  Report & Accounts 2005

DEVELOPMENT SCHEMES – COMPLETED DEVELOPMENTS AVAILABLE TO LET

Offices

West End

Completion

Size
Sq.ft.

40 Berkeley Square, London W1

March 2004

75,000

Funding
institution

Morley

Thames Valley

The Heights, Weybridge

April 2003  337,000

Prudential Portfolio Managers 

Left:
MITRE SQUARE, 
LONDON EC3

Tenants

Space let
Sq.ft.

The Blackstone Group
Caxton Europe Asset Management
Multiplex Constructions (UK) Ltd

32,000
11,900
21,310

Kia Motors 
Alliance Unichem

16,000
23,600

DEVELOPMENT SCHEMES – CURRENT AND FUTURE PROGRAMME
Approximate
start date

Offices

Size
Sq.ft.

DEVELOPMENT SCHEMES – CURRENT AND FUTURE PROGRAMME
Approximate
start date

Offices

Size
Sq.ft.

City

Mitre Square, London EC3

Ropemaker Place, London EC2

Central London – mixed use

Clareville House, London SW1 

Wood Lane, White City

Thames Valley

Amen Corner, Bracknell

Retail/mixed use

2006

350,000

Trinity Square, Nottingham

2006

500,000

Commercial Road, Bournemouth

Bluebrick, Wolverhampton

2006

60,000

Hatters Retail Park, Luton

2006+

43 acres

Town Centre Shirley, Solihull

Shrub Hill, Worcester

2007

500,000

1994

The Company expanded its development
activities entering the retail market with
the formation of Helical Retail Ltd. 
The investment portfolio was refinanced
with over £120m of 7-10 year debt.

2005

235,000

2005

51,000

2005

170,000

2005

105,000

2006

160,000

2005

35,000

Cannon Park,
Coventry

10

HELICAL BAR PLC  Report & Accounts 2005

Above:
FRIARY RETAIL PARK,
STAFFORD

Below:
CLAREVILLE HOUSE, LONDON SW1

DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME
Continued

Future office development programme
Mitre Square, London EC3 A planning application for an
office scheme of 350,000 sq.ft. is due to be determined
by the City Planning Committee shortly. The proposed
development is a joint venture with Ansbacher Property
Development Ltd. Once planning has been granted
the outstanding land acquisitions can be progressed
and a pre-let campaign commenced.

Ropemaker Place, London EC2 We are acting as
Development Manager for DB Real Estate and have
received approval for a new building of approximately 
500,000 sq.ft. Demolition of the existing building 
will be completed in August 2005.

Clareville House We are acting as Development Manager
for Lattice Group Pension Scheme who own this
mixed use building where we aim to provide 35,000 sq.ft.
of offices, nightclub of 17,000 sq.ft., restaurant of 4,000
sq.ft. and retail 2,000 sq.ft. We will be carrying out an
extensive refurbishment. We are currently negotiating
a pre-let on the nightclub and seeking to obtain
planning consent.

Helical Bar plc 20 year timeline
Helical Bar plc 20 year timeline

1995

The Company had built up a development
programme with a completed end value of 
over £240m. Warehouse schemes at Guildford
and Theale and an office scheme in Leeds 
were completed. Office developments in Cardiff,
Weybridge, Bristol and Camberley were all 
under construction.

Wood Lane, White City On behalf of a number of
landowners, of which Helical is one, we are promoting
the regeneration of 43 acres of land at White City 
for a major mixed use development. The Office of
Metropolitan Architecture run by the world renowned
architect, Rem Koolhaas, has been appointed to 
carry out a masterplan for the site. We expect this
masterplanning process to be completed by October
2005 at which point a planning application can follow.
The scheme is likely to involve a high density mix of
offices, residential, leisure and other ancillary uses.

Amen Corner, Bracknell Having acquired a number of
properties and options over land at Amen Corner,
Bracknell, Helical is promoting a gateway office
development fronting the A329(M) through the Local
Development Framework planning process. A small
scale infill residential scheme is also being pursued.

Maxii Centre, Theale

11

HELICAL BAR PLC  Report & Accounts 2005

BBC Media Village

White City Station
on Central Line

New Station on
Hammersmith 
& City Line

BBC TV Centre

London Underground
Hammersmith & City Line

Shepherd’s Bush Green

London Underground
Central Line

Development Area
24.4 ha

M40 Motorway

Westfield Retail Scheme
(under construction)

Shepherd’s Bush
Station on Central Line

Above:
WOOD LANE, WHITE CITY

Retail developments
Helical’s retail development programme has expanded
significantly in the last year. The joint ventures with
Overton Developments and Oswin Developments 
have made good progress in respect of a number of
promising opportunities.

Friary Retail Park, Stafford Friary Retail Park, Stafford
was completed in December 2004. This is a 38,500 sq.ft.
retail scheme which was pre-let to TK Maxx (20,000
sq.ft.), PC World (15,000 sq.ft.) and Choices Video
(3,500 sq.ft.) and funded with Arlington Fund Managers
representing Tyne and Wear Metropolitan Borough
Council. A second phase involving a unit of 4,000 sq.ft.,
pre-let to Laura Ashley, has obtained planning consent
and is due to start on site in August 2005. The unit is
pre-sold to Arlington as an extension to the main
funding deal.

Trinity Square, Nottingham Helical completed the site
acquisition late last year and has since received detailed
planning consent for this major £100m city centre
project. The completed buildings which will adjoin the
Victoria Centre (Nottingham’s prime shopping pitch)
will contain 190,000 sq.ft. of retail space, 700 student
apartments and a multistorey car park with 470 spaces.

Demolition of the redundant buildings is well advanced,
and it is anticipated the construction work will
commence this summer. The development is expected
to be completed in summer 2007. Major pre-lets have
been signed up with Borders (26,000 sq.ft.), TK Maxx
(58,000 sq.ft.) and Dixons (25,000 sq.ft.) providing a
committed rent roll of £2.1m. Negotiations with a
major UK fund to forward sell the completed investment
are well advanced and are expected to be finalised
early this summer.

Commercial Road, Bournemouth Eight of the 11 shops
purchased in late 2003 were demolished over
Christmas 2004 with construction commencing on 
site in February 2005. The new 51,000 sq.ft. scheme
has been substantially pre-let to Hennes, Zara and
Republic with one unit remaining to let (6,000 sq.ft.).
The new development plus the retained investment
block let to Dixons, Wallis and Carphone Warehouse
have both been forward sold to a private Irish investor
for just over £40m.

1996

Helical’s development programme
continued to grow with buildings
completed in Cardiff, Bristol and
Camberley. Retail schemes in Leicester
and Newbury were underway.

Kingsway,
Cardiff

12

HELICAL BAR PLC  Report & Accounts 2005

Right:
TRINITY SQUARE,
NOTTINGHAM

DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME
Continued

Future retail development programme
Bluebrick, Wolverhampton The former low level station
comprising a total of 11 acres was purchased in
November 2003. The main nine acre site has been
marketed as a major regeneration mixed use scheme
and a planning application has now been submitted
for a 20,000 sq.ft. car showroom, 81 bed hotel, 
7,500 sq.ft. public house, five restaurants (23,000 sq.ft.)
in the listed station buildings and 208 apartments.
Consent is anticipated this summer with a view to
starting on site to demolish the surplus buildings 
and put in a spine road to provide serviced sites to 
the occupiers in the autumn.

Reg Vardy have signed up to purchase the car
showroom site which will trade as a Land Rover
Dealership and discussions are in hand with operators
for the Hotel and Public House. The apartments 
site will be sold following planning consent to a 
major house builder and the listed building conversion 
will be developed directly once occupiers have 
been secured.

Hatters Retail Park, Luton The eight acre site had been
secured by way of conditional contracts and following
receipt of planning consent for 80,000 sq.ft. of bulky
goods retail warehousing and 25,000 sq.ft. of industrial
units the contracts have now been triggered so the 
site will be bought in two tranches in summer 2005.

Marketing of the units is underway and active
discussions are in hand with a number of mainstream
retailers. It is envisaged that construction work will
commence early in 2006.

Helical Bar plc 20 year timeline

1997

The development programme starts to
produce results with profits made at
Weybridge, Leicester, Slough and
Peterlee. Helical switches its investment
portfolio into Central London offices.

Freeman’s Park,
Leicester

13

HELICAL BAR PLC  Report & Accounts 2005

Below:
LIME TREE VILLAGE, RUGBY

Town Centre Scheme, Shirley, Solihull The scheme which
comprises 160,000 sq.ft. of retail, anchored by a 
75,000 sq.ft. foodstore, and some 250 apartments is
being progressed through a 50:50 joint venture with
Coltham Developments. A development agreement 
has been exchanged with Solihull Metropolitan
Borough Council, who own the majority of the site, 
to promote the “Heart of Shirley” town centre scheme.
Site assembly is underway and it is envisaged that a
planning application will be submitted this summer
with a view to start on site early in 2006.

Shrub Hill, Worcester A purchase contract has been
entered into with First Bus subject to their relocation
to a new site and once this has been achieved the 
site, which has planning consent for 35,000 sq.ft. of
retail warehousing, can be progressed. In addition
there is also a one acre site with planning consent for 
45 canalside apartments.

Residential developments
The Group has from time to time acquired sites and
created value through obtaining planning consents 
for retirement villages.

Lime Tree Village, Dunchurch, Rugby This development
involves the refurbishment of a Victorian country
house and the construction of 153 bungalows, 
cottages and apartments for retirement. The first
phase of 50 homes and the refurbishment of the 
house have been completed. Phase two of a further
50 homes is under construction. 57 of the units 
have been sold or reserved.

Bramshott Place, Liphook Planning negotiations 
continue for a retirement village development
comprising 144 apartments, cottages and bungalows.
Subject to planning, work is due to start in 2006.

Gerald Kaye
Development Director

The Arena,
Bracknell.

1998

Helical’s development pipeline continued
with The Arena, Bracknell and 171 Bath
Road, Slough completed during the year.
Other developments in progress were at
Windsor, Mansion House Place, London
EC4 and 100 Wood Street, London EC2.

INVESTMENT PORTFOLIO
Operating Review

15

HELICAL BAR PLC  Report & Accounts 2005

Left:
C4.1 MILTON KEYNES

Above:
UNWINS PORTFOLIO 
OF 95 OFF-LICENCES

INVESTMENT 

INVESTMENT PORTFOLIO

The investment and trading portfolio had a good year
with a valuation uplift of 14.2%, sales of investment
properties at 13.6% over March 2004 valuation and
trading profits of £8.4m (including Helical’s share
of joint venture profits). In all, this produced an
unleveraged total return of 27.6% outperforming all
156 quarterly and monthly valued funds as measured
by IPD for the year to 31 March 2005. All figures
exclude the surplus arising from the valuation of
trading and development stock referred to in the
Chairman’s statement.

Offices

Industrial

Out-of-town retail

In-town retail

Total

VALUATION YIELDS

Offices

Industrial

Out-of-town retail

In-town retail

Total

Valuation 
ERV
movement movement

16.3%

10.8%

9.3%

10.1%

13.2%

14.2%

1.2%

5.9%

6.8%

7.2%

Average
unexpired
term
years

8.8

8.6

14.1

8.9

9.6

Initial

7.6%

7.5%

5.6%

4.1%

6.3%

True
Rever-
sionary Equivalent equivalent

7.9%

8.4%

6.3%

7.6%

7.6%

7.8%

8.2%

6.2%

7.0%

7.3%

8.2%

8.6%

6.5%

7.3%

7.7%

1999

The Company started the year by declaring its
first 100p special dividend. Building work started
on One Bunhill Row, London EC1, a 260,000 sq ft
office development pre-let to Slaughter and May.
Retail developments in Glasgow, Ilford and
Middlesborough were completed.

One Bunhill Row, London EC1

16

HELICAL BAR PLC  Report & Accounts 2005

Above:
NEXT UNIT, 
WESTON-SUPER-MARE

Retail 
In March 2005 we completed the £29m purchase 
of the 225,000 sq.ft. Morgan Department Store and
Royal and Morgan Arcades in Cardiff. Planning consent
has been obtained to convert the department store
into three large retail units, the biggest of which has
been pre-let to Sportsworld. Residential development 
is proposed for the upper floors. This holding is
“unworked” having been in family ownership for 
124 years and is in an improving pitch directly opposite
Land Securities’ and Liberty’s proposed St David’s 2
Shopping Centre, to be anchored by John Lewis.

Progress continues at our shopping centre in
Letchworth where we have created two larger units 
let to Bon Marche and Millets at £55 and £58 p.s.f.
Zone A, 60% above rental values at the time of our
2003 purchase. A residential planning consent to
convert an office building above the centre has been
obtained and further applications made for a mall 
café and small retail extension.

Helical Bar plc 20 year timeline

2000

The year saw the major office
developments at 100 Wood Street,
London EC2 and One Bunhill Row,
London EC1 completed. The investment
portfolio reached over £400m.

OUT-OF-TOWN RETAIL

Average
passing
(sq.ft.) rent (p.s.f.)

Size 

Vacancy
rate

Year Ownership
interest

acquired

Weston Retail Park,
Weston-super-Mare

Otford Road Retail 
Park, Sevenoaks

140,000

43,000

Homebase, St Austell

36,000

Focus, Ashford

32,000

Focus, Crowborough

27,000

Wickes, Worthing

26,000

£12

£14

£8

£15

£9

£11

304,000

£11.75

0%

0%

0%

0%

0%

0%

0%

1999

2003

2002

2004

2005

2003

75%

75%

75% 

75% 

75% 

75% 

TOWN CENTRE RETAIL

Average
passing
(sq.ft.) rent (p.s.f.)

Size 

Vacancy
rate

Year

acquired Comments

Morgans Department  160,000
Store, Cardiff

£17

60%

2005

Morgan & Royal 
Arcades, Cardiff

Garden Square, 
Letchworth

65,000

£40ZA

3%

2005

165,000

£40ZA

10%

2003

New
lettings
@ £55 
p.s.f. ZA

WH Smiths, Chiswick

5,000

£85ZA

0%

2000 Residential
site at rear

395,000

£50ZA

29%

100 Wood Street, London EC2

17

HELICAL BAR PLC  Report & Accounts 2005

Left:
HOMEBASE,
WINTERHILL

Turning to retail warehouses, we have acquired an 
infill site at our Weston-super-Mare Park and obtained
planning consent for a 27,000 sq.ft. unit pre-let to Wickes
at £14.25 p.s.f., a 19% uplift over previous rental values.
We also took a surrender of a 19,000 sq.ft. unit let to
Magnet which was subsequently relet to Next. Retail
warehouses of 32,000 sq.ft. in Ashford near Heathrow
and 27,000 sq.ft. in Crowborough, East Sussex were
acquired during the year. Both are highly reversionary.

Many of our more active retail assets are trading
properties, held within our accounts at the lower of
cost or value and where performance will only be
crystallised on sale. These are listed in the Trading
Properties table on page 21. 

In joint venture with local developers Abbeygate, we
have a number of ongoing projects in Milton Keynes.

• Construction is due to complete in June of an 

80,000 sq.ft. retail warehouse at Winterhill pre-let to
Homebase at £17.75 p.s.f. and funded with Arlington
Investors for £24.5m. 

• Our joint venture vehicle, Abbeygate Helical,
has been selected by English Partnerships as 
the developer for the £100m C4.1 project in 
central Milton Keynes. A 110,000 sq.ft. Sainsbury
supermarket and 400 residential units are planned
with construction due to start later this year.

• Discussions with English Partnerships have also

commenced to investigate the regeneration of the
Leisure Plaza (acquired in 2003) to create a mixed
use development encompassing retail, leisure and
residential uses of a similar scale to C4.1. 

Two further acquisitions have been made with
Abbeygate. A 28,000 sq.ft. industrial property adjoining
a retail park in Winterhill was acquired in November
for medium term retail redevelopment. A 10,000 sq.ft.
retail warehouse was acquired in January in central
Sheffield where we are promoting a ten storey
residential development.

2001

Helical maintained its excellent record 
as a fund within the Investment Property
Databank with an ungeared total return 
of 23.5% in the year to 31 March 2001. 
This performance helped keep Helical as 
the top performer in the previous 10 years.

Watchmoor Park, Camberley

18

HELICAL BAR PLC  Report & Accounts 2005

Right:
UPPER HIGH STREET, EPSOM

In January we acquired a site in Epsom with residential
consent which we are now promoting with adjoining
council land as an 80,000 sq.ft. supermarket development.
A planning application has been submitted.

Just before the financial year end we acquired for 
£25.5m a portfolio of 95 off licences all in the South
East of England and leased back to Unwins. With an
average lot size of under £500,000 these properties 
are likely to prove attractive to private investors and
will be traded on during the year at auction. The first
auction sale in May 2005 of 26 of the larger units
produced gross sales of over £16m.

Offices 
During the first half of the financial year 
offices were sold at 5-10 Paris Gardens, London SE1
for £18.25m, a half share of 66 Prescot Street, London
E1 for £14.35m, Westfields in High Wycombe for
£5.5m and Southfields Road, Dunstable for £3.3m. 
We also contracted early in the year to sell the
Interchange in Camden for £21.5m with completion
deferred to March 2005. The total of £62.9m of office
sales was marginally above March 2004 valuation 
and 37% over historic cost, all having been acquired
over the previous five years.

Helical Bar plc 20 year timeline

2002

A second special dividend of 100p per
share was declared in March 2002.
At a time of cyclical downturn in the
London office market we sought to
protect our long-term growth record by
scaling down our development activity
and de-risking our investment portfolio.

LONDON OFFICES

Average
passing 
(sq.ft.) rent (p.s.f.)

Size 

Vacancy
rate

Year

acquired Comments

Rex House, SW1

80,000

£56

0%

2000 Leasehold
expires 
2035

Shepherds Building, 
W14

61 Southwark Street, 
SE1

151,000

£19

3%

2000

90%
interest

66,000

£20

10%

1998

Rent
reviews 
2004 on 
32,000 sq.ft.

Battersea Studios, 
SW8

58,000

£16

94%

2005

50%
interest  

355,000

£27

18%

Cheapside House,
London EC2,
sold in 2002.

19

HELICAL BAR PLC  Report & Accounts 2005

Below:
BATTERSEA STUDIOS, SW8

Industrial 
After 17 years of ownership we sold in November 
our largest asset, our industrial holdings at Aycliffe 
and Peterlee, for £67.6m. This represented a 25% 
premium over our March 2004 valuation and nearly
three times historic cost. Industrial units were also 
sold at Avonmouth for £8m (26% above valuation) 
and Sawston for £1.5m (39% above the 2003 
purchase price).

As with the retail portfolio, many of our more 
active industrial properties are held as trading stock. 
These typically are refurbishments or redevelopments
designed for owner occupier sales at premium prices. 

Our 151,000 sq.ft. office refurbishment at Shepherd’s
Bush is now 97% let to over 40 tenants, principally
from the media sector, including Fox TV, National
Geographic TV, Endemol and Mulberry. The leasing 
of the building generated a 22% valuation increase 
this year but much potential for further growth remains
with the average rent passing at under £20 p.s.f.

At 61 Southwark Street, half the building by floor 
area has been subject to rent review during the year
with an average rental increase of 66% driving a 21%
valuation increase. 

Rex House in Regent Street, which was refurbished
and let in 2001, is being held for cash flow, rental
recovery and marriage value potential. The property is
leasehold with an unexpired term of just over 30 years.

In February we acquired for refurbishment 58,000 sq.ft.
of vacant TV studios and offices in Battersea in a 
50/50 joint venture. The project will follow the
concept developed at Shepherd’s Bush with multiple
suites created around central social facilities including
a café/bar.

2003
Asset management has been a key
driver of investment returns with
covenant enhancements, lease
restructuring and lettings all
contributing to revaluation surpluses.

Capital House,
London NW1,
sold in 2003.

20

Below:
DUNSTABLE

HELICAL BAR PLC  Report & Accounts 2005

Schemes in progress or completed during the year 
in joint venture with Dencora are 127,000 sq.ft. in
Harlow (100% sold), 46,000 sq.ft. Sawston, Cambridge
(44% sold, 22% under offer) and 36,000 sq.ft. in
Edenbridge (25% sold, 36% under offer) with a 
new project acquired in Newmarket (90,000 sq.ft.). 
We also completed 135,000 sq.ft. in Slough (52% sold
or let) in joint venture with Chancerygate with 
whom we also acquired a new project in Oxford
(56,000 sq.ft.).

At Dunstable we obtained a planning consent for
148 flats on a five acre industrial site which has 
been sold to Kingsoak for £8.2m (more than double
2002 purchase price). We also own industrial assets 
in Fleet (five acres) and Great Alne, Warwickshire 
(20 acres) where we have made planning applications
and are hopeful of obtaining residential or retirement
homes consents.

Michael Brown
Investment Director

Helical Bar plc 20 year timeline

2004

London’s most prime building,
40 Berkeley Square, London W1,
was completed. Asset management
drives a strong investment return.

INDUSTRIAL

Hawtin Park, 
Blackwood

Average
passing
(sq.ft.) rent (p.s.f.)

Size 

251,000

£2.85

Sawston, Cambridge

218,000

143,000

£4.30

£4.10

Vacancy
rate

Year Ownership
interest

acquired

7%

0%

0%

2003

2003

1990

67% 

105,000

£9.00

29%

2002

60%

102,000

£5.00

0%

2001

54,000

873,000

£7.00

£4.66

9%

6%

1999

Walton Summit, 
Preston

Standard Estate, 
N Woolwich 

Golden Cross, 
Hailsham

Waterside, Fleet

OTHER

Cardiff Royal Infirmary – vacant hospital on a peppercorn lease with
redevelopment potential

The Interchange,
Camden. Sold in
2004.

21

HELICAL BAR PLC  Report & Accounts 2005

Left:
SLOUGH, BERKSHIRE

TRADING PROPERTIES 
Address

Description

Unwins Portfolio

95 off licences in South East England

Upper High Street, Epsom

Residential site with supermarket potential

Bus Depot, Milton Keynes

Ongoing development pre-let to Homebase (80,000 sq.ft.) funded with Arlington

Leisure Plaza, Milton Keynes

119,000 sq.ft. leisure scheme with potential for mixed use development

Mailcom, Milton Keynes

28,000 sq.ft. industrial unit with retail warehouse potential

Globus Office World, Sheffield

10,000 sq.ft. retail warehouse with residential potential

Great Alne, Maudslay Park

314,000 sq.ft. industrial estate on a 20 acre site with potential for a retirement home use

Mill Street, Slough

135,000 sq.ft. industrial in 14 units

Fircroft Way, Edenbridge

36,000 sq.ft. industrial estate refurbished for owner occupier sales

Watlington Road, Oxford

56,000 sq.ft. offices/industrial to be refurbished/redeveloped for owner occupier sales

Willie Snaith Road, Newmarket

Site for 80,000 sq.ft. trade counter/industrial/office development

2/6 Curtain Road, London EC2 7,000 sq.ft. office forming part of a 700,000 sq.ft. development site

Year acquired

% interest

2005

2005

2001

2003

2004

2005

2004

2002

2004

2005

2005

2001

100%

100%

50%

50%

50%

50%

100%

90%

50%

80%

50%

50%

2005

Helical announces record results after
returning over £101m to shareholders
in a 400p Return of Cash and share
repurchases. Helical’s share price
reaches over 1400p.

Shepherds Building
London, W14

22

HELICAL BAR PLC  Report & Accounts 2005

FINANCIAL REVIEW

Profits
Adjusted profits before tax, excluding exceptional items and loss on sale of subsidiary, increased to £18.9m (2004: £11.7m).
Profits after tax and minority interest increased to £26.8m (2004: £11.2m).

Rental income
Net rental income for the year fell to £19.7m (2004: £23.0m) as the Group sold further investment and trading properties.
During the year £124.2m of investment properties, yielding £10.4m of rental income were sold. £22.3m was used to add to the
investment portfolio and £41.4m was used to purchase properties to be redeveloped or traded. Together these produce a
passing rent of £3.2m. Rent reviews and new lettings, net of lease expiries and rent free periods, added rental income of £1.7m
on the remaining portfolio. 

Rental costs increased from £2.3m to £2.8m, mainly from letting fees on previously vacant space.

Trading and other profits
Trading profits of £5.8m were up on last year (2004: £1.0m) and arose from the sale of a number of small industrial units in
Aycliffe & Peterlee, Harlow, Slough, Sawston and Edenbridge and a site in Dunstable.

Development profits
The development programme started to generate significant profits again with the office development at 40 Berkeley Square
and the retail schemes at Stafford and Bournemouth being the main contributors.

Developments 

Profits 

2005
£000

12,664

2004 
£000 

38

2003 
£000 

2002
£000 

2001
£000 

4,630 

17,072 

29,507

Administrative expenses
Administrative expenses increased from £8.0m to £15.8m due to an increased level of performance related bonuses.
Administrative expenses, before goodwill and executive bonuses, fell to £5.6m (2004: £6.0m). 

Profit on sale of investment properties – exceptional items
During the year to 31 March 2005 the Group sold £124.2m (2004: £82.2m) of investment property on which it made £16.0m
(2004: £2.0m) of profit over 31 March 2004 book value and sale costs. The properties sold included the industrial estates at
Aycliffe & Peterlee and Avonbridge, offices in Southwark, Camden and High Wycombe and a Sainsbury’s store in Wednesfield.

Net interest payable
Despite higher interest rates and a higher level of gearing in the second half of the year the cash surpluses arising from the
sale of investment properties kept net interest payable to £6.8m (2004: £6.6m). Interest received increased from £1.1m to
£1.9m as surplus cash from investment sales was placed on deposit prior to the Return of Cash. Interest of £2.3m (2004:
£1.8m) was capitalised reflecting the much increased holding of non-income producing development sites.

Net interest payable 

Interest payable on bank loans 

Other interest payable 

Finance arrangement costs 

Interest capitalised 

Interest receivable 

2005
£000

8,330

2,243

457

(2,296)

(1,948)

6,786

2004 
£000 

7,548

1,741

170

(1,817)

(1,070)

6,572

2003 
£000 

9,543 

2,351 

783 

(795) 

(2,244) 

2002
£000 

2001
£000

14,804 

19,514 

3,215 

408 

(1,006) 

(2,642) 

1,343 

572 

(1,597)

(591)

9,638 

14,779 

19,241 

23

HELICAL BAR PLC  Report & Accounts 2005

Taxation
The corporation tax charge for the year is less than the standard rate of 30% due to the use of capital allowances and tax losses.
It is expected that the corporation tax charge in the year to 31 March 2006 will be less than the standard rate of 30% due to the
same factors.

The deferred tax credit for the year reflects a full provision for capital allowances claimed in previous years which is more 
than offset by a reduction in previous years’ provisions where investment properties have been sold and there is no longer 
a potential for the clawback of the allowances claimed to date.

Dividends
The Board is recommending to shareholders at the Annual General Meeting on 20 July 2005 a final dividend of 11.0p per share
(2004: 10.00p) to be paid on 22 July 2005 to shareholders on the register on 10 June 2005. This, with the interim dividend of
6.60p, makes a total of 17.60p. This is an increase of 6% on the previous year’s dividend of 16.60p. This is covered over seven
times by profits after tax. 

Dividends 

Interim 

Final 

Total ordinary dividend

Special dividend

2005
pence

6.60

11.00

17.60

–

17.60

2004 
pence 

6.60

10.00

16.60

–

16.60

2003 
pence 

6.00 

9.00 

15.00 

–

15.00 

2002
pence

5.50 

8.25 

13.75 

100.00

113.75 

2001
pence 

5.00 

7.50 

12.50 

–

12.50

In the year to 31 March 2005 a 400p per share dividend was paid to shareholders holding 14,143,020 A shares as part of the
Return of Cash on 23 December 2004.

Earnings per share
Earnings per share in the year to 31 March 2005 were 115.2p (2004: 40.9p) per share and on a diluted basis were 110.5p
(2004: 39.6p) per share. 

Earnings per share

Earnings per share 

Diluted earnings per share 

2005
pence

115.2

110.5

2004 
pence 

40.9

39.6

2003 
pence 

61.2 

59.2 

2002
pence

60.0 

57.8 

2001
pence 

70.0 

67.7

Investment portfolio
During the year investment properties with a book value of £124.2m were sold and partly replaced by £22.3m of new
properties. In addition around £5.6m of capital expenditure was spent on refurbishing various office, industrial and retail
buildings. At 31 March 2005 there was a revaluation surplus of £30.1m (2004: £24.2m) on the investment portfolio.

Investment portfolio

Cost or valuation at 1 April 

Additions at cost 

Disposals 

Revaluation 

2005
£000

2004 
£000 

2003 
£000 

2002
£000 

2001
£000 

334,932

342,484

439,911 

453,607 

419,570 

30,314

50,464

47,175 

32,838 

24,341 

(124,210)

(82,178)

(131,168) 

(65,062) 

(29,624)

30,097

24,162

(13,434) 

18,528 

39,320 

Cost or valuation at 31 March 

271,133

334,932

342,484 

439,911 

453,607 

24

HELICAL BAR PLC  Report & Accounts 2005

FINANCIAL REVIEW
continued

Net asset values
The net asset values of Helical Bar plc have been affected by three main factors – the performance of the Company, the
payment of £97.2m in the Return of Cash and the adoption of UITF 38 – Accounting for ESOP Trusts.

In the year to 31 March 2005 the Company generated a retained profit, before payment of the A share dividend under the
Return of Cash reorganisation, of £23.3m (2004: £7.0m). A revaluation surplus of £30.1m (2004: £24.2m) was recognised.

Payments under the Return of Cash proposals totalled £97.2m with a further £2.45m to be paid in July 2005. In addition the
Company purchased 530,000 ordinary 5p shares for £4.5m.

The adoption of UITF 38 – Accounting for ESOP Trusts has resulted in a reduction in shareholders funds’ at 31 March 2005
of £6.9m (2004: £10.1m).

In calculating the net assets per share a provision has been made for the deferred tax which would become payable should all
the capital allowances claimed to date be clawed back as a taxable adjustment in the Group’s tax computations. The Group
believes this clawback is unlikely and accordingly, has calculated the diluted net asset value assuming this not to be the case 
in line with current industry practice. Adjusted diluted net assets per share of 1,078p compare to 884p in 2004. After allowing
for the unprovided deferred tax on revaluation surpluses and the value ascribed to financial instruments, the adjusted diluted
triple net asset value of the Group has increased from 804p to 992p at 31 March 2005.

Net asset values per ordinary share

Diluted net asset value – 1 

Diluted net asset value – 2 

2005
pence

1,078

992

2004 
pence 

884

804

2003 
pence 

775

704

2002
pence

775

664

2001
pence 

754

651

1 – net asset value diluted for share options but adding back the provision of deferred tax on clawback of capital allowances.
2 – net asset value diluted for share options and adjusted for unprovided deferred tax, FRS13 value of financial instruments
but adding back the provision of deferred tax on clawback of capital allowances.

Diluted net asset values per share for 2002 reflect a special dividend of 100p per share paid in April 2002.

Net asset values for the year to 31 March 2001 and subsequently have been restated to reflect the impact of the adoption of
UITF 38 – Accounting for ESOP Trusts, regarding the disclosure of the investment in the Company’s shares held by its
Employee Share Ownership Plan Trust.

Borrowings and financial risk
The Group’s ongoing reduction in its exposure to the Central London office market has continued the reduction in debt 
and, at 31 March 2005, net debt had fallen to £125.0m from £129.8m. The Group’s net gearing increased to 66% from 55% 
at 31 March 2004.
Net debt and gearing 

2004 

2003 

2002

2005

2001

Net debt 

Gearing 

£125.0m

£129.8m

£140.9m 

£152.4m 

£232.8m 

66%

55%

62% 

67% 

104% 

The Group seeks to manage financial risk by ensuring that there is sufficient financial liquidity to meet foreseeable needs and
to invest surplus cash safely and profitably. At the year end, Helical had £51m of undrawn bank facilities and cash of £28.2m
(2004: £18.3m). In addition it had £130m of uncharged property on which the Group could borrow funds. 

As at 15 June 2005 Helical’s average interest rate was 6.01%. 

FRS13 requires disclosure of financial instruments on a fair value basis and at 31 March 2005 an adjustment to reflect this
basis would reduce net assets, after tax relief, by £1.2m (2004: £2.0m) which, if provided for, would reduce diluted net assets 
by 6p per share (2004: 7p). 

25

HELICAL BAR PLC  Report & Accounts 2005

Shares purchased for cancellation
Using the authority granted at the 2003 AGM, the Company continued its share purchase programme and, in May and June
2004, purchased 530,000 ordinary 5p shares for cancellation at an average price of 843p per share and a total cost of £4.5m.

The total number of shares purchased since July 2003 is 3,435,951, approximately 11.5% of the share capital in issue prior 
to the start of the purchases, at a total cost of £26.0m and an average cost of 756p per share. This average cost is at a 30%
discount to adjusted net asset value of 1,078p per share and a 24% discount to “triple net” asset value of 992p per share. 

Return of Cash
On 18 November 2004 the Company announced that it intended returning £4.00 per existing ordinary share to shareholders
in conjunction with a reorganisation of the Company’s share capital. This Return of Cash was structured to give shareholders
a choice between receiving it in the form of capital or income or, alternatively, to receive new ordinary shares in lieu of the
entitlement to a cash payment.

The Return of Cash was approved by shareholders at an Extraordinary General Meeting held on 20 December 2004.

Shareholders holding 14,143,020 ordinary shares elected, or were deemed to have elected, for A shares which entitled the
holders of these shares to a £4.00 dividend per share and, accordingly, on 23 December 2004 a total dividend of £56,572,080
was paid. Shareholders holding 10,586,829 ordinary shares elected to receive B shares. B shareholders were entitled to have
those shares repurchased for £4.00 each, or to retain the B shares pending receipt of an offer to purchase the shares for 
£4.00 after 5 April 2005. The Company received notification that shareholders representing 9,974,125 B shares had accepted
the repurchase offer. Accordingly, on 23 December 2004 and 5 January 2005 payments totalling £39,896,500 were made.
It is anticipated that the remaining 612,074 B shares will be repurchased in July 2005. Shareholders holding 2,426,676
ordinary shares elected to receive C shares which entitled the holders of these shares to convert them into new ordinary
shares at a conversion rate of one new share for every 3.2 C shares held. Accordingly, 758,336 new ordinary shares were issued
at an effective 20% premium to the prevailing share price at the date the Return of Cash was announced.

International Financial Reporting Standards
International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) will first apply to the financial statements of Helical Bar plc for the year to
31 March 2006 and will be adopted when we report our interim results for the period to 30 September 2005. Our preparations
for this are well advanced.

The main effects of IFRS for Helical Bar will be:

• recognition of investment property revaluation surpluses and deficits in the income statement and the associated deferred

tax liability in the tax charge and balance sheet;

• mark to market valuation of financial instruments.

• dividends will be recognised effectively when paid, rather than when proposed.

Accounting Standards – Adoption of UITF38
The adoption of UITF38 – Accounting for ESOP Trusts in these financial statements has resulted in the cash paid to third
parties to acquire shares in the Company held by the ESOP Trust being treated as a deduction from Shareholders’ Funds
and not as a fixed asset investment. A corresponding adjustment has been made to the balance sheet at 31 March 2004 and
a number of comparative figures at that date and for previous years have been restated.

Nigel McNair Scott 
Finance Director

26

HELICAL BAR PLC  Report & Accounts 2005

HELICAL BAR PLC AND SUBSIDIARY UNDERTAKINGS 
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2005
Consolidated Profit and Loss Account

Turnover (including share of joint ventures’ turnover)

Less: share of joint ventures’ turnover 

Turnover 

Cost of sales 

Gross profit 

Administrative expenses

Operating profit 

Share of operating profit in joint ventures 

Profit on sale of investment properties 

Loss on sale of subsidiary 

Profit on ordinary activities before interest 

Net interest payable and similar charges 

Profit on ordinary activities before taxation 

Tax on profit on ordinary activities 

Profit on ordinary activities after taxation 

Equity minority interests 

Profit for the year 

Dividends paid and proposed 

Retained (loss)/profit for the year 

By company 

By subsidiaries 

By joint ventures 

Earnings per share 

Diluted earnings per share 

Year ended
31.3.05
£000

105,808

Year ended
31.3.04
£000

55,984

(4,647)

(1,418)

101,161

54,566

(62,807)

(29,916)

38,354

24,650

(15,768)

(8,037)

22,586

3,078

15,973

–

41,637

(6,786)

34,851

(8,037)

26,814

(17)

26,797

(60,105)

(33,308)

16,613

1,636

2,035

(59)

20,225 

(6,572)

13,653 

(2,199)

11,454

(232)

11,222 

(4,263)

6,959

(36,824)

30,157

1,194

2,322

115.2p

110.5p

(23,569)

371

40.9p

39.6p

Note

2 

2 

3

4 

5 

6

7 

22

8 

9 

9 

The notes on pages 30 to 46 form part of these financial statements.

27

HELICAL BAR PLC  Report & Accounts 2005

HELICAL BAR PLC AND SUBSIDIARY UNDERTAKINGS 
AT 31 MARCH 2005
Balance Sheets

Fixed assets

Intangible assets 

Tangible assets 

Investments

Investment in joint ventures 

– share of gross assets 

– share of gross liabilities 

Current assets

Stock 

Debtors 

Investments 

Cash at bank and in hand 

Note 

10

11 

12

12

13 

14 

15 

16 

Group
31.3.05
£000

As restated
Group 
31.3.04
£000 

Company
31.3.05
£000

As restated
Company 
31.3.04 
£000

673

873

271,673

335,435

–

2,195

6,469

–

719

17,684

(4,274)

(16,965)

–

540

–

503

15,300

8,337

–

–

–

–

–

–

274,541

337,027

15,840

8,840

95,568

36,560

123

70,254

25,573

263

28,203

18,284

160,454

114,374

472

92

75,374

162,839

–

20,776

96,622

–

10,511

173,442

Creditors: amounts falling due within one year 

17 

(104,441)

(78,662)

(9,898)

(5,016)

Net current assets

56,013

35,712

86,724

168,426

Total assets less current liabilities

330,554

372,739

102,564

177,266

Creditors: amounts falling due after more than one year 

Provisions for liabilities and charges 

Capital and reserves

Called-up share capital 

Share premium account 

Own shares held

Revaluation reserve

Capital redemption reserve 

Other reserves

Profit and loss account 

Shareholders’ funds

Equity minority interests

18 

20 

21 

22 

22

22

22 

22 

22 

(132,043)

(131,779)

(1,799)

(2,345)

–

(106)

–

(90)

196,712

238,615

102,458

177,176

3,621

39,110

1,357

35,900

3,621

39,110

1,357

35,900

(6,893)

(10,106)

(6,893)

(10,106)

69,214

89,323

7,467

291

7,246

291

–

7,467

1,987

–

7,246

1,987

80,234

110,906

57,166

140,792

193,044

234,917

102,458

177,176

3,668

3,698

–

–

196,712

238,615

102,458

177,176

Shareholders’ funds – equity

190,328

234,917

99,742

177,176

– non equity

2,716

–

2,716

–

193,044

234,917

102,458

177,176

The financial statements were approved by the Board of Directors on 15 June 2005.

M.E. Slade 
Director 
The notes on pages 30 to 46 form part of these financial statements.

N.G. McNair Scott 
Director

28

HELICAL BAR PLC  Report & Accounts 2005

HELICAL BAR PLC AND SUBSIDIARY UNDERTAKINGS 
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2005
Statement of Total Recognised Gains and Losses

Profit for the year after taxation 

Minority interest 

Revaluation of investment properties – subsidiaries 

– joint ventures 

Minority interest in revaluation surplus 

Total recognised gains and losses in the year

Prior year adjustment – ESOP Trust shares

Total recognised gains and losses since last financial statements

Notes on Historical Cost Profits and Losses

Reported profit on ordinary activities before taxation 

Realisation of property revaluation gains of previous years 

Historical cost profit on ordinary activities before taxation

Historical cost profit for the year retained 

Reconciliation of Movements in Shareholders’ Funds

Profit for the year 

Dividends paid and proposed 

Revaluation of investment property – subsidiaries 

– joint ventures 

Minority interest in revaluation surplus 

Issue of shares 

Purchase of own shares

Return of cash – B share repurchase

Expenses of Return of Cash

Employee Share Ownership Plan Trust 

Net movement in shareholders’ funds

Opening shareholders’ funds 

Prior year adjustment – ESOP Trust shares

Closing shareholders’ funds 

The notes on pages 30 to 46 form part of these financial statements.

Year ended 
31.3.05
£000

Year ended 
31.3.04 
£000

26,814

11,454

(17)

(232)

30,097

23,912

192

(960)

–

(849)

56,126

34,285

(10,106)

–

46,020

34,285

31.3.05
£000

34,851

49,438

84,289

31.3.04 
£000

13,653

27,339

40,992

16,130

34,298

31.3.05
£000

26,797

As restated
31.3.04 
£000

11,222

(60,105)

(4,263)

(33,308)

30,097

192

(960)

3,965

6,959

23,912

–

(849)

635

(4,467)

(21,515)

(39,896)

(709)

3,213

–

–

(1,095) 

(41,873)

8,047

234,917

226,870

(10,106)

–

193,044

234,917

29

HELICAL BAR PLC  Report & Accounts 2005

HELICAL BAR PLC AND SUBSIDIARY UNDERTAKINGS 
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2005
Consolidated Cash Flow Statement

Year ended
31.3.05
£000

Year ended 
31.3.04 
£000

32,618

(11,082)

Note 

23 

846

24 

(9,715)

(42)

24 

76,171

(124)

1,415

(6,828)

(6,469)

19,002

40,415

25 

26 

(60,798)

(4,309)

38,956

9,347

32,144

132

3,965

635

(4,467)

(21,515)

4,859

(220)

(32,465)

(709)

(9,060)

(57)

–

–

(29,037)

(29,997)

19,266

2,279

31.3.05
£000

19,266

(9,347)

(4,639)

(457)

4,823

31.3.04
£000

2,279

(132)

9,117

(170)

11,094

(129,799)

(140,893)

(124,976)

(129,799)

Net cash inflow/(outflow) from operating activities 

Dividends from joint ventures

Returns on investment and servicing of finance

Taxation 

Capital expenditure and financial investment 

(Acquisitions)/disposals

Equity dividends paid

Cash flow before management of liquid resources and financing 

Management of liquid resources 

Financing

– issue of shares 

– purchase of shares

– increase/(decrease) in debt 

– refinancing costs 

– return of cash B shares

– expenses of return of cash 

Increase in cash 

Reconciliation of Net Cash Flow to Movement in Net Debt

Increase in cash in the year

Cash inflow from management of liquid resources 

Cash (inflow)/outflow from change in debt 

Debt arrangement expenses 

Movement in net debt in the year 

Net debt 1 April 2004

Net debt 31 March 2005

The notes on pages 30 to 46 form part of these financial statements.

30

HELICAL BAR PLC  Report & Accounts 2005

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

1. Principal accounting policies

Basis of preparation
The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with applicable United Kingdom accounting standards and 
under the historical cost convention, as modified by the revaluation of investment properties. Compliance with SSAP 19,
Investment Properties requires a departure from the requirements of the Companies Act 1985 relating to depreciation and 
an explanation of this departure is given below.

The principal accounting policies of the Group are set out below. The policies have remained unchanged from the previous year
except for the adoption of UITF38 Accounting for ESOP Trusts, the impact of which is shown in the accounting policy below.

Basis of consolidation
The Group financial statements consolidate those of the Company and its subsidiary undertakings drawn up to 31 March
2005. Profits or losses on intra group transactions are eliminated in full.

Turnover
Turnover represents rental income which is recognised evenly over the term of the lease to which it relates, the proceeds 
from the sale of trading properties and developments and proceeds from the sale of listed investments. For funded
developments, turnover comprises the increase in the valuation of work during the year and profit recognised on each
development. Profit recognised but not received is carried forward in trade debtors. Income from the sale of trading
properties is included in the profit and loss account when, in the opinion of the directors, a binding contract of sale exists.

Depreciation
Depreciation is calculated to write down the cost to residual value of all fixed assets, excluding investment properties, by equal
annual instalments over their expected useful economic lives.

The annual rates generally applicable are:

– short leasehold property
– leasehold improvements
– vehicles & office equipment

length of lease
10% or length of lease if shorter
25%

Developments
The attributable profit on developments is recognised once their outcome can be assessed with reasonable certainty. In the
case of developments funded by institutions this profit is recognised once the developments are let and over the period of
construction of the building.

Stock
Stock is stated at the lower of cost and net realisable value.

Long-term contract balances included in stock are stated at cost, after provision has been made for any foreseeable losses 
and the deduction of applicable payments on account.

Deferred taxation
In accordance with FRS19 the Group makes full provision for timing differences which are primarily in respect of capital
allowances on plant and machinery and industrial buildings allowances, both types of allowances derived from assets acquired
with, or subsequently purchased for, the Group’s investment property portfolio. Deferred tax assets and liabilities provided 
for under FRS19 are discounted to reflect the time value of money between the balance sheet date and the dates that it is
estimated that the underlying timing differences will reverse. Following the sale of a property, any deferred tax provisions not
required will be released to the profit and loss account. Deferred tax assets are recognised only when recovery of those assets
is reasonably certain. No deferred tax liability is recognised in respect of the revaluation surplus on investment properties in
accordance with FRS19.

Interest capitalised on development properties
Where recovery is reasonably certain interest costs incurred on development properties are capitalised until the earliest of:

– the date when the development becomes fully let;
– the date when the income exceeds outgoings; and,
– the date of completion of the development.

Investment property
Completed investment properties are included in the balance sheet at their open market values. Any surplus arising is
credited to the revaluation reserve and any temporary deficits are netted off against the remaining balance on the reserve.
Permanent diminutions in value below original cost are reflected through the profit and loss account. In accordance with the
Statement of Standard Accounting Practice No. 19 – Accounting for Investment Properties, freehold investment properties
and leasehold investment properties where the unexpired term is over twenty years are not depreciated but are usually valued
by an external valuer every year. In years where an external valuation is not commissioned eg where a property has recently
been purchased or is undergoing a major refurbishment, a valuation is undertaken by a suitably qualified member of the
Company’s staff.

This policy represents a departure from the Companies Act 1985 which requires depreciation to be provided on all fixed
assets. The effect of depreciation is already reflected in the valuation of investment properties and the amount attributable 
to depreciation cannot reasonably be separately identified or quantified by the valuers. Had the provisions of the Act been
followed, net assets would not have been affected, but revenue profits would have been reduced and revaluation surpluses
correspondingly increased. The directors consider that this policy is necessary in order that the financial statements may give a
true and fair view because current values and changes in current values are of prime importance rather than the calculation of
systematic annual depreciation. Depreciation is only one of many factors affecting annual valuation.

31

HELICAL BAR PLC  Report & Accounts 2005

1. Principal accounting policies (continued)

Financing costs
The Group uses derivative financial instruments to manage exposure to fluctuations in interest rates. Financial assets are
recognised in the balance sheet at the lower of cost and net realisable value. Provision is made for diminution in value 
where appropriate.

The costs of arranging finance for the Group, including financial instruments entered into to protect against the effects 
of interest rate movements, are written off to the profit and loss account over the terms of, and in proportion to, the
associated finance.

Goodwill
Goodwill arising on acquisition is treated as an intangible asset and the cost written off in equal instalments over its useful
economic life. The useful economic life is estimated to be 15 years.

Employees share ownership plan trust
The Company has adopted UITF abstract 38 which changes the presentation of own shares held in an employee share
ownership plan. The corresponding balance sheet amount is restated. Net cash paid to acquire shares is now deducted in
arriving at shareholders’ funds.

Joint venture companies
The Group’s share of the profits or losses and other recognised gains or losses of the joint ventures are included in the Group
profit and loss account and statement of total recognised gains and losses, respectively. Where the accounting periods covered
by audited financial statements are not coterminous with those of the Group, the share of profits or losses of the joint ventures
has been arrived at from the last audited financial statements available and unaudited management accounts to the Group’s
balance sheet date.

The Group balance sheet includes the investment in the joint ventures and the Group’s share of net assets and the goodwill
arising on the acquisition of the interest in so far as it has not already been amortised.

The Company balance sheet shows the investment in the joint ventures at cost less amounts written off.

Liquid resources
Liquid resources represent current asset investments that are disposable without disruption to the business, and are either
readily convertible into cash at or close to their carrying amount, or are traded in an active market. Liquid resources include
short term deposits that may be withdrawn at more than 24 hours notice.

Liquid resources are managed by the Group by investing as short-term cash deposits at prevailing deposit rates whilst ensuring
appropriate access to such funds to meet foreseeable needs.

2. Turnover and gross profit on ordinary activities before taxation

The analysis of turnover and gross profit by function is as follows:

Trading property sales 

Rental income 

Developments 

Other income and provisions 

Central overheads 

Interest payable less receivable

Share of joint venture company profits 

Adjusted profit

Turnover
Year ended 
31.3.05
£000 

Turnover 
Year ended 
31.3.04 
£000 

Gross profit 
Year ended
31.3.05 
£000 

Gross profit
Year ended 
31.3.04 
£000

25,432

22,437

52,917

375

5,264

25,283

23,418

601

5,771

19,684

12,664

235

1,031

22,980

38

601

101,161

54,566

38,354

24,650

(15,768)

(6,786)

3,078

18,878

(8,037)

(6,572)

1,636

11,677

Adjusted profit is profit before taxation, profit on sale of investment properties and loss on sale of subsidiary.

All sales were within the UK. All turnover is attributable to continuing operations. Joint ventures are excluded from turnover
shown above.

An analysis of property assets can be found in note 11 and the directors do not consider a further analysis of net assets to 
be appropriate.

32

HELICAL BAR PLC  Report & Accounts 2005

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
continued

3. Administrative expenses

Administration 

Operating profit on ordinary activities is stated after:

Staff costs during the year:

– salaries and other remuneration

– social security costs 

– other pension costs 

Depreciation and amortisation:

– tangible fixed assets 

– goodwill 

Auditors’ remuneration:

– audit services 

– non-audit services (working capital review and VAT advice)

Year ended 
31.3.05 
£000 

Year ended 
31.3.04 
£000

15,768

8,037

9,741

1,654

76

4,976

656

125

11,471

5,757

190

81

110

47

213

65

110

16

Details of directors’ remuneration are included in the Directors’ Remuneration Report on pages 55 to 61.

With the exception of the pension contributions referred to in the Directors’ Remuneration Report, other pension costs relate
to payments to individual pension plans.

The average number of employees of the Group during the year was:

Management and administration 

4. Sale of investment properties

Net proceeds from the sale of investment properties 

Book value (note 11)

Profit on sale of investment properties 

31.3.05

22

31.3.04

25

31.3.05
£000

31.3.04 
£000

140,183

84,213

(124,210)

(82,178)

15,973

2,035

In calculating the profit on sale of investment properties in the year the uplift in value arising from the revaluation of the
investment portfolio at 30 September 2004, for the purposes of the Interim Statement, has not been taken into account.

5. Net interest payable and similar charges

Interest payable on bank loans and overdrafts 

Finance arrangement costs 

Other interest payable and similar charges 

Interest capitalised 

Interest receivable and similar income 

31.3.05 
£000

8,330

457

2,243

11,030

(2,296)

8,734

(1,948)

6,786

31.3.04
£000

7,548

170

1,741

9,459

(1,817)

7,642 

(1,070)

6,572

Interest payable on bank loans and overdrafts includes the Company’s share of interest payable by joint ventures of £258,000
(2004: £746,000).

33

HELICAL BAR PLC  Report & Accounts 2005

6. Taxation on profit on ordinary activities

The tax charge is based on the profit for the year and represents:

United Kingdom corporation tax at 30% (2004: 30%)

– group corporation tax

– share of joint ventures corporation tax

– adjustment in respect of prior periods

Current tax charge 

Deferred tax – origination of timing differences (note 20) 

– share of joint ventures

Tax on profit on ordinary activities 

Year ended
31.3.05 
£000

Year ended
31.3.04
£000

6,100

570

1,913

8,583

(546)

–

8,037

2,084

372

(67)

2,389

(361)

171

2,199

Factors affecting tax charge for period:
The tax assessed for the period is lower than the standard rate of corporation tax in the UK (30%). The differences are
explained below:

Profit on ordinary activities before tax 

Profit on ordinary activities multiplied by standard rate of corporation tax 
in the UK of 30% (2004: 30%) 

Effect of:

– Payments for use of tax losses 

– Expenses not deductible for tax purposes 

– Capital allowances for period in excess of depreciation 

– Profit on sale of investment property in excess of chargeable gain

– Tax relief on share options

– Other timing differences 

Current tax charge for period 

7. Dividends

Attributable to equity share capital

Ordinary

– interim paid 6.60p (2004: 6.60p) per share

– final proposed 11.00p (2004: 10.00p) per share 

Total 17.60p (2004: 16.60p) per share 

A Shares – Return of Cash

– paid 23 December 2004

31.3.05 
£000 

34,851

31.3.04 
£000

13,653 

10,455

4,096

3,586

507

(1,889)

(4,792)

(1,476)

(291)

6,100

937

94

(1,925)

(611)

(845)

338 

2,084 

31.3.05
£000

31.3.04 
£000

1,702

1,831

3,533

56,572

60,105

1,739

2,524

4,263

–

4,263

The interim dividend of 6.60p was paid on 17 December 2004 to shareholders on the register on 26 November 2004. 
The final dividend, if approved at the AGM on 20 July 2005, will be paid on 22 July 2005 to shareholders on the register on 
10 June 2005.

34

HELICAL BAR PLC  Report & Accounts 2005

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
continued

8. Parent company
The Company has taken advantage of Section 230 of the Companies Act 1985 and has not included its own profit and loss
account in the financial statements. The profit for the year of the Company was £23,281,000 (2004: £34,420,000).

9. Earnings per share
The calculation of the basic earnings per share is based on the earnings attributable to ordinary shareholders divided by the
weighted average number of shares in issue during the year. Shares held by the ESOP, which has waived its entitlement to
receive dividends, are treated as cancelled for the purposes of this calculation.

The calculation of diluted earnings per share is based on the basic earnings per share, adjusted to allow for the issue of shares
on the assumed exercise of all dilutive options.

Reconciliations of the earnings and weighted average number of shares used in the calculations are set out below.

Year ended 
31.3.05 
Weighted 
average 
no. of shares 

Earnings 
£ 

Per share 
amount 
pence 

Earnings 
£ 

Year ended 
31.3.04
Weighted 
average 
no. of shares 

Basic earnings per share 

26,797,325

23,261,966

115.2

11,222,716

27,413,946

Dilutive effect of share options 

994,805

897,915

Per share 
amount
pence

40.9

Diluted earnings per share

26,797,325

24,256,771

110.5

11,222,716

28,311,861

39.6

10. Intangible fixed assets

Group

Cost at 1 April 2004 

Additions

Disposals

Cost at 31 March 2005

Amortisation at 1 April 2004 

Provision for the year 

Amortisation at 31 March 2005

Net book amount at 31 March 2005

Net book amount at 31 March 2004 

Additions in the year relate to the acquisition of 50% of the shares in Prescot Street Investments Limited.

Goodwill
£000

1,634

124

(243)

1,515

761

81

842

673

873

35

HELICAL BAR PLC  Report & Accounts 2005

11. Tangible fixed assets

Group

Cost or valuation at 1 April 2004

Additions at cost 

Disposals 

Revaluation 

Cost or valuation at 31 March 2005 

Depreciation at 1 April 2004

Provision for the year 

Eliminated on disposals 

Depreciation at 31 March 2005 

Net book amount at 31 March 2005

Net book amount at 31 March 2004

Investment
properties
freehold 
£000 

Investment
properties
leasehold 
£000 

Short 
leasehold 
property & 
improvements 
£000 

Vehicles 
& office 
equipment 
£000 

Total
£000

270,182

29,324

64,750

990

(117,853)

(6,357)

22,030

203,683

8,067

67,450

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

203,683

270,182

67,450

64,750

646

–

–

–

646

412

46

–

458

188

234

820

232

336,398

30,546

(199)

(124,409)

–

853

551

144

(194)

501

352

269

30,097

272,632

963

190

(194)

959

271,673

335,435

Interest capitalised in respect of the development of investment properties is included in tangible fixed assets to the extent of
£1,013,000 (2004: £1,013,000).

Short
leasehold 
property & 
improvements 
£000 

Vehicles
& office
equipment 
£000 

Company

Cost at 1 April 2004

Additions at cost 

Disposals

Cost at 31 March 2005

Depreciation at 1 April 2004

Provision for the year

Eliminated on disposals 

Depreciation at 31 March 2005

Net book amount at 31 March 2005

Net book amount at 31 March 2004 

646

–

–

646

412

46

–

458

188

234

Total
£000

1,466

232

(199)

1,499

963

190

820

232

(199)

853

551

144

(194)

(194)

501

352

269

959

540

503

36

HELICAL BAR PLC  Report & Accounts 2005

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
continued

11. Tangible fixed assets (continued)
The investment properties have been valued on an open market basis at 31 March 2005 as follows:

Cushman & Wakefield Healey & Baker, International Real Estate Consultants 

DTZ Debenham Tie Leung, International Property Advisors 

Jones Lang LaSalle, International Real Estate Consultants 

Drivers Jonas, Chartered Surveyors 

Knight Frank, Chartered Surveyors 

Directors’ valuation

The net surplus arising of £30,097,000 (2004: £24,162,000) has been transferred to the revaluation reserve.

The historical cost of investment property is £201,919,000 (2004: £244,319,000).

£000

178,750

19,280

57,250

11,000

4,000

853

271,133

12. Fixed asset investments

Shares in subsidiary undertakings at cost 

The movement in the year was as follows:

At 1 April 2004

Acquired during year

Further investment in existing subsidiaries

At 31 March 2005

Group
31.3.05
£000

–

–

Group
31.3.05
£000

–

–

–

–

Group
31.3.04
£000 

–

–

Company
31.3.05
£000

15,300

15,300

Company 
31.3.04
£000

8,337

8,337

Group 
31.3.04 
£000 

Company
31.3.05
£000

Company
31.3.04
£000

–

–

–

–

8,337

1,303

5,660

3,318

5,019

–

15,300

8,337

Interests in joint venture companies
At 31 March 2005 the Group and the Company had interests in the following joint venture companies:

Abbeygate Helical (Leisure Plaza) Ltd

Abbeygate Helical (Winterhill) Ltd

Grosvenor Hill (Sprucefields) Ltd 

Shirley Advance LLP

Country of 
incorporation 

Class of share  Proportion held
Group

capital held 

Proportion held 
Company 

Nature of
business

United 
Kingdom 

United 
Kingdom 

United  

Kingdom

United 
Kingdom 

Ordinary 

Ordinary 

Ordinary 

n/a

50% 

50% 

50% 

50% 

Property
50%  development

Property
50%  development

Property 
50% investment

Property
50%  development

37

HELICAL BAR PLC  Report & Accounts 2005

12. Fixed asset investments (continued)

The Company’s principal subsidiary undertakings, all of which have been consolidated, are:

Name of undertaking 

Nature of business 

Aycliffe and Peterlee Development Company Ltd 

Development and trading 

Aycliffe and Peterlee Investment Company Ltd* 

Baylight Developments Ltd*

Dencora (Docklands) Ltd

Dencora (Dunstable) Ltd 

Dencora (Edenbridge) Ltd

Dencora (Harlow) Ltd 

Chancerygate (Albion) Ltd 

Chancerygate (Mill Street) Ltd 

HB Sawston No. 3 Ltd

HB Dales Manor No 3. Ltd

HB Cambs No. 3 Ltd

Harbour Developments (Bracknell) Ltd 

Helical Bar (Berkeley Square) Ltd 

Helical Bar (CL) Investments Ltd* 

Investment 

Investment 

Investment 

Trading 

Trading

Trading 

Trading 

Trading 

Investment 

Investment 

Investment 

Development 

Development 

Investment 

Helical Bar Developments (South East) Ltd

Development and trading 

Helical Bar (Hawtin Park No. 3) Ltd 

Helical Bar (Rex House) Ltd 

Helical Bar Services Ltd 

Helical Bar Trustees Ltd 

Helical Bar (Wales) Ltd* 

Helical Properties Ltd 

Helical Properties Investment Ltd 

Helical Properties Retail Ltd 

Helical Retail Ltd 

Helical Retail (RBS) Ltd* 

Helical (Cardiff) Ltd

Helical (CR) Ltd 

Helical (Crowborough) Ltd

Investment 

Investment 

Management Services 

Trustee of Share Incentive Plan

Investment 

Investment and trading 

Investment 

Investment 

Development and trading 

Development and trading 

Investment

Development and trading 

Investment

Percentage of ordinary 
share capital held

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

38

HELICAL BAR PLC  Report & Accounts 2005

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
continued

12. Fixed asset investments (continued)

Name of undertaking 

Helical (Fleet) No. 2 Ltd*

Helical (HIS) Ltd 

Helical (Letchworth) Ltd*

Helical (Liphook) Ltd 

Helical (Sevenoaks) Ltd 

Helical (St Austell) Ltd 

Helical (Wednesfield) Ltd 

Helical (Westfields) Ltd 

Helical (Worthing) Ltd

Nature of business 

Investment 

Investment 

Investment 

Development (Jersey) 

Investment 

Investment 

Investment 

Investment 

Investment

Intercontinental Land and Development Co. Ltd* 

Investment development and trading 

Networth Ltd*

Maudslay Park Ltd

Prescot Street Investments Ltd

56/76 CR (Holdings) Ltd

61 Southwark Street Ltd* 

Helical (Interchange) Ltd 

Helical Properties (WSM) Ltd*

Investment 

Development

Investment

Development

Investment 

Investment 

Investment 

Percentage of ordinary 
share capital held

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

75%

All principal subsidiary undertakings operate in the United Kingdom and, unless otherwise indicated, are incorporated and
registered in England and Wales. A full list of all subsidiaries is lodged with the Annual Return at Companies House.
*Ordinary capital is held by a subsidiary undertaking.

13. Stock

Development sites 

Properties held as trading stock 

Group
31.3.05
£000

34,711

60,857

95,568

Group
31.3.04
£000 

46,236

24,018

70,254

Company
31.3.05
£000

Company 
31.3.04
£000

472

–

472

92 

–

92

The directors’ valuation of trading and development stock shows a surplus of £13m above book value (2004: nil).

Interest capitalised in respect of the development of sites is included in stock to the extent of £2,185,000 (2004: £1,666,000). 
Interest capitalised during the year in respect of development sites amounted to £2,296,000 (2004: £1,817,000).

14. Debtors

Trade debtors 

Amounts owed by joint venture undertakings 

Amounts owed by subsidiary undertakings 

Other debtors 

Prepayments and accrued income 

Group
31.3.05
£000

12,710

2,939

–

8,918

11,993

36,560

Group
31.3.04
£000 

2,701

8,662

Company
31.3.05
£000

423

2,939

Company 
31.3.04
£000

446

8,662

– 

69,183

151,348

3,890

10,320

25,573

1,232

1,597

2,212

171

75,374

162,839

Included in prepayments is £3.6m (2004: 5.6m) which relates to payments made by the Group to potentially reduce future
capital gains tax liabilities. The quantum and timing of any savings is, however, uncertain. The prepayment is being written 
off as part of the Group’s tax charge in proportion to the capital losses utilised during the year.

39

HELICAL BAR PLC  Report & Accounts 2005

15. Current asset investments

UK listed investments at cost 

Group
31.3.05
£000

123

123

Group
31.3.04
£000 

263

263

Company
31.3.05
£000

Company 
31.3.04
£000

–

–

– 

– 

The market value of listed investments at 31.3.05 was £161,000 (2004: £265,000).

16. Cash at bank and in hand

Rent deposits and cash held at managing agents

Cash secured against debt and cash held at solicitors

Cash held to fund future development costs 

Free cash 

17. Creditors: amounts falling due within one year

Bank overdrafts and term loans 

Trade creditors 

Corporation tax 

Social security costs and other taxation 

Dividends payable 

Other creditors 

Accruals and deferred income 

18. Creditors: amounts falling due after more than one year

Bank loans repayable within:

– one to two years 

– two to five years 

– after five years 

Deferred arrangement costs 

Group
31.3.04
£000 

2,575

1,121

1,517

13,071

18,284

Group
31.3.04
£000 

16,304

32,246

1,138

115

2,524

6,454

19,881

78,662

Company
31.3.05
£000

Company 
31.3.04
£000

–

–

–

– 

–

– 

20,776

20,776

10,511

10,511

Company
31.3.05
£000

Company 
31.3.04
£000

–

146

4,919

1,465

1,831

358

1,179

9,898

–

528 

995

– 

2,524

637

332 

5,016

Group
31.3.04
£000 

Company
31.3.05
£000

Company 
31.3.04
£000

Group
31.3.05
£000

2,612

2,368

364

22,859

28,203

Group
31.3.05
£000

21,136

32,149

5,787

1,574

1,831

7,305

34,659

104,441

Group
31.3.05
£000

37,616

94,835

–

17,327

78,296

36,801

132,451

132,424

(408)

(645)

132,043

131,779

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

– 

–

– 

– 

– 

Bank overdrafts and term loans in creditors falling due within one year and after one year are secured against properties held
in the normal course of business by subsidiary undertakings to the value of £237,942,000 (2004: £245,864,000). These will be
repayable when the underlying properties are sold. Bank overdrafts and term loans exclude the Groups’ share of borrowings
in joint venture companies of £2,500,000 (2004: £8,984,000).

40

HELICAL BAR PLC  Report & Accounts 2005

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
continued

19. Financing and financial instruments
The policies for dealing with liquidity and interest rate risk are noted in the Financial Review on pages 22 to 25.

Short-term debtors and creditors
Short-term debtors and creditors have been excluded from the following disclosures.

Bank overdraft and loans – maturity

Due after more than one year 

Due within one year 

Group
31.3.05
£000

Group 
31.3.04
£000

132,043

131,779

21,136

16,304

153,179

148,083

The Group has various undrawn committed borrowing facilities. The facilities available at 31.3.05 in respect of which all
conditions precedent had been met were as follows:

Expiring in one year or less 

Expiring in more than one year but not more than two years

Expiring in more than two years 

Interest rates

Fixed rate borrowings:

– fixed

– swap rate plus bank margin

– swap rate plus bank margin

– swap rate plus bank margin

– swap rate plus bank margin

– swap rate plus bank margin

– swap rate plus bank margin

– swap rate plus bank margin

– swap rate plus bank margin

Weighted average 

Floating rate borrowings

Total borrowings

Deferred arrangement costs

%

Expiry

9.050

4.965

5.846

5.819

5.901

5.939

6.329

6.004

–

Feb 2009

Mar 2007

Jun 2006

Sep 2007

Dec 2007

Sep 2009

Feb 2008

Oct 2008

–

6.311

May 2008

31.3.05
£000

7,913

5,925

3,500

3,460

26,750

17,500

5,800

3,100

–

73,948

79,639

153,587

(408)

153,179

Floating rate borrowings bear interest at rates based on LIBOR.

Group
31.3.05
£000

30,578

–

20,625

51,203

%

Expiry

9.050

Feb. 2009

4.965

Mar. 2007

5.846

5.721

Jun. 2006

Sep. 2007

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

5.656

7.044

Sep. 2005

Apr. 2007

Group 
31.3.04
£000

30,000

–

6,661

36,661

31.3.04
£000

8,392

5,925

3,500

3,460

–

–

–

–

9,040

30,317

102,107

132,424

(645)

131,779

41

HELICAL BAR PLC  Report & Accounts 2005

19. Financing and financial instruments (continued)

Hedging
In addition to the fixed rates, borrowings are also hedged by the following financial instruments:

Instrument

Current:

– cap 

– collar 

– floor 

Future:

– cap

– floor 

Gearing

Total borrowings 

Cash 

Net borrowings 

Value
£000

Rate
%

Start

Expiry

80,000

7.500

31,000

4.730–6.500

49,000

4.730

Jan. 2006

Jan. 2006

Jan. 2006

80,000

40,000

7.000

4.800

Jan. 2006

Sept. 2009

Jan. 2006

Sept. 2009

31.3.05
£000

31.3.04
£000

153,179

148,083

(28,203)

(18,284)

124,976

129,799

Net borrowings exclude the Company’s share of borrowings in joint ventures of £2,483,000 (2004: £8,984,000).

Net assets 

Gearing 

Fair value of financial assets and financial liabilities

Borrowings 

Interest rate swaps

Other financial instruments 

31.3.05
£000

Restated
31.3.04
£000

190,328

234,917

66%

55%

31.3.05
Book
Value
£000

31.3.05
Fair
Value
£000

31.3.04
Book
Value
£000

31.3.04
Fair
Value
£000

153,587

154,283

148,728

149,639

–

–

192

768

–

–

123

1,848

153,587

155,243

148,728

151,610

The fair value of financial assets and financial liabilities represents the mark to market valuations at 31 March 2005 and 
31 March 2004. The adjustment to net assets from a recognition of these values, net of tax relief, would be to reduce diluted
net asset value per share by 6p (2004: 7p).

42

HELICAL BAR PLC  Report & Accounts 2005

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
continued

20. Provision for liabilities and charges – deferred taxation
Deferred taxation provided for in the financial statements is set out below:

Accelerated capital allowances

Other timing differences

Less – discount

Discounted provision for deferred tax

Group
31.3.05
£000

2,105

–

2,105

(306)

1,799

Group
31.3.04
£000 

2,744

–

2,744

(399)

2,345

Company
31.3.05
£000

Company 
31.3.04
£000

124

–

124

(18)

106

105

–

105

(15)

90

The Group has applied the provisions of FRS19 Deferred Tax, which requires that deferred tax be recognised as a liability or
asset if the transactions or events that give the Group an obligation to pay more or less tax in the future have occurred by the
balance sheet date. In accordance with FRS19, the Group makes full provision for timing differences which are primarily in
respect of capital allowances on plant and machinery, industrial buildings allowances and tax losses.

The Group has available to it for use against future profits a capital allowances pool of £21m which has not been recognised as
a deferred tax asset due to uncertainty over the use and timing of the utilisation of these allowances. In addition, the Group
anticipates that by utilising various other losses that may become available it may be able to reduce future tax charges to below
the standard rate of tax.

Amounts unprovided are:

Unrealised capital gains

Group
31.3.05
£000

14,684

14,684

Group
31.3.04
£000 

20,509

20,509

Company
31.3.05
£000

Company 
31.3.04
£000

–

–

–

–

No provision has been made for taxation which would accrue if the investment properties were sold at their revalued
amounts. The adjustment to net assets resulting from a recognition of these amounts would be to reduce diluted net asset
value per share by 80p (2004: 70p).

21. Share capital

Authorised

31.3.05
£000

39,577

39,577

31.3.04
£000

39,577

39,577

The authorised share capital of the Company is £39,576,626.60 divided into ordinary shares of 5p each, 5.25p convertible
cumulative redeemable preference shares 2012 of 70p each, deferred shares of 1⁄8p each, “A” shares of 17⁄8p each, “B” shares 
of 17⁄8p each and “C” shares of 17⁄8p each.

Allotted, called up and fully paid

Attributable to equity interests:

– 18,101,164 (2004: 27,147,903) ordinary shares of 5p each 

905

1,357

31.3.05
£000

31.3.04
£000

Attributable to non-equity interests:

– 617,704 non-cumulative preference shares of 17⁄8p each (“B” shares)

– 212,145,300 deferred shares of 1⁄8p each

2,451

265

3,621

–

–

1,357

43

HELICAL BAR PLC  Report & Accounts 2005

21. Share capital (continued)
At 1 April 2004 there were 27,147,903 ordinary 5p shares in issue. During the period to 20 December 2004, the date the
Return of Cash was approved by shareholders, 530,000 ordinary 5p shares were purchased for cancellation and 538,622 
shares were issued on the exercise of share options. At 20 December 2004 there were 27,156,525 ordinary 5p shares in issue.
As part of the Return of Cash the ordinary 5p shares were consolidated, with five new ordinary 5p shares being issued for
every eight existing ordinary 5p shares. 16,972,828 new ordinary 5p shares were issued. As part of the Return of Cash
shareholders were able to elect to receive “A”, “B” or “C” shares. The “A” shareholders were entitled to receive a 400p
dividend and 14,143,020 shareholders elected for this option. On payment of this dividend each “A” share was converted 
into 15 deferred shares of 1⁄8p each. The “B” shareholders were entitled to have their shares repurchased or to retain the 
“B” shares. Shareholders representing 9,974,125 “B” shares elected to have their shares repurchased. The remaining 612,074
“B” shares will be repurchased in July 2005. The “C” shares were convertible at the rate of one new ordinary 5p share for every
3.2 “C” shares. Shareholders holding 2,426,676 shares elected to receive “C” shares and, accordingly, 758,336 new ordinary 
5p shares were issued. Since the Return of Cash 370,000 ordinary 5p shares have been issued on the exercise of share options. 
At 15 June 2005 there were 18,101,164 ordinary 5p shares in issue with a nominal value of £905,058.

Share options
At 31 March 2005 options over 1,504,323 (2004: 2,412,945) new ordinary shares in the Company and 1,296,939 (2004:
1,361,939) purchased shares held by the ESOP had been granted to directors and employees under the Company’s share
option schemes. During the year no new options were granted. Options over 908,622 new shares and 65,000 purchased shares
were exercised.

Exercise price
per share
pence

Number of
shares

Date
from which
exercisable

Expiry date
of options

Senior Executive 1988 Share Option Scheme

Subscription options

Options granted:

– 11 July 1997

Purchase options

Options granted:

– 27 November 1997 

– 10 July 1998 

Helical Bar 1999 Share Option Scheme

Subscription options

Options granted:

– 8 March 1999 

– 8 January 2001 

– 21 November 2002 

Purchase options

Options granted:

– 8 March 1999 

– 18 December 2000 

– 8 January 2001 

– 15 November 2001 

Helical Bar 1999 Approved Share Option Scheme

Subscription options

Options granted:

– 8 March 1999 

– 21 November 2002 

412.5

10,000

11 Jul. 2002

10 Jul. 2007

452.5 

565.0 

61,000  27 Nov. 2001  26 Nov. 2007

400,000 

10 Jul. 2002 

9 Jul. 2008

442.5 

1,347,768

8 Mar. 2004

7 Mar. 2009

780.0 

707.5 

442.5 

750.0 

780.0 

766.5 

30,000 

8 Jan. 2006 

7 Jan. 2011

59,862  21 Nov. 2007  20 Nov. 2012

43,000 

8 Mar. 2004

7 Mar. 2009

529,000  18 Dec. 2005  17 Dec. 2010

34,102 

8 Jan. 2006 

7 Jan. 2011

229,837  15 Nov. 2006  14 Nov. 2011

442.5

707.5 

52,453 

8 Mar. 2002 

7 Mar. 2009

4,240  21 Nov. 2005  20 Nov. 2012

2,801,262

44

HELICAL BAR PLC  Report & Accounts 2005

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
continued

22. Share premium and reserves

Non-distributable
share premium 
account 
£000 

Non-distributable 
capital 
redemption 
reserve 
£000 

Own shares
held
£000

Non-distributable Non-distributable
revaluation 
reserve 
£000 

other 
reserves 
£000 

Distributable
profit and 
loss account
£000

Group

At 1 April 2004 

Retained loss

Issue of shares

Shares purchased for cancellation

Revaluation of investment property 

– subsidiaries 

– joint ventures

Minority interest in revaluation 

of investment property 

Realised on disposals 

Acquired during year

Provisions released

Adjustment arising from Return of Cash

35,900

–

3,210

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

7,246

(10,106)

291

89,323

110,906

–

–

221

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

(3,776)

(442)

7,431

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

(33,308)

–

(46,802)

30,097

192

(960)

–

–

–

(49,438)

49,438

–

–

–

–

–

–

At 31 March 2005

39,110

7,467

(6,893)

291

69,214

80,234

Company

At 1 April 2004 

Retained loss

Issue of shares

Shares purchased for cancellation

Acquired during year

Provisions released

Adjustment arising from Return of Cash

35,900

–

3,210

–

–

–

–

7,246

(10,106)

1,987

–

–

221

–

–

–

–

–

–

(3,776)

(442)

7,431

–

–

–

–

–

–

At 31 March 2005 

39,110

7,467

(6,893)

1,987

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

140,792

(36,824)

–

(46,802)

–

–

–

57,166

Following approval at the 1997 Annual General Meeting the Company established the Helical Bar Employees’ Share
Ownership Plan Trust (the “Trust”) to be used as part of the remuneration arrangements for employees. The purpose of 
the Trust is to facilitate and encourage the ownership of shares by or for the benefit of employees by the acquisition and
distribution of shares in the Company.

The Trust purchases shares in the Company to satisfy the Company’s obligations under its Share Option Schemes and
Performance Share Plan.

At 31 March 2005 the Trust held 1,139,116 (2004: 1,361,939) ordinary shares in Helical Bar plc. On 1 April 2005 the 
Trust purchased a further 40,500 ordinary shares in the Company and at 15 June 2005 held 1,179,616 ordinary shares 
in Helical Bar plc.

At 31 March 2005 options over 1,296,939 (2004: 1,361,939) ordinary shares in Helical Bar plc had been granted through 
the Trust. At 31 March 2005 awards over 509,952 (2004: nil) ordinary shares in Helical Bar plc had been made under the
terms of the Performance Share Plan.

Under the terms of the Return of Cash the Trust received £7,431,000 from the Company and used this sum to reduce the
amount due by the Trust to the Company.

45

HELICAL BAR PLC  Report & Accounts 2005

23. Reconciliation of operating profit to net cash inflow from operating activities

Group

Operating profit 

Depreciation of fixed assets 

Release of provision against investments

Profit on sale of fixed assets 

Amortisation of goodwill 

Increase in debtors 

Increase in creditors 

Increase in stock 

Net cash flow from operating activities 

24. Analysis of cash flows for headings netted in the cash flow statement

Group

Return on investments and servicing of finance

Interest received 

Interest paid 

Minority interest dividends paid 

Capital expenditure and financial investment

Purchase of property 

Sale of property 

Purchase of tangible fixed assets 

Sale of tangible fixed assets 

Purchase of investments 

25. Management of liquid resources

Decrease in short-term deposits 

Year ended
31.3.05
£000

Year ended
31.3.04
£000

22,586

16,613

190

–

(43)

81

(14,375)

45,545

213

(133)

(9)

65

(580)

74

(21,366)

(27,325)

32,618

(11,082)

31.3.05
£000

31.3.04
£000

1,942

1,839

(10,408)

(8,667)

(1,249)

(9,715)

–

(6,828)

(57,872)

(22,906)

138,305

43,213

(231)

47

(141)

48

(4,078)

(1,212)

76,171

19,002

31.3.05
£000

9,347

9,347

31.3.04
£000

132

132

46

HELICAL BAR PLC  Report & Accounts 2005

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
continued

26. Analysis of net debt

Cash at bank and in hand 

Debt due within one year 

Debt due after more than one year 

Less: arrangement expenses 

Total 

At 
31.3.04 
£000 

18,284

Cash flow 
£000 

19,266

Other non 
cash changes 
£000

At
31.3.05
£000

(9,347)

28,203

(16,304)

(4,832)

(132,424)

645

(27)

220

(148,083)

(4,639)

–

–

(457)

(457)

(21,136)

(132,451)

408

(153,179)

(129,799)

14,627

(9,804)

(124,976)

27. Contingent liabilities
The Company has entered into cross guarantees in respect of the banking facilities of its subsidiaries. The Company also
entered into interest rate floors on £80m at 4.73% from July 1999 to January 2006 and on a further £40m at 4.80% from
January 2006 to September 2009.

Other than these contingent liabilities and the deferred tax referred to in note 20 there were no contingent liabilities at 
31 March 2005 (2004: nil).

28. Net assets per share

Net asset value

Add: potential exercise of options 

Diluted net asset value 

Adjustment for:

31.3.05 
£000 

190,328

6,925

197,253

Number*
of shares 
000s 

16,962

1,504

18,466

31.3.05 
pence 
per share 

1,122

Change since
31.3.04
%

22.5

1,068

22.0

– capital allowances provided for but unlikely to be clawed back 

1,799

Adjusted diluted net asset value 

199,052

18,466

1,078

21.9

Adjustment for:

– potential capital gains not provided for 

– mark to market value of interest rate hedging agreements 

(14,684)

(1,160)

Adjusted diluted triple net asset value 

183,209

18,466

992

23.4

*The shares held by the Company’s ESOP Trust are excluded from this calculation following the adoption of UITF 38 – Accounting for ESOP Trusts.

If account is taken of the unrealised surplus on the development and trading stock of £13.0m, based on directors’ valuation,
an increase in the adjusted diluted net asset value of 70p to 1,148p, and an increase in the adjusted diluted triple net asset
value of 49p (after tax) to 1,041p, would arise.

29. Capital commitments – Group and Company
At 31 March 2005 nil (2004: nil).

30. Related party transactions
At 31 March 2005 and 31 March 2004 the following amounts were due from the Group’s joint ventures.

Abbeygate Helical (Leisure Plaza) Ltd

Abbeygate Helical (Winterhill) Ltd

Grosvenor Hill (Sprucefield) Ltd

Shirley Advance LLP

At
31.3.05
£000

352

238

(4)

2,353

At 
31.3.04
£000

4,331

263

(4)

–

The amounts due from the Group’s joint ventures represent interest free loans which are repayable once the underlying
property has been sold.

47

HELICAL BAR PLC  Report & Accounts 2005

TEN YEAR REVIEW

31.3.05
£000

31.3.04
£000

31.3.03
£000

31.3.02
£000

31.3.01
£000

31.3.00
£000

31.3.99
£000

31.3.98
£000

31.1.97
£000

31.1.96
£000

Turnover

101,161

54,566

135,192

136,632

165,259

149,922

121,244

214,416

100,529

65,948

Net rental income

19,684

22,980

25,619

27,827

25,532

23,652

18,475

18,598

18,759

16,271

Development profits

12,664

38

4,630

17,072

29,507

19,345

21,601

16,686

Trading profits

5,771

1,031

Other income

235

601

349

626

154

(67)

920

342

372

113

72

4,363

9,152

2,359

5,242

1,358

(1,144)

(872)

(986)

(1,174)

Gross profit

38,354

24,650

31,224

44,986

56,301

43,482

39,004

38,775

29,284

21,697

Administrative expenses (15,768)

(8,037)

(6,391)

(10,888)

(12,031)

(9,669)

(6,860)

(6,904)

(5,566)

(3,130)

Share of operating profit

of joint ventures

3,078

1,636

1,544

986

86

–

–

–

–

–

Profit on sale of

investment properties 15,973

2,035

2,126

2,463

709

4,555

415

838

(558)

304

Loss on sale of subsidiary

Negative goodwill

–

–

(59)

–

(195)

–

6,362

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

Net interest payable

(6,786)

(6,572)

(9,638)

(14,779)

(19,241)

(16,348)

(12,515)

(14,215)

(11,127)

(9,671)

Profit before taxation

34,851

13,653

25,227

22,573

25,824

22,020

20,044

18,494

12,033

9,200

Taxation

(8,037)

(2,199)

(7,660)

(5,353)

(5,471)

(6,032)

(3,899)

(3,884)

(3,001)

(1,308)

Profit after taxation

26,814

11,454

17,567

17,220

20,353

15,988

16,145

14,610

9,032

7,892

Minority interest

(17)

(232)

(160)

(164)

(126)

(77)

(1,175)

(2,322)

(918)

(270)

Ordinary dividends

(3,533)

(4,263)

(4,275)

(3,908)

(3,570)

(3,223)

(2,434)

(1,552)

(1,333)

(1,189)

“A” share/special
dividends

Preference share
dividends

(56,572)

–

–

–

–

–

(28,420)

–

–

–

–

–

(28,904)

–

(333)

–

(2,293)

(2,751)

(2,884)

(2,767)

(Loss)/profit retained

(33,308)

6,959

13,132

(15,272)

16,657

12,688

(18,661)

7,985

3,564

3,666

Investment portfolio

271,133 334,932

342,484

439,911

453,607

419,570

332,457

250,718

201,570

180,765

Shareholders’ funds

193,044 234,917

226,870

227,653

223,606

171,770

132,652

132,289

101,080

92,662

Dividend 

per ordinary share

Special dividend 

per ordinary share

Diluted earnings

per ordinary share

Adjusted diluted 

net assets per share

17.60p

16.60p

15.00p

13.75p

12.50p

11.15p

10.0p

9.0p

8.0p

7.3p

–

–

–

100.0p

–

–

100.0p

–

2.0p

–

110.5p

39.6p

59.2p

57.8p

67.7p

68.9p

51.5p

40.3p

28.3p

26.6p

1,078p

884p

775p

775p

754p

579p

470p

480p

372p

330p

The financial statements to 31 March 1997 were for a 14 month accounting period.

The financial statements for the year to 31 March 1998 and subsequently have been restated to reflect the impact of the adoption of FRS19 on Deferred Tax.

The financial statements for the year to 31 March 1998 and subsequently have been restated for the adoption of UITF38 – Accounting for ESOP Trusts.

48

HELICAL BAR PLC  Report & Accounts 2005

THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS AND SENIOR MANAGEMENT

The Board of Helical Bar plc is collectively responsible for providing the entrepreneurial leadership of the Company within a
framework of controls and reporting structures which assist the Company in pursuing its strategic aims and business objectives. 

The Board of Helical Bar plc comprises four executive directors and four non-executive directors. 

Board of Directors and other officers

Executive directors

Managing Director
Michael Slade, BSc (Est Man) FRICS FSVA, joined the Board as executive director in 1984 and was appointed Managing
Director in 1986. Aged 58.

Finance Director
Nigel McNair Scott, MA FCA FCT, joined the Board as non-executive director in 1985 and was subsequently appointed
Finance Director in 1987. A former director of Johnson Matthey plc and Govett Strategic Investment Trust plc he is Chairman
of Avocet Mining Plc. Aged 59.

Development Director
Gerald Kaye, BSc (Est Man) FRICS, was appointed to the Board as executive director in 1994 and is responsible for the
Company’s development activities. He is a former director of London & Edinburgh Trust Plc. Aged 47.

Investment Director 
Michael Brown, BSc (Est Man) MRICS, was appointed to the Board as executive director in 1998 and is responsible for the
Company’s property investment activities. He is a former director of Threadneedle Property Fund Managers. Aged 44. 

Non-executive directors

Chairman
John Southwell, MA, joined the Board of Helical Bar plc as non-executive director in 1986 and was appointed non-executive 
Chairman in 1988. He is Chairman of the Audit, Remuneration and Nominations and Appointments Committees. A former
director of Laing & Cruickshank, Corporate Finance, he is Chairman of Lochain Patrick Holdings Ltd. Aged 72.

Giles Weaver, FCA, was appointed to the Board as non-executive director in 1993. He is a member of the Audit, Remuneration
and Nominations and Appointments Committees. A recent Chairman of Murray Johnstone Ltd, he is a director of Aberdeen
Asset Management plc, James Finlay Ltd, Isotron plc as well as being Chairman or director of a number of investment
companies. Aged 59.

Antony Beevor, BA, was appointed to the Board as non-executive director in 2000. He is the Senior Independent Director and
a member of the Audit, Remuneration and Nominations and Appointments Committees. He is a Deputy Chairman of the
Takeover Panel and the Chairman of Croda International Plc. Aged 65.

Wilf Weeks, was appointed to the Board as non-executive director on 14 April 2005. He was appointed to the Audit,
Remuneration and Nominations and Appointments Committee on 1 June 2005. He is the Chairman of European Public
Affairs at Weber Shandwick and has specialised in Government Relations throughout his career. Aged 57.

Company Secretary
Tim Murphy, ACA, was appointed Company Secretary in 1994. Aged 45.

Senior management
Matthew Bonning-Snook joined the Company as a development executive in 1995. Aged 37.

Jack Pitman joined the Company as an investment executive in 2001. Aged 36.

John Inwood joined the Company as a management executive in 1995. Aged 39.

49

HELICAL BAR PLC  Report & Accounts 2005

DIRECTORS’ REPORT

The directors’ present their report and financial statements for the year ended 31 March 2005.

Principal activities
The principal activity of the Company is that of a holding company and the principal activities of the subsidiaries are 
property investment, dealing and development. A full review of these activities and the Group’s future prospects are given 
on pages 4 to 25. 

Trading results 
The results for the year are set out on page 26. The profit on ordinary activities before taxation amounts to £34,851,000
(2004: £13,653,000).

Share capital
The detailed movements in share capital are set out in note 21 to these financial statements. At 31 March 2005 and
15 June 2005 there were 18,101,164 ordinary 5p shares and 612,704 redeemable non-equity shares in issue. 

Dividends
A final dividend of 11.00p (2004: 10.00p) per share is recommended for approval at the Annual General Meeting on 
20 July 2005. The total ordinary dividend of 17.60p (2004: 16.60p) per share amounts to £3,533,000 (2004: £4,263,000).
On 23 December 2004 the Company paid £97.2m (including costs) to shareholders (of which £56.6m comprised of a 400p
dividend paid to A shareholders) as part of the Return of Cash approved at an Extraordinary General Meeting held on
20 December 2004.

Charitable donations
Donations to charities amounted to £14,010 (2004: £21,364). No contributions were made to any political party. 

Creditor payment policy 
The Company’s policy is to settle all agreed liabilities within the terms established with suppliers. At 31 March 2005 there were
61 days’ (2004: 50 days’) purchases outstanding in respect of the Company’s creditors. 

Auditors
On 1 July 2004, the Grant Thornton partnership transferred its business to a limited liability partnership, Grant Thornton 
UK LLP, and the directors extended the audit appointment to Grant Thornton UK LLP with effect from 1 July 2004 in
accordance with Section 26(5) of the Companies Act 1989. Grant Thornton UK LLP offer themselves for re-appointment 
as auditors in accordance with Section 385 of the Companies Act 1985.

Substantial shareholdings
At 27 May 2005 the shareholders listed in Table A on page 50 had notified the Company of a disclosable interest of 3% or
more in the nominal value of the ordinary share capital of the Company.

Directors’ remuneration
Details of directors’ remuneration, share options, service contracts and pension contributions are noted in the Directors’
Remuneration Report on pages 55 to 61. 

Directors and their interests
The directors who were in office during the year and their interests, all of which were beneficial, in the ordinary shares of the
Company are listed in Table B on page 50. 

Shares purchased on behalf of directors under the terms of the Share Incentive Plan are disclosed in the Directors’
Remuneration Report on pages 55 to 61. 

There have been no changes in the directors’ interests in the period from 31 March 2005 to 15 June 2005.

Corporate governance 
The Company’s application of the principles of corporate governance is noted in the Corporate Governance Report on 
pages 51 to 54. 

Directors’ responsibilities for the financial statements
Company law in the UK requires the directors to prepare financial statements for each financial year which give a true and
fair view of the state of affairs of the Company and the Group and of the profit or loss of the Group for that period. In
preparing those financial statements, the directors are required to:

– select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently;
– make judgements and estimates that are reasonable and prudent;
– state whether applicable accounting standards have been followed, subject to any material departures disclosed and

explained in the financial statements. 

The directors are responsible for maintaining proper accounting records, compliance with the listing rules, preparation of the
Directors’ Report and other information in the Annual Report and Accounts, for safeguarding the assets of the Group and for
taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities. 

50

HELICAL BAR PLC  Report & Accounts 2005

DIRECTORS’ REPORT 
continued

Annual General Meeting
The Annual General Meeting of the Company will be held on 20 July 2005 at 11.30 a.m. at The Westbury, Bond Street,
London W1S 2YF. 

The notice of meeting and the resolutions to be proposed at that meeting are set out in the enclosed circular.

Number of
ordinary shares 

2,548,939

1,179,616 

748,678

744,472

614,788

%

14.1

6.5

4.1

4.1

3.4

Ordinary
5p shares
31 March 2005

Ordinary
5p shares
31 March 2004

22,968

34,750

2,548,939

3,016,739

401,264

628,418

19,250

923

18,000

1,477

195,070

311,004

180,912

288,352

3,369,326

4,298,740

18,101,164

26,687,903

18.6

16.1

Table A – Substantial shareholdings

Michael Slade 

Helical Bar Share Ownership Plan Trust 

Schroder Investment Management 

Threadneedle Asset Management Ltd

Legal & General 

Table B – Directors’ interests

John Southwell 

Michael Slade 

Nigel McNair Scott 

Giles Weaver 

Antony Beevor 

Gerald Kaye 

Michael Brown 

Total directors’ interests 

Issued share capital 

Percentage of issued share capital 

By Order of the Board

T.J. Murphy
Secretary
15 June 2005

51

HELICAL BAR PLC  Report & Accounts 2005

CORPORATE GOVERNANCE REPORT

The Company is committed to applying the highest principles of corporate governance.

The Board is accountable to the Company’s shareholders for good corporate governance. This report and the Directors’
Remuneration Report describe how the Company complies with the provisions of the Combined Code (2003) (the “Code”).

Compliance 
The Company has complied throughout the year with the Code provisions set out in Section 1 of the Combined Code (2003)
except in relation to the following areas.

Code Provisions
A1.3ii), A6.1, A7.2iii):–

A system for appraising the performance of all Board members will be introduced in the
current year.

Application of the principles
The Board consists of four executive directors who hold the key operational positions in the Company and, since 14 April 2005,
four non-executive directors, who bring a breadth of experience and knowledge to their roles. This provides a balance
whereby the Board’s decision making cannot be dominated by an individual or small group. 

Chairman and Chief Executive
The Chairman of the Board during the year was John Southwell and he will continue in this role until he relinquishes
his Chairmanship at the Company’s AGM on 20 July 2005. He will remain a director of the Company. At the AGM Giles
Weaver will, if re-appointed as a director, be appointed Chairman. The Company’s business is run by Michael Slade, the
Managing Director. 

Board balance and independence
The senior independent director is Antony Beevor. All of the Company’s non-executive directors act independently of
management. John Southwell, however, has been a Board member for more than nine years and in prior years has acted as 
a consultant to one of the Company’s brokers. In addition, Giles Weaver has been a non-executive director for more than 
nine years. In our view the breadth of experience of these two directors and their detachment from the day-to-day issues
within the Company provided during the year, with the third non-executive director Antony Beevor, a sufficiently strong and
experienced balance with the executive members of the Board. This balance has been strengthened with the appointment of
Wilf Weeks as a non-executive director on 14 April 2005. This breadth of experience allied to the management information
provided by the Company enable the non-executive Board members to assess and advise the full Board on the major risks
faced by the Company. In view of this we continue to believe that all non-executive directors are independent and for the
purposes of this report are referred to below as independent directors.

The Board of Directors
The Company supports the concept of an effective Board leading and controlling the Company. The Board provides
entrepreneurial leadership of the Group within a framework of prudent and effective controls which enables risk to be
assessed and managed. The Board sets the Group’s strategic aims, ensures that the necessary financial and human resources
are in place for the Group to meet its objectives and reviews management performance. The Board sets the Group’s values
and standards and ensures that the Company’s obligations to its shareholders and others are understood and met.

The members of the Board, and the roles of each director are given in the biographical details of the directors on page 48.

All directors take decisions objectively in the interests of the Company.

As part of their role as members of the Board, non-executive directors constructively challenge and help develop proposals 
on strategy. Non-executive directors scrutinise the performance of management in meeting agreed goals and objectives and
monitor the reporting of performance. They satisfy themselves on the integrity of financial information and that financial
controls and systems of risk management are robust and defensible. They are responsible for determining appropriate
levels of remuneration of executive directors and have a prime role in appointing, and where necessary removing, executive
directors, and in succession planning.

In addition to ad hoc meetings arranged to discuss particular transactions and events and the AGM, the full Board met on 
five occasions during the year under review. The attendance record of the directors is shown in the table below.

Meetings

Full Board

Audit Committee

Remuneration Committee

Nominations and
Appointments Committee

Mr. J.P. 
Southwell

Mr. M.E. 
Slade

Mr. N.G. 
McNair Scott

Mr. G.A.
Kaye

Mr. P.M. 
Brown

Mr. C.G.H. 
Weaver

Mr. A.R. 
Beevor

5

2

4

1

5

n/a

n/a

n/a

5

n/a

n/a

n/a

5

n/a

n/a

n/a

5

n/a

n/a

n/a

5

2

4

1

5

2

4

1

The Board has a schedule of matters specifically reserved to it for decision. The Board controls the business but delegates
day-to-day responsibility to the executive management. However, there are a number of matters which are required to be or,
in the interests of the Company, should only be decided by the Board of Directors as a whole. A summary of the decisions
reserved for the Board is set out on the following page:

52

HELICAL BAR PLC  Report & Accounts 2005

CORPORATE GOVERNANCE REPORT 
continued

Schedule of matters reserved for the Board:
• Strategy and management – responsibility for the overall management of the Group; approval of the Group’s long-term
objectives and commercial strategy; approval of annual administration budgets; oversight of the Group’s operations;
extension of the Group’s activities into new business areas; any decision to cease to operate all or any material part of the
Group’s business.

• Structure and capital – changes to the Group’s capital structure; major changes to the Group’s corporate structure; changes

to the Group’s management and control structure; changes to the Company’s listing or plc status.

• Financial reporting and controls – approval of interim and preliminary announcements; approval of annual report and
accounts, including the corporate governance statement and the directors’ remuneration report; approval of dividend
policy; approval of significant changes in accounting policies or practices; approval of treasury policies.

• Internal controls – ensuring maintenance of a sound system of internal control and risk management.

• Communication – approval of resolutions and documentation to be put to shareholders in general meeting; approval of

press releases concerning matters decided by the Board.

• Board membership and other appointments to senior management.

• Both the appointment and removal of the Company Secretary.

• Corporate governance matters.

• Approval of policies including code of conduct; share dealing code; health and safety policy; environmental and corporate

social responsibility policy.

Nominations and Appointments Committee
The terms of reference of the Nominations and Appointments Committee are available by request and are included on the
Company’s website at www.helical.co.uk.

The membership of the Committee is as follows:

John Southwell (Chairman)
Giles Weaver
Antony Beevor
Wilf Weeks (appointed 1 June 2005)

Directors – appointments to the Board
Appointments are made on merit and against objective criteria. Care is taken to ensure that appointees have enough time
available to devote to the job.

The Nomination Committee controls the process for Board appointments and makes recommendations to the Board.
A majority of the Committee are independent non-executive Directors.

The work of the Nomination Committee in the year
The Committee met once during the period, and once since the end of the period and all members of the Committee were 
in attendance at each meeting. During these meetings, the Committee considered the membership of each sub-committee
of the Board and resolved to implement changes to these sub-committees following the appointment of Giles Weaver as
Chairman after the AGM on 20 July 2005.

Directors – information and professional development
The Board is supplied in a timely manner with information in a form and of a quality appropriate to enable it to discharge 
its duties and its directors are free to seek any further information they consider necessary.

Under the direction of the Chairman, the Company Secretary’s responsibilities include ensuring good information flows
within the Board and its Committees and between senior management and non-executive directors, as well as facilitating
induction and assisting with professional development as required. The Company Secretary is responsible for advising the
Board through the Chairman on all governance matters.

The Board ensures that directors, especially non-executive directors, have access to independent professional advice at the
Company’s expense where they judge it necessary to discharge their responsibilities as directors. Training is available for new
directors and other directors as necessary.

All directors have access to the advice and services of the Company Secretary, who is responsible to the Board for ensuring
that board procedures are complied with.

The Company has arranged appropriate insurance cover in case of legal action against its directors.

Directors – performance evaluation
The Board is to initiate a system of formal evaluation of its own performance and that of its Committees and individual
directors in the current financial period.

The Chairman will be responsible for the annual evaluation process, and will act on its outcome. Each director will submit a
self-appraisal to the Chairman in respect of their individual performance, in respect of the performance of the main Board,
and in respect of each Board Committee of which they are a member. The self-appraisal will be discussed by the Chairman
with the director.

The non-executive directors, led by the senior non-executive director, are responsible for performance evaluation of the
Chairman, taking into account views of executive directors.

53

HELICAL BAR PLC  Report & Accounts 2005

Directors re-election
All directors are subject to re-election, after receiving the recommendation of the Nominations and Appointments
Committee, every three years and, on appointment, at the first AGM after appointment. The Nominations and Appointments
Committee have recommended the re-appointment of the following directors:

– Giles Weaver is due to retire by rotation and offers himself for re-election.

– Wilf Weeks, appointed on the 14 April 2005, seeks formal re-election for the first time.

– John Southwell, being over the age of 70, also offers himself for re-election.

All three directors are non-executive directors and do not have fixed terms of contract.

Biographical details of the directors are given on page 48. 

Relations with shareholders
The Company values the views of its shareholders and recognises their interest in the Company’s strategy and performance,
Board membership and quality of management. It therefore holds regular meetings with, and presentations to, its institutional
shareholders to discuss its objectives. The Board also regularly meets, with the help of its brokers, institutions that do not
currently hold shares in the Company to inform them of its objectives. 

The AGM is used to communicate with private investors and they are encouraged to participate. The members of the Audit,
Remuneration and Nomination and Appointment Committees are available to answer questions. Separate resolutions are
proposed on each issue so that they can be given proper consideration and there is a resolution to consider the annual report
and accounts. The Company counts all proxy votes and will indicate the level of proxies lodged on each resolution, after it has
been dealt with by a show of hands. 

The Company communicates with all shareholders through the issue of regular press releases and through its website at
www.helical.co.uk The Company receives regular reports from sector analysts and its investor relations advisors on how it is
viewed by its shareholders. 

Accountability and audit

Financial reporting
The Board presents a balanced and understandable assessment of the Company’s position and prospects. It seeks to do so in
all published information and in particular in interim and preliminary announcements and other price-sensitive reports and
reports to regulators as well as in the information required to be presented by statutory requirements. 

Going concern
After making enquiries, the directors have a reasonable expectation that the Company has adequate resources to continue in
operational existence for the foreseeable future. For this reason they continue to adopt the going concern basis in preparing
the financial statements.

Audit Committee and auditors
The terms of reference of the Audit Committee are available by request and are included on the Company’s website at
www.helical.co.uk.

The membership of the Committee is as follows:

John Southwell (Chairman)
Giles Weaver
Antony Beevor
Wilf Weeks (appointed 1 June 2005)

The Committee endorses the principles set out in the Smith Guidance for Audit Committees.

The Board has formal and transparent arrangements for considering how they apply the financial reporting and internal
control principles and for maintaining an appropriate relationship with the Company’s auditors.

Whilst all directors have a duty to act in the interests of the Company, the Audit Committee has a particular role, acting
independently from the executive, to ensure that the interests of shareholders are properly protected in relation to financial
reporting and internal control.

Appointments to the Audit Committee are made by the Board on the recommendation of the Nominations and
Appointments Committee in consultation with the Audit Committee Chairman.

The Committee met twice during the year and both meetings were attended by all members of the Audit Committee.
The Audit Committee meets the external auditors twice annually to discuss matters arising from the annual audit.

54

HELICAL BAR PLC  Report & Accounts 2005

Internal control
The Board is responsible for maintaining a sound system of internal control to safeguard shareholders’ investment and the
Company’s assets. Such a system is designed to manage, but cannot eliminate, the risk of failure to achieve business objectives.
There are inherent limitations in any control system and, accordingly, even the most effective system can provide only
reasonable, and not absolute, assurance against material misstatement or loss. 

In accordance with the guidance of the Turnbull Committee on Internal Control, an ongoing process has been established 
for identifying, evaluating and managing risks faced by the Company. This process has been in place from the start of the
financial year under review to the date of approval of these financial statements. As part of this process the Board has
identified key risks faced by the Company. These key risks include net gearing and interest rate exposure, control over cash
and other liquid assets and security of ownership of key assets. The risks have been prioritised and a strategy has been set out
to deal with them. The Board papers produced for each Board meeting include reports by each of the executive directors
together with management accounts, profit and cash flow forecasts. The annual business development plan was presented 
to the Board in January 2005. This document discusses the commercial environment in which the Company operates,
undertakes a SWOT analysis on the Company and sets short, medium and long-term targets for the business. The Board
papers also include regular updates on corporate governance matters and during the year under review has received reports
on risk assessment, interest rate risks, taxation, and matters reserved for Board approval. In between Board meetings the 
non-executive directors receive copies of the minutes of weekly management meetings between the executive Board members
and senior management at which the property portfolio, and other matters are discussed, and minutes of meetings with the
Company’s major joint venture partners. Non-executive directors also receive copies of analysts’ reports on the Company. 
The directors are free to seek any further information they consider necessary. 

The key features of the Company’s system of internal control are as follows:

– clearly defined organisational responsibilities and limits of authority. The day-to-day involvement of the executive directors 

in the running of the business ensures that these responsibilities and limits are adhered to;

– financial controls and review procedures. Internal financial controls are reviewed annually by the Board;
– financial information systems including cash flow, profit and capital expenditure forecasts. The Board receive regular and

comprehensive reports on the day-to-day running of the business;

– an Audit Committee which meets with the auditors and deals with any significant internal control matter. In the year under

review the Committee met with the Auditors on two occasions.

In view of the relatively small size of the Company it does not consider that an Internal Audit function would provide any
significant additional assistance in maintaining a system of internal controls.

55

HELICAL BAR PLC  Report & Accounts 2005

DIRECTORS’ REMUNERATION REPORT

Directors’ remuneration
The Board recognises that directors’ remuneration is of legitimate concern to shareholders and is committed to following
current best practice. In accordance with Section 241A of the Companies Act 1985, the Board presents the directors’
remuneration report for shareholder approval.

Information not subject to audit

Remuneration Committee
The terms of reference of the Remuneration Committee are available on request and are included on the Company’s website
at www.helical.co.uk.

The Remuneration Committee (“Committee”) has responsibility for making recommendations to the Board to determine the
Company’s general policy on salary, bonuses, pensions and other remuneration issues for individual directors. It carries out
the policy on behalf of the Board and in the year under review the Committee met four times. All meetings of the Committee
were attended by all its members.

The membership of the Committee is as follows:

John Southwell (Chairman)
Giles Weaver
Antony Beevor
Wilf Weeks (appointed 1 June 2005)

All the members of the Committee are independent non-executive directors. None of the Committee has any personal
financial interest in the matters to be decided (other than as shareholders), potential conflicts of interest arising from 
cross-directorships nor any day-to-day involvement in running the business. The Committee consults the Managing Director
and Finance Director about its proposals and has access to professional advice from inside and outside the Company. 
During the year under review the Committee were advised by New Bridge Street Consultants in relation to the performance
criteria of the Company’s share option schemes and the introduction of a Performance Share Plan.

Policy on executive directors’ remuneration
The Company operates within a competitive environment and its performance depends on the individual contributions of the
directors and employees. Executive remuneration packages are designed to attract, motivate and retain directors of the calibre
necessary to maintain the Company’s position as a market leader and to reward them for enhancing shareholder value and
return. The performance measurement of the executive directors and the determination of their annual remuneration
package is undertaken by the Committee. 

The remuneration packages of individual directors are structured so that the performance related elements form a significant
proportion of the total and are designed to align their interests with those of the shareholders. Share incentives are designed
so that they recognise the long-term growth of the Company. No director has a service contract of more than one year. 

There are four main elements to the executive directors’ remuneration packages:

i  basic annual salary, pension contributions and benefits-in-kind;
ii  annual bonus payments;
iii  long-term incentives (the “Incentive Plan”);
iv  share incentives.

Basic annual salary, pension contributions and benefits-in-kind
Basic annual salaries for executive directors are reviewed having regard to individual performance and market practice and
were last reviewed in April 2005. 

The remuneration packages of each executive director include a payment of 20% of basic salary as pension entitlement. 
Each director takes this entitlement as additional salary.

Benefits-in-kind provided to executive directors include the provision of a company car and health insurance. 

Annual bonus payments
The Committee establishes the objectives which must be met for annual cash bonuses to be paid. Performance related cash
bonuses, which recognise the relative success of the different parts of the business, may be paid to the executive directors
responsible for their parts. The maximum amount payable in each year is £1,000,000 to each of the Development and
Investment Directors. In the year under review maximum cash bonuses were payable to Gerald Kaye, Development Director,
and Michael Brown, Investment Director. 

Incentive plan
The Company operates an Incentive Plan designed to align the motivations of the senior management team with the interests
of shareholders and to link their remuneration to the performance of the Company’s property portfolio. The Incentive Plan
operates over a five year period from 1 April 2001 and awards will vest annually subject to the achievement of challenging
performance targets. 

The performance targets are as follows:

– an increase in net assets;

– the percentage increase in the total return on property assets of the Company for the performance period being greater

than the percentage increase achieved by the portfolio ranked nearest to three-quarters up the performance table, (taken 
in ascending order of return) (the “Upper Quartile”) of the portfolios of all quarterly valued funds measured by the
Investment Property Databank at the beginning of the relevant performance period and compounded monthly during 
the performance period (the “IPD Total Return Benchmark”); and 

56

HELICAL BAR PLC  Report & Accounts 2005

DIRECTORS’ REMUNERATION REPORT 
continued

– the percentage increase in net asset value per share for the performance period being greater than the percentage increase

achieved by the Upper Quartile of the portfolios of all quarterly valued funds measured by the Investment Property
Databank at the beginning of the relevant performance period and compounded monthly during the performance period
(the “IPD Capital Growth Benchmark”).

The total amount of the awards payable in any one year shall be determined by:

– calculating the difference between the percentage increase in net asset value per share for the performance period and the
percentage increase in the Upper Quartile of the IPD Capital Growth Benchmark over the same period (the “Difference”);
and 

– calculating the sum of the amounts payable in relation to each 1% of Difference on the following basis:

Amount of Difference

Less than 1%

1% to less than 2%

Per cent. of base net asset value payable

0.01

0.02

And thereafter for every additional 1%

An increment of 0.01

Among other constraints, the Committee could restrict the awards if payment would affect the financial or trading position 
of the Company. Under the terms of the Plan the maximum amount payable will be £4,000,000 pa in aggregate with an
individual employee’s participation limited to £2,000,000 pa, providing that performance targets are met in full. There is a
further limit that payments under the Plan in any one year may not exceed 20% of the Group’s pre-award and pre-tax profit.
For disclosure purposes the vesting value of awards is included in remuneration. In the year under review the maximum
awards vested.

Service contracts
The service contracts of Michael Slade, Nigel McNair Scott and Gerald Kaye operate from 1 July 1997 and of Michael Brown
from 8 September 1997. Each service contract provides for a one year notice period. On termination of employment each
director is entitled to a payment in lieu of notice of basic salary and other contractual entitlements ie provision of car and
health insurance. 

Non-executive directors
Non-executive directors are subject to re-appointment by shareholders at the Company’s AGM at least every three years. 
The remuneration of the non-executive directors is determined by the Board and was last increased in April 2003. 
Non-executive directors do not participate in any of the Company’s share option schemes. The Chairman, John Southwell, 
is provided with a company car. 

Total shareholder return
The performance criteria of the Company’s 1999 share option schemes, referred to on pages 57 to 59 below, require the
Company to exceed certain targets of total shareholder return. The total shareholder return for a holding in the Company’s
shares in the five years to 31 March 2005 is shown in the graph below. 

Total shareholder return value (Value £)

250

225

200

175

150

125

100 31/3/2000

31/3/2001

31/3/2002

31/3/2003

31/3/2004

31/3/2005

Helical Bar

FTSE All-Share Real Estate Index

Source: Thomson Financial

This graph looks at the value, by 31 March 2005, of £100 invested in Helical Bar on 31 March 2000 compared with the value 
of £100 invested in the FTSE All-Share Real Estate Index. The other points plotted are the values at intervening financial
year-ends.

57

HELICAL BAR PLC  Report & Accounts 2005

Information subject to audit: Remuneration of directors
Remuneration in respect of the directors was as follows: 

Salary/fees
£000

Benefits-
in-kind
£000

Cash
bonuses
£000

Gain on 
exercise
of share
options
£000

Incentive 
plan
£000

2005
Total
£000

2004
Total
£000

Pensions
2005
Total
£000

Pensions
2004
Total
£000

Chairman

John Southwell

Non-executive directors

Giles Weaver

Antony Beevor

Wilf Weeks (appointed 14/4/05)

Executive directors

Michael Slade

Nigel McNair Scott

Gerald Kaye

Michael Brown

50

28

28

–

480

240

240

240

15

–

–

–

34

11

30

30

1,306

120

–

–

–

–

–

–

1,000

1,000

2,000

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

65

28

28

–

64

28

28

–

1,541

1,619

1,407

1,817

6,384

2,000

4,055

1,517

666

667

667

2,536

3,344

371

418

3,754

1,425

4,000

13,810

3,851

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

2

40

–

–

42

The pension contributions were paid into a Small Self Administered Scheme. The assets of this money purchase scheme are
administered by trustees in a fund independent from the assets of the Group.

Michael Slade was the highest paid director during the year with a total remuneration of £4,055,000 (including gain on
exercise of share options) (2004: Michael Slade £1,517,000).

In order to compensate option holders for the payment of the special dividend in April 2002, the Company pays a cash bonus
of 100p per share on the date option holders exercise their options. The gain on exercise of share options of the directors
includes cash bonuses of £854,000 arising out of the exercise of options during the year. The cost of these cash bonuses is
included in administrative expenses.

Share options
The Company operated three share option schemes during the year.

The Senior Executive 1988 Share Option Scheme ceased to be able to grant options over new shares (“subscription shares”)
and shares held by the Helical Bar Share Ownership Plan Trust (“purchase shares”) in June 2001. Share options granted in
respect of this scheme are included in note 21. Under this scheme options only vest if the increase in the net asset value per
share is greater than that achieved by the upper quartile of the Investment Property Databank index for capital growth of all
funds over a five year period. All the performance criteria of the options granted under the terms of this scheme have been
met and option holders are, therefore, able to exercise their options at any date prior to their expiry.

The Helical Bar 1999 Share Option Scheme operates in respect of the grant of share options which exceed the Inland
Revenue limit of £30,000. Under this scheme the aggregate market value of shares issued or issuable to an individual under
this and other option schemes may not exceed eight times his annual earnings. Share options granted in respect of this
scheme are included in note 21.

The Helical Bar 1999 Approved Share Option Scheme is an Inland Revenue approved scheme. Under the terms of this
scheme options up to a maximum value of £30,000 per individual may be granted. Share options granted in respect of this
scheme are included in note 21. 

The performance criteria of the two 1999 schemes require total shareholder return over a set period to exceed a certain
percentile of the aggregate performance of companies in the Real Estate Sector Index of the FTSE All-Share Index. For the
approved scheme the relevant period is three years and the 50th percentile. For the unapproved scheme the relevant period 
is five years and 25th percentile. 

58

HELICAL BAR PLC  Report & Accounts 2005

DIRECTORS’ REMUNERATION REPORT 
continued

The directors’ interests in the Share Option Schemes during the year were as follows:

Michael Slade

Senior Executive 
1988 Share Option Scheme

Senior Executive 
1988 Share Option Scheme

Senior Executive 
1988 Share Option Scheme

Helical Bar 
1999 Share Option Scheme

Helical Bar 
1999 Share Option Scheme

Helical Bar Approved 
1999 Share Option Scheme

Nigel McNair Scott

Senior Executive 
1988 Share Option Scheme

Helical Bar 
1999 Share Option Scheme

Senior Executive 
1988 Share Option Scheme

Helical Bar 
1999 Share Option Scheme

Helical Bar 
1999 Share Option Scheme

Helical Bar Approved 
1999 Share Option Scheme

Gerald Kaye

Helical Bar 
1999 Share Option Scheme

Helical Bar 
1999 Share Option Scheme

Helical Bar 
1999 Share Option Scheme

Helical Bar 
1999 Share Option Scheme

Helical Bar Approved 
1999 Share Option Scheme

Type

At start
of year

Options
exercised
in year

At end
of year

Exercise
price

Date from
which
exercisable

Expiry
date

Profit on 
exercise of 
options at
31 March
2005

Purchase

6,000

Purchase

400,000

–

–

6,000

452.5p

27.11.01

26.11.07

42,000

400,000

565.0p

10.07.02

09.07.08 2,350,000

Subscription

253,622

(253,622)

–

452.5p

27.11.02

26.11.07

–

Subscription

493,221

Purchase

148,000

Subscription

6,779

–

–

–

493,221

442.5p

08.03.04

07.03.09 3,501,869

148,000

750.0p

18.12.05

17.12.10

*

6,779

442.5p

08.03.02

07.03.09

48,131

1,307,622

(253,622) 1,054,000

5,942,000

Purchase

50,000

Purchase

43,000

–

–

50,000

452.5p

27.11.01

26.11.07

350,000

43,000

442.5p

08.03.04

07.03.09

305,300

Subscription

250,000

(250,000)

–

412.5p

11.07.02

10.07.07

–

Subscription

235,221

Purchase

72,000

Subscription

6,779

–

–

–

235,221

442.5p

08.03.04

07.03.09 1,670,069

72,000

750.0p

18.12.05

17.12.10

*

6,779

442.5p

08.03.02

07.03.09

48,131

657,000

(250,000)

407,000

2,373,500

Purchase

50,000

(50,000)

–

442.5p

08.03.04

07.03.09

–

Subscription

393,221

(100,000)

293,221

442.5p

08.03.04

07.03.09 2,081,869

Purchase

127,000

Purchase

129,419

Subscription

6,779

–

–

–

127,000

750.0p

18.12.05

17.12.10

129,419

766.5p

15.11.06

14.11.11

*

*

6,779

442.5p

08.03.02

07.03.09

48,131

706,419

(150,000)

556,419

2,130,000

*Performance conditions not satisfied as at 31 March 2005.

59

HELICAL BAR PLC  Report & Accounts 2005

Type

At start
of year

Options
exercised
in year

At end
of year

Exercise
price

Date from
which
exercisable

Expiry
date

Profit on
exercise of
options at
31 March
2005

Michael Brown

Senior Executive 
1988 Share Option Scheme

Helical Bar 
1999 Share Option Scheme

Helical Bar 
1999 Share Option Scheme

Helical Bar 
1999 Share Option Scheme

Helical Bar Approved 
1999 Share Option Scheme

Subscription

100,000

(100,000)

–

467.5p

29.09.02

28.09.07

–

Subscription

293,221

(100,000)

193,221

442.5p

08.03.04

07.03.09 1,371,869

Purchase

106,000

Purchase

100,418

Subscription

6,779

–

–

–

106,000

750.0p

18.12.05

17.12.10

100,418

766.5p

15.11.06

14.11.11

*

*

6,779

442.5p

08.03.02

07.03.09

48,131

606,418

(200,000)

406,418

1,419,000

*Performance conditions not satisfied as at 31 March 2005.

The following share options were exercised during the year by directors:

Director

Michael Slade

Nigel McNair Scott

Gerald Kaye

Gerald Kaye

Michael Brown

Michael Brown

Date of
exercise

Type of
option

Number of
shares

18.08.04 Subscription

18.08.04 Subscription

24.01.05

Purchase

01.02.05 Subscription

17.02.05 Subscription

01.02.05 Subscription

253,622

250,000

50,000

100,000

100,000

100,000

Exercise
price

452.5p

412.5p

442.5p

442.5p

467.5p

442.5p

Sale
price

Gain

960.0p

1,287,132

960.0p

1,368,750

1,271.0p

1,285.0p

1,242.5p

1,285.0p

414,250

842,500

775,000

842,500

The market price of the ordinary shares at 31 March 2005 was 1,152.50p (2004: 842.5p). This market price varied between
830.0p and 1,307.50p during the year.

Special dividend
In order to compensate option holders for the payment of a special dividend or a distribution of capital, the Board has, under
the terms of the Executive 1988 Option Scheme and the Helical Bar 1999 Option Scheme (“the Schemes”), the authority to
adjust the number of shares subject to option or the exercise price of those options. 

The Company is currently unable to increase the number of shares under option in sufficient quantity to satisfy the
requirement to compensate option holders for the special dividend of 100p paid in April 2002. An adjustment to the exercise
price of the existing options would result in an increased national insurance cost to the Company. Accordingly, the Board has
considered alternative ways of compensating option holders and, as a result, the Company will compensate holders of options at
the time the special dividend was declared, on the dates they exercise their options by 100p per share, equivalent to the special
dividend. In the year under review compensation of £973,622 was paid following the exercise of options over 973,622 shares. 

60

HELICAL BAR PLC  Report & Accounts 2005

DIRECTORS’ REMUNERATION REPORT 
continued

Performance Share Plan
At the Annual General Meeting on 28 July 2004 the Company received approval for the adoption of a Performance Share
Plan (“PSP”).

General
The operation of the PSP will be supervised by the Remuneration Committee.

The PSP will be capable of delivering shares to an executive after a period of, generally, not less than three years, subject to
meeting pre-specified performance targets.

Eligibility
All employees of the Company and its subsidiaries (including directors who are required to devote substantially the whole of
their working time to the business of the Group) who are not under notice nor within six months of any contractual retirement
ages will be eligible to receive invitations to participate in the PSP at the discretion of the Remuneration Committee.

Grant of awards
Awards may be made within the six weeks following approval at a general meeting, the announcement by the Company of its
results for any period, or the removal of any statutory or regulatory restriction which had previously prevented an award being
granted or any other times considered by the Remuneration Committee to be exceptional.

No awards may be made more than ten years after the adoption of the PSP by the Company. The Remuneration Committee
will formally review the operation of the PSP after no more than five years.

An award consists of the right to acquire shares in the Company for either no payment or payment of a nominal sum. 
Awards are neither transferable nor pensionable.

Limit on individual participation
No awards may be granted over shares in any financial year whose value is greater than three times an employee’s annual rate
of salary.

Exercise of awards
An award will normally vest no earlier than the third anniversary of its grant to the extent that the applicable performance
conditions (see below) have been satisfied and the participant is still employed by the Group. Once exercisable, awards will
then remain capable of exercise for a period of normally no more than six months.

The Remuneration Committee has set demanding performance conditions for the vesting of shares. There are two
performance conditions, one based on absolute growth in the Company’s net asset value per share and the other based on 
the “gross” total property return per share relative to other property funds as determined by IPD but excluding those funds
worth less than £50m at the start of the three year period. Performance will be measured over the three years following grant.

Participants will not normally be permitted to sell shares received through the PSP, other than to meet taxation (and 
national insurance contributions) liabilities, until they own shares to the value of 2 x salary for directors and 1 x salary for
other executives.

For the growth in net asset value, the “fully diluted triple net” net asset value as at the start of the financial year in which a
grant takes place will be compared to the value three years later (having added back dividends).

(a) Absolute net asset value per share (having added back dividends) condition

Annual compound increase after three years

15% pa or more

Between 7.5% pa and 15% pa

7.5% pa

Below 7.5% pa

% of award vesting

66.7%

Pro rata between 6.7% and 66.7%

6.7%

Zero

If UK inflation (RPI) is higher than 3% per annum over the three year period then the required compound increases will be
raised by the excess over the 3% annum average.

(b) Total property return v IPD property funds condition

Ranking after three years

Upper quartile or above

% of award vesting

33.3%

Between median and upper quartile

Pro rata between 3.3% and 33.3%

Median

Less than median

3.3%

Zero

Provided the net asset value per share (having added back dividends) increases over the three year period.

61

HELICAL BAR PLC  Report & Accounts 2005

Alignment with shareholders’ interests
The Remuneration Committee has analysed the potential gains that may be made by executives (directors and those below
Board level) through the PSP and other incentive arrangements currently in place. It has concluded that the share of the
increase in the value of the Company (measured as the increase in the net asset value plus cash returned as dividends to
shareholders) that could accrue to all executives through the Company’s long and short-term incentive and bonus plans at
the point at which the maximum awards vest might be of the order of 20%. At this point, in absolute terms, the Company
will have increased its triple net asset value by at least 15% per annum with the Company’s relative performance placing it
in the top quartile of IPD, over the three year period. Share awards will be cancelled where the gross return falls below the
IPD median and where the growth in triple net asset value is below 7.5% per annum over the three year period.

Relationship to the Company’s share option schemes
The PSP has replaced future share option grants which will only be made in exceptional circumstances and only following
consultation with principal shareholders on the key terms of those options.

Awards made to directors under the terms of the PSP were as follows:

Director

Michael Slade

Nigel McNair Scott

Gerald Kaye

Michael Brown

Date of
award

Shares
awarded

18.08.04

150,000

18.08.04

18.08.04

18.08.04

75,000

75,000

75,000

Helical Bar 2002 Approved Share Incentive Plan
On 24 July 2002 the shareholders approved the Helical Bar 2002 Approved Share Incentive Plan (the “Plan”). Under the
terms of this Plan employees of the Company are given up to £3,000 of free shares in any tax year. Participants in the Plan may
purchase additional shares up to a value of £1,500 which is matched in a ratio of 2:1 by the Company. Provided participants
remain employed by the Company for a minimum of three years they will retain the free and matching shares. 

Shares allocated to, or purchased on behalf of, the directors under the rules of the Plan were as follows:

Michael Slade 

Nigel McNair Scott 

Gerald Kaye 

Michael Brown 

1 July
2004
at 932.5p

5 January
2005
at 1,200p

571

571

571

571

336

167 

167 

167 

Shares held by the Trustees of the Plan at 31 March 2005 were 32,817 (2004: 34,883).

Helical Bar Profit Sharing Scheme
The Helical Bar Profit Sharing Scheme (“Scheme”) has operated since 1997 but was replaced by the Helical Bar 2002 Share
Incentive Plan during 2002. No shares were allocated to employees of the Company during the year. 

Shares held by the Scheme at 31 March 2005 were nil (2004: 54,971).

62

HELICAL BAR PLC  Report & Accounts 2005

REPORT OF THE INDEPENDENT AUDITORS 
TO THE MEMBERS OF HELICAL BAR PLC

We have audited the financial statements of Helical Bar plc for the year ended 31 March 2005 which comprise the principal
accounting policies, the consolidated profit and loss account, the balance sheets, the consolidated cash flow statement, the
consolidated statement of total recognised gains and losses, the notes on historical cost profits and losses, the reconciliation of
movements in shareholders funds and notes 1 to 30. These financial statements have been prepared under the accounting
policies set out therein. We have also audited the information in the directors’ remuneration report that is described as having
been audited.

This report is made solely to the Company’s members, as a body, in accordance with Section 235 of the Companies Act 1985.
Our audit work has been undertaken so that we might state to the Company’s members those matters we are required to state
to them in an auditors’ report and for no other purpose. To the fullest extent permitted by law, we do not accept or assume
responsibility to anyone other than the Company and the Company’s members as a body, for our audit work, for this report,
or for the opinions we have formed.

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

Our responsibility is to audit the financial statements and the part of the directors’ remuneration report to be audited in
accordance with the relevant legal and regulatory requirements and United Kingdom auditing standards.

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

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

We read other information contained in the annual report and consider whether it is consistent with the audited financial
statements. This other information comprises only the directors’ report, the unaudited part of the directors’ remuneration
report, the Chairman’s statement, the development programme, investment portfolio, financial review and the corporate
governance statement. We consider the implications for our report if we become aware of any apparent misstatements or
material inconsistencies with the financial statements. Our responsibilities do not extend to any other information.

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

Opinion
In our opinion:

– the financial statements give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the Company and the Group as at 31 March 2005

and of the results of the Group for the year then ended; and,

– the financial statements and the part of the directors’ remuneration report to be audited have been properly prepared in

accordance with the Companies Act 1985.

Grant Thornton UK LLP
Registered Auditors
Chartered Accountants
London
15 June 2005

63

HELICAL BAR PLC  Report & Accounts 2005

CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY

Helical Bar plc recognises and acknowledges that the conduct of its business has an impact on its employees, its partners, 
its customers and suppliers and the economy, community and environment of its property portfolio. An indication of the
Company’s commitment to good corporate social responsibility is its inclusion on the FTSE4Good UK Index, a benchmark
index of companies which meet criteria set down by EIRIS (Ethical Investment Research Service) on environmental, social
and ethical performance. 

The criteria established by EIRIS encompass corporate governance, environment, human rights, stakeholder issues, employee
issues and customers and suppliers. The Company’s corporate governance policies are noted on page 51 above and on the
environment on page 64. The Company has no business activities in any countries which have unacceptable human rights
records. The Company’s relationship with its key stakeholders, its shareholders, is noted on page 53 above. 

Employees
Helical Bar plc is committed to non-discrimination in all its forms and supports the training and development of all its
employees. The Company actively encourages participation in the ownership of the business through the operation of a 
Share Incentive Plan authorised by shareholders at the 2002 AGM. This Plan replaced the Profit Sharing Scheme which had
operated since 1997. All employees are eligible to benefit from Company contributions into personal pension plans or into
the Company’s Stakeholder Pension Plan.

Statement of General Health and Safety Policy
Helical Bar’s policy is to develop a culture throughout its organisation that is committed to the prevention of injuries and 
ill health to its employees or others that may be affected by its activities. 

The Board of Directors and senior staff are responsible for implementing this policy throughout the Company and must
ensure that health and safety considerations are always given priority in planning and in day-to-day activities.

Helical Bar recognises its legal responsibility for health and safety. The Managing Director has overall responsibility for policy
formulation, development and implementation. The Company shall liaise and co-operate with the appropriate authorities and
will obtain expert advice where necessary to determine the risks to health and safety in its activities.

Facilities will be provided for employer/employee consultation on health and safety matters. All employees are expected 
to co-operate with the Company to achieve the objectives of this policy and must ensure that their own work, so far as is
reasonably practicable, is carried out without risk to themselves or others. 

The Company is committed to providing information and necessary ongoing training to employees in respect of risks to
health and safety, which may arise out of their activities or at their workplace. 

This policy statement will be displayed prominently at all Company offices and the organisation and arrangements for
implementing this policy will be available at all Company offices for reference.

The policy will be reviewed and updated as necessary and any revisions will be communicated to those affected by 
the changes.

Community involvement
Helical Bar plc has for many years joined in efforts to raise money for charitable causes. Alternating each year the Company
organises an entry under the Helical banner into the London marathon and the London to Brighton Bike Ride raising 
money for the British Heart Foundation and other charities. The Company’s Managing Director Mr Michael Slade, has
recently taken over as President of the Land Aid Charitable Trust, a charity established in 1985 to focus the fund-raising efforts
of the property industry. Land Aid’s mission is to support the homeless and vulnerable by raising funds to help provide
accommodation, assist in refurbishment projects and give financial assistance where needed. The Company also makes
charitable donations in its own right and in the year under review the donations amounted to £14,010 (2004: £21,364).

Ethical concerns
The Company has adopted a Code of Ethics which has been distributed to all staff and joint venture partners. This Code 
sets out its approach to its business principles and provides details of good business practices promoted by the Company. 
It includes a clear policy statement that the Company does not condone any form of corrupt behaviour in its business
dealings. 

64

HELICAL BAR PLC  Report & Accounts 2005

CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY
continued

Environmental policy and objectives
Helical remains committed to implementing environmental good practice throughout its business activities. The Company’s
commitment to this aspect of performance is crystallised in the environmental policy and objectives which are listed at
www.helical.co.uk. In 2004 for the first time, the Company set itself a number of specific goals to be achieved during the year. 

The 2004 targets encompassed Helical’s range of activities in building design and construction, property management 
and its own occupation of offices. In summary, out of a total of 19 environmental targets, 12 were fully achieved (100%), 
three were partially achieved (25% – 50%) and four remained unprogressed (0%) by the year end. 

Specific achievements during the past financial year include:

Building design and construction: 
• The Company has reviewed the standard list of prohibited materials used for both refurbishment and construction works 

and has incorporated this within standard design specifications.

• The RIBA Environmental Checklist for Developers has been incorporated as a standard procedure in the Environmental

Governance Manual to be used for all development projects. 

• Also in 2004 the Company reviewed the biodiversity initiatives undertaken at the Waterfront Business Park and introduced 
a one page summary of the valuable lessons learned into the Environmental Manual for reference on future developments. 

Property management: 
• Helical has liaised with its managing agents to develop a central record of directly purchased energy and water for those

multi-let offices in the portfolio where the Company retains an element of managerial control. The Company’s longer term
aim is to identify the “high consumption” properties where opportunities might exist to introduce efficiencies. This would
eventually enable it to set improvement targets in relation to both energy and water consumption. 

• During 2004 Helical introduced a cardboard separation and recycling programme at one of its multi-let offices, with a view

to extending the programme to other offices in the portfolio. 

• Cycle route maps are now displayed in the reception of three of the Company’s multi-let office buildings to encourage

tenants to consider cycling to work. 

Property occupation:
• In its own offices, all of Helical’s white paper waste is now recycled, and energy and water consumption is being recorded

with a view to setting performance improvement targets in the future. 

In 2005, the Company wishes to build upon the progress made to date by establishing a new set of environmental targets. 
These will once again be reported upon in the 2006 Annual Report & Accounts and in more detail on the website. 

Helical is pleased to remain listed in the FTSE4Good Indices. This is even more pleasing in view of the recent tightening of
the Index requirements in areas of environmental performance and supply chain labour standards. 

Helical continues to actively communicate with its managing agents, development consultants, and advisors all of whom play
an important role in the implementation of the Environmental Monitoring System. 

20 YEAR SHARE PRICE CHART

Helical Bar has been a property company for 20 years.  
During that time its share price has increased from  
5p per share (adjusted to reflect the bonus issue of shares 
in 1987) to 1410p (its closing price on 14 June 2005).

294p

 19 October 1987 
 Stock Exchange crash 
 on “Black Monday”

204p

 2 August 1990 
 Iraq invades Kuwait

70p

16 September 1992 
Sterling leaves the 
Exchange Rate Mechanism 

88p

 12 November 1986
 Contracts exchanged with
 BP Properties to sell
 48 Chiswell Street, London EC1

11p

   29 November 1985 
  Nigel McNair Scott joins  
   the Board of Helical Bar

5p

21 August 1984 
Michael Slade  
joins the Board 
of Helical Bar

1,400

1,300

1,200

1,100

1,000

900

800

700

600

500

400

300

200

100

0

HELICAL BAR PLC  Report & Accounts 2005

HELICAL BAR PLC  Report & Accounts 2005

1065p

18 November 2004 
400p Return of Cash 
to shareholders announced 

815p

 19 March 2002 
 The Company  
 announces its second  
 100p special dividend

793p

11 September 2001
Twin Towers at World Trade
Center collapse after being
hit by hijacked planes

516p

 18 January 1999
 The Company announces
 its first 100p special dividend

575p

  8 September 1997
 Michael Brown joins Helical Bar  
 as Investment Director

383p

7 March 1994 
Gerald Kaye joins Helical Bar  
as Development Director

FINANCIAL CALENDAR

Year ended 31 March 2005
Annual General Meeting to be held 20 July 2005
Final ordinary dividend payable 22 July 2005

Half year ending 30 September 2005
Results and interim ordinary dividend announced November 2005
Interim ordinary dividend payable December 2005

Year ending 31 March 2006
Results and final dividend announced June 2006
Final ordinary dividend payable July 2006

ADVISORS

Registrars
Capita Registrars
The Registry
34 Beckenham Road
Beckenham
Kent BR3 4TU

Bankers
Barclays Bank plc
Credit Lyonnais
HVB Real Estate
The Royal Bank of
Scotland plc
Aareal Bank AG

Stockbrokers
JP Morgan Cazenove
20 Moorgate
London EC2R 6DA

Auditors
Grant Thornton UK LLP
Grant Thornton House
Melton Street
Euston Square
London NW1 2EP

Merchant bankers
Lazard 
50 Stratton Street
London W1J 8LL

Solicitors
Ashurst Morris Crisp
Clifford Chance
Dechert
Lawrence Graham
Mishcon de Reya
Norton Rose
Olswang 

1,400

1,300

1,200

1,100

1,000

900

800

700

600

500

400

300

200

100

0

1984

1985

1986

1987

1988

1989

1990

1991

1992

1993

1994

1995

1996

1997

1998

1999

2000

2001

2002

2003

2004

2005

Share price graph adjusted to take account of capital events (share splits etc.)
Source: Datastream

Designed and produced by Radley Yeldar (London)

Helical Bar plc 
Annual report & accounts 2005

20 years of successful performance

HELICAL BAR PLC  Report & Accounts 2005

Photographs on front cover:
1. Aycliffe Industrial Estate
2. 48 Chiswell Street, London EC1
3. 100 Wood Street, London EC2
4. 60 Sloane Avenue, London SW3
5. George Hotel, Glasgow
6. 40 Berkeley Square, London W1

H
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a
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B
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a
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2
0
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5

1

4

5

3

2

6

CONTENTS
I F C SHARE PRICE GRAPH
0 1
0 1
0 2
0 4
0 7
1 4
2 2
2 6
2 7
28

CORPORATE STATEMENT
FIVE YEAR SUMMARY
PERFORMANCE MEASURES
CHAIRMAN’S STATEMENT
DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME
INVESTMENT PORTFOLIO
FINANCIAL REVIEW
CONSOLIDATED PROFIT AND LOSS ACCOUNT
BALANCE SHEETS
STATEMENT OF TOTAL RECOGNISED 
GAINS AND LOSSES

2 8 NOTES ON HISTORICAL COST PROFITS AND LOSSES
2 8

2 9
2 9

RECONCILIATION OF MOVEMENTS IN
SHAREHOLDERS’ FUNDS
CONSOLIDATED CASH FLOW STATEMENT
RECONCILIATION OF NET CASH FLOW
TO MOVEMENT IN NET DEBT
3 0 NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
4 7
4 8

TEN YEAR REVIEW
THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS AND 
SENIOR MANAGEMENT
DIRECTORS’ REPORT
CORPORATE GOVERNANCE REPORT
DIRECTORS’ REMUNERATION REPORT
REPORT OF THE INDEPENDENT AUDITORS 
CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY

4 9
5 1
5 5
6 2
6 3
I B C FINANCIAL CALENDAR
I B C ADVISORS

Helical Bar plc
11-15 Farm Street, London W1J 5RS
Tel: 020 7629 0113, Fax: 020 7408 1666
www.helical.co.uk

Contact details
Registered office: 11-15 Farm Street, London W1J 5RS
Telephone: 020 7629 0113
Fax: 020 7408 1666
Website address: www.helical.co.uk

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS

PRE-TAX PROFIT £m 

2001

2002

2003

2004

2005

25.8

22.6

25.2

13.7

34.9

ORDINARY DIVIDEND PER SHARE Pence 

2001

12.50

2002

13.75

2003

15.00

2004

16.60

2005

17.60

ADJUSTED DILUTED NET ASSET VALUE PER SHARE Pence

2001

2002

2003

2004

754

775

775

884

2005

1078

Net asset values per share have been restated for the impact of the 
adoption in 2005 of UITF38 – Accounting for ESOP Trusts.

CASH RETURNED TO SHAREHOLDERS £m

2001

–

2002

28.4

2003

–

2004

2005

21.5

96.5

Cash returned to shareholders represents special dividends, shares 
bought in for cancellation and the Return of Cash in December 2004 
but excludes ordinary dividends per share.