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Helical

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FY2007 Annual Report · Helical
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Helical Bar plc
Annual Report & Accounts 2007

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3

3

3

3

3

Business Review:
02 Chairman’s Statement
03 Managing Director’s Statement
04 Our Business and Market
08 How We Create Value
10 Portfolio Statistics
14 Performance and Risk
18 Financial Review

Governance:

22 Corporate Social Responsibility
23 Environmental Policy and Objectives
24 The Board of Directors and 

Senior Management

25 Directors’ Report
27 Corporate Governance Report
31 Directors’ Remuneration Report
38 Report of the Independent Auditors 
to the Members of Helical Bar plc

Front cover: 

01

03

05

02

04

06

01 Bramshott Place, Liphook
02 Morgan Department Store, Cardiff
03 C4.1 Milton Keynes
04 Riverbank House, London
05 Hatters Retail Park, Luton
06 Gliwice, Poland

Financial Highlights

Detailed Financial Statements:
40 Index to the Financial Statements
41 Consolidated Income Statement
42 Group and Company Balance Sheets
44 Group and Company Statements of Recognised

Income and Expense

45 Group and Company Cash Flow Statements
46 Notes to the Financial Statements
70 Ten Year Review
71 Glossary of Terms
72 Financial Calendar
73 Advisors

2003 155

2004 182

2005 238

2006 309

2007 374

2003 3.00

2004 3.32

2005 3.32

2006 3.65

2007 4.05    

2003 114.50

2004 168.50

2005 230.50

2006 395.00

2007 429.25

Diluted EPRA net asset value per share Pence

Ordinary dividend per share Pence

Share price at 31 March Pence

Increase in diluted EPRA net asset value
since 1 April 2004

+105%

Three year summary

Net rental income

Trading profits

Development profits

Share of results of joint ventures

Adjusted profits before tax

Gain on revaluation of investment property

Gain on sale of investment properties

Pre-tax profits

Return of cash paid to shareholders

Investment portfolio

Shareholders’ funds

Dividend per ordinary share

Diluted earnings per share

Diluted EPRA earnings per share

Diluted EPRA net asset value per share

Diluted EPRA triple net asset value per share 

Source: Reuters

Increase in share price 
since 1 April 2004

+155%

Notes

31.03.07
£m

31.03.06
£m

31.03.05
£m

14.8

2.1

13.6

6.2

19.5

33.2

7.4

60.1

–

316.0

282.2

pence

4.05

53.7

16.6

374

346

16.5

13.4

4.6

0.4

13.6

35.7

7.8

57.1

2.4

294.6

230.1

pence

3.65

51.8

12.2

309

284

20.4

5.8

12.7

2.7

20.5

30.1

14.1

64.7

97.2

271.3

182.5

pence

3.32

53.7

14.1

238

219

1

4

4

1/4

2/4

3/4

Notes
1. Excludes gains on sale and revaluation of investment properties.
2. After adding back additional deferred taxation arising on the investment portfolio and the fair value of financial instruments.
3. As in 2 above but after deducting the deferred taxation on the investment portfolio.
4. Comparative figures have been adjusted for the 5 for 1 share split on 1 September 2005.

Helical Bar is a property development and
investment company. We create shareholder value
through a wide variety of high margin activities 
with property investment at our core.

Helical Bar’s share price from 1 August 1984 to 18 June 2007. 

Pence

600

500

400

300

200

100

0
84

86

87

85
97
91
This graph looks at Helical Bar’s share price from 1 August 1984 to 18 June 2007. 
Source: Thomson Financial

92

90

88

95

94

96

93

89

Total Shareholder Return

Helical Bar plc

UK Equity Market

Listed Real Estate Sector index

Direct Property – monthly data

Source: New Bridge Street Consultants/Thomson Financial

01 Helical Bar plc Report & Accounts 2007

98

99

00

01

02

03

04

05

06

07

Year

31.3.07
%

31.3.06
%

31.3.05
%

9.7

11.1

22.1

15.6

73.5

28.0

49.3

20.9

35.6

15.6

25.4

18.0

Business Review

“A 21% net asset value 
increase has led to a doubling 
of net asset value per share 
over the last three years.”

Highlights of 2007

Profit before tax increased by 5% to £60.1m

Diluted EPRA net asset value per share rose 
by 21% to 374p

Like for like valuation increase of investment
portfolio of 14.4%

Final dividend of 2.75p, an increase of 12%

Chairman’s Statement

Helical has a history of producing good financial results 
and the year to 31 March 2007 is no exception. The 21%
increase in net assets per share in the year means that the
Company has more than doubled its diluted EPRA net asset
value per share in the last three years.

This performance has been reflected in our share price
which has increased by 155% over the same period.

Results Profits before tax increased to £60.1m (2006: £57.1m)
as higher development profits and lower net finance costs
exceeded the reduced trading profits and gains on
investment properties. Adjusted diluted earnings per share
increased to 16.6p (2006: 12.2p).

The gain on sale and revaluation of the investment portfolio
was £40.6m (2006: £43.6m) reflecting a like for like valuation
increase of 14.4% (2006: 17.3%) and sales of investment
properties at 17.1% over book values.

The Group’s diluted EPRA net asset value per share rose 
by 21% to 374p (2006: 309p). The directors’ valuation of
trading and development stock shows a surplus of £36m
(2006: £29m). Excluding this valuation, the adjusted diluted
net asset value per share rose by 20% to 334p (2006: 278p).

The Company’s prospects for 2007/8 allow the Board to
recommend to shareholders a final dividend of 2.75p per
share (2006: 2.45p), an increase of 12%. Under IFRS
dividends are accounted for once declared and, as a
consequence, this final dividend is not reflected in these
accounts. However, taken with the interim dividend paid in
December 2006 of 1.60p (2006: 1.45p) it represents a total
dividend of 4.35p (2006: 3.90p), an increase of 12%.

The Board In July 2006 John Southwell retired after almost
25 years involvement with the Company, the majority of that
time as Chairman of the Board. The Board thanks John for
his important contribution to the success of the Company
and wishes him well in his retirement. Wilf Weeks is to be
congratulated on receiving an OBE for services to the Arts 
in London.

Outlook The Company’s consistent success is derived 
from an ever-widening portfolio of activities, many involving
highly professional and specialist joint venture partners who
share in this success. As yield compression ceases and total
returns for the property market move into single figures the
diversification of our activities will drive our performance
over the next few years.

The Company is poised to benefit from a number of exciting
schemes, whether through major mixed use developments,
change of planning use, retirement villages and nursing
homes, outsourcing, office and retail developments and
many other opportunities.

As a specialist in adding value through development,
refurbishment and planning, Helical is not dependent on
yield shift to deliver consistently good returns. A 21% net
asset value increase has led to a doubling of net asset value
per share over the last three years. We believe that the
diversity of projects we have accumulated leave us well 
placed to outperform in the future.

Giles Weaver 
Chairman

20 June 2007

02 Helical Bar plc Report & Accounts 2007

Business Review

C4.1 Milton Keynes

Managing Director’s Statement

State of the market Recent investment performance data
show that the commercial property market is levelling off.
The overall figures, however, mask a sharp contrast between
Central London offices, which could produce double digit
capital growth, and the other sectors which are now showing
little capital appreciation.

Helical’s current stance is to adopt a relatively defensive
approach to our investment portfolio while we remain
committed to buy trading and development opportunities
where we are continuing to find attractive margins.

Unlocking shareholder value in competitive markets requires
increasingly creative means. Helical is constantly reinventing
itself and has established a very successful model of setting up
joint ventures with talented specialist management teams. 
This augments our core business helping to keep Helical at
the forefront of the property market and continuing to
outperform its peers.

Real Estate Investment Trusts (REIT) The REIT legislation was
enacted in 2006 and, from 1 January 2007, qualifying listed
property companies have been able to convert into REITs.

Companies in the new REIT asset class are required to
maintain a far greater percentage of their business devoted to
investments than we would wish. We believe at this point in
the current cycle, it is from development and trading, rather
than investment, whence the majority of our future profits
will flow. Conversion to a REIT is not appropriate for Helical.
Our objective is to take advantage of the flexibility that we
retain to generate sufficient profits net of tax to outperform
the more tax efficient REITs.

Senior management A cornerstone on which Helical is built
is the alignment of shareholders interests with those of the
senior management of the Company. The Board of Directors
have always had a significant shareholding in Helical and at
31 March 2007 this shareholding, including other
management, stood at 18%. Including the shares held by the
Company’s Employee Share Ownership Plan Trust (“ESOP”) 
this shareholding is 24%. The average term of office for our
talented team is almost 17 years for our executive directors,
with the equivalent for management below Board level being
over 11 years. I take this opportunity to express my thanks to
the home team and all our various joint venture partners for
their contributions to these results.

Michael Slade 
Managing Director

03 Helical Bar plc Report & Accounts 2007

Business Review

Riverbank House, London EC4

Our Business and Market

Helical Bar is a property development and
investment company. We create shareholder value
through a wide variety of high margin activities
with property investment at our core. Whilst a
profit centre in its own right, property investment
provides a stable income stream to cover all our
overheads and interest costs. Our spread of
activities gives us the flexibility to deploy capital
rapidly across our business and focus on whatever
opportunities offer the best returns at different
points of the property cycle.

Office 
refurbishment

Retail 
refurbishment

Retirement 
villages

Change 
of use

Outsourcing

Property investment

Asset management

Retail 
development

Office 
development

Industrial 
development

Mixed use 
development

Overseas 
development

04 Helical Bar plc Report & Accounts 2007

Business Review

Our goals

Our approach – how we create value

We seek to make excellent returns for our shareholders over
the short-, medium- and long-term whilst avoiding the pitfalls
of the commercial property cycle. We aim to achieve this
through a broadly based, diversified property business, which
has access to a very wide range of opportunities.

We do this with a small, long serving management team who
have a significant proportion of their own wealth invested in
an 18% stake in the Company and have no competing
interests. We try to keep execution risk to a minimum,
working with first rate joint venture partners when we move
into new areas of property business.

Planning We are specialists in unlocking value by obtaining
planning consents for more valuable uses. 

This year we gained consent for a retirement village of 
144 units on the site of a disused hospital in Liphook, 
Hants, resulting in a £9m increase in site value.

We currently have brownfield sites in Cambridge, Horsham
and Great Alne (west of Stratford upon Avon) where we are
seeking retirement village consents. Residential use is being
sought on industrial sites in Fleet and Whitstable and on a
greenfield site in Telford.

Changes of use

Leisure
5
Retail Warehouse
1

Car Showroom

Student Accommodation

7

7

7

7

Industrial

5

Retirement 
Accommodation

5
Offices

3

3

3

3

Trade counter

Residential

Hotel

Retail

05 Helical Bar plc Report & Accounts 2007

Business Review Our Business and Market
Business Review

Clareville House, London SW1

Office refurbishment We like to breathe new life into
unloved, empty office buildings in and around Central
London introducing some design flair and creating new hubs
or communities of occupiers. In Battersea we recently
converted an empty TV studio into offices with a communal
bar and meeting space which is now let to over 20 different
businesses. We have just obtained planning consent to double
the floor space, building a second 50,000 sq.ft. on part of the
car park. Investment properties Rex House, SW1, Shepherds
Building, W12 and 61 Southwark Street, SE1 represent over
£100m of buildings that we have refurbished in the past and
retained for their growth potential.

Retail development Through our joint ventures with 
Oswin and Overton, we have been building retail parks 
and shopping centres for over a decade. Last month 
we completed a retail park in Luton let to DFS, SCS,
Carpetright, Harveys and sold to the Hercules Unit Trust for
£36m. Planning consent is being sought for a 25,000 sq.ft. 
bulky goods retail warehouse scheme in Crewe.

Retail asset management Reconfiguring and combining 
small retail units enables us to attract desirable new retailers
into our retail centres. At the old Morgan’s Department Store
in Cardiff we have created units for Borders, TK Maxx, 
Moss Bros and Rossiters. At Letchworth we nearly doubled
rental values over a three year period. We introduced a dozen
new retailers to the town more than doubling the capital
value and generating a near five fold return on equity.

In Vauxhall, London we are working with National Grid UK
Pension Fund to secure a large residential allocation on an
industrial estate fronting the Thames. Our biggest project is at 
White City where on behalf of a consortium of landowners 
we are master planning 4.5m sq.ft. of residential and
commercial space on 33 acres. In Milton Keynes we are in 
the process of gaining consent for a 300,000 sq.ft. retail
warehouse and leisure scheme and a trade park on 
separate sites.

Mixed use development In recent years we have sought 
to create more sustainable development with a variety of
complementary uses. In particular, we have incorporated
residential uses into a number of our schemes. These include
700 student housing units above our 180,000 sq.ft. retail in
Nottingham and 56 flats in our department store conversion
in Cardiff which were all sold on the first morning of the
launch, a year before completion. At C4.1 in Milton Keynes,
with local developers Abbeygate, we are building 440 flats
above a new 110,000 sq.ft. Sainsbury supermarket. 
These have been forward sold to Barratts and social 
landlord Genesis. At Parkgate, Shirley the construction 
of an 80,000 sq.ft. Asda supermarket together with 
120,000 sq.ft. of retail and 200 residential units are planned
to commence in 2008. In Wolverhampton an 11 acre site has
been divided and sold into land parcels for residential, hotel,
car showroom and public houses with a listed building to be
converted into a casino.

Office development We have a 20 year track record of
building Grade A Central London office buildings, often in
partnership with institutions and other landowners. We have
recently been appointed by Pace Investments (City) Limited
to manage the development in the City of 320,000 sq.ft. of
offices pre-let to Man Group as their new headquarters. 
We are also partnering National Grid UK Pension Fund on
the refurbishment of 35,000 sq.ft. of offices and 23,000 sq.ft.
of leisure and restaurants at Clareville House, SW1. 
At Mitre Square, EC3 we have obtained planning consent 
for a 350,000 sq.ft. office scheme and plan to commence 
in 2008. At Bracknell we are moving forward through
planning a major mixed use scheme which will comprise 
over 300,000 sq.ft. of offices and residential.

06 Helical Bar plc Report & Accounts 2007
06 Helical Bar plc Report & Accounts 2007
06 Helical Bar plc Report & Accounts 2007

Business Review
Business Review Our Business and Market
Business Review Our Business and Market

Cowley, Oxford

2006 with Prudential on a 22,000 sq.ft. property at
Dukesbridge House in Reading. The facility has since been
refurbished and commenced operations in April 2007.

Poland Helical Poland continues to make good progress. 

Sosnica Retail Park, Gliwice, will comprise a 64,000 sq.m.
retail park anchored by a 12,000 sq.m. Carrefour
hypermarket. The site is at the intersection of the new A1
and A4 motorways and will be completed to coincide with
the new junction in the second half of 2009.

At Wroclaw, a retail scheme for 10,000 sq.m. is planned
adjacent to the existing Korona Retail Centre. Pre-lets have
already been agreed with Electroworld and Carpetright.
Work will start on site at the end of 2007 and terms have
been agreed to forward sell the completed scheme to an 
Irish investor.

A number of other retail schemes are under consideration.

Industrial development In partnership with Chancerygate 
we are building 140 units totalling over 580,000 sq.ft. for
onward sale to owner occupiers at two sites in Oxford and 
at Southampton, Southall (West London) and Stockport. 
We are also building 93,000 sq.ft. of mainly industrial space
but also trade counters, crèche and a convenience store in
Hailsham with Quadrant Estates. In recent years we have
completed successful schemes in Slough with Chancergate
and in Cambridge, Edenbridge and Harlow in partnership
with Dencora. These schemes often include sales of parcels
of land for hotels, car showrooms and self-storage and the
development of trade counter schemes.

Retirement villages As part of our planning business we 
obtained retirement village consents and in the past sold off
the sites for development. At Cawston, Rugby we retained an
interest in the development as a consortium member and
following its success have elected to build out our recently
consented scheme at Liphook.

Outsourcing

Our outsourcing venture, The Asset Factor, has made good
progress during the year – evolving its positioning as an asset
manager and property operator.

We have secured a 50% stake in an internal property
management business in partnership with Nelson Bakewell.
Currently managing support services to a portfolio of over
30m sq.ft. in over 600 locations; it is one of the top three
managers of multi-tenanted buildings in the UK. Our strategy
is to invest in new management, improved systems and best
practice processes to create and grow a premium branded,
market leading property and facilities management business.

We have also launched a new corporate services office
business as a joint venture with fast growing sector specialist
Avanta. Our first surplus space deal was signed in December 

07 Helical Bar plc Report & Accounts 2007

Business Review Our Business and Market
Business Review Our Business and Market

How We Create Value

1. Morgan Department Store, Cardiff

2. C4.1 Milton Keynes

In 2004 our joint venture vehicle with Abbeygate
Developments Limited was selected by English Partnerships
as the developer for the £100m C4.1 project in central 
Milton Keynes.

The site was purchased in 2006 and work commenced on 
the construction of a 100,000 sq.ft. supermarket, forward 
sold to Sainsbury’s, and 441 residential units pre-sold to
Genesis and Kingsoak.

Project Construction of new supermarket and flats

Stage of completion Due to complete late 2008

Size Retail units – 110,000 sq.ft.
Residential – 441 flats

In March 2005 we completed the £29m purchase of the
225,000 sq.ft. Morgan Department Store and Royal and
Morgan Arcades in Cardiff. The property had been
“unworked” having been in family ownership for 124 years.
The property is in an improving pitch directly opposite the 
St David’s 2 Shopping Centre, anchored by John Lewis and
due to be completed in 2009.

Planning consent was obtained in 2005 to convert the
department store into three large retail units totalling
160,000 sq.ft., due for completion in 2007 and pre-let 
to Borders, TK Maxx, Rossiters and Moss Bros., 
and 56 apartments on the top floors of the building. 
The apartments were all sold on the first morning of their
launch, a year before their completion in late 2007.

The arcades comprise 55 units being subject to intensive
management on completion of the adjoining development 
at the Morgan Department Store.

Project Refurbishment of department store and conversion
to retail units/residential

Stage of completion Due to complete late 2007

Size Retail units – 160,000 sq.ft.
Arcade – 65,000 sq.ft.
Residential – 50,000 sq.ft.

08 Helical Bar plc Report & Accounts 2007

Business Review

3. Bramshott Place, Liphook

In 2001 this site, with planning permission for an industrial
development, was acquired. Since acquisition the Company
has pursued a planning application for the construction 
of a retirement village. Permission has been granted for a
retirement village of 144 units. Faced with the choice of
selling to a housebuilder or developing the site the Company
has opted to build and operate the first of a number of
retirement villages.

Project Construction of a retirement village on the site of a
former hospital

Stage of completion Due to complete 2009

Size Residential – 144 apartments, cottages and bungalows

09 Helical Bar plc Report & Accounts 2007

Business Review How we create value

Hatters Retail Park, Luton

Portfolio Statistics

Our portfolio – how we commit our capital

Properties sold/projects completed during the year

Central
London
offices

South
East
offices

Out of

In town
retail

town Indust- Change
of use
rial
retail

Total

32.8% 1.2% 20.4% 6.0% 8.9% 2.4% 71.7%

–

2.6% 1.0% 2.3% 13.1% 9.3% 28.3%

Properties sold/ 
projects completed 
during year

Garden Square, 
Letchworth

Investment
Trading and
development

Total

32.8% 3.8% 21.4% 8.3% 22.0% 11.7% 100.0%

Luton

Sandiacre, 
Nottingham

Weston-super-Mare

Average
unexpired
lease
term
(years)

6.8
9.5
9.0
9.3

7.9

Valuation
uplift

17.8%
16.2%
6.3%
7.4%

14.4%

St Austell

True 
Rever-
sionary Equivalent equivalent

Worthing

7.0%
5.1%
5.0%
7.5%

6.4%

6.0%
5.1%
4.9%
7.4%

5.9%

6.3%
5.3%
5.1%
7.8%

6.2%

Sawston, 
Cambridge

I – Investment
D – Development
T – Trading

Initial

6.2%
3.2%
4.9%
6.1%

5.2%

London offices
In town retail
Out of town retail
Industrial

Investment portfolio

Valuation yields

London offices
In town retail
Out of town retail
Industrial

Investment portfolio

Description

150,000 sq.ft. shopping centre
Rental values increased from
£35 psf to £65 psf Zone A during 
ownership. Sold for more than
double 2003 purchase price.

80,000 sq.ft. retail park development.
Prelet to DFS, Carpetright, Harveys, 
SCS. Sold to Hercules for £36.2 million. 
Over 20% profit on cost.

145,000 sq.ft. industrial sold to
Tesco for potential supermarket
development. 32% profit on cost 
over one year.

29,000 sq.ft. retail warehouse
development prelet to Wickes
and presold to Scottish Widows.
Completed October 2006. Profit over 
40% on cost.

36,000 sq.ft. Homebase sold for
circa 100% above 2002 purchase price.

26,000 sq.ft. Wickes sold for 69%
above 2003 purchase price.

Final sales completed of 
65,000 sq.ft. of offices and 
industrial units developed for
freehold sales. 25% profit on cost.

Helical
share

95%
I

80%
D

75%
T

75%
D

75%
I

75%
I

67%
I/T

10 Helical Bar plc Report & Accounts 2007
10 Helical Bar plc Report & Accounts 2007

Business Review

Central London offices 32.8%

The Portfolio

South East offices 3.8%

In town retail 21.4%

Change of use 11.7%

Industrial 22.0%

Out of town retail 8.3%

Ongoing Projects

Mixed use
Developments

Morgan 
Department 
Store, Cardiff

Trinity Square, 
Nottingham

C4.1, 
Milton Keynes

White City, 
London W12

Amen Corner,
Bracknell

Bluebrick,
Wolverhampton

Ropemaker Park,
Hailsham

Leisure Plaza,
Milton Keynes

Tiviot Way,
Stockport

Parkgate, Shirley,
Birmingham

Hagley Road West,
Quinton,
Birmingham

Description

160,000 sq.ft. retail – Borders, TK Maxx,
Moss Bros. Completion Summer 2007. 
56 flats, all sold. Completion late 2007.

180,000 sq.ft. retail – Borders, 
TK Maxx, Dixons. 700 student units. 
Forward sold to Morley for over £100m. 
Completion 2007.

110,000 sq.ft. Sainsbury’s (forward sold).
440 residential units (forward sold).
35,000 sq.ft of retail and offices
Completion 2008.

Helical
share

100%
I

Office
Developments

Mitre Square, 
London EC3

Riverbank House,
London EC4

Clareville House,
London SW1

65%
D

50%
D

Planning consent to be 
sought for 4.5 m sq.ft. 
of commercial and 
residential on 33 acres.

Consortium
landowner and
development
manager
D

Battersea Studios
(phase 2),
London SW8

Forestgate,
Crawley

100%
D

Description

350,000 sq.ft.
Due to start on site 2008.

320,000 sq.ft. pre-let 
to Man Group. 
Due to start on site 2007.

Refurbishment of
35,000 sq.ft. offices
plus 23,000 sq.ft. 
of restaurant, 
nightclub and retail.
Construction started.

50,000 sq.ft. of new office 
development commencing.

Refurbishment of 24,000 sq.ft. 
completed. Scheme for two 
new buildings of 21,000 sq.ft. 
and 18,000 sq.ft.

Helical
share

50%
D

Development
management role
D

Development
management role
D

Land and options held for a 
gateway office/mixed use 
development off A329M.

11 acre site
Individual land sales completed for 
208 flats, 20,000 sq.ft. showroom, 
88 bed hotel, 7,000 sq.ft. pub. 
A casino use is proposed for the 
remaining listed building.

70,000 sq.ft. light industrial,
27,000 sq.ft. trade counter,
12,000 sq.ft. car showroom, 
4,000 sq.ft. convenience store 
and 4,000 sq.ft. crèche.
Construction started 2006.

Resolution to grant planning consent 
for 165,000 sq.ft. ILVA store, 
65,000 sq.ft. casino, 50,000 sq.ft. ice rink, 
plus a further 25,000 sq.ft. of retail.

A planning application will be submitted 
in 2007 for 100,000 sq.ft. industrial, 
49,000 sq.ft. trade counter,
20,000 sq.ft. self storage, 
20,000 sq.ft. builders merchant 
and car showroom.

200,000 sq.ft. retail – Asda (80,000 sq.ft. 
supermarket) and 200 residential units.
Construction to commence 2007.

16,000 sq.ft. retail plus 15 residential 
units. Under construction.

50%
D

80%
D

50%
D

75%
D

75%
D

Industrial
Developments

Description

Watlington Road,
Cowley, Oxford

50%
D

Longford Lane,
Kidlington

71,000 sq.ft. of industrials and offices 
of which 25,000 sq.ft. of offices sold 
and 27,000 sq.ft. of industrials sold
or under offer.

140,000 sq.ft. of industrial units for 
freehold sales. Construction of phase 1 
due to complete Summer 2007.

Scotts Road, 
Southall,
West London

250,000 sq.ft. of industrial 
units for freehold sales. 
Construction to commence 2007.

50,000 sq.ft. of industrial units, 
65,000 sq.ft. of trade counters, 
20,000 sq.ft. of self storage to 
commence 2007 plus a further 
4 acres of industrial land.

Millbrook Trading
Estate,
Southampton

I – Investment
D – Development
T – Trading

75%
D

75%
D

Helical
share

80%
D

80%
D

80%
D

80%
D

11 Helical Bar plc Report & Accounts 2007

Business Review Portfolio statistics

Lime Tree Village, Rugby

Ongoing Projects

Retail
Developments

Macon Way,
Crewe

Gliwice, Poland

Wroclaw, Poland

Retirement Village
Developments

Lime Tree Village,
Rugby

Bramshott Place,
Liphook

Description

25,000 sq.ft. bulky goods scheme
subject to planning consent.

64,000 sq.m. out of town 
retail. Construction to commence 
2007/08.

10,000 sq.m. out of town 
retail. Construction due to 
commence 2007.

Description

154 bungalows, cottages and
apartments being constructed 
in phases. 104 sold to date.

Planning consent granted for  
144 units resulting in an increase 
of over £9m in site value. 
Construction to commence 2007.

Helical
share

Projects with change
of use potential

Description

50%
D

50%
D

50%
D

Helical
share

33%

D

90%
D

Maudslay Park,
Great Alne

Waterside, Fleet

Upper High Street,
Epsom

Vauxhall, 
London SW8

314,000 sq.ft. industrial estate
on a 20 acre site subject to a planning 
appeal for 175 retirement home units.

54,000 sq.ft. of industrial property 
on 5 acres with planning application 
for 207 residential units.

Site with residential consent subject 
to a planning appeal for an 
80,000 sq.ft. supermarket.

In partnership with National Grid
UK Pension Fund we are seeking to
gain an allocation for a large residential
led mixed use development on a 
Thames-side industrial estate.

Ely Road, Milton,
Cambridge

Thanet Way,
Whitstable

Cherry Tree Yard,
Faygate, Horsham

Winterhill, 
Milton Keynes

32,000 sq.ft. of industrial on 
20 acres. Planning application 
to be submitted in 2007 for 
120 unit retirement village.

80,000 sq.ft. of industrial on 
6 acres with potential for 
residential development.

Former sawmill on 15 acres. 
Planning application to be 
submitted in 2007 for 
175 retirement home units.

28,000 sq.ft. of warehouses and 
offices with retail warehouse 
or trade counter potential.

Cardiff Royal
Infirmary

Vacant hospital on a peppercorn 
lease with residential potential.

Arleston, Telford

19 acre greenfield site with 
residential potential.

I – Investment
D – Development
T – Trading

Helical
share

90% 
D

75%
I

100%
D

Profit
Share 
D

90%
D

90%
D

90%
D

50%
I

75%
I

90%
D

12 Helical Bar plc Report & Accounts 2007

Business Review Portfolio statistics

Rex House, London SW1

Income producing assets

Offices

Description

Rex House, Lower 
Regent Street,
London SW1 

80,000 sq.ft. office building 
refurbished in 2001. Short leasehold 
expiring 2035. Acquired vacant in 2000.

Shepherd’s 
Building,
Shepherd’s Bush,
London W14

150,000 sq.ft. of studio offices  
refurbished in 2001 and let to over  
50 tenants. Acquired vacant in 2000.

61 Southwark
Street, London SE1 been subject to a rolling 

66,000 sq.ft. of offices that have  

Battersea Studios,
London SW8

refurbishment and a new penthouse 
floor. Acquired 1998.

55,000 sq.ft. of media style offices 
refurbished in 2006. Acquired vacant 
in 2005.

Amberley Court,
Crawley

Partial refurbishment of 31,000 sq.ft.
Office campus.

Retail –
in town

Morgan & Royal
Arcades, Cardiff

1-5 Queens Walk,
East Grinstead

Glasgow Portfolio

Description

56 units to be subject to intensive 
management on completion of  
the adjoining development at
the Morgan Department Store. 
Acquired 2005.

37,000 sq.ft. of retail opposite 
a proposed new retail scheme. 
Acquired 2005.

Three unit shop investments 
and part of a multi-let office block, 
all in Glasgow City Centre. 
Acquired 2005.

Helical
share

100%
I

Retail –
out of town

Otford Road 
Retail Park, 
Sevenoaks

Description

43,000 sq.ft. with open A1 consent let 
to Wickes, Currys and Carpetright. 
Acquired 2003.

90%
I

Stanwell Road,
Ashford

32,000 sq.ft. Focus DIY store.
Acquired 2004.

215 Brixham 
Road, Paignton

24,000 sq.ft. Focus store with open 
A1 consent. Acquired 2005.

100%
I

75%
I

90%

Helical
share

100%
I

87%
I

100%
I/T

Industrial

Description

Hawtin Park,
Blackwood

Fordham,
Newmarket

Westgate, 
Aldridge

Dales Manor,
Sawston, 
Cambridge

Golden Cross,
Hailsham

Standard 
Industrial Estate, 
North Woolwich

251,000 sq.ft. estate, part vacant.
Acquired 2003.

70,000 sq.ft. of R&D space and offices
on a 32 acre landscaped site let on a
long lease. Acquired 2007.

208,000 sq.ft. part vacant. Acquired 2006.

70,000 sq.ft. multi-let estate.
Acquired 2003.

102,000 sq.ft. unit let on a long RPI 
lease. Acquired 2001.

50,000 sq.ft. estate, recently refurbished.
Acquired 2002.

Bushey Mill Lane,
Watford

24,000 sq.ft. income producing with 
development potential. Acquired 2006.

I – Investment
D – Development
T – Trading

Helical
share

75%
I

75%
I

67%
I

Helical
share

100%
I

53%
I

80%
I

67%
I/D

100%
I

60%
I

80%
D

13 Helical Bar plc Report & Accounts 2007

Business Review Portfolio statistics

Hagley Road, Birmingham

Performance and Risk

A property company’s share price should reflect
growth in net assets per share. Our Company’s
main objective is to maximise growth in assets 
from increases in investment portfolio values 
and from retained earnings from other property
related activities. 
Risk is an integral part of any company’s business
activities and Helical’s ability to identify, assess,
monitor and manage each risk to which it is
exposed is fundamental to its financial stability,
current and future financial performance 
and reputation. 

IPD (all monthly and quarterly valued funds) Ungeared returns

Total Returns 

% pa

% pa

% pa

% pa

% pa

Annualised over

1 year

3 years

5 years 10 years 17 years

Helical

IPD Benchmark

Percentile rank

24.1

15.8

5

25.9

17.8

3

19.5

14.9

3

20.8

13.3

1

18.5

9.7

0*

* “0” means the top ranked fund.

14 Helical Bar plc Report & Accounts 2007
14 Helical Bar plc Report & Accounts 2007

Business Review

Total Shareholder Return

Helical Bar plc1

UK Equity Market2

Listed Real Estate Sector index3

Direct Property – monthly data4

1 year 
% pa

9.7

11.1

22.1

15.6

3 years 
% pa

37.2

18.0

31.7

18.1

1 Growth over 1 year, 3 years etc to 31/3/07
2 Growth in FTSE All-Share Return Index over 1 year, 3 years etc to 31/3/07
3 Growth in FTSE All-Share Real Estate Sector Return Index over 1 year, 3 years etc to 31/3/07
4 Growth in Total Return of IPD UK Monthly Index (All Property) over 1 year, 3 years etc to 31/3/07

Performance measured over

5 years  
% pa

10 years 
% pa

15 years 
% pa

20 years
% pa

23.6

8.6

23.5

15.5

24.0

7.7

14.7

13.5

29.5

10.8

16.0

12.1

19.2

10.1

10.8

11.6

Key Performance Indicators and Benchmarks

We incentivise management to outperform the Company’s
competitors by setting the right levels for performance
indicators against which rewards are measured. We also
design our remuneration packages to align management’s
interests with shareholders’ aspirations. Key to this is the
monitoring and reporting against identifiable performance
targets and benchmarks. For a number of years we have
reported on these, the most important of which are:

Investment Property Databank The Investment Property
Databank (“IPD”) produces a number of independent
benchmarks of property returns which are regarded as the
main industry indices. They have compared the ungeared
performance of Helical’s total property portfolio against that
of portfolios within IPD for the last 17 years. The Company’s
annual performance target is to exceed the top quartile of
the IPD database. Helical’s ungeared performance for the
year to 31 March 2007 was 24.1% (2006: 25.9%) compared 
to the IPD median benchmark of 15.8% (2006: 20.6%) 
and upper quartile benchmark of 17.2% (2006: 22.8%).

IPD (all monthly and quarterly valued funds) Ungeared returns

Total Returns

Helical

IPD upper quartile

Percentile rank

* “0” means the top ranked fund.

31.3.07
%

31.3.06
%

31.3.05
%

24.1

17.2

5

25.9

22.8

10

28.5

20.3

0*

The returns on shareholder 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
£36m (2006: £29m) surplus of trading and development
stock above book value arising from the directors’ valuation.

Total Shareholder Return Total Shareholder Return 
(“TSR”) measures the return to shareholders from share
price movements and dividend income and is used to
compare returns between companies listed on the Stock
Exchange. Management is incentivised to exceed the top
quartile of the real estate sector. Helical’s TSR for the year 
to 31 March 2007 was 9.7% (2006: 73.5%) compared to 
the median of the listed real estate sector of 22.1% 
(2006: 49.3%).

Net asset value Net asset value per share represents the share
of net assets attributable to each ordinary share. Whilst the
basic and diluted net asset per share calculation provide 
a guide to performance the property industry prefers to use
an adjusted diluted net asset per share. The adjustments
necessary to arrive at this figure are shown in note 31 
to these accounts.

Management is incentivised to exceed 15% p.a. growth 
in net asset value per share.

The adjusted diluted net asset value per share, excluding
trading stock surplus, at 31 March 2007 was 334p (2006:
278p), an increase of 20%.

Including the surplus on valuation of trading and
development stock, the diluted EPRA net asset value per
share at 31 March 2007 was 374p (2006: 309p) an increase 
of 21% (2006: 30%). Adjusted EPRA triple net asset value per
share rose by 22% (2006: 30%) to 346p (2006: 284p).

Risk Management

Risk governance The responsibility for the governance 
of the Company’s risk profile lies with the Board of 
Directors of Helical. The Board is responsible for setting the
Company’s risk strategy by assessing risks, determining its
willingness to accept those risks and ensuring that the risks
are monitored and that the Company is aware of and, if
appropriate, reacts to, changes in those risks. The Board is
also responsible for allocating responsibility for risk within
the Company’s management structure. 

Strategic risks Strategic risks are those risks that may adversely
affect the Company’s financial performance by following 
an inappropriate strategy or by the failure to execute an
appropriate strategy. Strategic risks arise over a long time
frame where there are fundamental differences between 
the business environment in which the Company operates
and the environment assumed on the establishment 
of that strategy. 

The Company’s reputation is a key component of our ability
to achieve its strategic goals and success in meeting these
goals depends not only on the effective management of 
risks but also on the maintenance of its reputation among
stakeholders i.e. employees, investors, regulators, business
partners, financial institutions and the public. 

15 Helical Bar plc Report & Accounts 2007

Business Review Performance and Risk

Shirley, Solihull

The other main strategic risks identified by the 
Company include:

– long-term under-performance of the real estate 

sector compared to alternative forms of investment 
e.g. equities, gilts;

– regulatory changes which significantly impact on the

attractiveness of real estate as an investment compared 
to alternative forms of investment, or on the attractiveness
of investing in real estate through a listed company;

– the effect of global events e.g. oil prices, international
conflicts and terrorism, economic impacts of global
inflation/depressions on UK real estate in general 
and on London, as a financial centre, in particular;

– macro-economic changes such as interest rate rises

affecting yields achievable on real estate;

– over-dependence on an inadequate level of business

relationships restricting an ability to source opportunities;
and,

The remuneration packages of senior directors and
employees are seen as the key to their retention and
motivation. These remuneration packages are designed 
to provide a basic level of salary at the lower to mid-range 
of the Company’s peer group but with cash bonuses and
share awards at the top end of the peer group rewarding
outperformance compared to that peer group. 

Risks to the Company’s reputation are mitigated by the
adoption of an internal Code of Conduct and “whistle-
blowing” procedures which are reviewed annually.

The most recent annual review of the strategic risks faced 
by the Company indicate that the business of Helical is
appropriate to the business environment in which it
competes and that the strategic risks faced by the Company
have not impacted adversely on it in the period under review.

Operational risks Operational risk is the risk that the
Company may suffer a loss from inadequate internal
processes, systems, resources, incorrect decision-making 
or through external events. 

– retention of key senior employees.

Losses from operational risk can arise from:

The principal strategic risks noted above and the underlying
drivers of such risks are monitored by management and
discussed in the annual update of a five year Business Plan
presented by the Executive Directors to the full Board each
year. In addition the Company receives regular updates on
the impact of economic scenarios on the real estate sector 
as well as subscribing to a number of economic journals in
order that senior employees are kept up-to-date. 

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. 

The Board monitors the financial performance of the
Company at quarterly Board meetings where comparisons
against budgets and forecasts are made together with 
a review of key performance indicators. 

– people-related issues such as inadequate resources, skills 

or departure of key personnel;

– software or hardware failure, inadequate IT security, 

failure of back-up facilities;

– incorrect or inappropriate use of valuation models,

inappropriate gearing levels, breaches of authorisation
levels;

– fraud from internal or external sources;

– external events leading to a loss of a major provider 

of services e.g. contractor failure.

The Company’s approach is not to eliminate operational 
risk, but rather to identify the areas in which it might arise
and to contain it within acceptable limits through the
application of effective controls. Ultimately, the management
of operational risk is dependent upon the application of
sound management judgement. The close involvement of
the executive directors in the day-to-day running of the
business is critical to that judgement.

The Company has not suffered any material losses arising
from exposure to operational risks in the year under review.

16 Helical Bar plc Report & Accounts 2007

Business Review Performance and Risk

Mitre Square, London EC3

Market risks Market risks arise from the possibility that the
Company may suffer reduced income or a loss resulting 
from fluctuations in the values of, or income from, its real
estate portfolio. 

Market risk is a key component of the Company’s long-term
strategy with exposure to the various real estate sectors
fluctuating as perceptions of the future performance of 
each of those sectors change. Net asset value growth, a 
key performance indicator, is dependent upon an ability 
to move easily between sectors at the appropriate time. 

The Company’s directors constantly analyse fluctuations in
market movements using evidence gathered from a variety 
of public and personal sources, using this analysis to
determine the future direction of real estate investment. 

Selecting the most appropriate level of exposure to each
sector is fundamental to the success of the Company.
Measuring that success is undertaken by comparing the
Company’s portfolio returns over short-, medium- and
long-term periods with those as reported by Investment
Property Databank (IPD), the source of the main real 
estate sector indices. 

In the year under review, and over the medium- and long-
term, the Company’s performance compares favourably 
with the rest of the sector as reported by IPD on page 15.

Liquidity risks Liquidity risks arise from having insufficient
financial resources to enable the Company to meet its
obligations as they fall due, or can only secure them at an
excessive cost. Liquidity risks also arise where the Company
has insufficient resources to enable investment decisions,
arising from its assessment of market risks, to be executed. 

The Company’s overall approach is to provide sufficient
liquidity to be able to meet, from cash resources and
available facilities, the expected requirements of the business.
The guiding principle is to ensure that funding is obtained
from diverse providers with a range of maturities, backed 
up by interest rate protection where appropriate. This is to
ensure that a stable flow of financing is available and to
provide protection in the event of market disruption.

The Company’s cash resources, bank borrowings,
interest rate protection and gearing are noted on
pages 59 to 61.

Credit risks Credit risk is the possibility that the Company
may suffer a loss from the failure of its tenants, borrowers,
suppliers or other counterparties to meet their financial
obligations to the Company, including their failure to meet
them in a timely manner. It includes the risks that the
Company may suffer a loss as a result of guarantees to third
parties. Credit risk in order to earn a return is not a central
feature of the Company’s business activities, rather it is a
consequence of those activities. 

The Company is exposed to credit risk in respect of the
financial stability of the tenants and potential tenants in its
real estate portfolio. It is also exposed to credit risk where
cash flows from the sales of real estate, whether investment 
or trading properties or funded developments, are deferred.
The potential failure of major suppliers such as contractors
or sub-contractors also exposes the Company to credit risk.
Guarantees to third parties, such as banks, where the
Company is in joint venture with partners expose the
Company to risks that those partners are unable to fulfil 
their obligations. 

The Company finances its operations from the cash flow
generated by its operations, bank borrowings, both secured
and unsecured and over short-, medium- and long-term
periods, and from the capital markets through share issues. 

The management of cash and debt is monitored daily with
medium-term cash flows prepared weekly and long-term 
cash flows discussed regularly in management meetings 
and presented to the Board annually. 

The financial assessment of tenants, potential tenants,
contractors and potential partners are part of the daily
routine of the Company. The assessment of these third
parties is undertaken by the finance department in discussion
with the principal responsible for the real estate decision.

In the year under review bad debts constituted less than 1%
of gross rental income and no other third parties resulted in
a loss arising in the Company from their financial position.

17 Helical Bar plc Report & Accounts 2007

Business Review Performance and Risk

Financial Review

Consolidated Income Statement
Profits Profits before tax increased to £60.1m (2006: £57.1m) with higher development profits, an increased contribution from the
Company’s joint ventures and lower net finance costs exceeding the reduction in trading profits and gains on investment properties.

Adjusted profits before tax, which excludes the gains on sale and revaluation of investment properties, increased to £19.5m 
(2006: £13.6m). Profits after tax and minority interest increased to £52.1m (2006: £47.4m).

Rental income Net rental income for the year fell to £14.8m (2006: £16.5m) reflecting, for a second year, the sale of let investment 
and trading properties and their replacement with vacant or partially let properties with refurbishment and rental growth prospects.
During the year £46m of investment properties, yielding £2.1m of rental income, were sold. £29m was used to add to the investment
portfolio, principally through the refurbishment of existing properties, and £42m was used to purchase sites and properties to be 
re-developed. Together these currently produce a passing rent of £1.0m. Rent reviews and new lettings, net of lease expiries and 
rent free periods, added rental income of £1.6m on the remaining portfolio.

Rental costs fell from £3.6m to £3.3m, as vacant space at refurbished properties began to be let.

Trading and other profits Trading profits of £2.1m were down on last year (2006: £13.4m) and arose from the sale of a number of
properties at Nottingham, Curtain Road London EC2 and in Glasgow.

Development profits The development programme produced profits at the retail schemes at Weston-super-Mare, Luton and
Nottingham, office schemes at Ropemaker Place London EC2, Chertsey and Hailsham and industrial/office schemes in Oxford 
and Cambridge.

Developments

Profits 

2007
£000

2006 
£000

2005 
£000 

13,587

4,594

12,664

Share of results of joint ventures During the year the main contributor to profits was the mixed-use scheme at C4.1 Milton Keynes.

Administrative expenses Administrative expenses increased to £17.5m (2006: £16.6m) principally as the result of an increased charge 
for share-based payments. Administrative expenses, before impairment of goodwill and executive bonuses, remained at £6.1m
(2006: £6.1m).

Gain on sale and revaluation of investment properties During the year to 31 March 2007 the Group sold investment properties with book
values of £45.6m (2006: £57.6m) on which it made £7.5m (2006: £7.8m) of profit. The properties sold included the shopping centre
at Letchworth, retail warehouses in St. Austell and Worthing and a number of small units in Glasgow. The revaluation surplus for
the year was £33.2m (2006: £35.7m).

Finance costs and finance income Increases in interest rates on higher levels of debt during most of the year led to an increase in
interest costs. However, capitalised interest more than offset the higher interest costs reducing net finance costs to £2.7m 
(2006: £7.4m). Finance income earned on cash deposits remained constant at £1.3m (2006: £1.3m).

18 Helical Bar plc Report & Accounts 2007
18 Helical Bar plc Report & Accounts 2007

Business Review

Net finance costs

Interest payable on bank loans 

Other interest payable 

Finance arrangement costs 

Interest capitalised 

2007
£000

8,437

228

114

2006
£000

7,638

2,346

234

(6,069)

(2,797)

2,710

7,421

2005
£000

8,330

2,243

457

(2,296)

8,734

Interest receivable 

1,335

1,295

1,948

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 2008 will be less than the standard rate of 30% due to
the use of capital allowances.

The deferred tax charge for the year reflects a provision for tax on revaluation surpluses and on temporary differences between the
carrying amount of assets and liabilities in the financial statements and their corresponding tax bases in accordance with IFRS.

Dividends The Board is recommending to shareholders at the Annual General Meeting on 25 July 2007 a final dividend of 2.75p per
share (2006: 2.45p) to be paid on 27 July 2007 to shareholders on the register on 29 June 2007. This final dividend, amounting to
£2.5m (2006: £2.2m) has not been included as a liability at 31 March 2007, in accordance with IFRS.

Dividends

Interim 

Prior period final 

Total 

2007
pence

1.60

2.45

4.05

2006 
pence 

1.45

2.20

3.65

2005 
pence 

1.32

2.00

3.32

In the year to 31 March 2005 a 400p per share dividend was paid to shareholders holding 14,143,020 A ordinary 5p shares as part of
the Return of Cash on 23 December 2004.

Earnings per share Earnings per share in the year to 31 March 2007 were 58.0p (2006: 54.7p) per share and on a diluted basis were
53.7p (2006: 51.8p) per share.

Earnings per share

Earnings per share 

Diluted earnings per share 

Diluted EPRA earnings per share 

2007
pence

58.0

53.7

16.6

2006 
pence 

54.7

51.8

12.2

2005
pence

56.3

53.7

14.1

Diluted EPRA earnings per share excludes from earnings the IFRS effects of including the gain on sale and revaluation of
investment properties (net of tax) and fair value movement on derivative financial instruments.

19 Helical Bar plc Report & Accounts 2007

Business Review Financial Review

Consolidated Balance Sheet
Investment portfolio During the year investment properties with a book value of £45.6m were sold and partly replaced by £10.4m of
new properties. In addition, around £18.6m of capital expenditure was spent on refurbishing various office, industrial and retail
buildings. At 31 March 2007 there was a revaluation surplus of £33.2m (2006: £35.7m) on the investment portfolio.

Investment portfolio

Cost or valuation at 1 April 

Additions at cost 

Disposals 

Amortisation of finance lease 

Revaluation – Group

– Joint ventures

Cost or valuation at 31 March 

2007
£000

2006 
£000

2005
£000

294,583

271,315

335,114

28,965

40,231

26,957

(45,638)

(57,565)

(124,210)

(3)

33,180

4,938

–

35,733

4,869

–

30,097

3,357

316,025

294,583

271,315

Net asset values The performance of the Group in the year to 31 March 2007 has increased equity shareholders’ funds, on which 
the net asset value per share is calculated, by £52.1m. This has led to a 21% increase in diluted net assets per share to 307p 
(2006: 253p). Taking into account the directors’ valuation of trading and development stock of £36m (2006: £29m), the diluted
EPRA net assets per share increased by 21% to 374p (2006: 309p).

Net asset values per ordinary share

Diluted – 1

Adjusted diluted – 2

Diluted EPRA – 3

Diluted EPRA triple net asset value – 4

2007
pence

307

334

374

346

2006 
pence

253

278

309

284

2005
pence

205

224

238

219

1 – net asset value diluted for share options.
2 – net asset value as per 1, but after adding back deferred tax on revaluation surpluses and capital allowances and the fair value of financial instruments.
3 – net asset value as per 2, but after adding the fair value of trading and development stock.
4 – net asset value as per 3, less the deferred tax on revaluation surpluses and capital allowances and the fair value of financial instruments.

20 Helical Bar plc Report & Accounts 2007

Business Review Financial Review

Borrowings and financial risk The Group’s purchases of development sites have increased debt and, at 31 March 2007, net debt had
increased from £112.7m to £134.0m.

Taken with an increase in net assets of £52.1m, the increase in net debt combined to reduce the Group’s net gearing from 49% to 47%.
Net debt and gearing

2006 

2005 

2007

Net debt 

Gearing 

£m

%

134.0

47

112.7

49

125.0

67

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 £74m of undrawn bank facilities and cash of £3.4m (2006: £10.1m). 
In addition it had £195m (2006: £158m) of uncharged property on which the Group could borrow funds.

As at 20 June 2007, Helical’s average interest rate was 6.4%.

Performance Measures
Key performance indicators, such as the Company’s performance against an Investment Property Databank (“IPD”) benchmark,
Total Shareholder Return and net asset value growth, are included in the Performance and Risk section of these financial
statements on pages 14 to 17. In addition, in order to evaluate its overall performance against other small to mid-size companies,
both here and abroad, Helical looks at equity added value.

Equity value added

Year ended 31 March

Capital employed

Return on capital

Weighted average cost of capital

Spread

Equity value added

Nigel McNair Scott
Finance Director

£m

%

%

%

£m

2007

411

21.6

7.7

13.9

46.7

2006

336

19.7

7.0

12.7

44.1

2005

347

24.2

6.7

17.5

60.9

21 Helical Bar plc Report & Accounts 2007

Business Review Financial Review

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 pages 27 to 30 and on the 
environment on page 23. 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 29. 

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. In 2007, the Company has organised an 
entry under the Helical banner into the London to Brighton Bike Ride hoping to repeat its success of 2005 when over £91,000 
was raised for the British Heart Foundation. The Company’s Managing Director, Mr Michael Slade, is a Trustee of the Land Aid
Charitable Trust, a charity established in 1985 to focus the fundraising 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. In 2005 the charity was relaunched and organises several fundraising events each year. 
The Company also makes charitable donations in its own right and in the year under review the donations amounted to £45,485
(2006: £40,220).

Ethical concerns
The Company has adopted a Code of Ethics which 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. 

The Company has also adopted an Equal Opportunities Policy which sets out its determination to treat all employees in accordance
with that policy.

22 Helical Bar plc Report & Accounts 2007

Corporate Governance

Environmental Policy and Objectives

Helical remains committed to managing adverse environmental impacts arising from its property management and development
activities. Our strategic commitment to the environment is outlined in the Company’s environmental policy which can be found 
on the environment pages of www.helical.co.uk. The environment policy is supported by 11 overarching environmental objectives,
outlining our commitment across a range of environmental issues as diverse as resource use, waste management and 
environmental design.

As a minimum, we aim to comply with all relevant local, national and international legislation and regulation. Where practicable, 
we seek to go further and implement good environmental practice, because, amongst other things, we believe that it minimises risk,
future proofs our business, adds value beyond the traditional financial measures of property markets and contributes to our
enhanced reputation.

We set targets annually as part of an ongoing commitment to continuous improvement. These targets cover three main areas of 
our activity, namely, design and construction, property management and our own office occupation. Progress against these targets 
is tracked quarterly and a detailed review of progress against the targets is undertaken by our third party advisors each year
summarising how we performed against our stated commitments. Listed below are some of the achievements of the past year:

Building design and construction
• We developed an environmental guidance checklist for our smaller contractors. We hope to use this to encourage our

contractors to consider environmental issues in assignments undertaken on behalf of Helical.

• We identified a series of key performance indicators for measuring waste at our Clareville House re-development in London. 

We hope that this may be useful in future given the imminent legal requirement for Site Waste Management Plans.

Property management
• We developed an information pack for new tenants, including information on our corporate environmental policies and

environmental matters relating to individual buildings.

• Work has continued with several tenants in multi-let offices to identify energy saving measures.

• We have carried out a cost comparison exercise at several multi-let offices, comparing the cost savings associated with recycling

and traditional waste disposal methods.

Own occupation
• Our website has been updated to include further details on our approach to environmental management as well as an overview

of progress against last year’s environment targets.

Future commitments
A full list of targets for 2007/08 can be found on the Company website at www.helical.co.uk

23 Helical Bar plc Report & Accounts 2007

Corporate Governance

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 60.

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 61.

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 49.

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 46. 

Non-executive directors
Chairman Giles Weaver, FCA, was appointed to the Board as a non-executive director in 1993 and was appointed Chairman following
the 2005 AGM. He is Chairman of the Remuneration and Nominations and Appointments Committees. A recent Chairman of
Murray Johnstone Ltd, he is Chairman of Kenmore European Industrial Fund Limited and AH Medical Properties PLC and a
director of Aberdeen Asset Management plc, James Finlay Ltd and ISIS Property Trust 2 Ltd as well as being Chairman or a director
of a number of investment companies. Aged 61.

Antony Beevor, BA, was appointed to the Board as a non-executive director in 2000. He is the Senior Independent Director and
Chairman of the Audit Committee. He is also a member of the Remuneration and Nominations and Appointments Committees. 
A former Head of Corporate Finance at Hambros Bank and Chairman of Croda International Plc, he is a Deputy Chairman of the
Takeover Panel. Aged 67.

Wilf Weeks, OBE, was appointed to the Board as a non-executive director in 2005. He is a member of the Audit, Remuneration and
Nominations and Appointments Committees. Founder and Chairman of GJW Government Relations, he is now the Chairman of
European Public Affairs at Weber Shandwick. He was awarded an OBE in June 2006 for his services to the arts in London. Aged 59.

Andrew Gulliford, BSc(Est.Man), FRICS, was appointed to the Board as a non-executive director in 2006. He is a member of the
Audit, Remuneration and Nominations and Appointments Committees. A former Deputy Senior Partner of Cushman & Wakefield
Healey & Baker, he is a non-executive director of McKay Securities PLC, ISIS Property Trust 2 Ltd and various other companies.
Aged 60.

Company Secretary Tim Murphy, ACA, was appointed Company Secretary in 1994. Aged 47.

Senior management 
Matthew Bonning-Snook joined the Company as a development executive in 1995. Aged 39.

Jack Pitman joined the Company as an investment executive in 2001. Aged 38.

John Inwood joined the Company as a management executive in 1995. Aged 41.

24 Helical Bar plc Report & Accounts 2007

Corporate Governance

Directors’ Report

The directors’ present their report and financial statements for the year ended 31 March 2007.

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 in the Business
Review on pages 2 to 21. 

Trading results 
The results for the year are set out on page 41. The profit after tax amounts to £52,088,000 (2006: £47,444,000).

Share capital
The detailed movements in share capital are set out in note 25 to these financial statements. At 31 March 2007 and 20 June 2007
there were 95,719,432 ordinary 1p shares in issue. 

Dividends
A final dividend of 2.75p (2006: 2.45p) per share is recommended for approval at the Annual General Meeting on 25 July 2007. 
The total ordinary dividend paid in the year of 4.05p (2006: 3.65p) per share amounts to £3,615,000 (2006: £3,127,000). 

Charitable donations
Donations to charities amounted to £45,485 (2006: £40,220).

Creditor payment policy 
The Company’s policy is to settle all agreed liabilities within the terms established with suppliers. At 31 March 2007 there were 
85 days’ (2006: 75 days’) purchases outstanding in respect of the Company’s creditors. 

Auditors
Grant Thornton UK LLP offer themselves for re-appointment as auditors in accordance with Section 385 of the Companies Act 1985.

Substantial shareholdings
At 7 June 2007 the shareholders listed in Table A on page 26 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 awards, service contracts and pension contributions are noted in the Directors’
Remuneration Report on pages 31 to 37. 

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 26. 

Shares purchased on behalf of directors under the terms of the Share Incentive Plan are disclosed in the Directors’ Remuneration
Report on pages 31 to 37. 

There have been no changes in the directors’ interests in the period from 31 March 2007 to 20 June 2007 other than in respect of
the award of shares under the Company’s Share Incentive Plan as noted on page 37.

Corporate governance 
The Company’s application of the principles of corporate governance is noted in the Corporate Governance Report on
pages 27 to 30.

Financial risk
Financial risk policies and objectives are discussed in the Performance and Risk report on pages 14 to 17.

Directors’ responsibilities for the financial statements
The directors are responsible for preparing the Annual Report and the financial statements in accordance with applicable law and
International Financial Reporting Standards as adopted by the European Union.

Company law requires the directors to prepare financial statements for each financial year. Under that law the directors have elected
to prepare financial statements in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards as adopted by the European Union.
The financial statements are required by law to give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the Group and Company and of the
profit or loss of the Group for that period. In preparing these financial statements, the directors are required to:

– select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently;

– make judgements and 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; 

– prepare the financial statements on the going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the Group will continue 

in business.

25 Helical Bar plc Report & Accounts 2007

Corporate Governance

Directors’ responsibilities for the financial statements (continued)
The directors are responsible for keeping proper accounting records that disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial
position of the Company and enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Companies Act 1985. They are
also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the Company and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection
of fraud and other irregularities. 

In so far as the directors are aware:

– there is no relevant audit information of which the Company’s auditors are unaware; and,

– the directors have taken all steps that they ought to have taken to make themselves aware of any relevant audit information and to

establish that the auditors are aware of that information.

The directors are responsible for the maintenance and integrity of the corporate and financial information included on the
Company’s website. Legislation in the United Kingdom governing the preparation and dissemination of financial statements may
differ from legislation in other jurisdictions.

Annual General Meeting
The Annual General Meeting of the Company will be held on 25 July 2007 at 11.30 a.m. at The Westbury Hotel, 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. 

Table A – Substantial shareholdings

Michael Slade – Managing Director

Helical Bar Share Ownership Plan Trust 

Legal & General 

Fidelity

Cohen & Steers Inc.

Table B – Directors’ interests

Giles Weaver – Chairman

Michael Slade – Managing Director

Nigel McNair Scott 

Gerald Kaye 

Michael Brown 

Antony Beevor 

Wilf Weeks

Andrew Gulliford

Total directors’ interests 

Issued share capital 

Percentage of issued share capital 

By Order of the Board

T.J. Murphy
Secretary

20 June 2007

26 Helical Bar plc Report & Accounts 2007

Corporate Governance Directors’ Report

Number of
ordinary shares 
at 7 June 2007

12,686,693

5,974,701

3,844,407

3,700,663

3,564,601

%

13.3

6.2

4.0

3.9

3.7

Ordinary 
1p shares
31 March 2007

Ordinary
1p shares
1 April 2006

96,250

96,250

12,686,693

12,747,203

2,016,104

2,013,001

980,966

977,858

910,171

907,063

8,750

8,750

–

–

–

–

16,698,934

16,750,125

95,719,432

94,371,925

17.4%

17.7%

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).

Application of the principles
The Board consists of four executive directors who hold the key operational positions in the Company and 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 is Giles Weaver. The Company’s business is run by Michael Slade, the
Managing Director. 

Board balance and independence As noted above the four executive directors are balanced by four non-executive directors (following
John Southwell’s retirement at the 2006 AGM). The Chairman, Giles Weaver, has been a non-executive director of Helical since
1993. In the Company’s view, the experience gained as a chairman or director of several listed companies in the financial sector
provides him  with the necessary skills of leadership and guidance that the role of Chairman of this Company requires. These skills
together with his detachment from day-to-day issues within the Company, and his robustly independent approach to the role of
Chairman provide the Board with the necessary comfort that despite his time as a non-executive director he could properly be
regarded as independent at the time of his appointment as Chairman.

The Chairman of the Company, Giles Weaver, is also Chairman of the Remuneration Committee because the Company regards 
the setting of remuneration policy to be an integral and critical function of the Board in a small, people-orientated business such 
as Helical. 

The senior independent director is Antony Beevor. The remaining non-executive directors are Wilf Weeks and Andrew Gulliford.
The breadth of experience provided by the non-executive directors 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 the 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 24.

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 2006 AGM, the full Board met on
six 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. C.G.H.
Weaver

Mr. M.E. 

Mr. N.G. 
Slade McNair Scott

Mr. G.A.
Kaye

Mr. P.M. 
Brown

Mr. J.P. 
Southwell*

Mr. A.R. 
Beevor

Mr. W.
Weeks

Mr. A.
Gulliford

6

n/a

6

1

5

n/a

n/a

n/a

6

n/a

n/a

n/a

6

n/a

n/a

n/a

6

n/a

n/a

n/a

2

n/a

n/a

n/a

6

3

6

1

6

3

6

1

5

2

5

1

* John Southwell retired from the Board at the 2006 AGM on 20 July 2006.

27 Helical Bar plc Report & Accounts 2007

Corporate Governance

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 below:

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 including directors’ performance evaluations.

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

responsibility policy and equal opportunity 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:

Giles Weaver (Chairman)
Antony Beevor
Wilf Weeks
Andrew Gulliford

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 Nominations and Appointments 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 Nominations and Appointments Committee in the year The Committee met once during the period. A record of attendance
at this meeting is shown on page 27. During this meeting the Committee resolved that Giles Weaver, Andrew Gulliford, Antony
Beevor, Michael Slade and Nigel McNair Scott be recommended to shareholders for re-appointment as directors at the 2006 AGM. 

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.

28 Helical Bar plc Report & Accounts 2007

Corporate Governance Corporate Governance Report

Directors – performance evaluation During the year the Board undertook a formal evaluation of its own performance and that of its
Committees and individual directors in the period.

The Chairman is responsible for the annual evaluation process, and will act on its outcome. This process involves each director
submitting an appraisal to the Chairman in respect of the performance of the main Board, and in respect of each Board Committee
of which they are a member. 

The non-executive directors, led by the senior independent non-executive director, are responsible for performance evaluation 
of the Chairman, taking into account views of executive directors. Each director completed an evaluation of the Chairman’s
performance and provided this evaluation to the senior independent non-executive director.

There were no significant matters arising out of the annual evaluation process which required action by the Board.

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 has served more than nine years on the Board and in accordance with the Code offers himself for re-election; 

– Gerald Kaye is due to retire by rotation and offers himself for re-election; and

– Michael Brown is due to retire by rotation and offers himself for re-election.

Biographical details of the directors are given on page 24. 

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 Nominations and Appointments 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:

Antony Beevor (Chairman)
Wilf Weeks
Andrew Gulliford

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

The Board has formal and transparent arrangements for considering how it applies 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.

29 Helical Bar plc Report & Accounts 2007

Corporate Governance Corporate Governance Report

The work of the Audit Committee in the year The Audit Committee met three times during the year. A record of attendance at these
meetings is shown on page 27. The Audit Committee met the external auditors twice to discuss matters arising from the annual and
interim audits.

In addition to matters discussed in relation to the annual and interim audits, the Committee reviewed the Company’s system of
internal control following receipt of the auditors review of the design effectiveness of internal controls in March 2006. The key
findings and recommendations of this report, which cover governance, operational controls and financial reporting were
considered and, where appropriate, were implemented in the year. Those recommendations not immediately implemented will
continue to be kept under consideration in future years.

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. 

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;

– financial information systems including cash flow, profit and capital expenditure forecasts. The Board receives 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.

Internal audit The Board reviewed its position during 2006/07 and reaffirmed its stance that 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.

Audit independence A policy of reviewing audit independence has been adopted whereby non-audit services undertaken by the
auditors is approved prior to work being carried out. During the year under review non-audit services comprised VAT and other
taxation advice and accounting, financial reporting and IT advice. 

30 Helical Bar plc Report & Accounts 2007

Corporate Governance Corporate Governance Report

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 six times. A record of attendance at these meetings
is shown on page 27.

The membership of the Committee is as follows:

Giles Weaver (Chairman)
Antony Beevor
Wilf Weeks
Andrew Gulliford

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
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 sector bonus payments;

iii  Executive Bonus Plan; and, 

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 sector 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. A proportion of the Group’s total administration costs is deducted in arriving at each
sector bonus. The maximum amount payable in each year is £1m to each of the Development and Investment Directors. The sector
bonus payable to the Development Director is based on the development profits generated by that director in the year. The Sector
Bonus payable to the Investment Director is based on the profits and gains made on the investment and trading portfolio by that
director in the year net of associated finance costs. Payment of annual sector bonuses is at the discretion of the Committee.

31 Helical Bar plc Report & Accounts 2007

Corporate Governance

Executive Bonus Plan The Company operates an Executive Bonus Plan (“2006 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 Plan operates over a five year period from 1 April 2006 and cash bonuses will be paid annually subject to the
achievement of challenging performance targets. 

Performance conditions The Committee may, at its discretion, award bonuses in respect of a financial year subject to performance
conditions, the aim of which is to link the size of bonuses paid to financial growth of the Group over that financial year. No bonus
will be payable unless the following conditions are satisfied:

i

Increase in net asset value
net asset value at the end of the financial year exceeds net asset value at the beginning of the financial year;

ii Absolute performance of the portfolio – ungeared total return

the percentage increase in the total return on property assets of the Group over the financial year (the “Performance Period”) is
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,

iii Performance of the net asset value per share

the percentage increase in net asset value per share for the Performance Period must be 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 Committee will recommend the size of the bonus payable by reference to the same sliding scale based on the amount by which
the increase in net asset value per share exceeds the increase in the Upper Quartile of the IPD Capital Growth Benchmark subject
to a cap.

Calculation of amounts payable The total amount of the bonuses 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 the Difference on the following basis:

Amount of Difference

Less than 1%

1% to less than 2%

% of base net asset value payable

0.01

0.02

And thereafter for every additional 1%

An increment of 0.01

For example:
From 4% to less than 5%

0.05

If the net asset value at the end of a financial year is less than the net asset value at the beginning of that year, the bonus payable for
any subsequent year will be calculated by reference to the highest net asset value in the preceding years.

Financial accounts The audited financial accounts which record the financial performance on which the Plan operates will be those
accounts prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards.

2006 Plan and individual limits The total amount payable under the 2006 Plan in any one year is limited to £4m. An individual
employee’s participation in the 2006 Plan is limited so that the bonus which may be paid to him under the 2006 Plan will not
exceed £2m per annum. There is a further limit that payments under the 2006 Plan in any year may not exceed 20% of the Group’s
pre-tax profits and payments under the 2006 Plan. Among other constraints the Committee could restrict the bonuses if payment
would affect the financial or trading position of the Company.

Timing of bonuses Bonuses will ordinarily be paid, subject to the performance conditions being satisfied, and provided that the
participant remains a director or employee of the Group at the time of payment on a specified bonus date, which will fall within
four months of the end of the relevant Performance Period. Bonuses are not transferable, nor will benefits obtained under the 
2006 Plan be pensionable.

Termination of employment If a participant dies, the bonus that would have been paid for the relevant financial year may, at the
discretion of the Committee, be paid to the participant’s personal representatives, but will be scaled down pro rata to reflect the
period elapsed since the start of the Performance Period. If a participant’s employment ends in any other circumstances prior to 
the payment of the bonus, no entitlement will arise.

Change of control In the event of a change in control of the Group, bonuses in respect of the financial year in which the change 
of control falls may be paid to the extent that the relevant performance target(s) have been satisfied over an adjusted 
Performance Period.

Termination of the 2006 Plan The Committee will not recommend the making of bonuses under the 2006 Plan in connection with 
a financial year later than the year ended 31 March 2011 without further shareholder authority.

32 Helical Bar plc Report & Accounts 2007

Corporate Governance Directors’ Remuneration Report

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 i.e. provision of car and 
health insurance. 

Non-executive directors Non-executive directors are appointed by a Letter of Appointment and 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 2007. The appointment of non-executive directors is terminable on three months notice.
Non-executive directors do not participate in any of the Company’s share option schemes. 

Total shareholder return The performance criteria of the Company’s 1999 share option schemes, referred to on pages 34 to 35 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 2007 is shown in the graph below. 

Total shareholder return value (Value £)

350

300

250

200

150

100

50

31/3/2002

31/3/2003

31/3/2004

31/3/2005

31/3/2006

31/3/2007

Helical Bar

FTSE All-Share Real Estate Index

Source: Thomson Financial

This graph looks at the value, by 31 March 2007, of £100 invested in Helical Bar on 31 March 2002 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.
Dividends received are re-invested in shares.

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

Salary/fees
£000

Benefits-
in-kind
£000

Sector
bonuses
£000

Executive
bonus 
plan
£000

Gains on
exercise
of share
options
£000

2007
Total
(including
gains)
£000

2006
Total
(including
gains)
£000

Total
£000

2007
Pensions
£000

2006
Pensions
£000

Chairman

Giles Weaver

Non-executive 
directors

Antony Beevor

Wilf Weeks 

Andrew Gulliford 

John Southwell
(retired 
20/07/06)

Executive directors

Michael Slade

Nigel 
McNair Scott

Gerald Kaye

Michael Brown

55

35

30

30

10

480

300

258

258

–

–

–

–

8

35

23

31

30

1,456

127

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

142

775

917

–

–

–

–

–

55

35

30

30

18

–

–

–

–

–

55

47

35

30

30

18

33

28

–

51

1,531

2,046

7,635

9,681

5,285

510

510

510

833

941

4,104

764

1,573

1,425

4,937

1,705

2,998

1,351

3,717

2,631

3,061

5,561

13,928

19,489

13,143

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

225

225

215

215

Michael Slade was the highest paid director during the year with a total remuneration of £9,681,000 (including gain on exercise of
share options) (2006: Michael Slade £5,285,000).

The £1,000,000 sector bonus awarded to Michael Brown has been partly paid in cash (£775,000) and partly paid by pension
contributions (£225,000).
33 Helical Bar plc Report & Accounts 2007

Corporate Governance Directors’ Remuneration Report

In order to compensate option holders for the payment of the special dividend in April 2002, the Company pays a cash bonus of
20p per share on the date option holders exercise their options, as noted on page 35. The gain on exercise of share options of the
directors includes cash bonuses of £754,000 arising out of the exercise of options during the year. The cost of these cash bonuses is
included in administrative expenses.

Directors’ fees Fees receivable by Nigel McNair Scott in his capacity as Chairman of Avocet Mining Plc are shown in the financial
statements of that Company.

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. 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 have now exercised all remaining options.

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. Remaining share options granted in respect of this scheme are included in
note 26.

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. Remaining share options granted in respect of this
scheme are included in note 26. 

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. 

These share option schemes have been replaced by the Performance Share Plan, details of which are included on pages 36 and 37,
and future share option grants will only be made in exceptional circumstances and only following consultation with principal
shareholders on the key terms of those options.

The directors’ interests in the share option schemes during the year were as follows:

Type

At start
of year

Options
exercised
in year

At end
of year

Exercise
price

Date from
which
exercisable

Expiry
date

Profit 
if options 
exercised at
31 March
2007

Michael Slade

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

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

Purchase

30,000

(30,000)

Purchase 2,000,000 (2,000,000)

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

Subscription

966,105

Purchase

740,000

Subscription

33,895

–

–

–

966,105

88.5p

08.03.04

07.03.09 3,292,003

740,000

150.0p

18.12.05

17.12.10

*

33,895

88.5p

08.03.02

07.03.09

115,497

3,770,000 (2,030,000) 1,740,000

3,407,500

Purchase

215,000 (215,000)

–

–

–

–

–

Subscription 1,176,105 (808,335) 367,770

88.5p

08.03.04

07.03.09 1,253,176

Purchase

360,000

Subscription

33,895

–

–

360,000

150.0p

18.12.05

17.12.10

*

33,895

88.5p

08.03.02

07.03.09

115,497

1,785,000 (1,023,335) 761,665

1,368,673

* Performance conditions not satisfied at 31 March 2007.

34 Helical Bar plc Report & Accounts 2007

Corporate Governance Directors’ Remuneration Report

Gerald Kaye

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

Michael Brown

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

Subscription

250,000 (250,000)

–

–

–

–

Purchase

635,000

Purchase

647,095

Subscription

33,895

–

–

–

635,000

150.0p

18.12.05

17.12.10

647,095

153.3p

15.11.06

14.11.11

33,895

88.5p

08.03.02

07.03.09

115,497

1,565,990 (250,000) 1,315,990

115,497

Subscription

466,105 (466,105)

–

–

–

–

Purchase

530,000

Purchase

502,090

Subscription

33,895

–

–

–

530,000

150.0p

18.12.05

17.12.10

502,090

153.3p

15.11.06

14.11.11

33,895

88.5p

08.03.02

07.03.09

115,497

Profit 
if options 
exercised at
31 March
2007

–

*

*

–

*

*

1,532,090 (466,105) 1,065,985

115,497

* Performance conditions not satisfied as at 31 March 2007.

Exercise of share options
In order that the dilutive effect of issuing new shares be reduced, and to reduce the number of shares required by the ESOP to
satisfy share awards, the Company agreed with employees that the number of shares required on the exercise of options be reduced.
To ensure that employees were not disadvantaged by this reduction, the exercise prices applied on the exercise of the options were
correspondingly reduced.

In accordance with this agreement, the options exercised during the year by the directors, were as follows:

Director

Michael Slade

Michael Slade

Michael Slade

Nigel McNair Scott

Nigel McNair Scott

Nigel McNair Scott

Gerald Kaye

Michael Brown

Date of 
exercise

04.12.06

04.12.06

21.12.06

04.12.06

04.12.06

21.12.06

30.06.06

30.06.06

Type of
option

Original
number of
shares

Reduced
number of
shares

Purchase

30,000

24,005

Original
exercise
price

90.5p

Purchase 1,000,000

749,930

113.0p

Purchase 1,000,000

770,500

113.0p

Subscription

285,000

229,320

Purchase

215,000

172,995

Subscription

523,335

429,500

Subscription

250,000

190,966

Subscription

466,105

356,041

88.5p

88.5p

88.5p

88.5p

88.5p

Reduced
exercise
price

1.0p

1.0p

1.0p

1.0p

1.0p

1.0p

1.0p

1.0p

Sale
price

450.0p

450.0p

490.0p

450.0p

450.0p

Gain
£000’s

114

3,561

3,960

1,085

818

490.0p

2,201

375.0p

764

375.0p

1,425

The market price of the ordinary shares at 31 March 2007 was 429p (2006: 395p). This market price varied between 337p and 510p
during the year.

The gain on exercise of share options includes a cash bonus of 20p per 1p share in accordance with the matter referred to under
special dividend below.

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 Senior Executive 1988 Share Option Scheme and the Helical Bar 1999 Share Option Scheme 
(“the Schemes”), the authority to adjust the number of shares subject to option or the exercise price of those options. 

35 Helical Bar plc Report & Accounts 2007

Corporate Governance Directors’ Remuneration Report

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 20p per 1p share (previously 100p per 5p share), equivalent to the special
dividend. In the year under review compensation of £793,888 was paid following the exercise of options over 3,969,440 1p shares. 

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

General The operation of the PSP is supervised by the Remuneration Committee (the “Committee”).

The PSP is capable of delivering shares to an executive after a period of not less than three years, other than in exceptional
circumstances and with the approval of the Committee, 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 Other than in exceptional circumstances, an award will 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% p.a. or more

Between 7.5% p.a. and 15% p.a.

7.5% p.a.

Below 7.5% p.a.

% 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% per 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.

36 Helical Bar plc Report & Accounts 2007

Corporate Governance Directors’ Remuneration Report

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 (excluding gains on share options granted before December 2002) 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 are as follows:

Director

Michael Slade

Nigel McNair Scott

Gerald Kaye

Michael Brown

Shares
awarded
18.08.04

750,000

375,000

375,000

375,000

Shares
awarded
06.07.05

Shares
awarded
04.07.06

Total

519,855

391,304

1,661,159

324,910

279,420

279,420

244,565

944,475

210,326

210,326

864,746

864,746

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 

4 July
2006
at 368.0p

29 September
2006
at 410.0p

20 December 
2006 
at 500.0p 

30 March
2007
at 439.75p

12 June
2007
at 432.75p

1,544

1,544

1,544

1,544

342

342

342

342

225

225

225

225

304

304 

304 

304

693

693

693

693

Shares held by the Trustees of the Plan at 31 March 2007 were 205,660 (2006: 200,015).

37 Helical Bar plc Report & Accounts 2007

Corporate Governance Directors’ Remuneration Report

Report of the Independent Auditors 
to the Members of Helical Bar plc

We have audited the Group and parent company financial statements (the “financial statements”) of Helical Bar plc for the year
ended 31 March 2007 which comprise the principal accounting policies, the Consolidated income statement, the Group and parent
balance sheets, the Group and parent cash flow statements, the Group and parent company statements of recognised income and
expense and notes 1 to 32. 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 applicable law and International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRSs) as adopted for use in the European Union
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 relevant legal and regulatory requirements and International Standards on Auditing (UK and Ireland).

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 and, as regards the Group financial statements, Article 4 of the IAS Regulation. We also report to you whether in our
opinion the information given in the Directors’ Report is consistent with the financial statements. The information given in the
Directors’ Report includes that specific information presented in the Business Review and Financial Review that is cross-referred
from the trading results section of the Directors’ Report.

In addition we report to you if, in our opinion, 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
other transactions is not disclosed. 

We review whether the corporate governance statement reflects the Company’s compliance with the nine provisions of the 2003
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. The other information comprises only the Directors’ Report, the unaudited part of the Directors’ Remuneration Report,
the Chairman’s statement, operating and financial review, the corporate governance statement and corporate social responsibility
report and financial highlights. 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 International Standards on Auditing (UK and Ireland) issued by the Auditing Practices
Board. An audit includes examination, on a test basis, of evidence relevant to the amounts and disclosures in the 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 and Company’s circumstances, consistently applied and adequately disclosed.

We planned and performed our audit so as to obtain all the information and explanations which we considered necessary in order
to provide us with sufficient evidence to give reasonable assurance that the financial statements and the 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. 

38 Helical Bar plc Report & Accounts 2007

Corporate Governance

Opinion
In our opinion:

– the financial statements give a true and fair view, in accordance with IFRSs as adopted by the European Union, of the state of the

Group’s affairs as at 31 March 2007 and of its profit for the year then ended;

– the parent company financial statements give a true and fair view, in accordance with IFRSs as adopted by the European Union 

as applied in accordance with the provisions of the Companies Act 1985, of the state of the parent company’s affairs as at 
31 March 2007;

– 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 and, as regards the Group financial statements, Article 4 of the IAS Regulation; and,

– the information given in the Directors’ Report is consistent with the financial statements for the year ended 31 March 2007.

Separate opinion in relation to IFRSs
As explained in the notes to the Group financial statements, the Group in addition to complying with its legal obligation to comply
with IFRSs as adopted by the European Union, has also complied with the IFRSs as issued by the International Accounting
Standards Board.

In our opinion the Group financial statements give a true and fair view, in accordance with IFRSs, of the state of the Group’s affairs
as at 31 March 2007 and of its profit for the year then ended.

Grant Thornton UK LLP
Registered Auditors
Chartered Accountants

London

20 June 2007

39 Helical Bar plc Report & Accounts 2007

Corporate Governance Report to the Independent Auditors

Index to the Financial Statements

Page
41 Consolidated Income Statement
42 Group and Company Balance Sheets
44 Group and Company Statements of Recognised Income and Expense
45 Group and Company Cash Flow Statements
46 Notes to the Financial Statements
46 1. Principal accounting policies – Group and Company
48 2. Segmental information
49 3. Net rental income
50 4. Gain on sale and revaluation of investment properties
50 5. Administrative expenses
51 6. Finance costs and finance income
51 7. Taxation on profit on ordinary activities
52 8. Deferred tax
53 9. Dividends paid
53 10.  Parent company
53 11. Earnings per share
54 12. Investment properties
55 13. Owner occupied property, plant and equipment – Group and Company
55 14. Investments
57 15. Investment in joint ventures
58 16. Goodwill
58 17. Land, developments and trading properties
58 18. Available-for-sale investments
58 19. Trade and other receivables
59 20. Cash and cash equivalents
59 21. Trade payables and other payables
59 22. Borrowings
60 23. Financing and financial instruments
61 24. Obligations under finance leases
61 25. Share capital
63 26. Share options
64 27. Share-based payments
66 28. Statement of changes in equity
67 29. Own shares held
67 30. Contingent liabilities
68 31. Net assets per share
69 32. Related party transactions

40 Helical Bar plc Report & Accounts 2007

Financial Statements

Consolidated Income Statement
Helical Bar plc and subsidiary undertakings 
for the year ended 31 March 2007

Revenue

Net rental income 

Trading profits

Development profits

Share of results of joint ventures

Other operating income

Gross profit before gain on sale and revaluation of investment properties

Gain on sale and revaluation of investment properties

Gross profit

Administrative expenses

Operating profit

Finance costs

Finance income

Change in fair value of derivative financial instruments

Profit before tax

Tax  

Profit after tax

– attributable to minority interests 

– attributable to equity shareholders 

Profit for the year 

Basic earnings per share

Diluted earnings per share

Year ended
31.3.07
£000

Year ended 
31.3.06
£000

123,176

119,274

14,771

2,094

13,587

6,196

766

37,414

40,637

78,051

16,524

13,441

4,594

437

235

35,231

43,551

78,782

(17,544)

(16,582)

60,507

62,200

(2,710)

(7,421)

1,335

956

1,295

1,046

60,088

57,120

(8,000)

(9,676)

52,088

47,444

300

51,788

52,088

58.0p

53.7p

(124)

47,568

47,444

54.7p

51.8p

Note

2

3

15

4

5

6

6

7

11

11

41 Helical Bar plc Report & Accounts 2007

Financial Statements

Group and Company Balance Sheets
Helical Bar plc and subsidiary undertakings 
at 31 March 2007

Note 

Group
31.3.07
£000

Group 
31.3.06
£000 

Company
31.3.07
£000

Company 
31.3.06 
£000

Non-current assets

Investment properties 

Owner occupied property, plant and equipment 

Investments

Investment in joint ventures 

Goodwill 

Current assets

Land, developments and trading properties

Available-for-sale investments 

Derivative financial instruments

Trade and other receivables 

Cash and cash equivalents 

Total assets

Current liabilities

Trade payables and other payables

Current tax liabilities

Borrowings

Non-current liabilities

Borrowings

Derivative financial instruments

Deferred tax provision

Obligations under finance leases

Total liabilities

Net assets

12

13 

14

15

16

17 

18

19

20 

21

22

316,025

294,583

351

_

6,188

30

489

–

295

68

–

351

15,300

6,679

–

–

489

15,300

150

–

322,594

295,435

22,330

15,939

110,815

86,076

1,166

912

345

70,526

3,389

66

–

33,925

10,135

900

–

522

–

–

360,964

310,148

11

3,030

185,987

130,202

363,041

313,700

508,581

425,637

385,371

329,639

(64,203)

(49,506)

(164,726)

(183,277)

(3,909)

(3,394)

(2,785)

(1,743)

(31,560)

(42,683)

(10,250)

–

(99,672)

(95,583)

(177,761)

(185,020)

22

(105,847)

(80,160)

–

(610)

8

24

(20,697)

(19,005)

(179)

(182)

(126,723)

(99,957)

–

–

(172)

–

(172)

–

–

(276)

–

(276)

(226,395)

(195,540)

(177,933)

(185,296)

282,186

230,097

207,438

144,343

42 Helical Bar plc Report & Accounts 2007

Financial Statements

Equity

Called-up share capital 

Share premium account 

Revaluation reserve

Capital redemption reserve 

Other reserves

Retained earnings

Own shares held

Group
31.3.07
£000

1,222

42,520

79,664

7,478

291

Group 
31.3.06
£000 

Company
31.3.07
£000

Company 
31.3.06 
£000

1,209

42,490

64,820

7,478

291

1,222

42,520

–

7,478

1,987

1,209

42,490

–

7,478

1,987

157,006

120,948

160,226

98,318

(5,995)

(7,139)

(5,995)

(7,139)

Note 

28

28 

28

28 

28

28

28

Equity attributable to equity holders of the parent

282,186

230,097

207,438

144,343

Minority interests

Total equity

–

–

–

–

282,186

230,097

207,438

144,343

The financial statements were approved by the Board of Directors on 20 June 2007.

M.E. Slade 
Director 

N.G. McNair Scott 
Director

43 Helical Bar plc Report & Accounts 2007

Financial Statements Group and Company Balance Sheets

Group and Company Statements of 
Recognised Income and Expense
Helical Bar plc and subsidiary undertakings 
for the year ended 31 March 2007

Profit for the year 

Group
Year ended
31.3.07
£000

Group
Year ended
31.3.06
£000

Company
Year ended
31.3.07
£000

Company
Year ended 
31.3.06 
£000

52,088

47,444

71,751

62,715

Fair value movements on available-for-sale investments

(24)

(14)

Total recognised income and expense for the year

– attributable to equity shareholders

– attributable to minority interest

52,064

51,764

300

47,430

47,554

(124)

–

71,751

71,751

–

–

62,715

62,715

–

52,064

47,430

71,751

62,715

44 Helical Bar plc Report & Accounts 2007

Financial Statements

Group and Company Cash Flow Statements

Cash flows from operating activities

Profit before tax

Depreciation 

Gain on investment properties 

Other non-cash items

Cash flows from operations before changes in working capital

Change in trade and other receivables

Change in land, developments and trading properties

Change in trade and other payables

Cash generated from operations

Finance costs

Finance income

Minority interest dividends paid

Dividends from joint ventures

Dividends from subsidiaries

Tax paid

Cash flows from operating activities

Cash flows from investing activities

Purchase of investment property

Sale of investment property

Purchase of shares

Sale of investments

Purchase of shares by ESOP

Sale of plant and equipment

Purchase of plant and equipment

Cash flows from financing activities

Issue of shares

Borrowings drawn down

Borrowings repaid

Equity dividends paid

Return of Cash – B share repurchase

Refinancing costs

Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents at 1 April 2006

Cash and cash equivalents at 31 March 2007

Group
Year to
31.3.07
£000

Group
Year to
31.3.06
£000

Company
Year to 
31.3.07 
£000 

Company
Year to 
31.3.06 
£000

60,088

57,120

84,472

61,159

180

179

(40,637)

(43,551)

180

–

179

–

(6,294)

13,337

(36,317)

(19,705)

4,626

18,374

3,232

11,989

(81,790)

(61,035)

2,862

303

(57,048)

(60,932)

(645)

(50)

9,340

14,828

(30,779)

(21,742)

(27,857)

2,816

(76,573)

(51,339)

(8,035)

(10,256)

574

(300)

303

–

1,295

(3,545)

2,337

–

(2,602)

(4,743)

(10,060)

(14,912)

(223)

9,925

–

–

65,558

(2,359)

72,901

(123)

7,525

–

2,488

31,205

(4,853)

36,242

(37,917)

(12,096)

(3,672)

(15,097)

(27,772)

(39,055)

53,446

(4,164)

3,909

(5,084)

7

(48)

65,991

–

–

(85)

47

(140)

–

–

–

–

(5,984)

7

(48)

20,294

26,758

(6,025)

43

46,206

3,418

35,146

(31,616)

(65,647)

(3,615)

–

(141)

(3,127)

(2,451)

(69)

43

1,500

–

(3,615)

–

–

–

–

(311)

–

(85)

47

(140)

(489)

3,418

–

–

(3,127)

(2,451)

–

10,877

(32,730)

(2,072)

(2,160)

(6,746)

(18,068)

(11,769)

(17,746)

10,135

3,389

28,203

10,135

3,030

(8,739)

20,776

3,030

45 Helical Bar plc Report & Accounts 2007

Financial Statements

Notes to the Financial Statements

1. Principal accounting policies – Group and Company
Basis of preparation The consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with applicable International 
Financial Reporting Standards (“IFRS”), as adopted by the European Union and IFRS as issued by the International Accounting
Standards Board.

The parent company’s financial statements have also been prepared in accordance with IFRS, as adopted by the European Union.
The directors have taken advantage of the exemption offered by S.230 of the Companies Act not to present a separate income
statement for the parent company.

The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention as modified by the revaluation of investment
properties, available for sale investments and derivative financial instruments. The measurement bases and principal accounting
policies of the Group are set out below.

Basis of consolidation The Group financial statements consolidate those of the Company and all of its subsidiary undertakings drawn
up to 31 March 2007. Subsidiary undertakings are those entities over which the Group has the ability to govern the financial and
operating policies through the exercise of voting rights.

Unrealised gains on transactions between the Company and its subsidiaries and between subsidiaries are eliminated. 
Unrealised losses are also eliminated unless the transaction provides evidence of an impairment of the asset transferred.

Revenue recognition Property revenue consists of gross rental income on an accruals basis, together with sales of trading
and development properties, excluding sales of investment properties. Rental income receivable in the period from lease
commencement to the earlier of lease expiry and any tenant option to break is spread evenly over that period. Any incentive for
lessees to enter into a lease agreement and any costs associated with entering into the lease are spread over the same period.

Revenue in respect of investment and other income represents investment income, fees and commissions earned on an accruals
basis and profits or losses recognised on investments held for the short-term. Dividends are recognised when the shareholders’ right
to receive payment has been established. Interest income is accrued on a time basis, by reference to the principal outstanding and
the effective interest rate.

A property is regarded as sold when the significant risks and returns have been transferred to the buyer. For conditional exchanges,
sales are recognised when the conditions are satisfied.

Share-based payments The Group provides share-based payments in the form of share options, performance share plan awards and 
a share incentive plan. These payments are discussed in greater detail in the Directors’ Remuneration Report on pages 31 to 37.

All share-based payment arrangements granted after 7 November 2002 that had not vested prior to 1 January 2005 are recognised in
the financial statements. The Group uses a stochastic valuation model and the resulting value is amortised through the Consolidated
Income Statement (“Income Statement”) over the vesting period of the share-based payments.

For the performance share plan and share incentive plan awards, where non-market conditions apply, the expense is allocated, over
the vesting period, to the Income Statement based on the best available estimate of the number of awards that are expected to vest.
Estimates are subsequently revised if there is any indication that the number of awards expected to vest differs from previous estimates.

Depreciation In accordance with IAS40 Investment Property, depreciation is not provided for on freehold investment properties or on
leasehold investment properties. The Group does not own the freehold land and buildings which it occupies. Costs incurred in
respect of leasehold improvements to the Group’s head office at 11-15 Farm Street, London W1J 5RS are capitalised and held as
short leasehold improvements. Leasehold improvements, plant and equipment are stated at cost less accumulated depreciation and
any recognised impairment loss. Residual values are reassessed annually.

Depreciation is charged so as to write off the cost of assets less residual value, over their estimated useful lives, using the straight line
method, on the following basis:

Short leasehold improvements – 10% or length of lease, if shorter
Plant and equipment

– 25%

Taxation The taxation charge represents the sum of tax currently payable and deferred tax. The charge for current taxation is based
on the results for the year as adjusted for items which are non-assessable or disallowed. It is calculated using rates that have been
enacted or substantively enacted by the balance sheet date. Tax payable upon realisation of revaluation gains recognised in prior
periods is recorded as a current tax charge with a release of the associated deferred taxation.

Deferred tax is the tax expected to be payable or recoverable on differences between the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities in
the financial statements and the corresponding tax bases used in the computation of taxable profit, and is accounted for using the
balance sheet liability method. Deferred tax liabilities are generally recognised for all taxable temporary differences and deferred
tax assets are recognised to the extent that it is probable that taxable profits will be available against which deductible temporary
differences can be utilised. The measurement of deferred tax assets and liabilities reflects the tax consequences of the manner in
which Helical expects, at the balance sheet date, to recover or settle the carrying amount of those assets and liabilities. Such assets
and liabilities are not recognised if the temporary differences arise from the initial recognition of goodwill or from the initial
recognition (other than in a business combination) of other assets and liabilities in a transaction that affects neither the tax profit
nor the accounting profit.

The carrying amount of deferred tax assets is reviewed at each balance sheet date and reduced to the extent that it is no longer
probable that sufficient taxable profits will be available to allow all or part of the assets to be recovered.

46 Helical Bar plc Report & Accounts 2007
46 Helical Bar plc Report & Accounts 2007
46 Helical Bar plc Report & Accounts 2007

Financial Statements

1. Principal accounting policies (continued)
The basis on which the deferred tax asset, in respect of future tax relief available on share awards that vest, has changed. The deferred
tax asset reflects the estimated value of tax relief available on the vesting of the awards rather than on the accumulated charge at the
balance sheet date.

Deferred tax is determined using tax rates that have been enacted or substantively enacted by the balance sheet date and are
expected to apply when the related deferred tax asset is realised or the deferred tax liability is settled. It is recognised in the 
Income Statement except when it relates to items credited or charged directly to equity, in which case the deferred tax is also 
dealt with in equity.

Dividends Dividend distributions to the Company’s shareholders are recognised as a liability in the financial statements in the period
in which dividends are declared.

Investment properties Investment properties are properties owned or leased by the Group which are held for long-term rental income
and for capital appreciation. Investment properties are initially recognised at cost and revalued at the balance sheet date to fair
value as determined by professionally qualified external valuers. In accordance with IAS40, investment properties held under leases
are stated gross of the recognised finance lease liability.

Gains or losses arising from changes in the fair value of investment properties are included in other operating income in the
Income Statement of the period in which they arise.

In accordance with IAS40, as the Group uses the fair value model, no depreciation is provided in respect of investment properties
including integral plant.

When the Group redevelops an existing investment property for continued future use as investment property, the property remains
an investment property measured at fair value and is not reclassified. Interest is capitalised before tax relief until the date of
practical completion.

Investment in joint ventures Entities whose economic activities are controlled jointly by the Group and by other ventures independent
of the Group are accounted for using the equity method of accounting. Under IFRS the Group’s share of the results and of the net
assets of the joint ventures are shown in the Income Statement and Consolidated Balance Sheet (“Balance Sheet”) respectively.
Under IFRS the Company’s cost of investment in joint ventures is shown in the Company Balance Sheet.

Investments in subsidiaries Investments in subsidiaries are held in the Company balance sheet at cost and reviewed annually 
for impairment.

Goodwill Goodwill, representing the excess of the cost of acquisition over the fair value of the Group’s share of the identifiable net
assets acquired, is capitalised and reviewed annually for impairment. Goodwill is carried at cost less accumulated impairment losses.
Negative goodwill is recognised immediately after acquisition in the Income Statement.

Land, developments and trading properties Land, developments and trading properties held for sale are inventory and are included in
the Balance Sheet at the lower of cost and net realisable value.

Investments Investments are classified as available-for-sale investments or trading investments dependent on the purpose for which
they were acquired. Available-for-sale investments, being investments intended to be held for an indefinite period, are revalued to
fair value at the balance sheet date. For listed investments, fair value is the bid market listed value ruling at the balance sheet date.
Gains or losses arising from changes in fair value are included in the revaluation reserve except to the extent that losses are
attributable to impairment, in which case they are recognised in the Income Statement. Upon disposal, accumulated fair value
adjustments are included in the Income Statement.

Trade receivables Trade receivables do not carry any interest and are stated initially at fair value and subsequently at amortised cost as
reduced by appropriate allowances for estimated irrecoverable amounts.

Cash and cash equivalents Cash and cash equivalents are carried in the Balance Sheet at cost. For the purposes of the cash flow
statement, cash and cash equivalents comprise cash in hand, deposits with banks, other short-term, highly liquid investments with
original maturities of three months or less, net of bank overdrafts.

Trade and other payables Trade and other payables are not interest bearing and are initially recognised at fair value and subsequently
at amortised cost.

Borrowing and borrowing costs Interest bearing bank loans and overdrafts are initially recorded at fair value, net of finance and other
costs yet to be amortised. Finance and other costs incurred in respect of the obtaining and maintenance of borrowings are
accounted for on an accruals basis and written-off to the Income Statement over the length of the associated borrowings.

Borrowing costs directly attributable to the acquisition and construction of new development and investment properties are added
to the costs of such properties until the earliest of:

– the date when the development or investment becomes fully let;

– the date when the income exceeds outgoings; and,

– the date of completion of the development or investment.

All other borrowing costs are recognised in the Income Statement in the period in which they are incurred.

47 Helical Bar plc Report & Accounts 2007

Financial Statements Notes to the Financial Statements

1. Principal accounting policies (continued)
Derivative financial instruments Derivative financial assets and financial liabilities are recognised on the Balance Sheet when the Group
becomes a party to the contractual provisions of the instrument.

The Group enters into derivative transactions such as interest rate caps and floors in order to manage the risks arising from its
activities. Derivatives are initially recorded at fair value and are subsequently remeasured to fair value based on market prices,
estimated future cash flows and forward rates as appropriate. Any change in the fair value of such derivatives is recognised
immediately in the Income Statement as a finance cost or income.

Leases Leases are classified according to the substance of the transaction. A lease that transfers substantially all the risks and rewards
of ownership to the lessee is classified as a finance lease. All other leases are classified as operating leases.

In accordance with IAS40, finance and operating leases of investment property are accounted for as finance leases and recognised as
an asset and an obligation to pay future minimum lease payments. The investment property asset is included in the balance sheet at
fair value, gross of the recognised finance lease liability. Lease payments are allocated between the liability and finance charges so as
to achieve a constant financing rate.

Assets leased out under operating leases are included in investment property, with rental income recognised on a straight-line basis
over the lease term.

Net asset value per share Net asset values per share have been calculated in accordance with the best practice recommendations of the
European Public Real Estate Association (“EPRA”).

Earnings per share Earnings per share have been calculated in accordance with IAS 33 and the best practice recommendations 
of EPRA.

Employee Share Ownership Plan Trust Shares held in the Helical Bar Employee Share Ownership Plan Trust (“ESOP”) are shown as 
a deduction in arriving at equity funds. Assets, liabilities and reserves of the ESOP are included in the statutory headings to which
they relate.

Use of estimates and judgements To be able to prepare accounts according to generally accepted accounting principles, management
must make estimates and assumptions that affect the asset and liability items and revenue and expense amounts recorded in the
financial accounts. These estimates are based on historical experience and various other assumptions that management and the
Board of Directors believe are reasonable under the circumstances. The results of these considerations form the basis for making
judgements about the carrying value of assets and liabilities that are not readily available from other sources.

Areas requiring the use of estimates and critical judgement that may significantly impact on the Group’s earnings and financial
position are:

– revenue and cost recognition on developments where profits, recognised only when developments are sold and let, are spread

over the construction period using estimates of the final outcome;

– valuation of investment properties, where external valuers are used to provide third party valuations;

– calculation of deferred tax liabilities, where indexation is used to reduce the provision for deferred tax on revaluation surpluses;

– calculation and assessment of recoverability of deferred tax assets, where it has been assumed that the provision for ESOP

purchases of shares in the Company will be tax deductible on the vesting of share awards made by the Performance Share Plan;
and,

– recognition of share-based payments charge, where it has been assumed that the share awards made under the terms of the

Performance Share Plan will substantially vest and require the purchase of shares in the Company by the ESOP.

2. Segmental information

Revenue

Rental income 

Trading property sales 

Developments 

Other

Revenue 

Investment
and trading
Year ended
31.3.07
£000

Developments
Year ended
31.3.07
£000

18,044

12,355

–

30,399

–

–

–

88,685

88,685

Total
Year ended
31.3.07
£000 

18,044

12,355

88,685

Investment
and trading
Year ended
31.3.06
£000

20,102

72,101

–

119,084

92,203

Developments
Year ended
31.3.06
£000

–

–

26,756

26,756

Total
Year ended
31.3.06
£000

20,102

72,101

26,756

118,959

–

4,092

–

–

315

30,399

88,685

123,176

92,203

26,756

119,274

All sales were within the UK. All revenue is attributable to continuing operations.

48 Helical Bar plc Report & Accounts 2007

Financial Statements Notes to the Financial Statements

2. Segmental information (continued)

Profit before tax

Net rental income

Trading profits

Development profits

Share of results of joint venture

Gain on sale and revaluation 
of investment properties

Other operating income

Gross profit

Unallocated administrative expenses

Unallocated net finance costs

Profit before tax

Balance sheet

Investment properties

Land, development and 
trading properties

31.3.07
£000

14,771

2,094

31.3.07
£000

–

–

–

13,587

6,196

40,637

63,698

–

–

13,587

31.3.06
£000

16,524

13,441

–

437

43,551

73,953

31.3.06
£000

–

–

4,594

–

–

4,594

31.3.07
£000 

14,771

2,094

13,587

6,196

40,637

77,285

766

78,051

(17,544)

(419)

60,088

31.3.06
£000

16,524

13,441

4,594

437

43,551

78,547

235

78,782

(16,582)

(5,080)

57,120

31.3.07
£000

316,025

1,650

317,675

31.3.07
£000

31.3.07
£000

31.3.06
£000

31.3.06
£000

31.3.06
£000

–

316,025

294,583

–

294,583

109,165

109,165

110,815

45,508

426,840

340,091

40,568

40,568

86,076

380,659

Borrowings

(137,406)

–

(137,406)

(122,843)

–

(122,843)

180,269

109,165

289,434

217,248

40,568

257,816

Unallocated assets

Unallocated liabilities

Net assets

81,395

(88,643)

282,186

44,978

(72,697)

230,097

The segmental information has been provided in respect of the two main divisions of the Group, the investment and trading
department and the development department. Details of capital expenditure are included in notes 12 and 13.

3. Net rental income

Gross rental income

Rents payable

Other property outgoings

Net rental income

Year ended
31.3.07
£000

Year ended
31.3.06 
£000

18,044

20,102

(137)

(489)

(3,136)

(3,089)

14,771

16,524

49 Helical Bar plc Report & Accounts 2007

Financial Statements Notes to the Financial Statements

4. Gain on sale and revaluation of investment properties

Net proceeds from the sale of investment properties 

Book value (note 12)

Lease incentive and letting costs adjustment

Gain on sale of investment properties 

Revaluation gains on investment properties

Gain on sale and revaluation of investment properties

5. Administrative expenses

Administrative expenses

Operating profit is stated after:

Staff costs during the year:

– salaries and other remuneration

– social security costs 

– other pension costs 

Depreciation:

– owner occupied property, plant and equipment

Share-based payments charge

Auditors’ remuneration:

– audit services 

– non-audit services (IFRS and internal controls advice)

31.3.07
£000

53,446

31.3.06 
£000

65,992

(45,638)

(57,565)

(351)

(609)

7,457

33,180

40,637

31.3.07
£000

17,544

8,511

1,318

302

10,131

180

4,578

140

10

7,818

35,733

43,551

31.3.06 
£000

16,582

7,700

1,501

287

9,488

179

3,458

137

16

Details of the remuneration of Directors’ (including pension contributions) amounting to £19,714,000 (2006: £13,358,000) are
included in the Directors’ Remuneration Report on pages 31 to 37. The amount of the share-based payments charge incurred in
relation to share awards made to Directors is £3,342,000 (2006: £2,524,000).

Other pension costs relate to payments to individual pension plans.

The average number of employees (management and administration) of the Group during the year was 22 (2006: 22).

50 Helical Bar plc Report & Accounts 2007

Financial Statements Notes to the Financial Statements

6. Finance costs and finance income

Interest payable on bank loans and overdrafts 

Other interest payable and similar charges 

Finance arrangement costs 

Interest capitalised 

Finance costs

Interest receivable and similar income 

Finance income

7. 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% (2006: 30%)

– Group corporation tax

– adjustment in respect of prior periods

Current tax charge 

Deferred tax – capital allowances 

– other temporary differences

– revaluation surpluses

Deferred tax

Tax on profit on ordinary activities 

Year ended
31.3.07
£000

8,437

228

114

Year ended
31.3.06
£000

7,638

2,346

234

8,779

10,218

(6,069)

(2,797)

2,710

7,421

1,335

1,335

1,295

1,295

31.3.07
£000

31.3.06
£000

6,449

(141)

6,308

(7)

(929)

2,628

1,692

8,000

5,983

–

5,983

(804)

(872)

5,369

3,693

9,676

51 Helical Bar plc Report & Accounts 2007

Financial Statements Notes to the Financial Statements

7. Taxation on profit on ordinary activities (continued)
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% (2006: 30%) 

Effect of:

– payments for use of tax losses 

– expenses not deductible for tax purposes 

– capital allowances not reflected through deferred tax

– tax relief on share awards

– tax losses utilised

– operating losses/(profit) of joint ventures

– prior year adjustment

– other temporary differences 

Total tax charge for period 

31.3.07
£000

60,088

31.3.06 
£000

57,120

18,027

17,136

3,191

375

(727)

(3,851)

(9,538)

107

(142)

558

8,000

3,633

(263)

(591)

(2,260)

(7,879)

(131)

–

31

9,676

Factors that may affect future tax charges The tax charge is expected to be less than the full rate in future years, primarily due to the
Group continuing to claim capital allowances in respect of eligible expenditure on investment properties.

8. Deferred tax
Deferred taxation provided for in the financial statements is set out below:

Capital gains

Capital allowances

Other temporary differences

Deferred tax provision

Group
31.3.07
£000

23,555

2,168

Group
31.3.06
£000 

20,927

2,175

(5,026)

(4,097)

20,697

19,005

Company
31.3.07
£000

Company 
31.3.06
£000

–

172

–

172

–

276

–

276

Under IAS12, deferred tax provisions are made for the tax that would potentially be payable on the realisation of investment
properties and other assets at book value. 

Other temporary differences represent deferred tax assets arising from future tax relief available to the Group from capital
allowances and when Performance Share Plan awards vest.

If upon sale of the investment properties the Group retained all the capital allowances the deferred tax provision in respect
of capital allowances of £2.2m would be released and further capital allowances of £13.0m would be available to reduce future
tax liabilities.

The provision in respect of capital gains tax has been reduced by indexation.

52 Helical Bar plc Report & Accounts 2007

Financial Statements Notes to the Financial Statements

9. Dividends paid

Attributable to equity share capital

Ordinary

– interim paid of 1.60p (2006: 1.45p) per share

– prior period final paid of 2.45p (2006: 2.20p) per share 

Total dividends paid in year – 4.05p (2006: 3.65p) per share

Year ended 
31.3.07 
£000 

Year ended
31.3.06 
£000

1,441

2,174

3,615

1,296

1,831

3,127

The interim dividend of 1.60p was paid on 29 December 2006 to shareholders on the register on 8 December 2006. The final
dividend, if approved at the AGM on 25 July 2007, will be paid on 27 July 2007 to shareholders on the register on 29 June 2007. 
This final dividend, amounting to £2,480,000, representing 2.75p per share, has not been included as a liability at 31 March 2007.

10. 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 £71,751,000 (2006: £62,715,000).

11. 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.

The earnings per share are calculated in accordance with IAS 33 and the best practice recommendations of the European Public
Real Estate Association (“EPRA”).

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

Ordinary shares in issue

Weighting adjustment

Weighted average ordinary shares in issue for calculation of basic earnings per share

Weighted average ordinary shares issued on exercise of share options

Weighted average ordinary shares to be issued on exercise of share options

Weighted average ordinary shares to be issued under performance share plan

Year end
31.3.07
000s

94,372

Year end
31.3.06
000s

90,506

(5,028)

(3,540)

89,344

86,966

1,847

2,972

2,303

1,087

2,535

1,296

Weighted average ordinary shares in issue for calculation of diluted earnings per share

96,466

91,884

53 Helical Bar plc Report & Accounts 2007

Financial Statements Notes to the Financial Statements

11. Earnings per share (continued)

Earnings used for calculation of basic and diluted earnings per share

Basic earnings per share

Diluted earnings per share

Earnings used for calculation of basic and diluted earnings per share

Gain on sale and revaluation of investment properties

Fair value movement on derivative financial instruments

Deferred tax in respect of investment properties

Tax on profit on disposal of investment properties

Earnings used for calculation of adjusted earnings per share

31.3.07
£000

51,788

31.3.06
£000

47,568

58.0p

54.7p

53.7p

51.8p

51,788

47,568

(40,637)

(43,551)

(955)

(1,046)

2,621

3,191

4,565

3,632

16,008

11,168

16.6p

12.2p

Diluted EPRA earnings per share

12. Investment properties

Group

Fair value at 1 April 

Additions at cost 

Disposals 

Revaluation surplus

Freehold 
31.3.07
£000 

Leasehold
31.3.07
£000

Total 
31.3.07
£000

Freehold 
31.3.06
£000 

Leasehold
31.3.06
£000

Total 
31.3.06
£000

211,451

32,445

83,132

1,458

294,583

203,683

67,632

271,315

33,903

39,800

5,300

45,100

(15,174)

(30,464)

(45,638)

(57,565)

–

(57,565)

24,974

8,206

33,180

25,533

10,200

35,733

Amortisation of finance lease

–

(3)

(3)

–

–

–

Fair value at 31 March

253,696

62,329

316,025

211,451

83,132

294,583

Interest capitalised during the year in respect of the refurbishment of investment properties amounted to £1,192,000
(2006: £300,000).

Interest capitalised in respect of the development of investment properties is included in investment properties to the extent of
£2,505,000 (2006: £1,313,000).

The investment properties have been valued on an open market basis at 31 March 2007 as follows:

Cushman & Wakefield Healey & Baker, International Real Estate Consultants 

Jones Lang LaSalle, International Real Estate Consultants 

DTZ Debenham Tie Leung, International Property Advisors 

Drivers Jonas, Chartered Surveyors 

Directors’ valuation

The net surplus arising of £33,180,000 (2006: £35,733,000) has been transferred to the revaluation reserve.

The historical cost of investment property is £213,501,000 (2006: £209,527,000).

54 Helical Bar plc Report & Accounts 2007

Financial Statements Notes to the Financial Statements

£000

218,280

69,300

20,440

7,000

1,005

316,025

13. Owner occupied property, plant and equipment – Group and Company

Cost at 1 April 

Additions at cost 

Disposals

Cost at 31 March 

Depreciation at 1 April 

Provision for the year

Eliminated on disposals 

Depreciation at 31 March 

Net book amount at 31 March 

Short
leasehold
improvements 
31.3.07
£000

646

–

–

646

505

47

–

552

94

Plant and 
equipment 
31.3.07
£000

866

49

Total
31.3.07
£000

1,512

49

(137)

(137)

778

518

133

1,424

1,023

180

(130)

(130)

521

257

1,073

351

Short
leasehold 
improvements  

31.3.06
£000 

646

–

–

646

458

47

–

505

141

Plant and
equipment
31.3.06 
£000 

853

142

(129)

866

501

132

(115)

518

348

Total
31.3.06
£000

1,499

142

(129)

1,512

959

179

(115)

1,023

489

Plant and equipment include vehicles, fixtures and fittings and other office equipment.

14. Investments

At 1 April 

Acquired during year

Further investment in existing subsidiaries

At 31 March

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

Name of undertaking 

Albionland (Bushey Mill) Ltd

Nature of business 

Development

Aycliffe and Peterlee Development Company Ltd 

Development and trading 

Baylight Developments Ltd*

Chancerygate (Cowley) Ltd 

Chancerygate (Kidlington) Ltd 

Chancerygate (Southampton) Ltd 

Chancerygate (Stockport) Ltd 

Cranmer Investments (Whitstable) Ltd 

Dencora (Docklands) Ltd

Dencora (Fordham) Ltd

Investment 

Development

Development

Development

Development

Development

Investment 

Investment

Company
31.3.07
£000

15,300

–

–

Company
31.3.06
£000

15,300

–

–

15,300

15,300

Percentage of ordinary 
share capital held

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

55 Helical Bar plc Report & Accounts 2007

Financial Statements Notes to the Financial Statements

14. Investments (continued)

Name of undertaking 

Harbour Developments (Bracknell) Ltd 

HB Cambs No. 3 Ltd

HB Dales Manor No. 3 Ltd

HB Sawston No. 3 Ltd

Helical (Aldridge) Ltd

Helical (Ashford) Ltd

Helical Bar Developments (South East) Ltd

Helical Bar (East Grinstead) Ltd

Helical Bar (Epsom) Ltd

Helical Bar (Hawtin Park No. 3) Ltd 

Helical Bar (Rex House) Ltd 

Helical Bar Services Ltd 

Helical Bar (Wales) Ltd* 

Helical Bar (White City) Ltd

Helical (Battersea) Ltd

Helical (Cardiff) Ltd

Helical (Crawley) Ltd

Helical (Faygate) Ltd

Helical (Fleet) No. 2 Ltd*

Helical (Glasgow) Ltd

Helical (Hailsham) Ltd 

Helical (Liphook) Ltd 

Helical (Milton) Ltd

Helical (Paignton) Ltd

Helical Properties Investment Ltd 

Helical Properties Ltd 

Helical Retail Ltd 

Helical Retail (RBS) Ltd* 

Helical (Sevenoaks) Ltd 

Helical (Winterhill) Ltd

Prescot Street Investments Ltd

61 Southwark Street Ltd* 

Nature of business 

Development 

Investment 

Investment 

Investment 

Investment

Investment

Development

Investment

Development

Investment 

Investment 

Management Services 

Investment 

Development

Investment

Investment

Investment

Development

Investment 

Investment

Development

Development (Jersey) 

Development

Investment

Investment 

Investment and trading 

Development

Development

Investment 

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%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

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.

56 Helical Bar plc Report & Accounts 2007

Financial Statements Notes to the Financial Statements

15. Investment in joint ventures

Summarised income statements

Revenue

Operating profit

Net finance costs

Profit before tax

Tax

Profit after tax

Summarised balance sheets

Non-current assets

Current assets

Current liabilities

Non-current liabilities

Net assets

Group
31.3.07
£000

16,233

6,480

(284)

6,196

–

6,196

10

25,168

(6,415)

(12,575)

6,188

Group
31.3.06
£000

1,067

997

(285)

712

(275)

437

8

5,562

(2,792)

(2,483)

295

The cost of the Company’s investment in joint ventures was £150,000 (2006: £150,000).

At 31 March 2007 the Group and the Company had interests in the following joint venture companies:

Abbeygate Helical (Leisure Plaza) Ltd

Abbeygate Helical (Winterhill) Ltd

Abbeygate Helical (C4.1) LLP

Grosvenor Hill (Sprucefields) Ltd 

The Asset Factor 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

United
Kingdom

United 
Kingdom 

Ordinary 

Ordinary 

n/a 

Ordinary 

Ordinary

n/a 

50% 

50% 

50% 

50% 

50% 

50% 

Property
– development

Property
– development

Property
– development

Property 
50% investment

50% Outsourcing

Property
– development

57 Helical Bar plc Report & Accounts 2007

Financial Statements Notes to the Financial Statements

16. Goodwill

Cost at 1 April 

Additions

Cost at 31 March 

Impairment at 1 April

Impairment for the year 

Impairment at 31 March

Fair value at 31 March

Group
At 31.3.07
£000

1,515

–

1,515

1,447

38

1,485

30

Group
At 31.3.06
£000

1,515

–

1,515

1,333

114

1,447

68

The carrying values of the Group’s goodwill is reassessed at least annually or whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate
that the carrying value may not be recoverable. If analysis indicates that the carrying value is too high, then this is reduced to its
recoverable amount which is the higher of fair value and its value in use.

17. Land, developments and trading properties

Development sites 

Properties held as trading stock 

Group
31.3.07
£000

109,165

1,650

110,815

Group
31.3.06
£000 

40,568

45,508

86,076

Company
31.3.07
£000

1,166

–

1,166

Company 
31.3.06
£000

522

–

522

The directors’ valuation of trading and development stock shows a surplus of £36m above book value (2006: £29m). During the year
properties held as trading stock at 31 March 2006 with a book value of £36,914,000 have been re-categorised as development sites.

Interest capitalised in respect of the development of sites is included in stock to the extent of £4,523,000 (2006: £2,867,000). 
Interest capitalised during the year in respect of development sites amounted to £4,877,000 (2006: £2,497,000).

18. Available-for-sale investments

UK listed investments at fair value 

UK unlisted investment at fair value

19. Trade and other receivables

Trade receivables 

Amounts owed by joint venture undertakings 

Amounts owed by subsidiary undertakings 

Other receivables 

Prepayments and accrued income 

Group
31.3.07
£000

12

900

912

Group 
31.3.07 
£000 

50,850

5,185

–

1,390

13,101

70,526

Group
31.3.06
£000 

Company
31.3.07
£000

Company 
31.3.06
£000

66

–

66

–

900

900

–

–

–

Group
31.3.06
£000 

13,156

3,712

Company
31.3.07
£000

389

15,074

Company 
31.3.06
£000

406

2,616

–

345,293

301,370

2,287

14,770

33,925

33

175

1,507

4,249

360,964

310,148

58 Helical Bar plc Report & Accounts 2007

Financial Statements Notes to the Financial Statements

20. Cash and cash equivalents

Rent deposits and cash held at managing agents

Cash secured against debt and cash held at solicitors

Cash held to fund future development costs 

Cash deposits

21. Trade payables and other payables

Trade creditors 

Social security costs and other taxation 

Amounts owed to joint venture undertakings

Amounts owed to subsidiary undertakings

Other payables 

Accruals and deferred income 

22. Borrowings

Current borrowings

Bank loans repayable within:

– one to two years 

– two to three years 

– three to four years

– four to five years

– after five years 

Deferred arrangement costs 

Non-current borrowings

Group
31.3.07
£000

1,852

1,045

–

492

3,389

Group
31.3.07
£000

9,841

304

–

–

8,248

45,810

64,203

Group
31.3.07
£000

31,560

39,981

2,600

9,400

48,336

5,800

Group
31.3.06
£000 

1,980

189

382

7,584

10,135

Group
31.3.06
£000 

8,424

(262)

–

–

7,634

33,710

49,506

Group
31.3.06
£000 

42,683

24,355

31,988

14,324

5,200

4,536

106,117

80,403

(270)

(243)

105,847

80,160

Company
31.3.07
£000

Company 
31.3.06
£000

–

–

–

11

11

Company
31.3.07
£000

123

–

1,554

–

–

–

3,030

3,030

Company 
31.3.06
£000

857

–

114

159,003

180,923

462

3,584

187

1,196

164,726

183,277

Company
31.3.07
£000

10,250

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

Company 
31.3.06
£000

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

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 £222,109,000 (2006: £205,070,000). These will be repayable
when the underlying properties are sold. Bank overdrafts and term loans exclude the Group’s share of borrowings in joint venture
companies of £22,666,000 (2006: £2,500,000).

59 Helical Bar plc Report & Accounts 2007

Financial Statements Notes to the Financial Statements

23. Financing and financial instruments
The policies for dealing with liquidity and interest rate risk are noted in the Financial Review on page 21.

Bank overdraft and loans – maturity

Due after more than one year 

Due within one year 

Group
31.3.07
£000

Group 
31.3.06
£000

105,847

31,560

80,160

42,683

137,407

122,843

The Group has various undrawn committed borrowing facilities. The facilities available at 31.3.07 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

5.939

6.231

5.341

6.052

–

–

–

6.052

6.189

6.326

Feb 2009

Sep 2009

Feb 2008

Jun 2011

Nov 2010

–

–

–

Jan 2011

Nov 2009

Jun 2009

31.3.07
£000

6,815

14,324

5,800

4,536

5,200

–

–

–

4,200

40,875

96,802

137,677

(270)

137,407

Group
31.3.07
£000

44,200

27,456

2,000

73,656

%

Expiry

9.050

5.939

6.329

5.439

5.759

5.819

4.965

5.846

–

6.279

5.528

Feb 2009

Sep 2009

Feb 2008

Jun 2011

Nov 2010

Sep 2007

Mar 2007

Jun 2006

–

Feb 2009

Dec 2007

Group 
31.3.06
£000

45,000

2,011

8,691

55,702

31.3.06
£000

7,388

14,324

5,800

4,536

5,200

3,460

5,925

3,500

–

50,133

72,953

123,086

(243)

122,843

Floating rate borrowings bear interest at rates based on LIBOR.

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

Instrument

Current:

– cap 

Value
£000

Rate
%

Start

Expiry

80,000

7.000

Jan 2006

Sep 2009

60 Helical Bar plc Report & Accounts 2007

Financial Statements Notes to the Financial Statements

23. Financing and financial instruments (continued)
Gearing

Total borrowings 

Cash 

Net borrowings 

Net borrowings exclude the Group’s share of borrowings in joint ventures of £22,666,000 (2006: £2,500,000).

Net assets 

Gearing 

24. Obligations under finance leases

Lease payments under finance leases fall due:

Not later than one year

Later than one year and not later than five years

Later than five years

Present value of finance lease obligations

25. Share capital

Authorised

31.3.07
£000

31.3.06
£000

137,407

122,843

(3,389)

(10,135)

134,018

112,708

31.3.07
£000

31.3.06
£000

282,186

230,097

47%

49%

31.3.07
£000

31.3.06
£000

14

46

119

179

14

46

122

182

31.3.07
£000

39,577

39,577

31.3.06
£000

39,577

39,577

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

Allotted, called up and fully paid

– 95,719,432 ordinary shares of 1p each (2006: 94,371,925 ordinary shares of 5p each)

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

31.3.07
£000

31.3.06
£000

957

265

944

265

1,222

1,209

61 Helical Bar plc Report & Accounts 2007

Financial Statements Notes to the Financial Statements

25. Share capital (continued)
As at 1 April 2006 the Company had 94,371,925 ordinary 1p shares in issue. On 30 June 2006 options over 654,792 ordinary 1p
shares were exercised increasing the issued share capital of the Company to 95,026,717 ordinary 1p shares. On 29 September 2006
options over 33,895 ordinary 1p shares were exercised. On 4 December 2006 options over 229,320 ordinary 1p shares were
exercised. On 21 December 2006 options over 429,500 ordinary 1p shares were exercised. At 31 March 2007 there were 95,719,432
ordinary 1p shares in issue.

Ordinary shares

At 1 April

New shares issued

At 31 August 2006

1 September 2006 share split – five 1p shares for each one 5p share

New shares issued

At 31 March

Preference shares

At 1 April

New shares issued

Shares purchased

At 31 March

Deferred shares

At 1 April

New shares issued

Shares purchased

At 31 March

Shares
in issue
31.3.07
Number

Share
capital
31.3.07
£000

Shares
in issue 
31.3.06
Number

Share
capital
31.3.06
£000

94,371,925

1,347,507

–

–

–

944

18,101,164

13

323,221

–

–

–

18,424,385

92,121,925

2,250,000

95,719,432

957

94,371,925

905

16

921

921

23

944

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

612,704

–

2,451

–

(612,704)

(2,451)

–

212,145,300

265

212,145,300

–

–

–

–

–

–

212,145,300

265

212,145,300

–

265

–

–

265

62 Helical Bar plc Report & Accounts 2007

Financial Statements Notes to the Financial Statements

26. Share options
Share options At 31 March 2007 unexercised options over 1,956,070 (2006: 3,655,510) new ordinary 1p shares in the Company and
3,964,695 (2006: 6,234,695) purchased ordinary 1p shares held by the ESOP had been granted to directors and employees under
the Company’s share option schemes. During the period no new options were granted. Options over 1,699,440 new ordinary 1p
shares and 2,270,000 purchased ordinary 1p shares were exercised. In order that the dilutive effect of issuing new shares be reduced,
and to reduce the number of shares required by the ESOP to satisfy share awards, the Company agreed with employees that the
number of shares required on the exercise of options be reduced. To ensure that employees were not disadvantaged by this
reduction, the exercise prices applied on the exercise of the options were correspondingly reduced. The effect of the reductions to
the exercise prices was to reduce the weighted average exercise price from 105p to 3p. These reductions in exercise prices were not
applied to options exercised in accordance with the Helical Bar 1999 Approved Share Option Scheme.

Share options exercised

30 June 2006

29 September 2006

4 December 2006

21 December 2006

Original
subscription
options

857,210

33,895

Original
purchase
options

25,000

Original
total

Reduced
subscription
options

882,210

654,792

–

33,895

285,000

1,245,000

1,530,000

523,335

1,000,000

1,523,335

33,895

229,320

429,500

Reduced
purchase
options

19,097

–

Reduced
total

673,889

33,895

946,930

1,176,250

770,500

1,200,000

1,699,440

2,270,000

3,969,440

1,347,507

1,736,527

3,084,034

Exercise price
per share
pence

Number of
shares

Date
from which
exercisable

Expiry date
of options

Helical Bar 1999 Share Option Scheme

Subscription options

Options granted:

– 8 March 1999 

– 8 January 2001 

– 21 November 2002 

Purchase options

Options granted:

– 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 

88.5 

1,349,980

8 Mar 2005 

7 Mar 2009

156.0 

141.5 

150,000 

8 Jan 2007 

7 Jan 2011

299,310  21 Nov 2007  20 Nov 2012

150.0 

2,645,000  18 Dec 2006  17 Dec 2010

156.0 

170,510 

8 Jan 2007 

7 Jan 2011

153.3 

1,149,185  15 Nov 2007  14 Nov 2011

88.5

141.5

135,580 

8 Mar 2003 

7 Mar 2009

21,200  21 Nov 2006  20 Nov 2012

5,920,765

63 Helical Bar plc Report & Accounts 2007

Financial Statements Notes to the Financial Statements

26. Share options (continued)

Summary of share options

At 1 April

Options granted

Options exercised

Option expired/lapsed

At 31 March

Weighted
average
exercise
price
31.3.07

Number
31.3.07

Number
31.3.06

9,890,205

121p

14,006,310

–

(3,969,440)

–

–

3p

–

–

(4,116,105)

–

5,920,765

135p

9,890,205

Weighted
average
exercise
price
31.3.06

112p

–

89p

–

121p

27. Share-based payments
The Company provides share-based payments to employees in the form of share options, performance share plan awards and a
share incentive plan. All share-based payment arrangements granted after 7 November 2002 that had not vested prior to  1 January
2005 are recognised in the financial statements. The Company uses a stochastic valuation model and the resulting value is amortised
through the Income Statement over the vesting period of the share-based payments.

Share options granted after 7 November 2002

Outstanding at beginning and end of period

2007
Weighted
average
exercise
price

141.50

Options

320,510

320,510

2006
Weighted
average
exercise
price

141.50

Options

320,510

320,510

The options outstanding at 31 March 2007 had a weighted average remaining contractual life of five years and eight months.

The input into the stochastic model of valuation of the options were as follows:

Weighted average share price 

Weighted average exercise price

Expected volatility

Expected life

Risk free rate

Expected dividends

2007

146.72

141.50

16%

6 years

4.48%

1.99%

2006

146.72

141.50

16%

6 years

4.48%

1.99%

Expected volatility was determined by calculating the historical volatility of the Company’s shares over the last six years.
The expected life used in the model has been adjusted, based on the Company’s best estimate, for the effects of employee 
changes (subject to good leaver provisions), exercise restrictions and behavourial considerations.

64 Helical Bar plc Report & Accounts 2007

Financial Statements Notes to the Financial Statements

27. Share-based payments (continued)

Performance share plan awards

Outstanding at beginning of period

Awards made during the period

Outstanding at end of period

2007
Weighted
average
award
value

229p

377p

268p

Awards

2,549,760

1,964,620

4,514,380

Awards

4,514,380

1,446,195

5,960,575

The performance share plan awards outstanding at 31 March 2007 had a weighted average remaining contractual life of 
two years nine months.

The inputs into the stochastic model of valuation of the PSP awards were as follows:

Weighted average share price

Weighted average exercise price

Expected volatility

Expected life

Risk free rate

Expected dividends

2007

268p

–

n/a

3 years

n/a

1.41%

The Company recognised total expenses of £4,578,000 (2006: £3,458,000) in relation to share-based payments.

2006
Weighted
average
award
value

192p

277p

229p

2006

229p

–

n/a

3 years

n/a

1.53%

65 Helical Bar plc Report & Accounts 2007

Financial Statements Notes to the Financial Statements

28. Statement of changes in equity

Group

At 1 April 2005

Issue of shares

Revaluation surplus

Realised on disposals

Total recognised income

Dividends paid

Minority interest

Purchase of shares

Share options exercised

Performance share plan

Provision for ESOP purchase

At 31 March 2006

Issue of shares

Revaluation surplus

Realised on disposals

Total recognised income

Dividends paid

Minority interest

Purchase of shares

Share options exercised

Performance share plan

Own shares held

At 31 March 2007

Share
capital
£000

Capital
Share Revaluation redemption
reserve
reserve
£000
£000 

premium
£000 

Other
reserves
£000 

Retained
earnings
£000 

Own
shares
held
£000

Total
£000

1,170

39,110

54,530

7,467

291

86,822

(6,893)

182,497

39

3,380

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

30,364

(20,074)

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

11

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

(30,364)

20,074

47,430

(3,127)

124

(11)

–

3,128

(3,128)

–

–

–

–

–

–

3,419

–

–

47,430

(3,127)

124

(472)

(472)

226

–

–

226

3,128

(3,128)

1,209

42,490

64,820

7,478

291

120,948

(7,139) 230,097

13

30

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

30,552

(15,708)

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

(30,552)

15,708

52,064

(3,615)

(300)

–

–

8,981

–

–

–

–

–

–

43

–

–

52,064

(3,615)

(300)

(5,155)

(5,155)

71

–

71

8,981

–

(6,228)

6,228

1,222

42,520

79,664

7,478

291

157,006

(5,995) 282,186

The adjustment to retained earnings of £8,981,000 (2006: £3,128,000) adds back the share-based payments charge, in accordance
with IFRS 2 Share-Based Payments. In 2006 the Group made a provision of £3,128,000 in respect of future purchases of shares by
the ESOP in anticipation of the vesting of share awards under the Group’s Performance Share Plan. Following the purchase of
shares by the ESOP in the period this provision has been released.

Notes:

Share capital – represents the nominal value of issued share capital.

Share premium – represents the excess of value of shares issued over their nominal value.

Revaluation reserve – represents the surplus of fair value of investment properties over their historic cost.

Capital redemption reserve – represents amounts paid to purchase issued shares for cancellation at their nominal value.

Retained earnings – is distributable and represents the accumulated profit of the Group.

Own shares held – represents the shares purchased by the Helical Bar Employees’ Share Ownership Plan Trust.

66 Helical Bar plc Report & Accounts 2007

Financial Statements Notes to the Financial Statements

28. Statement of changes in equity (continued)

Share
capital
£000

Capital
Share Revaluation redemption
reserve
reserve
£000
£000 

premium
£000 

Other
reserves
£000 

Retained
earnings
£000 

Own
shares
held
£000

Total
£000

Company

At 1 April 2005 

Issue of shares

Total recognised income

Dividends paid

Shares purchased

Share options exercised

At 31 March 2006

Issue of shares

Total recognised income

Dividends paid

Shares purchased

Share options exercised

Own shares held

At 31 March 2007

1,170

39,110

39

3,380

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

1,209

42,490

13

30

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

1,222

42,520

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

7,467

1,987

38,741

(6,893)

81,582

–

–

–

11

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

62,715

(3,127)

–

–

–

3,419

62,715

(3,127)

(11)

(472)

(472)

–

226

226

7,478

1,987

98,318

(7,139)

144,343

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

71,751

(3,615)

–

–

–

–

–

43

71,751

(3,615)

(5,155)

(5,155)

(6,228)

6,228

71

71

–

7,478

1,987

160,226

(5,995) 207,438

29. Own shares held
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 2007 the Trust held 5,174,701 (2006: 5,648,080) ordinary 1p shares in Helical Bar plc.

At 31 March 2007 options over 3,964,695 (2006: 6,234,695) ordinary 1p shares in Helical Bar plc had been granted through the
Trust. At 31 March 2007 awards over 5,960,675 (2006: 4,514,380) ordinary 1p shares in Helical Bar plc had been made under the
terms of the Performance Share Plan.

30. Contingent liabilities
The Company has entered into cross guarantees in respect of the banking facilities of its subsidiaries. 

Other than these contingent liabilities there were no contingent liabilities at 31 March 2007 (2006: nil).

67 Helical Bar plc Report & Accounts 2007

Financial Statements Notes to the Financial Statements

31. Net assets per share

Net asset value

31.3.07 
£000 

282,186

Number 
of shares 
000s 

95,719

31.3.07 
pence 
per share 

Less: own shares held by ESOP

–

(5,174)

deferred shares

Basic net asset value

Add: unexercised share options

Diluted net asset value 

Adjustment for:

– fair value of financial instruments

– deferred tax on capital allowances

– deferred tax on capital gains

(265)

281,921

2,002

283,923

(345)

2,168

23,555

90,545

1,956

92,501

311

229,832

3,506

307

233,338

427

2,175

20,927

31.3.06 
£000 

230,097

–

(265)

Number 
of shares 
000s 

94,372

(5,648)

–

88,724

3,655

92,379

31.3.06 
pence 
per share 

259

253

Adjusted diluted net asset value

309,301

92,501

334

256,867

92,379

278

Adjustment for:

– fair value of trading properties

Diluted EPRA net asset value

Adjustment for:

– fair value of financial instruments

– deferred tax on capital allowances

– deferred tax on capital gains

36,480

345,781

345

(2,168)

(23,555)

92,501

374

285,571

92,379

309

28,704

(427)

(2,175)

(20,927)

Diluted EPRA NNNAV 

320,403

92,501

346

262,042

92,379

284

The net asset values per share have been calculated in accordance with the best practice recommendations of the European Public
Real Estate Association (“EPRA”). 

68 Helical Bar plc Report & Accounts 2007

Financial Statements Notes to the Financial Statements

32. Related party transactions
At 31 March 2007 and 31 March 2006 the following amounts were due from the Group’s joint ventures

Abbeygate Helical (Leisure Plaza) Ltd

Abbeygate Helical (Winterhill) Ltd

Abbeygate Helical (C4.1) LLP

Grosvenor Hill (Sprucefield) Ltd

Shirley Advance LLP

The Asset Factor Ltd

At
31.3.07
£000

889

(864)

(636)

(17)

4,112

551

At 31 March 2007 and 31 March 2006 there were the following balances between the Company and its subsidiaries.

At
31.3.07
£000

At
31.3.06
£000

572

(895)

–

(4)

3,921

119

At
31.3.06
£000

Amounts due from subsidiaries

Amounts due to subsidiaries

346,766

301,370

159,003

180,923

During the years to 31 March 2007 and 31 March 2006 there were the following transactions between the Company and its
subsidiaries:

Management charges receivable

Management charges payable

Interest receivable

Interest payable

Year ended
31.3.07
£000

Year ended
31.3.06
£000

3,863

620

9,482

–

2,513

–

6,358

–

All of these transactions, and the year end balance sheet amounts arising from these transactions were conducted on an arm’s
length basis and on normal commercial terms.

69 Helical Bar plc Report & Accounts 2007

Financial Statements Notes to the Financial Statements

Ten Year Review

IFRS
31.3.07
£000

IFRS
31.3.06
£000

IFRS
31.3.05
£000

UK GAAP
31.3.04
£000

UK GAAP
31.3.03
£000

UK GAAP
31.3.02
£000

UK GAAP
31.3.01
£000

UK GAAP
31.3.00
£000

UK GAAP
31.3.99
£000

UK GAAP
31.3.98
£000

Revenue

123,176

119,274

101,469

54,566

135,192

136,632

165,259

149,922

121,244

214,416

Net rental income

14,771

16,524

20,440

22,980

25,619

27,827

25,532

23,652

18,475

18,598

Trading profits

2,094

13,441

5,771

1,031

349

154

920

372

72

4,363

Development profits

13,587

4,594

12,664

38

4,630

17,072

29,507

19,345

21,601

16,686

Share of results 
of joint ventures

Other income

Gross profit before 
gain on investment 
properties

Gain on sale of 
and revaluation 
of investment 
properties

Administrative 
expenses

Loss on sale 
of subsidiary

Negative goodwill

6,196

766

437

235

2,699

1,636

1,544

235

601

626

986

(67)

86

342

–

–

–

113

(1,144)

(872)

37,414

35,231

41,809

26,286

32,768

45,972

56,387

43,482

39,004

38,775

40,637

43,551

44,204

2,035

2,126

2,463

709

4,555

415

838

(17,544)

(16,582)

(15,757)

(8,037)

(6,391)

(10,888)

(12,031)

(9,669)

(6,860)

(6,904)

–

–

–

–

–

–

(59)

–

(195)

–

6,362

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

Net finance costs

(419)

(5,080)

(5,561)

(6,572)

(9,638)

(14,779)

(19,241)

(16,348)

(12,515)

(14,215)

Profit before tax

60,088

57,120

64,695

13,653

25,227

22,573

25,824

22,020

20,044

18,494

Tax

(8,000)

(9,676)

844

(2,199)

(7,660)

(5,353)

(5,471)

(6,032)

(3,899)

(3,884)

Profit after tax

52,088

47,444

65,539

11,454

17,567

17,220

20,353

15,988

16,145

14,610

Investment portfolio

316,025

294,583

271,315

334,932

342,484

439,911

453,607

419,570

332,457

250,718

Shareholders’ funds

282,186

230,097

186,165

234,917

226,870

227,653

223,606

171,770

132,652

132,289

Dividend per 
ordinary share

Special dividend 
per ordinary share

Diluted earnings
per ordinary share

Diluted EPRA net
assets per share

4.05p

3.65p

3.32p

3.32p

3.00p

2.75p

2.50p

2.23p

2.00p

1.80p

–

–

–

–

–

20.0p

–

–

20.0p

–

53.7p

51.8p

53.7p

7.9p

11.8p

11.8p

13.5p

13.8p

10.3p

8.1p

374p

309p

238p

182p

155p

155p

151p

116p

94p

96p

The financial statements for the year to 31 March 2005 have been restated to reflect the adoption of International Financial
Reporting Standards.

The financial statements for the year to 31 March 1998 and subsequently have been restated to reflect the impact of the 5 for 1
share issue on 1 September 2005.

70 Helical Bar plc Report & Accounts 2007

Financial Statements

Glossary of Terms

Average Unexpired Lease Term 
The average unexpired lease term expressed in years.

BREEAM
Building Research Establishment’s Environmental Assessment Method.

Diluted EPRA earnings per share
Earnings per share adjusted to exclude gains on sale and revaluation of investment properties and their deferred tax adjustments,
the tax on profit on disposal of investment properties and fair value movements on derivative financial instruments, on a 
diluted basis.

Diluted EPRA net assets per share
Diluted net asset value per share adjusted to exclude fair value of financial instruments and deferred tax on capital allowances and
on investment properties revaluation, but including the fair value of trading properties in accordance with the best practice
recommendation of the European Public Real Estate Association (“EPRA”).

Diluted EPRA triple net asset value
Diluted EPRA net asset value per share adjusted to include fair value of trading properties.

Diluted figures
Reported amounts adjusted to include the effects of potential shares issuable under the employee share option schemes.

Earnings per share 
Profit after tax divided by the weighted average number of ordinary shares in issue.

Estimated rental value (ERV)
The market rental value of lettable space as estimated by the Company’s valuers at each balance sheet date.

Initial yield
Annualised net rents on investment properties as a percentage of the investment property valuation.

IPD
The Investment Property Databank Limited (IPD) is a company that produces an independent benchmark of property returns.

Like-for-like portfolio
Properties that have been held for the whole of the period of account.

Net assets per share or net asset value (NAV)
Equity shareholders’ funds divided by the number of ordinary shares at the balance sheet date.

Net gearing
Total borrowings less short-term deposits and cash as a percentage of equity shareholders’ funds.

REIT
Real Estate Investment Trust.

Return on capital employed (ROCE)
Return on capital employed is measured as profit before financing costs plus revaluation surplus on investment property divided 
by the opening gross capital.

Reversionary yield
The anticipated yield, which the initial yield will rise to once the rent reaches the ERV.

Total shareholder return (TSR)
The growth in the ordinary share price as quoted on the London Stock Exchange plus dividends per share received for the period
expressed as a percentage of the share price at the beginning of the period.

True equivalent yield
The constant capitalisation rate which, if applied to all cash flows from an investment property, including current rent, reversions 
to current market rent and such items as voids and expenditures, equates to the market value. Assumes rent is received quarterly 
in advance.

Weighted Average Cost of Capital (WACC)
The weighted average pre-tax cost of the Group’s debt and the notional cost of the Group’s equity used as a benchmark to assess
investment returns.

71 Helical Bar plc Report & Accounts 2007

Financial Statements

Financial Calendar

Year ended 31 March 2007
Annual General Meeting to be held 25 July 2007

Final ordinary dividend payable 27 July 2007

Half year ending 30 September 2007
Results and interim ordinary dividend announced November 2007

Interim ordinary dividend payable December 2007

Year ending 31 March 2008
Results and final dividend announced June 2008

Final ordinary dividend payable July 2008

72 Helical Bar plc Report & Accounts 2007

Financial Statements

Advisors

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

Bankers
Aareal Bank AG
Bank of Ireland
Barclays Bank plc
The Royal Bank of
Scotland plc

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 
Clifford Chance
Dechert
Lawrence Graham
Mishcon de Reya
Norton Rose
Olswang 

73 Helical Bar plc Report & Accounts 2007

Designed and produced by Radley Yeldar (London)

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