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Gladstone Land Corporation
Annual Report 2014

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FY2014 Annual Report · Gladstone Land Corporation
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You’ve   
“
taken a 
dull area 
and given 
 it life.”

Simon Blagden 
Jamie Oliver restaurants

AnnuAl RepoRt 2014

land SecuritieS 
at a glance
We are the largest listed commercial property company in the uK by market 
capitalisation. We buy, sell, manage and develop office, retail, leisure and 
residential space. Here we show our performance over the last 12 months.

Profit before tax
including valuation surplus

£1,108.9m

2013: £533.0m

Combined portfolio value*

£11.9bn

london

West End offices 

City offices  

Central London shops 

Mid-town offices 

Inner London offices  

Other 

Retail

Shopping centres and shops  

Retail warehouses and food stores 

Leisure and hotels  

Other 

19.5%

12.0%

10.3% 

8.3% 

2.7%

0.8%

25.5%

10.2%

10.4%

0.3%

Total business return1

15.5%

2013: 8.0%

Total property return

12.8%

2013: 7.8%

Dividends per share

30.7p

2013: 29.8p

We aim to deliver a progressive dividend

Total shareholder return1

27.2%

2013: 19.1%

* On a proportionate basis.

Revenue profit2
£m

319.6

299.4 290.7

Adjusted diluted
earnings
pence per share

38.5

36.8

40.5

Adjusted diluted NAV
pence per share

1,013

903

863

2012 2013 2014

2012 2013 2014

2012 2013 2014

Notes

1. Total shareholder return and 
total business return provide 
shareholders with the clearest 
guide to the Company’s 
progress in financial terms.
2. Revenue profit is our measure 
of the underlying pre-tax profit 
of the Group.

3. Includes proportionate share of 
joint ventures and subsidiaries.

Valuation surplus3
£m

763.8

Loan-to-value ratio
%

38.0 36.9

32.5

190.9 217.5

2012 2013 2014

2012 2013 2014

The five charts above show the main components of our most 
important indicator of progress – total return.

Every commercial property 
company would claim that it 
knows about buildings. It’s our 
understanding of how people 
interact with buildings that  
helps set us apart. By providing 
efficient and contemporary  
space that meets people’s  
ever-changing needs, we ensure 
our properties are well let,  
well regarded and well used.
That’s our view. Here’s what 
others have to say.

Land Securities Annual Report 2014

1

Strategic Report
How the Company sets out to  
create value and how we performed 
during the year.

08  Chief Executive’s statement  
10  Our market
12  Our business model
14  Our top properties
16  Our development pipeline
18  Our strategy and performance
20   Our strategy in action
22  Key performance indicators
24  Financial review
28  Retail Portfolio review
30  London Portfolio review
32   Our principal risks
36  Our people
38  Relationships

Governance
Including information on our 
leadership team, Board Committees 
and remuneration.

40  Chairman’s statement
42  Board of Directors
44  Executive Committee
45  Leadership
48 
51 
58 
77 

 Nominations Committee Report
 Audit Committee Report
 Directors’ Remuneration Report
 Report of the Directors

Financial statements
Our primary financial statements 
and supporting notes.

80 

81 
83 
84 

 Statement of Directors’ 
Responsibilities
Independent Auditor’s Report
Income statement 
 Statement of comprehensive 
income
85  Balance sheets
86  Statement of changes in equity
88  Statement of cash flows
89  Notes to the financial statements

We’ve made some changes to our Annual Report
In response to new reporting regulations and best practice 
guidance, we have evolved our content to ensure we continue 
to present a fair, balanced and understandable report on the 
Company and its performance. One important change is that key 
information, previously covered in the Corporate Responsibility (CR) 
section, is now fully integrated in our Strategic Report. This reflects 
the central role CR plays within the business. You will find in‑depth 
coverage of our socio‑economic and environmental performance 
matters in our Corporate Responsibility Report 2014 at
landsecurities.com/responsibility

Online annual report
www. landsecurities.com /annualreport2014

Additional information
Further analysis of our business  
and practical information for 
shareholders.

134  Business analysis – Group
138  Business analysis – Retail
139  Business analysis – London
140  Sustainability and responsibility
142  Sustainability reporting
144  Combined portfolio analysis
146  Lease lengths
146   Development pipeline 
148  Five year summary
150  Investor information
152  Glossary
IBC  Forward looking statements

Contact details

financial statementsGOVeRnanceadditiOnal infORmatiOnSTRATEGIC REPORT 
“THIS TAKES GREEN
ARCHITECTURE TO
A NEW LEVEL.”

Stuart BLakeBorough 
LANCAShIRE INSuRANCE GROuP –  
FuTuRE OCCuPIER OF 20 FENChuRCh STREET

 
Sitting high above London, the Sky 
Garden at 20 Fenchurch Street  
will enable visitors to enjoy plants, 
trees and breathtaking views.  
But the building’s green credentials 
don’t stop there. A fuel cell and 
solar panels will provide renewable 
energy, grey water will be recycled 
and there’s a living wall to 
promote biodiversity.

financial statementsGOVeRnanceadditiOnal infORmatiOnSTRATEGIC REPORT“I SHOP. THE KIDS WATCH 
A MOVIE. THEN WE MEET 
UP FOR LUNCH.”

Laura WILDeS 
VISITOR AT TRINITY LEEDS

Just one year after opening,  
our Trinity Leeds shopping centre 
has welcomed 22 million visitors 
and is 97% let. Leisure is playing an 
important role in its success, with 
our Trinity Kitchen street food 
market and Everyman Cinema 
attracting people in search of a 
memorable experience, as well 
as great shops and brands.

“I SHOP. THE KIDS WATCH 

A MOVIE. THEN WE MEET 

UP FOR LUNCH.”

financial statementsGOVeRnanceadditiOnal infORmatiOnSTRATEGIC REPORT“I NEVER THOUGHT 
VICTORIA WOULD bECOME 
SO FASHIONAbLE.”

LaDy Lucy French 
ST JAMES ThEATRE

Our regeneration of Victoria, SW1, 
is about place as well as space. 
Office workers, retailers and 
residents all want to enjoy  
being part of a vibrant location. 
By creating exciting buildings, 
bringing in dynamic businesses 
and transforming the public 
space we’re giving Victoria a  
new lease of life. 

I

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I

 
 
 
08

Land Securities Annual Report 2014

CHIEF  
ExECUTIVE’S 
STATEMENT

Robert Noel reports on our financial 
and operating performance over the 
last 12 months.

Our results

Total business return

15.5%

Ungeared total property return

12.8%

Increase in adjusted diluted NAV per share

12.2%

Our highlights

 – £26.6m of development lettings
 – £23.6m of investment lettings
 – Sales of £920.4m
 – Acquisitions of £209.9m including 

X‑Leisure

 – Development and refurbishment 

expenditure of £366.6m

 – Further developments committed 
with total development costs 
of £551.0m

chief executive’s statement

Land Securities Annual Report 2014

09

We aim to provide attractive and sustainable returns 
for our shareholders through the property cycle by 
anticipating markets and understanding customers’ 
and communities’ needs. We create value by taking  
a pro‑active approach to how and when we buy, 
develop, manage and sell assets. Three key factors 
shape our approach. First, a recognition that we 
operate in cyclical markets. Second, that our 
customers’ needs always evolve. These mean income 
from rent does not last forever, so we must regularly 
recycle capital and upgrade our portfolio. Third, that 
communities give us our licence to trade so we must 
ensure they are pleased that it is Land Securities 
operating in their neighbourhoods.

We have continued to pursue the clear strategy 

first articulated in 2010. Our acquisitions and 
significant push into speculative development over 
the last four years have been funded by sales rather 
than increased net debt. This has enabled us to 
reduce financial gearing, and strengthen the 
business, as we move through the cycle. Our plan  
is to have low operational and financial gearing as  
we approach the top of the cycle, so that risk is 
reduced and we have good capacity to buy as market 
conditions turn and opportunities present themselves.
Our actions have delivered a strong financial 
performance this year. We generated good growth  
in revenue profit, up 9.9% to £319.6m, and our 
development programme helped push our adjusted 
diluted net asset value per share up 12.2% to 1,013p. 
Our total business return – the increase in adjusted 
net asset value plus dividend paid per share – 
was 15.5%.

Meeting strong demand in London
Four years ago we anticipated the onset of supply‑
constrained conditions in the London offices market. 
That is exactly what 
we have seen. And, if 
anything, demand has 
been stronger than we 
signalled in our Annual 
Report last year.

We have developed 
speculatively into these 
market conditions and 
are currently in delivery 
mode. We completed  
62 Buckingham Gate, 
SW1 in May 2013. 20 
Fenchurch Street, EC3  
is all but completed.  
In Victoria, The Zig Zag 
Building, Kings Gate and 
Nova are all rising out of 
the ground fast. During the year we also started our 
developments at 1 & 2 New Ludgate, EC4; 1 New 
Street Square, EC4; and 20 Eastbourne Terrace, W2. 
having prepared the New Ludgate project for a 
21‑month construction programme, we said we 
would push the button when we saw good emerging 
interest from occupiers. Construction started 
in August without a pre‑let and we have already 
pre‑let 49% of the space and have a further 12% 
in solicitors’ hands. Our London developments 
produced a valuation surplus of £269.0m or 22.5%.

The most complex aspects of our construction 
programme in the Capital will shortly be behind us 
and we will move into the de‑risking phase of the 
cycle. This is about ensuring we let our speculative 
developments well and have relatively long lease 
lengths across the office portfolio as the current 
London office cycle matures.

Navigating a changing retail market
The year brought brighter prospects for the 
economy. But with no general rise in real wages 
emerging until the final quarter, this did not translate 
into increased consumer spending everywhere.

Over the last few years we have talked about how 

the retail market is changing and we have reshaped 
our portfolio as a result. The portfolio today is much 
more concentrated on dominance, experience  
and convenience.

This year we have focused on nurturing a pipeline 

of dominant shopping centre, and convenience led 
edge‑of‑town, developments. The Westgate Centre, 
Oxford is a great example of where we intend to 
create a destination in a city which tops the list of 
retailer requirements. We have also grown our leisure 
portfolio further, taking our ownership of X‑Leisure 
up to 95%. And to fund our activities we have exited 
the most at risk locations. Buying and selling activity 
will continue because consumer behaviour evolves.

A sustainable business
Like any good business, success for us is all about 
understanding what our customers want and making 
sure we provide it – at the right time, in the right way, 
at the right price. 

20 Fenchurch Street, EC3, shows our approach  

in action. In 2010, we recognised that the City 
market needed better space and that much of the 
planned new development would be delayed due 
to lack of development 
finance. So we set out, with 
our partner Canary Wharf 
Group, to build a highly 
efficient, technically 
resilient building in 
response. The building is 
now 87% let, well ahead 
of our expectations.

In everything we do we 
strive to shape the future 
for good. By investing in 
the built environment, we 
improve the public realm 
while enhancing the 
economic and social 
environment by employing 
people to build. Our 
properties then help to generate and sustain 
economic activity for the communities in which 
they are located. Our shopping centres are major 
employers and our offices, through the many people 
who work in them, bring demand for local services. 
In turn, the local environment is more attractive 
to our retail and office customers who sustain our 
business.

Like any good business, 
success for us is all about 
understanding what our 
customers want and 
making sure we provide it –  
at the right time, in the right 
way, at the right price.” 

standards for our buildings and setting ourselves a 
higher level of ambition for our contribution towards 
local employment, education and charity. Creating a 
sustainable business is a vital part of our corporate 
strategy and encourages our employees to make a 
difference individually. Sustainability is created by 
everyday acts as well as big decisions.

New management structure
In December 2013, we announced that Richard Akers 
intended to step down from the Board and leave 
the company. he goes with our thanks for an 
outstanding contribution over 19 years and our 
very best wishes for the future.

Following Richard’s departure, we have 

reorganised our leadership team. We have simplified 
the structure with clearer accountabilities and 
shorter reporting lines. Colette O’Shea and Scott 
Parsons, two outstanding candidates from within the 
business, have been appointed as managing directors 
of the London and Retail portfolios respectively. 
Each has reshaped the executive committee for their 
business unit with all but one of the senior posts 
filled by internal promotions. This speaks volumes 
for the talent within the Company.

Outlook
The lead up to a general election is bound to bring an 
element of uncertainty to the business community. 
however, extraordinary events aside, we do not 
expect to see a correction of the balance between 
supply and demand in the London office market  
over the next two years. There is not enough 
efficient, technically resilient space for businesses 
and this bodes well for our committed speculative 
developments.

We will remain very busy in London as we press 
ahead with construction and de‑risk the portfolio. 
We are confident about the prospects for our 
committed schemes. We also recognise that the risk 
profile of future speculative development is changing 
as competition for sites has increased, construction 
costs are rising, and development activity is set 
to pick up. As a result, any new development 
commitments in the near term are likely to  
require pre‑lettings.

In retail, a return to economic growth and real 

growth in wages is welcome news for retailers, 
but we still do not expect this to translate into 
rental growth across the entire retail market.  
We will continue to sell assets which are less well 
equipped for the future and focus on assets that offer 
a great experience or convenience. This includes our 
plans for new city centre schemes such as Oxford 
and edge‑of‑town schemes such as our proposals for 
Worcester which provide the right space for retailers. 

We enter a new year with confidence.

We are adapting our business in anticipation of 
the changing demands of society. We are imposing 
tougher environmental targets and reporting 

robert noel
Chief Executive

financial statementsGOVeRnanceadditiOnal infORmatiOnSTRATEGIC REPORT10

Land Securities Annual Report 2014

OUR MARKET

UK commercial property market
The market offers an alternative to other 
investment markets, including stocks 
and bonds. historically, the commercial 
property market’s performance has broadly 
tracked GDP growth. Interest rates also 
influence the market. For example, rising 
interest rates tend to put downward 
pressure on property values. This may be 
balanced by growth in rental values if higher 
interest rates are accompanied by a higher 
level of inflation.

The market is cyclical, particularly the London 
office market which currently accounts for 42.5% 
of our assets by value. The balance between supply 
and demand is the single most powerful driver of 
property values (see page 19 for more on the market 
cycle). Structural changes in a sector – for example, 
growth in online retailing or public investment in new 
infrastructure in London – also influence market 
behaviour and values.

To enhance returns property companies use 
financial gearing, for example through bonds and 
bank debt. They also use operational gearing by 
developing or refurbishing properties, which  
carries more risk than investing in completed or  
let assets. Access to finance varies according to  
the market cycle.

Due to the cyclical nature of the property market, 
the timing of investment is critical to future returns. 
In development, capacity in the construction market 
is particularly key to property companies’ margins. 
Land Securities prefers to be an early cycle developer 
acting when others find it harder to access finance 
and construction contracts can be secured on 
relatively favourable terms.

Across investment and development, costs and 
risk can also be affected by a range of other factors 
such as changing occupier requirements, the needs 
and views of local residents and other neighbours, 
the availability of natural resources used in 
construction and the effects of climate change on 
buildings, together with new regulation. Property 
companies are also increasingly expected to 
generate wider social benefits.

London Portfolio – market
We invest in and develop office, retail, leisure  
and residential space in central London.
Dynamics 
The market in London is cyclical, with 
pronounced fluctuations in property values 
in response to changing levels of supply 
and demand. We are currently in supply‑
constrained conditions, with a healthy level 
of occupiers looking to move in a market 
that has a relatively low level of new  
building completions.

Enduring appeal

The market is also driven by the evolution 
in occupiers’ needs and expectations – around 
areas such as open plan space; occupation 
density; energy efficiency; high quality design 
and facilities; and imaginative improvements 
to the environment around buildings, 
including the public realm. In addition, 
Local Authorities are increasingly requiring 
developers to take a mixed‑use approach, 
incorporating retail and sometimes residential 
space into their schemes.

Central London has enduring appeal for 
investors and occupiers offering:
•	The capabilities and opportunities of a 

global financial centre

•	A deep and liquid property investment 

market

•	An international gateway
•	Reasonable and relatively stable tax rates
•	Strong business infrastructure
•	A diverse community

Retail Portfolio – market
We invest in and develop retail and leisure space,  
in town and out of town.
Dynamics 
Supply and demand in the sector are 
influenced by a range of economic factors 
and ongoing structural changes in retailing.
First and foremost, economic conditions 

Opportunities

determine consumers’ confidence and 
spending power. This translates into retailers’ 
appetite for expansion and ability to finance 
new space.

We are seeing demand from a broad range 

of retail businesses but only for the best 
locations. There is strong interest from 
investors for retail assets that can consistently 
attract consumers and retailers with the 
economy returning to growth.

There are a range of opportunities for those 
best able to understand the changing 
requirements of consumers and retailers. 
These dynamics include:
•	Growing demand for locations that offer 
convenience or a great experience, which 
means assets with a clear offer are more 
likely to thrive

•	People are shopping less often, but spending 

more and staying longer in the best 
locations, particularly larger centres

our market

Land Securities Annual Report 2014

11

•	English‑speaking population
•	Excellent quality of life
•	Access to top universities.

Strengths
London’s strengths are attracting a large 
and diverse mix of property investors, many 
from overseas. This is currently helping us 
when selling assets but it is increasing our 
competition when buying.

Challenges
Challenges for London include:
•	Limitations on economic growth due to 

restrictions on immigration

•	The impact of a growing population 

leading to high costs, both for businesses 
and residents

•	Lack of housing at affordable or attractive 

prices

•	Lack of clarity around airport expansion
•	Pressure on an ageing infrastructure, 

including power and sewerage

•	upcoming national election may herald 
new policies which bring uncertainty.

Market during the year
•	Take‑up of office space in central London 

for the 12 months to 31 March 2014 
totalled 13.7 million sq ft compared to the 
10‑year average rate of 12.2 million sq ft
•	At 31 March 2014 the vacancy rate stood 
at 4.3% compared to a long‑term trend 
of 5.4%

•	Over the 12 months to 31 March 2014 

prime headline office rents grew by 10%.

Outlook 
We expect supply‑constrained conditions 
to continue for the foreseeable future. 
Schemes projected to complete over the 
next two years will not satisfy the expected 
level of demand for new space. In the 
absence of an external event which severely 
impacts demand, rental values are set to 
continue their upward path as competition 
for available space increases.

Statistics
Development completions and vacancy

18
16
14
12
10
8
6
4
2
0

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Chart 1

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16
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a
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4
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6
8
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8
8
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0
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2
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4
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Completed
Under construction – Pre-let 
Under construction – Speculative

Proposed 
(RHS) Vacancy rate (all grades)
Average completions

Source: CBRE, Knight Frank, Land Securities

Investor demand for London offices
2010–2013

Chart 2

33.4%
UK 
9.3%
Rest of Europe 
18.8%
Asia 
Germany 
6.3%
Middle East/North Africa  13.2%
14.1%
US/Canada 
4.1%
Other overseas 
0.8%
Unknown 

Source: CBRE

Source: CBRE (all data)

For more information about our London Portfolio, 
go to: pages 30–31

Statistics
Online retail expenditure

h
t
w
o
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g
r
a
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y
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%

25

20

15

10

5

0

Chart 3

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08

09

10

11

12

13

14

15

16

17

18

Year

Year-on-year growth
Estimated year-on-year growth
As a percentage of retail spending

Source: Verdict

•	‘Winning’ locations such as prime 

shopping centres are attracting more 
visits at the expense of less appealing 
town centres, high streets and smaller 
secondary centres

•	The most successful large retailers are 

developing multi‑channel strategies that 
integrate physical and internet retailing, 
including click and collect, and this is 
creating demand for new formats.

Challenges
Significant challenges in the sector include:
•	The impact of online retailing on 

floorspace, with research from Conlumino 
suggesting there will be 6% less retail 
floorspace and 10% fewer shops by 2020

•	Increasing use of mobile devices by 

consumers to check prices, read product 
reviews and look for offers when visiting 
shops, which can have an adverse effect 
on retailers’ margins

•	Shorter lease lengths, which can weaken 
security of income and value for property 
owners, although owners of thriving 
centres may welcome the opportunity 
to introduce new retailers sooner.

Market during the year
•	Consumer confidence (as monitored by 
GfK NOP uK) in the united Kingdom 
moved from ‑26 at March 2013 to ‑5 at 
March 2014: the highest level seen since 
the start of the financial crisis in 2007

•	The investment market has regained some 
momentum with activity in the market for 
retail and leisure property at its highest for 
three years.

Outlook 
We expect occupier demand for the best 
locations to improve. Shopping habits will 
continue to evolve and retailers will respond 
with new approaches to space and services. 
Online sales growth is likely to impact all 
retail property, but prospects remain 
positive for centres offering a distinct 
experience and for assets that provide 
convenience. The most successful retail 
property owners will be those who enable 
retailers to respond to consumer trends in 
smart, efficient and innovative ways.

Source: Property Data

For more information about our Retail Portfolio, 
go to: pages 28–29

financial statementsGOVeRnanceadditiOnal infORmatiOnSTRATEGIC REPORT 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
12

Land Securities Annual Report 2014

OUR bUSINESS MODEL

Sources of capital

Activity

T

N

E

M

V E S T

CAPITAL REIN

Shareholder  capital
Our shareholders’ investment  
in the  Company.

Debt capital 
Funds for investment accessed 
through bond debt, bank borrowings 
and other borrowings. We pay 
interest on these funds.

SELL

BUY

MANAGE

DEVELOP

A L R EIN V EST MENT

P IT

A

C

Sources and uses of capital 

Primary activity

Supporting activity 

Shareholder capital
We can raise additional capital by issuing more 
shares and can return capital to shareholders 
through dividends or buying‑back shares.

Debt
This is the capital lent to the Company primarily 
through bank loans and corporate bonds. The 
majority of debt has to be repaid at a specific point 
in the future, and the Company pays interest/
coupons on the debt.

gearing
This is the ratio of our debt to the current 
value of our investment and trading properties 
(recalculated every six months).  

capital reinvestment
Reinvesting capital from disposals and 
undistributed earnings back into the business 
in order to create further value.

generating returns over time
Shareholders receive a return on capital through 
the movement in share price and the dividends 
they are paid over time. 

Our aim is to create great space with  
enduring appeal to our customers and  
the wider community.

Buy
We create value by acquiring buildings or land 
that will generate returns above our cost of 
capital through the application of our expertise.

Develop
We create value by building successful spaces 
and vibrant places well matched to the 
changing needs of occupiers and communities.

Manage
We create value by improving buildings, 
keeping them occupied, running them 
efficiently and considerately, while ensuring 
they meet occupiers’ needs.

Sell
We create value by holding or improving assets 
then selling when greater returns can be gained 
through investment elsewhere.

Finance
We secure funds for acquisitions and 
development at key points in the cycle.  
We also use debt to enhance shareholder value.

Planning
We foster relationships with local authorities 
and communities so we can create successful, 
revenue‑generating developments that benefit 
local communities.

risk management
We anticipate and mitigate potential threats to 
value creation, with a focus on ensuring assets 
are well let through the cycle.

technology
We acquire, develop and deploy technologies 
that help to maximise the performance of our 
buildings and our business.

advisers, suppliers and contractors
We work with the best partners, gaining 
competitive advantage from their expertise.

Activity

our business model

Land Securities Annual Report 2014

13

Our goal is to create long‑term shareholder value by growing the income produced by our assets 
and the value of our properties. In everything we do we aim to shape the future for good.

Outcome

Measure

Influences

Goal

Dividend
The quarterly 
payments we make  
to our shareholders.

Capital 
return
The overall change 
in value of our 
 portfolio.

Total 
business 
return

Dividend
The quarterly 
payments we make 
to our shareholders. 
Plus
change in net 
asset value 
The overall change 
in value in our net 
assets.

Market 
sentiment
External responses to:
•	 Economic conditions
•	 Property market 

conditions

•	 Our reputation 
•	 Our management 

team 

•	 Our portfolio  

of assets

•	 Our levels of gearing. 

Total 
shareholder 
return

Dividend payments
The financial value  
of the payments we  
make to shareholders.
Plus
Share price growth 
The increase in  the 
financial value  of  
our shares.

Aims

Financial 

Growth in 
income
The total rent paid to us 
by our occupiers. 

Growth in 
asset value
The increase in the 
value of our portfolio 
generated by our actions 
and market influences.

Non-financial 

Customers
We aim to meet our 
customers’ ever-evolving 
needs by providing the 
right space at the right 
time, in the right place at 
the right price. 

Environment
We aim to improve 
the built environment 
while minimising our 
environmental impact.

Community
We aim to help local areas 
thrive economically and 
socially, which in turn 
helps to make our assets 
more popular and 
successful.

Employees
We aim to attract, recruit 
and develop smart, skilled 
and commercially astute 
people who drive the 
Company forward. 

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Our organisation

group
Responsible for the direction of the Company, financing 
and other central activities such as human resources, 
legal services and communications.

London Portfolio
Responsible for buying, developing, 
managing and selling office, retail, 
leisure and residential property 
assets in central London.

retail Portfolio
Responsible for buying, developing, 
managing and selling retail and leisure 
assets across the UK.

For more information on our strategy 
and performance go to: pages 18–19

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14

Land Securities Annual Report 2014

OUR TOP  
PROPERTIES

Cardinal Place
London SW1
Trio of buildings completed 
in 2006 by Land Securities, 
encompassing BREEAM 
‘Very Good’ office space 
and retail accommodation. 
This landmark site is home 
to blue-chip businesses and 
retailers including an M&S 
anchor store.
Principal occupiers
Microsoft, Wellington Asset 
Management, M&S
key facts
ownership interest 
100%
annualised net rent 
£29.4m

New Street Square
London EC4
Offices with retail and 
restaurants. Recreating 
traditional ground-level 
routes, including a public 
square and a green wall to 
enhance bio-diversity, the 
property offers office space 
with attractive retail and 
leisure facilities. Developed 
by Land Securities and 
completed in 2008.
Principal occupiers
Deloitte, Taylor Wessing, 
Speechly Bircham
key facts
ownership interest 
100%
annualised net rent 
£33.6m

One New Change 
London EC4
An office and leisure 
destination in an iconic 
building in the City of London, 
with a roof terrace offering 
stunning views of St Paul’s 
Cathedral. Developed by Land 
Securities and including a 
Ground Source Energy System 
for on-site energy generation, 
the retail and leisure space 
opened in October 2010.
Principal occupiers
K&L Gates, CME, H&M, 
Topshop, Next
key facts
ownership interest 
100%
annualised net rent 
£27.1m

Queen Anne’s Gate
London SW1
Built by Land Securities in 1977, 
comprehensively refurbished 
in 2008, it is the headquarters 
of the Ministry of Justice.
Principal occupiers
Central Government
key facts
ownership interest 
100%
annualised net rent 
£29.4m

our top properties

Land Securities Annual Report 2014

15

Trinity
Leeds
Located in a prime position, 
this 817,000 sq ft retail 
destination achieved BREEAM 
‘Excellent’ when it was 
developed by Land Securities 
and opened in March 2013.
Principal occupiers
H&M, Topshop, Next, Primark, 
River Island
key facts
ownership interest 
100%
annualised net rent 
£19.9m

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Piccadilly Lights
London W1
Offices, retail, leisure and a 
world famous advertising 
landmark. 2009 saw the 
introduction of enhanced 
energy-efficient LED screens 
and in 2013 a new advertising 
screen was added.
Principal occupiers
Hyundai, Barclays, Boots
key facts
ownership interest 
100%
annualised net rent 
£15.5m

Gunwharf Quays
Portsmouth 
Offering a blend of outlet 
shopping, leisure and 
entertainment on a waterfront 
location, this landmark 
scheme is a bustling centre 
of mixed-use space.
Principal occupiers
Paul Smith, Jack Wills, Ted 
Baker, Polo/Ralph Lauren, 
Jamie’s Italian
key facts
ownership interest 
100%
annualised net rent 
£23.5m

White Rose Centre
Leeds
Award-winning shopping 
centre with more than 100 
stores and a range of cafés and 
food outlets. Located on the 
outskirts of Leeds, it serves a 
large and loyal catchment 
ensuring a consistently strong 
performance from retailers.
Principal occupiers
Sainsbury’s, Debenhams, 
Primark, M&S 
key facts
ownership interest 
100%
annualised net rent 
£21.5m

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August 2014

20 Fenchurch Street
London EC3

May 2015

Kings Gate (Trading property)
London SW1

16

Land Securities Annual Report 2014

OUR 
DEVELOPMENT  
PIPELINE

July 2014

Bishop Centre
Taplow

A world class 690,000 sq ft office building in the 
heart of the City providing superb, highly efficient 
and technically resilient space.
environment
The first fuel cell in the Square Mile will supply low 
carbon heat and electricity.

key facts
Percentage let
87%
Development cost1
£239m

Kings Gate is our second significant residential 
contribution to Victoria after Wellington House, 
which completed in 2012. The 108,900 sq ft scheme 
consists of 100 apartments, 82 of which have been 
pre-sold. The scheme completes in May 2015.
environment
Sustainable design features mean that this luxury 
residential property will achieve Code for Sustainable 
Homes Level 4.

key facts
Percentage units pre-sold
82%
Development cost 
£159m

May 2015

The Zig Zag Building
London SW1

A 101,500 sq ft retail park which replaces the old 
Bishop Centre. The centre is anchored by Tesco.
environment
The scheme includes roof and brise soleil mounted 
photovoltaic panels.

key facts
Percentage let
82%
Development cost 
£39m

April 2015

1 & 2 New Ludgate
London EC4

Two office buildings united by a new public space. 
Situated where the capital’s financial, legal and 
professional worlds meet, and at the intersection of 
Crossrail and Thameslink, this 348,600 sq ft office and 
30,800 sq ft retail scheme is attracting strong interest.
environment
Glass louvres will provide shade while optimising 
daylight to reduce dependence on artificial lighting 
and cooling.
key facts
Percentage let
0%
Development cost 
£257m

187,700 sq ft of stunning commercial office space, 
with terraces on seven floors and a communal roof 
garden offering views of the Royal Parks and famous 
London landmarks. The scheme provides new public 
realm, gardens and 44,200 sq ft of retail space. 
environment
The windows can open to allow the building to be 
naturally ventilated.
key facts
Percentage let
4%
Development cost 
£174m

our development pipeline

February 2016

20 Eastbourne Terrace
London W2

July 2016

Nova, Victoria – Phase I 
London SW1

The redevelopment of 20 Eastbourne Terrace will 
provide 91,800 sq ft of high quality office space 
located opposite Paddington Station and the new 
Crossrail entrance. We committed to this scheme in 
January and completion is due in February 2016. 
key facts
Percentage let
0%
Development cost 
£66m

June 2016

1 New Street Square
London EC4

Our development of this 5.5 acre site directly opposite 
Victoria station will create an exciting destination 
in which to work, live and play. Phase I comprises 
480,300 sq ft of office, 79,900 of retail and 166,400 
sq ft of residential space. Due to complete in July 2016.
environment
Onsite energy centre will provide low carbon cooling, 
heating and electricity to the buildings and 3,000+ 
homes in the area.

Development cost1
£245m Commercial
£138m Residential

key facts
Percentage  
commercial let
0%
Percentage residential 
units pre-sold
68%

September 2016

Oriana – Phase II
London W1

Building on the success of our New Street Square 
development, 1 New Street Square is a significant 
development of new office and retail space. The 
270,900 sq ft scheme is due to complete in June 2016.
environment
Local biodiversity enhanced through planted terraces 
and a green roof.
key facts
Percentage let
0%
Development cost 
£177m

Located on the north west corner of the junction 
between Oxford Street and Tottenham Court Road, 
this joint venture with Frogmore has already created 
149,000 sq ft of retail space. Phase II of the scheme 
will add a further 72,000 sq ft of retail space and 18 
residential apartments.

key facts
Percentage let
64%
Development cost1
£51m

Land Securities Annual Report 2014

17

Beyond 2016

Westgate Centre
Oxford
This proposed new development will 
provide a new shopping, leisure and dining 
destination. A joint venture with The Crown 
Estate, the 800,000 sq ft scheme will  
feature rooftop restaurants providing new 
and unique views across the city. The 
development will be anchored by John Lewis. 
environment
The project is aiming to be the lowest whole 
life carbon retail destination in the UK.

Percentage pre-let
10%
Development cost1 
£211m

Buchanan Galleries
Glasgow
This proposed 500,000 sq ft extension to 
our existing Buchanan Galleries shopping 
centre will add a great mix of leisure 
and modern retail space to the heart of 
Glasgow’s main shopping district. The 
scheme has outline planning and will be 
anchored by M&S.

Portland House
London SW1
We have planning consent to convert 
this 1960s office tower into over 200 
residential apartments with stunning 
views across London.

Nova, Victoria – Phase II
We have planning permission for an 
additional 123,000 sq ft of offices and 
5,000 sq ft of retail on the island site 
at Nova.

Maidstone
We have submitted a planning application 
and signed up Waitrose and Debenhams 
for our proposed 225,000 sq ft 
development at Junction 7 of the M20 
near Maidstone.

Ealing Filmworks
London Borough of Ealing Council has 
resolved to grant planning permission for 
a mixed leisure and residential scheme 
comprising a multi-screen cinema, 
restaurants, shops and new residential 
apartments.

Worcester
We will shortly be submitting a planning 
application for a retail scheme at 
Newtown Road.

For more information about our 
development pipeline go to:  
pages 146–147

1.  Land Securities 50% share

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18

Land Securities Annual Report 2014

OUR STRATEGY  
AND PERFORMANCE

OUR STRATEGY IS 
DESIGNED TO PROVIDE 
A SUSTAINAbLE AND 
RELIAbLE RETURN 
THROUGH THE  
MARKET CYCLE.

Our strategic objectives

To deliver our strategy we have set clear 
objectives that relate to specific financial 
and operational outcomes:
 – Deliver sustainable long‑term  

shareholder returns

 – Maximise the returns from the  

investment portfolio

 – Manage our balance sheet effectively
 – Maximise development performance
 – Ensure high levels of customer satisfaction
 – Attract, develop, retain and motivate high 

performance individuals

 – Continually improve sustainability 

performance 

Our approach is to buy assets and to start to develop early in  
the cycle; manage assets actively to ensure they meet occupiers’ 
changing needs and generate strong income; and sell at the  
right time to maximise profit and recycle capital. Across the 
portfolio, we have a clear plan for every asset. We are risk  
aware, not risk averse.

We work hard to anticipate and respond to changes in our 
markets. We make understanding our customers’ needs our top 
priority, so we provide the space they need to succeed. And we  
also look beyond our buildings, working to ensure our activities 
meet the expectations of everyone from investors to local 
communities and government, shaping the future for good. 

You can read more about our strategic choices below. You can 

see our strategy in action across the London Portfolio and Retail 
Portfolio on pages 28–31. And you can see the progress against 
our KPIs for the year on pages 22–23.

Our strategic choices
relationships 
We aim to create and protect value  
by being the company people prefer  
to work with and for. To succeed,  
we need local authorities and 
communities to trust that our activity 
benefits their area. We need occupiers 
and investment partners to trust us  
to deliver space on time and to plan. 
And we need the public to trust that 
our sites are safe and we use natural 
resources carefully. Acting with 
integrity in this way helps us to attract 
and retain great people. It also makes 
sound commercial sense.

Market 
We focus on two geographically 
defined sectors of the uK commercial 
property market – offices, retail, leisure 
and residential in central London, and 
retail and leisure assets located outside 
London. We believe being active in 
these two sectors rather than one 
provides us with greater financial 
stability as they work to different cycles. 

timing 
We aim to own high quality assets –  
with enduring appeal to occupiers – 
that can generate strong income 
through the cycle. And we carefully 
time our development, buying and 
selling activity in line with the cycle.  
See the Q&A opposite for more on 
market timing.

Scale 
We are currently the uK’s largest Real 
Estate Investment Trust (REIT) on the 
basis of equity market capitalisation. 
Scale enables us to make large 
acquisitions and develop a number  
of major assets at the appropriate  
time. We can acquire sites then wait  
to deploy our capital at the most 
advantageous point in the cycle. 

Locations 
We choose to buy and develop in 
thriving locations, or places with 
excellent potential, where an under‑
performing building or plot of land can 
be transformed to generate income  
and value. Placemaking – the long‑term 
regeneration of an area into a thriving 
location – is an increasingly important 
part of what we do. 

Finance 
We have been following broadly a net 
debt neutral financial approach as we 
move through the cycle. So we aim 
to broadly balance the proceeds we 
receive from sales with outgoings on 
acquisitions and capital expenditure for 
developments. This approach creates 
strong competition for capital within 
the Group, so only the best options are 
pursued and financial gearing reduces 
steadily as we move through the cycle. 

risk 
We are risk aware, not risk averse.  
Our main risk is that space in our 
developments will be left unlet – or  
let at low rents – if the market turns 
unexpectedly and supply outstrips 
demand. We mitigate this through the 
quality of our new buildings, developing 
early in the cycle, and using our 
excellent market knowledge and 
occupier relationships. We also respond 
to the long‑term risks affecting our 
industry, including climate change, 
environmental regulation and resource 
constraints, including energy supply.

Long-term 
We aim to make sound, long‑term 
investments in our buildings so their 
performance meets changing 
regulation, they continue to attract 
strong demand from occupiers and 
they generate sustainable returns in 
the years ahead.

our strategy and performance

Land Securities Annual Report 2014

19

Market cycle

how we aim to match our activity to the movements of the market.

DEVELOP 
Starting schemes at the 
right point in a rising 
market helps maximise 
value and minimise risk.

SELL 
Selling some assets at  
the right point in a rising 
market means value can 
be crystallised and the 
portfolio can be biased 
towards high quality 
assets with long lease 
lengths.

BUy 
Falling values  
bring opportunities  
to buy assets at  
attractive prices. 

PROPERTY VALUES

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MANAGE
Active management of assets 
through the cycle helps to reduce  
voids and ensure space meets   
occupiers’ changing needs.

Q & A
Why is there a property  
market cycle?
If demand for space is greater than 
supply rents tend to rise, leading to 
higher property values. In turn this 
encourages developers to create more 
supply. At a certain point the supply of 
new space is likely to outstrip demand –  
particularly if economic and financial 
factors also serve to limit demand.  
Rents and property values may then  
fall quickly. 

What challenges are created by  
the cycle?
Given that large properties take time to 
build, the main challenge for developers 
is to secure lower construction costs 
and then time construction so that 
buildings complete at the right point  
in a rising market, while demand is 
strong. In terms of investment (owning 
property), companies must understand 
occupiers’ changing needs so their 
space attracts tenants and produces 
good income through the cycle, even 
when supply is high and demand low.

Do the cycles in the London offices 
market and the retail market differ?
The London offices market sees marked 
periods of over‑ and under‑supply, and 
demand can move from one phase 
to another quite quickly. We usually 
develop speculatively in London, that is, 
without commitments from tenants to 
take space, with our decision to move 
ahead based on confidence in our 

ability to read the supply/demand 
balance. Speculative development 
is necessary as potential occupiers 
generally start to look for space up to 
two years before moving, while large 
schemes can take more than two years 
to complete. The retail market is less 
volatile as it is fundamentally driven by 
long‑term structural changes within 
the sector, such as the effect of the 
economy on consumers or the impact 
of online retailing. It is harder to predict 
demand or create competition for 
space within a new retail scheme, so  
we reduce risk by achieving significant 
pre‑lettings before commencing 
construction. 

What is your strategic response  
to the cycle?
We manage assets actively through the 
entire cycle, ensuring voids are kept low 
and lease lengths are maintained so we 
maximise rental income. We sell assets 
when we see better opportunities 
to use the proceeds to create value 
elsewhere, particularly if an asset may 
not perform so well when the cycle 
turns. We aim to buy assets when 
values are falling or low. We start to 
develop early in the cycle so we benefit 
from lower construction costs, and 
we aim to deliver completed schemes 
while demand from occupiers is rising 
and levels of available space are low. 
We monitor changing conditions 
carefully and aim to stop our 
speculative development programme 
well ahead of over‑supply in the market. 

how do you manage gearing  
through the cycle?
Our gearing is a measure of our debt 
relative to the value of our assets.  
It has a multiplier effect, with high 
gearing generating higher returns in  
a rising market and greater losses in  
a shrinking market. Our objective is  
to have higher gearing at the bottom  
of the market cycle and then to keep 
debt relatively constant, so that rising 
property values then reduce gearing  
as the market improves. As the market 
nears the top of the cycle we may 
also sell further assets to reduce debt 
so we can take advantage of buying 
opportunities when values have 
fallen. Selling quickly at scale can be 
challenging so it is important we read 
the market well and act decisively. 

how do you know where you are  
in the cycle?
Being an active player at the heart  
of the market enables us to see what’s 
changing and assess the likely impact  
on future supply and demand. We get 
out and about to talk to people, and we 
analyse new data carefully, particularly 
information on lease expiries, occupier 
intentions, construction costs and new 
development starts. We also look 
closely at changing patterns in rental 
values and their likely effect on 
investment in development. 

For more information on our 
markets go to: pages 10–11

financial statementsGOVeRnanceadditiOnal infORmatiOnSTRATEGIC REPORT 
20

Land Securities Annual Report 2014

OUR STRATEGY  
IN ACTION 2013–14

London Portfolio – strategy

We create value by developing first class office, retail, 
leisure and residential space; strengthening income 
streams through smart, rigorous asset management; 
and enhancing our portfolio through well‑timed 
sales and acquisitions. We operate in central London 
in areas we know well. 

We manage the balance between development and 
property investment carefully, with a current emphasis 
on development as it has the potential to deliver greater 

returns at this point in the cycle. We develop 
speculatively, which requires us to have a very clear 
understanding of occupiers’ changing needs and the 
likely balance between supply and demand on 
completion. Our current development programme is 
well matched to the market conditions we see ahead.

Everything we do is driven by the need to 

understand our customers and meet their property 
needs. We respond to people’s ever‑evolving 
expectations in the way we plan, design, build and 
manage our buildings. We give particular attention 

For more information about our London Portfolio 
go to: pages 30–31

to placemaking, so the public realm and facilities 
around our buildings make the area more attractive and 
enjoyable. From experience we know that we are more 
successful when we listen to the views of others, think 
about long‑term considerations and create strong 
relationships based on trust and mutual advantage.

   Buy

  Develop

   Manage

   Sell

We monitor the market very closely 
but  at this stage in the London office 
cycle profitable acquisitions are scarce. 
We made no acquisitions in the year, 
preferring to allocate capital to our 
development activities. We will be 
patient, buying investment properties 
and development sites only where 
we see good long-term value.

Piccadilly Lights, W1
We agreed deals with three retail 
tenants to reconfigure their units. These 
deals have freed up space for a new 
advertising screen which is now in place. 
The rents of the units involved have 
increased from £4.6m to £7.6m, or 64%. 

cardinal Place, SW1
During the year we agreed to extend 
leases of 121,900 sq ft of space with 
a rent roll of £7.3m, lengthening the 
weighted average unexpired lease 
terms of those leases from 4.2 years 
to 10.5 years.
Void rate and lease length
We have kept our like-for-like void rate 
very low at 1.6%. Lease extensions 
and renewals in the portfolio have 
maintained the weighted average 
unexpired lease length at 9.6 years, 
providing security of income over the 
medium term.

Bankside, Se1
We have taken advantage of the current 
market liquidity to sell Bankside 2 & 3,  
SE1 – a large leasehold asset 
predominantly let to RBS – for £315.0m, 
reflecting a net initial yield of 5.2%.

empress State Building, SW6
We sold our 50% stake in the Empress 
State Building, SW6 to existing partner 
Capital & Counties Properties PLC for 
£117m. This was in line with our strategy 
of recycling capital through disposals 
as we did not see an opportunity to gain 
full control of the asset management or 
development of the building.

oxford house, W1
Having secured planning permission 
for redevelopment of the asset,  
we sold Oxford House to neighbour 
Great Portland Estates plc for £90m. 
The disposal enabled us to realise 
the majority of our anticipated 
development profit early and to 
reinvest the capital elsewhere in our 
development programme.

20 Fenchurch Street, ec3
Construction started in 2010. The office 
element completed in April and tenants 
are currently fitting out, with occupation 
scheduled from June 2014. We have 
achieved rents above expectations and 
lease lengths are longer than anticipated, 
reflecting the lack of supply in the 
market. The scheme is now 87% let.
kings gate, SW1
Construction is well under way at this 
residential scheme, with the structural 
frame complete. By 31 March 2014, 82 
of the 100 apartments were pre-sold. 
The 108,900 sq ft scheme is now due 
to complete in May 2015.
the Zig Zag Building, SW1
Construction of this commercial  
office and retail scheme is now due to 
complete in May 2015. The retail space 
at The Zig Zag Building and Kings Gate 
is now 49% pre-let to Jamie Oliver, 
Iberica and Mango.
1 & 2 new Ludgate, ec4
Having committed to the scheme last 
summer, we are seeing strong demand 
and since the year end we have pre-let 
2 New Street Square to the Japanese 
bank Mizuho Group. We will complete 
the office space to a Category A fit-out 
to enable occupiers to move in early.  
We are on schedule for practical 
completion in April 2015. 
1 new Street Square, ec4
In January we committed to build this 
270,900 sq ft office scheme located  
in the heart of Mid-town. Demolition  
of the former IPC Tower finished in 
February 2014 and we are now on site 
with the construction of the new 
building with completion scheduled 
for June 2016.
nova, Victoria, SW1 – Phase I
Construction continues on site and we 
are on time and on budget. At 31 March 
2014, 116 of the residential units had 
been pre-sold.

our strategy in action 2013–14

Land Securities Annual Report 2014

21

Retail Portfolio – strategy

We create value by providing retailers with new or 
more efficient space that helps drive their profits.
We operate across the uK but focus on assets 
in thriving locations that are a destination or 
convenient for shoppers. 

We de‑risk developments by seeking substantial 
pre‑lettings before we start construction, so we, and 
our occupiers, are both committed to the scheme. 
We use our close relationships with retailers to 

ensure we understand their changing needs. We help 
retailers to pursue multi‑channel strategies and 
ensure our retail environments use new technology 
to enhance the shopper’s experience. And we 
develop good relationships with local communities 
and contribute to the social and economic fabric of 
the local area, which helps to make our centres busy 
and well regarded.

Increasing consumer demand for great shopping 

experiences is a fundamental driver within our 
market, so we are growing the proportion of leisure 

For more information about our Retail Portfolio 
go to: pages 28–29

in our retail assets. We are also seeing rising demand 
for convenience from shoppers and new formats 
from retailers, so we are developing our edge‑of‑
town and out of town assets. Geographically, we are 
increasing our activity in London and the south east. 
Outside the south we are focusing on successful 
destination centres.

  Buy

X-Leisure
Our only significant acquisition during 
the year was an additional 35.6% 
interest in the X-Leisure Unit Trust for a 
cash consideration of £104.0m, taking 
our ownership to 95%. The additional 
interest represents £208.1m of 
underlying assets.

   Manage

  Develop
Bishop centre, taplow
Construction of this 101,500 sq ft 
development to replace the existing 
Bishop Centre was delayed by four 
months but commenced in September 
2013. The new retail park will be 
completed in July 2014. It is 82%  
pre-let and anchored by Tesco. 

trinity Leeds
At Trinity Leeds we saw the successful 
launch of our street food concept, 
Trinity Kitchen, which is already seeing 
an average of more than 25,000 visitors 
per week. The Primark store opened on 
3 December and in the weeks leading 
up to Christmas had more than 80,000 
visitors per week. The shopping centre is 
now 97% let.

St David’s, cardiff
We secured two major lettings to 
Wahaca and The White Company 
to further enhance the offer at this 
shopping centre. These deals generate 
over £450,000 of base rent plus 
turnover top-ups. 
White rose, Leeds
The space vacated by HMV and 
Republic has been filled by Bank Fashion 
and Simply Be. Both deals were ahead 
of Estimated Rental Value and previous 
passing rents.
comet
We have relet all of the units vacated 
by Comet when the retailer went into 
administration in 2012. This has 
contributed to rental income and 
ensured void levels at our retail parks 
remain low. 

Whalebone Lane, chadwell heath
We completed the development of  
this Asda store in September and 
subsequently sold it.
ealing Filmworks
During the year we received planning 
permission for the development of 
this cinema-led leisure, retail and 
residential scheme.

Buchanan galleries, glasgow
We have outline planning permission to 
virtually double the floorspace of our 
existing shopping centre, jointly owned 
with Henderson. We are continuing to 
work up detailed plans.
Westgate centre, oxford
We secured planning during the year 
and are now working up our detailed 
plans for this 800,000 sq ft scheme in 
the heart of Oxford in partnership with 
The Crown Estate and Oxford City 
Council. The earliest possible 
completion of the scheme is 2017.

   Sell
We have taken advantage of demand to 
sell retail assets which no longer fit with 
our strategic plans for retail:
Livingston Designer outlet
We sold the asset in August. The 
disposal enabled us to recycle capital 
and reinvest in assets where we have 
management control and can 
proactively add value. 

Bon accord and St nicholas centre, 
aberdeen
During the year we sold these assets, 
held in a joint venture with British Land, 
for £94.4m (our share). The joint 
venture was originally set up as a seven 
year partnership and had come to a 
natural end.

overgate centre, Dundee
In March we sold this asset for £125.3m. 
The price is less than we paid for the 
centre in 2010 and demonstrates how 
changing consumer behaviour is 
influencing our decision making.

financial statementsGOVeRnanceadditiOnal infORmatiOnSTRATEGIC REPORT22

Land Securities Annual Report 2014

KEY PERFORMANCE INDICATORS

We work to turn our strategic objectives into tangible performance, using 
individual key performance indicators to measure our progress.

Strategic objective

kPI for the year

Performance

Deliver sustainable long-term 
shareholder returns

Three year Total Shareholder Return (TSR) 
performance compared to the TSR performance 
(weighted) of a comparator group of property 
companies within the FTSE 350 Real Estate Index

TSR outperformance of 4.1% per annum for the three year  
period from April 2011

Maximise the returns from  
the investment portfolio

One year and three year Total Property Return (TPR) 
performance compared to the IPD Quarterly 
Universe, and compared to the same benchmark, 
weighted to the sectors in which the Group is invested

•	 Underperformance versus the IPD quarterly universe over  

one year and out performance over three years
•	 Under performance versus the weighted average  

index over one year and in line with performance over  
three years

Revenue profit to exceed internal budget target

Achieved.  Revenue profit of £319.6m was above internal  
budget target

revenue profit

Manage our balance sheet effectively

Achieve the c. £650m of specifically identified 
property disposals within the business plan

Two of three individual sales that make up this target were 
successfully executed during the year

net investment/divestment 

Manage balance sheet gearing through an 
approximate match between receipts from disposals 
and outgoings on development and acquisitions

Net divestment of £377.4m in 2014 replaces net  
investment of £133.3m in 2013

Maximise development performance

Secure a minimum of £27m of development lettings 
and conditional lettings

£33.4m of development lettings and conditional lettings  
achieved in the year

Achieve planning permission for the following 
developments: Portland House, SW1, Oxford House, 
W1, Selly Oak and Westgate, Oxford

Planning permission achieved at Portland House, SW1,  
Oxford House, W1 (subsequently sold), Selly Oak and  
Westgate, Oxford (outline)

Ensure high levels of customer 
satisfaction

Maintain overall customer satisfaction rates in Retail 
and London customer surveys of 4 (out of 5) or over

Retail 4.35
London 4.15

Attract, develop, retain and motivate 
high performance individuals

Employee feedback survey (Towers Watson 
Engagement Survey) to exceed UK national norms

88% engagement score
+13% outperformance vs UK national norm

Continually improve  
sustainability performance

Reduce carbon emissions from like-for-like managed 
portfolio by 15% by 2020 (against 2010/11 baseline) 

Increase to 90% the amount of waste diverted from 
landfill and recycle at least 70% by weight (as an 
average across all shopping centres) by March 2015

Overall performance shows 16% reduction but emissions by portfolio 
differ: experienced a 7% increase in London offices but saw a 33% 
reduction in shopping centres (refer to pages 142–143 for details)

Achieved 98% landfill diversion with 72% reused or recycled

Reduce water use from like-for-like managed 
portfolio by 10% by 2016 (against 2010/11 baseline)

Overall performance shows a 9% increase. Use by portfolio differs: 
experienced a 15% increase in London offices and a  7% increase in 
shopping centres (refer to pages 142–143 for details)

Data

tSr performance

remuneration

kPI for 2014–15

Linked to 

remuneration

50% of the award of long-term share 

Three year Total Shareholder Return (TSR) 

investment plans is determined by the three 

performance compared to the TSR 

year TSR performance compared to the 

comparator group

tPr, IPD weighted and IPD universe performance  

50% of the award of long-term share 

performance (weighted) of a comparator 

group of property companies within the 

FTSE 350 Real Estate Index

One year and three year Total Property 

Return (TPR) performance compared to the 

IPD Quarterly Universe, and compared to 

the same benchmark, weighted to the 

sectors in which the Group is invested

investment plans is determined by the three 

year TPR performance compared to the IPD 

Quarterly Universe (sector weighted). The 

same measure, on a one year basis, also 

determines part of the annual bonus

The outturn is adjusted to take account of the 

performance of trading properties and the capital and 

income extracted from Queen Anne’s Gate, SW1, 

through a bond issue in 2009

Forms part of the specific business  

targets which determine a proportion  

Revenue profit to exceed internal  

budget target

of annual bonus

Forms part of the specific business  

targets which determine a proportion  

Sale of specific assets to fund our  

investment activity

of annual bonus

£7.9m 

our share of development lettings at  

20 Fenchurch Street, EC3 across 8 leases

customer satisfaction ratings

Forms part of the specific business  

targets which determine a proportion  

Progress development lettings within our 

development programme 

of annual bonus

Progress on planning applications

Forms part of the specific business  

targets which determine a proportion  

of annual bonus

Maintain overall customer satisfaction  

rates in Retail and London customer  

surveys of 4 (out of 5) or over

91% 

of our people feel that the Leadership Team provide a 

clear sense of direction. This is 18% above the 

high-performing companies benchmark

No business-level link to remuneration. 

Executive Directors’ individual targets for 

the year include a people-related target

17,926  

tonnes of waste diverted from landfill during 2014 

from London and Retail Portfolios

No direct link to remuneration

No direct link to remuneration

No direct link to remuneration

•	 60% of people managers to have 

commenced/completed Management 

Development Programme

•	 50% of the Top 50 Leaders have accessed 

the Leadership Development Programme

Reduce absolute carbon emissions of our five 

largest energy consuming managed buildings 

by 15% by 2020 (against a 2013/14 baseline) 

Zero waste to landfill and at least 70% 

recycled across all our operational and 

construction activities by 2020

Reduce the water use of our five largest water 

consuming managed buildings by 15% by 

2020 (against a 2013/14 baseline)

Secure employment for 125 candidates 

through our Employment Strategy

Strategic objective

kPI for the year

Performance

Deliver sustainable long-term 

shareholder returns

Three year Total Shareholder Return (TSR) 

performance compared to the TSR performance 

(weighted) of a comparator group of property 

companies within the FTSE 350 Real Estate Index

TSR outperformance of 4.1% per annum for the three year  

period from April 2011

Maximise the returns from  

the investment portfolio

One year and three year Total Property Return (TPR) 

•	 Underperformance versus the IPD quarterly universe over  

performance compared to the IPD Quarterly 

Universe, and compared to the same benchmark, 

weighted to the sectors in which the Group is invested

one year and out performance over three years

•	 Under performance versus the weighted average  

index over one year and in line with performance over  

three years

Revenue profit to exceed internal budget target

Achieved.  Revenue profit of £319.6m was above internal  

budget target

Manage our balance sheet effectively

Achieve the c. £650m of specifically identified 

property disposals within the business plan

Two of three individual sales that make up this target were 

successfully executed during the year

Manage balance sheet gearing through an 

Net divestment of £377.4m in 2014 replaces net  

approximate match between receipts from disposals 

investment of £133.3m in 2013

and outgoings on development and acquisitions

Maximise development performance

Secure a minimum of £27m of development lettings 

£33.4m of development lettings and conditional lettings  

and conditional lettings

achieved in the year

Achieve planning permission for the following 

Planning permission achieved at Portland House, SW1,  

developments: Portland House, SW1, Oxford House, 

Oxford House, W1 (subsequently sold), Selly Oak and  

W1, Selly Oak and Westgate, Oxford

Westgate, Oxford (outline)

Ensure high levels of customer 

Maintain overall customer satisfaction rates in Retail 

Retail 4.35

satisfaction

and London customer surveys of 4 (out of 5) or over

London 4.15

Attract, develop, retain and motivate 

Employee feedback survey (Towers Watson 

88% engagement score

high performance individuals

Engagement Survey) to exceed UK national norms

+13% outperformance vs UK national norm

key performance indicators

Land Securities Annual Report 2014

23

For more information on our 
Remuneration policy go to: 
pages 58–65

2014
1 year to 31 March 2014
2013
Data
2012

3.3%

27.2%

19.1%
12.9%

15.0%

remuneration

kPI for 2014–15

Linked to 
remuneration

tSr performance
3 years (annualised) to 31 March 2014
2014

13.6%

2013

2012

3.3%

7.6%

9.6%
9.6%

19.1%

27.2%

50% of the award of long-term share 
investment plans is determined by the three 
year TSR performance compared to the 
comparator group

 LS        

  IPD weighted        

tPr, IPD weighted and IPD universe performance  
2014
1 year to 31 March 2014
2013

  IPD universe

27.2%

19.1%

2012

3.3%

12.9%

15.0%

13.6%

3 years (annualised) to 31 March 2014

2014

2013
2014
2012
2013

 LS        

9.6%
9.6%

7.6%

  IPD weighted        

2012
revenue profit

2014

2013
-£377.4m
2012

£319.6m

£290.7m
-£377.4m
£299.4m
  IPD universe
-£116.7m

£133.3m

£319.6m

£290.7m
2014
£299.4m

£133.3m

2013

-£116.7m

net investment/divestment 
2014
-£377.4m
2013

2012

£319.6m

2014
£290.7m

2012

-£116.7m

2013

£299.4m
2012

£133.3m

2014

£7.9m 

2014
our share of development lettings at  
2013
20 Fenchurch Street, EC3 across 8 leases
2013

4.15
4.28

4.05

4.35

 Retail

  London        

customer satisfaction ratings

2014

2014

2013

2013

 Retail

  London        

4.35

4.15
4.28

4.05

91% 

2014
of our people feel that the Leadership Team provide a 
2014
clear sense of direction. This is 18% above the 
2013
high-performing companies benchmark
2013

4.15
4.28

4.35

4.05

Three year Total Shareholder Return (TSR) 
performance compared to the TSR 
performance (weighted) of a comparator 
group of property companies within the 
FTSE 350 Real Estate Index

One year and three year Total Property 
Return (TPR) performance compared to the 
IPD Quarterly Universe, and compared to 
the same benchmark, weighted to the 
sectors in which the Group is invested

Revenue profit to exceed internal  
budget target

50% of the award of long-term share 
investment plans is determined by the three 
year TPR performance compared to the IPD 
Quarterly Universe (sector weighted). The 
same measure, on a one year basis, also 
determines part of the annual bonus

The outturn is adjusted to take account of the 
performance of trading properties and the capital and 
income extracted from Queen Anne’s Gate, SW1, 
through a bond issue in 2009

Forms part of the specific business  
targets which determine a proportion  
of annual bonus

Forms part of the specific business  
targets which determine a proportion  
of annual bonus

Sale of specific assets to fund our  
investment activity

Forms part of the specific business  
targets which determine a proportion  
of annual bonus

Progress development lettings within our 
development programme 

Progress on planning applications

Forms part of the specific business  
targets which determine a proportion  
of annual bonus

Maintain overall customer satisfaction  
rates in Retail and London customer  
surveys of 4 (out of 5) or over

No business-level link to remuneration. 
Executive Directors’ individual targets for 
the year include a people-related target

•	 60% of people managers to have 

commenced/completed Management 
Development Programme

•	 50% of the Top 50 Leaders have accessed 
the Leadership Development Programme

Reduce absolute carbon emissions of our five 
largest energy consuming managed buildings 
by 15% by 2020 (against a 2013/14 baseline) 

Zero waste to landfill and at least 70% 
recycled across all our operational and 
construction activities by 2020

Reduce the water use of our five largest water 
consuming managed buildings by 15% by 
2020 (against a 2013/14 baseline)

Secure employment for 125 candidates 
through our Employment Strategy

Continually improve  

sustainability performance

Reduce carbon emissions from like-for-like managed 

Overall performance shows 16% reduction but emissions by portfolio 

portfolio by 15% by 2020 (against 2010/11 baseline) 

differ: experienced a 7% increase in London offices but saw a 33% 

reduction in shopping centres (refer to pages 142–143 for details)

Increase to 90% the amount of waste diverted from 

Achieved 98% landfill diversion with 72% reused or recycled

landfill and recycle at least 70% by weight (as an 

average across all shopping centres) by March 2015

Reduce water use from like-for-like managed 

Overall performance shows a 9% increase. Use by portfolio differs: 

portfolio by 10% by 2016 (against 2010/11 baseline)

experienced a 15% increase in London offices and a  7% increase in 

shopping centres (refer to pages 142–143 for details)

 Retail

  London        

No direct link to remuneration

17,926  

tonnes of waste diverted from landfill during 2014 
from London and Retail Portfolios

No direct link to remuneration

No direct link to remuneration

financial statementsGOVeRnanceadditiOnal infORmatiOnSTRATEGIC REPORT24

Land Securities Annual Report 2014

financial
review

Martin Greenslade reports on our financial 
performance in detail and explains the  
movements in our key financial measures.

Financial highlights

Total business return

15.5%

Ungeared total property return

12.8%

Increase in adjusted diluted NAV per share

12.2%

Our highlights

 – Profit before tax £1,108.9m  

(2013: £533.0m)

 – Revenue profit £319.6m, up 9.9%
 – Adjusted diluted earnings per share 

40.5p, up 10.1%

 – Valuation surplus of £763.8m 

or 7.1%

 – Adjusted diluted NAV per share 

1,013p, up 12.2%

 – Recommended total dividend for 

the year 30.7p, up 3.0%

Financial review

Land Securities Annual Report 2014

25

Overview and headline results
This year we delivered a profit before tax of 
£1,108.9m, compared with £533.0m last year, 
driven by a valuation surplus of £763.8m (including 
our proportionate share of subsidiaries and joint 
ventures). Basic earnings per share were 142.3p 
compared with 68.4p. Underlying earnings were 
also up; revenue profit was £319.6m compared with 
£290.7m and adjusted diluted earnings per share 
improved to 40.5p from 36.8p last year.

Our combined portfolio increased in value over 
the year by £413.0m to £11.86bn as a result of our 
valuation surplus of £763.8m, partly offset by net 
disinvestment. Net assets per share increased by 
11.5% to 1,069p at 31 March 2014. Adjusted diluted 
net assets per share were up by 12.2% over the year, 
increasing from 903p to 1,013p. This 110p increase 
in adjusted diluted net assets per share together with 
the dividend paid in the year represent a 15.5% total 
business return.

Presentation of financial information
A number of our financial measures include the 
results of our joint ventures and subsidiaries on a 
proportionate basis. Measures that are described as 
being presented on a proportionate basis include the 
Group’s share of joint ventures on a line by line basis, 

and are adjusted to exclude the non-owned 
elements of our subsidiaries. This is in contrast to 
the Group’s statutory financial statements, where 
the Group’s interest in joint ventures is presented as 
one line on the income statement and balance sheet, 
and all subsidiaries are consolidated at 100%.

Revenue profit
Revenue profit is our measure of the underlying 
pre-tax profit of the Group, which we use internally 
to assess our income performance. It includes the 
pre-tax results of our subsidiaries and joint ventures 
on a proportionate basis, but excludes capital and 
other one-off items. This year we have shown 
revenue profit on the face of the income statement 
alongside the IFRS requirement and provided 
a more detailed reconciliation of revenue profit 
to our IFRS profit before tax in note 4 to the 
financial statements.

Table 4 shows the composition of our revenue profit 

including the contributions from London and Retail. 
  Revenue profit increased by £28.9m from 
£290.7m last year to £319.6m in the year ended 
31 March 2014. The 9.9% increase was mainly due  
to higher net rental income, which was up £46.3m, 
partly offset by higher indirect costs and net interest 
charges. The increase in net rental income is largely 

Revenue profit

Gross rental income1

Net service charge expense

Net direct property expenditure

Net rental income

Indirect costs

Retail 
Portfolio
£m

367.1

(3.4)

(28.5)

335.2

(28.0)

London 
Portfolio
£m

264.3

31 March 
2014
£m

631.4

–

(3.4)

(5.5)

(34.0)

258.8

594.0

(19.2)

(47.2)

Segment profit before interest

307.2

239.6

546.8

Retail 
Portfolio
£m

313.8

(2.5)

(30.6)

280.7

(23.4)

257.3

London 
Portfolio
£m

276.1

31 March 
2013
£m

589.9

0.3

(9.4)

267.0

(16.9)

250.1

(2.2)

(40.0)

547.7

(40.3)

507.4

(36.5)

Table 4

Change
£m

41.5

(1.2)

6.0

46.3

(6.9)

39.4

–

(149.2)

(18.8)

(31.0)

290.7

8.3

28.9

(36.5)

(168.0)

(22.7)

319.6

Net unallocated expenses

Net interest expense – Group

Net interest expense – joint 
ventures

Revenue profit

1.  Includes finance lease interest, net of rents payable.

Valuation analysis

Shopping centres and shops

Retail warehouses and food stores

Leisure and hotels

London offices

Central London shops

Other (Retail and London)

Total like-for-like portfolio

Proposed developments

Completed developments

Acquisitions

Development programme

Total combined portfolio

Market value 
31 March  
2014
£m

2,410.3

1,122.5

502.1

3,351.8

876.3

106.7

8,369.7

–

1,170.2

802.4

1,517.1

11,859.4

Valuation 
surplus
%

Rental value
change1
%

Net initial
 yield
%

Equivalent
 yield
%

Table 5

Movement in 
equivalent 
yield
bps

2.3

(0.3)

6.5

7.0

16.8

5.1

5.4

–

5.7

1.1

22.3

7.1

0.9

(1.3)

2.7

1.8

1.9

1.8

1.1

n/a

(0.8)

n/a

n/a

0.9

5.9

5.5

6.4

4.6

3.8

3.2

5.1

–

4.1

6.0

0.3

4.4

6.0

5.8

6.4

5.1

4.9

4.3

5.5

n/a

5.1

6.4

5.0

5.4

(16)

(17)

(27)

(38)

(46)

(14)

(30)

n/a

(15)

n/a

n/a

(29)

1.  Rental value change excludes units materially altered during the year and Queen Anne’s Gate, SW1.

due to the full year impact of the acquisition of a 
controlling interest in X-Leisure in the prior year and 
the opening in March 2013 of our developments at 
Trinity Leeds and 185-221 Buchanan Street, Glasgow. 
Further information on the net rental income 
performance of the London and Retail portfolios 
is given in the respective business reviews.

The indirect costs of London and Retail and 
net unallocated expenses need to be considered 
together as, collectively, they represent the net 
indirect expenses of the Group including joint 
ventures. In total, net indirect expenses were £83.7m 
compared with £76.8m last year. The £6.9m 
increase in these costs is primarily due to higher 
pre-development spend on assets we do not yet own  
and increased share based payment costs. Further 
information on our total costs is given in table 71.

Our net interest expense has increased by £10.5m 
in part due to higher average debt balances, but also 
reflecting an end to capitalised interest on our 
completed developments. 

One of the key drivers of our revenue profit is the 
level of net capital we have invested in our business. 
In the low interest rate environment in which we are 
currently operating, the yield on income producing 
commercial property significantly exceeds our 
marginal cost of debt, which is below 2%. As a result, 
net capital investment in any one year – the balance 
between acquisitions, sales and capital expenditure –  
has a marked near term impact on revenue profit. 
This year, ignoring the valuation surpluses over the 
last two years, the total capital employed in our 
investment and trading properties averaged £11.2bn, 
compared with £10.9bn last year as a result of 
acquisitions made in the Retail Portfolio towards the 
end of last year and earlier this year. During the year, 
the net rental income we received from assets 
acquired since 1 April 2012 was £42.2m, compared 
with £9.9m last year. 

At 31 March 2014, the net capital employed  
in our properties on the same basis was £11.0bn.  
The reduction is as a result of asset sales made later 
in the financial year. The assets we have now sold 
contributed £34.5m to net rental income this year. 
While there is a small interest benefit from the sale 
proceeds, this will be insufficient to offset the 
negative impact on next year’s revenue profit from 
these sales. The extent to which this impact can be 
offset is dependent on the timing and scale of new 
investment opportunities. In contrast, if we believe 
there are compelling reasons to make further 
disposals, we will do so even if there is a further 
impact on our revenue profit. Our capital decisions 
are not made on the basis of the near-term impact 
on revenue profit alone but from the perspective 
of total return over the longer term.

Valuation surplus and disposal profits
The movement in the values of our investment 
properties and any profits or losses on disposals are 
key components of our pre-tax profit. Over the year, 
the valuation surplus on our combined portfolio was 
£763.8m, or 7.1%. We made a profit on the disposal 
of investment properties and joint ventures of 
£18.1m, compared with a loss of £3.1m last year.  
A breakdown of the valuation surplus by category 
is shown in table 5.

financial statementsGOVeRnanceadditiOnal infORmatiOnSTRATEGIC REPORT 
26

Land Securities Annual Report 2014

In aggregate, the like-for-like portfolio saw values 
rise by 5.4% for the year to 31 March 2014 driven  
by a combination of a 30 basis point reduction in 
equivalent yields and rental values up 1.1%. 

Shopping centres increased in value by 2.3% 
driven by yield compression of 16 basis points. Retail 
warehouses and food stores were down marginally; 
despite smaller lot sizes benefiting from increased 
investor demand, our larger lot sizes continued to be 
impacted by lower demand and a fall in rental values. 
Leisure and hotels reported a 6.5% valuation surplus 
as equivalent yields reduced by 27 basis points and 
rental values grew by 2.7%. London offices were 7.0% 
higher, primarily due to yield compression of 38 basis 
points. Central London shops rose in value by 16.8% 
driven by yield compression of 46 basis points, a 1.9% 
increase in rental values and some asset improvement 
initiatives, notably at Piccadilly Lights, W1.

Outside the like-for-like portfolio, completed 
developments increased in value by 5.7% due to a 
small inward movement on yields and further lettings, 
while the development programme was up 22.3% 
following continued construction and pre-letting 
progress on our major schemes particularly 20 
Fenchurch Street, EC3 and 62 Buckingham Gate, SW1.

Earnings per share
Basic earnings per share were 142.3p, compared 
with 68.4p last year, primarily due to the significant 
increase in the valuation surplus.

Similar to the adjustments we make to profit 
before tax, which remove capital and one-off items 
to give revenue profit, we also report adjusted 
earnings per share figures. Adjusted diluted earnings 
per share increased by 10.1% from 36.8p last year to 
40.5p per share this year as a result of the increase in 
revenue profit.

Total dividend
We are recommending a final dividend of 7.9p per 
share to be paid on 22 July 2014. Taken together 
with the three quarterly dividends of 7.6p, our full 
year dividend will be up 3.0% at 30.7p per share 
(year ended 31 March 2013: 29.8p) or £241.4m  
(year ended 31 March 2013: £232.4m).  

In line with our comments in the half-yearly  

results in November last year and subsequent 
communication to shareholders, we have suspended 
our scrip dividend following payment of the third 
interim dividend in April 2014 and introduced a 
dividend reinvestment plan. 

Net assets

Net assets at the beginning of the year

Adjusted earnings

Valuation surplus on investment properties 

Profit/(loss) on disposal of investment properties

Profit on disposal of investments in joint ventures

Profit on disposal of trading properties

Other  

Profit after tax

Cash dividends

Purchase of own shares and treasury shares

Other reserve movements

Net assets at the end of the year

Fair value of interest-rate swaps

Debt adjusted to nominal value

Adjusted net assets at the end of the year

To the extent tax is payable, all items are shown post-tax.

Gearing

Adjusted gearing1 – on a proportionate basis

Group LTV

Group LTV – on a proportionate basis

Security Group LTV

1.  Adjusted net debt divided by adjusted net asset value.

Table 6

Year ended
31 March 2014
£m

Year ended
31 March 2013
£m

7,486.7

319.1

763.8

16.0

2.5

2.4

12.8

1,116.6

(175.6)

(16.0)

6.6

7,155.4

288.2

217.5

(1.6)

–

38.0

(9.1)

533.0

(178.4)

(34.9)

11.6

8,418.3

7,486.7

3.6

(413.2)

8,008.7

24.5

(432.8)

7,078.4

Table  7

31 March 2014
%

31 March 2013
%

49.3

35.7

32.5

35.5

60.6

40.2

36.9

37.7

All of the cash dividends paid and payable in respect 
of the year ended 31 March 2014 comprise Property 
Income Distributions (PIDs) from REIT qualifying 
activities. In contrast to the cash dividends, none 
of the scrip dividends have been PIDs. 

Net assets
At 31 March 2014, our net assets per share were 
1,069p, an increase of 110p or 11.5% from 31 March 
2013. The increase in our net assets was primarily 
driven by the increase in value of our investment 
properties, profits on disposal of investment 
properties and our adjusted earnings, partly offset 
by the dividends we paid.

In common with other property companies, we 
calculate an adjusted measure of net assets which 
we believe better reflects the underlying net assets 
attributable to shareholders. Our adjusted net assets 
are lower than our reported net assets primarily due 
to an adjustment to increase our debt to its nominal 
value. At 31 March 2014, adjusted diluted net assets 
per share were 1,013p per share, an increase of 110p 
or 12.2% from 31 March 2013. 

Table 6 summarises the main differences between 

net assets and our adjusted measure of net assets 
together with the key movements in the year.

Net debt and gearing
Over the year, our net debt decreased by £368.1m to 
£3,330.5m. The main elements behind this decrease 
are set out in our statement of cash flows. Operating 
cash inflow after interest and tax was £158.6m, 
lower than the £246.7m received last year primarily 
due to some £40m of interest costs related to last 
year being paid this year. In addition, we are required 
to include capital expenditure on, and disposal 
proceeds from, trading properties as part of our 
operating cash flow. Last year, we had net capital 
receipts of £71.8m, largely due to the sales of 
apartments at Wellington House, SW1, compared 
with net capital payments of £11.0m this year.

We spent £123.4m on acquisitions in the year, 
primarily the purchase of a further 35.6% of the units 
in X-Leisure together with the cash payment for the 
5% interest acquired in late March 2013. Capital 
expenditure was £223.7m, largely relating to our 
wholly owned developments in Victoria, and we 
contributed a net £83.5m to our joint ventures to 
fund developments at 20 Fenchurch Street, EC3 and 
Nova, Victoria, SW1. Offsetting these investments 
in our portfolio were sales proceeds of £821.9m, 
primarily from Bankside 2 & 3, SE1, Overgate, 
Dundee and Oxford House, W1.

Adjusted net debt, which is presented on a 
proportionate basis and includes the nominal  
value of our debt but excludes the mark-to-market 
on our swaps, was down £341.9m to £3,948.3m  
(31 March 2013: £4,290.2m).

A reconciliation between net debt and adjusted 

net debt is given in note 21 to the financial 
statements. 

Table 7 left sets out various measures of 

our gearing.

With an increase in our asset values and lower 
debt compared with last year, our gearing measures 
have all declined. The measure most widely used in 
our industry is loan-to-value (LTV). We focus most 
on Group LTV, presented on a proportionate basis. 

Financial review continued

Land Securities Annual Report 2014

27

This LTV measure decreased from 36.9% at  
31 March 2013 to 32.5% at 31 March 2014. 
Our strategy at this stage in the property cycle 
of allowing gearing to decline as property values 
rise remains unchanged.

Our Security Group LTV saw a smaller decline 

to 35.5% (31 March 2013: 37.7%), as a result of 
expenditure on 20 Fenchurch Street, EC3 and the 
acquisition of additional units in X-Leisure, both of 
which are held outside the Security Group.

Financing 
The total capital of the Group consists of 
shareholders’ equity and adjusted net debt. Since 
IFRS requires us to state a large part of our net debt 
at below its nominal value, we view our capital 
structure on a basis which adjusts for this. Details 
of our main sources of capital are given in notes 21 
and 22 to the financial statements.

During the year, we refinanced a £165m bilateral 
revolving credit facility that was due to expire in May 
2014, replacing it with a £250m facility maturing in 
September 2018. This brings to £385m the total 
pool of committed facilities which extend beyond 
December 2016, the expiry date of our £1,085m 
revolving credit facility. In addition, we also agreed a 
new £100m bilateral revolving credit facility which 
matures in August 2016 and a short-term bilateral 
facility of £500m maturing in June 2014. The pricing 
of our facilities which fall due in more than one year 
range from LIBOR +115 basis points to LIBOR +120 
basis points.

The weighted average duration of the Group’s 
debt (on a proportionate basis) is 9.3 years with a 
weighted average cost of debt of 5.0%, and 94.5% at 
fixed interest rates. At 31 March 2014, we had £1.1bn 
of cash and available facilities. This gives the business 
considerable flexibility to deploy capital quickly 
should an acquisition opportunity arise.

American Depositary Receipt (ADR) 
programme
The Group has a significant US shareholder base and, 
in order to provide these investors and potential new 
US investors with a dollar denominated method of 
holding the Company’s shares, the Group applied on 
2 May 2014 to the SEC in the US for registration of a 
Sponsored Level One ADR programme which was 
registered on 14 May 2014. Under the Depositary 
Agreement, the Depositary, Citi, acting through 
Citibank N.A., converts the Company’s ordinary 
shares into American Depositary Shares, represented 
by ADRs, in the ratio of one ADR for one ordinary 
share. The ADRs are quoted in US dollars and holders 
of ADRs will receive dividends in US dollars. As an 
over-the counter, non-capital raising programme, 
the Company does not fall within the Sarbanes-
Oxley compliance regime and the ADRs are also 
exempt from SEC registration, reporting and US 
GAAP reconciliation.

Environmental reporting
In addition to the financial performance of our 
assets, we also recognise the importance of ensuring 
we improve their environmental performance. We 
are determined to see our assets play an important 
role in shaping the built environment for good. 
As at 31 March 2014, we report an overall 
reduction of 16% against our 2011 baseline target 
(like-for-like) for normalised equivalent CO2 
emissions. This is increasingly important to us as it 
becomes more so for our customers. As we see the 
cost of energy increasing and the security of supply 
under threat, we are helping customers reduce the 
variable costs of their occupancy by making the 
buildings more efficient. 

Detailed analysis of the overall reduction shows 
divergence across the Group. In the London Portfolio, 
normalised equivalent CO2 emissions increased. 

This is due to a number of factors: the disposal of 
buildings with simple service infrastructure and 
inclusion in the like-for-like portfolio of sites with 
full infrastructure; Thomas More Square, E1, being 
only part occupied in the baseline year; and greater 
occupational density. As occupational density 
increases, recording building-by-building data 
and reporting against both landlord and occupier 
demises means we can work directly with occupiers 
to increase efficiency on a real-time basis.

Across the Retail Portfolio, we saw a reduction in 
normalised equivalent CO2 emissions. This reduction 
was experienced predominantly in our shopping 
centres. This can be credited partly to the move 
away from enclosed malls to a more open, naturally 
ventilated urban design in our new centres, with 
greater reliance on daylighting and energy efficient 
LED lighting to the public spaces.

Taxation
As a consequence of the Group’s REIT status, income 
and capital gains from our qualifying property rental 
business are exempt from UK corporation tax. A tax 
credit of £7.7m arose in the year (31 March 2013: 
£nil), being a current year charge of £0.9m and a 
prior year credit of £8.6m arising from release of 
provisions and settlement of historical issues.

Martin Greenslade
Chief Financial Officer

Our approach to gearing

Table 8

When we consider gearing, we need to recognise that we have both financial gearing and operational gearing. We aim to use both forms of gearing to enhance our 
returns without taking excessive risk.

How it arises

The potential benefits and risks

How we measure it

How we manage it

I

S
T
R
A
T
E
G
C
R
E
P
O
R
T

G
O
V
E
R
N
A
N
C
E

I

F
I
N
A
N
C
A
L
S
T
A
T
E
M
E
N
T
S

Financial

•	 Debt we have on our 

balance sheet or in joint 
ventures.

•	 Magnifies the financial effects of 
income and valuation movements

•	 Accentuates negative as well as 

positive movements.

•	 Assess in terms of interest 
cover ratios (ICR) and Loan 
to Value (LTV) ratios.

•	 In normal market conditions: 35% to 45% 

LTV (inner range) 

•	 Certain stages in the cycle: 25% to 55% LTV 

Operational

•	 Principally from  
development of 
properties, particularly  
if speculative.

•	 Magnifies the potential returns 
available from capital invested  
in property

•	 Higher volatility of valuation 

movements and potential income 
shortfalls.

•	 Assess in terms of income 
at risk from capital invested

•	 The proportion of capital 
deployed in development
•	 Level of committed capital 

expenditure.

(outer range)

•	 Increased pace at which market factors 
influence asset values is encouraging us 
towards lower financial leverage

•	 We also consider LTV including unspent but 

committed development capital expenditure.

•	 Using conservative letting assumptions, the 
income impact from the unlet element of  
our development programme should not 
exceed underlying retained earnings for  
the year

•	 Total development cost of current 

developments should not exceed 20% of 
total assets unless significantly pre-let

•	 Committed development expenditure not to 
exceed 90% of available cash and undrawn 
bank facilities.

I

I

A
D
D
T
O
N
A
L
I

N
F
O
R
M
A
T
O
N

I

 
 
 
 
 
28
28

Land Securities Annual Report 2014

reTail  
porTfolio
review

Highlights

Valuation surplus

2.2%

Investment lettings

£18.3m

Development lettings

£2.3m

Objectives
Outperform IPD sector 
benchmark

Progress at 31 March 2014
The total return of the Retail 
Portfolio was 8.5% outperforming 
its IPD sector benchmark at 8.0%

Objectives for 2014/15
Outperform IPD sector 
benchmark

Complete the letting of 
Trinity Leeds

97% let

Progress pre-lettings at 
Buchanan Galleries, 
Glasgow

16% pre-let

Submit planning 
application for Westgate 
Centre, Oxford

Planning application submitted and 
outline consent achieved 

Achieve pre-lettings on 
our edge-of-town 
development programme 
and progress planning 
applications

Conditional letting levels: 
Maidstone: 37%; Hull: 22%; and 
Others: nil. Planning applications 
submitted for Salisbury, Maidstone 
and Ealing Filmworks 

Achieve planning 
permission for the 
Selly Oak development 
in partnership with 
Sainsbury’s

Complete developments 
at Crawley and Chadwell 
Heath

Sale of specific assets 
to fund our investment 
activity

Planning permission granted

Both developments completed, with 
Chadwell Heath subsequently sold

We planned the sale of two assets.  
Bon Accord & St Nicholas Centre, 
Aberdeen was sold for £94.4m (our 
share) as planned. The second asset 
was not sold

Complete the letting of 
Bishop Centre, Taplow

Progress pre-lettings at 
Buchanan Galleries, 
Glasgow and Westgate 
Centre, Oxford

Achieve reserved matters 
consent at Buchanan 
Galleries, Glasgow, 
Westgate Centre, Oxford 
and Ealing Filmworks

Progress on conditional 
pre-lettings on our 
edge-of-town 
development programme

Continue the 
transformation of the 
portfolio to dominance, 
experience and 
convenience

Expand employment 
programme into retail 
service providers

Land Securities Annual Report 2014Retail Portfolio review

In a demanding and fast-moving market, we have kept a sharp focus on our 
customers’ changing needs, increased occupancy, sold weaker assets, added 
further to our leisure offer and nurtured a pipeline of development opportunities.

   Buy

During the year we added a further 35.6% to our 
ownership of X-Leisure, the largest portfolio of 
leisure property in the UK, and now own 95% of the 
fund. We have also fully integrated the X-Leisure 
team into our own business, which has further 
strengthened our expertise in leisure and catering as 
this sector becomes an increasingly important part 
of the retail consumer experience.

  Develop

Following its opening in March 2013, Trinity Leeds 
ended this financial year 97% let and attracted 
22 million visitors in its first year. We opened the 
award-winning Trinity Kitchen street food market 
in the autumn; this has proved very popular and 
further strengthened the leisure offer in the centre. 
The opening of Primark in December has added 
substantial footfall, as has our imaginative use of 
social media, pop-up stores and events. Bishop 
Centre, Taplow, our 101,500 sq ft edge-of-town 
scheme, is taking shape and is set to complete  
in July. It is 85% pre-let or in solicitors’ hands.
Development offers the opportunity for 

outperformance but comes with greater risk. We have 
continued to nurture our pipeline of opportunities 
and are working hard on plans for potential schemes 
including Oxford, Glasgow and Ealing – and 
edge-of-town schemes including Selly Oak, 
Maidstone and Worcester. We will remain disciplined 
in evaluating which of these schemes to pursue. 

   Manage

With our relentless focus on asset management, 
we increased the volume of investment lettings 
compared with last year, reducing like-for-like voids 
across the portfolio to 2.6%. This reflects the quality 
of our assets and customer relationships.

We constantly look to enhance our assets to 
ensure they meet the changing needs of retailers and 
shoppers. At the White Rose shopping centre in Leeds, 
for example, we have received planning permission for 

a cinema and more food outlets to enhance the 
shopping and leisure experience. Despite the 
excitement and footfall generated by the opening of 
Trinity Leeds, White Rose has continued to trade well. 

   Sell

We have continued to rebalance our portfolio in line 
with the changes in our sector, selling assets that 
are less likely to thrive. This year we sold assets in 
Livingston, Liverpool, Welwyn Garden City and 
Chadwell Heath. We also sold the Bon Accord & St 
Nicholas Centre in Aberdeen, which we held in a joint 
venture with British Land. And we sold the Overgate 
Centre in Dundee. This was an asset we bought in 
2010 at a higher price and the sale demonstrates 
how quickly consumer behaviour is changing and 
how this influences our decision-making. Although 
the centre trades well at the moment, the experience 
cannot be improved without disproportionate 
capital expenditure.

Outlook
While economic conditions have improved and 
consumer spending is set to increase, the benefits of 
this will not be felt uniformly across the retail market. 
The structural changes that have deeply affected the 
sector over recent years will continue, particularly 
the effect of multichannel retailing, growth in 
demand for great experiences and convenience, 
and an increasing polarisation between the best 
retail destinations and the rest.

These changes are producing challenges for 
everyone in the sector, but they are also providing 
opportunities for those able to evolve their offer in 
line with changing consumer behaviour. We believe 
total demand for floor space will further decrease 
across the sector, but demand for the right space 
in the best locations will continue.

 Unless we see buying opportunities that suit 
these market dynamics, our focus will remain on 
developing assets that do, and selling assets that 
do not.

Net rental income

Like-for-like investment properties

Proposed developments

Development programme

Completed developments

Acquisitions since 1 April 2012

Sales since 1 April 2012

Non-property related income

Net rental income

31 March 2014
£m

31 March 2013
£m

245.8

–

(0.1)

26.8

40.8

15.9

6.0

237.6

–

(0.7)

5.0

10.1

24.4

4.3

335.2

280.7

Table 9

Change
£m

8.2

–

0.6

21.8

30.7

(8.5)

1.7

54.5

Net rental income increased by £54.5m, from £280.7m to £335.2m. The increase is largely due to our completed 
developments, combined with income from acquisitions we made in the second half of last year, notably our 
interest in X-Leisure and The Printworks, Manchester. Completed developments have contributed an additional 
£21.8m of income, primarily due to the opening of Trinity Leeds in March 2013. The £8.2m increase within 
like-for-like is largely due to new lettings, improved turnover rent performance and lower bad debts.

Land Securities Annual Report 2014

29

Highlights

Valuations
•	Valuation surplus of 2.2%
•	Ungeared total property return 

was 8.5%

•	The portfolio outperformed its 
IPD Quarterly Universe sector 
benchmark at 8.0% 

•	£18.3m investment lettings
•	£2.3m development lettings
Voids
•	Like-for-like voids were 2.6%  

(2013: 2.9%)

•	Units in administration were 0.8% 

(2013: 2.4%)
Footfall and sales
•	Footfall in our shopping centres was 
down 0.8% (national benchmark 
down 2.6%)

•	Same store sales were up 0.9% 
(national benchmark up 2.1%)
•	Same centre sales, taking into 

account new lettings and tenant 
changes, were up 4.7%

•	Measured retailers’ rent to sales ratio 

was 10.2%

•	Total occupancy costs (including 
rent, rates, service charges and 
insurance) represented 17.8% of sales

What difference does it make?

During the construction phase of 
Trinity Leeds we recorded the scheme’s 
socio-economic impact on the local 
area. With the centre now open, our 
research has focused on its ongoing 
contribution. We have found, for 
example, that more than 90% of 
people working at Trinity Leeds live 
locally, and that wages of £40 million 
were paid in the first 12 months of 
operation. Our socio-economic 
impact studies are now helping local 
authorities in other cities to assess the 
likely benefits of development – and of 
working with Land Securities.

For more information on our Retail 
Portfolio go to: pages 134–147

For more information on our approach  
to sustainability and responsibility go to:
pages 140–143

financial statementsGOVeRnanceadditiOnal infORmatiOnSTRATEGIC REPORT 
30

Land Securities Annual Report 2014

london  
porTfolio
review

Highlights

Valuation surplus

11.9%

Investment lettings

£5.3m

Development lettings

£24.3m

Objectives
Outperform IPD sector 
benchmark

Progress at 31 March 2014
The total return of the 
London Portfolio was 16.8% 
underperforming its IPD sector 
benchmark at 21.2%

Complete the letting of 
123 Victoria Street, SW1

93% let

Progress development 
lettings at 62 Buckingham 
Gate, SW1, 20 Fenchurch 
Street, EC3 and 1 & 2 New 
Ludgate, EC4

62 Buckingham Gate: 65% let;  
20 Fenchurch Street: 87% let; and  
1 & 2 New Ludgate: nil

Demolition of 1 New 
Street Square, EC4

Demolition completed and site 
handed over to contractor

Objectives for 2014/15
Outperform IPD sector 
benchmark

Complete the letting of  
62 Buckingham Gate and 
20 Fenchurch Street

Progress development 
lettings at 1 & 2 New 
Ludgate and The Zig Zag 
Building

Progress planning 
applications and obtain 
planning permission at 
6 Castle Lane, SW1

Obtain planning 
permission at Portland 
House, SW1 and Oxford 
House, W1 

Progress on time and to 
budget at The Zig Zag 
Building, Kings Gate, 
Nova, Victoria, all SW1 
and 20 Fenchurch Street, 
EC3

Planning permission obtained at 
both of these schemes. Oxford 
House was subsequently sold

Progress to revised time 
and to budget at our 
committed developments

Completion at The Zig Zag Building 
and Kings Gate has been delayed by 
two months. Nova, Victoria is on 
time and to budget. 20 Fenchurch 
Street is to budget. The office space 
is on time. Completion of the sky 
garden is now expected in August 
of this year

Secure employment for 
125 candidates via our 
training programme of 
school leavers, long-term 
unemployed and  
ex-offenders

Sale of specific assets to 
fund our investment 
activity

Sale of Bankside 2 & 3, SE1 
completed as planned

London Portfolio review

Land Securities Annual Report 2014

31

Highlights

•	Valuation surplus of 11.9%
•	Ungeared total property return 

of 16.8%

•	The portfolio underperformed its 
IPD Quarterly Universe sector 
benchmark at 21.2%

•	£5.3m investment lettings
•	£24.3m development lettings
•	Like-for-like voids were 1.6%  

(2013: 0.9%)

Community heating in Victoria

The Greater London Authority’s Plan 
for London includes a target for 25% 
of London’s energy to be provided by 
community heating schemes by 2025.  
Part of our response to this is the 
Energy Centre at our Nova, Victoria, 
SW1 development, a community 
scheme that will provide our Victoria 
portfolio with low-carbon power, 
heating and cooling. Surplus electrical 
energy will be exported to National 
Grid.  We will also use spare heating 
capacity to supply the neighbouring 
district heating scheme in Pimlico, 
helping to increase energy efficiency 
in the Capital.

We have strong momentum behind our developments which are being 
delivered into the right market conditions. We are securing good lettings 
and residential sales.

   Buy

We saw a high number of assets put up for sale in 
the market but there is also a high level of capital 
competing for opportunities. Given the effect of this 
on property values, we chose to make no major 
acquisitions, preferring to invest £246.4m in our 
existing assets and our development programme.

  Develop

Given emerging supply-constrained conditions, 
we have moved forward at pace with construction 
while working hard to secure lettings.

In the City, 20 Fenchurch Street, EC3 was 87% let at 
the year end, well ahead of our expectations. Occupiers 
started to fit out in the spring. A solar glare issue drew 
attention to the building for the wrong reasons but did 
nothing to deter lettings, with 200,000 sq ft taken up 
in the months after the problem materialised. Our 
brise soleil solution has gained planning approval 
and installation will start shortly. It will not interfere 
with the customer fit-out or occupation. The cost 
involved has not altered our original estimated total 
cost of the building. Construction of the sky garden –  
the top three floors – has required complex 
engineering and delayed the space by four months 
and it will be completed in August.

Reflecting our confidence in the market, we started 

construction at 1 & 2 New Ludgate, EC4 and 1 New 
Street Square, EC4 during the year. We have secured the 
construction contracts at competitive rates and aim to 
deliver these schemes in 2015 and 2016 respectively. 
New Ludgate has attracted strong interest and is now 
49% pre-let with a further 12% in solicitors’ hands. 
Across town, we have made solid progress in 
Victoria, SW1. 123 Victoria Street is now fully let. 
62 Buckingham Gate is now 65% let. The pace of 
letting has been slower than planned but the rents 
achieved have been higher.

During the year, construction started at The Zig 

Zag Building, Kings Gate and our Nova, Victoria 
joint venture, all SW1 and we also committed to 

20 Eastbourne Terrace, W2 and the second phase 
of Oriana, W1. We expect to deliver these into 
continued favourable market conditions in 2015 
(The Zig Zag Building and Kings Gate) and 2016 
(Nova, Victoria, 20 Eastbourne Terrace and Oriana).  
We are pleased with the speed and price point of 
residential sales at both Kings Gate and Nova, Victoria, 
SW1, where in aggregate 73% of the 270 residential 
apartments have been pre-sold. At Portland House, 
SW1, we secured planning permission for 206 
residential apartments, but are extending existing 
office leases to 2016 whilst we work up detailed 
plans. We are also maintaining the option of either a 
residential development or retaining the office use.

   Manage

This year customer retention remained high, although 
void levels increased from 0.9% to 1.6%. At Cardinal 
Place, SW1, we have extended our weighted average 
lease lengths on 20% of the space from 4.2 years 
to 10.5 years. At Piccadilly Lights, W1, lease 
restructurings with Barclays, Boots and Gap enabled 
us to expand our advertising screens, increasing  
rents on the units involved from £4.6m to £7.6m.

   Sell

We are prepared to sell any asset at the right price. 
This year we made disposals of £594.5m including 
our 50% share in Empress State Building, SW6; 
Bankside 2 & 3, SE1; 3–5 Harbour Exchange, E14; 
and Oxford House, W1.

Outlook
We expect to see a shortage of Grade A office space 
until at least late 2016. The market balance beyond 
that will depend on the development response to 
improved market conditions. The next 12 months 
will see us focus on developing to time and budget, 
letting office space, selling residential space and 
increasing lease lengths as we begin to de-risk our 
portfolio. Any new development commitments are 
likely to require pre-lettings.

Net rental income

Like-for-like investment properties

Proposed developments

Development programme

Completed developments

Acquisitions since 1 April 2012

Sales since 1 April 2012

Non-property related income

Net rental income

31 March 2014
£m

31 March 2013
£m

202.8

205.3

–

9.1

22.1

1.4

18.6

4.8

–

6.1

20.1

(0.2)

31.1

4.6

258.8

267.0

Table 10

Change
£m

(2.5)

–

3.0

2.0

1.6

(12.5)

0.2

(8.2)

Net rental income decreased by £8.2m to £258.8m, as a result of properties sold in the year. Net rental 
income from like-for-like properties reduced by £2.5m as a result of a prior year surrender receipt, partially 
offset by rights of light receipts in the current year. The development programme contributed an additional 
£3.0m of income, largely due to lettings achieved at 123 Victoria Street and 62 Buckingham Gate, both SW1, 
and completed developments increased by £2.0m, reflecting the full year benefit of lettings completed at 
One New Change, EC4 in the prior year.

For more information on our London 
Portfolio go to: pages 134–147

For more information on our approach  
to sustainability and responsibility go to:
pages 140–143

financial statementsGOVeRnanceadditiOnal infORmatiOnSTRATEGIC REPORT32

Land Securities Annual Report 2014

our principal 
risks and how 
we manage Them

Our Board recognises the importance of 
identifying and actively monitoring the full 
range of financial and non-financial risks 
facing the business. By regularly reviewing 
the risk appetite of the business, the Board 
ensures that the risk exposure remains 
appropriate at any point in the cycle. 
Whilst overall responsibility for the risk 
management framework clearly rests with 
the Board, managing risk is embedded as 
part of our everyday business activities 
and culture with all our employees having 
a role to play.

Importantly the Board perceives risk not only as 
having a potential negative influence on the business 
but also as an opportunity that can be a source of 
financial outperformance as we have expertise to 
take and manage risks others cannot. 

For effective risk management it is necessary that 

the identification, assessment and management  
of known and emerging risks form part of a  
dynamic process. 

Risk management process

Diagram 11

IDENTIFY

REPORT 
RISKS AND 
MITIGATION 
TO THE 
BOARD

ASSESS 
AND 
QUANTIFY

WE CONTEXTUALISE 
RISK IN TERMS OF OUR 
GOALS AND OBJECTIVES

RE-ASSESS 
RISK POST-
MITIGATION

DEVELOP 
ACTION 
PLANS TO 
MITIGATE

Risk and control – ‘Three lines of defence’

Diagram 12

Senior management

audit Committee

1st line of defence
•	 Executive 

Committee
•	 Senior leaders
•	 Internal controls  
and annual self 
assessments

•	 Internal policies and 

training

2nd line of defence
•	 Financial control
•	 Risk management
•	 Health and safety
•	 Environment
•	 Technology
•	 Legal

3rd line of defence
•	 Internal audit
•	 External audit

Our principal risks

Land Securities Annual Report 2014

33

Risks in the context of our strategic goal and objectives

We have set ourselves clear strategic objectives against which we measure our performance:
1  Deliver sustainable long-term shareholder returns.
2  Maximise the returns from the investment portfolio.
3  Manage our balance sheet effectively.
4  Maximise development performance.
5  Ensure high levels of customer satisfaction.
6  Attract, develop, retain and motivate high performance individuals.
7  Continually improve sustainability performance.

In the same way that we measure our performance against these objectives, we also consider our risks and 
their potential impact on these objectives as well as our approach to mitigating those risks. We have set out 
our principal risks below and grouped them together under the strategic objectives most likely to be impacted.

Table 13

Change from last year

 Increased

 No change

 Reduced

Maximise the returns from the investment portfolio

Risk description

Impact

Mitigation

Change from 2012/13

Customers
•	 Concerns over the 
economic recovery
•	 Pressure on consumer 

spending.

•	 Shift in consumer demand 
with consequent impact 
on new lettings, renewal 
of existing leases and 
rental growth

•	 Retailers unable to meet 

existing rental 
commitments. 

•	 Large and diversified customer base (no single customer represents more than 

4.8% of rents);

•	 Of our income 71.4% is derived from customers who make less than a 1% 

contribution to rent roll;

•	 Consistent demand for the best retail properties in terms of experience and/or 

convenience;

•	 Active development programme to maintain a modern office portfolio well 

suited to customer requirements;

•	 Experienced asset management team;
•	 Strong relationships with customers.

Market cyclicality 
•	 Volatility and speed  
of change of asset 
valuations and market 
conditions.

Acquisitions
•	 Inability to acquire  

new assets to replace 
properties that have 
been sold.

•	 Reduces liquidity and 

relative property 
performance.

•	 Large multi-asset portfolio;
•	 Monitor asset concentration (our largest asset is only 5.9% of the total 

portfolio);

•	 Average investment property lot size of £74.1m;
•	 Generally favour full control and ownership of assets (13.5% of assets currently 

in joint ventures);

•	 Average unexpired lease term of 9.0 years (with a maximum of 11.0% of gross 

rental income expiring or subject to break clauses in any single year).

•		Reduction	in	revenue	profits.	

•	 Experienced investment team;
•	 Flexibility to invest in either of the two largest sectors in the UK property market;
•	 Ability to control level of property sales.

Manage our balance sheet effectively

Liability structure 
•	 Lack of availability of 

bank funding.

•	 Increased cost of borrowing
•	 Limits ability to meet 

existing debt maturities and 
fund forward cash 
requirements.

•	 £1.1bn revolving credit facility in place, which matures in 2016 and £985m of 
bilateral facilities which mature between June 2014 and September 2018;

•	 Access to different sources of finance with most of our funding on a long-term 
basis and with a spread of maturity dates. The weighted average life of our debt 
at 31 March 2014 is 9.3 years;

•	 Modest gearing (Security Group LTV at 31 March 2014 of 35.5%).

•	 Liability structure is 
unable to adapt to 
changing asset 
strategy or property 
values.

•	 Too much bond debt; not 
enough drawn bank debt
•	 Insufficient term on the 

flexible debt (in the revolver) 
•	 Bank debt not drawable due 

to high LTV.

•	 The Group’s Asset and Liability Committee meets three times a year to monitor 

both sides of the balance sheet and recommend strategy to the Board;

•	 Continuous review of level of drawn bank debt to ensure flexibility maintained;
•	 Our principal debt funding structure benefits from financial default only being 
triggered at 1 times Security Group interest cover ratio (currently 4.5 times) or 
100% Security Group LTV (currently 35.5%);

•	 Aim to align length of bank facilities with our view on property cycle;
•	 The existing revolving credit facility provides flexibility as it allows debt to be 

drawn in certain circumstances even when the Security Group LTV exceeds 65%.

There continues to be 
a lack of attractively 
priced assets in both 
the London and 
Retail sectors. 

The cost and 
availability of medium 
and long-term 
facilities has 
continued to improve.

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Land Securities Annual Report 2014

Maximise development performance

Risk

Impact

Mitigation

Change from 2012/13

Development
•	 Occupiers reluctant  

to enter into 
commitments to 
take new space in 
our developments.

•	 Negative valuation 

movements

•	 Reduction in income.

•	 Amount of speculative development restricted so that the impact of failing to 
lease the unlet element of our development programme does not exceed the 
Group’s retained earnings; 

•	 Proportion of capital employed in development programme (based on total 
costs to completion) will not exceed 20% of our total capital employed, save 
that where a material part of the development programme is pre-let, this 
proportion can rise to 25%;

•	 Monitor market cycle and likely customer demand before committing to new 

developments and secure pre-lets where appropriate;

•	 Assessment of developments against hurdle rates.

Attract, develop, retain and motivate high performance individuals

People
•	 Inability to attract, 
retain and develop 
the right people.

Lack the skills necessary 
to deliver the business 
objectives.

•	 Competitive remuneration plans;
•	 Appropriate mix of insourcing and outsourcing;
•	 Clear employee objectives and development plans;
•	 Annual employee engagement survey to identify issues early;
•	 Succession planning and talent management;
•	 High profile, cutting edge developments and assets to manage.

Continually improve sustainability performance

Environment
•	 Properties do 

not comply with 
legislation or 
meet customer 
expectations.

•	 Increased cost base
•	 Inability to attract or retain 

customers.

•	 Dedicated specialist personnel;
•	 ISO 14001 certified environmental management system;
•	 Active involvement in legislative working parties;
•	 Active environmental programme addressing key areas of energy and waste.

Health and safety
•	 Accidents causing  

injury to employees, 
contractors, occupiers 
and visitors to our 
properties.

•	 Criminal/civil proceedings 
and resultant reputational 
damage

•	 Delays building projects 
and can restrict access to 
shopping centres.

•	 Regular Board reporting;
•	 Dedicated specialist personnel;
•	 Annual cycle of health and safety audits;
•	 Established policy and procedures including ISO 18001 certification;
•	 CEO chairs Group Health & Safety Committee.

Customer appetite to 
take on new space has 
improved, particularly 
within the London 
office sector. It is still 
variable within the 
Retail sector. 
Refer to our 
development 
programme in table 99.

Due to the high regard 
held within the sector 
of our development 
people, they are 
increasingly being 
targeted by our 
competitors.

Our principal risks

Land Securities Annual Report 2014

35

Current assessment of principal risks
The inherent and residual positioning of our principal risks are illustrated in the 
diagram below in terms of impact and likelihood. The inherent or gross risk is the 
risk that an activity would pose if no controls or other mitigating factors were in 
place. The residual risk (net risk) is the risk that remains after controls have been 
taken into account. 

Emerging risks
Emerging risks are those for which the extent and implications are not yet 
fully understood. 

This year, we have engaged different groups of people in identifying the 
emerging risks. As well as those identified by management, we have consulted 
a number of stakeholders in determining what emerging socio-economic and 
environmental risks they consider important. Identified through a formal 
materiality process detailed in our CR Report (www.landsecurities.com/
responsibility), our investors, customers, employees, community stakeholders 
and supply chain partners contributed their views on the risks they face, and 
those we can help them address.

The risks featured below represent the combined view of our management 

and our key stakeholders.

Current assessment of principal risks
Current assessment of principal risks

Diagram 14
Diagram 14

Emerging risks
Emerging risks

Diagram 15
Diagram 15

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4,8
4,8

3
3
3,5
3,5

2
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5
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1,6
1,6

7,8
7,8

7
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1,6
1,6

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Unlikely
Unlikely

Inherent risk
Inherent risk
Residual risk
Residual risk

1  Customers
1  Customers
2 Market cyclicality
2 Market cyclicality
3 Acquisitions
3 Acquisitions
4 Liability structure
4 Liability structure
5 Development
5 Development
6 People
6 People
7  Environment
7  Environment
8 Health and safety
8 Health and safety

Likelihood
Likelihood

Almost certain
Almost certain

< 6 months
< 6 months

Time
Time

Uncertain
Uncertain

High impact
High impact
Medium impact
Medium impact
Low impact
Low impact

1  Increased financial regulation 
1  Increased financial regulation 
2 Political uncertainty
2 Political uncertainty
3 Resilience of portfolio to climate change 
3 Resilience of portfolio to climate change 
4 Energy regulation, cost and security of supply
4 Energy regulation, cost and security of supply
5 Cyber-terrorism
5 Cyber-terrorism
6 Technology – social media and occupier requirements 
6 Technology – social media and occupier requirements 
7  Workforce – construction skills shortage
7  Workforce – construction skills shortage

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Land Securities Annual Report 2014

people and  
values

We are enhancing the way we work 
and organise ourselves so we can 
keep meeting our customers’ needs 
and thrive in a fast-moving world.

Over the last 12 months we have conducted 
a comprehensive survey of the issues of most 
importance to our stakeholders. This exercise involved 
talking to everyone from office and retail occupiers 
to investors, employees, supply chain employees, 
partners, and people in the wider community. 

It became clear that one issue our stakeholders 

considered of key importance is the quality and 
well-being of their people. That view is shared inside 
the Company. For us, first and foremost, that means 
our own employees but also those working within 
our supply chain and for our customers. This section 
looks at the actions we are taking to help people 
perform and prosper when working for and with 
Land Securities.

Our employees
We aim to attract, develop and motivate 
high performance individuals. The quality and 
commitment of our people helps set us apart. We 
want employees who are ambitious for themselves 
and the Company, and this means being proactive 
about understanding the changing needs of our 
customers, and being willing to take broad 
accountability for ensuring that their evolving 
requirements are met.

Over the year we enhanced our communications 

to ensure we can keep attracting talented people. 
This involved a complete redesign of the materials 
we use to attract new joiners and develop our 
employees, under the ‘No 1 Place’ brand. This will 
first be used to attract school leavers onto our new 
Trainee Academy which will launch over the summer. 
This work has tied into a wider project – known 
internally as ‘Shaping the future for good’ – that  
aims to inspire our people to make a real difference 
for everyone affected by what we do, from our 
customers and local communities to our 
shareholders and the wider world.

Management changes
During the year, executive director Richard Akers 
announced that he would be stepping down from 
the Board and he subsequently left the Company on 
31 March 2014. During his 19 years at the Company 
Richard created very strong relationships with retailers 
and was a driving force in the retail property sector.

Richard’s position has not been replaced directly 

at Board level. Instead, we have expanded our 
Executive Committee and its remit in terms 
of oversight of the Company’s operations. 
This Committee comprises the Chief Executive, 
Chief  Financial Officer, General Counsel, Human 
Resources Director and two new roles: Managing 
Director, Retail and Managing Director, London. 
Scott Parsons has been appointed Managing 

Director, Retail and Colette O’Shea appointed 
Managing Director, London. Colette and Scott have 
end-to-end accountability for all aspects of investment, 
asset management and development in their area. 
This new structure enables Robert Noel to have a 
clear view across the business, shortens reporting lines 
and creates one team at the head of the Company.

Our organisation
It is vital that the context in which our business 
operates drives the way we organise ourselves, 
not the other way around. This means being clear 
about those teams and activities which need to be 
dedicated to the London and Retail businesses, and 

those where a group-wide perspective will not only 
make us more efficient, but enable us to respond 
more quickly.

During the year we simplified our decision 

making  structure to make sure that people are both 
empowered to make a difference and accountable 
for what they do. Across the London and Retail 
portfolios we are establishing common roles and job 
titles. And we are encouraging our people to develop 
their careers across business units, enabling them to 
become more rounded leaders, and bring greater 
perspective to the decisions that they make.

Learning and recognition
During the year we launched a new learning and 
development strategy to help employees gain the 
expertise and skills needed to succeed. The first 
phase of this saw the launch of a new ‘Positive 
Impact’ management programme, under the ‘No 1 
Place’ brand, aimed at those leading a team for the 
first time. This will be followed by a new leadership 
programme for senior managers. This work is in 
addition to our continued focus on mandatory 
training areas such as health and safety.

We know that a range of rewards, not just money, 

motivates most people so this year we relaunched 
our business-wide recognition programme ‘People 
into Action’. This gives everyone the opportunity to 
nominate their colleagues, including service partners, 
for recognition, which can range from a simple 
‘ethankyou’ to a significant cash sum awarded to 
individuals or teams. In developing our ideas on 
recognition, the senior HR team worked closely 
with the Exchange Forum, our business-wide 
representative. This group of eight people doing 
different roles across the business provides the 
senior team with invaluable support in making Land 
Securities a great place to work, including ensuring 
that ideas and suggestions from all levels, and all 
teams, are given proper consideration. Robert Noel 
now takes part in the Forum, which meets quarterly. 

Employee feedback
This year we conducted a comprehensive 
engagement survey across the business. The results 
demonstrated that the biggest areas of concern in 
the 2012 survey – performance management, and 
the ability to raise concerns – had been addressed 
effectively. Key results from the survey:
•	Our overall response rate of 77% remains the same 

as last year’s Pulse survey.

•	Our overall Engagement and Sustainable 

Engagement scores of 88% positive are broadly 
the same as two years ago, but we remain ahead 
of both the Towers Watson UK national norm and 
the UK High Performance norm.

•	Overall improvements in the scores are seen in the 
categories of Performance, My Job, Leadership and 
My Team, with our greatest gains being in the two 
key areas of focus from 2011: reporting instances  
of dishonest or unethical practices, and poor 
performance being dealt with effectively.
•	Comments from respondents highlight an 

increased focus on performance and clearer, 
stronger senior leadership. Comments also 
suggested that areas requiring further attention 
include workload, systems and equipment, and a 
desire to have greater accessibility to senior leaders.

Our people

Diversity 
The diversity statistics for our industry are not what 
we would like them to be. Land Securities may be 
better than most, but we would like to see it as our 
role to lead the way in shaping the future for good. 

The Company is making good progress on gender 
diversity. Three of our seven Non-executive Directors 
are women, including a female chairman; and two of 
our six Executive Committee members are women. 
See the charts on page 46 for more detail. 

We have a great deal more work to do on ethnic 
diversity, as does our industry. We are convinced that 
having people from a range of backgrounds and with 
different perspectives makes us stronger and we are 
working to encourage greater diversity within the 
business, at all levels.

Human rights
Our business activities take place in the UK and 
matters affecting our employees are carried out under 
the jurisdiction of UK and EU law. Some companies in 
our supply chain have operations outside Europe, so 
we have acted to ensure that they follow the same 
high standards of human rights for employees as are 
operated in the UK. Our new human rights policy sets 
out the expectations and requirements we have of 
our suppliers. We have committed to work towards 
ensuring that organisations sourcing materials such as 
timber, stone and steel for our significant construction 
projects from outside the EU adhere to our  
principles. You can read more about our policy 
at www.landsecurities.com/responsibility.

Health and safety
We aim to remain below industry benchmarks 
for reportable incidents for health and safety on 
development sites and within our managed property 
portfolio, and we aspire to have zero incidents. 
As part of our commitment to everyone working 
for and with Land Securities, we aim to improve the 
health and safety of employees and contractors 
within our development and property portfolios,  
not least so we can reduce potential long-term 
occupational illness and resultant insurance claims.

London employment strategy: jobs secured

Extending employment opportunities to 
the community
The construction industry faces the challenge of an 
ageing population – 50% of construction workers are 
now over the age of 50. This is concerning because 
a lack of skilled workers could restrict future 
development and affect construction costs. At the 
same time, it is also clear that employment can play an 
important role in helping disadvantaged people to get 
on in life and forge a better connection with others.
In 2011, Land Securities responded to the dual 
challenges of a shortage of skilled construction workers 
and social exclusion by launching its Employment 
Strategy. The Strategy is aimed at helping school 
leavers and some of London’s most disadvantaged 
people – particularly those who are ex-offenders, 
homeless or long-term unemployed – to secure jobs in 
construction. We used our influence to bring together 
a wide range of industry peers, construction partners, 
public bodies and charities to address these problems. 

Together, the partners have provided pre-
employment training tailored specifically to 
construction, and successful candidates have been 
employed through our supply chain. Our programme 
is successful and established and we have recently 
widened its remit to include our operational service 
partners, given opportunity to disadvantaged people 
and brought new talent into our wider property 
management team.

In 2013, 58 people came through these schemes 

into employment. In 2014 this grew – 86 more 
people were employed. We have set ourselves an 
ambitious target for 2015 – to deliver 125 jobs 
through the combined programmes.

Our responsibility does not stop with these 
programmes; we also provide local charities with 
employment grants and support local Business 
Improvement Districts’ (BID) Employment Charters.
The table below details the number of jobs which 
have been secured in the past two years. In addition, 
many hundreds have been given guidance on 
employment, received training and gained qualifications 
through our employment related activities. 

Table 16

2013

2014

2015

Construction 
and service 
partner 
academies

Construction sector academy (via construction partners)

Service sector academy (via training and facilities 
management partners)

Construction Youth Trust 

Additional contractor programme at Nova, Victoria, SW1

Other 
employment 
initiatives

Sub total

Employment grants programme (via grass roots charities 
and homelessness partners)

BID Employment Charters

Sub total

Total employment impact

28

7

23

0

58

0

43

43

101

44

5

29

8

86

50

84

134

220

125 target

Land Securities Annual Report 2014

37

Career development 
Sarah Roberts shares her story:
“I have been with the company for four 
years and worked in a variety of roles 
because, as I’ve looked for progression, 
Land Securities has been able to offer 
new challenges. I started as a PA/ 
property administrator in the Retail 
Portfolio’s asset management team. 
At the same time, a Land Securities loan 
enabled me to study on a part-time 
basis for an MSc in Real Estate. I then 
took on the retail liaison manager role 
at the Galleria, Hatfield, a job that was 
all about excellent customer service. 
And I then progressed to an assistant 
operations manager role in the London 
Portfolio, with sole responsibility for 
managing a building. In January 2014 
I was appointed operations manager. 
Working in various roles and across 
departments has given me a strong 
understanding of how the business 
links together and how I can best 
support my colleagues in other teams.”

Providing expert help

As part of our professional 
volunteering scheme, Ian Elson, a 
senior project manager in our London 
Portfolio, has devoted 120 hours of 
work and personal time over the last 
year to helping The Passage, one of 
our homelessness partner charities 
in Victoria, SW1. The Passage runs 
London’s largest voluntary sector day 
centre for homeless and vulnerable 
people. Each day it helps up to 
200 men and women, providing 
accommodation through a 40-bed 
hostel and 16 self-contained flats. Ian 
has supported the charity with expert 
property advice and guidance as it 
carries out an extensive renovation 
and refurbishment project. He has also 
helped interview and select a full-time 
project manager who will run the 
project day to day.

For a full analysis of our health  
and safety performance this year,  
please see page 55

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Land Securities Annual Report 2014

Relationships

a wider responsibiliTy
We aim to manage our assets in a way that benefits those closest to the 
Company – our investors, customers and employees, and those working 
in our supply chain – but also everyone affected by our actions.

We manage most of the buildings we own which 
means we get to see how people interact with them 
and hear their views. So we gain a strong sense  
of what people want from a particular building.  
And, because we have control, we can take decisive 
action to improve things for the better. 

We believe that responding to people’s needs – 
and giving careful consideration to the environment, 
economy and community – helps us to create 
enduring value over the long term. Or put  
another way, if we look after our cities, our  
cities will look after us.

Adding value through the lifecycle

Chart 17

The diagram below illustrates some of the ways in which we work to create value through the lifecycle of a typical asset. 

REFURBISH OR RETROFIT TO RE-LET

INVEST
CAPITAL

BUY

DEVELOP

MANAGE

  Buy  

Building
The investment manager 
is given environmental due 
diligence information on the 
state of the building. This 
includes details on physical 
risks that could decrease  
the value of the property  
and, more recently, legislative 
risk that may affect its 
performance and value.

People and economy
When we commit to buying a 
property, we bring long-term 
economic investment to  
that area.

  Develop
Inside the building 
We design for safety, health 
and wellbeing, considering 
things such as air quality and 
natural lighting. We design for 
efficiency and productivity 
behind the scenes, considering 
areas such as lifts, reception 
and loading bays and their 
effect on the occupiers’ 
experience and energy use.

Outside the building 
We design to improve the 
public realm around our 
buildings, with health and  
safety in mind. We consider 
the place within its context, 
designing for transport and 
communication connectivity. 
And we consider urban 
biodiversity and wider 
infrastructure.

People and economy
We work with the local 
authority to identify areas 
of social need where we can 
help. And we collaborate with 
community groups, educators 
and our supply chain partners 
to address key issues. Our 
activity helps young people 
to raise their aspirations and 
educational standards; 
we help to improve living 
standards through a package 
of support, from grants to 
work experience; and we 
support economic prosperity 
by helping to create job 
opportunities and enabling 
people to access those 
opportunities.

  Manage
Inside the building 
We work with occupiers to 
manage energy, water and 
waste as environmental and 
cost efficiency factors. This 
helps to protect the building 
from external risks such as 
price volatility, energy security 
and premature obsolescence. 
We also work with occupiers 
to make sure the building 
operates as it was designed to.

People and economy 
In this stage of the lifecycle our 
activities are the same as the 
development phase, from 
working with local authorities 
and groups to helping to 
increase aspirations and 
prosperity.

The Strategic Report was approved by the Board of 
Directors on 14 May 2014 and signed on its behalf by:

Robert Noel
Chief Executive

REINVEST
CAPITAL

SELL

   Sell

 Building 
As a result of our investment 
and activity, we will sell a 
better performing building 
than we bought. This should 
make it more valuable, 
which is good news for 
our shareholders.

People and economy 
We aim to build a positive 
legacy, leaving a place in a 
better state than when we 
arrived. By helping to make 
people’s lives better, we 
strengthen our reputation 
and add value to our asset.

governance

leadership
A profile of the Non-executive and  
Executive Directors and senior management  
who lead the Company.
For more information go to: 
pages 42–44

good governance
The steps we take to ensure the Company  
is well managed.

For more information go to: 
pages 45–57

remuneration
How we align what management is paid with our 
performance and the interests of shareholders.

For more information go to: 
pages 58–76

Land Securities Annual Report 2014

39

Governance
Including information on our 
leadership team, Board Committees 
and remuneration.

40  Letter from the Chairman
42  Board of Directors
44  Executive Committee
45  Leadership
48 

 Letter from the Chairman of the 
Nominations Committee
 Letter from the Chairman of the 
Audit Committee
 Directors’ Remuneration Report
 Report of the Directors

51 

58 
77 

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Land Securities Annual Report 2014

letter From  
the chairman

“At Land securities, governance is not just the 
adherence to a set of rules. it is a way of doing 
business and is at the heart of everything we do.”

Dear Shareholder
Earlier in this Annual Report, Robert Noel reported 
a strong set of results driven by high levels of 
development activity and relentless asset 
management.

We have a first rate management team in place 
at Land securities and i want to thank them for the 
hard work, dedication and good judgement they have 
shown throughout the year to make these results 
possible.  

Land securities has a determination to meet the 
needs of its customers and to manage the business 
through the cyclical markets in which we operate. 
All our actions are underpinned by good governance, 
controls and lessons from the past.  

This year, management and the Board were kept 
busy on a range of issues. New appointments were 
made at both Board and senior manager level. We 
evolved our corporate reporting in response to new 
requirements. our business is evolving to adapt to 
structural changes in the retail property market and a 
maturing London property cycle. in this corporate 
governance report, we provide an insight into the work 
of the Board and its Committees over the last year and 
the governance framework operated by the Group.

Our governance
i am pleased to report that your Company has 
complied in full with the 2012 UK Corporate 
Governance Code.

At Land securities, governance is not just the 

adherence to a set of rules. it is a way of doing business 
and is at the heart of everything we do. once properly 
embedded, it becomes second nature. This year, we 
give a flavour of what it means to us in a ‘Governance in 
Action’ section which brings to life our approach.

if we do things in an open and transparent way, we 

will do them in the right way. This belief has driven a 
number of the initiatives undertaken by the Company 
to improve the quality of our corporate, financial and 
remuneration reporting in recent years. 

Reporting
This year has seen the implementation of 
considerable change to the way in which companies 
are required to report. We have taken an active 
interest in the development of these new regulations 
since their initial proposal. We have provided input to 
the various consultations and broad support for the 
final regulations. The changes will make the task of 
understanding annual reports much easier. They 
should also enable investors to more accurately 
compare the performance of companies and also 
executive pay.

The Annual Report is an important part of our 
communication with shareholders. The Board and 
its Committees have been keen to oversee the 
implementation of many of the changes and have 
devoted more agenda time to the content and form 
of our Annual Report. our early involvement in the 
development of the new regulations meant that we 
were able to adopt many of the new requirements in 
previous years, so much of our report will be broadly 
familiar to you.

This year we have enhanced the sections 
describing our strategy and our business model.

The Board has refreshed its processes for reviewing 
the accuracy, balance and clarity of the whole Annual 

Governance

Land Securities Annual Report 2014

41

Report. much of the work was carried out by the 
Audit Committee, which held two additional 
meetings to establish the process and review the 
content. We describe the process on page 53.

We have developed our remuneration report in 
recent years in order to adopt early the majority of 
the new requirements that have become mandatory 
this year. The changes have been well received by 
shareholders and investor bodies. 

our corporate responsibility reporting is now fully 

integrated within our strategic Report. This reflects 
the central role corporate responsibility plays in 
connecting the business to its stakeholders.  

i would like to thank the chairmen and members 
of the Audit and Remuneration Committees for the 
additional time they have devoted to our reporting 
this year.

Diversity 
Diversity is very important to me and critical to the 
future of corporate Britain. in my view, it makes 
business more effective and society more equitable.

This year has seen good progress amongst 

FTsE 100 companies in their drive to improve gender 
diversity. many more companies, including Land 
securities, have now met Lord Davies’ target of having 
25% of their boards comprise of women. Another 
FTsE 100 company, shire plc, will be chaired by a 
woman. Things are heading in the right direction, 
though there remains some way to go.

i am pleased to report that Land securities’ 
own long-term commitment to gender diversity 
is bearing fruit with significant increases in female 
membership of the Board and our three principal 
executive operating committees. 

Retirements from the Board 
The year has seen David Rough, sir stuart Rose and 
Richard Akers announce their retirements from the 
Board. David and sir stuart have served on our Board 
with distinction for 12 and 
10 years respectively. 
They have helped guide 
the Company through one 
of the most challenging 
periods in its history and 
helped it prepare for the 
recovery. 

After nearly 20 years 

with Land securities, 
Richard Akers also stepped 
down from the Board on 
which he has served for 
eight years. 

i would like to thank all of them for their significant 

contributions to Land securities and wish them well 
for the future.

Real estate is a business based on decisions made 
for the long term. Plans put in place today may only 
reach fruition many years later. The Board recognises 
the value that Directors who are able to serve for 
many years are able to bring and i have encouraged 
Directors to serve for extended periods, including 
David and sir stuart. on occasion, this may mean 
that some serve for more than the nine year period 
where some investors begin to query their 
independence. Where a Non-executive Director 
serves for more than this time we will of course 

continue to carefully monitor and review their 
independence.

New Board and senior management 
appointments
The retirements from the Board have given us the 
opportunity to bring in new faces with different 
skills and perspectives that will enable your Board 
to face the challenges of a changing business 
environment ahead.

During the Non-executive recruitment process we 

were presented with two outstanding candidates 
who were very keen to join our Board. our original 
plan was to recruit just one more Non-executive. The 
Nominations Committee saw this as a particularly 
good problem to have, in an exceptionally difficult 
market for talent and decided to appoint them both. 
The appointment of Cressida Hogg CBE means 
that we have met our target to have women comprise 
at least 25% of our Board a year ahead of schedule. 
she and Edward Bonham Carter will make 
exceptional additions to our Board. We describe the 
process undertaken for their appointments in the 
report of the Nominations Committee.

There have been significant new appointments 

below the Board too. 

Colette o’shea and scott Parsons have been 
appointed as the new managing directors for our 
London and Retail portfolios, respectively. They join 
an expanded Group Executive Committee, which has 
been given new terms of reference and a wider remit 
for the oversight of the Company and its operations.
These appointments were made following a 

search process involving internal and external 
candidates. i was delighted that not only were these 
posts filled by internal candidates, the people filling 
their previous roles were also appointed internally.

our success with these promotions comes from 
our long standing commitment to developing people 
within Land securities. We are keen to keep the 
pipeline full and are 
introducing a number of 
new initiatives. many of 
these are focused around 
developing leadership 
skills at all levels, 
promoted through 
courses, mentoring and 
coaching. You can read 
more about these 
initiatives in our People 
section on page 36. our 
aim is for Land securities 
to be a demanding but 

enjoyable and rewarding place to work. 

Remuneration
We monitor shareholder guidance and developments 
in the area closely and constantly review how we 
might improve our arrangements.

The Remuneration Committee responded 

to shareholder requests by simplifying our 
remuneration packages and aligning them more 
closely with our Key Performance indicators.  
The changes formed a new framework approved  
by shareholders in 2012. 

The framework is heavily geared towards 
incentives which reward outperformance by the 

if we do things in an 
open and transparent way, 
we will do them in the 
right way.” 

Company of its peers in terms of total shareholder 
return and the financial performance of its portfolio. 
Rewards target relative not absolute returns. Absolute 
returns could simply be generated by general upward 
movements in the value of commercial property. 
Relative returns target outperformance against 
returns generated by other professional investors.

This was illustrated this year where our valuation 

surplus was much higher than that of last year, 
although our incentives paid out less. This was because 
the relative performance of the Company’s property 
portfolio against its industry benchmark was not as 
strong as in the preceding year. You will find a detailed 
breakdown of our remuneration arrangements and the 
outcomes for this year in the Remuneration report.

Investor interaction
i enjoy meeting investors and hearing their views 
on our Company. 

This year, the Board commissioned a study by 
leading equity analysts, makinson Cowell, on investor 
views of our Company. Their findings were presented 
to the Board and discussed extensively. We include 
their findings in our report on Board effectiveness.
i will be embarking on a series of individual 

meetings with our larger investors during the course 
of this year in order to obtain their views on the 
strategy and governance of our Company and our 
remuneration policy.

our investor section on page 57 gives a flavour of 
our extensive engagement with our institutional and 
private shareholders and debt investors. 

Risk 
As we move through the property cycle, the Board 
is conscious of the changing profile of internal and 
external risks across the business. Both the Board and 
the Audit Committee are alive to the effect of the 
market cycle and have devoted more time to 
considering risks over the last 12 months. 

We have increased our focus on monitoring 

developments and market activity, watching for signs 
of change and added the topic to the agenda for three 
meetings per year.

The Board also monitors changing consumer 

trends which will continue to have a significant 
impact on our Retail business. 

our focus on these topics has helped shape 

our strategy and our medium-term planning. 
The discussions formed the basis of the Group’s 
budget and forecast for the next five years.

Amongst the emerging risks considered by the 
business are cyber security and energy security. The 
Audit Committee has considered the Group’s 
response to both threats.

over the following pages we describe our 
corporate governance framework in more detail 
and include case studies which illustrate our 
governance in action. You will find specific details of 
our corporate responsibility activity in our corporate 
responsibility report found on our website  
www.landsecurities.com/responsibility. i hope you 
will find both reports helpful in understanding our 
commitment to our stakeholders and to excellence 
in governance.

Dame Alison Carnwath 
Chairman

financial statementsGOVERNANCEadditional informationstrateGic rePort42

Land Securities Annual Report 2014

Board oF 
directors

Executive Directors

Non-executive Directors

Martin Greenslade
Chief Financial Officer
Martin joined the Group as Chief 
Financial Officer in September 
2005. 
Age: 49
Career
A chartered accountant, having 
trained with Coopers & Lybrand, 
Martin was previously Group 
Finance Director of Alvis plc. He 
also worked in corporate finance 
having served as a member of the 
executive committee of Nordea’s 
investment banking division and 
Managing Director of its UK 
business. Martin is a trustee of 
International Justice Mission UK. 
Skills, competencies 
and experience
Martin brings wide-ranging 
financial experience from the 
property, engineering and 
financial sectors in the UK and 
overseas. He has significant listed 
company experience at Board 
level. He has oversight of the 
finance, tax, treasury, insurance, 
information technology and 
accounting teams at Land 
Securities and brings extensive 
financial expertise to the Group 
including in relation to corporate 
financing and investment 
arrangements.
Committees
Martin is a member of the 
Group’s Executive, Investment, 
Asset and Liability and Finance 
Committees. He attends 
the meetings of the Audit 
Committee at the invitation  
of the chairman of that 
Committee. 

Robert Noel
Chief Executive
Robert was appointed to the 
Board in January 2010 as 
Managing Director, London 
Portfolio and became Chief 
Executive on 1 April 2012.
Age: 50
Career
A chartered surveyor and 
graduate of the University of 
Reading, Robert was previously 
Property Director at Great 
Portland Estates plc between 
August 2002 and September 
2009. Prior to that, he was a 
director at property services 
group Nelson Bakewell. Robert is 
a trustee of the property industry 
charity, LandAid. Previously he 
has been a director of the New 
West End Company, the central 
London Business Improvement 
District and Chairman of the 
Westminster Property 
Association. 
Skills, competencies 
and experience
Robert has nearly 30 years’ 
experience in a number of 
sectors  within the property 
market. He has extensive 
knowledge of the London 
commercial property market in 
particular. He has significant 
executive leadership experience 
across property sectors and has 
substantial listed company 
experience at Board level. 
Committees
Robert chairs the Group’s 
Executive, Asset and Liability 
and Investment Committees 
and  is a member of the Finance 
Committee. He attends the 
Audit, Remuneration and 
Nominations Committees at 
the invitation of the chairmen 
of those Committees. 

Kevin O’Byrne
Senior Independent Director
Kevin was appointed to the Board 
as a Non-executive Director in 
April 2008 and was appointed 
Senior Independent Director in 
April 2012. 
Age: 49
Career
Kevin is a chartered accountant 
who trained with Arthur 
Andersen. He has held several 
senior finance positions and had 
been the Group Finance Director 
of Kingfisher plc since 2008 
until his appointment to a key 
international role as CEO of the 
B&Q and Koçtaş businesses in 
China, Turkey, Germany and the 
UK in 2012. He assumed direct 
leadership of B&Q UK & Ireland 
in October 2013, and is Deputy 
Chairman of Kingfisher’s joint 
venture in Turkey, Koçtaş. His 
previous roles include Group 
Finance Director of Dixons Retail 
plc, and European Finance 
Director for The Quaker Oats 
Company.
Skills, competencies 
and experience
Kevin brings extensive knowledge 
and experience of UK and 
international retail and of 
managing a multi-jurisdictional 
business. He has significant 
recent and relevant financial 
experience gained from a number 
of CFO positions.
Committees
Kevin chairs the Audit 
Committee and is a member of 
the Nominations Committee.

Dame Alison Carnwath 
Chairman of the Board
Dame Alison was appointed to the 
Board as a Non-executive Director 
in September 2004 and became 
Chairman in November 2008. 
Age: 61
Career
Dame Alison worked in investment 
banking and corporate finance 
for 20 years, before pursuing a 
portfolio career. During her banking 
career, she became the first female 
Director of J. Henry Schroder Wagg 
& Co. Dame Alison was also a 
Senior Partner at Phoenix 
Securities and a Managing Director 
at Donaldson, Lufkin & Jenrette. 
Subsequently she served as a 
non-executive director of Friends 
Provident plc, Gallaher Group plc, 
Glas Cymru Cyfyngedig (Welsh 
Water), Barclays plc and Man 
Group plc. Dame Alison is currently 
chairman of Isis Equity Partners, 
a UK private equity business, a 
non-executive director at Zurich 
Insurance Group Ltd, Paccar Inc, a 
Fortune 500 company and a senior 
advisor at Evercore Partners. She 
has recently joined the supervisory 
board of the Frankfurt listed 
German chemicals company, BASF 
and is a trustee of The British Library 
Trust. Dame Alison undertakes a 
variety of mentoring activities in the 
UK and overseas. She was appointed 
a Dame in the 2014 New Year 
Honours for her services to business.
Skills, competencies 
and experience
Dame Alison has over 30 years’ 
international finance, investment 
banking and board experience. 
Having held board positions at 
leading international companies in 
both executive and non-executive 
capacities across industries and 
sectors in the UK and overseas, she 
brings substantial financial, 
strategic and leadership experience. 
Committees
Dame Alison is Chairman of the 
Nominations Committee and a 
member of the Remuneration 
Committee.

Governance

Land Securities Annual Report 2014

43

Non-executive Directors

Chris Bartram 
Non-executive Director
Chris was appointed to the Board 
as a Non-executive Director in 
August 2009. 
Age: 65
Career
Chris is a chartered surveyor and 
Chairman of Orchard Street 
Investment Management LLP,  
a specialist UK commercial 
property investment manager. 
He is also a non-executive 
director of The Crown Estate and 
a Wilkins Fellow of Downing 
College, University of 
Cambridge. He has previously 
served as Managing Director of 
Haslemere NV, Chairman of 
Jones Lang Wooton Fund 
Management, President of the 
British Property Federation and 
Chairman of the Bank of England 
Property Forum.
Skills, competencies 
and experience
A property investment specialist, 
Chris has many years’ experience 
in the commercial property 
industry in the UK and abroad, 
working through a number of 
property market cycles. He has 
substantial knowledge of 
property finance and investment 
in particular and of the wider 
property market.
Committees
Chris is a member of the 
Nominations and Remuneration 
Committees.

Stacey Rauch
Non-executive Director 
Stacey joined the Board as a 
Non-executive Director in 
January 2012.
Age: 56
Career
Stacey is a Director Emeritus 
of McKinsey & Company where 
she served clients in the US and 
internationally for 24 years. 
Whilst there she co-founded the 
New Jersey office and was the 
first woman to be appointed as 
an industry practice leader. She 
was a leader in the firm’s Retail 
and Consumer Goods Practices, 
served as the head of the North 
American Retail and Apparel 
Practice and acted as the 
Global Retail Practice Convener. 
She retired from McKinsey & 
Company in September 2010 
and has pursued a portfolio 
career. Stacey is currently a 
non-executive director of Ann 
Inc, (an American listed women’s 
speciality apparel retailer) and 
the Fiesta Restaurant Group 
which is listed on NASDAQ.
Skills, competencies 
and experience
A retail specialist with many 
years’ experience of the sector 
in the US and internationally, 
her career with McKinsey saw 
her consult to a wide range of 
retailers, apparel wholesalers and 
consumer goods manufacturers. 
She brings extensive 
international retail, and 
consumer goods industry 
experience and insights. She also 
brings knowledge of the leisure 
and grocery sectors to the Board.

Committees
Stacey is a member of the Audit 
Committee.

Simon Palley
Non-executive Director
Simon was appointed to the 
Board as a Non-executive 
Director in August 2010.
Age: 56
Career
A senior figure within the private 
equity industry, and a Trustee of 
the University of Pennsylvania 
and The Tate Foundation. 

Simon has had a successful 

and broad ranging career in 
investment banking, consulting 
and private equity. He started 
his career at Chase Manhattan 
before moving to Bain & 
Company. He left there in 1988 
to join Bankers Trust as a Vice 
President, then in 1990 joined BC 
Partners, a private equity firm 
where he stayed for 17 years, 
rising to Managing Partner. 
Simon then became Chairman 
of the private equity firm 
Centerbridge Partners Europe,  
a post that he held until 2013.  
He is an MBA graduate of The 
Wharton School, Pennsylvania.
Skills, competencies 
and experience
Simon brings considerable 
experience in the management 
of a wide range of businesses.  
He has particular expertise 
in international finance and 
investment, investor issues and 
the governance of companies. 
Committees
Simon is Chairman of the 
Remuneration Committee and  
a member of the Nominations 
Committee.

Cressida Hogg CBE 
Non-executive Director
Cressida joined the Board as 
a Non-executive Director on 
1 January 2014.
Age: 44
Career
Until recently, Cressida was with 
3i Group plc having joined them 
in 1995 from JPMorgan. She 
co-founded 3i’s infrastructure 
business in 2005 becoming 
managing partner in 2009. 
Whilst managing partner, 3i’s 
infrastructure team acted as 
Investment Adviser to 3i 
Infrastructure plc, a FTSE 250 
investment company. Cressida 
advised on all of 3i 
Infrastructure’s transactions 
since its flotation in 2007. She has 
recently been appointed to lead 
the infrastructure investment 
programme of a major Canadian 
pension fund. Cressida was a 
member of the advisory board 
for Infrastructure UK, the UK 
government’s unit of HM 
Treasury that works on the 
UK’s long-term infrastructure 
priorities and was made a CBE 
in 2014 New Year Honours. 
Skills, competencies 
and experience
Cressida brings extensive finance 
and private equity knowledge 
together with senior executive 
and management experience. 
She has particular awareness 
of significant UK and overseas 
infrastructure projects, asset 
acquisitions and investment 
oversight.
Committees
Cressida is a member of the 
Audit Committee.

Edward Bonham Carter
Non-executive Director
Edward joined the Board as a 
Non-executive Director on 
1 January 2014.
Age: 53
Career
Edward was appointed Group 
Chief Executive of Jupiter Fund 
Management plc in June 2007 
and became Vice Chairman in 
March 2014. 

Edward joined Jupiter in 1994 

as a UK fund manager after 
working at Schroders between 
1982 and 1986 and Electra 
Investment Trust between 1986 
and 1994. He held the role of 
Chief Investment Officer from 
1999 to 2010. He led the 
company through a 
management buy-out from 
previous owners Commerzbank 
in 2007, and oversaw the firm’s 
listing on the London Stock 
Exchange in 2010.
Skills, competencies 
and experience
Edward has substantial executive 
management and listed company 
experience. He has held senior 
leadership positions at Jupiter, 
having been both Chief 
Investment Officer and Chief 
Executive respectively. He has 
particular expertise in active fund 
management and many years of 
experience in investment 
markets. 
Committees
Edward is a member of the 
Remuneration Committee.

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44

Land Securities Annual Report 2014

executive  
committee

Robert Noel
Chief Executive
Robert was appointed to the 
Board in January 2010 as 
Managing Director, London 
Portfolio and became Chief 
Executive on 1 April 2012.
For full biography see page 42.

Martin Greenslade
Chief Financial Officer
Martin joined the Group as  
Chief Financial Officer in 
September 2005. 
For full biography see page 42.

Colette O’Shea
Managing Director, 
London Portfolio
Colette joined Land Securities in 
2003 and rose to the position of 
Head of Development, London 
Portfolio before being appointed 
Managing Director in April 2014.
Age: 46
Career
Colette has over 20 years’ 
property experience in London 
with 11 years’ experience in senior 
executive positions at Land 
Securities. 
Responsibilities
In her new role, Colette has 
responsibility for Land Securities’ 
£6.4 billion London Portfolio. 
The portfolio comprises 8 million 
sq ft of London offices, leisure, 
retail and residential property 
both in development and asset 
management. She has most 
recently led the Land Securities 
development team through 
the Group’s major London 
developments including those 
at One New Change, 62 
Buckingham Gate, 20 Fenchurch 
Street and at Nova, Victoria.

Colette is President Elect of 
the British Council for Offices 
and a non-executive director of 
Genesis Housing Association.
Committees
Colette is a member of the 
Group’s Asset and Liability and 
Investment Committees.

Scott Parsons
Managing Director, 
Retail Portfolio
Scott re-joined Land Securities in 
2010 and was Head of Property, 
London Portfolio before being 
appointed as Managing Director 
in April 2014.
Age: 44
Career
Previous roles include three years 
as Managing Partner for 
Brookfield Asset Management, 
where he led their European 
business, more than ten years at 
GE Capital Real Estate, latterly as 
Head of Business Development, 
and three years as Business 
Development Director at Land 
Securities.
Responsibilities
As Managing Director, his role 
encompasses responsibility for 
Land Securities’ £5.5 billion 
portfolio of shopping centres, 
retail parks and leisure properties 
throughout the UK. The portfolio 
comprises approximately 
18 million sq ft of 
accommodation. Prior to his 
current role, Scott was Head of 
Property for Land Securities’ 
London Portfolio, leading the 
investment, asset and property 
management teams for the 
Group’s office and retail space in 
Central London. Scott sits on the 
Strategic Board of the New West 
End Company and was previously 
Vice President of the City 
Property Association.
Committees
Scott is a member of the Group’s 
Asset and Liability and 
Investment Committees.

Diana Breeze
Group Human Resources 
Director
Diana joined Land Securities 
in June 2013 as Group Human 
Resources Director.
Age: 46
Career
Diana has over 20 years’ HR  
and organisational consulting 
experience, and she has 
previously held a number of 
senior HR roles at J Sainsbury plc, 
where she led many people- 
focused change initiatives. Prior 
to this, she was a senior manager 
in the Human Capital practice 
at Accenture. 
Responsibilities
In her current role she has 
end-to-end responsibility for 
the articulation and delivery  
of a clear people strategy for 
Land Securities, including talent, 
reward, organisational design 
and engagement. Since joining 
Land Securities, Diana has 
worked closely with the Chief 
Executive to determine the 
most appropriate organisational 
structure for Land Securities, 
and appoint and embed the new 
Executive team. She has also 
been responsible for introducing 
a new approach to talent and 
leadership development. 

Diana is also a member of  
the International Advisory Board 
for Executive Education at the 
Saïd Business School, University 
of Oxford.
Committees
Diana attends Investment 
Committee meetings and 
also attends meetings of the 
Remuneration and Nominations 
Committees in her capacity as 
Group HR Director. 

Adrian de Souza 
Group General Counsel and 
Company Secretary
Adrian joined Land Securities 
in 2010 as the Company’s first 
Group General Counsel and 
Company Secretary. 
Age: 43
Career
Adrian is a solicitor and has 20 
years of legal, compliance and 
commercial experience across 
a number of different sectors.
He joined Land Securities 
from the leading international 
brewer, SABMiller plc. During his 
seven years with that company, 
Adrian held a number of Senior 
Counsel roles before becoming 
head of legal for SABMiller’s 
European business. Prior to that, 
Adrian worked in private practice 
at Clifford Chance LLP, where he 
specialised in corporate finance 
and mergers and acquisitions.
Responsibilities
Adrian leads the legal and 
company secretarial teams at 
Land Securities and is responsible 
for legal, compliance and 
governance activity across the 
Group. He provides advice and 
support to the Board and its 
Committees and holds the 
Group’s relationships with its 
external law firms and investor 
and shareholder bodies. 

Adrian is a member of the 
executive committee of the 
GC100, the Association of 
General Counsel and Company 
Secretaries of FTSE 100 
companies.
Committees
Adrian attends all Board and 
Audit, Nominations and 
Remuneration Committee 
meetings in his capacity as 
Company Secretary. He also 
attends meetings of the Group’s 
Asset and Liability, Investment 
and Finance Committees. 

 
Governance

leadership

Land Securities Annual Report 2014

45

The role of the Board and its Committees

Chart 18

Board Committees
The Board Committees report to the Board. Their responsibilities are:

Executive Committees
The Executive Committees report to the Chief Executive. Their responsibilities are:

The Board
The Board provides 
leadership to the Group. It 
sets strategy and oversees 
implementation, ensuring 
only acceptable risks are 
taken. It ensures that the 
right people and resources 
are in place to deliver 
long-term value to 
shareholders and benefits 
to the wider community.

Group Executive 
Committee
Responsible for Group 
operational matters 
including strategy, 
financial planning, 
succession planning, 
organisational 
development and Group 
wide policies. 

Audit Committee
Assists the Board in 
financial and risk oversight.
More detail page 51

Remuneration 
Committee
Responsible for 
determining the 
remuneration for Executive 
Directors and senior 
managers and overseeing 
the Group’s remuneration 
policy for all employees. 
More detail page 58

Nominations 
Committee
Considers the structure, 
size, composition and 
succession needs for the 
Board and its Committees. 
It also has oversight of the 
succession planning for 
senior managers. 
More detail page 48

A Disclosure Committee is responsible for overseeing compliance with the Disclosure and Transparency Rules.  
New terms of reference were approved on 25 September 2013 and can be found at www.landsecurities.com 

London/Retail Executive Committees
Comprise senior executives across the 
respective London/Retail business units. 
Each Committee is responsible for operational 
performance and governance within its 
business unit. It also approves transactions 
up to a value of £10m.

Corporate Responsibility Committee
Responsible for defining the Corporate 
Responsibility strategy, and linking it to 
business objectives. It monitors performance 
against agreed targets. For more information 
see the Corporate Responsibility report 
available on our website.

Asset and Liability Committee
Considers the impact of proposed sales, 
purchases, developments and debt funding 
arrangements upon the Group’s balance 
sheet and internal control metrics, over the 
short and medium term. Also considers the 
likely impact of macro economic changes on 
the business.

Investment Committee
Responsible for approving significant 
transactions including acquisitions, disposals, 
developments and other transactions where 
they have a value of between £20m to £150m 
or are otherwise unusual. 

Finance Committee
Considers the Group’s funding requirements 
and approves all significant new debt 
arrangements unless reserved to the Board.

Exchange Forum
A business-wide representation group that 
recommends ideas and solutions for initiatives 
affecting employees.

Health and Safety Committees
Three separate but linked Committees 
operate for London, Retail and Group 
responsible for overseeing the health and 
safety of operations and development.

Corporate Environment Group
Responsible for setting the environmental 
agenda and monitoring environmental 
targets.

Reserved matters and delegation 
To retain control of key decisions, the Board has identified 
‘reserved matters’ that only it can approve. The most 
commonly considered items falling within these ‘reserved 
matters’ are large transactions. This year, these included 
the speculative development of offices in New Ludgate, 
London EC4 and One New Street Square, London EC4; 

approving the introduction of an American Depositary 
Receipt programme; replacing the Scrip Dividend Scheme 
with the Dividend Reinvestment Plan; and appointing two 
new Non-executive Directors. For a detailed list of our 
reserved matters, please see our website  
www.landsecurities.com

The Board delegates matters to Board Committees. It also 
delegates day-to-day management to the Chief Executive, 
who in turn may delegate these within clearly defined 
written limits. 

financial statementsGOVERNANCEadditional informationstrateGic rePort46

Land Securities Annual Report 2014

Board composition and roles
The Board comprises the Chairman, two Executive Directors and six independent Non-executive Directors. Their key responsibilities are summarised as:

Board composition and roles  

Chairman

Dame Alison Carnwath

Chief Executive

Robert Noel

Chief Financial Officer

Martin Greenslade

Table 19

Responsible for leading the Board, its effectiveness and governance. Setting the tone 
for the Company, ensuring effective links between the shareholders, the Board and 
management are strong

Responsible for the day-to-day management of the Group’s operations, for 
recommending the Group’s strategy to the Board and for implementing the strategy 
agreed by the Board

Supports the Chief Executive in devising and implementing strategy and in relation to 
the financial and operational performance of the business

Independent Non-executive Directors

Kevin O’Byrne, Chris Bartram, Simon 
Palley, Stacey Rauch, Cressida Hogg, 
Edward Bonham Carter

Constructively challenge the Executive Directors and monitor the delivery of the 
strategy within the risk and control framework set by the Board

Senior Independent Director

Kevin O’Byrne

Discusses any concerns with shareholders that cannot be resolved through the normal 
channels of communication with the Chairman or Chief Executive

Board and Committee meetings and attendance 

Table 20

Director

Dame Alison Carnwath

Robert Noel

Martin Greenslade

Richard Akers

David Rough

Sir Stuart Rose

Kevin O’Byrne

Chris Bartram

Simon Palley

Stacey Rauch

Cressida Hogg

Edward Bonham Carter

Board meetings

Audit 
Committee 
meetings

Nominations 
Committee 
meetings

Remuneration 
Committee 
meetings

7/7

7/7

7/7

7/7

7/7

4/52

7/7

7/7

7/7

7/7

2/24

2/24

3/3

4/4

5/5

5/5

5/5

1/15

3/3

3/3

1/13

1/11

4/4

4/4

2/26

1. David Rough stepped down from the Remuneration Committee on 

31 May 2013.

2. Sir Stuart Rose stepped down from the Board on 31 December 2013 
and was unable to attend the Board meeting on 7 November 2013.

3. Simon Palley was appointed to the Nominations Committee on 

27 March 2014. 

4. Cressida Hogg and Edward Bonham Carter were appointed to 

the Board on 1 January 2014. 

5. Cressida Hogg was appointed to the Audit Committee on  

26 March 2014.

6. Edward Bonham Carter was appointed to the Remuneration 

Committee on 10 March 2014. 

Board gender split

Chart 21

Executive Committee 
gender split

Chart 22

Men 
Women 

67% 
33% 

Men 
Women 

67% 
33% 

Land Securities all employees
gender split

Chart 23

Senior management 
gender split1

Chart 24

Men 
Women 

51% 
49% 

Men 
Women 

72% 
28% 

1. Includes senior managers and directors of subsidiaries.

Governance

Board activity

Board meetings during the year

AGM

Land Securities Annual Report 2014

47

Chart 25

May 13

Jun 13

Jul 13

Aug 13

Sept 13

Oct 13

Nov 13

Dec 13

Jan 14

Feb 14

Mar 14

Apr 14

Board meetings

Matters considered at all Board meetings 

Seven principal Board meetings were held during the year, including a 
two day off-site strategy meeting. At these meetings the key areas of 
focus were:

•	 The Chief Executive’s report on strategic and business developments
•	 The Chief Financial Officer’s report on the financial performance of the 

business and forecasts.

Considered throughout the year

Half yearly and annual results:  
•	 Draft results and presentations to analysts
•	 The Annual Report 
•	 The six monthly valuation of the Group’s portfolio by Knight Frank LLP and 

Jones Lang LaSalle.

Leadership and employees:  
•	 Appointment of two new Non-executive Directors
•	 Executive Director remuneration
•	 Employee engagement survey
•	 People development and succession planning
•	 Thought leadership
•	 Local and national government
•	 Corporate responsibility.

Property/Strategy/Funding:  
•	 The property cycle
•	 The Group’s performance against its competitors
•	 Portfolio liquidity analysis and development exposure
•	 Acquisition/disposal of properties in excess of £150m e.g. sale of  

Bankside 2 & 3, SE1 

•	 Approval of significant developments e.g. 1 New Street Square, London, EC4, 

1 & 2 New Ludgate, London, EC4

•	 The Group’s debt funding arrangements
•	 The Group’s budget, forecasts and key performance targets.

Risk Management  
•	 The Group’s risk register
•	 Internal controls
•	 Emerging key risks.

Stakeholders  
•	 Environmental review
•	 Regular health and safety updates.

Corporate Governance  
•	 Developments in Corporate Governance
•	 Board evaluation and effectiveness
•	 Chairman’s evaluation (led by the Senior Independent Director)
•	 Board diversity policy review
•	 New human rights policy
•	 Legal and regulatory updates.

Shareholders  
•	 Annual independent investor audit undertaken by Makinson Cowell
•	 Regular feedback from institutional shareholders.

financial statementsGOVERNANCEadditional informationstrateGic rePort48

Land Securities Annual Report 2014

LETTER FROM THE 
CHAIRMAN OF THE 
NOMINATIONS 
COMMITTEE

Dear Shareholder
This has been a busy year for the Committee with 
our key area of focus being succession planning for 
the Board and senior management.

Some time ago, Sir Stuart Rose, David Rough  
and Richard Akers indicated their intention to retire. 
Each of them was flexible in terms of their timing  
for leaving the Board which has been enormously 
helpful to us. It meant that we were able to ensure 
continuity amongst the Non-executives whilst the 
new appointees settled in.

Richard’s retirement presented us with the 
opportunity to undertake a careful re-organisation 
of the management team within the Retail business. 
We have also made a series of promotions below 
Board level, which has allowed us to bring through 
some exceptional talent. 

With these changes come risks. We are losing 
people with considerable experience of our business 
and who have been with the Company through two 
property cycles. Nevertheless, the Board retains a 
very experienced executive team and a number of 
Non-executives who also have experience of guiding 
companies through property cycles. The retirement 
of Richard Akers means a reduction in the number 
of Executive Directors over the last two years from 
four to two.

The Committee and the wider Board are mindful 
of the risks that accompany these changes and have 
initiated steps to address them. There has been a 
good degree of overlap between the arrival of new 
Directors and the departure of retiring Directors. 
The retiring Directors have been generous with their 
time and in sharing their perspectives with our new 
Board members.

We have expanded the membership of the Group’s 
Executive Committee, giving it greater responsibility 
for the running of the business and oversight of its 
operations. Additional opportunities have been 
arranged for senior managers to attend Board 
meetings for relevant agenda items and for Directors 
to meet them at other events. This will ensure that 
your Board remains connected with the business and 
will continue to receive operational insights from a 
variety of people.

The year began with our search for an additional 

Non-executive Director. The mandate to our 
executive search firm, the Zygos Partnership, 
incorporated a request to include candidates from 
diverse backgrounds who might not otherwise be 
considered for this role. We were keen to see people 
who would be able to challenge effectively whilst 
being a good fit and having the potential to serve 
on the Board for a long time.

We were very pleased with the long list of 
candidates provided by our search firm. The 
candidates included some exceptional people, drawn 
from a diverse range of backgrounds, ages, industries 
and disciplines. Many of these candidates we might 
not have considered in the past. The Committee 
spent a great deal of time with candidates and the 
people we saw were so good that we appointed two 
rather than one. We will continue to monitor the 
progress of others who do not yet have sufficient 
experience, with a view to considering them for 
vacancies as they arise in the future. 

The result of all of this is the formation of a very 

talented team to lead the business.

You will find more information on the work of the 

Committee on the following pages, including our 
progress on Board effectiveness.

Dame Alison Carnwath
Chairman

Committee members

 – Dame Alison Carnwath 

(Chairman)

 – Kevin O’Byrne (Independent 
Non-executive Director)
 – Chris Bartram (Independent 
Non-executive Director)
 – Simon Palley (Independent  

Non-executive Director joined the 
Committee on 27 March 2014)

www.landsecurities.com/about-us/corporate-governance/board-committees

The Committee’s written terms of reference are  
available on the Company’s website at

Governance

Board 
eFFectiveness

Nominations Committee agenda
The Committee met three times during the 
year, with items considered including:
•	 the appointment of new Non-executive Directors
•	expanding the role of and membership of the 

Group’s Executive Committee 

•	a new organisational structure for the London 

and Retail businesses

•	the leadership needs and succession planning 

of the Group including identifying and 
developing talent 

•	the Board’s structure, size, composition, skills 

and diversity 

•	the composition of Board Committees 
•	 potential conflicts of interest amongst Directors.

Board environment and access to appropriate 
information
This topic is explored at every Board evaluation and 
has resulted in a number of improvements in recent 
years. These are set out in more detail below.
•	A positive, transparent culture exists on the Board 

with each Board member contributing. The 
environment encourages Directors to raise 
challenging questions, debate issues freely and 
respond to one other.

•	The papers prepared for the Board were focused 
on the priorities of the business and were clear  
and well articulated. Agendas are well thought 
through and included a number of free slots during 
the year for discussion of topics proposed by 
Non-executive Directors.

•	Attendance at meetings from senior managers 
below Board level is encouraged. in addition we 
held two Non-executive Director sessions without 
the Executive Directors present and Board dinners 
with a variety of attendees including senior 
managers. support and advice was provided by the 
Group General Counsel and Company secretary 
and members of his team.

Professional development, support, training 
and induction for Directors
The Board has two specific knowledge development 
sessions planned in each year and Directors also 
attend other key business events. 

This year the Board received presentations on the 

likely technological advances in construction over 
the coming years, which was delivered by key 
industry figures and a session on Board behaviour, 
conducted by a leading executive search consultant.
Board knowledge of the Company’s property 

portfolio was enhanced through site visits by 
Directors to a number of properties and 
developments. This year a number of Directors  
also attended property tours conducted by the 
Group’s Health and safety teams, who took them 
through the Group’s safety procedures in an 
operational environment.

Land Securities Annual Report 2014

49

Board evaluation cycle

Chart 26

Year 1
Evaluation by 
independent external 
consultants

Year 2
An evaluation focusing on 
the issues raised in Year 1 

Year 3
Interviews with the 
Chairman and Group 
General Counsel and 
Company Secretary

Evaluation of the performance of the Board

Chart 27

Review the work of  
the Board, Board 
environment and 
use of time

Conclusions of the 
Board Review

Progress against 
2013/14 
evaluation targets

Areas for focus 
2014/15

This year was the second in the Group’s three-year 
review cycle. The aim was to assess progress on 
the items raised during the externally facilitated 
evaluation undertaken last year and to identify any 
issues arising since. The review was undertaken  
by a series of individual interviews with Directors, 
conducted by the Chairman and the General 
Counsel and Company secretary. 

The outcome of the evaluation was fed back to 

the Board at its meeting in February 2014 and a 
series of action items agreed. A summary of these 
appears below.

The Chairman also met each Director 

individually and gave them feedback on their own 
performance and suggestions for improvement.

Chairman’s evaluation 
Kevin o’Byrne, the senior independent Director, 
led the evaluation of the Chairman after the Board 
meeting in November. He gave feedback to the 
Chairman on the outcome. 

The review explored three key aspects:
•	1. The work of the Board (strategy, risk and 
control, and performance management)
•	2. The Board environment (culture and 

composition)

•	3. The use of Board time (planning and 

allocation). 

Conclusions of the review
The Board concluded that it remained effective  
and was operating to a high level, with good 
progress made against the areas for improvement 
identified in the previous evaluation. No serious 
issues were raised. 

The Board particularly welcomed the 

improvements to Board papers, which it felt were 
of a very high standard. many Directors welcomed 
the additional time spent at meetings this year 
discussing the property cycle, its timing and the 
likely impacts on the Group. Directors wish to focus 
more time on this critical topic going forward.

Progress against 2013 evaluation targets
Good progress had been made against the previous 
year’s Board evaluation targets: 
•	the format of the Group’s finance papers have 
been changed significantly to cater for different 
preferences amongst the Board. The changes 
have been very well received

•	the format of Board reports has changed to 

reduce the level of operational focus and to make 
them more forward looking. This has facilitated 
more strategic discussion and increased 
participation from Non-executive Directors
•	Non-executive Directors have increased the 
number of visits to properties during the year. 
These have included development site visits 
conducted by the Group’s Health and safety 
teams, who were able to demonstrate the Group’s 
safety procedures and controls in operation.  
some Non-executive Directors visited a proposed 
development in Glasgow in order to understand 
plans and the local environment in more detail 
and suggest enhancements. The Group will 
continue this initiative during the coming year.

Areas for focus for 2014/15
•	Directors are conscious that the new managing 

Directors of the London and Retail businesses are 
not Board members and are keen to ensure that 
contact with them and other senior managers 
was increased to ensure that Non-executive 
Directors remain connected with the business
•	Non-executive Directors have been asked to 
share more of their insights and experiences 
gained from their membership of other Boards, 
with a view to helping improve the Group’s own 
performance

•	A number of requests for additional agenda items 
have been made, including more discussion on 
and analysis of competitor activity, and more on 
the impact of technology on the occupational 
requirements of the Group’s customers and on 
possible new areas for investment within the 
Group’s core sectors. 

financial statementsGOVERNANCEadditional informationstrateGic rePort50

Land Securities Annual Report 2014

To enrich the experience and development of 
Executive Directors and senior managers, the Group 
supports the taking up of Non-executive directorship 
positions at listed companies and charities. Richard 
Akers continued as a Non-executive Director of 
Barratt Developments PLC for the whole of the 
financial year.

Induction
Following their appointments, Cressida Hogg and 
Edward Bonham Carter received a comprehensive 
induction arranged by the Chairman and Group 
General Counsel and Company secretary. Their 
induction included visits to properties and 
development sites across the London and Retail 
portfolios, and meetings with a number of senior 
managers in the organisation including Portfolio 
Directors and Centre managers. Their familarisation 
will continue in the coming year with more visits to 
the Group’s properties and meetings with other 
advisers and senior managers.

Board strategy 
The Board’s ‘away day’ to discuss strategy was held 
over two days in London and included:
•	detailed consideration of the London and Retail 

property cycles, their likely timing and impacts on 
the Group, its assets, funding and budget 

•	the Group’s debt strategy, the balance of fixed and 
floating rate debt and alternative sources of funding

•	technology in the future, its impact on shopping 

habits and on the property markets in which Land 
securities operates

•	presentations from external experts on the 

macro-economic environment and property 
market outlook

•	a discussion on people and succession planning 

across the business.

Independence
The Committee reviewed and confirmed the 
independence of each Non-executive Director 
seeking re-election at the forthcoming AGm.

Diversity policy
The Board works hard to ensure that it is able to 
recruit Directors from different backgrounds, with 
diverse experience, perspectives, personalities, skills 
and knowledge. We believe that diversity amongst 
Directors contributes towards a high performing, 
effective Board. in last year’s Annual Report we 
provided a summary of a new Board diversity policy 
and are pleased to report progress against it.
  We have made good progress in terms of gender 
diversity, with more women now filling senior 
management positions across all of the major 
divisions of the Company. Land securities has met  
its target for 25% of the Board to be comprised of 
women, a year ahead of target. in support of our 
policy, we will only engage executive search firms 
who have signed up to the voluntary Code of 
Conduct on gender diversity and best practice. 
search firms also need to demonstrate their 
independence from the Company and people 
instructing them.

You will see in this report that each of the Group’s 
Executive Committees – the operating boards of our 
London and Retail businesses – now include more 
women both in absolute terms and as a proportion 
of membership. 

We continue to focus on this area. Land securities 
participates in the FTsE cross-mentoring programme 
for women in senior positions wishing to operate at 
board level. Through this we provide a mentoring 
service for women in FTsE companies and other 
companies reciprocate.

Re-election to the Board
The effectiveness and commitment of the Non-
executive Directors has been reviewed and is then 
discussed with each of them. The review noted that 
the time commitment had gradually increased over 
the last five years. The Nominations Committee is 
satisfied with the time commitment of each 
Non-executive Director during the year and 
confident that each of them would be in a position 
to discharge their duties to the Company in the 
coming year. With the exception of Richard Akers, 
who has stepped down from the Board, and David 
Rough, who retires just before the AGm, all Directors 
will stand for re-election.

Conflicts of interest 
The Board operates a policy to identify and, where 
appropriate, manage conflicts or potential conflicts 
of interest.

The Nominations Committee monitors this and 
considered that there was a potential for a conflict 
of interest to arise for Chris Bartram, Kevin o’Byrne, 
Cressida Hogg and Edward Bonham Carter. The 
Committee addressed these potential conflicts as 
detailed in the table below.

Potential conflicts of interest 

Table 28

Director

Potential conflict

Mitigation

Chris Bartram

Chairman of Orchard Street Investment 
Management (OSIM) and a Non-
executive Director of The Crown Estate, 
which are, in some areas of operation, 
competitors of the Group.

Kevin O’Byrne

Executive Director of Kingfisher plc, 
a large tenant of the Group.

Cressida Hogg

Has recently accepted a position to 
lead the infrastructure programme at a 
leading pension fund which is also the 
Group’s joint venture partner at a major 
development.

Edward Bonham 
Carter

Vice Chairman of Jupiter Fund 
Management PLC, a fund manager 
which evaluates investments which may 
or may not include those of the Group.

Chris Bartram did not take part in 
discussions or see relevant information 
on potential acquisitions of property 
where there was a realistic prospect 
of OSIM or The Crown Estate also 
being involved.

Since operational matters, such as retail 
leasing, were unlikely to be considered at 
Board level, the Committee concluded 
that in practice conflicts of interest were 
unlikely to occur.

In her role, Cressida Hogg will not have 
any involvement with that development. 
The Group will not share any sensitive 
information on that subject with her and 
she has agreed not to participate in any 
discussion that relates to a key decision 
regarding her employer.

Edward Bonham Carter’s position is such 
that he is unlikely to be involved in the 
selection of particular investments and 
has agreed not to participate in any 
investment decisions which may involve 
the Group’s securities.

 
Governance

Land Securities Annual Report 2014

51

LETTER FROM THE 
CHAIRMAN OF THE 
AUDIT COMMITTEE

Dear Shareholder
In addition to its core audit and valuation 
responsibilities, the Committee has had a busy 
year addressing a number of new challenges. 

In response to new regulations our corporate 
reporting has seen significant change, which was 
overseen by the Committee. We devoted time to 
ensure that the Group’s new auditor, Ernst & Young 
LLP (EY), was able to get up to speed quickly and 
identify the key areas of risk that would help shape 
their audit plan. 

The changing business environment caused some 

existing risks to increase and others to emerge. 
Macro risks, such as the maturing property cycle and 
structural changes to the retail market, were dealt 
with at meetings of the full Board in order to benefit 
from its broader range of skills and experience. More 
specific and emerging risks, which I have outlined 
below, were considered by the Committee. 

Preparation for the 2014 reporting cycle began 
with a specially convened meeting in September to 
receive training on the new reporting regulations. 
At that meeting a framework was established for 
ensuring the Company’s Annual Report was ‘fair, 
balanced and understandable’. Training was then 
provided to senior managers and those responsible 
for producing the Annual Report. An additional 
meeting of the Committee took place in April to 
consider an advance draft of the Annual Report 
and to challenge management on its content. 
The Committee found the additional meeting 
useful and may repeat it next year. More details 
of the process are provided later in this report.

We also considered emerging risks facing the 
business, together with mitigating actions proposed 
by management. These included the integration of 
the new X-Leisure business, cyber security, security 
of energy supply, energy efficiency, fraud and flood 
risks. Management’s mitigating actions were 
considered and challenged by the Committee to 
ensure that such mitigation remains appropriate for 

the risks identified by the business. Committee 
members were able to use their experience gained in 
other businesses to advise management and provide 
additional challenge. We will continue to monitor 
these key risks regularly with the assistance of the 
Group’s internal audit team.

The independent valuers, Knight Frank LLP and 

Jones Lang LaSalle (in relation to the X-Leisure 
properties), play a key role in determining the results 
of the Group so their work remains a primary focus 
of the Committee. The Group’s principal valuers, 
Knight Frank, attended two committee meetings and 
were questioned about their valuation of the Group’s 
properties. The external auditor also met with the 
valuers as part of their audit of the Company’s 
financial statements. The degree of oversight and 
challenge applied to the valuation process meant the 
Committee was confident that the valuations were 
conducted appropriately, independently and in 
accordance with the valuers’ professional standards.
Last year, EY was appointed auditor following a 

competitive tender. They have settled in quickly 
having been in office for the review of the Half Year 
results. They have also invested significant time in 
learning about the Group and its business and the 
Committee has been pleased with their progress and 
insights. A full review of their performance will be 
undertaken later in the year. 

Finally, the appointment of a new auditor 

presented a good opportunity for the Committee to 
carry out a review of its policy on non-audit services. 
In adopting our new policy, we were keen to 
incorporate additional safeguards to ensure their 
independence. Details of the review are set out in 
the body of this Committee report.

I hope this report provides you with a useful guide 

to the activities of the Committee during the year. 

Kevin O’Byrne
Chairman, Audit Committee

I

S
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Committee members

 – Kevin O’Byrne (Chairman and 
Senior Independent Director)

 – David Rough (Independent 

Non-executive Director – left the 
Committee on 8 May 2014)
 – Stacey Rauch (Independent 
Non-executive Director)

 – Cressida Hogg CBE (Independent 
Non-executive Director – joined 
the Committee on 26 March 2014)

Although all of the Committee members are 
considered to be appropriately experienced to fulfil 
their role, Kevin O’Byrne is considered to have 
significant, recent and relevant financial experience in 
line with the UK Corporate Governance Code. Further 
biographical details of each of the members of the 
Committee are set out in the Directors’ section of the 
Annual Report. The Committee’s written terms of 
reference are available on the Company’s website at 
www.landsecurities.com/about-us/corporate-governance/board-committees

I

I

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financial statementsGOVERNANCEadditional informationstrateGic rePort 
 
 
52

Land Securities Annual Report 2014

accountaBilitY

Audit Committee agenda
The Committee met five times. Amongst the 
items considered were the following:
•	new reporting regulations and proposals for 

implementing them

•	the degree to which the Annual Report is fair, 

balanced and understandable

•	the final and interim financial statements  

and matters raised by management and the 
external and internal auditors 

•	the effectiveness of the Group’s system of 
internal control and risk management 

•	the results of internal audit reviews, 

management action plans to resolve issues 
arising and the tracking of their resolution 

•	the Group’s key risk registers 
•	Key Risks – including cyber security, energy 
security, X-Leisure integration, flooding

•	the introduction of the new auditor and the 

scope of their audit

•	the adoption of a new non audit services policy
•	the external auditor, their effectiveness, 

objectivity and independence, and the terms  
of engagement and the scope of the audit 

•	internal audit plans
•	the full and half year valuations and the 

external valuation process 

•	performance of the Company’s auditor and  

the external valuer.

In conjunction with the Board evaluation outlined on 
page 49, the Committee evaluation concluded that 
it remained an effective Audit Committee.

External auditor and non-audit work
Effectiveness of the external auditor
The Committee places great importance on ensuring 
a high quality, effective external audit process. 
Following a successful tender in early 2013, EY were 
appointed as auditor for the financial year under 
review. The Committee was keen for the new auditor 
to settle quickly into their new role and provided a 
number of opportunities to meet key employees 
on formal and informal occasions prior to the 
commencement of their work to help familiarise 
themselves with the business. The Committee is 
pleased with the insights brought by the new audit 
team and the start they have made. An assessment 
of EY’s effectiveness, its processes, audit quality and 
performance will be undertaken after completion of 
this year’s audit. A similar review was carried out by 
the Committee in connection with the performance 
of the outgoing auditor, PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, 
where feedback from Directors and senior managers 
was sought in the form of a questionnaire, the results 
of which were discussed by the Committee. No 
material issues were raised during that assessment 
and the Committee would like to put on record its 
appreciation for many years of excellent service. 

The Committee reviewed EY’s proposals for the 
audit and is confident that appropriate plans were put 
in place to carry out an effective and high quality 
audit. Particular attention was paid to the audit plan 
and its appropriateness for the Group. There have 
been no significant issues. EY confirmed to the 
Committee that they maintained appropriate internal 
safeguards to ensure their independence and 
objectivity. The Committee considered and approved 
EY’s assessment of their independence. it has 
recommended their reappointment to the Board 
which will seek the approval of shareholders. EY raised 
no significant issues during the course of the audit.

Non-audit services 
The Committee is responsible for monitoring and 
reviewing the objectivity and independence of the 
external auditor. To support this, the Committee has 
a non-audit services policy in place that sets out the 
circumstances in which the external auditor may be 
permitted to undertake non-audit services. This year 
the Committee reviewed its policy to ensure it was in 
line with best practice. it was keen to limit the type of 
non-audit work undertaken by the external auditor. 
A copy of the new policy can be found at  
www.landsecurities.com/about-us/corporate- 
governance/external-auditors-and-valuers. The 
existing threshold level of £25,000 per engagement 
of specific pre-approved services that the auditor is 
able to provide to Land securities without referral to 
the Committee was confirmed and the Committee 
is satisfied that the limit provides an adequate 
safeguard. Any service above this level must be 
approved by the Chairman of the Audit Committee 
before the work commences. During the year no 
such approval was sought as the non-audit work 
provided by EY did not reach the threshold level. 
Details of the non-audit services provided by EY 
can be found on page 96.

Valuers 
The valuations of the Group’s portfolios by valuers 
Knight Frank and Jones Lang Lasalle help to 
determine a very significant part of the Group’s 
reported performance and remuneration for senior 
management. it is therefore of great importance to 
ensure measures and processes are in place to 
support and monitor the valuers’ independence and 
objectivity. Valuations prepared at the full and half 
year were reviewed and challenged by management 
as well as the Audit Committee. The valuers met 
separately with the external auditor and exchanged 
information independently of management. The 
external auditor has chartered surveyors within their 
team who consider the valuers’ qualifications, assess 
and challenge the valuation approach and 
assumptions made by the valuers. This year 25 
properties were chosen for particular attention, 
on the basis of their value, type and geography. 
The external auditor performed site visits for a 
sample of assets including those under development 
and completed analytical and substantive reviews 
over the input data for the valuations, comparing this 
to market data. Their findings were reviewed by the 
Audit Committee. in addition, members of the Audit 
Committee attended key valuation meetings to 
satisfy themselves with regard to the independence 
and rigour of the process. No issues were raised 
during the review.

A fixed fee arrangement is in place with our 
valuers Knight Frank and Jones Lang Lasalle. Given 
the importance of the work undertaken by them, 
we have disclosed the fees we pay in note 8 to the 
financial statements. The total fees paid by the 
Company to Knight Frank and Jones Lang Lasalle in 
the year represented less than 5% of their respective 
total fee incomes for the year. 

Significant judgements, key assumptions  
and estimates
The Audit Committee pays particular attention 
to significant issues in relation to the financial 
statements and how they are addressed. The 
significant issues are important by virtue of their 
impact on the Group’s results and remuneration of 
senior management. The main areas of focus during 
the year are set out in table 29 on the following page.

Internal controls and risk management
The Board is responsible for the Group’s systems of 
internal control including financial control and has 
worked hard over a number of years to embed them 
into the culture of the business. This has been 
designed to manage, rather than eliminate, the risk of 
any failure to meet business objectives. The systems 
of internal control can only provide reasonable – not 
absolute – assurance against material misstatement 
or loss. The Board’s approach to risk management is 
supported by an oversight structure that includes the 
Audit Committee.

The Board has an ongoing process to identify, 
evaluate and manage the significant risks faced by 
the Group, details of which can be found on page 32. 
This was in place throughout the year and up to the 
date of the approval of the Annual Report and 
financial statements. This process is regularly 
reviewed by the Board, and accords with the FRC’s 

Governance

Land Securities Annual Report 2014

53

Significant accounting judgements 

Matter considered

Action

Table 29

Valuation of the property portfolio
Although conducted externally by 
independent valuers, the valuation  
of the property portfolio is inherently 
subjective, requiring the making of 
significant judgements and assumptions 
by management and the valuers. The 
outcome is significant for the Group in 
terms of its investment decisions, results 
and remuneration.

Revenue recognition on the disposal 
of Bankside 4, SE1
In December 2005, the Group sold land 
on London’s South Bank to a residential 
property developer in return for an 
upfront payment and a share of any 
development profit. Last year, the 
Committee agreed to recognise £15.4m 
as an estimate of the profit expected to 
be received. This year, the Committee 
considered whether that figure remained 
appropriate.

Judgements affecting the calculation 
of revenue profit 
For certain transactions, judgement is 
applied by management as to whether, 
and to what extent, they should form 
part of revenue profit.
Whilst none of the individual items in this 
category were of a sufficient size to be 
significant for the Group’s results, the 
Committee and the auditor considered 
the appropriateness of the accounting 
treatment applied by management.

The Audit Committee reviewed the methodology and outcomes of 
the valuation. The valuers presented their valuation at the half and 
full year results meetings. 
The valuers proposed significant increases in the values of our 
developments, which were discussed by the Committee in detail 
and accepted on a case-by-case basis. A number of our investment 
properties also saw significant upward and downward movements 
in value.
The valuations were scrutinised separately by management, the 
Chairman of the Audit Committee, the Committee itself and the 
auditor. The auditor was assisted by its specialist team of chartered 
surveyors who are familiar with the valuation process.
Knight Frank LLP were asked to attend a meeting of the full Board to 
present their valuations, highlight any significant judgements and 
any significant disagreements with management. 
The Committee is confident that the valuation was independently 
and properly undertaken. The objectivity of the valuers was also 
monitored by the Committee and more information on this can be 
found earlier in this section.

The Committee considered the progress of sales within the 
development, the prices achieved, the likelihood of selling the 
remaining flats and the price they might achieve. The Committee 
supported management’s judgement that the amount of profit 
recognised last year remained appropriate.

The Committee considered the accounting treatment for each 
transaction to ensure it was consistent with similar transactions 
this year and last. It also considered the scope of the accounting 
standard and the degree of the judgement made.
In its assessment, the Committee considered the underlying facts 
of each case, the recoverability of the sums, the options that 
management had in terms of accounting treatment and the 
appropriateness of the recommendations of management. These 
were discussed with the auditor, which had looked into each item 
with management. Both the Committee and the auditor concurred 
with the recommendations of management.

Further details on significant judgements, key assumptions and estimates can be found in note 2 to the financial 
statements on page 89 

Risk and control – ‘Three lines of defence’

Diagram 30

Senior management

audit Committee

3rd line of defence
•	 Internal audit
•	 External audit

1st line of defence
•	 Executive 

Committee
•	 Senior Leaders
•	 Internal controls  
and annual self 
assessments

•	 Internal policies and 

training

2nd line of defence
•	 Financial control
•	 Risk management
•	 Health and safety
•	 Environment
•	 Technology
•	 Legal

Further details on our risk and controls 
 can be found on pages 32–35 

internal Control: Revised Guidance for Directors on 
the Combined Code. in addition, the Board reviews 
annually the effectiveness of the risk management 
and internal control systems. Details of our ‘Three 
lines of defence’ risk and control model can be found 
on pages 32–35. No significant failings or weaknesses 
were identified.

Assurance 
The Audit Committee and the Board reviewed the 
effectiveness of the Group’s system of risk 
management and internal control including financial, 
operational and compliance controls. This was 
primarily achieved by:
•	reviewing the Group’s system of internal control to 
ensure controls were embedded and operating 
effectively within the business

•	reviewing the internal audit plan and the reports 
from the Risk management and internal Audit 
team on any issues identified in the course of 
their work. The Director of Risk management 
and internal Audit met regularly with senior 
management and attended all meetings of 
the Committee

•	reviewing the effectiveness of the internal audit 

function

•	reviewing the external audit plan and reports from 
the external auditor on any issues identified in the 
course of their work, including an internal control 
report on control weaknesses.

From the review of the risk management and internal 
control system, the Board confirms that no significant 
failings or weaknesses have been identified. Where 
areas for improvement were identified, processes are 
in place to ensure that the necessary action is taken 
and that progress is monitored.

Fair, balanced and understandable
The Audit Committee established additional 
procedures to ensure the Group’s Annual Report was 
fair, balanced and understandable. in september 
2013, the Audit Committee attended a training 
session on its obligations and agreed how it would 
comply with them. This included bringing forward 
the Annual Report process so that the Committee 
could assess whether the entire Annual Report was 
fair, balanced and understandable, taking into account 
the commentary and tone and whether it included 
the necessary information for shareholders to assess 
the Company’s performance, business model and 
strategy. The Committee also verified and questioned 
management on information included and excluded 
from the report, and that the narrative in the front 
of the report was consistent with the financial 
statements.

Whistleblowing
The Audit Committee also oversees an independent 
third-party run whistleblowing facility to enable 
employees to raise issues on a confidential basis. 
The Audit Committee ensures that independent 
investigation of any whistleblowing incidents is 
undertaken when required and confirmations 
given to the auditor. 

financial statementsGOVERNANCEadditional informationstrateGic rePort 
54

Land Securities Annual Report 2014

governance  
in action

“At Land securities, governance is not just the adherence to a set of rules. it is a way of  
doing business and is at the heart of everything we do. Here you will find examples of our 
governance in action, bringing to life how governance is embedded in our day to day work.” 
Dame Alison Carnwath, Chairman

Case study

cYclewatch

our aim is to deliver sustainable, long-term 
shareholder returns. The cyclicality of the markets in 
which we operate presents a significant threat to this 
objective and is one of our key risks. We explain how 
the market cycle operates on page 19.

The risk
The consequences of a failure to read the cycle and 
act can be devastating. in the last downturn, many 
property companies became insolvent. many others 
sought additional capital from shareholders, 
including Land securities. Conversely, the 
consequences of a failure to benefit from the upswing 
can be severe for shareholders too, as a company that 
is too cautious will miss out on some of the strongest 
returns which often occur just before the cycle peaks.
As we move through the cycle, the risk of the 

current favourable market conditions turning 
increases. in this case study, which focuses on the 
more cyclical London market, we explain how we 
address this risk and the role of our Committees 
and the Board in this.

Our data
We collect and analyse a lot of data. 

We look at previous cycles and assess the 
triggers for them. These are often quite different 
but nevertheless might act as signposts for the 
future. We study the severity of the various 
corrections, the impact on different categories of 
property and the speed of the subsequent recovery.

We produce forecasts for supply of office space in 
each of the main areas within central London, for the 
short and medium term. These are broadly based on 
the potential for new buildings to be built and other 
refurbished or surplus space being brought to the 
market. We look at large lease expiries in the coming 
years, forecasts for additional space requirements 
and the affordability of rents. From this, we build a 
picture of likely demand, supply and rents.
We consider trends for rents, yields and 

investment values and use these to inform our view 
as to the sustainability of pricing and its direction.
Finally, we look at factors external to property 

itself, such as investment returns in the wider 
economy, the likely performance of the economy and 
geo-political events that may influence the markets. 

The work of our Board and internal 
committees
The data we collect is prepared and considered by 
numerous people from different disciplines across 
the business and externally. 

it is prepared by our research teams and 
considered by our London and Retail Executive 
Committees, who add their insights based on a 
detailed knowledge of their own property markets. 
it is then considered by the Group’s Asset and 
Liability Committee, which is comprised of people 
with specialist disciplines across the Group. members 
use their own experience and forecasts provided  
by a number of institutions to challenge the figures. 
once a consensus is reached, the Committee 
considers what it means for the Group in terms of  
its investment activity, gearing and balance sheet.

of course, data is just a series of numbers, charts  
and graphs. it isn’t a crystal ball. For it to be of any 
use, it needs to be accurately interpreted and for 
predictions to be made based on it that give the 
Company a competitive advantage. 

The Board considers the data on three occasions 

during the year. The diversity of the disciplines, 
backgrounds, skills and perspectives among the 
Board complements those available within the 
business. As a result, the Board is able to provide a 
significant contribution in terms of challenge for 
management, new insights and direction. The 
perspectives and lessons from other industries 
and the past provide particularly useful context.

The outcomes
The outcome of the work enables us to produce a 
model for the next five years upon which our budget 
and forecasts are made. it helps inform decisions 
made by the Group’s investment Committee in terms 
of potential purchases, sales and developments.
it helps inform decisions to commit to new 
speculative developments, that is, developments 
that are not pre-let. it helps build a picture of the 
likely financial performance for each property and 
informs decisions whether to buy, sell or invest 
in existing properties. it informs our borrowing 
decisions and gearing for the business. it enables us 
to set targets to ensure that our properties are well 
let on long leases at the top of the cycle in order to 
minimise the impact of any downturn and produce 
returns that outperform our competitors.

interpretation of the cycle is essential for 

generating the best returns for investors.

Market cycle

How we aim to match our activity to the movements of the market.

Diagram 31

SELL 
Selling some assets at  
the right point in a rising 
market means value can 
be crystallised and the 
portfolio can be biased 
towards high quality 
assets with long lease 
lengths.

PROPERTY VALUES

DEVELOP 
Starting schemes at the 
right point in a rising 
market helps maximise 
value and minimise risk.

BuY 
Falling values  
bring opportunities  
to buy assets at  
attractive prices. 

P

R

O

P

E

R

T

Y

V

A

L

U

E

S

MANAGE
Active management of assets 
through the cycle helps to reduce  
voids and ensure space meets   
occupiers’ changing needs.

 
Land Securities Annual Report 2014

55

External 
Partnerships, relationships and sharing of best 
practice are all crucial to the success of our business. 
For this reason, we engage with external 
organisations like the Health and safety Executive, 
Environmental Health Local Authority, Construction 
industry Advisory Committee, Construction Clients 
Group, Property Health and safety Forum, and 
Considerate Constructors scheme.

Committee and reporting oversight
The executive committees of the London and Retail 
businesses and the Group receive presentations on 
activities, progress and incidents at least quarterly. 
Reports are reviewed by the Board who take a keen 
interest in the area.

Our policy 
The existing policy was reviewed by people working 
in our operations who are most closely affected  
by it. All areas of principal risk were identified and 
mitigating actions included within our policy which 
encourages people to assume responsibility and deal 
with them proactively. The policy was reviewed by 
all three of our health and safety committees, our 
London and Retail Executive Committees and legal 
team. it was then rolled out to every employee with 
the endorsement of our Chief Executive.

Training
The Group’s Health and safety Committee 
commissioned a review of health and safety training 
across the Group. The training requirements of every 
employee were considered and bespoke courses 
were designed. Every role was allocated mandatory 
and voluntary training. The process involved input 
from the health and safety team, human resources 
and the London and Retail Executive Committees.

Governance

Case study

health and saFetY

Health and safety is one of our key risks. We are 
committed to providing a healthy, safe environment 
for every visitor to our properties. our aim is that no 
one suffers an avoidable injury. This is not driven by 
the short-term financial consequences. it is driven by 
a desire to build and maintain a first class reputation 
and trust amongst all of our stakeholders for the long 
term. in this case study we describe some of the 
health and safety initiatives undertaken during the 
year. We also give a flavour for how health and safety 
is embedded within our governance.

Our committees and team
Each of our London and Retail businesses has their 
own health and safety committee. There is also a 
Group-wide Health and safety Committee which is 
chaired by our Chief Executive. This reports to the 
Group’s Executive Committee and has a high profile 
within our business. in this way, we ensure health  
and safety is constantly on the agenda for  
discussion amongst the most senior people  
within our organisation.

The committees are supported by an in house 
team of experienced health and safety professionals. 
Every property has a member of this team allocated 
to and accountable for it. 

Our objectives for the year 
our health and safety record is very good. We are 
committed to improving awareness and 
accountability and ensuring we remain at the 
forefront of best practice. The objectives set by our 
Group Health and safety Committee were to:
•	provide a vision for behavioural change amongst 

our employees and supply chain 

•	encourage visible leadership in health and safety in 

the industry

•	work towards an incident and injury free 

environment, which we have called ‘destination 
zero’

•	bring the ‘health’ back into health and safety – 

introducing occupational medical support on our 
development projects.

The Committee was keen to ensure that our health 
and safety processes and procedures remained clear, 
relevant and mandatory – with a zero tolerance 
approach to non-compliance across the business. 
This year, there has been a strong focus on reviewing 
our policy and providing bespoke training for all of 
our people, not just those working in development 
or asset management teams. 

financial statementsGOVERNANCEadditional informationstrateGic rePort56

Land Securities Annual Report 2014

Case study

development at  
1 & 2 new ludgate, 
ec4  

The risk
speculative development, where a building is 
constructed without a tenant in place, is another of 
our keys risks. Demolishing an income producing 
property results in a loss of revenue, which is 
exacerbated by the interest costs incurred in funding 
the development. A building that is unlet will 
adversely affect its value and can, if of sufficient 
size, impact on our ability to pay dividends. 

Demolition and construction are inherently 
dangerous activities and present health and safety 
issues that need to be addressed.

As a result, the Group has a number of internal 
controls in place designed to identify, mitigate and 
manage risks both in relation to individual 
developments and its whole development 
programme. 

This case study gives a flavour for the operation 

of our controls and the role of our Committees in 
decision making. it does not look at the extensive 
interaction with planning authorities and other 
stakeholders or how we ensured our Health and 
safety procedures are followed during construction. 

Oversight
The Group operates clear delegations of authority 
and financial controls which are embedded across 
the business. These include restrictions on the 
amount of unlet property within the development 
programme in order to 
preserve our ability to pay 
dividends and limit our 
financial exposure. more 
information on these 
controls appears in the 
‘Principal risks and how 
we manage them’ section 
at pages 32–35. 

Background to our 
decision to develop  
at New Ludgate
New Ludgate occupies a 
prominent island site 
facing Ludgate Hill, close to st Paul’s Cathedral and 
adjacent to the old Bailey. it was previously occupied 
by two dated 1950s commercial buildings known as 
50 Ludgate Hill and Hillgate House, which became 
vacant in 2010. The site is already well connected 
and is set to benefit further when a new Crossrail 
station opens in 2018. As a result, occupier demand 
is likely to be high.

The London Executive Committee considered 

a number of options, which included reletting, 
refurbishment, sale or redevelopment, concluding 
that the returns from redevelopment were likely 
to be higher. 

our data was showing that 
there was likely to be 
unsatisfied demand for 
space in the City in 2015.”

it also considered the funding requirements for the 
scheme in the context of other activities requiring 
funding over the period. This data is shared with and 
discussed regularly at meetings of the Board.

As our other developments found tenants, the 
headroom within the Group’s development controls 
increased and capacity became available to build the 
scheme. At the same time, our data was showing 
that there was likely to be unsatisfied demand for 
space in the City in 2015, driven by a number of 
large lease expiries and a lack of new space coming 
to the market.

The London Executive Committee determined 
the best time to deliver the scheme and then made 
a recommendation to the investment Committee, 
which scrutinised the proposal. Their analysis 
considered alternative investments, the prospects 
for letting the space, the likely rents and whether the 
returns would meet the Group’s hurdle rates and 
provide an adequate reward for the risk. 

The scale of the scheme meant it required Board 
approval. The scheme had been flagged to the Board 
at several meetings before it was proposed for 
approval in order to help familiarise them with the 
project. The Board scrutinised the proposal, its 
returns and the assumptions upon which the 
recommendation was made, before approving it. 
Completion of this 379,000 sq ft scheme is 
expected in April 2015. more details of the letting 
progress of this development appear in the review 
of the London Portfolio.

The interaction of our controls and 
committees 
The London Executive Committee then considered 
the likely returns in the context of other potential 
developments and investments in the London 
Portfolio. in making this assessment, the committee 
used data prepared for the Asset and Liability 
Committee on the likely demand for and supply of 
space in that part of London and the impact of that 
on rental values. much of the risk of having an unlet 
building can be mitigated by identifying a window of 
opportunity where demand is likely to be high and 
supply constrained. it is 
important to be in a 
position to deliver 
schemes into it.
Whilst it was 
recognised that the 
returns were likely to be 
attractive, the size of the 
speculative development 
programme in the 
remainder of the Group 
and some uncertainty as 
to the likely demand for 
space meant that we did 

not commit to the development straight away. 
instead, we proceeded to de-risk the delivery of the 
scheme by taking steps to demolish the existing 
building, prepare the site for development and 
tender the construction works. This enabled us to 
respond quickly to any uptick in demand. Demolition 
was completed in April 2012 and everything put in 
place to enable us to build the scheme within two 
years of starting.

The Group’s Asset and Liability Committee 

continued to meet and monitor the operation of our 
development controls. it considered local market 
data, which assisted in its determination of likely 
demand and supply of space in particular markets. 

Governance

Land Securities Annual Report 2014

57

relations with 
investors 

Approach to Investor Relations
The Company has a comprehensive investor 
Relations programme which aims to help existing 
and potential investors understand the Group.
The investor Relations programme is designed for 
institutional investors, private shareholders and debt 
investors. shareholder feedback is provided to the 
Board to ensure that they understand the views of 
major investors. During the year, the programme 
of investor events included:

Institutional shareholders programme
Meetings with principal shareholders
•	meetings with Directors and the Chairman were 

offered throughout the year.

•	The Chairman maintained contact with principal 
shareholders and kept the Board informed of their 
views. she has planned an investor tour in June 
and July 2014 to meet investors in the UK and 
the Netherlands.

•	As well as Non-executive Directors, the senior 
independent Director was available to meet 
with shareholders.

•	The investor Relations programme continued in 

Europe, North America and the Far East.

Roadshows
•	institutional shareholders were invited to annual 

and half yearly results meetings. 

Investor conference
•	The investor conference is held annually and 

focuses on the Retail and London portfolios in 
alternate years. This year, the conference was held 
at Gunwharf Quays in Portsmouth and focused 
on the Retail Portfolio. senior management from 
the Retail Portfolio presented updates on market 
conditions and all aspects of the business, including 
leisure. This was followed by a property tour of 
Gunwharf Quays. The conference also provided an 
opportunity for attendees to meet management 
below Executive Director level

•	The presentations and an audiocast of the 

conference were made available on the corporate 
website to enable those investors who could not 
attend to access the information provided at the 
conference.

Investor presentations and tours 
•	in addition to our annual investor conference there 
were also presentations and tours of some of our 
major assets in the Retail and London portfolios. 
Tours were conducted at Trinity Leeds, White 
Rose, The Bridges in sunderland, Glasgow and 
Livingstone, and our portfolio of developments 
and properties in Victoria. 

Industry conferences
•	industry conferences 
provide Executive 
Directors with a chance 
to meet a large number 
of investors on a formal 
and informal basis. 
Conferences that were 
attended by Executive 
Directors included the 
UBs Global Property,  
JP morgan and Bank of 
America merril Lynch 
conferences in London, 
Citi CEo conference in 
Florida, merrill Lynch conference in New York,  
and the Kempen conference in Amsterdam, 
amongst others.

The culture of the 
organisation is one that  
is willing to listen and to 
engage, and they are there 
if you need them.”
Feedback from an institutional investor

shareholders who 
attended the AGm 
were given a detailed 
presentation by the Chief 
Executive on the activities 
and performance of the 
Group over the preceding 
year. The results of voting 
at general meetings are 
published on the 
Company’s website,  
www.landsecurities.com/
investors/shareholder-
investor-information/
AGm-Annual-General-
meeting.

Other initiatives
•	The Chairman and Chief Executive held a dinner for 
the senior heads of equities from UK institutions.

•	Digital communication with investors was 

developed further this year with investors offered 
live streaming of the results presentations.

Private shareholders’ programme
Private shareholders are encouraged to give feedback 
to and communicate with the Directors through the 
Company secretary. During the year they were also 
able to meet Directors at the United Kingdom 
shareholders’ Association (UKsA) meeting, held 
annually at our head office, and at the Annual 
General meeting.

Debt investors programme
Credit side institutional investors and analysts
•	meetings were held with our Chief Financial officer 
and our Treasury team after the annual and half 
year results.

Banks
•	There was regular dialogue with our key 

relationship banks including quarterly meetings 
with our Treasury team and in-house dinners with 
Executive and Non-executive Directors.

•	our Treasury team also actively engaged with 

potential lenders.

Credit rating agencies
•	During the year meetings were held by our Treasury 
team and senior management with both standard 
& Poor’s and Fitch ratings.

•	Further information on our debt investors  

can be found at  
www.landsecurities.com/investors/debt-investors.

Annual General Meeting (AGM)
The AGm provided all shareholders with an 
opportunity to question the Board and the 
Chairmen of the Board Committees on matters 
put to the meeting, including the Annual Report. 

Independent feedback on investor relations
The Board commissioned a report from the leading 
independent adviser makinson Cowell on investor 
perceptions of the Company, its management, 
strategy and governance. makinson Cowell also 
undertook a comprehensive benchmarking exercise 
on all aspects of the investor Relations programme. 

This included face-to-face interviews with 

principal investors to obtain their views on 
management and business performance. The results 
were then presented to the Board, with suggestions 
and improvements being taken forward by 
management. Recommendations and actions 
included the long-term vision for the Retail business 
to investors; improving the visibility of the new 
members of the Group’s Executive Committee to 
investors; providing more guidance on the Group’s 
longer term strategy and plans post the current 
phase of development and maintaining the 
Chairman’s high standing with investors through 
periodic engagement.

The investor Relations department also received 
feedback from analysts and investors during the year 
through the Group’s corporate advisers. The Group’s 
secretariat received feedback on governance matters 
directly from investors and shareholder bodies. 
The information was shared with the Board to 
help members develop their understanding of 
shareholders’ needs and expectations.

Other disclosures
other disclosures required by paragraph 7.2.6 of 
the Disclosure and Transparency Rules and the 
Companies Act 2006 are set out in the Report of 
the Directors on page 77.

The Governance Report was approved by the 
Board of Directors on 14 may 2014 and signed on 
its behalf by:

Adrian de Souza
Group General Counsel and Company secretary

financial statementsGOVERNANCEadditional informationstrateGic rePortDear Shareholder
This is my second report to shareholders as Chairman 
of the Committee, since I took over in October 2012. 
Last year, in order to demonstrate our support for the 
Government’s proposals on the new requirements 
for the reporting of executive pay, we took steps to 
adopt many of the draft regulations early. Not only 
did we receive a vote of over 98% in favour of our 
report from shareholders, but, more generally, 
feedback on the format of the report was excellent, 
reflecting our efforts to produce a simpler and more 
transparent view of our arrangements. We have 
therefore had to make far fewer major changes this 
year now that the regulations have become law, and 
we hope that the new report is again well received.

Overall approach to Remuneration
Our overall approach to Remuneration is driven 
by our objective of generating returns for our 
shareholders that are higher than those received by 
others who invest in our peer group or the underlying 
property market. We acknowledge that attracting 
and retaining the right people is the key to our success, 
and therefore it is critical that our reward packages:
•	Are simple, transparent and demonstrably aligned 

with the interest of shareholders

•	Support the delivery of the Group’s key 

performance targets over the short, medium and 
longer term. This means having short-term plans 
(e.g. annual bonus) which reward specific and 
measurable KPIs (e.g. development lettings, 
planning permissions), but which are also 
effectively linked to sustained longer-term 
performance, reflected in Total Property Return 
and returns to shareholders

•	Ensure that a long-term focus is maintained 

through the deferral of a significant part of the 
annual bonus and the requirement for Executive 
Directors to maintain significant personal 
investments in the Company’s shares

•	 Are focused on relative, rather than absolute 

measures, so that even in a year when profits are 
high, the outturns of our plans may be low if our 
competitors have performed more strongly. Equally, 
in very tough market conditions, the outturns for 
variable pay could be higher when outperformance 
has been significant, even if absolute returns are 
lower. The structure should ensure that superior 
rewards are only paid for exceptional performance 
against challenging targets.

Reflections on the year
Following the extensive consultation on our revised 
arrangements for Executive Directors undertaken in 
2012, we have had a relatively settled year in terms 
of  the plans in place. We have seen high levels of 
activity across all areas of the portfolio, particularly 
in London where our decision to focus on early cycle 
development has continued to bear fruit. There has 
been a high degree of change in the Retail business 
where we have faced up to difficult decisions to sell 
assets which we do not believe are set to thrive in a 
changing world.

Our performance against the Annual Bonus 

measures can be summarised as follows:
•	It has been an extremely strong performance in 

Revenue Profit terms, where the absolute growth, 
as well as performance against budget, drives the 
creation of the bonus pool. This has been partly 
driven by the later than planned sale of some 
assets, but also by a relentless focus on both 
investment and development lettings, and a  
tight control of both recoverable and non-
recoverable costs

•	Our measure of Total Property Return versus the 
market (using the IPD quarterly index weighted to 
the sectors the Group is invested in) has been a 
much tougher challenge, due to the outstanding 
performance of the index in central London small 
lot sizes, which make up the majority of this part of 
the benchmark. As Land Securities is required to 
outperform the benchmark before any annual 
bonus is due, no payment has been made against 
this element 

•	The team delivered a strong performance against 
the key business targets agreed at the beginning 
of the year, with a notable contribution from 
the London team to the development lettings 
performance, and the achievement of all the 
targeted planning permissions across both 
portfolios. The only significant under-achievement 
was in planned disposals, where a delay in the sale 
of one asset meant that no bonus was awarded for 
this element, as all three targeted assets had to be 
sold above a target price to trigger a payment.

In total, this performance has created bonus outturns 
which are lower than last year (68.5% of the 
maximum Group element, versus 86% in 2013), 
but still reflect some notable achievements in an 
ever-changing marketplace. 

58

DIRECTORS’ 
REMUNERATION – 
CHAIRMAN OF THE 
REMUNERATION 
COMMITTEE’S 
ANNUAL STATEMENT

Committee members

 – Simon Palley (Chairman and 
Independent Non-executive 
Director)

 – Dame Alison Carnwath  
(Chairman of the Board)
 – Chris Bartram (Independent 
Non-executive Director)
 – David Rough (Independent  

Non-executive Director – stepped 
down from the Committee on  
31 May 2013)

 – Edward Bonham Carter 

(Independent Non-executive 
Director – joined the Committee 
on 10 March 2014)

Land Securities Annual Report 201459

Looking forward
As the market in which we operate changes, whether 
as a cyclical or more fundamental shift, it is very 
important that our remuneration frameworks 
continue to drive the right focus of effort and 
behaviour from the management team. As I 
referenced earlier, 2015 will be the third anniversary 
of our current arrangements, and we therefore 
expect to make some adjustments to our plans over 
the course of the year. This may include reviewing 
our measures of performance, as well as the 
mechanics of how our plans operate. I will provide 
shareholders with a full update on this work next 
year, and I am sure that I will be consulting with some 
of you as our plans emerge. 

Simon Palley
Chairman, Remuneration Committee

Turning to the Long-term incentive plan
•	Against a very tough IPD index, as described above, 
we matched the Total Property Return over the 
three year performance period to March 2014, 
and therefore 12.5% of this portion of the 
awards vested 

•	The Total Shareholder Return performance, 

which drives the other 50%, has been excellent 
over the three year period at 4.1% per annum 
outperformance versus the comparator group

This has all added up to the 2011 awards vesting at a 
total of 62.5% of the maximum, versus 76% for the 
2010 awards.

Other key activities for the Committee during 
the year
In a relatively stable year for the remuneration 
arrangements, the Committee has been involved in a 
number of other key pieces of work. It has overseen 
the arrangements for the departure of Richard Akers, 
who stepped down from the Board on 31 March 
2014. Mr Akers has only been rewarded for the 
period in which he served as a Director, and although 
the committee took the decision to apply some 
‘good leaver’ provisions, his unvested share awards 
either lapsed (in the case of the 2013 award) or were 
pro-rated to reflect the portion of each performance 
period to which he actively contributed. Mr Akers 
was deemed to have earned his deferred bonus 
shares, as these were awarded in respect of 
performance periods that had already passed. 
However, no severance payment, or payment  
in lieu of notice, was awarded. 

The Committee has also overseen the 

remuneration arrangements for the new Executive 
Committee.  Whilst they do not serve on the main 
Board, the two new Managing Directors, whose 
appointments formally date from 1 April 2014, are 
rewarded under a bespoke set of arrangements 
which take them much closer to those for  
Executive Directors, including the use of Group, 
rather than Business Unit performance measures, 
and an element of deferral into shares of their  
annual bonuses.

Finally, the Executive team has led a review of the 

fees for Non-executive Directors, which had not 
increased for four years (five for the Chairman). 
Details of the review are covered in the report. 

Land Securities Annual Report 2014Governancefinancial statementsGOVERNANCEadditional informationstrateGic rePort 
 
60

DIRECTORS’ 
REMUNERATION 
pOLICy REpORT

Introduction to the policy report

1. 
This part of the Directors’ Remuneration Report sets 
out the remuneration policy for the Company and 
has been prepared in accordance with The Large and 
Medium-sized Companies and Groups (Accounts 
and Reports) (Amendment) Regulations 2013.  The 
policy has been developed taking into account the 
principles of the UK Corporate Governance Code 
2012 and the views of our major shareholders.  
The Policy Report will be put to a binding shareholder 
vote at the 2014 AGM and the policy will take formal 
effect from the date of approval.  It is intended that 
the policy will be in force for a period of three years.

2.  The role of the Remuneration Committee 
in setting Policy
The Committee is responsible for:
•	Engaging with shareholders with regard to pay and 
ensuring their views are taken into account when 
setting policy

•	Determining the overall strategy and policy for  
the remuneration of Executive Directors and  
Senior Managers

•	Ensuring the policy is aligned with, and assists in, 

the delivery of the Company’s strategy

•	Ensuring the outturn of performance metrics 

reflects the performance of the business
•	Determining the individual remuneration  

packages for Executive Directors and our most 
Senior Managers

•	Overseeing any significant changes to employee 

remuneration across the Group

•	Approving the design of and targets for 
performance-related incentive schemes 

•	Overseeing the operation of all incentive schemes 
and awards and determining whether performance 
criteria have been met.

The Committee’s Terms of Reference are available at 
www.landsecurities.com. 

Although the Committee actively seeks out 
the views of shareholders when setting policy, the 
Company does not formally consult with employees 
on executive remuneration. However, when setting 
the remuneration policy for Executive Directors, the 
Committee takes into account the overall approach 
to reward for, and the pay and employment 
conditions of, other employees in the Group.  
This is referred to in section 7.

No Director is involved in any decision relating 

to his or her own remuneration. As set out in  
the Corporate Governance section of this report,  
a review of the Committee’s performance is  
regularly undertaken as part of the Board 
Effectiveness Review. 

3.  Remuneration policy
3.1  We have summarised the individual elements of the remuneration packages offered to our Executive Directors in the following table:

Remuneration policy

Purpose and link to strategy

Operation

Opportunity

Discretion

(Unaudited) Table 32

Changes to  
Policy in the year

	Reviewed	annually,	with	effect	from	1	June.	
Review	reflects:
•	 Increases	throughout	the	rest	of	the	business
•	 Market	benchmarking	exercise	undertaken	
periodically	to	ensure	salaries	are	set	at	
around	the	median	of	the	market	competitive	
level	for	people	in	comparable	roles	with	
similar	levels	of	experience,	performance		
and	contribution

•	 In	years	where	no	benchmarking	exercise	is	
undertaken,	increases	likely	to	be	aligned	
with	the	general	increase	for	the	wider	
workforce	or	to	reflect	changes	in	
responsibility

For	2013/14,	the	annual	base	salaries	of		
the	Executive	Directors	were	£693,600	
(CEO),	£469,200	(CFO)	and	£418,000	
(Executive	Director).	
The	maximum	annual	salary	increase	will	
not	normally	exceed	the	average	increase	
across	the	rest	of	the	workforce.	Larger	
increases	will	be	exceptional,	and	made	in	
specific	circumstances:
•	 Increase	in	responsibilities	or	scope	of	

the	role

•	 To	apply	salary	progression	for	a	newly	

appointed	Director	(see	policy	described	
in	section	5.3)

•	 Changes	in	the	scope	of	a	Director’s	role	may	
also	require	a	further	adjustment	to	salary.

•	 Where	the	Director’s	salary	has	fallen	

significantly	below	the	market	positioning.

None

The	Committee	has	the	
discretion	to	determine		
the	precise	amount	of	
base	salary	within	the	
policy,	including	
approving	the	salary	for	a	
newly	appointed	Director	
(see	section	5.3).	It	will	
also	determine	whether	
there	are	specific	reasons	
to	award	increases	
greater	than	those	for	the	
general	workforce.

The	value	of	benefits	may	vary	from	year	to	
year	depending	on	the	cost	to	the	
Company.

None

The	Policy	will	always	
apply	as	stated,		
unless	there	are	specific	
individual	circumstances	
why	it	should	not.

	Directors	receive	a	combination	of:
•	 A	company	car	allowance
•	 Private	medical	insurance
•	 Life	assurance
•	 Ill	health	income	protection
•	 Holiday	and	sick	pay
•	 Professional	advice	in	connection	with	their	

directorship

•	 Occasional	gifts,	for	example	appropriate	

long	service	or	leaving	gifts.

Participation	into	a	money	purchase	pension	
scheme	or	cash	equivalent.

Directors	receive	a	pension	contribution	or	
allowance	of	25%	of	salary.

The	Policy	will	apply	
as	stated.

None

Base salary

•	 To	aid	the	

recruitment,	retention	
and	motivation	of	
high	performing	
people	

•	 To	reflect	their	
experience	and	
importance	to	
the	business.

Benefits

•	 To	provide	protection		

and	market	
competitive	benefits	
to	aid	recruitment		
and	retention	of	high	
quality	executives.

Pension

•	 To	help	recruit	and		

retain	high	performing	
executives

•	 Reward	continued	
contribution	to	the	
business	by	enabling	
Executive	Directors	to	
build	long-term	savings.

Land Securities Annual Report 2014 
61

Table 32

Changes to  
Policy in the year

None

None

Remuneration policy continued

Purpose and link to strategy

Operation

Opportunity

Discretion

Annual bonus

•	 To	incentivise	the	

delivery	of	stretching,	
near-term	business	
targets	and	personal	
performance	objectives

•	 To	reward	near-term	
outperformance	
relative	to	industry	
benchmarks

•	 Specific	measures	and	
targets,	for	example	
successful	planning	
applications	and	asset	
management	initiatives,	
will	provide	future	
opportunity	for	the	
business	and	will	increase	
the	value	of	our	property	
in	the	short	term
•	 Other	KPIs,	such	as	

development	lettings	
targets,	are	likely	to	
have	a	significant	
impact	on	long-term	
capital	growth	and	
revenue	profit	
performance

•	 The	ability	to	recognise	
performance	through	
variable	remuneration	
enables	the	Group	to	
control	its	cost	base	
flexibly	and	react	to	
events	and	market	
circumstances

•	 Deferral	of	a	portion	of	
annual	bonuses	into	
shares	encourages	a	
longer-term	focus	
aligned	to	shareholders	
and	discourages	
excessive	risk	taking.

All	measures	and	targets	are	reviewed	and	
set	by	the	Board	at	the	beginning	of	the	year	
and	payments	are	determined	by	the	
Committee	after	the	year	end,	based	on	
performance	against	the	targets	set.
•	 The	specific	measures	and	targets	will	be	
set	each	year,	but	will	always	include	a	
measure	of	Total	Property	Return	(30%	
weighting	in	2013/14)	versus	that	of	the	
market,	as	the	most	visible	indication	of	
underlying	performance

•	 The	other	measures	and	targets	will	
reflect	the	most	critical	business	
performance	indicators	for	the	year,	and	
will	be	both	specific	and	measurable.	
Growth	in	Revenue	Profit	will	always	
feature	as	a	key	measure	of	performance
•	 A	small	proportion	(no	more	than	20%	of	
base	salary)	of	a	Director’s	bonus	is	based	
on	the	achievement	of	measurable	
individual	performance	objectives
•	 The	structure	of	the	plan	incentivises	
outperformance	by	ensuring	that	the	
‘threshold’	targets	are	stretching,	and	that	
(for	relative	measures)	nothing	is	paid	out	
for	merely	matching	the	performance	of	
the	competitor	group	

•	 Bonuses	up	to	50%	of	salary	are	paid	

as	cash

•	 Any	amounts	in	excess	of	50%	are	
deferred	into	shares	for	one	year.
•	 Any	amounts	in	excess	of	100%	are	
deferred	into	shares	for	two	years

•	 Deferred	shares	are	potentially	forfeitable	
if	the	executive	leaves	prior	to	the	share	
release	date

•	 Not	pensionable
•	 Clawback	provisions	apply	where	any	

overpayment	was	made	as	a	result	of	the	
misstatement	of	the	Company’s	results	or	
a	performance	condition	which	caused	
the	overpayment.

Long-term share incentive plans

•	 Incentivises	value	

creation	over	the	long	
term	in	excess	of	that	
created	by	general	
increases	in	the	value	of	
property	or	shares	in	
property	companies
•	 Rewards	execution	of	
our	strategy	and	the	
long-term	
outperformance	of	our	
competitors

•	 Encourages	long-term	

investment	by	Directors	
in	the	Company’s	shares	

•	 The	Committee	may	make	an	annual	
award	of	shares	under	the	long-term	
incentive	plan

•	 Additional	awards	are	available	on	the	

basis	of	investment	by	Executive	Directors	
in	the	Company’s	shares	under	the	
Matching	Performance	Share	Plan

•	 Vesting	under	both	Plans	is	on	the	same	
basis	and	determined	by	the	Group’s	
achievements	against	stretching	
performance	targets	over	a	fixed	three	
year	period	and	continued	employment

•	 There	is	no	re-testing
•	 The	Committee	reviews	the	measures,	

their	relative	weightings	and	targets	prior	
to	each	award.	

•	 The	Committee	has	the	

discretion	to	approve	the	
specific	threshold	and	stretch	
targets	against	each	of	the	
measures	for	a	specific	year
•	 The	outturns	of	the	Group	
element	of	the	bonus	plan	
are	calculated	formulaically	
and	therefore	the	Committee	
has	no	discretion	to	adjust	
these,	unless	there	is	a	
specific	reason	for	adjusting	
them	down	(see	section	3.3)

•	 The	Committee	does	have	
the	discretion	to	award	
appropriate	bonus	payments	
under	the	individual	element	
(maximum	20%	of	base	
salary)	to	reflect	the	
performance	and	contribution	
of	an	individual	Director.

Within	the	Policy,	the	
committee	will	retain	
flexibility	including:
•	 When	to	make	awards	and	

payments

•	 How	to	determine	the	size	of	

an	award,	a	payment,	or	
when	and	how	much	of	an	
award	should	be	payable
•	 Who	receives	an	award	or	

payment

•	 Whether	a	departing	

Director	should	receive	a		
bonus	and	whether	and	what	
proportion	of	awards	should	
be	paid	at	the	time	of	leaving	
or	at	a	subsequent	date

•	 Whether	a	departing	Director	
should	be	treated	as	a	‘good’	
or	‘bad’	leaver	in	respect	of	
deferred	bonus	shares

•	 How	to	deal	with	a	change	of	
control	or	any	other	corporate	
event	which	may	require	
adjustments	to	awards.

•	 The	Committee	has	the	
discretion	to	determine	
whether	an	exceptional	
award	of	200%	of	salary	
is	appropriate

•	 The	outturns	of	the	

long-term	incentive	plan	are	
calculated	formulaically	and	
therefore	the	Committee	has	
no	discretion	to	adjust	these,	
unless	there	is	a	specific	
reason	for	adjusting	them	
down	(see	section	3.3).

•	 Minimum	bonus	is	nil
•	 Maximum	bonus	potential	of	150%	

of	salary.

Long-term incentive plan:
•	 Normal	and	current	award	policy	

limit	–	150%	of	salary

•	 Limit	in	exceptional	circumstances		
(e.g.	recruitment)	–	200%	of	salary.	
Matching Performance Share Plan:
•	 Up	to	150%	of	salary,	subject		
to	pledging	sufficient	of	their		
own	shares

•	 The	pledged	shares	would	then	be	
matched	on	a	two	for	one	basis
•	 To	obtain	a	maximum	award,	a	

Director	would	be	required	to	pledge	
shares	with	a	value	of	75%	of	salary	
(calculated	on	a	pre-tax	basis)

•	 The	pledge	may	include	shares	within	

their	minimum	shareholding	
requirement,	but	only	for	the	first	
five	years	of	their	appointment.	

Land Securities Annual Report 2014Governancefinancial statementsGOVERNANCEadditional informationstrateGic rePort 
62

Remuneration policy continued

Purpose and link to strategy

Operation

Opportunity

Discretion

Long-term share incentive plans continued

•	 Aligns	the	long-term	
interests	of	Directors	
and	shareholders
•	 Promotes	retention.

•	 The	measures	selected	are	relative,	

•	 Once	the	five	year	period	has	

elapsed,	shares	pledged	must	be	
over	and	above	the	shareholding	
requirement	as	executives	should	
have	built	up	sufficient	equity

and	directly	aligned	to	the	interests	of	
shareholders.	50%	of	the	weighting	is	
given	to	a	measure	of	Total	Property	
Return	versus	competitors	over	a	three	
year	period,	and	50%	to	Total	Shareholder	
Return	versus	our	listed	comparator	group	
over	the	same	three	year	period	

•	 No	awards	vest	for	performance	below	

that	of	the	comparator	group,	only	a	small	
proportion	(27.5%	in	the	performance	
period	ending	March	2014)	will	vest	for	
matching	the	performance	of	the	Group,	
and	significant	outperformance	is	required	
for	the	maximum	award	to	vest

•	 Awards	will	be	satisfied	by	either	newly	
issued	shares	or	shares	purchased	in	the	
market	and	any	use	of	newly	issued	shares	
will	be	subject	to	the	dilution	limits	
contained	in	the	scheme	rules

•	 Clawback	provisions	apply	where	any	

overpayment	was	made	as	a	result	of	the	
misstatement	of	the	Company’s	results	or	
a	performance	condition	which	caused	
the	overpayment.

Within	the	Policy,	the	
committee	will	retain	
flexibility	including:
•	 When	to	make	awards	and	

payments

•	 How	to	determine	the	size	
of	an	award,	a	payment,	or	
when	and	how	much	of	an	
award	should	vest

•	 Who	receives	an	award	

or	payment

•	 Whether	a	Director	is	treated	
as	a	‘good’	or	‘bad’	leaver	for	
incentive	plan	purposes	and	
whether	and	what	
proportion	of	awards	vest	at	
the	time	of	leaving	or	at	a	
subsequent	vesting	date

•	 How	to	deal	with	a	change	of	
control	or	any	other	corporate	
event	which	may	require	
adjustments	to	awards.

Savings related share option scheme

•	 	To	encourage	all	

•	 All	employees,	including	Executive	

•	 See	‘Operation’	column.	

	The	Policy	will	apply	as	stated.

Table 32

Changes to  
Policy in the year

	The	
contribution	
ceiling	for	
awards	made	
after	6	April	
2014	has	
been	raised	
from	£250		
to	£500	in	
line	with	
government	
policy.

n/a

The	Policy	will	apply	as	stated.

None

employees	to	make	a	
long-term	investment	
in	the	Company’s	shares,	
in	a	tax	efficient	way.

Share ownership

•	 	To	provide	close	

alignment	between	the	
longer-term	interests	
of	Directors	and	
shareholders	in	terms	of	
the	Company’s	growth	
and	performance.

Directors,	are	entitled	to	contribute	up	to	
£500	per	month,	for	between	three	and	
five	years

•	 At	the	end	of	the	period,	participants	may	
use	the	monies	to	purchase	shares	at	a	
discount	of	20%	to	the	market	price	at	the	
time	they	joined	the	scheme.	Alternatively,	
they	may	ask	for	their	contributions	to	
be	returned

•	 The	scheme	offers	tax	advantages	in	that	

the	gain	is	free	of	income	tax.

Clear	Shareholding	Guidelines	are	in	place.	
Currently	these	are:	
•	 Executive	Directors	are	required	to	own	
shares	with	a	value	set	at	a	percentage	of	
base	salary:
	– Chief	Executive	–	200%	of	salary
	– Other	Executive	Directors	–	150%	

of	salary

•	 They	are	required	to	achieve	these	levels	
within	five	years	of	appointment	in	order	
to	qualify	for	future	long-term	incentive	
awards.	Deferred	or	unvested	share	awards	
not	subject	to	performance	conditions	
may	count	towards	the	guideline,	but	once	
this	has	been	achieved,	additional	shares	
are	required	to	be	held	in	order	to	qualify	
for	awards	under	the	Matching	Share	Plan.	

3.2  Previous arrangements
For the avoidance of doubt, in approving this Policy 
Report, authority is sought by the Company to honour 
any commitments entered into with current or former 
Directors that have been disclosed to shareholders in 
previous remuneration reports.  Details of any 
payments to former Directors will be set out in the 
Annual Report on Remuneration as they arise.

3.3  Discretion
The Committee operates within the policy at all 
times. It will also operate the plans according to the 
rules of each respective plan and consistent with 
normal market practice and the Listing Rules. Within 
the policy, it will retain the discretion to look at 
performance ‘in the round’, including withholding,  
or deferring payments in certain circumstances 

where the outcomes for Directors are clearly 
misaligned with the outcomes for shareholders. 
Any specific circumstances which necessitate the use 
of discretion will always be explained clearly in the 
Annual Report on Remuneration. Please see the 
previous table for more detail on the discretion 
allowed for each element of the reward package.

Land Securities Annual Report 2014 
4.   Fixed and variable pay reward scenarios
4.1    Total opportunity at maximum and  target levels
Our aim is to ensure that superior rewards are only paid for exceptional performance, with a substantial proportion of Executive Directors’ remuneration payable 
in the form of performance related pay. The charts that follow illustrate the remuneration opportunity provided to each Executive Director at different levels of 
performance for the coming year.

63

Robert Noel
Chief Executive

Chart 33

Martin Greenslade
Chief Financial Officer

Chart 34

£4,112,000

£2,618,000

£5,000,000

£4,500,000

£4,000,000

£3,500,000

£3,000,000

£2,500,000

£2,000,000

£1,500,000

£1,000,000

£500,000

£0

£911,000

£5,000,000

£4,500,000

£4,000,000

£3,500,000

£3,000,000

£2,500,000

£2,000,000

£1,500,000

£1,000,000

£500,000

£0

£621,000

£2,787,000

£1,776,000

Minimum Fixed pay

On target 

Maximum1

Minimum Fixed pay

On target 

Maximum1

Basic salary (17%)
Pension (4%)
Benefits (1%)

Annual bonus (26%)
Long-term incentives (52%)

Basic salary (17%)
Pension (4%)
Benefits (1%)

Annual bonus (26%)
Long-term incentives (52%)

1  Percentages are of the maximum.

1  Percentages are of the maximum.

In developing the above scenarios, the following assumptions have been made:

Fixed and variable pay – assumptions 

(Unaudited) Table 35

Fixed pay

•	 Consists	of	the	latest	base	salary,	benefits	and	pension	allowances
•	 Pension	allowance	calculated	at	25%	of	new	base	salary.

Robert	Noel,	Chief	Executive

Martin	Greenslade,	Chief	Financial	Officer

On-target award

This	is	based	on	what	a	Director	would	receive	if	performance	was	in	line	with	expectations:
•	 Annual	bonuses	pay	out	at	60%	of	the	maximum	for	performance	in	line	with	expectations
•	 Long-term	incentive	plan	performance	in	line	with	expectations	would	see	approximately		
50%	of	the	award	vesting.	Vesting	levels	over	the	last	ten	years	have	broadly	averaged	50%

Maximum award

•	 Assumes	maximum	pledge	of	shares	for	SMP.

•	 100%	of	the	annual	bonus
•	 100%	vesting	of	long-term	incentive	awards
•	 Assumes	maximum	pledge	of	shares	for	SMP.

Base  
 (£000)

Benefits 
(£000)

Pension 
(£000)

711

481

22

20

178

120

Outturn

Total fixed 
(£000)

911

621

4.2   Payment schedule
The following table illustrates in which financial years the various payments in the charts are actually made/released to Executive Directors. The table assumes that 
the annual bonus payment is equivalent to at least 100% of salary.

Payment schedule  

Financial year 

Element	of	remuneration	
received

Base year

•	 Base	salary	
•	 Pension
•	 Benefits.

(Unaudited) Table 36

Base year +1

Base year +2

Base year +3

•	 The	annual	bonus	targets		
are	measured	and	the	first	
portion	of	the	annual	bonus	
(up	to	50%	of	salary)	is	paid	
in	cash.

•	 The	second	portion	of	the	

•	 The	final	portion	of	the	

annual	bonus	(between	50%	
and	100%	salary)	is	released	
as	shares.

annual	bonus	(more	than	
100%	of	salary)	is	released	
as	shares.

Shares

•	 Long-term	incentive	plan	

shares	granted

•	 Matching	shares	pledged

•	 LTIP	and	Matching	Share	

Awards	vest.

Land Securities Annual Report 2014Governancefinancial statementsGOVERNANCEadditional informationstrateGic rePortFor the appointment of a new Chairman or Non-
executive Director, the fee arrangement would be set 
in accordance with the approved remuneration 
policy in force at that time.

Shareholders will be informed of all payments 

to newly-appointed directors at the time of 
appointment.

5.4   Chairman and Non-executive Director 
letters of appointment
The Chairman and the Non-executive Directors do 
not have service agreements with the Company.

Each of them has a letter of appointment which 

sets out the terms of their appointment. The 
appointment of a Non-executive Director can be 
terminated, by either party, upon one month’s notice 
and the appointment of the Chairman on three 
months’ notice. Non-executive Directors are 
appointed under letters of appointment which 
provide for an initial term of service of three years. 
The dates of the current letters of appointment of 
the Non-executive Directors are shown in the 
Annual Report on Remuneration.

The terms and conditions of appointment of the 
Non-executive Directors are available for inspection 
at the Company’s registered office.

64

5.  Directors’ service agreements and letters 
of appointment
5.1  Service agreements
Both of the Executive Directors have service 
agreements and these normally continue until the 
Director’s agreed retirement date or such other date 
as the parties agree. The Company’s policy is that 
Executive Directors will be employed on a contract 
that can be terminated by the Company on giving 
no more than one year’s notice, with the Executive 
Director required to give one year’s notice 
of termination.

As stated in last year’s report Martin Greenslade’s 
service agreement was updated in May 2013 to bring 
it into line with investor guidelines on termination 
provisions by 2015. His contractual entitlement to 
be treated as a ‘good leaver’ for the purposes of the 
Company’s share schemes, and to a pro-rated bonus, 
in the event of his dismissal, will be fully withdrawn 
by March 2015. Robert Noel’s service agreement 
contains no such contractual entitlement and is fully 
aligned with investor guidelines.

The dates of the current service agreements of 

the Executive Directors are shown in the Annual 
Report on Remuneration.

The Company allows Executive Directors to hold 
external directorships subject to the approval of the 
Board, and to retain fees from these roles.

5.2   Termination provisions
A Director’s service agreement may be terminated 
without notice and without further payment or 
compensation, except for sums earned up to the date 
of termination, on the occurrence of certain events 
such as gross misconduct. The circumstances of the 
termination (taking into account the individual’s 
performance) and an individual’s opportunity to 
mitigate losses are taken into account by the 
Committee when determining amounts payable on 
termination. Our normal policy is to stop or reduce 
compensatory payments to former Executive 
Directors when they receive remuneration from 
other employment during the compensation period. 
The Company does not make any arrangements that 
guarantee pensions with limited or no abatement on 
severance or early retirement.

Any share-based entitlements granted under the 

Company’s share plans will be determined on the 
basis of the relevant plan rules. The default position 
is that any outstanding unvested awards lapse on 
cessation of employment. However, under the rules 
of the long-term incentive plan, in certain prescribed 
circumstances such as redundancy, disability, 
retirement, or other circumstances at the discretion 
of the Committee (taking into account the individual’s 
performance and the reasons for their departure) 
‘good leaver’ status can be applied. For example,  
if an executive’s role has effectively been made 
redundant, and there are no significant performance 
issues, the Committee is likely to look favourably 
on the granting of some ‘good leaver’ provisions. 
However, if an executive has resigned for a similar role 
in a competitor organisation, then such provisions are 
extremely unlikely to apply. Where ‘good leaver’ 
provisions in respect of share awards are deemed to 
be appropriate, a participant’s awards should vest on 
a time pro-rata basis subject to the satisfaction of 

the relevant performance criteria with the balance of 
the awards lapsing. The Committee retains discretion 
to decide not to pro-rate if it is inappropriate to do 
so in particular circumstances. For the avoidance of 
doubt, if the termination of employment is not for 
one of the specified reasons, and the Committee 
does not exercise its discretion to allow an award to 
vest, a participant’s full awards lapse. 

5.3  Policy on the remuneration of newly 
appointed Executive Directors
The remuneration package for a new externally-
appointed Executive Director would be set in 
accordance with the terms of the Company’s 
approved remuneration policy in force at the time of 
appointment. The policy, as described, on base salary 
will apply, but the Committee has the flexibility to 
set the salary of a new hire at a discount to the 
market level initially, with a series of planned 
increases implemented over the following few years 
to bring the salary to the desired positioning, subject 
to individual performance in the role. Only in very 
exceptional circumstances will the salary of a newly 
appointed Director exceed the market median 
benchmark for the role.

The annual bonus would operate in accordance 
with the terms of the approved policy, albeit with the 
opportunity pro-rated for the period of employment. 
Depending on the timing and responsibilities of the 
appointment, it may be necessary to set different 
performance measures and targets initially.  
The long-term incentive plan would also operate 
in accordance with the policy, but in exceptional 
circumstances, the Committee has the discretion to 
make a grant of shares of up to 200% of salary to a 
new Executive Director.

In the case of an internal appointment, any 

variable pay element awarded in respect of the prior 
role would be paid out according to its terms, adjusted 
as relevant to take into account the appointment.  
In addition, any other ongoing remuneration 
obligations existing prior to appointment would 
continue, provided that they are put to shareholders 
for approval at the earliest opportunity.

In addition to the elements of the package covered 

by the Policy, the Committee may offer additional 
cash and/or share-based elements (on a one-time 
basis or ongoing) when it considers these to be in the 
best interests of the Company. Any such payments 
would be based solely on remuneration lost when 
leaving the former employer and would reflect the 
delivery mechanism (i.e. cash, shares, options),  
time horizons and whether performance conditions 
are attached. In exceptional circumstances, the 
Committee may also consider it appropriate to grant 
other types of awards, for example if a new recruit 
with unique and required skills had other commercial 
opportunities that were foregone in joining the 
Company. Such payments would take clear account 
of any value forfeited in such circumstances.

For external and internal appointments, the 
Committee may agree that the Company will meet 
certain relocation expenses, on a one time basis, 
as appropriate. Where a Director is recruited from 
overseas, flexibility is retained to provide benefits 
that take account of market practice in their country 
of residence.

Land Securities Annual Report 20146.  Non-executive Director remuneration policy

Non-executive Director remuneration policy 

Purpose and link to strategy

Operation

Opportunity

Base fee

65

(Unaudited) Table 37

Changes to Policy in the year

•	 To	aid	the	recruitment,	retention	

and	motivation	of	high	performing	
Non-executive	Directors

•	 Reviewed	(but	not	necessarily	changed)	annually	by	
the	Board,	having	regard	to	independent	advice	and	
published	surveys.	

•	 The	current	fees	for	Non-executive	
Directors	are	shown	in	the	Annual	
Report	on	Remuneration	section	2

None

•	 To	reflect	the	time	commitment	

given	by	Non-executive	Directors	
to	the	business.

Additional fees

•	 To	reflect	the	additional	time	
commitment	required	from	
Non-executive	Directors	in	chairing	
various	Board	sub-committees.

Other incentives and benefits

•	 Non-executive	Director	fees	are	typically	
reviewed	annually	but	increased	every	
three	to	four	years.	Any	increases	
reflect	relevant	market	data	for	
Non-executive	Directors	in	companies	
of	a	similar	size	and	complexity,	and	the	
time	commitment	required.

•	 Reviewed	(but	not	necessarily	changed)	annually	by	
the	Board,	having	regard	to	independent	advice	and	
published	surveys.

The	opportunity	depends	on	which,	
if	any,	committee	chairmanship	roles	
are	assumed	by	an	individual	Director	
over	the	course	of	their	tenure.	

•	 Non-executive	Directors	do	not	receive	any	other	

n/a

remuneration	or	benefits	beyond	the	fees	noted	above	
with	the	exception	of	travel	and	hospitality	costs	
associated	with	Board	meetings.

Share ownership

•	 To	provide	close	alignment	

between	the	longer-term	interests	
of	Directors	and	shareholders	in	
terms	of	the	Company’s	growth	
and	performance.

The	current	share	ownership	guidelines	are	as	follows:
•	 Non-executive	Directors	are	required	to	own	shares	

with	a	value	of	100%	of	annual	fees.	They	are	
required	to	achieve	these	levels	within	three	years	
of	appointment.

None

n/a

7.  Group wide remuneration
7.1  Base pay
The average base salary increase awarded across 
the workforce provides a key reference point when 
determining levels of increase for the Executive 
Directors. In setting the pay budget for the wider 
workforce, the Committee reviews data on pay 
settlements within the economy, the rate of 
inflation and pay rates for equivalent roles in similar 
companies. Directors generally receive an increase 
equivalent to the average, unless there has been a 
change in scope for the role, or there is a specific 
market reason for a different award.

7.2  Annual bonus
The individual element of an employee’s bonus 
is determined on the basis of their individual 
performance, i.e. both the achievement of 
objectives set at the beginning of the year, and their 
demonstration of broader capabilities, including 
Leadership capabilities for those in senior roles. 
Inevitably, the scoring involves an element of 
judgement. For Executive Directors, the same 
principles apply, but we expect to see a strong 
correlation between individual performance and 
the achievement of Company objectives. Therefore, 
it should not be possible for Executive Directors to 
achieve a maximum individual bonus in a year when 
the Company has performed badly in the context 
of the market.

7.3  Executive Committee and Senior Leaders
Following a reorganisation of the senior team, the 
population of Senior Managers below the Board falls 
within two broad categories – Executive Committee 
members and Senior Leaders. There are four 
members of the Executive Committee below Board 
level, including the two newly appointed Managing 
Directors for London and Retail, the Group Human 
Resources Director, and the Group General Counsel 
and Company Secretary.  None of these executives 
receives a salary or total remuneration package 
which is higher than those paid to the Executive 
Directors. The structure of their remuneration 
packages, including LTIPs, Matching Performance 
Share Awards and bonuses, is broadly consistent  
with that of Executive Directors, albeit at a lower 
quantum. The bonuses of the Managing Directors  
are based on group-wide performance metrics,  
and a portion of bonus is deferred into shares.  
From 2014/15, Executive Committee members will 
typically have a total annual bonus potential of 
100–125% of base salary based on targets set at the 
beginning of the financial year. The second category 
of senior managers (19 in total) are ‘Senior Leaders’ –  
normally heads of significant business functions. 
These leaders have an annual bonus potential of up 
to 100% of base salary, depending on the role. They 
may also receive LTIP Share Awards, albeit at lower 
proportions of salary than Executive Directors.

7.4   Other employees
Other employees are also entitled to participate in 
the Company’s annual bonus scheme. For 2014/15, 
the maximum awards will range between 20% and 
60% of salary, depending on job role.

All employees, other than Executive Directors,  
are also eligible to be considered for an award from 
the discretionary bonus pool of £1m, with awards 
typically normally made to no more than 10% of the 
Group’s employees. The awards are usually not more 
than 30% of base salary and are made on the basis of 
an exceptional single achievement or outstanding 
all-round performance. 

In addition, all employees are entitled to receive 
private health insurance, life assurance, our savings 
related share option scheme and a season ticket loan, 
all on the same basis as the Executive Directors.  

8.  Shareholder engagement
We maintain strong relationships with shareholders 
and shareholder bodies and have encouraged them 
to share their thoughts with us. Although it has not 
been necessary to consult with shareholders in the 
current year, as our plans have remained unchanged, 
the Remuneration Committee spends time each 
year considering new trends, shareholder feedback 
and requirements. We also gather the views of 
shareholder bodies on a variety of matters, including 
the structure of the Remuneration Report. 

We are very grateful for the time and assistance 

shareholders give us.

Land Securities Annual Report 2014financial statementsGOVERNANCEadditional informationstrateGic rePort 
1.  Dates of appointment for Directors  

Name

Executive Directors

Robert	Noel

Martin	Greenslade

Richard	Akers	(stepped	down	31	March	2014)

Non-executive Directors

Dame	Alison	Carnwath

(Unaudited) Table 38

Date of appointment

Date of contract

1	January	2010

23	January	2012

1	September	2005

17	May	2005

9	May	2013

9	May	2013

1	September	2004

13	November	2008

David	Rough	(steps	down	on	18	July	2014)

2	April	2002

29	April	2004

Sir	Stuart	Rose	(stepped	down		31	December	2013)

21	May	2003

29	April	2004

Kevin	O’Byrne

Chris	Bartram

Simon	Palley

Stacey	Rauch

Edward	Bonham	Carter

Cressida	Hogg

1	April	2008

1	August	2009

1	August	2010

9	April	2008

21	July	2009

29	July	2010

1	January	2012

26	November	2011

1	January	2014

1	November	2013

1	January	2014

1	November	2013

66

DIRECTORS’ 
REMUNERATION 
REpORT – ANNUAL 
REpORT ON 
REMUNERATION

The Annual Report on Remuneration 
describes how we intend to apply the policy 
for the year ahead (from April 2014 to 
March 2015) and how the policy has been 
applied for the financial year from 1 April 
2013 to 31 March 2014, including all the 
payments made or accruing to Directors in 
connection with the year.

During the course of the year, the Committee was 
engaged with a number of key matters, including:
•	Ensuring a clear understanding of the new 

regulations on Executive Remuneration, and 
meeting the requirements in the reporting

•	Overseeing the arrangements for the departure of 

Richard Akers 

•	Overseeing  the remuneration arrangements for 

the expanded Executive Committee in the context 
of the review of the organisation and the broader 
leadership changes

•	Determining salary increases for Executive 

Directors and Senior Managers, together with 
overall levels of salary increases across the Group

•	Reviewing the outcomes for business unit and 

personal targets under the annual bonus scheme 
for Executive Directors and Senior Managers 

•	Reviewing the outcomes for achievement against 
the performance conditions for the Long-term 
Incentive and Matching Performance Share Plans
•	Determining proposed share incentive and bonus 

awards to Executive Directors and Senior Managers 

•	Determining Directors’ compliance with the 
Company’s Share Ownership Guidelines.

Land Securities Annual Report 20142.  The application of the policy for the year ahead
This section lays out how we intend to apply our Remuneration Policy over the course of the year commencing 1 April 2014.

2.1  Directors’ salaries
Once again, the Committee has not undertaken a peer group benchmarking exercise this year for Executive Directors. Instead, the Committee has awarded  
Executive Directors increases of 2.5%. This is in line with the average increase received by employees as a whole, excluding promotions and exceptional increases. 
Salary increases take effect from 1 June 2014.

67

Executive Directors 

Name

Robert	Noel

Martin	Greenslade

(Unaudited) Table 39

Current 
(£000)

694

469

From  
1 June 2014 
(£000)

711

481

% increase

2.5

2.5

Average % 
increase over 
five years 
(including 
2014/15)

2.251

2.65

1		Robert	Noel’s	average	increase	over	two	years,	to	reflect	his	tenure	as	CEO.	

Non-executive Directors
In September 2013, the Board took the decision to increase the fees for Non-executive Directors, as shown in the table below. In reaching its decision, the Board took 
into account data from several published surveys, and insight on trends on Non-executive pay provided by our independent remuneration advisors. We believe that 
these rates will enable us to continue to attract Non-executive Directors of the highest calibre, and recognise the significant time commitment given.

Non-executive Directors

NED fee

Chairman

Base	fee

Audit	Committee	Chair	

Remuneration	Committee	Chair	

Senior	Independent	Director

(Unaudited) Table 40

From  
1 October 
2013 
(£000)

% increase

Equivalent 
annual %
increase1

350

67.5

17.5

12.5

10

17

12.5

0

0

0

3.2

3.0

0

0

0

Previous 
(£000)

300

60

17.5

12.5

10

1		Calculated	as	an	incremental	increase,	over	five	years	for	the	Chairman,	four	years	for	NEDs.	

2.2  Pensions and  benefits
Pensions and benefits arrangements will continue to operate as per the policy outlined in the previous  section. No signficant changes are anticipated to the monetary 
value of these benefits, apart from those that are linked to base salary levels, for example pension allowances. 

2.3  Variable pay
There will be no change to the operation of the Annual Bonus Scheme and long-term incentive plans for the current year. The table overleaf details our choice of 
performance targets, which are designed to align individual rewards with the Group’s long-term and short-term performance and relative shareholder returns. 

We have shown both the measures and the specific targets that will apply for the long-term incentive plan, including the Share Matching Plan. These apply for all 
three performance periods where the Financial Year 2014/15 forms part of the three year period – i.e. in respect of the awards made in 2012 (year 3), 2013 (year 2) and 
2014 (year 1). 

We have not included some of the specific business plan targets for the Annual Bonus Plan, as they are commercially sensitive, but we have laid out clearly the 

performance measures we will use. Details of the targets for 2014/15 will be laid out in next year’s report when we explain the outturn of the Annual Bonus. 

Land Securities Annual Report 2014Governancefinancial statementsGOVERNANCEadditional informationstrateGic rePort 
68

2.4  Performance targets for the coming year

Performance targets for the coming year 

(Unaudited) Table 41

Metric

Link to strategy and value for shareholders

Performance measure

Target

Long-term incentive and share matching plans 

•	 Total	Shareholder	Return	

•	 Rewards	our	outperformance	of	the	returns	generated	by	

(50%	of	award).

our	listed	company	peers	

•	 Encourages	efficient	use	of	capital	through	good	sector	

allocation	and	appropriate	gearing

•	 Based	on	a	market	capitalisation	of	£8.0bn,	our	target	of	
4%	per	annum	outperformance	over	three	years	would	
generate	approximately	£1.0	bn	of	value	for	shareholders	
over	and	above	that	they	would	have	received	had	we	
performed	in	line	with	our	comparator	group	of	property	
companies	within	the	FTSE	350	Real	Estate	Index.

•	 Ungeared	Total	Property	
Return	(50%	of	award).

•	 Rewards	sustained	outperformance	by	our	portfolio	
compared	with	the	industry’s	commercial	property	
benchmark	weighted	towards	the	sector	mix	of	
our	portfolio

•	 Focuses	on	increasing	capital	values	and	rental	income
•	 Capital	value	growth	is	reflected	in	an	increased	net	asset	
value,	which	is	the	measure	with	the	strongest	correlation	
to	share	price

•	 On	the	basis	of	a	portfolio	with	a	value	of	£11.8bn,	our	
target	1%	per	annum	outperformance	over	three	years	
generates	approximately	£360.0m	of	value	beyond	that	
which	would	have	been	received	had	the	portfolio	
performed	in	line	with	the	index	

•	 The	benchmark	sectors	we	have	chosen	are	amongst		

the	toughest	to	compete	in	as	they	are	also	amongst	the	
most	profitable,	attracting	some	of	the	best	investors	in	
the	sector.

Annual bonus 

•	 Ungeared	Total	Property	

•	 Rewards	annual	outperformance	by	our	portfolio	

Return	(26.0%	of	award,	or	
39.0%	of	salary).

compared	with	the	industry’s	commercial	property	
benchmark

•	 Focuses	on	increasing	capital	values	and	rental	income
•	 Capital	value	growth	is	reflected	in	an	increased	net	asset	
value,	which	is	the	measure	with	the	strongest	correlation	
to	share	price

•	 On	the	basis	of	a	portfolio	with	a	value	of	£11.8bn,	the	2%	
outperformance	targeted	for	one	year	would	generate	
approximately	£235.0m	of	return	beyond	the	returns	of	
commercial	property	within	our	sectors

•	 The	benchmark	sectors	we	have	chosen	are	amongst	the	

toughest	to	compete	in	as	they	are	also	amongst	the	most	
competitive	and	profitable.

Outperformance	of	the	
index	by	4%	or	more	
per	annum.

Outperformance	of	the	
index	by	1%	or	more	per	
annum.

Measured	over	a	period	of	three	financial	
years:
•	 The	Group’s	total	shareholder	return	

(TSR)	relative	to	an	index	(weighted	by	
market	capitalisation)	based	on	a	
comparator	group	comprising	all	of	the	
property	companies	within	the	FTSE	350	
Real	Estate	Index	(except	Land	Securities)

•	 15%	of	the	overall	award	vests	for	

matching	the	index,	with	50%	vesting	
where	we	outperform	the	index	by	4%	
or	more	per	annum.	No	awards	vest	for	
below	index	performance

•	 Vesting	is	on	a	straight-line	basis	between	
matching	the	index	and	outperforming	
it	by	4%	per	annum.	

Measured	over	a	period	of	three	financial	
years:
•	 The	Group’s	ungeared	Total	Property	

Return	(TPR)	relative	to	the	IPD	weighted	
indices	that	reflect	the	sector	mix	of	the	
Group’s	investment	portfolio

•	 12.5%	of	the	overall	award	vests	for	

matching	the	index	with	50%	vesting	
where	we	outperform	the	index	+	1%	per	
annum.	No	awards	vest	for	below	index	
performance	

•	 Vesting	is	on	a	straight-line	basis	between	
matching	the	index	and	outperforming	it	
by	1%	per	annum.

Outperformance	of	the	
index	by	2%	for	the	year.

•	 The	Group’s	ungeared	Total	Property	
Return	(TPR)	relative	to	the	sector	
weighted	IPD	Quarterly	Universe	index

•	 No	payment	is	made	for	matching	or	
performing	below	the	index,	and	
payment	is	then	on	a	straight-line	basis	
between	matching	and	outperformance	
of	2%	for	the	year.

•	 Absolute	growth	in	revenue	
profit	(c.26.0%	of	award,	or	
39.0%	of	salary).

•	 Encourages	above	inflation	growth	in	income	profits,	

•	 Once	the	Group	has	met	a	threshold	

year	on	year,	from	a	base	set	in	2010

•	 Targets	set	so	as	not	to	encourage	excessive	risk	taking
•	 Encourages	sustainable	dividend	growth	and	cover	over	

the	medium	term

•	 Funds	additional	investment
•	 Encourages	asset	management	activity	and	the	income	
performance	of	assets,	which	is	a	very	significant	driver	
of	capital	values.

target	on	Revenue	Profit,	a	portion	(5%)	
of	the	over-achievement	is	used	to	
generate	the	bonus	pool	for	the	Group.	
For	the	Executive	Directors,	this	may	
mean	that	the	maximum	shown	is	
exceeded,	as	there	is	no	upper	cap	on	the	
overachievement.	However,	there	is	a	
total	cap	on	the	Group	element	of	
Directors’	bonuses	of	130%	of	base	salary.	

Will	be	confirmed	in	
2015	Report.

Land Securities Annual Report 2014 
Performance targets for the coming year continued

69

Table 41

Metric

Link to strategy and value for shareholders

Performance measure

Target

Annual Bonus – specific business targets 

•	 Development	lettings	(20.8%	
of	award,	or	31.2%	of	salary).

•	 A	key	driver	of	income	and	revenue	profit	in	the	future
•	 Proves	the	value	of	the	development	and	drives	capital	

growth.

•	 Specific	threshold	and	stretch	targets	
have	been	set	for	both	the	London	and	
Retail	Business	Units.

Will	be	confirmed	in	
2015	Report.

•	 Planning	permissions	(6.9%	
of	award,	or	10.4%	of	salary).

•	 Increases	the	value	of	our	investment	property
•	 Provides	the	ability	to	generate	additional	revenue	profit	

and	capital	growth	in	the	longer	term.

•	 Specific	targets	have	been	set	for	

individual	assets	in	both	the	London	and	
Retail	Business	Units.

Will	be	confirmed	in	
2015	Report.

•	 Employment	strategy	(3.5%	
of	award,	or	5.2%	of	salary).

•	 A	key	way	in	which	Land	Securities	can	deliver	on	its	

•	 A	target	has	been	set	around	securing	

commitment	to	the	communities	in	which	it	operates,	
and	create	a	sustainable	future	by	building	a	skilled	
workforce.

permanent	employment	for	an	increased	
number	of	candidates	on	the	London	
training	programme,	and	for	expanding	
this	programme	into	key	developments	in	
the	Retail	Portfolio.	

125	candidates	from	our	
London	Programme	into	
permanent	employment,	
and	expansion	of	the	
programme	to	suitable	
developments	in	retail.

•	 Management	of	the	Group’s	
secured	lending	pool	(3.5%	
of	award,	or	5.2%	of	salary).

•	 Increasing	our	flexibility	within	the	secured	lending	pool.	

•	 A	specific	target	has	been	set	around	the	
balance	of	assets	in	the	pool	across	both	
portfolios.

Will	be	confirmed	in	
2015	Report.

•	 Individual	targets	for	

•	 Ensures	that	each	Director	focuses	on	his	individual	

•	 A	mix	of	short-term	and	long-term	

Executive	Directors	(13.3%	
of	award,	or	20.0%	of	salary).

contribution	in	the	broadest	sense,	aligned	with,	but	not	
limited	to,	specific	business	targets

individual	goals	set	at	the	beginning	of	
the	year.

Will	be	confirmed	in	
2015	Report.

•	 Encourages	a	focus	on	personal	development.

2.5   Savings Related Share Option Scheme
We will again be offering all employees, including Executive Directors, the opportunity to make monthly contributions for a period of between three and seven years, 
at the end of which shares may be purchased at a discount to the market price. In line with government policy, the contribution ceiling has been raised from £250 to 
£500 for any awards made after 6 April 2014. 

2.6  Directors’ shares
The shareholding guidelines in operation are shown in the Remuneration Policy table (section 3.1). As at 31 March 2014, the interests of the Directors in the shares of 
the Company are as follows:

Directors’ shares 

Name

R	Noel

M	Greenslade

A	Carnwath

D	Rough

K	O’Byrne

C	Bartram

S	Palley

S	Rauch

E	Bonham	Carter

C	Hogg

Salary 
(£)

Required 
holding value 
(£)

(Audited) Table 42
Holding 
(actual –  
number of 
shares)

Value of 
holding
(£)1

694,000

1,388,000

163,011

1,664,342

469,000

350,000

703,500

350,000

67,500

95,000

67,500

82,500

67,500

67,500

67,500

67,500

95,000

67,500

82,500

67,500

67,500

67,500

302,151

3,084,962

141,193

1,441,581

16,950

173,060

11,516

11,478

17,061

8,000

–

–

117,578

117,190

174,193

81,680

–

–

1	 Using	the	closing	share	price	of	£10.21	on	31	March	2014.	Holding	excludes	deferred	bonus	shares.	

Both Robert Noel and Martin Greenslade meet the guidelines for Executive Directors. All Non-executive Directors in post on 31 March 2014 complied with the 
requirement with the exception that Edward Bonham Carter and Cressida Hogg held no shares when they formally joined the Board on 1 January 2014. They have 
until 31 December 2016 to comply.

Land Securities Annual Report 2014Governancefinancial statementsGOVERNANCEadditional informationstrateGic rePort 
70

2.7   Outstanding share awards held by Directors
The tables below illustrate those share awards made to Executive Directors that have not yet vested, or, in the case of awards made under historic share option 
schemes, have not yet been exercised. It also shows those awards under both plans that vested or were exercised during the year.

LTIP and matching shares awarded and those that vested this year1 

(Audited) Table 43

Cycle ending

Award date

Market price at 
award date (p) 

Shares awarded

Shares vested

Market price at 
date of vesting (p)

Vesting date

Robert Noel

LTIP	shares

Matching	shares

Martin Greenslade

LTIP	shares

Matching	shares

Richard Akers1

LTIP	shares

Matching	shares

2013

2014

2015

2016

2013

2014

2015

2016

2013

2014

2015

2016

2013

2014

2015

2016

2013

2013

29/06/2010

29/06/2011

27/07/2012

08/07/2013

30/07/2010

29/07/2011

27/07/2012

08/07/2013

29/06/2010

29/06/2011

27/07/2012

08/07/2013

30/07/2010

29/06/2011

27/07/2012

08/07/2013

29/06/2010

30/07/2010

572

827.5

777

921

613

861

781

921

572

827.5

777

921

613

861

781

921

572

613

68,493

49,305

131,274

112,964

65,564

50,218

130,600

112,964

70,890

51,359

88,803

76,416

70,046

51,580

88,348

76,416

63,801

62,620

52,096

892

29/06/2013

29/06/2014

27/07/2015

08/07/2016

49,868

935

30/07/2013

29/07/2014

27/07/2015

08/07/2016

53,919

892

29/06/2013

29/06/2014

27/07/2015

08/07/2016

53,277

935

30/07/2013

29/07/2014

27/07/2015

08/07/2016

29/06/2013

30/07/2013

48,527

47,629

892

935

1.	 See	section	3.4	for	the	treatment	of	Richard	Akers’	unvested	share	awards	from	2011,	2012	and	2013.

Directors’ options over ordinary shares

(Audited) Table 44

Martin	Greenslade

Richard	Akers2

Granted during year

Exercised/(lapsed) during year

Number of 
options at  
31/03/131

1,599

4,033

Number

Grant price
(p)

–

–

–

–

Number

–

3,649

Exercise price
(p)

Market price 
on exercise 
(p)

Number of 
options at 
31/3/2014 

Exercise price
(p)

Exercisable  
dates

–

388

–

1,021

1,599

–

577

08/2015–02/2016

–

–

1	 2003	Savings	Related	Share	Option	Scheme.	Not	subject	to	performance	conditions	as	it	is	available	to	all	staff	and	HM	Revenue	and	Customs’	rules	do	not	permit	performance	conditions	for	this	type	of	scheme.	Not	exercised	

during	the	2013/14	year,	and	therefore	no	gains	shown.	

2	 Richard	Akers	was	allowed	to	exercise	the	accumulated	portion	(i.e.	excluding	the	period	from	31	March	2014	to	1	August	2014)	of	his	SAYE	shares	as	part	of	his	exit	arrangements.

3.  Remuneration outcomes for Directors during the year
In this section,  we explain the pay outcomes for Directors in relation to the financial year ending on 31 March 2014. The table below shows the payments we expect to 
make, and then the following tables give more detail on how we have measured the performance outcomes with respect to the Annual Bonus and long-term incentive 
plans, in the context of value created for shareholders.

3.1    Directors’ emoluments 
The basis of disclosure in the table below is on an ‘accruals’ basis. This means that the annual bonus column includes the amount that will be paid in connection with 
performance achieved in the financial year ending 31 March 2014. The values shown for long-term incentive plan awards in 2013/14 are calculated using the average 
share price for the quarter ending on 31 March 2014. The actual price is not known at the time of writing as the awards do not formally vest until June and July 2014. 
In anticipation of the changing requirements, last year’s table was drawn up on the same basis, so that the numbers can be directly compared.

Single total figure of remuneration for each Director (£000)

(Audited) Table 45

 Basic salary
and fees1

Benefits2

Pension allowance3

Annual bonus  
paid in cash

Annual bonus  
deferred into shares

Total emoluments

Long -term  
incentives vested4

Total

2013/14

2012/13

2013/14

2012/13

2013/14

2012/13

2013/14

2012/13

2013/14

2012/13

2013/14

2012/13

2013/14

2012/13

2013/14

2012/13

Executive Directors

Robert	Noel

Martin	Greenslade

Richard	Akers

694

469

418

680

460

410

 22

 20

 23

22

20

23

173

117

105

170

113

102

347

235

378

340

230

205

389

258

0

535

353

306

1,625

1,099

1,747

1,176

   647

669

924

1,046

1,7205

931

979

878

2,272

2,678

1,768

2,155

2,644

1,924

1.	Basic	salary	is	stated	as	per	annum	figure.	Actual	salaries	in	the	year	were	£691,333	(Robert	Noel),	£467,666	(Martin	Greenslade)	and	£416,833	(Richard	Akers).
2.	Benefits	consist	of	the	provision	of	a	company	car	or	car	allowance,	private	medical	insurance	and	life	assurance	premiums.
3.	The	pension	allowance	shown	is	a	cash	emolument	of	25%	of	base	salary.	Richard	Akers	opted	out	of	the	Defined	Benefit	Pension	Scheme	in	2012.
4.	The	long	-term	incentives	for	2013/14	have	been	calculated	using	a	share	price	of	£10.40.	The	long-term	incentives	vesting	in	2012/13	were	estimated	in	last	year’s	report,	so	have	been	adjusted	to	reflect	actual	values.	
5.	Richard	Akers’	vested	long-term	incentives	include	the	pro-rated	awards	for	the	2012	plan	(see	section	3.4),	but	do	not	include	the	bonus	shares	for	past	performance	periods.	

Land Securities Annual Report 2014 
 
 
71

Single total figure of remuneration for each Director (£000) continued

(Audited) Table 45

 Basic salary
and fees1

Benefits

Pension allowance

Annual bonus  
paid in cash

Annual bonus  
deferred into shares

Total emoluments

Long -term  
incentives vested

Total

2013/14

2012/13

2013/14

2012/13

2013/14

2012/13

2013/14

2012/13

2013/14

2012/13

2013/14

2012/13

2013/14

2012/13

2013/14

2012/13

Non-executives
Dame	Alison	Carnwath
David	Rough
Kevin	O’Byrne
Sir	Stuart	Rose2
Chris	Bartram
Simon	Palley
Stacey	Rauch
Edward	Bonham	Carter
Cressida	Hogg

325
64
91
47
64
76
64
17
17

300
66
88
60
60
66
60
0
0

–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–

–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–

–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–

–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–

–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–

–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–

–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–

–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–

325
64
91
47
64
76
64
17
17

300
66
88
60
60
66
60
0
0

–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–

–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–

325
64
91
47
64
76
64
17
17

300
66
88
60
60
66
60
0
0

1.	 The	basic	fees	for	Non-executive	Directors	were	increased	on	1	October	2013.	The	amounts	shown	are	the	actual	fees	earned	in	the	year.					
2.	 Sir	Stuart	Rose	stepped	down	on	31	December	2013.

3.2  Annual bonus outturns
In the year under review, each Executive Director has had the potential to receive an annual bonus of up to 150% of his base salary. Of this, 130% was dependent on 
meeting Group targets and 20% dependent on meeting personal targets. All targets were set at the beginning of the year. The following table illustrates the Group 
targets and the respective outcomes. For more detail on the significance of the key targets, please see section 2.4 – performance targets for the year ahead. 

The Group Annual Bonus outturns, together with the long-term incentive plan outturns, as they were applied to Richard Akers, are shown in a separate table. This is because 

Mr Akers stepped down from the Board on 31 March 2014, and was awarded his bonus and shares at the point of departure, before all the outturns had been confirmed.

Annual bonus  outturn  

Target
Ungeared	Total	Property	Return.

Percentage of 
base salary 
(maximum)
					39.0

Assessment 
•	 The	adjusted	Land	Securities	Total	Property	Return	for	the	year	

(12.95%)	did	not	meet	that	of	its	benchmark	(15%).

(Unaudited) Table 46

Percentage of 
base salary 
awarded
0

Outturn

Percentage 
of maximum
0

Share	in	long-term	real	growth	in	Group	revenue	profit1

c.	39.0

•	 Revenue	profit	for	the	year	(£319.6m)	significantly	exceeded	the	

49.7

38.2

Key business targets
Development	lettings	and	conditional	lettings.

target,	which	was	£251.3m	(last	year’s	threshold	of	£244m	
increased	by	3%	inflation).	After	certain	adjustments,	5%	of	the	
resulting	profit	pool	base	of	£63.4m	(£3.17m)	has	been	contributed	
to	the	Bonus	pool.	As	there		is	no	upper	cap	on	the	outperformance,	
the	outturn	exceeds	the	maximum	shown.	There	is,	however,	an	
overall	cap	on	the	Group	element	of	bonus	of	130%	of	base.	

20.8

•	 The	outturn	is	calculated	on	the	basis	that	nothing	is	paid	out	until	
a	threshold	target	of	£27m	is	achieved.	Achievement	is	calculated	
on	a	straight-line	basis	from	threshold	to	the	maximum	target	
(£35.2m	of	development	lettings)	

•	 The	Group	secured	development	lettings	and	conditional	lettings	

for	the	year	of	£33.4m

•	 The	London	Business	Unit	put	in	a	particularly	strong	performance,	

with	Retail	lettings	continuing		to	be	challenging.

Revenue	profit	against	budget.	

10.4

•	 Revenue	profit	achieved	in	the	year	exceeds	the	upper	threshold	of	

Planning	permission	secured	on	four	specific	London	and	
Retail	assets.
Achieve	the	disposal	of	three	specific	London	and	Retail	assets.

Executive Director individual targets
Each	Director	received	a	number	of	personal	targets,	which	
included:
•	 Defining	and	implementing	a	new	Executive	Committee,	
including	the	appointment	of	the	new	Managing	Directors

•	 Continuing	to	broaden	and	deepen	relationships		with		

domestic	and	international	investors

•	 Maximising	the	flexibility	of	the	Group’s	funding	structure
•	 Implementing	improvements	to	the	Group’s	reporting.
Total

the	target	.

10.4

•	 This	was	achieved	for	all	four	of	the	assets	specified.

10.4

•	 Two	of	the	three	specified	assets	were	sold	over	the	year.	However,	
as	all	three	were	listed	for	sale,	no	bonus	award	has	been	given.

TOTAL GROUP ELEMENTS
Underpayment from 2012/13	–	Last	year,	there	was	a	miscalculation	
of	the	IPD	Quarterly	Index	by	IPD	which	resulted	in	an	underpayment	
into	the	Group	Bonus	pool	of	£160,000.	The	Committee	agreed	that	
this	should	be	deferred	into	the	Group	pool	for	2013/14.
TOTAL GROUP ELEMENTS INCLUDING UNDERPAYMENT

20.0

Individual	Executive	Directors	were	scored	by	the	Remuneration	
Committee	on	the	basis	of	objectively	measurable	targets	set	at	the	
beginning	of	the	year.	The	outturn	was	as	follows:

•	 Robert	Noel	

•	 Martin	Greenslade

150.0

Robert	Noel	
Martin	Greenslade

16.1

12.4

10.4

10.4

0

86.6
2.5

8.0

8.0

0

66.6
1.9

89.1

68.5

17.0

16.0

106.1
105.1

71.0
70.0

Land Securities Annual Report 2014Governancefinancial statementsGOVERNANCEadditional informationstrateGic rePort 
	
	
	
	
72

3.3  Long-term incentive plan outturns
The table below summarises how we have assessed our performance over the period 1 April 2011 to 31 March 2014. 

Awards under the Group’s long-term incentive plans are subject to performance conditions measured over three financial years. The performance conditions 

compare the Group’s relative performance against its peers in terms of Total Property Return (TPR) and Total Shareholder Return (TSR), with each measure 
contributing 50% to the total.  Please see table 41 for more detail on how vesting levels are determined.

The performance calculation for awards vesting in 2014 are illustrated below:

Long-term incentive plan outturns  

(Unaudited) Table 47

Target

Percentage of base salary (maximum)

Ungeared	Total	Property	Return.

75	+	75	if	maximum	shares	pledged.

Total	Shareholder	Return.

75	+	75	if	maximum	shares	pledged.

Assessment 
•	 The	Land	Securities	Total	Property	Return	equalled	that	of	the	sector	

weighted	IPD	Quarterly	Universe		at	9.6%	per	annum	over	the	three	year	
period.	Therefore,	12.5%	(maximum	50%)	of	the	total	award	vests.

•	 The	Land	Securities	Total	Shareholder	Return	over	the	three	year	period	
was	57.9%,	outperforming	that	of	the		comparator	group	(see	below)	
which	was	45%.	On	a	per	annum	basis,	this	equates	to	4.1%	and	therefore	
this	part	of	the	award	vests	in	full.	

Outturn

Percentage of 
maximum

12.5

50.0

In total, therefore, awards made in 2011, and measured over the three year period to 31 March 2014, vested at  62.5% of the maximum. 

For awards granted in 2012, the Group’s performance over the two years to 31 March 2014 would, if sustained over the three year period, result in 58% of the share 
awards vesting. For awards granted in 2013, performance over the one year period to 31 March 2014 would, if sustained over the second and third years of the period, 
result in 50% of the awards vesting.

Total Shareholder Return – comparator groups 

(Unaudited) Table 48

Name

The	British	Land	Company	PLC

Big	Yellow	Group	PLC

Capital	&	Counties	Properties	PLC

Daejan	Holdings	PLC

Derwent	London	PLC

F&C	Commercial	Property	Trust	Limited

Grainger	PLC

Great	Portland	Estates	PLC

Hammerson	PLC

Hansteen	Holdings	PLC

Helical	Bar	PLC

Intu	Properties	plc	(formerly	Capital	Shopping	Centres	Group	plc)

Londonmetric	Property	Plc	(which	includes	London	and	Stamford	Group	PLC	before	its	merger)

Segro	PLC

Shaftesbury	PLC

St	Modwen	Properties	PLC

UK	Commercial	Property	Trust	Limited

UNITE	Group	PLC

Workspace	Group	PLC

1 April 2011

1 April 2012

1 April 2013

1 April 2014

✓

✓

✓

✓

✓

✓

✓

✓

✓

✓

✓

✓

✓

✓

✓

✓

✓

✓

✓

✓

✓

✓

✓

✓

✓

✓

✓

✓

✓

✓

✓

✓

✓

✓

✓

✓

✓

✓

✓

✓

✓

✓

✓

✓

✓

✓

✓

✓

✓

✓

✓

✓

✓

✓

✓

✓

✓

✓

✓

✓

✓

✓

✓

✓

✓

✓

✓

✓

✓

✓

Land Securities Annual Report 2014 
73

3.  Remuneration outcomes for Directors during the year continued
3.4  Summary of the exit arrangements for Richard Akers
Richard Akers stepped down from the Board on 31 March 2014. In consideration of Mr Akers’ performance, and his contribution to the Board since 2005, the Committee 
determined that some ‘good leaver’ provisions should apply, but that Mr Akers should only be rewarded for the period of time in which he served as a Director.  
As Mr Akers received his payments on 31 March 2014, when the outturns of the plans were not yet finalised, estimates were made against each element of the annual 
bonus based on the best information available to the Committee. For the LTIP shares and matching shares the TSR was measured under the rules of the scheme using 
the average share price over the 30 days to 24 March 2014. Performance against IPD was measured to 30 September 2013, the latest valuation date available.

For ease, we have summarised in the table below how each element of Mr Akers’ reward package has been treated:

Summary of the exit arrangements for Richard Akers 

Element

Base	salary

Notice	pay

Severance	payment	

Annual	bonus

Deferred	bonus	shares1

Treatment

Ended	on	31	March	2014.

None	given.

None	given.

•	 Awarded	for	the	full	year	to	31	March	2014.	
•	 Outturns	against	each	element	estimated	as	follows:

	– TPR	vs	IPD	–	assumed	0%	of	base	
	– Revenue	Profit	–	assumed	49.5%	of	base		
	– Key	Business	Plan	targets	–	assumed	31%	of	base
	– Individual	bonus	–	awarded	10%	of	base

•	 Total Bonus – 90.5% of base, all awarded in cash.	

•	 Awarded	in	full	as	they	had	been	deferred	from	bonuses	
paid	for	past	performance	periods,	under	the	rules	of	the	
bonus	scheme.

Cash 
(£)

n/a

n/a

n/a

378,345

Shares 

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

(Unaudited) Table 49

Value 
(£)

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

Received

Final	payment		
31	March	2014

31	March	2014

91,950

944,326

31	March	2014

Long-term	incentives	and	
matching	shares:1

•	 2013	award	lapsed
•	 2011	and	2012	awards	were	pro-rated	for	the	portion	of	

31	March	2014

the	performance	period	worked.

•	 100%	award	given	at	77.4%	of	max	vesting.

•	 100%	award	given	at	77.4%	of	max	vesting.

•	 66.67%	award	given	at	90.6%	of	max	vesting.

•	 66.67%	award	given	at	90.6%	of	max	vesting.

2011	LTIP

2011	SMP

2012	LTIP

2012	SMP

Total (£)

1	 Value	of	shares	calculated	using	a	price	of	£10.27	–	the	actual	price	at	the	time	of	vesting.

3.5   Individual outcomes by Director

Chart 50

£2,966,000

£2,272,000

£2,032,000

Robert Noel
Chief Executive

£3,000,000

£2,500,000

£2,000,000

£1,500,000

£1,000,000

£889,000

£500,000

£0

Element of pay

Base	salary

Pension

Benefits

Annual	bonus1
–	Group	element
–	Individual	element

Fixed pay

On target 

Maximum

Actual1

Long-term	incentive	plan

Basic salary (30.5%)
Pension (7.6%)
Benefits (1.0%)

1.  Percentages are of the actual.

Annual bonus (32.4%)
Long-term incentives (28.5%)

Total

35,543

36,575

47,798

47,554

365,027

375,625

490,885

488,379

Total

167,470

1,719,916

378, 345

259,420

	 2,664,242

3,042,587

(Unaudited) Table 51

Maximum 
potential 
(£000)

Percentage 
of maximum 
achieved  
%

694

173

22

902
139

1,036

2,966

n/a

n/a

n/a

68.5
85.0

62.5

Outturn

(£000)

694

173

22

618
118

647

2,272

1.		£347,000	of	Robert	Noel’s	annual	bonus	will	be	deferred	into	shares	for	one	year,	and	£42,000	for	two	years.

Land Securities Annual Report 2014Governancefinancial statementsGOVERNANCEadditional informationstrateGic rePort	
	 	
	
	 	
	
	 	
	
	 	
 
 
	
 
74

Martin Greenslade
Chief Financial Officer

Chart 52

£2,380,000

£1,563,000

£1,768,000

Element of pay

Base	salary

Pension

Benefits

£3,000,000

£2,500,000

£2,000,000

£1,500,000

£1,000,000

£500,000

£606,000

£0

Annual	bonus1
–	Group	element
–	Individual	element

Long-term	incentive	plan

Total

Fixed pay

On target 

Maximum

Actual1

Basic salary (26.5%)
Pension (6.6%)
Benefits (1.1%)

1.  Percentages are of the actual.

Annual bonus (27.9%)
Long-term incentives (37.8%)

Chart 54

£2,644,000

£2,142,000

£1,407,000

Richard Akers
Executive Director

£3,000,000

£2,500,000

£2,000,000

£1,500,000

£1,000,000

£500,000

£546,000

£0

Element of pay

Base	salary

Pension

Benefits

Annual	bonus1
–	Group	element
–	Individual	element

1.	£235,000	of	Martin	Greenslade’s	annual	bonus	will	be	deferred	into	shares	for	one	year,	and		£23,000	for	two	years.

(Unaudited) Table 53

Maximum 
potential 
(£000)

Percentage 
of maximum 
achieved

469

117

20

610
94

1,070

2,380

n/a

n/a

n/a

68.5
80.0

62.5

Outturn

(£000)

469

117

20

418
75

669

1,768

(Unaudited) Table 55

Outturn2

Maximum 
potential 
(£000)

Percentage 
of maximum 
achieved
%

n/a

n/a

n/a

62.1
48.8

418

105

23

543
84

969

2,142

(£000)

418

105

23

337
41

1,720

2,644

Fixed pay

On target 

Maximum

Actual1

Long-term	incentive	plan2

Annual bonus (14.3%)
Long-term incentives (65.1%)

Total

Basic salary (15.8%)
Pension (4.0%)
Benefits (0.9%)

1.  Percentages are of the actual.

1.	Richard	Akers’	annual	bonus	was	paid	in	cash.
2.	Richard	Akers’	actual	outturn	exceeds	the	maximum	as	his	2012	LTIP	award	vested	early	on	a	pro	rata	basis	(see	section	3.4).

Richard Akers became a non-executive director of Barratt Developments PLC in April 2012. In keeping with the Company’s policy, the Nominations Committee 
permitted him to retain his Director’s fees of £58,000 per annum.

3.6   Richard Akers’ defined benefit pension arrangement

Defined benefit pension scheme

(Audited) Table 56

Richard	Akers

Accrued  
benefit at 
31 March 2014
(£)

38,458

Accrued  
benefit at 
31 March 2013
(£)

37,752

Increase in 
accrued benefits 
excluding inflation
(£) 

Increase in 
accrued benefits 
including inflation
(£)

Contributions payable 
by the Company
(£)

Capital value relating 
to increase in accrued 
pension, less 
Director’s own 
contributions 
(£)

–

706

–

–

Richard	Akers	opted	out	of	the	Scheme	on	31	March	2012	and	has	a	deferred	benefit	which	is	linked	to	inflation.	He	does	not	earn	future	pension	accrual.
There	were	no	contributions	from	the	Director.
Information	reported	in	line	with	schedule	8	of	the	Large	and	Medium-sized	Companies	and	Groups	(Accounts	and	Reports)	Regulations	2013.

Land Securities Annual Report 2014 
 
4.  Comparison of CEO pay to Total Shareholder Return
As required by legislation covering the Directors’ Remuneration Report, the following illustrates the performance of the Company measured by Total Shareholder 
Return (share price growth plus dividends paid) against a ‘broad equity market index’ over a period of five years. As the Company is a constituent of the FTSE 350 
Real Estate Index, this is considered to be the most appropriate benchmark for the purposes of the graph. An additional line to illustrate the Company’s performance 
compared with the FTSE 100 index over the previous five years is also included.

Adjacent to this chart is a table showing how the ‘single number’ of remumeration for the Chief Executive has moved over the same period. It should be noted that 

Robert Noel became Chief Executive in March 2012, succeeding Francis Salway.

75

Total Shareholder Return
(£)

300

250

200

150

100

50

0

162.51

156.65
150.42

183.61

176.37

161.61

188.15

170.29
163.61

(Unaudited) Chart 57

285.04

264.36

201.46

224.10

207.48
188.88

31 Mar 09

31 Mar 10

31 Mar 11

31 Mar 12

31 Mar 13

31 Mar 14

Land Securities Group PLC

FTSE 350 Real Estate Index

FTSE 100 Index

This graph shows the value, by 31 March 2014, of £100 invested in Land Securities Group PLC on 31 March 2009 compared with the value of £100 invested in the FTSE 350 Real Estate Index or the FTSE 100 Index over the same period. 
The other points plotted are the values at intervening financial year ends.
Source: Thomson Reuters

CEO remuneration over five years

Year

2014

2013

2012

2011

2010

Chief Executive Officer

Robert	Noel

Robert	Noel

Francis	Salway

Francis	Salway

Francis	Salway

Single figure  
of total  
remuneration  
(£000)

2,272

2,678

2,769

1,798

1,694

(Unaudited) Table 58

Annual bonus  
award against 
maximum
opportunity1
(%)

Long-term  
incentive vesting 
against amount 
awarded
(%)

71.0

86.0

24.0

39.0

34.0

62.5

	76.1

85.9

27.5

50.0

1.	Under	the	policy	covering	the	years	2010–2012	shown	in	the	table,	bonus	arrangements	for	Executive	Directors	comprised	three	elements:	an	Annual	Bonus	with	a	maximum	potential	of	100%	of	basic	salary,	a	Discretionary	
Bonus	with	a	maximum	potential	of	50%	of	basic	salary	and	an	Additional	Bonus	with	a	maximum	potential	of	200%	of	salary.	The	first	two	elements	are	subject	to	an	overall	aggregate	cap	of	130%	of	basic	salary,	with	the	
overall	amount	of	the	three	elements	capped	at	300%	of	basic	salary.	

2012:	73.4%	of	the	maximum	opportunity	was	awarded	under	the	Annual	Bonus	with	no	awards	made	under	the	Discretionary	Bonus	or	Additional	Bonus.	
2011:	94.5%	of	the	maximum	opportunity	was	awarded	under	the	Annual	Bonus,	Discretionary	Bonus	of	60%	of	the	maximum	opportunity	with	no	awards	made	under	the	Additional	Bonus.	
2010:	77%	of	the	maximum	opportunity	was	awarded	under	the	Annual	Bonus,	Discretionary	Bonus	of	50%	of	the	maximum	opportunity	with	no	awards	made	under	the	Additional	Bonus.	

Land Securities Annual Report 2014Governancefinancial statementsGOVERNANCEadditional informationstrateGic rePort 
	
76

5.  The context of pay in Land Securities
5.1   Pay across the Group
a. Senior Managers
During the year under review, bonuses (including discretionary bonuses) for our 15 most senior employees ranged from 43% to 102% of salary (2013: 60% to 103%). 
The average bonus is 71% of salary (2013: 86%). The long-term incentive plan awards made to Senior Managers vested on the same basis as the awards made to 
Executive Directors.

b.  All other employees
The average pay increase for all employees, including the Executive Directors, was 2.5%. Including salary adjustments and promotions for employees below the Board, 
this rose to 3.0%. The ratio of the salary of the Chief Executive to the average salary across the Group (excluding Directors) was 14:1 (£694,000:£50,000).

% Change

CEO	

‘Average’	employee

Salary
%

+2.5

+2.5

(Unaudited) Table 59

Bonus
%

(17)

	 (8)

Benefits 

No	change

No	change

5.2   The relative importance of spend on pay
The chart below shows the total spend on pay for all Land Securities employees, when compared with our returns to shareholders in the form of dividends:

Metric

Spend	on	pay1

Dividend2

1.	Including	base	salaries	for	all	employees,	bonus	and	share	awards	at	face	value.
2.	See	Notes	to	the	Financial	Statements.

March 2013 
(£m)

50.7

228.8

March 2014  
(£m)

50.5*

236.5

(Unaudited) Table 60

% Change

(0.4)

3.4

6.  Dilution
Awards granted under the 2005 and 2012 long-term incentive plans, which cover LTIP and Matching Performance Share Awards, Deferred Bonus Share Awards and 
the 2005 Executive Share Option Plan are satisfied through the funding of an Employee Benefit Trust administered by an external trustee which acquires shares in the 
market. The Employee Benefit Trust held 1,031,952 shares at 31 March 2014.

The exercise of share options under the Group’s Sharesave Scheme, which is open to all employees who have completed one month’s service with the Group, 
is satisfied by the allotment of newly issued shares. At 31 March 2014, the total number of shares which could be allotted under this scheme was 430,883 shares, 
which represent significantly less than 1% of the issued share capital of the Company.

7.  Remuneration Committee meetings
The Committee met four times over the course of the year, and all of the members attended all meetings. Simon Palley chaired the Committee, and the other 
members are Dame Alison Carnwath, Chris Bartram and Edward Bonham Carter who joined the Committee in March 2014. David Rough stood down from the 
Committee in May 2013. The Committee meetings were also attended by the Group Chief Executive, the Group Human Resources Director, and the Group General 
Counsel and Company Secretary who acted as the Committee’s Secretary.

Over the course of the year, the Committee received advice on remuneration and ancillary legal matters from New Bridge Street, a trading name of AON plc. It has 

also made use of various published surveys to help determine appropriate remuneration levels and relied on information and advice provided by the Group General 
Counsel and Group HR Director. New Bridge Street has voluntarily signed up to the Remuneration Consultants Group Code of Conduct. The Committee is satisfied 
that the advice it receives is independent and objective. Aside from some support in benchmarking roles below the Board for pay review purposes, New Bridge Street 
has no other connection with the Group. For the financial year under review, New Bridge Street received fees of £43,000 in connection with its work for the Committee.

8.  Results of the vote on the Remuneration Report at the Land Securities AGM for 2013 
The votes cast on the resolution seeking approval for the Directors’ Remuneration Report at our 2013 AGM were as follows:

Resolution

% of votes For

% of votes Against

Number of votes withheld

To	approve	the	Policy	Report	forming	the	first	part	of	the	Directors’	
Remuneration	Report	for	the	year	ended	31	March	2013

To	approve	the	Implementation	Report	forming	the	second	and	final	part	of	
the	Directors’	Remuneration	Report	for	the	year	ended	31	March	2013

98.03

98.02

1.97

1.98

1,229,688

1,247,473

The	Remuneration	Report	was	approved	by	the	Board	of	Directors	on	14	May	2014	and	signed	on	its	behalf	by:	

Simon Palley
Chairman of Remuneration Committee

Land Securities Annual Report 2014 
 
REpORT OF THE 
DIRECTORS –  
ADDITIONAL 
DISCLOSURES

In accordance with the UK Companies Act 2006 the 
following items have been included in other sections 
of the Annual Report:
•	The Directors of the Company during the financial 
year can be found in the the Governance report 
table on page 46

•	The amount of final dividend that the Directors 
recommend should be paid to shareholders on 
22 July 2014 can be found in the ‘Financial review’ 
on page 26

•	Details of financial instruments including the 

financial risk management objectives and policies 
of the Group can be found in the ‘Financial Review’ 
on pages 24 to 27 and ‘Our principal risks and how 
we manage them’ on pages 32 to 35. Details of the 
Group’s exposure to credit risk, market risk and 
liquidity risk can be found in note 27 

•	Future developments in the business, specifically 
the outlook for the Company, can be found in the 
‘Chief Executive’s statement’ on page 8

•	Information on our people and culture including 

employee involvement can be found on pages 36–37

•	Directors’ interests in shares at 31 March 2014  
and any changes thereafter can be found in  
table 42 of the ‘Directors’ Remuneration report’  
on page 69

•	Information in the Strategic Report on pages 8 to 
38 constitute a fair review of the business required 
under the Companies Act 2006. The ‘Governance’ 
section on pages 39 to 76 is included in this 
Directors’ Report by reference.

Mandatory carbon reporting framework
Disclosures concerning greenhouse gas emissions 
became mandatory under the Companies Act 2006 
in the current financial year. As well as fulfilling  
these mandatory carbon reporting requirements,  
we are committed to European Public Real Estate 
Association (EPRA) Best Practice Recommendations 
for Sustainability reporting, and we also make 
further disclosures recommended by DEFRA 
Environmental Reporting Guidance 2013 and the 
Greenhouse Gas Protocol. 

We report our data using an operational control 

approach to define our organisational boundary.  
A detailed description of our methodology can be 
found in our Corporate Responsibility report on our 
website www.landsecurities.com/responsibility.

Absolute performance
In order to fulfil Companies Act mandatory carbon 
reporting requirements we report our absolute 
emissions and their intensity based on floor area for 
scope 1 and 2 emissions. We also voluntarily report 
those scope 3 emissions which are material to our 
business and can be reliably measured.   

Scope 1 and 2 mandatory reporting

Table 61

Emissions

Scope	1	tCO2e
Scope	2	tCO2e

Intensity

2014

2013

12,524

52,985

65,509

11,380

56,816

68,196

Scope	1	and	2	tCO2e/m2

0.026

0.027

Scope 3 voluntary reporting

Emissions

Scope	3	tCO2e
Intensity

65,016

67,293

Scope	3	tCO2e/m2

0.026

0.027

As illustrated above, total scope 1 and 2 tCO2e 
emissions have fallen by 4% since the prior year due 
to changes in the size and composition of our total 
property portfolio. Similarly, the intensity of scope 1 
and 2 emissions has fallen marginally.

Scope 3 emissions have reduced by 3%. Most of 
this reduction is within our leased assets and is due to 
changes in the portfolio mix. 

For a detailed breakdown of absolute emissions 
across the portfolio and conversion factors used see 
www.landsecurities.com/annualreport2014.
  Whilst we are obliged to report on absolute 
emissions by scope, as above, we believe our 
performance is best understood by monitoring the 
performance of our like-for-like portfolio against 
EPRA performance indicators, which are tailored for 
relevance to our industry (refer to pages 142–143). 
We have restated both our 2011 baseline and 
2013 year figures in response to recommendations 
from our external assurance assessors and from an 
improved measurement methodology we have put 
in place over the last 12 months. There has been 
further segregation of the portfolio to align with 
our financial reporting that was not previously 
employed. Gross internal areas have been used for 
measuring purposes, as opposed to the net lettable 
area measurements used in prior years, to bring our 
reporting in line with EPRA best practice guidelines. 
There were also material changes to the conversion 
factors provided by DEFRA which have been applied 
for both reporting years.

Equal opportunities
Land Securities is an equal opportunities employer. 
It complies with equal opportunities legislation in the 
UK. The Company’s objective is to ensure that no 
employee or other worker or job applicant receives 
less favourable treatment, directly or indirectly, on 
the grounds of age, gender reassignment, marriage 
and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race 
(including colour, nationality and ethnic or national 
origins), religion or belief, sex or sexual orientation, 
or disability.

77

Scope 1, 2 and 3 emissions and 
intensity across the absolute
portfolio in 2013 and 2014

Chart 62

e
2
O
C
t
d
n
a
s
u
o
h
T

80

70

60

50

40

30

20

10

0

0.028

0.027

0.026

0.025

0.024

0.023

0.022

0.021

0.020

2

m
/
e
2
O
C
t

2013

2014

Scope 1 emissions
Scope 2 emissions
Scope 3 emissions

Scope 1 and 2 intensity
Scope 3 intensity

Land Securities recognises that it has clear 
obligations towards all its employees and the 
community at large to ensure that people with 
disabilities are afforded equal opportunities to enter 
employment and progress within the Company. 
Therefore, the Company has established procedures 
designed to provide fair consideration and selection 
of disabled applicants and to satisfy their training 
and career development needs. If an employee 
becomes disabled, wherever possible, Land Securities 
takes steps to accommodate the employee’s 
disability by making adjustments to their existing 
employment, or by redeployment and providing 
appropriate re-training to enable continued 
employment with the Company.

Share capital
At the Company’s last Annual General Meeting 
(AGM), held on 18 July 2013, shareholders authorised 
the Company to make market purchases of ordinary 
shares representing up to 10% of its issued share 
capital at that time and to allot shares within certain 
limits approved by shareholders. These authorities 
expire at the 2014 AGM and a renewal will be sought.
 During the year the Company did not purchase 
any of its ordinary shares, therefore the number of 
ordinary shares in treasury it holds remains as 
10,495,131.

As at 31 March 2014 there were 1,031,952 
shares held in the Employee Benefit Trust (EBT) for 
the purposes of satisfying awards made under the 
Company’s employee share plans. The EBT has 
waived its entitlement to a dividend.

 New shares were allotted during the year in 
relation to certain employee share awards and the 
Company’s scrip dividend facility and for no other 
purpose. Resolutions to renew these authorities will 
be proposed at the 2014 AGM. The Company has no 
restrictions on the transfer of its shares.

Land Securities Annual Report 2014Governancefinancial statementsGOVERNANCEadditional informationstrateGic rePort 
 
 
 
 
preparing the accounts. 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 accounts.

Voting rights
Each ordinary share of the Company carries one 
vote. Further information on the voting and other 
rights of shareholders are set out in the Company’s 
Articles of Association and in the explanatory notes 
that accompany the Notice of the AGM which  
are available on the Company’s website at  
www.landsecurities.com.

Directors’ powers
As set out in the Company’s Articles of Association, 
the business of the Company is managed by the 
Board who may exercise all the powers of the 
Company.

Appointment and removal of Directors
The Board may appoint a Director, either to fill a 
vacancy or as an addition to the existing Board. 
This Director must retire at the next AGM of the 
Company and put themselves forward for  
re-appointment by the shareholders. In addition to 
any power of removal conferred by the Companies 
Act, the Company may by special resolution remove 
any Director before the expiration of his period of 
office and may, subject to the Articles, by ordinary 
resolution appoint another person who is willing to 
act as a Director in his place.

Annual General Meeting
Accompanying this report is the Notice of the AGM 
which sets out the resolutions for the meeting, 
together with an explanation of them.

The Report of the Directors was approved by the 
Board of Directors on 14 May 2014 and signed on its 
behalf by:

Adrian de Souza 
Group General Counsel and Company Secretary
Land Securities Group PLC 
Company No. 4369054

78

Substantial shareholders
At 7 May 2014 the interests in issued share capital 
which had been notified to the Company under the 
Disclosure and Transparency Rules (DTR 5) of the UK 
Listing Authority are shown below.

Shareholders owning over 3%  
of the Company’s shares

Table 63

Shareholder name

Number of shares 

% holding

BlackRock,	Inc.

Norges	Bank

APG	Asset	
Management	N.V.

61,644,672

43,520,668

30,141,542

7.80

5.51

3.81

Directors’ indemnities and insurance
On 5 May 2006, the Company agreed to indemnify 
each Director against any liability incurred in relation 
to acts or omissions arising in the course of their 
office. The indemnity applies only to the extent 
permitted by law. A copy of the deed of indemnity is 
available for inspection at the Company’s registered 
office and at the AGM. The Company has ensured 
that appropriate insurance cover is available in 
respect of potential legal action against its Directors.

Auditors and disclosure of information  
to the auditor
So far as the Directors are aware, there is no relevant 
audit information that has not been brought to the 
attention of the Company’s auditor. Each Director 
has taken all reasonable steps to make himself or 
herself aware of any relevant audit information and 
to establish that such information was provided to 
the auditor. Ernst & Young LLP have confirmed that 
they are willing to be re-appointed as auditor and a 
resolution to re-appoint them will be proposed at 
the 2014 AGM.

Provisions on change of control
There are a number of agreements which take effect, 
alter or terminate upon a change of control of the 
Company. None of these are considered significant. 
The Company’s share schemes contain provisions 
which take effect in the event of a change of control, 
but do not entitle participants to a greater interest in 
the shares of the Company than created by the initial 
grant or award under the relevant scheme.

Financial reporting and the ‘going concern’ 
basis for accounting
The Board seeks to present a balanced and 
understandable assessment of the Group’s position 
and prospects. In order to satisfy themselves that the 
Company has adequate resources to continue in 
operational existence for the foreseeable future, the 
Directors have reviewed assumptions about future 
trading performance, valuation projections and debt 
requirements contained within the Group’s current 
five year plan and reported against them, internally, 
on a monthly basis. This, together with available 
market information and the Directors’ knowledge 
and experience of the Group’s property portfolio and 
markets, has given them sufficient confidence to 
continue to adopt the going concern basis in 

Land Securities Annual Report 2014financial 
statements

income statement
Earnings per share, Group revenue, costs 
and other important financial information.

For more information go to: 
page 83

Balance sheets
the Group’s balance sheets at  
31 march 2014.

For more information go to: 
page 85

notes
Accounting policies, segmental information 
and other helpful guidance.
For more information go to: 
pages 89–132

Land Securities Annual Report 2014

79

Financial statements
Our primary financial statements 
and supporting notes.

80 

81 
83 
84 

 Statement of Directors’ 
Responsibilities
Independent Auditor’s Report
Income statement 
 Statement of comprehensive 
income 
85  Balance sheets
86  Statement of changes in equity
88  Statement of cash flows
89  Notes to the financial statements

I

S
t
R
A
t
E
G
C
R
E
P
O
R
t

G
O
V
E
R
N
A
N
C
E

i

f
i
n
a
n
c
a
l
s
t
a
t
e
m
e
n
t
s

I

I

A
D
D
t
O
N
A
l
I

N
F
O
R
m
A
t
O
N

I

 
 
 
80

Land Securities Annual Report 2014

statement of Directors’ responsiBilities in respect of the 
annual report anD the financial statements

the Statement of Directors’ Responsibilities was 
approved by the Board of Directors on 14 may 2014 
and signed on its behalf by:

Adrian de Souza
Group General Counsel and Company Secretary 

the Directors are responsible for preparing the 
Annual Report and the financial statements in 
accordance with applicable law and regulations.

 Company law requires the Directors to prepare 
financial statements for each financial year. Under 
that law the Directors have prepared the Group and 
Parent Company financial statements in accordance 
with International Financial Reporting Standards as 
adopted by the European Union (IFRSs). Directors 
must not approve the financial statements unless 
they are satisfied that they give a true and fair view  
of the state of affairs of the Group and the Company 
and of the profit and loss of the Group and the 
Company for that period.

In preparing these financial statements the 

Directors are required to:
•	select suitable accounting policies in accordance 

with IAS 8 ‘Accounting Policies, Changes in 
Accounting Estimates and Errors’ and then apply 
them consistently;

•	make judgements and accounting estimates that 

are reasonable and prudent;

•	present information, including accounting policies, 

in a manner that provides relevant, reliable, 
comparable and understandable information;

•	state that the Group and Company have complied 

with IFRSs, subject to any material departures 
disclosed and explained in the financial statements;

•	provide additional disclosures when compliance 

with the specific requirements of IFRSs is 
insufficient to enable users to understand the 
impact of particular transactions, other events  
and conditions on the Group’s and Company’s 
financial position and performance; and

•	prepare the Group’s and Company’s financial 

statements on a going concern basis, unless it is 
inappropriate to do so.

the Directors are responsible for keeping adequate 
accounting records that are sufficient to show and 
explain the Group’s and Company’s transactions and 
disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the 
financial position of the Group and the Company 
and to enable them to ensure that the Annual Report 
and the financial statements comply with the 
Companies Act 2006 and, as regards the Group 
financial statements, Article 4 of the IAS regulation. 
they are also responsible for safeguarding the assets 
of the Group and the Company and hence for taking 
reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of 
fraud and other irregularities.

Directors’ responsibility statement under the 
Disclosure and Transparency Rules
Each of the Directors, whose names and functions 
are listed below, confirm that:
•	to the best of their knowledge, the Group financial 

statements, which have been prepared in 
accordance with IFRSs, give a true and fair view of 
the assets, liabilities, financial position and profit  
of the Group; and

•	to the best of their knowledge, the Company 

financial statements prepared in accordance with 
IFRSs give a true and fair view of the assets, 
liabilities, financial position, performance and cash 
flows of the Company; and

•	to the best of their knowledge, the Strategic Report 

contained in the Annual Report includes a fair 
review of the development and performance of  
the business and the position of the Group and  
the Company, together with a description of the 
principal risks and uncertainties faced by the  
Group and the Company.

Directors’ statement under the UK Corporate 
Governance Code
Each of the Directors confirm that:
•	to the best of their knowledge, the Annual Report 

taken as a whole, is fair, balanced and 
understandable and provides the information 
necessary for shareholders to assess the Group  
and Company’s performance, business model  
and strategy.

A copy of the financial statements of the Group is 
placed on the Company’s website. the Directors  
are responsible for the maintenance and integrity  
of statutory and audited information on the 
Company’s website at www.landsecurities.com. 
Information published on the internet is accessible  
in many countries with different legal requirements. 
legislation in the United Kingdom governing the 
preparation and dissemination of financial 
statements may differ from legislation in  
other jurisdictions.

the Directors of land Securities Group PlC as at 
the date of this Annual Report are as set out below:

Dame Alison Carnwath, Chairman* 
Robert Noel, Chief Executive
martin Greenslade, Chief Financial Officer
Kevin O’Byrne, Senior Independent Director* 
David Rough* 
Chris Bartram*
Simon Palley*
Stacey Rauch*
Edward Bonham Carter*
Cressida Hogg*

*Non-executive Directors

 
Financial statements continued

Land Securities Annual Report 2014

81

inDepenDent auDitor’s report

to the members of Land Securities Group PLC

We have audited the financial statements of land 
Securities Group PlC for the year ended 31 march 
2014 which comprise the Group Income Statement, 
the Group Statement of Comprehensive Income,  
the Group and Company Balance Sheets, the Group 
and Company Statement of Cash Flows, the Group 
and Company Statement of Changes in Equity and 
the related notes 1 to 41. the financial reporting 
framework that has been applied in their preparation 
is applicable law and International Financial 
Reporting Standards (IFRSs) as adopted by the 
European Union and, as regards the Parent Company 
financial statements, as applied in accordance  
with the provisions of the Companies Act 2006.
this report is made solely to the Company’s 
members, as a body, in accordance with Chapter 3 of 
Part 16 of the Companies Act 2006.  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 auditor’s 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 
auditor  
As explained more fully in the Statement of Directors’ 
Responsibilities set out on page 80, the Directors are 
responsible for the preparation of the financial 
statements and for being satisfied that they give a 
true and fair view. Our responsibility is to audit and 
express an opinion on the financial statements  
in accordance with applicable law and International 
Standards on Auditing (UK and Ireland). those 
standards require us to comply with the Auditing 
Practices Board’s Ethical Standards for Auditors.  

Scope of the audit of the financial statements  
An audit involves obtaining evidence about the 
amounts and disclosures in the financial statements 
sufficient to give reasonable assurance that the 
financial statements are free from material 
misstatement, whether caused by fraud or error.  
this includes an assessment of: whether the 
accounting policies are appropriate to the Group’s 
and Parent Company’s circumstances and have been 
consistently applied and adequately disclosed; the 
reasonableness of significant accounting estimates 
made by the Directors; and the overall presentation 
of the financial statements. In addition, we read  
all the financial and non-financial information  
in the Annual Report 2014 to identify material 
inconsistencies with the audited financial statements 
and to identify any information that is apparently 
materially incorrect based on, or materially 
inconsistent with, the knowledge acquired by us in 
the course of performing the audit. If we become 
aware of any apparent material misstatements or 
inconsistencies we consider the implications for  
our report. 

Opinion on financial statements 
In our opinion: 
•	the financial statements give a true and fair view  

of the state of the Group’s and of the Parent 
Company’s affairs as at 31 march 2014 and of the 
Group’s profit for the year then ended; 

•	the Group financial statements have been properly 
prepared in accordance with IFRSs as adopted by 
the European Union; 

•	the Parent Company financial statements have 

been properly prepared in accordance with IFRSs as 
adopted by the European Union and as applied in 
accordance with the provisions of the Companies 
Act 2006; and

•	the financial statements have been prepared in 

accordance with the requirements of the 
Companies Act 2006 and, as regards the Group 
financial statements, Article 4 of the IAS 
Regulation.

Our assessment of risks of material 
misstatement 
We identified the following risks that have had the 
greatest effect on the overall audit strategy, the 
allocation of resources in the audit, and directing  
the efforts of the engagement team: 
•	the valuation of the investment property portfolio; 
•	revenue recognition; and
•	the risk of management override of internal 

controls. 

Our application of materiality  
We apply the concept of materiality both in  
planning and performing our audit, and in evaluating 
the effect of misstatements on our audit and on  
the financial statements. For the purposes of 
determining whether the financial statements are 
free from material misstatement we define 
materiality as the magnitude of misstatement that 
makes it probable that the economic decisions  
of a reasonably knowledgeable person, relying  
on the financial statements, would be changed  
or influenced. We also determine a level of 
performance materiality which we use to determine 
the extent of testing needed to reduce to an 
appropriately low level the probability that the 
aggregate of uncorrected and undetected 
misstatements exceeds materiality for the financial 
statements as a whole. 

When establishing our overall audit strategy,  

we determined a magnitude of uncorrected 
misstatements that we judged would be material for 
the financial statements as a whole. We determined 
materiality for the Group to be £50m, which is 
approximately 0.5% of investment properties, and 
below 1% of equity. We determined that investment 
property would be the most appropriate basis for 
determining overall materiality given that the 
Group’s investment property balance accounts for 
around 81% of the Group’s total assets. On the basis 
of our risk assessments, together with our 

assessment of the Group’s overall control 
environment, our judgement is that overall 
performance materiality for the Group should  
be 50% of materiality.  

We have determined that for other account 
balances not related to investment properties a 
misstatement of less than materiality for the 
financial statements as a whole could influence the 
economic decisions of users. We have determined 
that materiality for these areas should be based  
upon profit before tax, excluding the impact of the 
net surplus on revaluation of investment properties 
(‘Adjusted PBt’). this lower level of materiality is 
£18m, which is approximately 5% of Adjusted PBt. 
We set performance materiality for these balances  
at 50% of this lower level of materiality. 

We agreed with the Audit Committee that we 
would report to the Committee all audit differences 
in excess of £2.5m, as well as audit differences in 
excess of £0.9m that relate to our specific testing of 
the other account balances not related to investment 
properties. We also agreed to report differences 
below those thresholds that, in our view, warranted 
reporting on qualitative grounds. 

An overview of the scope of our audit  
the Group solely operates in the United Kingdom 
and operates through two segments, london and 
Retail, both of which were subject to the same audit 
scope. the Group audit team performed all of the 
work necessary to issue the Group and Parent 
Company audit opinion.

the way in which we scoped our response to the 

risks identified above was as follows:

The valuation of the investment property 
portfolio
•	We evaluated and tested the Group’s controls  

over data used in the valuation of the investment 
property portfolio.

•	We performed testing over data provided by the 

Group to the external valuers, including lease data.
•	We include Chartered Surveyors on our team who 
consider the external valuers’ qualifications and 
meet with the external valuers to assess and 
challenge the valuation approach and assumptions.
•	We met with project managers and performed site 
visits on major properties under development and 
assessed project costs and challenged the forecast 
costs to complete included in the valuations.

•	We conducted analytical procedures by reference 

to external market data to evaluate the 
appropriateness of the valuations adopted by  
the Group and investigated further the valuations 
of those properties which were not in line with  
our expectations.

financial statementsGOVERNANCEAdditiONAl iNfORmAtiONStRAtEGiC REPORt82

Land Securities Annual Report 2014

inDepenDent auDitor’s report

to the members of Land Securities Group PLC continued

Revenue recognition
•	We carried out testing relating to controls over 
revenue recognition, the treatment of rents, 
incentives and other property related income.
•	We performed substantive testing and analytical 
procedures in connection to revenue balances  
to assess whether revenue had been recognised  
in the appropriate accounting period.

•	We assessed whether the revenue recognition 

policies adopted complied with IFRSs as adopted 
by the European Union.

The risk of management override of internal 
controls
•	the procedures described above addressed the  
risk of management override in respect of the 
valuation of the investment property portfolio  
and revenue recognition. 

•	We performed analytical procedures and journal 
entry testing in order to identify and test the risk  
of fraud arising from management override of 
internal controls.

Opinion on other matters prescribed by the 
Companies Act 2006 
In our opinion: 
•	the part of the Directors’ Remuneration Report  
to be audited has been properly prepared in 
accordance with the Companies Act 2006; and
•	the information given in the Strategic Report and 
the Directors’ Report for the financial year for 
which the financial statements are prepared is 
consistent with the financial statements. 

Matters on which we are required to report  
by exception  
We have nothing to report in respect of the 
following:  

Under the International Standards on Auditing 
(UK and Ireland), we are required to report to you if, 
in our opinion, information in the Annual Report is:  
•	materially inconsistent with the information in the 

audited financial statements; or 

•	apparently materially incorrect based on, or 

materially inconsistent with, our knowledge of  
the Group acquired in the course of performing  
our audit; or is otherwise misleading.  

In particular, we are required to consider whether  
we have identified any inconsistencies between  
our knowledge acquired during the audit and the 
Directors’ statement that they consider the Annual 
Report is fair, balanced and understandable and 
whether the Annual Report appropriately discloses 
those matters that we communicated to the  
Audit Committee which we consider should have 
been disclosed. 

Under the Companies Act 2006 we are required 

to report to you if,  
in our opinion:  
•	adequate accounting records have not been kept 
by the Parent Company, or returns adequate for 
our audit have not been received from branches 
not visited by us, or

•	the Parent Company financial statements and the 
part of the Directors’ remuneration report to be 
audited are not in agreement with the accounting 
records and return, or

•	certain disclosures of Directors’ remuneration 

specified by law are not made; or 

•	 we have not received all the information and 

explanations we require for our audit.

Under the listing Rules we are required to review:  
•	the Directors’ statement, set out on page 80,  

in relation to going concern; and 

•	the part of the Corporate Governance Statement 
relating to the Company’s compliance with the 
nine provisions of the UK Corporate Governance 
Code specified for our review. 

Eamonn McGrath (Senior statutory auditor) 
for and on behalf of Ernst & Young llP,  
Statutory Auditor
london
14 may 2014

 
Financial statements continued

Land Securities Annual Report 2014

83

income statement 

for the year ended 31 March 2014

financial statementsGOVERNANCEAdditiONAl iNfORmAtiONStRAtEGiC REPORtYear ended 31 March 2014Year ended 31 March 2013NotesRevenue  profit£m Capital and other items£mTotal£mRevenue  profit£mCapital and other items£mTotal£mRevenue 5693.423.1716.5625.5111.1736.6Costs6(240.5)(12.8)(253.3)(220.0)(70.7)(290.7)452.910.3463.2405.540.4445.9Profit/(loss) on disposal of investment properties–15.615.6–(3.1)(3.1)Profit on disposal of investments in joint ventures–2.52.5–––Net surplus on revaluation of investment properties15–606.6606.6–196.7196.7Release of impairment of trading properties17–5.35.3–7.17.1Profit on disposal of other investments ––––1.61.6Operating profit 452.9640.31,093.2405.5242.7648.2Interest income925.212.537.724.7–24.7Interest expense9(193.2)(23.7)(216.9)(173.9)(21.5)(195.4)Revaluation of redemption liabilities33–(5.6)(5.6)–(4.5)(4.5)Net gain on business combination41–5.05.0–1.41.4Share of post-tax profit from joint ventures1634.7160.8195.534.424.258.6Profit before tax319.6789.31,108.9290.7242.3533.0Taxation13–7.77.7–––Profit for the financial year attributable to owners of the Parent319.6797.01,116.6290.7242.3533.0Earnings per share attributable to owners of the Parent (pence):Basic earnings per share11142.368.4Diluted earnings per share11141.868.184

statement of comprehensive income

for the year ended 31 March 2014

Land Securities Annual Report 2014 NotesYear ended 31 March 2014£mYear ended 31 March 2013£mProfit for the financial year attributable to owners of the Parent1,116.6533.0 Items that may be subsequently reclassified to the income statement:Share of joint ventures’ fair value movements on interest-rate swaps treated as cash flow hedges163.5(0.9)Revaluation of other investments41–2.3Recycling of revaluation of other investments to the income statement41–(2.3)Items that will not be subsequently reclassified to the income statement:Re-measurement (losses)/gains on defined benefit pension scheme34(7.8)3.9Other comprehensive (expense)/income for the financial year (4.3)3.0Total comprehensive income for the financial year attributable to owners of the Parent1,112.3536.0Balance sheets

at 31 March 2014

85

Land Securities Annual Report 2014Financial statements continuedfinancial statementsGOVERNANCEAdditiONAl iNfORmAtiONStRAtEGiC REPORtGroupCompanyNotes2014£m2013£m2014£m2013£mNon-current assetsInvestment properties159,847.79,651.9––Other property, plant and equipment207.38.3––Net investment in finance leases19186.9188.0––Loan investments 3150.050.0––Investments in joint ventures161,443.31,301.0––Investments in subsidiary undertakings32––6,186.26,180.7Trade and other receivables2834.310.6––Derivative financial instruments255.3–––Pension surplus342.35.9––Total non-current assets11,577.111,215.76,186.26,180.7Current assetsTrading properties and long-term development contracts17192.9152.8––Trade and other receivables28366.3344.814.221.8Monies held in restricted accounts and deposits2314.530.9––Cash and cash equivalents2420.941.70.10.1Total current assets594.6570.214.321.9Total assets12,171.711,785.96,200.56,202.6Current liabilitiesBorrowings 22(513.2)(436.2)––Trade and other payables29(319.5)(364.3)(823.7)(609.3)Provisions30(3.6)(7.0)––Derivative financial instruments25(5.5)(9.1)––Current tax liabilities(2.9)(21.2)––Total current liabilities(844.7)(837.8)(823.7)(609.3)Non-current liabilitiesBorrowings 22(2,849.0)(3,315.2)––Trade and other payables29(23.6)(17.4)––Derivative financial instruments25(3.5)(10.7)––Redemption liabilities33(32.6)(118.1)––Total non-current liabilities(2,908.7)(3,461.4)––Total liabilities(3,753.4)(4,299.2)(823.7)(609.3)Net assets8,418.37,486.75,376.85,593.3EquityCapital and reserves attributable to the owners of the ParentOrdinary shares3679.979.279.979.2Share premium788.3787.6788.3787.6Capital redemption reserve30.530.530.530.5Merger reserve––373.6373.6Share-based payments6.36.86.36.8Retained earnings7,522.56,590.34,098.24,315.6Own shares37(9.2)(7.7)––Total equity8,418.37,486.75,376.85,593.3The financial statements on pages 83 to 132 were approved by the Board of Directors on 14 May 2014 and were signed on its behalf by:R M Noel M F GreensladeDirectors86

statement of changes in equity

Land Securities Annual Report 2014Attributable to owners of the ParentGroupOrdinary shares£mShare premium£m Capital redemption reserve£mShare-based payments£mRetained earnings£m Own shares£mTotal£mNon-controlling interest£mTotal equity£mAt 1 April 201278.5786.230.56.86,271.2(17.8)7,155.40.27,155.6Profit for the year ended 31 March 2013––––533.0–533.0–533.0Other comprehensive income:Re-measurement gain on pension scheme––––3.9–3.9–3.9Share of joint ventures’ fair value movement on interest-rate swaps treated as cash flow hedges––––(0.9)–(0.9)–(0.9)Revaluation of other investments––––2.3–2.3–2.3Recycling of revaluation of other investments to the income statement––––(2.3)–(2.3)–(2.3)Total comprehensive income for the year ended  31 March 2013––––536.0–536.0–536.0Transactions with owners:Exercise of options0.11.4––––1.5–1.5Dividends to owners of the Parent0.6–––(178.1)–(177.5)–(177.5)Fair value of share-based payments–––2.9––2.9–2.9Release on exercise of share options–––(2.9)2.9––––Transfer to redemption liabilities–––––––(0.2)(0.2)Settlement and transfer of shares to employees on exercise  of share options net of proceeds––––(7.3)10.63.3–3.3Purchase of own shares and treasury shares––––(34.4)(0.5)(34.9)–(34.9)Total transactions with owners of the Parent0.71.4––(216.9)10.1(204.7)(0.2)(204.9)At 31 March 201379.2787.630.56.86,590.3(7.7)7,486.7–7,486.7Profit for the year ended 31 March 2014––––1,116.6–1,116.6–1,116.6Other comprehensive income:Re-measurement losses on pension scheme––––(7.8)–(7.8)–(7.8)Share of joint ventures’ fair value movement on interest-rate swaps treated as cash flow hedges––––3.5–3.5–3.5Total comprehensive income for the year ended  31 March 2014––––1,112.3–1,112.3–1,112.3Transactions with owners:Exercise of options–1.4––––1.4–1.4Dividends to owners of the Parent0.7(0.7)––(175.4)–(175.4)–(175.4)Fair value of share-based payments–––5.5––5.5–5.5Release on exercise of share options–––(6.0)6.0––––Settlement and transfer of shares to employees on exercise  of share options net of proceeds––––(10.3)14.84.5–4.5Purchase of own shares and treasury shares––––(0.4)(16.3)(16.7)–(16.7)Total transactions with owners of the Parent0.70.7–(0.5)(180.1)(1.5)(180.7)–(180.7)At 31 March 201479.9788.330.56.37,522.5(9.2)8,418.3–8,418.3statement of changes in equity

87

Land Securities Annual Report 2014Financial statements continuedfinancial statementsGOVERNANCEAdditiONAl iNfORmAtiONStRAtEGiC REPORtCompanyOrdinary shares£mShare premium£mCapital redemption reserve£mMergerreserve£mShare-based payments£mRetained earnings£mTotal£mAt 1 April 201278.5786.230.5373.66.84,226.75,502.3Profit for the year ended 31 March 2013–––––298.5298.5Exercise of options0.11.4––––1.5Dividends paid to owners0.6––––(178.1)(177.5)Fair value of share-based payments ––––2.9–2.9Purchase of treasury shares–––––(34.4)(34.4)Release on exercise of share options––––(2.9)2.9–At 31 March 201379.2787.630.5373.66.84,315.65,593.3Loss for the year ended 31 March 2014–––––(47.7)(47.7)Exercise of options–1.4––––1.4Dividends paid to owners0.7(0.7)–––(175.4)(175.4)Fair value of share-based payments ––––5.5–5.5Purchase of treasury shares–––––(0.3)(0.3)Release on exercise of share options––––(6.0)6.0–At 31 March 201479.9788.330.5373.66.34,098.25,376.888

statement of cash flows

for the year ended 31 March 2014

Land Securities Annual Report 2014GroupCompanyNotes2014£m2013£m2014£m2013£mCash flows from operating activitiesNet cash generated from operations14430.6345.0––Interest received9.110.3––Interest paid(251.4)(175.6)––Employer contributions to defined benefit pension scheme(4.8)(4.7)––Acquisition of trading properties–(7.2)––Capital expenditure on trading properties(32.7)(25.4)––Disposal of trading properties21.7104.4––Corporation tax paid(13.9)(0.1)––Net cash inflow from operating activities158.6246.7––Cash flows from investing activitiesInvestment property development expenditure(86.6)(208.8)––Acquisition of investment properties and other investments(3.7)(243.9)––Acquisition of subsidiary undertaking (net of cash acquired)41–(86.8)––Other investment property related expenditure(135.5)(66.2)––Disposal of investment properties679.1509.9––Expenditure on non-property related non-current assets(1.6)(2.0)––Disposal of other investments–3.0––Loans repaid by third parties–0.8––Disposal of joint ventures142.8–––Cash contributed to joint ventures16(4.7)(3.9)––Loan advances to joint ventures 16(117.1)(159.1)––Loan repayments by joint ventures 1610.912.8––Distributions from joint ventures1627.430.6––Net cash inflow/(outflow) from investing activities511.0(213.6)––Cash flows from financing activitiesCash received on issue of shares arising from exercise of share options6.04.7––Purchase of own shares and treasury shares(16.0)(34.9)––Increase in investment in subsidiary undertaking (X-Leisure)(119.7)–––Proceeds from new loans (net of finance fees)496.9200.6––Repayment of loans22(911.3)(10.9)–(0.1)Recapitalisation of non-wholly owned subsidiary3315.0–––Decrease/(increase) in monies held in restricted accounts and deposits2316.4(1.4)––Decrease in finance leases payable(0.1)(0.1)––Dividends paid to owners of the Parent12(175.6)(178.3)––Distributions paid by non-wholly owned subsidiaries33(2.0)(0.8)––Net cash outflow from financing activities(690.4)(21.1)–(0.1)(Decrease)/increase in cash and cash equivalents for the year(20.8)12.0–(0.1)Cash and cash equivalents at the beginning of the year41.729.70.10.2Cash and cash equivalents at the end of the year2420.941.70.10.1The Company cash flow statement excludes transactions, including the payment of dividends, which are settled on the Company’s behalf by other Group undertakings.notes to the financial statements

for the year ended 31 March 2014

89

Land Securities Annual Report 2014Financial statements continuedfinancial statementsGOVERNANCEAdditiONAl iNfORmAtiONStRAtEGiC REPORtSection 1 – GeneralThis section contains a description of the Group’s significant accounting policies that relate to the financial statements as a whole. A description of accounting policies specific to individual areas (e.g. investment properties) is included within the relevant note to the financial statements.This section also includes a summary of new European Union (EU) endorsed accounting standards, amendments and interpretations that have not yet been adopted, and their expected impact on the reported results of the Group.1. Basis of preparation and consolidationBasis of preparationThese financial statements have been prepared on a going concern basis and in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards as adopted by the EU (IFRSs), IFRIC Interpretations and the Companies Act 2006 applicable to companies reporting under IFRSs. The financial statements have been prepared in Pounds Sterling (rounded to the nearest hundred thousand), which is the presentation currency of the Group (Land Securities Group PLC and all of its subsidiary undertakings), and under the historical cost convention as modified by the revaluation of investment property, available-for-sale investments and derivative financial instruments.The preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles requires the use of estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Although these estimates are based on management’s best knowledge of the amount, event or actions, actual results ultimately may differ from those estimates.Land Securities Group PLC has not presented its own statement of comprehensive income (and separate income statement), as permitted by Section 408 of Companies Act 2006. The loss for the year of the Company, dealt with in its financial statements, was £47.7m (2013: a profit of £298.5m). The merger reserve arose on 6 September 2002 when the Company acquired 100% of the issued share capital of Land Securities PLC. The merger reserve represents the excess of the cost of acquisition over the nominal value of the shares issued by the Company to acquire Land Securities PLC. The merger reserve does not represent a realised or distributable profit. The capital redemption reserve represents the nominal value of cancelled shares.Basis of consolidationThe consolidated financial statements for the year ended 31 March 2014 incorporate the financial statements of Land Securities Group PLC (the Company) and all its subsidiary undertakings (the Group). Subsidiary undertakings are those entities controlled by the Company. Control exists when the Company has the power, directly or indirectly, to govern the financial and operating policies of an entity so as to obtain benefits from its activities.The results of subsidiaries and joint ventures acquired or disposed of during the year are included from the effective date of acquisition or to the effective date of disposal. Accounting practices of subsidiaries and joint ventures which differ from Group accounting policies are adjusted on consolidation.Business combinations are accounted for under the acquisition method. Any excess of the purchase price of business combinations over the fair value of the assets, liabilities and contingent liabilities acquired and resulting deferred tax thereon is recognised as goodwill. Any discount received is credited to the income statement in the period of acquisition as a ‘gain on business combination’. The Group recognises any non-controlling interest in the acquiree on an acquisition-by-acquisition basis, either at fair value or at the non-controlling interest’s proportionate share of the recognised amounts of the acquiree’s identifiable net assets. Acquisition-related costs are expensed as incurred. If the business combination is achieved in stages, the acquisition date carrying value of the acquirer’s previously held equity interest in the acquiree is re-measured to fair value at the acquisition date and any gains or losses arising from such re-measurement are recognised in the income statement.Joint ventures are those entities over whose activities the Group has joint control, established by contractual agreement. Interests in joint ventures are accounted for using the equity method of accounting as permitted by IAS 31 ‘Interests in joint ventures’. The equity method requires the Group’s share of the joint venture’s post-tax profit or loss for the period to be presented separately in the income statement and the Group’s share of the joint venture’s net assets to be presented separately in the balance sheet. Joint ventures with net liabilities are carried at zero value in the balance sheet where there is no commitment to fund the deficit and any distributions are included in the consolidated income statement for the year.The Group’s share of jointly controlled assets, related liabilities, income and expenses are combined with the equivalent items in the consolidated financial statements on a line-by-line basis.Intra-group balances and any unrealised gains and losses arising from intra-group transactions are eliminated in preparing the consolidated financial statements. Unrealised gains arising from transactions with joint ventures are eliminated to the extent of the Group’s interest in the joint venture concerned. Unrealised losses are eliminated in the same way, but only to the extent that there is no evidence of impairment.2. Critical accounting judgements and key estimations of uncertaintyThe preparation of financial statements in conformity with IFRSs requires management to exercise its judgement in the process of applying the Group’s accounting policies. Critical accounting judgements are disclosed in the relevant note to the financial statements. The areas where the Group considers the judgements to be most significant involve assumptions or estimates in respect of future events, where actual results may differ from these estimates. These areas are as follows:•	Compliance with the Real Estate Investment Trust (REIT) taxation regime (note 13)•	Investment property valuations (note 15)•	Trading property valuations (note 17)90

notes to the financial statements

for the year ended 31 March 2014 continued

Land Securities Annual Report 20143. Amendments to IFRSs not yet applicableThe accounting policies are consistent with those applied in the year ended 31 March 2013, as amended to reflect the adoption of the new Standards, Amendments to Standards and Interpretations which are mandatory for the year ended 31 March 2014. The following accounting standards or interpretations were adopted for the year ended 31 March 2014 but have not had a material impact on the Group:•	IAS 1 (amendment) ‘Presentation of Financial Statements’ •	IAS 12 (amendment) ‘Income Tax’ •	IAS 19 (revised) ‘Employee Benefits’•	IFRS 7 (amendment) ‘Financial Instruments: Disclosures’ (offsetting requirement and converged disclosure) •	IFRS 13 ‘Fair Value Measurement’Below are details of accounting standards and interpretations which have been issued but are not yet effective, or have not yet been endorsed by the EU, which may be relevant to the Group. None of these standards or interpretations have been early adopted by the Group. The Group is in the process of assessing the impact of these new standards and interpretations on its financial reporting. None of these standards are expected to have a significant impact on the Group’s reporting, although some may require additional disclosures to be included in the notes to the financial statements.Issued, not yet effective and not yet endorsed for use in the EU:•	IFRS 9 ‘Financial Instruments’Issued and endorsed for use in the EU, but not yet effective:•	IAS 36 (amendment) ‘Impairment of Assets’•	IAS 39 (amendment) ‘Financial Instruments: Recognition and Measurement’•	IFRS 10 ‘Consolidated Financial Statements’ IFRS 11 ‘Joint Arrangements’•	IFRS 12 ‘Disclosure of Interests in Other Entities’•	IAS 27 (revised) ‘Separate Financial Statements’•	IAS 28 (revised) ‘Associates and Joint Ventures’•	IAS 32 (amendment) ‘Financial instruments: Presentation’ (assets and liability offsetting) •	Amendments to IFRS 10, IFRS 11, IFRS 12 (transition guidance)91

Land Securities Annual Report 2014Financial statements continuedfinancial statementsGOVERNANCEAdditiONAl iNfORmAtiONStRAtEGiC REPORtSection 2 – PerformanceThis section focuses on the performance of the Group for the year, including segmental information, earnings per share and net assets per share, together with further details on specific components of the income statement and dividends paid.The Group income statement is presented in a columnar format, split into those items that relate to revenue profit and capital and other items. The total column represents the Group’s results presented in accordance with IFRSs. The year ended 31 March 2014 is the first period for which the Group has presented the income statement in this way. The change in presentation is intended to reflect the way in which the Group’s senior management review the results of the business and to aid reconciliation to the segmental reporting.A number of the financial measures used by the Group to measure performance include the results of subsidiaries and joint ventures on a proportionate basis. Measures that are described as being on a proportionate basis include the Group’s share of joint ventures on a line-by-line basis and are adjusted to exclude the non-owned elements of our subsidiaries. This is in contrast to the Group’s statutory financial statements, where the Group’s interest in joint ventures is presented as one line on the income statement and balance sheet and all subsidiaries are consolidated at 100% with any non-owned element being adjusted as a redemption liability. Measures described as being prepared on a proportionate basis are non-GAAP measures and therefore not presented in accordance with IFRSs.Revenue profit is the Group’s measure of underlying pre-tax profit, which is used by senior management to assess the Group’s income performance. It excludes all items of a capital nature, such as valuation movements and profits and losses on the disposal of investment properties, as well as one-off items. A full definition of revenue profit is given in the glossary. Revenue profit is presented on a proportionate basis and is therefore a non-GAAP measure. Revenue profit is detailed in note 4.4. Segmental informationThe Group’s operations are organised into two operating segments, being the Retail Portfolio and the London Portfolio. The London Portfolio includes all our London offices and central London shops and the Retail Portfolio includes all our shopping centres and shops, hotels and leisure assets, and retail warehouse properties, excluding central London shops. All of the Group’s operations are in the UK.Management has determined the Group’s operating segments based on the information reviewed by senior management to make strategic decisions. During the year, the chief operating decision maker was the Senior Management Board (‘SMB’), which consisted of the Executive Directors with the Group General Counsel and Company Secretary in attendance. From 1 April 2014, the SMB was renamed the Executive Committee (‘ExecCom’). ExecCom comprises the Executive Directors, the managing directors of the Retail and London business units, the Group General Counsel and Company Secretary, and the Group HR Director. The information presented to the SMB and the ExecCom includes reports from all functions of the business as well as strategy, financial planning, succession planning, organisational development and group wide policies. The Group’s primary measure of underlying profit before tax is revenue profit. However, segment profit is the lowest level to which the profit arising from the ongoing operations of the Group is analysed between the two segments. The Group manages its financing structure, with the exception of joint ventures, on a pooled basis and, as such, debt facilities and interest charges are not specific to a particular segment. Unallocated income and expenses are items incurred centrally which are neither directly attributable nor can be reasonably allocated to individual segments. 92

notes to the financial statements

for the year ended 31 March 2014 continued

Land Securities Annual Report 20144. Segmental information continuedYear ended 31 March 2014GroupRetail PortfolioLondon PortfolioTotalRevenue profitGroup£mJoint ventures£mTotal£mGroup £mJoint ventures£mTotal£mGroup £mJoint ventures£mTotal£mRental income310.765.6376.3248.59.3257.8559.274.9634.1Finance lease interest 1.70.21.99.0–9.010.70.210.9Gross rental income (before rents payable)312.465.8378.2257.59.3266.8569.975.1645.0Rents payable1(9.2)(1.9)(11.1)(2.5)–(2.5)(11.7)(1.9)(13.6)Gross rental income (after rents payable)303.263.9367.1255.09.3264.3558.273.2631.4Service charge income46.19.355.438.40.338.784.59.694.1Service charge expense(48.2)(10.6)(58.8)(38.4)(0.3)(38.7)(86.6)(10.9)(97.5)Net service charge expense(2.1)(1.3)(3.4)–––(2.1)(1.3)(3.4)Other property related income15.61.016.619.80.420.235.41.436.8Direct property expenditure(35.5)(9.6)(45.1)(22.3)(3.4)(25.7)(57.8)(13.0)(70.8)Net rental income281.254.0335.2252.56.3258.8533.760.3594.0Indirect property expenditure(25.5)(2.3)(27.8)(17.7)(0.6)(18.3)(43.2)(2.9)(46.1)Depreciation(0.2)–(0.2)(0.9)–(0.9)(1.1)–(1.1)Segment profit before interest255.551.7307.2233.95.7239.6489.457.4546.8Joint venture net interest expense–(14.0)(14.0)–(8.7)(8.7)–(22.7)(22.7)Segment profit255.537.7293.2233.9(3.0)230.9489.434.7524.1Group services – other income3.6–3.6                                    – expense(40.1)–(40.1)Interest income25.2–25.2Interest expense(193.2)–(193.2)Revenue profit284.934.7319.61. Included within rents payable is finance lease interest payable of £2.0m (2013: £1.7m) and £0.4m (2013: £0.4m) for the Retail and London portfolios respectively.TotalReconciliation of revenue profit to profit before taxGroup £mJoint ventures£mTotal£mRevenue profit284.934.7319.6Capital and other itemsProfit on long-term development contracts–1.01.0Profit on disposal of trading properties1.90.52.4Profit on disposal of investment properties15.60.416.0Profit on disposal of investments in joint ventures2.5–2.5Net surplus on revaluation of investment properties608.5155.3763.8Release of impairment/(impairment) of trading properties25.3(0.3)5.0Fair value movement on interest-rate swaps10.44.815.2Amortisation of bond exchange de-recognition adjustment (19.6)–(19.6)Revaluation of redemption liabilities(5.6)–(5.6)Net gain on business combination5.0–5.0Joint venture net liabilities adjustment–(0.3)(0.3)Share of joint venture tax–(1.1)(1.1)Adjustment for proportionate share of earnings34.50.55.0Profit before tax913.4195.51,108.92. Of the net release of impairment of trading properties of £5.0m, an impairment of £0.4m relates to the Retail Portfolio, and a reversal of impairment of £5.4m relates to the London Portfolio. 3. All items in the segment note are presented on a proportionate basis (see page 91). This adjustment represents the difference between profit before tax on a proportionate basis and profit before tax per the Group income statement. 93

Land Securities Annual Report 2014Financial statements continuedfinancial statementsGOVERNANCEAdditiONAl iNfORmAtiONStRAtEGiC REPORt4. Segmental information continuedYear ended 31 March 2013GroupRetail PortfolioLondon PortfolioTotalRevenue profitGroup£mJoint ventures£mTotal£mGroup £mJoint ventures£mTotal£mGroup £mJoint ventures£mTotal£mRental income256.066.9322.9253.616.5270.1509.683.4593.0Finance lease interest 1.90.52.49.1–9.111.00.511.5Gross rental income (before rents payable)257.967.4325.3262.716.5279.2520.683.9604.5Rents payable1(9.4)(2.1)(11.5)(3.1)–(3.1)(12.5)(2.1)(14.6)Gross rental income (after rents payable)248.565.3313.8259.616.5276.1508.181.8589.9Service charge income34.910.145.037.10.637.772.010.782.7Service charge expense(36.4)(11.1)(47.5)(36.7)(0.7)(37.4)(73.1)(11.8)(84.9)Net service charge expense(1.5)(1.0)(2.5)0.4(0.1)0.3(1.1)(1.1)(2.2)Other property related income11.41.212.617.70.117.829.11.330.4Direct property expenditure(31.1)(12.1)(43.2)(26.2)(1.0)(27.2)(57.3)(13.1)(70.4)Net rental income227.353.4280.7251.515.5267.0478.868.9547.7Indirect property expenditure(20.5)(2.8)(23.3)(15.3)(0.7)(16.0)(35.8)(3.5)(39.3)Depreciation(0.1)–(0.1)(0.9)–(0.9)(1.0)–(1.0)Segment profit before interest206.750.6257.3235.314.8250.1442.065.4507.4Joint venture net interest expense–(16.4)(16.4)–(14.6)(14.6)–(31.0)(31.0)Segment profit206.734.2240.9235.30.2235.5442.034.4476.4Group services – other  income3.8–3.8                                    – expense(40.3)–(40.3)Interest income24.7–24.7Interest expense(173.9)–(173.9)Revenue profit256.334.4290.71. Included within rents payable is finance lease interest payable of £1.7m and £0.4m for the Retail and London portfolios respectively.TotalReconciliation of revenue profit to profit before taxGroup £mJoint ventures£mTotal£mRevenue profit256.334.4290.7Capital and other itemsProfit on long-term development contracts0.1–0.1Profit on disposal of trading properties37.40.638.0(Loss)/profit on disposal of investment properties(3.1)1.5(1.6)Net surplus on revaluation of investment properties197.020.5217.5Release of impairment/(impairment) of trading properties27.1(4.0)3.1Fair value movement on interest-rate swaps(2.8)4.82.0Amortisation of bond exchange de-recognition adjustment(18.1)–(18.1)Profit on disposal of other investments1.6–1.6Revaluation of redemption liabilities(4.5)–(4.5)Net gain on business combination1.4–1.4Joint venture net liabilities adjustment–0.30.3Adjustment for proportionate share of earnings32.00.52.5Profit before tax474.458.6533.02. Of the net release of impairment of trading properties of £3.1m, an impairment of £0.2m relates to the Retail Portfolio, and a reversal of impairment of £3.3m relates to the London Portfolio.3. All items in the segment note are presented on a proportionate basis (see page 91). This adjustment represents the difference between profit before tax on a proportionate basis and profit before tax per the Group income statement.94

notes to the financial statements

for the year ended 31 March 2014 continued

Land Securities Annual Report 20145. Revenue RevenueThe Group recognises revenue on an accruals basis, when the amount of revenue can be reliably measured and it is probable that future economic benefits will flow to the Group. Revenue comprises rental income, service charge income and other recoveries, proceeds from the sale of trading properties, finance lease interest and income arising on long-term development contracts. Rental income includes the income from managed operations such as car parks, food courts, serviced offices and flats. Service charge income includes income in relation to service charges together with any chargeable management fees.Rental income, including fixed rental uplifts, from investment property leased out under an operating lease is recognised in the income statement on a straight-line basis over the term of the lease. Lease incentives being offered to occupiers to enter into a lease, such as an initial rent-free period or a cash contribution to fit-out or similar costs  are an integral part of the net consideration for the use of the property and are therefore recognised on the same straight-line basis. Service charge income is recorded as income in the periods in which it is earned.When property is let under a finance lease, the Group recognises a receivable at an amount equal to the net investment in the lease at inception of the lease. Rentals received are accounted for as repayments of principal and finance income as appropriate. Finance income is allocated to each period during the lease term so as to produce a constant periodic rate of interest on the remaining net investment in the finance lease. Contingent rents, being lease payments that are not fixed at the inception of a lease, for example turnover rents, are recorded as income in the periods in which they are earned.Proceeds received on the sale of trading properties are recognised within Revenue when the significant risks and rewards of ownership have been transferred to  the buyer.Revenue on long-term development contracts is recognised according to the stage reached in the contract by reference to the value of work completed using the percentage of completion method. An appropriate estimate of the profit attributable to work completed is recognised once the outcome of the contract can be estimated reliably.All revenue is classified within the ‘Revenue profit’ column of the income statement, with the exception of proceeds on the sale of trading properties and income arising on long-term development contracts, which are presented in the ‘Capital and other items’ column. Also included in the ‘Capital and other items’ column is the difference between the relevant line item on a proportionate basis and the amount included in the Group income statement.Group20142013 Revenue  profit£mCapital and other items£mTotal£mRevenue  profit£mCapital and other items£mTotal£mRental income (excluding adjustment for lease incentives)526.19.5535.6490.73.5494.2Adjustment for lease incentives33.10.733.818.90.319.2Rental income559.210.2569.4509.63.8513.4Service charge income84.52.186.672.00.972.9Other property related income35.4(0.6)34.829.1(0.3)28.8Trading property sales proceeds–11.211.2–106.7106.7Finance lease interest10.70.210.911.0–11.0Other income3.6–3.63.8–3.8693.423.1716.5625.5111.1736.695

Land Securities Annual Report 2014Financial statements continuedfinancial statementsGOVERNANCEAdditiONAl iNfORmAtiONStRAtEGiC REPORt6. CostsCostsProperty and contract expenditure is expensed as incurred with the exception of expenditure on long-term development contracts (see note 5).Rental payments made under an operating lease in which the Group is a lessee are recognised in the income statement on a straight-line basis over the term of the lease. Lease incentives received are an integral part of the net consideration for the use of the property and are also recognised on a straight-line basis.Minimum lease payments payable on finance leases, and operating leases accounted for as finance leases under IAS 40, are apportioned between finance expense and reduction of the outstanding liability. Finance expense is allocated to each period during the lease term so as to produce a constant periodic rate of interest on the remaining liability. Contingent rents (defined above) are charged as an expense in the periods in which they are incurred.All costs are classified within the ‘Revenue profit’ column of the income statement, with the exception of the cost of sale of trading properties and costs arising on long-term development contracts, which are presented in the ‘Capital and other items’ column. Also included in the ‘Capital and other items’ column is the difference between the relevant line item on a proportionate basis and the amount included in the Group income statement.Impairment The carrying amounts of the Group’s non-financial assets, other than investment properties, are reviewed at each reporting date to determine whether there is any indication of impairment. If any such indication exists, the asset’s recoverable amount is estimated (see below). An impairment loss is recognised in the income statement whenever the carrying amount of an asset exceeds its recoverable amount.The recoverable amount of an asset is the greater of its fair value less costs to sell and its value in use. The value in use is determined as the net present value of the future cash flows expected to be derived from the asset, discounted using a pre-tax discount rate that reflects current market assessments of the time value of money and the risks specific to the asset.An impairment loss is reversed if there has been a change in the estimates used to determine the recoverable amount. An impairment loss is reversed only to the extent that the asset’s carrying amount after the reversal does not exceed the amount that would have been determined, net of applicable depreciation, if no impairment loss had been recognised.Group20142013 Revenue  profit£mCapital and other items£mTotal£mRevenue  profit£mCapital and other items£mTotal£mRents payable11.70.111.812.5–12.5Service charge expense86.62.489.073.11.074.1Direct property expenditure57.80.858.657.30.357.6Indirect property expenditure (excluding employee costs)19.00.219.215.80.216.0Employee costs65.4–65.461.3–61.3Long-term development contract expenditure––––(0.1)(0.1)Carrying value of trading property disposals–9.39.3–69.369.3240.512.8253.3220.070.7290.7Group2014£m2013£mEmployee costs Salaries and wages49.649.5Employer payroll taxes7.16.2Other pension costs3.22.7Share-based payments (note 35)5.52.965.461.3Group2014Number2013NumberThe average monthly number of employees during the year was:Indirect property or contract and administration444433Direct property or contract services:Full-time156144Part-time1414614591The increase in the average number of employees for the year ended 31 March 2014 reflects the acquisition of X-Leisure in January 2013.With the exception of the Executive Directors and the Group General Counsel and Company Secretary, who are employed by Land Securities Group PLC,  all employees are employed by subsidiaries of the Group.During the year, no Executive Directors had retirement benefits accruing under either the defined contribution pension scheme or the defined benefit scheme  (2013: none). Information on Directors’ emoluments, share options and interests in the Company’s shares is given in the Directors’ Remuneration Report on pages 60–76.Details of the employee costs associated with the Group’s key management personnel are included in note 39.96

notes to the financial statements

for the year ended 31 March 2014 continued

Land Securities Annual Report 20147. Auditor remunerationGroup2014£m2013£mServices provided by the Group’s auditorAudit fees:Parent company and consolidated financial statements0.30.3Audit of subsidiary undertakings0.40.3Other fees:Audit related assurance services0.10.10.80.7In the year ended 31 March 2014, Ernst & Young LLP were appointed as the Group’s auditor, replacing PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP. It is the Group’s policy to employ the Group’s auditor on assignments additional to their statutory duties where their expertise and experience with the Group are important. Where appropriate, the Group seeks tenders for services and if fees are expected to be greater than £25,000 they are pre-approved by the Chairman of the Audit Committee. In addition, Ernst & Young LLP also receives fees for statutory duties performed for some of our joint venture arrangements, of which our proportionate share was £0.1m (2013: £0.1m).KPMG LLP was employed by the Group to audit X-Leisure, acquired in January 2013. The fees of £0.1m (2013: £nil) have been included in the ‘Audit of subsidiary undertakings’ total above.8. External valuers’ remunerationGroup2014£m2013£mServices provided by the Group’s external valuersValuation fees:Year end and half-year valuations 0.90.8Security Group valuation0.10.11.00.9Other consultancy and agency services3.54.34.55.2The fee payable to Knight Frank LLP (Knight Frank), for the year end and half-year valuation is a fixed fee that is adjusted on an annual basis for acquisitions and disposals of investment properties in the reporting period to which the fee relates. Knight Frank also received fees for their duties performed for some of our joint venture arrangements, of which our proportionate share was £0.3m (2013: £0.1m). Jones Lang LaSalle Limited (JLL) was employed to perform the valuation of investment properties held by X-Leisure. The fees of both Knight Frank and JLL have been included in the table above. Both Knight Frank and JLL undertake some other consultancy and agency work on behalf of the Group.Both Knight Frank and JLL have confirmed to us that the total fees paid by the Group represented less than 5% of their total revenues in each year.97

Land Securities Annual Report 2014Financial statements continuedfinancial statementsGOVERNANCEAdditiONAl iNfORmAtiONStRAtEGiC REPORt9. Net interest expense Group2014£m2013£mInterest expenseBond and debenture debt(174.6)(177.3)Bank borrowings(30.0)(18.3)Other interest payable(1.0)(0.8)Amortisation of bond exchange de-recognition(19.6)(18.1)Fair value movement on interest-rate swaps–(1.6)(225.2)(216.1)Interest capitalised in relation to properties under development8.320.7Total interest expense(216.9)(195.4)Interest incomeShort-term deposits0.10.6Interest received on loan investments2.32.3Other interest receivable1.45.4Interest receivable from joint ventures21.015.6Net pension interest0.40.8Fair value movement on interest-rate swaps12.5–Total interest income37.724.7Net interest expense(179.2)(170.7)Included within rents payable (note 4) is finance lease interest payable of £2.4m (2013: £2.1m).The Group has changed the calculation and presentation of pension interest following the adoption of IAS 19R. In accordance with IAS 19R, pension interest for the current year has been calculated and presented on a net basis. The corresponding balances in the prior year have been re-presented to align the presentation but have not been adjusted as the impact is not considered to be material.The following table reconciles interest expense and interest income per the Group income statement to interest expense and interest income included within revenue profit (note 4):Group2014£m2013£mTotal interest expense (a)(216.9)(195.4)Joint venture net interest expense(22.7)(31.0)Amortisation of bond exchange de-recognition adjustment19.618.1Fair value movement on interest-rate swaps–2.8Adjustment for proportionate share of fair value movement on interest-rate swaps1–(1.2)Adjustment for proportionate share of interest expense14.11.8Total interest expense included in revenue profit (b)(215.9)(204.9)Joint venture net interest expense22.731.0Interest expense in the segment note(193.2)(173.9)Total interest income (c)37.7 24.7Fair value movement on interest-rate swaps(10.4)–Adjustment for proportionate share of fair value movement on interest-rate swaps1(2.1)–Interest income included in revenue profit (d)25.2 24.7Net interest expense included in the income statement (a+c)179.2170.7Net interest expense included in revenue profit (b+d)190.7180.21. This represents the difference between interest expense and the fair value movement on interest-rate swaps on a proportionate basis and interest expense and the fair value of interest-rate swaps per the Group income statement.98

notes to the financial statements

for the year ended 31 March 2014 continued

Land Securities Annual Report 201410. Net assets per shareGroup2014£m2013£mNet assets attributable to the owners of the Parent8,418.37,486.7Fair value of interest-rate swaps – Group3.716.1– Joint ventures(0.1)8.4EPRA adjusted net assets8,421.97,511.2Reverse bond exchange de-recognition adjustment(413.2)(432.8)Adjusted net assets attributable to the owners of the Parent8,008.77,078.4Reinstate bond exchange de-recognition adjustment413.2432.8Fair value of interest-rate swaps – Group(3.7)(16.1)– Joint ventures0.1(8.4)Excess of fair value of debt over book value (note 22)(889.1)(1,111.8)EPRA triple net assets7,529.26,374.92014million2013millionNumber of ordinary shares in issue799.2792.1Number of treasury shares(10.5)(10.5)Number of own shares(1.1)(1.1)Number of ordinary shares – basic net assets per share787.6780.5Dilutive effect of share options3.03.2Number of ordinary shares – diluted net assets per share790.6783.72014pence2013penceNet assets per share1,069959Diluted net assets per share1,065955Adjusted net assets per share1,017907Adjusted diluted net assets per share1,013903EPRA measure – adjusted diluted net assets per share1,065958– diluted triple net assets per share952813Adjusted net assets per share excludes the fair value of financial instruments used for hedging purposes and the bond exchange de-recognition adjustment as management consider that this better represents the expected future cash flows of the Group. EPRA measures have been included to assist comparison between European property companies. We believe our measure of adjusted net assets attributable to the owners of the Parent is more indicative of underlying performance.99

Land Securities Annual Report 2014Financial statements continuedfinancial statementsGOVERNANCEAdditiONAl iNfORmAtiONStRAtEGiC REPORt11. Earnings per shareEarnings per share (EPS) is the amount of post-tax profit attributable to each share.The Group has also chosen to disclose adjusted earnings per share in order to provide an indication of the Group’s underlying business performance. Adjusted earnings per share exclude items of a capital nature and one-off items. We believe our measure of adjusted diluted earnings per share is more appropriate than the EPRA measure in the context of our business.Group2014 £m2013 £mProfit for the financial year attributable to the owners of the Parent1,116.6533.0Net surplus on revaluation of investment properties (763.8)(217.5)(Profit)/loss on disposal of investment properties (16.0)1.6Profit on disposal of investments in joint ventures(2.5)–Profit on disposal of other investments–(1.6)Release of impairment of trading properties (5.0)(3.1)Profit on disposal of trading properties (2.4)(38.0)Fair value movement on interest-rate swaps (15.2)(2.0)Revaluation of redemption liabilities5.64.5Net gain on business combination(5.0)(1.4)Group taxation (7.7)–Joint venture taxation0.6–Joint venture net liabilities adjustment10.3(0.3)Adjustment for proportionate share of earnings2(5.0)(5.0)EPRA adjusted earnings attributable to the owners of the Parent300.5270.2Eliminate profit on long-term development contracts3(1.0)(0.1)Eliminate amortisation of bond exchange de-recognition 19.618.1Adjusted earnings attributable to the owners of the Parent319.1288.21. Joint ventures with net liabilities are carried at zero value in the balance sheet where there is no commitment to fund the deficit.2. Adjusted earnings are presented on a proportionate basis. This adjustment represents the difference between the proportionate share of earnings of non-wholly owned subsidiaries which is included in adjusted earnings, and the 100% share which is consolidated in the Group’s income statement. 3. The profit on long-term development contracts has been removed from our adjusted earnings due to the long-term, capital nature of these programmes.2014million2013millionWeighted average number of ordinary shares 796.2789.1Weighted average number of treasury shares(10.5)(8.7)Weighted average number of own shares(1.1)(1.5)Weighted average number of ordinary shares – basic earnings per share784.6778.9Dilutive effect of share options 2.93.4Weighted average number of ordinary shares – diluted earnings per share787.5782.32014pence2013penceBasic earnings per share142.368.4Diluted earnings per share141.868.1Adjusted earnings per share40.737.0Adjusted diluted earnings per share40.536.8EPRA adjusted earnings per share38.334.7EPRA adjusted diluted earnings per share38.234.5100

notes to the financial statements

for the year ended 31 March 2014 continued

Land Securities Annual Report 201412. Dividends Accounting policyFinal dividend distributions to the Company’s shareholders are recognised as a liability in the Group’s financial statements in the period in which the dividends are approved by the Company’s shareholders. Interim dividends are recognised when paid.Group and CompanyPayment datePence per share2014 £m2013 £mFor the year ended 31 March 2012:Third interim26 April 20127.256.1Final26 July 20127.457.5For the year ended 31 March 2013:First interim12 October 20127.457.6Second interim10 January 20137.457.6Third interim17 April 20137.457.8Final19 July 20137.659.4For the year ended 31 March 2014:First interim11 October 20137.659.6Second interim9 January 20147.659.7Gross dividend236.5228.8Dividends settled in shares(61.1)(50.4)Unpaid dividends refunded–(0.9)Dividends in the statement of changes in equity175.4177.5Timing difference relating to payment of withholding tax0.20.8Dividends in the statement of cash flows175.6178.3The Board has proposed a final quarterly dividend for the year ended 31 March 2014 of 7.9p per share (2013: 7.6p), which will be 100% PID and result in a further estimated distribution of £62.3m (2013: £59.4m). It will be paid on 22 July 2014 to shareholders who are on the Register of Members on 20 June 2014. The final dividend is in addition to the third quarterly interim dividend of 7.6p or £59.8m paid on 11 April 2014 (2013: 7.4p or £57.8m). The total dividend paid and proposed in respect of the year ended 31 March 2014 is 30.7p (2013: 29.8p). During the year the Company operated a scrip dividend scheme which provided shareholders with the opportunity to receive their dividend in shares as opposed to cash. Shares issued in lieu of dividends during the year, all of which were non-PID distributions, totalled £61.1m (2013: £50.4m). Following payment of the third interim dividend in April 2014, the Company suspended the scrip dividend and introduced a dividend reinvestment plan. 101

Land Securities Annual Report 2014Financial statements continuedfinancial statementsGOVERNANCEAdditiONAl iNfORmAtiONStRAtEGiC REPORt13. Income taxAccounting policyIncome tax on the profit for the year comprises current and deferred tax. Current tax is the tax payable on the taxable income for the year and any adjustment in respect of previous years. Deferred tax is provided in full using the balance sheet liability method on temporary differences between the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities for financial reporting purposes and the amounts used for taxation purposes. Deferred tax is determined using tax rates that have been enacted or substantively enacted by the reporting date and are expected to apply when the asset is realised or the liability is settled.No provision is made for temporary differences (i) arising on the initial recognition of assets or liabilities, other than on a business combination, that affect neither accounting nor taxable profit and (ii) relating to investments in subsidiaries to the extent that they will not reverse in the foreseeable future.Critical accounting judgements and key estimations of uncertainty (compliance with Real Estate Investment Trust (REIT) taxation regime)On 1 January 2007 the Group converted to a group REIT. As a result, the Group no longer pays UK corporation tax on the profits and gains from qualifying rental business in the UK provided it meets certain conditions. Non-qualifying profits and gains of the Group continue to be subject to corporation tax as normal. In order to achieve and retain group REIT status, several entrance tests had to be met and certain ongoing criteria must be maintained. The main criteria are as follows:•	at the start of each accounting period, the assets of the tax exempt business must be at least 75% of the total value of the Group’s assets;•	at least 75% of the Group’s total profits must arise from the tax exempt business; and•	at least 90% of the notional taxable profit of the property rental business must be distributed.The Directors intend that the Group should continue as a group REIT for the foreseeable future, with the result that deferred tax is no longer recognised on temporary differences relating to the property rental business.Group2014£m2013£mCurrent taxIncome tax charge for the year(0.9)–Adjustment in respect of prior years8.6–Total income tax credit in the income statement7.7–The tax for the year is lower than the standard rate of corporation tax in the UK of 23% (2013: 24%). The differences are explained below:2014£m2013£mProfit before tax1,108.9533.0Profit before tax multiplied by the rate of corporation tax in the UK of 23% (2013: 24%)(255.0)(127.9)Exempt property rental profits and revaluations in the year248.1119.0(6.9)(8.9)Effects of:Interest rate fair value movements and other timing differences2.1(0.1)Adjustment in respect of prior years8.6–Non-allowable expenses and non-taxable items1.3(0.2)Losses carried forward–(2.0)Utilisation of brought forward losses1.911.2Joint venture tax adjustment0.7–Total income tax credit in the income statement (as above)7.7–The Group has unrecognised unutilised revenue tax losses carried forward as at 31 March 2014 of approximately £52.0m (2013: £63.0m). During the year the Group released provisions of £8.6m (2013: £nil) to the income statement on the settlement of historical issues.102

notes to the financial statements

for the year ended 31 March 2014 continued

Land Securities Annual Report 201414. Net cash generated from operationsGroupCompanyReconciliation of operating profit to net cash generated from operations:2014 £m2013 £m2014 £m2013 £mOperating profit1,093.2648.222.0328.0Adjustments for:Depreciation2.72.6––(Profit)/loss on disposal of investment properties(15.6)3.1––Profit on disposal of trading properties(1.9)(37.4)––Profit on disposal of investments in joint ventures(2.5)–––Profit on disposal of other investments–(1.6)––Net valuation surplus on investment properties(606.6)(196.7)––Release of impairment of trading properties(5.3)(7.1)––Share-based payment charge5.52.9––Defined benefit pension scheme charge1.01.1––470.5415.122.0328.0Changes in working capital:Increase in long-term development contracts(1.3)(1.0)––Increase in receivables(52.9)(48.0)––Increase/(decrease) in payables and provisions14.3(21.1)(22.0)(328.0)Net cash generated from operations430.6345.0––103

Land Securities Annual Report 2014Financial statements continuedfinancial statementsGOVERNANCEAdditiONAl iNfORmAtiONStRAtEGiC REPORtSection 3 – PropertiesThis section focuses on the property assets which form the core of the Group’s business. It includes details of investment properties, investments in joint ventures and trading properties.The Group’s property portfolio is a combination of wholly owned investment and trading properties, and investment and trading properties held through joint ventures. Investment properties are carried at fair value and trading properties are carried at the lower of cost and net realisable value. Both of these values are determined by the Group’s external valuers.The Group’s wholly owned properties are presented as either ‘Investment properties’ or ‘Trading properties’ in the Group balance sheet. The Group applies equity accounting to its investments in joint ventures, which requires the Group’s share of properties held by joint ventures to be presented within ‘Investments in joint ventures’. The combined value of the Group’s total investment property portfolio (including the Group’s share of investment properties held through joint ventures) is shown as a reconciliation in note 15.15. Investment propertiesAccounting policyInvestment properties are those properties, either owned by the Group or where the Group is a lessee under a finance lease, that are held either to earn rental income or for capital appreciation, or both. In addition, properties held under operating leases are accounted for as investment properties when the rest of the definition of an investment property is met. In such cases, the operating leases concerned are accounted for as if they were finance leases.Investment properties are measured initially at cost, including related transaction costs. After initial recognition at cost, investment properties are carried at their fair values based on market value determined by professional independent valuers at each reporting date. The difference between the fair value of an investment property at the reporting date and its carrying amount prior to re-measurement is included in the income statement as a valuation surplus or deficit. Properties are treated as acquired at the point when the Group assumes the significant risks and returns of ownership and as disposed when these are transferred to the buyer. This generally occurs on unconditional exchange, except where completion is expected to occur significantly after exchange. Additions to investment properties consist of costs of a capital nature and, in the case of investment properties under development, capitalised interest. Certain internal staff and associated costs directly attributable to the management of major schemes during the construction phase are also capitalised.When the Group begins to redevelop an existing investment property for continued future use as an investment property, the property continues to be held as an investment property. When the Group begins to redevelop an existing investment property with a view to sell, the property is transferred to trading properties and held as a current asset. The property is re-measured to fair value as at the date of the transfer with any gain or loss being taken to the income statement.  The re-measured amount becomes the deemed cost at which the property is then carried in trading properties.Borrowing costs associated with direct expenditure on properties under development or undergoing major refurbishment are capitalised. The interest capitalised is calculated using the Group’s weighted average cost of borrowings after adjusting for borrowings associated with specific developments. Where borrowings are associated with specific developments, the amount capitalised is the gross interest incurred on those borrowings less any investment income arising on their temporary investment. Interest is capitalised as from the commencement of the development work until the date of practical completion. The capitalisation of finance costs is suspended if there are prolonged periods when development activity is interrupted. Interest is also capitalised on the purchase cost of land or property acquired specifically for redevelopment in the short-term but only where activities necessary to prepare the asset for redevelopment are in progress.Critical accounting judgements and key estimations of uncertainty (investment property valuation)The valuation of the Group’s property portfolio is inherently subjective due to, among other factors, the individual nature of each property, its location and the expected future rental revenues from that particular property. As a result, the valuations the Group places on its property portfolio are subject to a degree of uncertainty and are made on the basis of assumptions which may not prove to be accurate, particularly in periods of volatility or low transaction flow in the property market.The investment property valuation contains a number of assumptions upon which Knight Frank and JLL have based their valuation of the Group’s properties as at 31 March 2014. The assumptions on which the valuations have been based include, but are not limited to, matters such as the tenure and tenancy details for the properties, ground conditions at the properties, the structural condition of the properties, prevailing market yields and comparable market transactions. These assumptions are market standard and accord with the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) Valuation – Professional Standards 2012. However, if any assumptions made by the property valuer prove to be inaccurate, this may mean that the value of the Group’s properties differs from their valuation, which could have a material effect on the Group’s financial condition.104

notes to the financial statements

for the year ended 31 March 2014 continued

Land Securities Annual Report 201415. Investment properties continuedGroup2014£m2013£mNet book value at the beginning of the year9,651.98,453.2Acquisitions1.6245.3Acquired in business combination–545.0Capital expenditure222.0277.8Capitalised interest5.518.9Disposals(637.3)(48.5)Net movement in finance leases3.213.5Transfer to trading properties(5.8)(50.0)Valuation surplus606.6196.7Net book value at 31 March9,847.79,651.9The market value of the Group’s investment properties, as determined by the Group’s external valuers, differs from the net book value presented in the balance sheet due to the Group presenting lease incentives, tenant finance leases and head leases separately. The following table reconciles the net book value of the investment properties to the market value. 2014£m2013£mNet book value at 31 March9,847.79,651.9Plus: tenant lease incentives (note 28)251.9238.0Less: head leases capitalised (note 26)(30.1)(28.7)Plus: properties treated as finance leases219.3212.0Market value at 31 March – Group10,288.810,073.2– Adjustment for non-wholly owned subsidiaries1(29.8)(240.0)– Joint ventures (note 16)1,600.41,613.2– Combined portfolio11,859.411,446.41. This represents the interest in X-Leisure which we do not own, but is consolidated in the Group numbers.The net book value of leasehold properties where head leases have been capitalised is £925.1m (2013: £947.3m). Investment properties include capitalised interest of £214.3m (2013: £208.8m). The average rate of interest capitalisation for the year is 5.0% (2013: 5.0%). The historical cost of investment properties is £6,579.6m (2013: £7,003.5m). 105

Land Securities Annual Report 2014Financial statements continuedfinancial statementsGOVERNANCEAdditiONAl iNfORmAtiONStRAtEGiC REPORt15. Investment properties continuedValuation processThe fair value of the Group’s investment properties at 31 March 2014 was determined by the Group’s external valuers, Knight Frank and JLL. The valuations are in accordance with RICS standards. The valuations performed by the independent valuers are reviewed internally by senior management and relevant people within  the London and Retail business units. This includes discussions of the assumptions used by the external valuers, as well as a review of the resulting valuations. Discussions of the valuation process and results are held between senior management, the audit committee and the external valuers on a half-yearly basis.The valuers’ opinion of fair value was primarily derived using comparable recent market transactions on arm’s length terms and using appropriate valuation techniques. The fair value of investment properties is determined using the income capitalisation approach. Under this approach, forecast net cash flows, based upon market derived estimated present rental values (market rent), together with estimated costs are discounted at market derived capitalisation rates to produce the valuers’ opinion of fair value. The average discount rate which, if applied to all cash flows would produce the fair value, is described as the equivalent yield. Prior to their completion, properties in the development programme are valued using a residual valuation method. Under this methodology, the valuer assesses the completed development value using income and yield assumptions. Deductions are then made for estimated costs to complete, including finance and developer’s profit, to arrive at the valuation.The Group considers all of its investment properties to fall within ‘Level 3’, as defined by IFRS 13. Accordingly, there has been no transfer of properties within the  fair value hierarchy in the financial year. The table below summarises the key unobservable inputs used in the valuation of the Group’s wholly owned investment properties at 31 March 2014:31 March 2014Estimated rental value£ per sq ftEquivalent yield%Costs£ per sq ftMarket value£mLowAverageHighLowAverageHighLowAverageHighRetail PortfolioShopping centres and shops2,184.21129504.55.88.8–312Retail warehouses and food stores1,125.01220305.15.87.5–526Leisure and hotels1,229.7513255.26.69.7–117Other128.7n/an/an/an/an/an/an/an/an/aTotal Retail Portfolio (excluding developments)4,567.6520504.56.09.7–326London PortfolioWest End1,539.61446604.55.05.4–18City932.33644544.75.05.8–715Mid-town941.73247564.74.95.6–1392Inner London316.22227355.05.96.5–2466Total London offices3,729.81443604.55.06.5–992Central London shops905.11247934.35.07.0–––Other188.2n/an/an/an/an/an/an/an/an/aTotal London Portfolio (excluding developments)4,723.11243934.35.07.0–892Developments: income capitalisation method584.36165675.05.05.0–24Developments: residual method413.82155695.15.35.588328466Development programme998.12158695.05.15.5–226466Market value at 31 March 2014 – Group10,288.81. The ‘Other’ category contains a range of low value properties of a diverse nature. As a result it is not meaningful to present assumptions used in valuing these properties.Definition of termsFor definitions of estimated rental value and equivalent yield, see glossary. Costs include future estimated costs associated with refurbishment or development (excluding finance costs), together with an estimate of cash incentives to be paid to tenants. 106

notes to the financial statements

for the year ended 31 March 2014 continued

Land Securities Annual Report 201415. Investment properties continuedSensitivitiesThe following table illustrates the impact of changes in key unobservable inputs (in isolation) on the fair value of the Group’s properties:31 March 2014Impact on valuations of 5% change in estimated rental valueImpact on valuations of   25 bps change in  equivalent yieldImpact on valuations of 5% change  in costsMarket value£mIncrease£mDecrease£mDecrease£mIncrease£mDecrease£mIncrease£mTotal Retail Portfolio (excluding developments)4,567.6184.0(163.9)185.8(175.2)n/an/aTotal London Portfolio (excluding developments)4,723.1182.4(166.4)246.8(222.8)n/an/aDevelopments: income capitalisation method584.326.3(25.8)32.5(29.4)n/an/aDevelopments: residual method413.824.2(24.2)35.2(32.0)16.3(16.3)Market value at 31 March 2014 – Group10,288.8107

Land Securities Annual Report 2014Financial statements continuedfinancial statementsGOVERNANCEAdditiONAl iNfORmAtiONStRAtEGiC REPORt16. Investments in joint venturesAccounting policyJoint ventures are those entities over whose activities the Group has joint control, established by contractual agreement. In the Group’s statutory financial statements, interests in jointly-controlled entities are accounted for using the equity method of accounting. The equity method requires the Group’s share of the joint venture’s post-tax profit or loss for the period to be presented separately in the income statement and the Group’s share of the joint venture’s net assets to be presented separately in the balance sheet. Joint ventures with net liabilities are carried at zero value in the balance sheet where there is no commitment to fund the deficit and any distributions are included in the consolidated income statement for the year. All information presented in respect of jointly-controlled entities is consistent with the Group’s reporting date. The Group’s joint ventures are described below:Name of joint venturePercentage  ownedBusiness  segment Year end date Joint venture partnersHeld at 31 March 201420 Fenchurch Street Limited Partnership50.0%London Portfolio31 MarchCanary Wharf Group plcNova, Victoria150.0%London Portfolio31 MarchCanada Pension Plan Investment BoardMetro Shopping Fund Limited Partnership50.0%Retail Portfolio31 MarchDelancey Real Estate Partners LimitedBuchanan Partnership50.0%Retail Portfolio31 DecemberThe Henderson UK Shopping Centre FundSt. David’s Limited Partnership50.0%Retail Portfolio31 DecemberIntu Properties plcBristol Alliance Limited Partnership50.0%Retail Portfolio31 DecemberHammerson plcHarvest250.0%Retail Portfolio31 MarchJ Sainsbury plcThe Oriana Limited Partnership50.0%London Portfolio31 MarchFrogmore Real Estate Partners Limited PartnershipWestgate Oxford Alliance Limited Partnership350.0%Retail Portfolio31 MarchThe Crown Estate CommissionersThe Martineau Galleries Limited Partnership3 33.3% Retail Portfolio 31 December Hammerson plcPearl Group LimitedThe Ebbsfleet Limited Partnership350.0%London Portfolio31 MarchLafarge Cement UK PLCMillshaw Property Co. Limited350.0%Retail Portfolio31 MarchEvans Property Group LimitedCountryside Land Securities (Springhead) Limited350.0%London Portfolio30 SeptemberCountryside Properties PLCWest India Quay Unit Trust350.0%Retail Portfolio31 DecemberSchroder Exempt Property Unit TrustDisposed of in the year ended 31 March 2014The Scottish Retail Property Limited Partnership350.0%Retail Portfolio31 MarchThe British Land Company PLCHungate (York) Regeneration Limited333.3%Retail Portfolio30 JuneCrosby Lend Lease PLCEvans Property Group LimitedThe Empress State Limited Partnership350.0%London Portfolio31 DecemberCapital & Counties Properties PLCDisposed of/dissolved in the year ended 31 March 2013HNJV Limited350.0%London Portfolio31 MarchPlaces for People Group LimitedThe Martineau Limited Partnership333.3%Retail Portfolio31 DecemberHammerson plcPearl Group Limited1. Nova, Victoria includes the Victoria Circle Limited Partnership and Nova Residential Limited Partnership.2. Harvest includes The Harvest Limited Partnership and Harvest Two Limited Partnership.3. Included within ‘Other’ in subsequent tables.All joint ventures are registered in England and Wales with the exception of The Scottish Retail Property Limited Partnership, Metro Shopping Fund Limited Partnership and West India Quay Unit Trust which are registered in Jersey.108

notes to the financial statements

for the year ended 31 March 2014 continued

Land Securities Annual Report 201416. Investments in joint ventures continuedYear ended 31 March 2014Income statement20 Fenchurch Street Limited Partnership£mNova, Victoria £mMetro Shopping Fund Limited Partnership£mBuchanan Partnership£mSt. David’s Limited Partnership£mBristol AllianceLimited Partnership£mHarvest£mThe Oriana Limited Partnership£mOther£mTotal £mGross rental income (after rents payable)0.5(0.1)7.29.016.717.73.86.412.073.2Net rental income/(expense)(1.9)(0.6)6.47.813.615.13.66.210.160.3Segment profit/(loss) before interest (2.1)(0.7)6.17.713.014.83.25.99.557.4Interest expense(4.4)(0.3)(3.3)(4.2)(4.4)–(0.7)(3.7)(1.7)(22.7)Revenue profit (6.5)(1.0)2.83.58.614.82.52.27.834.7Capital and other itemsProfit on long-term development contracts––––––1.0––1.0Profit on disposal of trading properties––––0.5––––0.5Profit on disposal of investment properties––––––0.3–0.10.4Impairment of trading properties––––(0.3)––––(0.3)Net surplus/(deficit) on revaluation of investment properties100.715.18.2(3.2)8.8(2.7)(1.9)32.7(2.4)155.3Fair value movement on interest-rate swaps––––1.8––1.51.54.8Adjustment to include proportionate share of earnings1––––––––0.50.5Profit before tax94.214.111.00.319.412.11.936.47.5196.9Income tax––(0.5)–(0.2)–(0.2)–(0.2)(1.1)94.214.110.50.319.212.11.736.47.3195.8Net liabilities adjustment2––––––––(0.3)(0.3)Share of post-tax profit94.214.110.50.319.212.11.736.47.0195.5Year ended 31 March 2013Income statement20 Fenchurch Street Limited Partnership£mNova, Victoria £mMetro Shopping Fund  Limited Partnership£mBuchanan Partnership£mSt. David’s Limited Partnership£mBristol AllianceLimited Partnership£mHarvest£mThe Oriana Limited Partnership£mOther£mTotal £mGross rental income (after rents payable)0.11.86.89.016.018.14.17.118.881.8Net rental income–0.96.08.011.914.43.97.116.768.9Segment profit/(loss) before interest(0.1)0.75.68.011.313.93.46.715.965.4Interest expense(2.1)(3.4)(3.2)(4.1)(5.3)–(1.4)(4.5)(7.0)(31.0)Revenue profit(2.2)(2.7)2.43.96.013.92.02.28.934.4Capital and other itemsProfit on disposal of trading properties––––0.6––––0.6Profit on disposal of investment properties––––1.3–––0.21.5Impairment of trading properties––––(0.1)–––(3.9)(4.0)Net surplus/(deficit) on revaluation of investment properties23.115.2(6.3)–8.1(17.9)(1.4)7.3(7.6)20.5Fair value movement on interest-rate swaps––––0.9––1.12.84.8Adjustment to include proportionate share of earnings1––––––––0.50.5Profit/(loss) before tax20.912.5(3.9)3.916.8(4.0)0.610.60.958.3Income tax––––––––––20.912.5(3.9)3.916.8(4.0)0.610.60.958.3Net liabilities adjustment2––––––––0.30.3Share of post-tax profit/(loss)20.912.5(3.9)3.916.8(4.0)0.610.61.258.61. All items in the Investments in joint ventures note are presented on a proportionate basis (see page 91). This adjustment represents the difference between the share of post-tax profit for joint ventures on a proportionate basis and the share of post-tax profit from joint ventures per the Group income statement.2. Joint ventures with net liabilities are carried at zero value in the balance sheet where there is no commitment to fund the deficit. Where this is the case, distributions are included in the consolidated income statement for the period.109

Land Securities Annual Report 2014Financial statements continuedfinancial statementsGOVERNANCEAdditiONAl iNfORmAtiONStRAtEGiC REPORt16. Investments in joint ventures continued Year ended 31 March 2014Net investment20 Fenchurch Street Limited Partnership£mNova, Victoria£mMetro Shopping Fund Limited Partnership£mBuchanan Partnership£mSt. David’s Limited Partnership£mBristol AllianceLimited Partnership£mHarvest£mThe Oriana Limited Partnership£mOther£mTotal £mAt 1 April 2012101.7102.542.6138.7147.5287.4101.376.0139.91,137.6Cash contributed––1.50.3––––2.13.9Property and other contributions0.1––––––––0.1Distributions––(0.7)(4.7)–(14.7)––(10.5)(30.6)Acquired in business combination––––––––29.029.0Fair value movement on cash flow hedges taken to comprehensive income––(2.5)–––0.8–0.8(0.9)Loan advances52.911.5––26.7–2.01.164.9159.1Loan repayments––––(4.9)––(5.6)(2.3)(12.8)Loan settled through equity––––––(43.0)––(43.0)Share of post-tax profit/(loss)20.912.5(3.9)3.916.8(4.0)0.610.61.258.6At 31 March 2013175.6126.537.0138.2186.1268.761.782.1225.11,301.0Cash contributed–––1.3––––3.44.7Property and other contributions0.1––––––––0.1Distributions––(0.8)(4.7)–(16.1)––(5.8)(27.4)Fair value movement on cash flow hedges taken to comprehensive income––3.0–––0.5––3.5Loan advances60.540.7––––13.4–2.5117.1Loan repayments––––(10.0)–––(0.9)(10.9)Disposal of investment––––––––(140.3)(140.3)Share of post-tax profit94.214.110.50.319.212.11.736.47.0195.5At 31 March 2014330.4181.349.7135.1195.3264.777.3118.591.01,443.3Balance sheet at 31 March 2014Investment properties1343.4132.6117.7134.0261.6254.657.4196.074.11,571.4Current assets2.472.46.63.219.619.523.414.428.3189.8345.8205.0124.3137.2281.2274.180.8210.4102.41,761.2Current liabilities(15.4)(17.3)(3.2)(2.1)(7.1)(6.8)(2.7)(8.5)(2.5)(65.6)Non-current liabilities–(6.4)(71.4)–(78.8)(2.6)(0.8)(83.4)(8.9)(252.3)(15.4)(23.7)(74.6)(2.1)(85.9)(9.4)(3.5)(91.9)(11.4)(317.9)Net assets330.4181.349.7135.1195.3264.777.3118.591.01,443.3Market value of investment properties1343.8132.6118.6135.0272.2267.358.2199.073.71,600.4Net (debt)/cash1.96.6(67.2)0.6(72.6)(0.1)6.3(76.9)(6.8)(208.2)Balance sheet at 31 March 2013Investment properties1183.1130.0106.6136.0253.2257.272.0160.4279.01,577.5Current assets2.93.85.34.436.221.313.49.339.1135.7186.0133.8111.9140.4289.4278.585.4169.7318.11,713.2Current liabilities(10.4)(7.2)(3.1)(2.2)(7.8)(7.2)(3.1)(3.1)(81.1)(125.2)Non-current liabilities–(0.1)(71.8)–(95.5)(2.6)(20.6)(84.5)(12.2)(287.3)(10.4)(7.3)(74.9)(2.2)(103.3)(9.8)(23.7)(87.6)(93.3)(412.5)Net liabilities adjustment2––––––––0.30.3Net assets175.6126.537.0138.2186.1268.761.782.1225.11,301.0Market value of investment properties1183.1130.0107.5137.5264.7271.772.9163.5282.31,613.2Net (debt)/cash2.93.8(68.6)2.3(74.5)(0.1)(15.6)(78.5)(71.7)(300.0)1. The difference between the book value and the market value of investment properties is the amount included in prepayments in respect of lease incentives, head leases capitalised and properties treated as finance leases.2. Joint ventures with net liabilities are carried at zero value in the balance sheet where there is no commitment to fund the deficit and any distributions are included in the consolidated income statement for the year.110

notes to the financial statements

for the year ended 31 March 2014 continued

Land Securities Annual Report 201417. Trading properties and long-term development contractsAccounting policyTrading properties are those properties held for sale, or those being developed with a view to sell, and are shown at the lower of cost and net realisable value.  Proceeds received on the sale of trading properties are recognised within Revenue.Revenue on long-term development contracts is recognised according to the stage reached in the contract by reference to the value of work completed using the percentage of completion method. An appropriate estimate of the profit attributable to work completed is recognised once the outcome of the contract can be estimated reliably. The gross amount due from customers for contract work is shown as a receivable. The gross amount due comprises costs incurred plus recognised profits less the sum of recognised losses and progress billings. Where the sum of recognised losses and progress billings exceeds costs incurred plus recognised profits, the amount is shown as a liability.Critical accounting judgements and key estimations of uncertainty (trading property valuation)Trading properties are carried at the lower of cost and net realisable value. The latter is assessed by the Group having regard to suitable valuations performed by its external valuer, Knight Frank.The estimation of the net realisable value of the Group’s trading properties, especially the development land and infrastructure programmes, is inherently subjective due to a number of factors, including their complexity, unusually large size, the substantial expenditure required and long timescales to completion. In addition, as a result of these timescales to completion, the plans associated with these programmes could be subject to significant variation. As a result, and similar to the valuation of investment properties, the net realisable values of the Group’s trading properties are subject to a degree of uncertainty and are determined on the basis of assumptions which may not prove to be accurate. If the assumptions upon which the external valuer has based the valuation prove to be inaccurate, this may have an impact on the net realisable value of the Group’s trading properties, which would in turn have an effect on the Group’s financial condition.Trading propertiesLong-term development  contractsGroupDevelopment  land and  infrastructure£mResidential£m£mTotal£mAt 1 April 201268.056.78.4133.1Acquisitions7.1––7.1Capital expenditure3.117.1–20.2Capitalised interest0.90.9–1.8Transfer from investment properties–50.0–50.0Disposals–(67.5)–(67.5)Impairment release7.1––7.1Contract costs deferred––1.01.0At 31 March 201386.257.29.4152.8Capital expenditure3.730.5–34.2Capitalised interest0.91.9–2.8Transfer from investment properties–5.8–5.8Disposals–(9.3)–(9.3)Impairment release5.3––5.3Contract costs deferred––1.31.3At 31 March 201496.186.110.7192.9The cumulative impairment provision at 31 March 2014 in respect of ‘Development land and infrastructure’ was £98.1m (31 March 2013: £103.4m); and in respect of ‘Residential’ was £0.3m (31 March 2013: £0.3m). The average rate of interest capitalisation for the year is 5.0% (2013: 5.0%).111

Land Securities Annual Report 2014Financial statements continuedfinancial statementsGOVERNANCEAdditiONAl iNfORmAtiONStRAtEGiC REPORt18. Capital commitmentsGroup2014£m2013£mContracted capital commitments at the end of the year in respect of:Investment properties307.5170.5Trading properties50.466.5357.9237.0Joint ventures (our share)220.7302.2Total capital commitments 578.6539.2112

notes to the financial statements

for the year ended 31 March 2014 continued

Land Securities Annual Report 201419. Net investment in finance leasesAccounting policyWhere the Group’s leases transfer the significant risks and rewards of owning the asset to the tenant, the lease is accounted for as a finance lease. At the outset of the lease the fair value of the asset is de-recognised from investment property and recognised as a finance lease receivable. Lease income is recognised over the period of the lease, reflecting a constant rate of return. The difference between the gross receivable and the present value of the receivable is recognised as unearned finance income within Revenue. Group2014£m2013£mNon-currentFinance leases – gross receivables357.6379.6Unearned finance income(204.3)(225.2)Unguaranteed residual value33.633.6186.9188.0CurrentFinance leases – gross receivables12.012.0Unearned finance income(10.4)(10.3)1.61.7Net investment in finance leases188.5189.7Gross receivables from finance leases due:Not later than one year12.012.0Later than one year but not more than five years50.349.3More than five years307.3330.3369.6391.6Unearned future finance income(214.7)(235.5)Unguaranteed residual value33.633.6Net investment in finance leases188.5189.7The Group has leased out a number of investment properties under finance leases, which range from 25 to 100 years in duration from the inception of the lease. The fair value of the Group’s finance lease receivables, using a discount rate of 5.0% (2013: 4.9%), is £190.9m (2013: £188.4m).20. Other property, plant and equipmentAccounting policyOther property, plant and equipment comprise computers, motor vehicles, furniture, fixtures and fittings and improvements to Group offices. These assets are stated at cost less accumulated depreciation and are depreciated to their residual value on a straight-line basis over their estimated useful lives of between two and five years.Group2014£m2013£mNet book value at the beginning of the year8.38.8Capital expenditure 1.72.2Disposals –(0.1)Depreciation(2.7)(2.6)Net book value at 31 March7.38.3113

Land Securities Annual Report 2014Financial statements continuedfinancial statementsGOVERNANCEAdditiONAl iNfORmAtiONStRAtEGiC REPORtSection 4 – Capital structure and financingThis section focuses on the Group’s financing structure, including borrowings and financial risk management.The total capital of the Group consists of shareholders’ equity and net debt. The Group’s strategy is to maintain an appropriate net debt to total equity ratio (gearing) and loan-to-value ratio (LTV) to ensure that asset level performance is translated into enhanced returns for shareholders whilst maintaining an appropriate risk reward balance to accommodate changing financial and operating market cycles. As the Group came out of the last property downturn, its objective was to see rising asset values reduce gearing and LTV ratios. The table in note 21 details a number of the Group’s key metrics in relation to managing its capital structure.A key element of the Group’s capital structure is that the majority of our borrowings are secured against a large pool of our assets (the Security Group). This enables us to raise long-term debt in the bond market, as well as shorter-term flexible bank facilities, both at competitive rates. In general, we follow a secured debt strategy as we believe this gives the Group better access to borrowings at a lower cost. In addition, the Group holds a number of assets outside of the Security Group structure (in the Non-Restricted Group). These assets include a number of joint venture interests, our interests in X-Leisure, and other properties where we have asset specific finance. By having both the Security Group and the Non-Restricted Group, and considerable flexibility to move assets between the two, we are able to raise the most appropriate finance for each specific asset or joint venture.IFRSs require the Group to state a large part of its net debt at below its nominal value, however, we view our capital structure on a basis which adjusts for this (see note 22 for an explanation of the bond exchange de-recognition adjustment).21. Capital structure20142013GroupGroup£mAdjustment for non-wholly owned subsidiaries1£mJoint ventures£mCombined£mGroup£mAdjustment for non-wholly owned subsidiaries1£mJoint  ventures£mCombined£mProperty portfolioMarket value of investment properties10,288.8(29.8)1,600.411,859.410,073.2(240.0)1,613.211,446.4Trading properties and long-term development contracts192.9–91.7284.6152.8–20.8173.6Total property portfolio (a)10,481.7(29.8)1,692.112,144.010,226.0(240.0)1,634.011,620.0Net debtBorrowings 3,362.2(0.1)244.93,607.03,751.4(124.4)344.63,971.6Monies held in restricted accounts and deposits(14.5)––(14.5)(30.9)––(30.9)Cash and cash equivalents (20.9)0.1(36.6)(57.4)(41.7)11.4(53.0)(83.3)Fair value of interest-rate swaps 3.7–(0.1)3.619.8(3.7)8.424.5Net debt (b)3,330.5–208.23,538.73,698.6(116.7)300.03,881.9Less: Fair value of interest-rate swaps(3.7)–0.1(3.6)(19.8)3.7(8.4)(24.5)Reverse bond exchange de-recognition (note 22)413.2––413.2432.8––432.8Adjusted net debt (c)3,740.0–208.33,948.34,111.6(113.0)291.64,290.2Total equityTotal equity (d)8,418.38,418.37,486.77,486.7Fair value of interest-rate swaps3.7(0.1)3.619.8(3.7)8.424.5Reverse bond exchange de-recognition (note 22)(413.2)(413.2)(432.8)(432.8)Adjusted total equity (e)8,008.8(0.1)8,008.77,073.7(3.7)8.47,078.4Gearing (b/d)39.6%42.0%49.4%51.8%Adjusted gearing (c/e)46.7%49.3%58.1%60.6%Group LTV (c/a)35.7%32.5%40.2%36.9%Security Group LTV35.5%37.7%Weighted average cost of debt5.0%5.0%4.9%4.9%1. This represents the 5.0% (2013: 40.6%) interest in X-Leisure which we do not own but is consolidated in the Group numbers.114

notes to the financial statements

for the year ended 31 March 2014 continued

Land Securities Annual Report 201422. BorrowingsAccounting policyBorrowings, other than bank overdrafts, are recognised initially at fair value less attributable transaction costs. Subsequent to initial recognition, borrowings are stated at amortised cost with any difference between the amount initially recognised and redemption value being recognised in the income statement over the period of the borrowings, using the effective interest method.Where existing borrowings are exchanged for new borrowings and the terms of the existing and new borrowings are not substantially different (as defined by IAS 39), the new borrowings are recognised initially at the carrying amount of the existing borrowings. The difference between the amount initially recognised and the redemption value of the new borrowings is recognised in the income statement over the period of the new borrowings, using the effective interest method (bond exchange de-recognition adjustment).20142013GroupSecured/ unsecuredFixed/ floatingEffective  interest rate%Nominal/ notional value £mFair  value£mBook  value£mNominal/ notional value £mFair  value£mBook  value£mCurrent borrowingsSterling5.292 per cent MTN due 2015SecuredFixed5.3–––122.7125.1122.75.253 per cent QAG BondSecuredFixed5.313.215.013.211.814.311.8Syndicated bank debtSecuredFloatingLIBOR + margin–––264.8264.8264.8Bilateral facilitiesSecuredFloatingLIBOR + margin500.0500.0500.035.737.036.9Total current borrowings513.2515.0513.2435.0441.2436.2Non-current borrowingsSterling4.875 per cent MTN due 2019SecuredFixed5.0400.0441.1398.2400.0458.9397.85.425 per cent MTN due 2022SecuredFixed5.5255.3290.8254.8255.3307.1254.74.875 per cent MTN due 2025SecuredFixed4.9300.0332.6297.9300.0357.7297.75.391 per cent MTN due 2026SecuredFixed5.4210.7242.9210.0210.7254.0210.05.391 per cent MTN due 2027SecuredFixed5.4608.6703.3606.4608.6744.0606.35.376 per cent MTN due 2029SecuredFixed5.4317.5366.3316.1317.6384.8316.15.396 per cent MTN due 2032SecuredFixed5.4322.7375.1321.0322.7392.9320.95.125 per cent MTN due 2036SecuredFixed5.1500.0570.2498.7500.0596.5498.6Bond exchange de-recognition adjustment(413.2)(432.8)2,914.83,322.32,489.92,914.93,495.92,469.35.253 per cent QAG BondSecuredFixed5.3304.0346.0304.0317.2384.1317.2Syndicated bank debtSecuredFloatingLIBOR + margin15.015.015.0330.0330.0330.0Bilateral facilitiesSecuredFloatingLIBOR + margin10.010.010.0170.0170.0170.0Amounts payable under finance leases (note 26)UnsecuredFixed7.230.143.030.128.742.028.7Total non-current borrowings3,273.93,736.32,849.03,760.84,422.03,315.2Total borrowings3,787.14,251.33,362.24,195.84,863.23,751.4Reconciliation of the movement in borrowingsGroup2014£m2013£mAt the beginning of the year3,751.43,235.9Repayment of loans(911.3)(10.9)Acquired in business combination–305.8Proceeds from new loans500.0200.8Amortisation of finance fees1.11.0Amortisation of bond exchange de-recognition adjustment19.618.1Net movement in finance lease obligations 1.40.7At 31 March3,362.23,751.4115

Land Securities Annual Report 2014Financial statements continuedfinancial statementsGOVERNANCEAdditiONAl iNfORmAtiONStRAtEGiC REPORt22. Borrowings continuedMedium term notes (MTNs)The MTNs are secured on the fixed and floating pool of assets of the Security Group. Debt investors benefit from security over a pool of investment properties, development properties and the Group’s investment in the Bristol Alliance Limited Partnership, the Westgate Oxford Alliance Limited Partnership and Nova, Victoria, valued at £9.7bn at 31 March 2014 (2013: £9.3bn). The secured debt structure has a tiered operating covenant regime which gives the Group substantial flexibility when the loan-to-value and interest cover in the Security Group are less than 65% and more than 1.45 times respectively. If these limits are exceeded the operating environment becomes more restrictive with provisions to encourage the reduction in gearing (see note 27). The interest rate is fixed until the expected maturity, being two years before the legal maturity date for each MTN, whereupon the interest rate for the last two years is LIBOR plus a step-up margin. The effective interest rate includes the amortisation of issue costs. The MTNs are listed on the Irish Stock Exchange and their fair values are based on their respective market prices. Syndicated and bilateral bank debtMaturity as at 31 March 2014AuthorisedDrawnUndrawnGroup2014£m2013£m2014£m2013£m2014£m2013£mSyndicated debt20161,085.01,085.015.0330.01,070.0755.0Bilateral debt2014–18985.0300.0510.0170.0475.0130.0Debt acquired in business combinationn/a–330.3–301.7–28.62,070.01,715.3525.0801.71,545.0913.6The terms of the Security Group funding arrangements require undrawn facilities to be reserved where syndicated and bilateral facilities mature within one year. Accordingly, the Group’s available facilities at 31 March 2014 were £1,045.0m (2013: £913.6m), compared with undrawn facilities of £1,545.0m (2013: £913.6m).All syndicated and bilateral facilities are committed and secured on the assets of the Security Group. During the year, a £165m bilateral facility was repaid and the facility cancelled in full. At the same time a new £250m facility was entered into. £600m of further facilities were also made available to the Group throughout the year. All facilities acquired in the prior year business combination were repaid in full during the year and cancelled.Queen Anne’s Gate BondOn 29 July 2009, the Group issued a £360.3m bond secured on the rental cash flows from the commercial lease with the UK Government over Queen Anne’s Gate (QAG). The QAG Bond is a fully amortising bond with a final maturity in February 2027 and a fixed interest rate of 5.253% per annum. At 31 March 2014 the bond had an amortised book value of £317.2m (2013: £329.0m).Fair valuesThe fair values of any floating rate financial liabilities are assumed to be equal to their nominal value, but adjusted for the effect of exit fees payable on redemption.  The fair values of the MTNs and the QAG Bond fall within Level 1, the syndicated and bilateral facilities fall within Level 2, and the amounts payable under finance leases fall within Level 3, as defined in IFRS 13.Bond exchange de-recognitionOn 3 November 2004, a debt refinancing was completed resulting in the Group exchanging all of its outstanding bond and debenture debt for new MTNs with higher nominal values. The new MTNs did not meet the IAS 39 requirement to be substantially different from the debt that it replaced. Consequently the book value of the new debt is reduced to the book value of the original debt by the ‘bond exchange de-recognition’ adjustment which is then amortised to zero over the life of the new MTNs. The amortisation is charged to net interest expense in the income statement.23. Monies held in restricted accounts and depositsAccounting policyMonies held in restricted accounts and deposits represent cash held by the Group in accounts with conditions that restrict the use of these monies by the Group and, as such, does not meet the definition of cash and cash equivalents as defined in IAS 7 ‘Statement of Cash Flows’. Holding cash in restricted accounts does not prevent the Group from optimising returns by putting these monies on short-term deposit.Group2014£m2013£mCash at bank and in hand7.67.4Short-term deposits6.923.514.530.9The credit quality of monies held in restricted accounts and deposits can be assessed by reference to external credit ratings of the counterparty where the account or deposit is placed.Group2014£m2013£mCounterparties with external credit ratingsA+–7.4A14.523.514.530.9116

notes to the financial statements

for the year ended 31 March 2014 continued

Land Securities Annual Report 201424. Cash and cash equivalentsAccounting policyCash and cash equivalents comprises cash balances, deposits held at call with banks and other short-term highly liquid investments with original maturities of three months or fewer. Bank overdrafts that are repayable on demand and form an integral part of the Group’s cash management are deducted from cash and cash equivalents for the purpose of the statement of cash flows.GroupCompany2014 £m2013£m2014£m2013£mCash at bank and in hand18.217.40.10.1Short-term deposits2.724.3––20.941.70.10.1Short-term depositsThe effective interest rate on short-term deposits was 0.3% at 31 March 2014 (2013: 0.3%) and had an average maturity of 2 days (2013: 2 days). The credit quality of cash and cash equivalents can be assessed by reference to external credit ratings of the counterparty where the account or deposit is placed.Group2014£m2013£mCounterparties with external credit ratings AA-–19.5A+–6.1A20.316.1A-0.6–20.941.725. Derivative financial instrumentsAccounting policyThe Group uses interest-rate swaps to help manage its interest-rate risk. In accordance with its treasury policy, the Group does not hold or issue derivatives for trading purposes.All derivatives are initially recognised at fair value at the date the derivative is entered into and are subsequently re-measured at fair value. The fair value of interest-rate swaps is based on broker or counterparty quotes. Those quotes are tested for reasonableness by discounting estimated future cash flows based on the terms and maturity of each contract and using market interest rates for similar instruments at the measurement date. The method of recognising the resulting gain or loss depends on whether the derivative is designated as a hedging instrument. Cash flow hedges: where a derivative is designated as a hedge of the variability of a highly probable forecast transaction (i.e. an interest payment) the element of the gain or loss on the derivative that is an effective hedge is recognised directly in other comprehensive income. The associated gains or losses that were recognised in the statement of other comprehensive income are reclassified into the income statement on termination or expiry of the hedge.Derivatives that do not qualify for hedge accounting: the gain or loss on derivatives that do not qualify for hedge accounting, and the non-qualifying element of derivatives that do qualify for hedge accounting, are recognised immediately in the income statement.The fair values of the Group’s outstanding interest-rate swaps have been estimated by calculating the present value of future cash flows, using appropriate market discount rates. This valuation technique falls within level 2, as defined by IFRS 13.Fair value of derivative financial instrumentsGroup2014£m2013£mNon-current assets5.3–Current liabilities(5.5)(9.1)Non-current liabilities(3.5)(10.7)Total(3.7)(19.8)Notional amount2014£m2013£mInterest-rate swaps1,120.01,016.8117

Land Securities Annual Report 2014Financial statements continuedfinancial statementsGOVERNANCEAdditiONAl iNfORmAtiONStRAtEGiC REPORt26. Obligations under finance leasesAccounting policyWhere the Group is a lessee and enters into a lease that transfers substantially all the risks and rewards of ownership of the asset to the Group, the lease is accounted for as a finance lease. Finance leases are capitalised within investment properties at the commencement of the lease at the lower of the fair value of the property and the present value of the minimum lease payments. Each lease payment is allocated between the liability and finance charges so as to achieve a constant rate on the finance balance outstanding. The corresponding rental obligations, net of finance charges, are included in current and non-current borrowings. The finance charges are charged to the income statement over the lease period so as to produce a constant periodic rate of interest on the remaining balance of the liability for each period. The investment properties acquired under finance leases are subsequently carried at their fair value.Group2014£m2013£mThe minimum lease payments under finance leases fall due as follows:Not later than one year2.22.1Later than one year but not more than five years8.68.4More than five years239.1234.2249.9244.7Future finance charges on finance leases(219.8)(216.0)Present value of finance lease liabilities 30.128.7The present value of finance lease liabilities fall due as follows:Not later than one year––Later than one year but not more than five years––More than five years30.128.730.128.7The fair value of the Group’s lease obligations, using a discount rate of 5.0% (2013: 4.9%), is £43.0m (2013: £42.0m).118

notes to the financial statements

for the year ended 31 March 2014 continued

Land Securities Annual Report 201427. Financial risk managementIntroductionA review of the Group’s objectives, policies and processes for managing and monitoring risk is set out in the ‘Financial review’ (pages 24 to 27) and ‘Our principal risks and how we manage them’ (pages 32 to 35). This note provides further detail on financial risk management and includes quantitative information on specific financial risks.The Group is exposed to a variety of financial risks: market risks (principally interest rate risk), credit risk and liquidity risk. The Group’s overall risk management strategy seeks to minimise the potential adverse effects of these on the Group’s financial performance and includes the use of derivative financial instruments to hedge certain risk exposures. Financial risk management is carried out by Group Treasury under policies approved by the Board of Directors. The following table summarises the Group’s financial assets and liabilities into the categories required by IFRS 7, ‘Financial Instruments, Disclosure’:Group2014£m2013£mLoans and receivables447.3405.4Financial liabilities at amortised cost(3,705.3)(4,133.1)Net financial liabilities at fair value through profit and loss(3.7)(19.8)Other(32.6)(118.1)(3,294.3)(3,865.6)Financial risk factors(i) Credit riskThe Group’s principal financial assets are cash and cash equivalents, trade and other receivables, finance lease receivables, amounts due from joint ventures, loans to third parties and commercial property backed loan notes. Further details concerning the credit risk of counterparties is provided in the note that specifically relates to each type of asset.Bank and financial institutionsOne of the principal credit risks of the Group arises from financial derivative instruments and deposits with banks and financial institutions. In line with the policy approved by the Board of Directors, where the Group manages the deposit only independently-rated banks and financial institutions with a minimum rating of A- are accepted. Group Treasury currently performs a weekly review of the credit ratings of all its financial institution counterparties. Furthermore, Group Treasury ensures that funds deposited with a single financial institution remain within the Group’s policy limits. Trade receivablesTrade receivables are presented in the balance sheet net of allowances for doubtful receivables. Impairment is made where there is objective evidence that the Group will not be able to collect all amounts due according to the original terms of the receivables concerned. The balance is low relative to the scale of the balance sheet and, owing to the long-term nature and diversity of the Group’s tenancy arrangements, the credit risk of trade receivables is considered to be low. Furthermore, a credit report is obtained from an independent rating agency prior to the inception of a lease with a new counterparty. This report is used to determine the size of the deposit that is required from the tenant at inception. In general these deposits represent between three and six months’ rent.Finance lease receivables This balance relates to amounts receivable from tenants in respect of tenant finance leases. This is not considered a significant credit risk as the tenants are generally of good financial standing.Loans to third partiesA loan maturing in 2035 was made to Semperian PPP (formerly Trillium Investment Partners LP) as part of the disposal of the Trillium business. This loan is not considered a significant credit risk as it is repayable from dividends from investments in government infrastructure projects.(ii) Liquidity riskThe Group actively maintains a mixture of notes with final maturities between 2019 and 2036, and medium-term committed bank facilities that are designed to ensure that the Group has sufficient available funds for its operations and its committed capital expenditure programme. Management monitors the Group’s available funds as follows:Group2014£m2013£mCash and cash equivalents20.941.7Available facilities 1,045.0913.6Cash and available facilities1,065.9955.3As a proportion of drawn debt28.4%23.0%The Group’s core financing structure is in the Security Group, although the remaining Non-Restricted Group may also secure independent funding.119

Land Securities Annual Report 2014Financial statements continuedfinancial statementsGOVERNANCEAdditiONAl iNfORmAtiONStRAtEGiC REPORt27. Financial risk management continuedSecurity GroupThe Group’s principal financing arrangements utilise the credit support of a ring-fenced group of assets (the Security Group) that comprises the majority of the Group’s investment property portfolio. These arrangements operate in ‘tiers’ determined by LTV and interest cover ratio (ICR). This structure is most flexible at lower tiers (with a lower LTV and a higher ICR) and allows property acquisitions, disposals and developments to occur with relative freedom. In higher tiers, the requirements become more prescriptive. No financial covenant default is triggered until the applicable LTV exceeds 100% or the ICR is less than 1.0x. As at 31 March 2014, the reported LTV for the Security Group was 35.5% (2013: 37.7%), meaning that the Group was operating in Tier 1 and benefited from maximum operational flexibility. Management monitors the key covenants attached to the Security Group on a monthly basis, including LTV, ICR, sector and regional concentration and disposals.Non-Restricted GroupThe Non-Restricted Group obtains funding when required from a combination of inter-company loans from the Security Group, equity and external bank debt. Bespoke credit facilities are established with banks when required for the Non-Restricted Group projects and joint ventures, usually on a limited-recourse basis.The table below analyses the Group’s financial liabilities into relevant maturity groupings based on the remaining period at the balance sheet date to the expected maturity date. The amounts disclosed in the table are the contractual undiscounted cash flows.2014GroupLess than  1 year£mBetween 1 and 2 years£mBetween 2 and 5 years£mOver  5 years£mBorrowings (excluding finance lease liabilities) 683.1183.0950.73,863.6Finance lease liabilities 2.22.26.5239.1Derivative financial instruments5.5––3.5Trade payables12.9–––Capital accruals48.5–––Redemption liabilities2.6––30.0754.8185.2957.24,136.22013GroupLess than  1 year£mBetween 1 and 2 years£mBetween 2 and 5 years£mOver  5 years£mBorrowings (excluding finance lease liabilities) 625.4264.8981.84,429.2Finance lease liabilities 2.22.26.7259.1Derivative financial instruments9.17.92.8–Trade payables6.6–––Capital accruals32.5–––Redemption liabilities–118.1––675.8393.0991.34,688.3(iii) Market riskThe Group is exposed to market risk through interest rates and availability of credit. For financial instruments other than borrowings disclosed in note 22, the carrying value in the balance sheet approximates their fair values.Interest ratesThe Group uses derivative products to manage its interest rate exposure, and has a hedging policy that generally requires at least 80% of its existing debt plus increases in debt associated with net committed capital expenditure to be at fixed interest rates for the coming five years. Due to a combination of factors, principally the high level of certainty required under IAS 39 ‘Financial Instruments: Recognition and Measurement’, hedging instruments used in this context do not qualify for hedge accounting. Specific interest rate hedges are also used within our joint ventures to fix the interest rate exposure on limited-recourse debt. Where specific hedges are used in geared joint ventures to fix the interest exposure on limited-recourse debt, these may qualify for hedge accounting.At 31 March 2014, the Group (including joint ventures) had £1.4bn (2013: £1.2bn) of interest-rate swaps in place, and its net debt was 94.5% fixed (2013: 90.7%). Based on the Group’s debt balances at 31 March 2014, a 1% increase in interest rates would increase the net interest payable in the income statement and reduce equity by £2.8m (2013: £5.0m). The sensitivity has been calculated by applying the interest rate change to the variable rate borrowings, net of interest-rate swaps and cash and cash equivalents.Foreign exchangeForeign-exchange risk arises when future commercial transactions or recognised assets or liabilities are denominated in a currency that is not the Group’s functional currency. The Group does not normally enter into any foreign-currency transactions as it is UK based. However, where significant committed expenditure in foreign currencies is identified, it is the Group’s policy to hedge 100% of that exposure by entering into forward purchases of foreign currency to fix the Sterling value. Therefore the Group’s foreign-exchange risk is low. The Group had no foreign-currency exposure at 31 March 2014 or at 31 March 2013.120

notes to the financial statements

for the year ended 31 March 2014 continued

Land Securities Annual Report 201427. Financial risk management continuedFinancial maturity analysisThe interest rate profile of the Group’s undiscounted borrowings, after taking into account the effect of the interest-rate swaps, is set out below:20142013GroupFixed  rate£mFloating rate£mTotal£mFixed  rate£mFloating  rate£mTotal£mSterling3,262.1525.03,787.13,395.3800.54,195.8The expected maturity profiles of the Group’s borrowings are as follows:20142013GroupFixed rate£mFloating rate£mTotal£mFixed  rate£mFloating rate£mTotal£mOne year or less, or on demand13.2500.0513.2134.5300.5435.0More than one year but not more than two years14.6–14.613.275.088.2More than two years but not more than five years453.725.0478.748.7425.0473.7More than five years2,780.6–2,780.63,198.9–3,198.93,262.1525.03,787.13,395.3800.54,195.8The expected maturity profiles of the Group’s derivative instruments are as follows:Group2014£m2013£mOne year or less, or on demand220.0296.8More than one year but not more than two years70.0220.0More than two years but not more than five years430.0500.0More than five years400.0–1,120.01,016.8Valuation hierarchyInterest-rate swaps and the redemption liabilities are the only financial instruments which are carried at fair value. The table below shows the aggregate assets and liabilities carried at fair value by valuation method:20142013GroupLevel 1£mLevel 2£mLevel 3£mTotal£mLevel 1£mLevel 2£mLevel 3£mTotal£mAssets–5.3–5.3––––Liabilities–(41.6)–(41.6)–(137.9)–(137.9)Note:Level 1: valued using unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical financial instruments.Level 2: valued using techniques based on information that can be obtained from observable market data.Level 3: valued using techniques incorporating information other than observable market data.121

Land Securities Annual Report 2014Financial statements continuedfinancial statementsGOVERNANCEAdditiONAl iNfORmAtiONStRAtEGiC REPORtSection 5 – Working capitalThis section focuses on our working capital balances, including trade and other receivables, trade and other payables and provisions.28. Trade and other receivablesAccounting policyTrade and other receivables are recognised initially at fair value, subsequently at amortised cost and, where relevant, adjusted for the time value of money. A provision for impairment is established where there is objective evidence that the Group will not be able to collect all amounts due according to the original terms of the receivables concerned. If collection is expected in more than one year, they are classified as non-current assets.GroupCompany2014£m2013£m2014£m2013£mTrade receivables75.052.0––Less: allowance for doubtful accounts(14.0)(12.3)––Net trade receivables 61.039.7––Property sales receivables6.73.1––Other receivables7.010.8––Tenant lease incentives (note 15)251.9238.0––Prepayments and accrued income28.333.3––Current tax assets3.3–14.216.3Net investment in finance leases due within one year (note 19)1.61.7––Amounts due from joint ventures6.518.2––Loans to Group undertakings–––5.5Total current trade and other receivables366.3344.814.221.8Non-current trade and other receivables34.310.6––Total trade and other receivables400.6355.414.221.8The accounting for lease incentives is set out in note 5. The value of the tenant lease incentive, included in current trade and other receivables, is spread over the non-cancellable life of the lease.Ageing of trade receivablesGroupNot past due£m1–30 days past due£mUp to 6 months  past due£mUp to 12 months  past due£mMore than  12 months  past due£mTotal£mAs at 31 March 2014Not impaired9.044.46.11.5–61.0Impaired–0.23.91.68.314.09.044.610.03.18.375.0As at 31 March 2013Not impaired–32.85.11.8–39.7Impaired–0.41.83.46.712.3–33.26.95.26.752.0122

notes to the financial statements

for the year ended 31 March 2014 continued

Land Securities Annual Report 201428. Trade and other receivables continuedIn accordance with IFRS 7, the amounts shown as past due represent the total credit exposure, not the amount actually past due. The majority of the Group’s trade receivables are considered past due as they relate to rents receivable from tenants which are payable in advance.Movement in allowance for doubtful accountsGroup2014£m2013£mAt the beginning of the year12.310.1Net charge to the income statement3.84.3Acquired in business combination–1.4Utilised in the year(2.1)(3.5)At 31 March14.012.3Movement in tenant lease incentivesGroup2014£m2013£mAt the beginning of the year238.0204.7Revenue recognised 33.819.2Capital incentives granted7.315.8Provision for doubtful receivables(0.6)(1.5)Disposal of properties(26.6)(0.2)At 31 March 251.9238.029. Trade and other payablesGroupCompany2014£m2013£m2014£m2013£mTrade payables12.96.6––Capital accruals48.532.5––Other payables46.029.56.26.4Accruals74.6166.75.513.0Deferred income134.5126.7––Amounts owed to joint ventures3.02.3––Loans from Group undertakings––812.0589.9Total current trade and other payables319.5364.3823.7609.3Non-current trade and other payables23.617.4––Total trade and other payables343.1381.7823.7609.3Capital accruals represent amounts due under contracts to purchase properties, which were unconditionally exchanged at the year end, and for work completed on investment properties but not paid for at the year end. Deferred income principally relates to rents received in advance.123

Land Securities Annual Report 2014Financial statements continuedfinancial statementsGOVERNANCEAdditiONAl iNfORmAtiONStRAtEGiC REPORt30. ProvisionsAccounting policyA provision is recognised in the balance sheet when the Group has a constructive or legal obligation as a result of a past event and it is probable that an outflow of economic benefits will be required to settle the obligation. Where relevant, provisions are determined by discounting the expected future cash flows at a pre-tax rate that reflects current market assessments of the time value of money and, where appropriate, the risks specific to the liability.Group2014£m2013£mAt the beginning of the year7.08.6Charged to income statement for the year0.45.2Utilised in the year(1.7)(4.0)Released to the income statement in the year(2.1)(1.3)Reclassified to accruals–(1.5)At 31 March3.67.0Included in the balance above, the following amounts are anticipated to be utilised within one year:3.66.7124

notes to the financial statements

for the year ended 31 March 2014 continued

Land Securities Annual Report 2014Section 6 – Other required disclosuresThis section gives further disclosure in respect of other areas of the financial statements, together with mandatory disclosures required in accordance  with IFRSs.31. Loan investmentsAccounting policyLoan investments are non-derivative financial assets which are initially recognised at fair value plus acquisition costs. They are subsequently carried at amortised cost using the effective interest method.20142013GroupReal estate secured  loan notes£mLoans  to third parties£mTotal£mReal estate secured  loan notes£mLoans  to third  parties£mTotal£mAt the beginning of the year–50.050.00.850.050.8Redemptions–––(0.8)–(0.8)At 31 March–50.050.0–50.050.0An external credit rating is not available for the counterparty to the loan investments, therefore the credit quality is assessed by reference to historical information about counterparty default rates. The relationship with the counterparty has been in place for more than six months, and there is no history of defaults. The loan investment is not past due and is therefore not impaired.32. Investments in subsidiary undertakingsAccounting policyInvestments in subsidiary undertakings are stated at cost in the Company’s balance sheet, less any provision for impairment in value. In accordance with IFRIC 11 ‘IFRS 2 – Group and Treasury Share Transactions’ the equity settled share-based payment charge for the employees of the Company’s subsidiaries is treated as an increase in the cost of investment in the subsidiaries, with a corresponding increase in the Company’s equity.Company2014£m2013£mAt the beginning of the year6,180.76,177.8Capital contributions relating to share-based payments (note 35)5.52.9At 31 March6,186.26,180.7The Directors consider that to give full particulars of all subsidiary undertakings would lead to a statement of excessive length. The principal Group undertakings which are consolidated are listed below:2014Holding2013HoldingGroup operationsLand Securities Properties Limited100%100%Investment property businessLand Securities Intermediate Limited100%100%Land Securities Property Holdings Limited100%100%Ravenseft Properties Limited100%100%LS Cardinal Limited100%100%The City of London Real Property Company Limited100%100%Ravenside Investments Limited100%100%LS Victoria Properties Limited100%100%LS London Holdings One Limited100%100%All principal subsidiary undertakings operate in Great Britain and are registered in England and Wales. A full list of subsidiary undertakings at 31 March 2014 will be appended to the Company’s next annual return.125

Land Securities Annual Report 2014Financial statements continuedfinancial statementsGOVERNANCEAdditiONAl iNfORmAtiONStRAtEGiC REPORt33. Redemption liabilitiesAccounting policyWhere instruments held in a subsidiary by third parties are redeemable at the option of the holder, these interests are classified as a financial liability. The liability is carried at fair value; the value is reassessed at the balance sheet date and movements are recognised in the income statement.Group2014£m2013£mAt the beginning of the year118.1–Transfer from non-controlling interest–0.2Transfer from other creditors–0.8Arising on business combination–129.7Acquisition of additional interest(104.1)(16.0)Recapitalisation of non-wholly owned subsidiary15.0–Distributions paid by subsidiary undertakings(2.0)(0.8)Revaluation of redemption liabilities5.64.2At 31 March 32.6118.1The redemption liabilities are carried at fair value. The fair value of each component of the redemption liability is determined as the present value of the amount the Group would be required to pay to settle the liabilities (an exit price). The terms of each arrangement are different, but generally the fair value is calculated by reference to a metric within the underlying subsidiary’s financial statements, typically net assets or investment property valuation. These inputs are not based on observable market data and therefore the redemption liabilities are considered to fall within Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy, as determined by IFRS 13.In September 2013, the Group acquired an additional 35.6% holding in the X-Leisure Unit Trust (X-Leisure) for £104.1m, increasing the Group’s holding from 59.4% to 95.0%. This has resulted in a partial utilisation of the redemption liability. The remaining redemption liability in respect of X-Leisure reflects the put option that remains in connection with the 5.0% of units in X-Leisure not held by the Group.34. Net pension surplusAccounting policyContributions to defined contribution schemes are charged to the income statement as incurred. In respect of defined benefit pension schemes, pension obligations are measured at discounted present value, while pension scheme assets are measured at their fair value, except annuities, which are valued to match the liability or benefit value. The operating and financing costs of such schemes are recognised separately in the income statement. Service costs are spread using the projected  unit credit method. Net financing costs are recognised in the periods in which they arise and are included in interest income or expense. Re-measurement gains  and losses arising from either experience differing from previous actuarial assumptions, or changes to those assumptions, are recognised immediately in other comprehensive income.Defined contribution schemesPension costs for defined contribution schemes are as follows:Group2014£m2013£mCharge to operating profit2.22.1Defined benefit schemeThe Pension & Assurance Scheme of the Land Securities Group of Companies (the Scheme) is a registered defined benefit final salary scheme subject to the UK regulatory framework for pensions, including the Scheme Specific Funding requirements. The Scheme is operated under trust and as such, the trustees of the Scheme are responsible for operating the Scheme and they have a statutory responsibility to act in accordance with the Scheme’s Trust Deed and Rules, in the best interest of the beneficiaries of the Scheme, and UK legislation (including Trust law). The Trustees and the Group have the joint power to set the contributions that are paid to the Scheme.126

notes to the financial statements

for the year ended 31 March 2014 continued

Land Securities Annual Report 201434. Net pension surplus continuedIn setting contributions to the Scheme, the Trustees and the Group are guided by the advice of a qualified independent actuary on the basis of triennial valuations using the projected unit credit method. As the Scheme is closed to new members, the current service cost is expected to increase as a percentage of salary of the Scheme members, under the projected unit credit method, as members approach retirement. A full actuarial valuation of the Land Securities Scheme was undertaken on 30 June 2012 by the independent actuaries, Hymans Robertson LLP. This valuation was updated to 31 March 2014 using, where required, assumptions prescribed by IAS 19, ‘Employee Benefits’. The next full actuarial valuation will be performed as at 30 June 2015.As a result of the 30 June 2012 valuation, the Trustees and the Group agreed that, in order to address the deficit at that time, a combined employee and employer contribution rate of 44% of pensionable salary would be paid, together with additional employer contributions of £4m per annum, for a period of six years commencing on 1 July 2013. Subsequent to March 2014, the Group and the Trustees have agreed a new schedule of contributions with the effect that employer deficit reduction contributions will cease from June 2014. In addition, the Group has increased the monthly contributory salary payments to 37.8% of pensionable salary although this will decrease to 36.3% after 30 September 2014.Since December 2013, employee contributions have been paid by salary sacrifice, and therefore now appear as Group contributions. In the year ended  31 March 2014 employee contributions were 6.5% of monthly pensionable salary. Employee contributions will increase to 8.0% of monthly pensionable salary  after 30 September 2014. The Group expects to make employer contributions of around £1.9m to the Scheme in the year to 31 March 2015. All death-in-service and incapacity benefits arising during employment are wholly insured. No post-retirement benefits other than pensions are made available to employees of the Group.Analysis of the amounts charged to the income statementGroup2014£m2013£mAnalysis of the amount charged to operating profitCurrent service cost0.81.1Scheme administrative costs0.2–Charge to operating profit1.01.1Analysis of amount credited to interest expenseInterest income on plan assets(8.3)(8.6)Interest on defined benefit scheme liabilities7.97.8Net credit to interest expense(0.4)(0.8)On 1 April 2013, an amendment to IAS 19 ‘Employee Benefits’ was adopted by the Group (note 3), at which point the finance income on assets has been calculated with reference to the discount rate and not the expected rate of return on scheme assets. In accordance with IAS 19R, pension interest for the current year has been calculated and presented on a net basis. The corresponding balances in the prior year have been re-presented to align the presentation but have not been adjusted as the impact is not considered to be material.Analysis of the amounts recognised in other comprehensive incomeGroup2014£m2013£mAnalysis of gains and lossesNet re-measurement (losses)/gains on scheme assets(4.6)22.1Net re-measurement losses on scheme liabilities(3.2)(18.2)Re-measurement (losses)/gains(7.8)3.9Cumulative re-measurement losses recognised in other comprehensive income(48.4)(40.6)The net surplus recognised in respect of the defined benefit scheme can be analysed as follows:Group2014%2014£m2013%2013£mEquities3671.33466.4Bonds – Government2752.42956.2Bonds – Corporate2548.82446.3Insurance contracts1122.51223.1Cash and cash equivalents11.010.8Fair value of scheme assets100196.0100192.8Fair value of scheme liabilities(193.7)(186.9)Net pension surplus2.35.9Insurance contracts are unquoted assets. All other scheme assets have quoted prices in active markets. The scheme assets do not include any directly owned financial instruments issued by the Group. Indirectly owned financial instruments had a fair value of £0.1m (2013: £0.1m).127

Land Securities Annual Report 2014Financial statements continuedfinancial statementsGOVERNANCEAdditiONAl iNfORmAtiONStRAtEGiC REPORt34. Net pension surplus continuedThe defined benefit scheme liabilities are split 13% in respect of active scheme participants, 31% in respect of deferred scheme participants, and 56% in respect of retirees. The weighted average duration of the defined benefit scheme liabilities at 31 March 2014 is 16.9 years.The assumptions agreed with the Trustees of the Scheme for the triennial valuation at 30 June 2012 have been restated to the assumptions described by IAS 19 ‘Employee Benefits’. The major assumptions used in the valuation were (in nominal terms):Group2014%2013%Rate of increase in pensionable salaries3.603.50Rate of increase in pensions in payment3.603.50Discount rate4.254.30Inflation – Retail Price Index3.603.50– Consumer Price Index2.802.70The mortality assumptions used in this valuation were:Group2014Years2013YearsLife expectancy at age 60 for current pensioners – Men31.130.9– Women32.332.2Life expectancy at age 60 for future pensioners (current age 40) – Men33.933.7– Women34.234.0The sensitivities regarding the principal assumptions used to measure the scheme liabilities are set out below. These were calculated using approximate methods taking into account the duration of the Scheme’s liabilities.AssumptionChange in assumptionImpact on scheme liabilitiesDiscount rateIncrease/decrease by 0.1%Decrease/increase by 1.6% or £3.1mRate of mortalityIncrease by 1 yearIncrease by 3.0% or £5.8mIn order to reduce risk within the Scheme, 10% of the Scheme’s assets are invested in annuities that match the liabilities of some pensioners. The bonds that the Group holds are designed to match a significant proportion of the Scheme’s liabilities. Since the year end, the Group has agreed with the Trustees to move half of the remaining equities into government bonds and liability-driven investment funds that match the liabilities more closely.The Company did not operate any defined contribution schemes or defined benefit schemes during the financial year ended 31 March 2014 or in the previous financial year.35. Share-based paymentsAccounting policyThe cost of granting share options and other share-based remuneration to employees and Directors is recognised through the income statement. These are equity settled and therefore the fair value is measured at the grant date. Where the share awards have non-market related performance criteria, the Group has used the Black-Scholes option valuation model to establish the relevant fair values. Where the share awards have a Total Shareholder Return (TSR) market related performance criteria, the Group has used the Monte Carlo simulation valuation model to establish the relevant fair values. The resulting values are amortised through the income statement over the vesting period of the options and other grants. For awards with non-market related criteria, the charge is reversed if it appears probable that the performance criteria will not be met.128

notes to the financial statements

for the year ended 31 March 2014 continued

Land Securities Annual Report 201435. Share-based payments continuedThe total cost recognised in the income statement was £5.5m in the year ended 31 March 2014 (2013: £2.9m). The following table analyses the total cost among each of the relevant schemes, together with the number of options outstanding.Outstanding at 31 March2014 Charge£m2014 Number (millions)2013 Charge£m2013 Number (millions)Long-term incentive plan3.32.12.22.4Deferred bonus share scheme1.40.20.10.2Conditional shares0.1–0.1–Executive share option schemes0.52.70.43.2Savings related share option schemes0.20.40.10.55.55.42.96.3A summary of the main features of each type of scheme is given below. The schemes have been split into two categories: Executive schemes and other schemes. For further details on Executive schemes, see the Directors’ Remuneration Report on pages 60 to 76.Executive schemes:Long-term incentive plan (LTIP)The LTIP is open to Executive Directors and senior executives, and awards are made at the discretion of the Remuneration Committee. In addition, an award of Matching Shares can be made where the individual acquires Land Securities Group PLC shares and pledges to hold them for a period of three years. Awards of LTIP Performance Shares and Matching Shares are subject to the same performance criteria and vest over three years. Awards may be satisfied by the issue of new shares, the transfer of treasury shares or the transfer of shares other than treasury shares. The shares will be issued at nil consideration, subject to vesting conditions being met. The weighted average share price at the date of vesting during the year was 938p (2013: 761p). The estimated fair value of awards granted during the year under the scheme was £4.1m (2013: £3.7m).Deferred bonus shares schemeThe Executive Directors’ annual bonus is structured in two distinct parts made up of an initial payment and deferred shares. The shares are deferred for one to three years and are not subject to additional performance criteria. Awards made under the plan are satisfied by the transfer of existing shares held by the Employee Share Ownership Trust (ESOT), which are issued at nil consideration. The weighted average share price at the date of vesting during the year was 960p. No deferred shares vested during the prior year. The estimated fair value of awards granted during the year under the scheme was £1.4m (2013: £0.4m).Conditional shares23,641 shares were granted to an employee on their appointment in July 2010. The awards vested in July 2013 leaving no conditional shares outstanding at 31 March 2014. In the prior year, the 160,000 final conditional shares granted to R Noel on his appointment on 1 January 2010 vested. The share price at the date of vesting during the year was 944p (2013: 744p).Other schemes:Executive share option schemes (ESOS)The 2005 ESOS is open to executives and management staff not eligible to participate in the LTIP. Awards are discretionary and are granted in the ordinary shares of the Company at the middle market price on the three dealing days immediately preceding the date of grant. Options vest after three years and are not subject to performance conditions. Options are satisfied by the transfer of shares from the ESOT. Options lapse 10 years after the date of grant. The weighted average share price at the date of exercise for shares exercised during the year was 960p (2013: 698p). The estimated fair value of options granted during the year under the scheme was £0.5m (2013: £0.5m).Savings related share option schemesUnder the Savings related share option schemes, Executive Directors and eligible employees are invited to make regular monthly contributions into a Sharesave scheme administered by Equiniti. On completion of the three, five or seven year contract period, ordinary shares in the Company may be purchased at a price based upon the current market price at date of invitation less 20% discount. The weighted average share price at the date of exercise for shares exercised during the year was 951p (2013: 800p). The estimated fair value of options granted during the year under the scheme was £0.1m (2013: £0.2m).129

Land Securities Annual Report 2014Financial statements continuedfinancial statementsGOVERNANCEAdditiONAl iNfORmAtiONStRAtEGiC REPORt35. Share-based payments continuedThe aggregate number of awards and options outstanding, and the weighted average exercise price of the options, are shown below:Executive schemes1Other schemesNumber of awardsNumber of optionsWeighted average  exercise price2014Number (millions)2013Number (millions)2014Number(millions)2013Number (millions)2014Pence2013PenceAt the beginning of the year2.62.43.74.1764702Granted1.11.10.70.9906732Exercised(0.9)(0.7)(1.0)(1.0)608467Forfeited(0.5)(0.2)(0.2)(0.2)877805Lapsed––(0.1)(0.1)863827At 31 March2.32.63.13.7834764Exercisable at the end of the year––1.01.2943934YearsYearsYearsYearsWeighted average remaining contractual life1.41.45.96.11. Executive schemes are granted at nil consideration.The number of share awards outstanding for the Group by range of exercise prices is shown below:Outstanding at 31 March 2014Outstanding at 31 March 2013Exercise price – rangePenceWeighted average exercise pricePenceNumber of awardsNumber (millions)Weighted average remaining contractual lifeYearsWeighted average exercise pricePenceNumber of awardsNumber (millions)Weighted average remaining contractual lifeYearsNil1–2.31.4–2.61.4200–3993880.10.93880.21.9400–5995300.64.65271.46.2600–7997400.77.27360.77.8800–9998741.18.38280.68.31,000–1,1991,0750.42.81,0710.53.41,200–1,3991,2800.11.31,2820.12.31,400–1,5651,5630.13.01,5630.23.91. Executive schemes are granted at nil consideration. Fair value inputs for awards with non-market performance conditionsFair values are calculated using the Black-Scholes option pricing model for awards with non-market performance conditions. Inputs into this model for each scheme are as follows:LTIPDeferred Bonus SharesConditional Shares2002 ESOS2005 ESOSSavings Related Share Option SchemeRange of share prices at grant date777p to 921p728p to 921p588p1,159p469p to 1,565p485p to 1,715pRange of exercise pricesn/an/an/a1,159p469p to 1,565p388p to 1,523pExpected volatility20%20%22%19%19% to 22%19% to 22%Expected life3 years1 to 3 years3 years3 to 5 years2.3 to 5 years3 to 7 yearsRisk-free rate0.35% to 1.43%0.33% to 1.43%1.21%5.02% to 5.10%0.35% to 5.67%0.35% to 4.71%Expected dividend yield3.32% to 3.81%nil to 3.48%4.77%4.23%2.97% to 6.53%3.09% to 5.98%Expected volatility is determined by calculating the historic volatility of the Group’s share price over the previous 10 years. The expected life used in the model  has been determined based upon management’s best estimate for the effects of non-transferability, vesting/exercise restrictions and behavioural considerations. Risk-free rate is the yield at the date of the grant of an award on a gilt-edged stock with a redemption date equal to the anticipated vesting of that award.Fair value inputs for awards with market performance conditionsFair values are calculated using the Monte Carlo simulation option pricing model for awards with market performance conditions. Awards made under the 2005 LTIP which were granted after 31 March 2009 include a TSR condition, which is a market-based condition. The inputs into this model for each scheme are as follows:Range of share prices  at date of grantRange of exercise pricesExpected volatility  – GroupExpected volatility  – index of comparator companiesCorrelation  – Group vs. index2005 LTIP777p – 921pn/a20%20%85%130

notes to the financial statements

for the year ended 31 March 2014 continued

Land Securities Annual Report 201436. Ordinary share capital Accounting policyOrdinary shares are classified as equity. External costs directly attributable to the issue of new shares are shown in equity as a deduction from the proceeds. The consideration paid by any Group entity to acquire the Company’s equity share capital, including any directly attributable incremental costs, is deducted from equity until the shares are cancelled, reissued or disposed. Where own shares are sold or reissued, the net consideration received is included in equity. Shares purchased by the Employee Share Ownership Trust (ESOT) are presented on the Group balance sheet as ‘Own shares’. Purchases of treasury shares are deducted from retained earnings.Allotted and fully paidGroup and Company2014£m2013£mOrdinary shares of 10p each79.979.2Number of shares20142013At the beginning of the year792,070,935785,141,158Issued on the exercise of options199,556330,649Issued in lieu of cash dividends6,889,8766,599,128At 31 March799,160,367792,070,935The number of options over ordinary shares that were outstanding at 31 March 2014 was 3,114,814  (2013: 3,742,923). If all the options were exercised at that date then 588,517 new ordinary shares (2013: 807,761 new ordinary shares) would be issued and 2,526,297 shares would be required to be transferred from the ESOT (2013: 2,941,162). Shareholders at the Annual General Meeting have previously authorised the acquisition of shares by the Company representing up to 10% of its share capital, to be held as treasury shares. During the year ended 31 March 2014, no ordinary shares (2013: 4,599,131) were acquired to be held as treasury shares. At 31 March 2014 the Group held 10,495,131 ordinary shares (2013: 10,495,131) with a market value of £108.5m (2013: £87.0m) in treasury.37. Own sharesGroup2014£m2013£mAt the beginning of the year7.717.8Purchase of ordinary shares16.30.5Transfer of shares to employees on exercise of share options(14.8)(10.6)At 31 March9.27.7Own shares consist of shares in Land Securities Group PLC held by the ESOT in respect of the Group’s commitment to a number of its employee share option schemes (note 35). The number of shares held by the ESOT at 31 March 2014 was 1,031,952 (2013: 1,031,237). The market value of these shares at 31 March 2014 was £10.7m (2013: £8.5m).38. ContingenciesThe Group has contingent liabilities in respect of legal claims, guarantees, and warranties arising in the ordinary course of business. It is not anticipated that any material liabilities will arise from the contingent liabilities. 39. Related party transactionsSubsidiariesDuring the year, the Company entered into transactions, in the normal course of business, with other related parties as follows:Company2014£m2013£mTransactions with subsidiary undertakings:Recharge of costs(187.7)(212.9)Dividends received–350.0Interest paid(39.9)(45.7)At 31 March 2014, the Company had a net outstanding balance of £812.0m (2013: £584.4m) due to subsidiary undertakings.131

Land Securities Annual Report 2014Financial statements continuedfinancial statementsGOVERNANCEAdditiONAl iNfORmAtiONStRAtEGiC REPORt39. Related party transactions continuedJoint venturesAs disclosed in note 16, the Group has investments in a number of joint ventures. Details of transactions and balances between the Group and its joint ventures are disclosed as follows:Year ended and as at 31 March 2014Year ended and as at 31 March 2013GroupIncome/ (expense)£mNet investments into joint ventures£mAmounts owed by joint ventures£mAmounts owed to joint ventures£mIncome/ (expense)£mNet investments into joint ventures£mAmounts owed by joint ventures£mAmounts owed to joint ventures£m20 Fenchurch Street Limited Partnership10.560.515.7–5.752.96.0(0.1)Nova, Victoria110.240.715.6–8.111.57.1–Metro Shopping Fund Limited Partnership0.1(0.8)0.4–0.10.80.7–Buchanan Partnership4.4(3.4)0.6–4.4(4.4)0.8–St. David’s Limited Partnership1.2(10.0)––1.421.80.3–Bristol Alliance Limited Partnership1.1(16.1)0.4(0.1)1.1(14.7)0.2–Harvest21.813.31.6(0.4)1.2(41.0)0.6–The Oriana Limited Partnership0.2–0.1–0.1(4.5)0.1(0.5)The Scottish Retail Property Limited Partnership1.9(2.7)––2.357.50.5(0.1)Westgate Oxford Alliance Limited Partnership0.83.10.1–0.9(0.2)0.6–The Martineau Galleries Limited Partnership0.2(0.4)––0.2(0.7)0.1–The Ebbsfleet Limited Partnership0.10.4––––––Millshaw Property Co. Limited(0.4)––(11.5)(0.8)––(11.2)Countryside Land Securities (Springhead) Limited–0.6––0.1(1.7)1.2–The Martineau Limited Partnership–––––(0.2)––West India Quay Unit Trust0.1(1.7)0.3(2.2)–(0.5)–(1.6)32.283.534.8(14.2)24.876.618.2(13.5)1. Nova, Victoria includes the Victoria Circle Limited Partnership and Nova Residential Limited Partnership.2. Harvest includes The Harvest Limited Partnership and Harvest Two Limited Partnership.Remuneration of key management personnelThe remuneration of the Directors, who are the key management personnel of the Group, is set out below in aggregate for each of the applicable categories specified in IAS 24 ‘Related Party Disclosures’. Further information about the remuneration of individual directors is provided in the audited part of the Directors’ Remuneration Report on pages 60 to 76.2014£m2013£mShort-term employee benefits5.04.3Share-based payments3.21.68.25.940. Operating lease arrangementsAccounting policyThe Group earns rental income by leasing its investment and operating properties to tenants under non-cancellable operating leases. Leases in which substantially all risks and rewards of ownership are retained by another party, the lessor, are classified as operating leases. Payments, including prepayments, made under operating leases (net of any incentives received from the lessor) are charged to the income statement on a straight-line basis over the period of the lease. At the balance sheet date, the Group had contracted with tenants to receive the following future minimum lease payments:2014£m2013£mNot later than one year485.0486.5Later than one year but not more than five years1,867.71,918.9More than five years3,261.53,371.15,614.25,776.5The total of contingent rents recognised as income during the year was £38.9m (2013: £39.5m).132

notes to the financial statements

for the year ended 31 March 2014 continued

Land Securities Annual Report 201441. Business combinationsOn 16 January 2013, the Group acquired 322m units in the X-Leisure Unit Trust (X-Leisure) from Capital & Regional Units Limited and AREA (X-L) Limited, representing a 41.8% holding. Prior to the acquisition, the Group held 92.5m units in X-Leisure (a 12.0% holding), which was recorded within ‘Other investments’.  As a result of this transaction, the Group’s holding in X-Leisure increased to 53.8%. The acquisition increased the proportion of leisure assets in the Group’s business  in line with the Group’s strategic objectives for the Retail Portfolio.X-Leisure owns 99.9% of the X-Leisure Limited Partnership, with the remaining 0.1% ownership being with X-Leisure (GP) Limited. On the same day, the Group acquired 100% of both X-Leisure (GP) Limited and X-Leisure Limited (previously owned 50% by Capital & Regional Property Management Limited and 50% by AREA (X-L) Management Limited).The acquisition of additional units in X-Leisure, together with the acquisition of X-Leisure (GP) Limited and X-Leisure Limited resulted in the Group obtaining control of X-Leisure from 16 January 2013. The transaction was therefore accounted for as a business combination in the year ended 31 March 2013.The fair value of the consideration paid to acquire the 41.8% holding was £112.0m, being the cash consideration. The previously held interest was re-measured  to fair value at the acquisition date. As a result of this, a gain of £2.3m was recognised in other comprehensive income and recycled to the income statement in the prior year.The fair value of the assets and liabilities recognised at the date of acquisition is set out in the table below:GroupFair  value £mAssetsInvestment property545.0Investment in joint venture29.0Finance lease receivable18.4Cash25.2Trade and other receivables6.0Total assets623.6LiabilitiesBorrowings(305.8)Trade and other payables(7.1)Accruals and deferred income(22.0)Derivative financial instruments(11.7)Total liabilities(346.6)Net assets277.0Fair value of previously held interest 32.9Redemption liability129.7Fair value of consideration paid112.0Gain on acquisition of subsidiary recognised in year ended 31 March 20132.4The fair value of the consideration, the redemption liability and the previously held interest were less than the value of the identifiable assets and, as a result, a gain of £2.4m was recognised in the income statement on acquisition within net gain on business combination. Also included within this line were transaction related costs of £3.3m and the gain on the revaluation of the previously held investment of £2.3m. The gain on bargain purchase of £2.4m reflects the discount achieved on the purchase of the units, together with the impact of the net fair value adjustments recorded on acquisition.The fair value of trade and other receivables was £6.0m and included trade receivables with a fair value of £2.7m. The gross contractual amount for trade receivables due was £3.9m, of which £1.2m was expected to be uncollectable.In September 2013, the Group acquired an additional 35.6% holding in X-Leisure for £104.1m, increasing the Group’s holding from 59.4% to 95.0%. Additionally, in the year the Group has reassessed the fair value of certain assets recognised as part of the business combination resulting in the recognition of an increase to the net gain on business combination of £5.0m in the current year.Pro-forma informationDuring the year ended 31 March 2013 the acquired companies contributed £10.7m to the revenue of the Group and £4.9m to the profit for the year. The pro-forma consolidated results of the Group for the year ended 31 March 2013, as if the acquisitions had been made on 1 April 2012, would show an increase to revenue of £39.2m and an increase to profit after taxation of £14.7m.In calculating the pro-forma information, the results of the acquired companies for the period before acquisition have been adjusted to reflect Land Securities’ accounting policies and the fair value adjustments made on acquisition. The information is provided for illustrative purposes only and is not necessarily indicative of the results of the combined Group that would have occurred had the purchases actually been made at the beginning of the year, or indicative of future results of the combined Group.additional 
information

business analysis
a closer look at some of our key  
performance areas.

for more information go to: 
pages 134–147

five year summary
the Group’s financial performance  
since 2010.

for more information go to: 
pages 148–149

investor information
Useful dates and contact details  
for shareholders.

for more information go to: 
pages 150–151

Land Securities Annual Report 2014

133

Additional information
Further analysis of our business  
and practical information for 
shareholders.

134  Business analysis – Group
138  Business analysis – Retail
139  Business analysis – london
140  sustainability and responsibility
142  sustainability reporting
144  combined portfolio analysis
146  lease lengths
146   Development pipeline 
148  five year summary
150  investor information
152  Glossary
iBc  forward looking statement

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134

business analysis – 
group

One year performance relative to IPD

Total property returns – year to 31 March 2014

Retail – Shopping centres

– Retail warehouses

Central London shops

Central London offices

Total portfolio4

1.  IPD Quarterly Universe. 

  2.  Including supermarkets. 

  3.  Including inner London offices. 

  4.  Including leisure and hotel portfolio and other.

Combined portfolio value by location at 31 March 2014

For more information about our combined portfolio 
go to: pages 28–31

Shopping 
centres and 
shops
%

14.1

4.3

–

5.8

8.3

3.2

Retail 
warehouses
%

0.1

4.6

1.3

0.6

2.6

1.1

35.7

10.3

Offices
%

42.5

–

–

–

0.1

–

42.6

Hotels, 
leisure, 
residential 
and other 
%

3.8

3.1

1.0

0.3

2.5

0.7

Land Securities
%

8.1

8.52

24.1

15.63

12.8

table 64

IPD1
%

7.7

8.9

24.3

20.6

13.6

table 65

Total
%

60.5

12.0

2.3

6.7

13.5

5.0

11.4

100.0

table 66

Over one year 
to 31 March 
2014
(£)

127.2

106.7

127.4 

Chart 67

Analysis of performance relative to IPD (%)

Chart 68

1.6

1.1

1.3

-0.2

-2.5

-0.6

0

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-0.6

3.6

1.4

1.3

0.5

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Attribution analysis, ungeared total return, 12 months to 31 March 2014, relative to IPD Quarterly Universe. 
Source: IPD

l
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R

Administration

Central, inner and outer London

South East and East

Midlands

Wales and South West

North, North West, Yorkshire and Humberside

Scotland and Northern Ireland

Total

% figures calculated by reference to the combined portfolio value of £11.9bn.

Total shareholder returns1

Land Securities

FTSE 100

FTSE 350 Real Estate Index

1.    Historical TSR performance for a hypothetical investment of £100. 

Source: Aon Hewitt

Voids and units in administration
like-for-like portfolio (%)

3.7

3.5

2.0

1.0

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1.1

0.6

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0.40.4

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Voids

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2.1

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0.2

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2.4

0.8

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31 March 2014 (Total)
31 March 2013 (Total)

Properties held for development
Properties held for development

Land Securities Annual Report 2014 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Additional information

135

For more information go to:  
pages 92–93

Land Securities Annual Report 2014financial statementsGOVeRnanceAdditionAl informAtionstRateGic RePORtReconciliation of segment reporting to statutory reporting Table 69The table below reconciles the Group’s income statement to the segment note. The Group’s income statement is prepared using the equity accounting method for joint ventures and includes 100% of the results of the Group’s non-wholly owned subsidiaries. The segment note is prepared on a proportionately consolidated basis and excludes the non-wholly owned share of the Group’s subsidiaries, which is consistent with the financial information reviewed by management.31 March 2014£mGroup income statementJoint ventures1Proportionate share of earnings2TotalRevenue profitNon-revenue profit itemsRental income569.475.3(10.6)634.1634.1–Finance lease interest10.90.2(0.2)10.910.9–Gross rental income (before rents payable)580.375.5(10.8)645.0645.0–Rents payable(11.8)(1.9)0.1(13.6)(13.6)–Gross rental income (after rents payable)568.573.6(10.7)631.4631.4–Service charge income86.69.6(2.1)94.1 94.1 –Service charge expense(89.0)(10.9)2.4(97.5) (97.5) –Net service charge (expense)/ income(2.4)(1.3)0.3(3.4)(3.4)–Other property related income34.81.40.636.836.8–Direct property expenditure(58.6)(13.0)0.8(70.8)(70.8)–Net rental income542.360.7(9.0)594.0594.0–Indirect expenses(84.6)(2.9)0.2(87.3)(87.3)–Other income3.6––3.63.6–461.357.8(8.8)510.3510.3–Profit on disposal of long-term development contracts–1.0–1.0–1.0Profit on disposal of trading properties1.90.5–2.4–2.4Profit on disposal of investment properties15.60.4–16.0–16.0Profit on disposal of investments in joint ventures2.5––2.5–2.5Net surplus on revaluation of investment properties606.6155.41.8763.8–763.8Impairment release/(charge) on trading properties5.3(0.3)–5.0–5.0Operating profit1,093.2214.8(7.0)1,301.0510.3790.7Interest expense(216.9)(22.7)4.1(235.5)(215.9)(19.6)Interest income25.2––25.225.2–Fair value movement on interest-rate swaps12.54.8(2.1)15.2–15.2Revaluation of redemption liabilities(5.6)–5.0(0.6)–(0.6)Net gain on business combination5.0––5.0–5.0913.4196.9–1,110.3319.6790.7JV tax adjustment–(1.1)–(1.1)–(1.1)JV net liability adjustment–(0.3)–(0.3)–(0.3)Share of post-tax profit from joint ventures195.5(195.5)––––Profit before tax1,108.9––1,108.9319.6789.3Income tax7.7––7.7–7.7Profit for the year1,116.6––1,116.6319.6797.01. Reallocation of the share of post-tax profit from joint ventures reported in the Group income statement to the individual line items reported in the segment note.2. Removal of the share of results of the Group’s non-wholly owned subsidiaries. These subsidiaries are consolidated at 100% in the Group income statement, but only the Group’s share is included in revenue profit reported in the segment note.Balance of business testsREIT legislation specifies conditions in relation to the type of business a REIT may conduct, which the Group is required to meet in order to retain its REIT status.  In summary, at least 75% of the Group’s profits must be derived from REIT qualifying activities (the 75% profits test) and 75% of the Group’s assets must be employed in REIT qualifying activities (the 75% assets test). Qualifying activities means a property rental business. For the result of these tests for the Group for the financial  year, and at the balance sheet date, see Table 70 below.REIT balance of business Table 70For the year ending 31 March 2014For the year ending 31 March 2013Tax-exempt businessResidual  businessAdjusted  resultsTax-exempt businessResidual  businessAdjusted  resultsProfit before tax (£m)293.012.0305.0261.749.6311.3Balance of business – 75% profits test96.1%3.9%84.1%15.9%Adjusted total assets (£m)11,622.1838.412,460.511,247.3703.411,950.7Balance of business – 75% assets test93.3%6.7%94.1%5.9%136

business analysis – 
group

Cost analysis

Gross rental income (after rents payable)

631.4

Net service charge expense

Direct property expenditure

Net rental income

Indirect costs

Segment profit before interest

Unallocated expenses (net)

Net interest – Group

Net interest – joint ventures

Revenue profit

(3.4)

(34.0)

594.0

(47.2)

546.8

(36.5)

(168.0)

(22.7)

319.6

Direct 
property 
costs 
£37.4m

Indirect 
expenses 
£83.7m

1.  All percentages represent costs divided by gross rental income including finance lease interest, before rents payable. 

EPRA performance measures

Total

£121.1m

Total cost ratio1  

18.8%

To read our Financial Review go to:  
pages 24–27

Managed operations

Tenant defaults

Void related costs

Other direct property costs

Year ended  
31 March 2014

Total
£m

9.7

5.3

11.7

3.9

Cost
ratio %1

1.5

0.8

1.9

0.6

Total
£m

9.4

8.3

12.5

9.4

Development expenditure

25.9

4.0

17.8

table 71

Year ended  
31 March 2013

Cost
ratio %1

1.6

1.4

2.1

1.6

2.9

Asset management,  
administration  
and compliance

Total

64.6

121.1

10.0

18.8

61.6

119.0

10.2

19.7

Definition for EPRA measure

Adjusted earnings

Recurring earnings from core operational activity1

Adjusted earnings per share

Adjusted earnings per weighted number of ordinary shares1

Adjusted diluted earnings per share

Adjusted diluted earnings per weighted number of ordinary shares1

Adjusted net assets

Net asset value adjusted to exclude fair value movements on interest-rate swaps2

Adjusted diluted net assets per share

Adjusted diluted net assets per share2

Triple net assets

Adjusted net assets amended to include the fair value of financial instruments and debt

Diluted triple net assets per share

Diluted triple net assets per share

Net Initial Yield (NIY)

Topped-up NIY

Voids/Vacancy Rate

Annualised rental income less non-recoverable costs as a % of market value plus assumed 
purchasers’ costs3

NIY adjusted for rent free periods3

ERV of vacant space as a % of ERV of combined portfolio excluding the development 
programme4

Cost ratio

Total costs as a percentage of gross rental income (including direct vacancy costs)5

Total costs as a percentage of gross rental income (excluding direct vacancy costs)5

Notes

Land Securities 
measure

table 72

31 March 2014

EPRA
measure

11

11

11

10

10

10

10

£319.1m

£300.5m

40.7p

40.5p

38.3p

38.2p

£8,008.7m

£8,421.9m

1,013p

1,065p

£7,529.2m

£7,529.2m

952p

4.4%

5.0%

2.1%

18.8%

n/a

952p

5.2%

5.5%

2.0%

19.2%

17.3%

Refer to notes 10 and 11 and table 96 for further analysis.
1.  EPRA adjusted earnings and EPRA adjusted earnings per share include the effect of bond exchange de-recognition charges of £19.6m.
2. EPRA adjusted net assets and adjusted diluted net assets per share include the bond exchange de-recognition adjustment of £413.2m. 
3.  Our NIY and Topped-up NIY relate to the combined portfolio and are calculated by our external valuers. EPRA NIY and EPRA Topped-up NIY calculations are consistent with ours, but exclude the development 

programme. 

4. Our measure reflects voids in our like-for-like portfolio only. The EPRA measure reflects voids in the combined portfolio excluding only the development programme.
5.  The EPRA cost ratio is calculated based on gross rental income after rents payable, whereas our measure is based on gross rental income before rents payable. We do not calculate a cost ratio excluding direct 

vacancy costs as we do not consider this to be helpful. For further information on our costs and cost ratio see table 71.

Reconciliation of net book value of the investment properties to the market value

Adjustment 
for pro- 
portionate
share1
£m

As at 31 March 2014

Joint 
ventures
£m

Total
£m

Group 
(excl. joint 
ventures)
£m

Adjustment 
for pro- 
portionate
share1
£m

table 73

As at 31 March 2013

Joint 
ventures
£m

Total
£m

(28.7)

1,571.4

11,390.4

9,651.9

(233.2)

1,577.5

10,996.2

(0.2)

0.2

(1.1)

27.9

(3.0)

4.1

279.6

(32.9)

222.3

238.0

(28.7)

212.0

(0.2)

1.9

(8.5)

35.5

(4.6)

4.8

273.3

(31.4)

208.3

Group 
(excl. joint 
ventures)
£m

9,847.7

251.9

(30.1)

219.3

10,288.8

(29.8)

1,600.4

11,859.4

10,073.2

(240.0)

1,613.2

11,446.4

Net book value

Plus: tenant lease incentives

Less: head leases capitalised 

Plus: properties treated as finance leases

Market value

1.  This represents the 5.0% (2013: 40.6%) interest in X-Leisure we do not own but is consolidated in the Group numbers.

Land Securities Annual Report 2014Additional information

137

Top 12 occupiers at 31 March 2014

Accor 

Central Government (including Queen Anne’s Gate, SW1)2

Deloitte 

Primark

Arcadia Group 

Boots

Sainsbury’s

Bank of New York Mellon

Next

Taylor Wessing

K&L Gates

Lloyds Banking Group PLC

1.  On a proportionate basis.
2. Rent from Central Government excluding Queen Anne’s Gate, SW1 is 0.1%.

Calculation of required property 
income distribution (PID)

Profit before tax per accounts

Adjustment to exclude

Net surplus on revaluation of investment properties

Profit on disposal of investment properties

Profit on disposal of trading properties

Profit on long-term development contracts

Release of impairment of trading properties

Interest income

Fair value movement on interest-rate swaps

Net gain on business combination

Adjustment for proportionate share of results

Fair value movement on redemption liability

Profit on disposal of other investments

Joint venture accounting adjustments

Tax adjustments

Capital allowances

Capitalised interest

Other

Estimated tax exempt income for year

PID thereon (90%)

PID dividends paid in the year

table 74

% of Group 
rent1

4.8

4.7

2.6

2.2

1.8

1.7

1.6

1.4

1.3

1.3

1.2

1.0

25.6

table 77 

Year ended  
31 March  
2014 
£m

1,108.9

Year ended  
31 March  
2013 
£m

533.0

(763.8)

(16.0)

(2.4)

(1.0)

(5.0)

(25.2)

(15.2)

(5.0)

(5.0)

5.6

–

0.3

(217.5)

1.6

(38.0)

(0.1)

(3.1)

(32.5)

(3.2)

(1.4)

(3.8)

4.5

(1.6)

(0.3)

276.2

237.6

(40.5)

(18.3)

2.9

220.3

198.3

175.4

(48.0)

(25.6)

28.5

192.5

173.3

178.4

The table provides a reconciliation of the Company’s profit before tax to its estimated tax exempt income, 
90% of which the Company is required to distribute as a PID to comply with REIT regulations. The Company has 
12 months after the year end to make the minimum distribution. Accordingly PID dividends paid in the year may 
relate to the distribution requirements of previous periods.

Contracted rental income breakdown 
by tenant business sector  

Chart 75

Financial services 
Services 
Retail trade 
Public administration 
Manufacturing 
Transport comms 
Wholesale trade 
Other 

12.5
31.2
39.9
5.7
1.6
3.1
2.5
3.5

Floor space 
(million sq ft) 

Chart 76

London Portfolio 
Retail Portfolio 

Total 

6.63
18.05

24.68

Portfolio by value and number of  
property holdings at 31 March 2014  

£m

0–9.99

10–24.99

25–49.99

50–99.99

100–149.99

150–199.99

200+

Total

table 78

Number of 
properties

55

22

25

24

13

6

15

Value 
%

1.7

3.1

7.8

14.7

13.7

8.4

50.6

100.0

160

Committed development – estimated future spend (£m)

Chart 79

400

350

300

250

200

150

100

50

0

406

250

62

2015

2016

2017

2

2018

Trading properties
Development programme

Estimated future spend includes the cost of residential space but excludes interest.

For more information about our dividend  
go to: page 26

For more information about our development  
pipeline go to: pages 16–17 and 146

Land Securities Annual Report 2014financial statementsGOVeRnanceAdditionAl informAtionstRateGic RePORt138

business analysis – 
retail

To read our Retail Portfolio Review 
go to: pages 28–29

Retail Portfolio valuation % 

Chart 80

Retail Portfolio floorspace 
(18.05 million sq ft) %  

Chart 81

Shopping centres and shops 
54.9%
Retail warehouses and food stores  22.0%
22.4%
Leisure and hotels 
0.7%
Other 

Shopping centres and shops 
Retail warehouses and food stores 
Leisure and hotels 
Other 

41.7%
22.7%
35.1%
0.5%

£5.50bn

Shopping centres and shops
comprises our portfolio of 22 shopping centres 
in major retail locations across the UK including 
trinity leeds, Gunwharf Quays, Portsmouth 
and Buchanan Galleries in Glasgow.

Retail warehouses and food stores
Our 16 retail parks are typically located away 
from town centres and offer a range of retail 
and leisure with parking providing convenient 
shopping. assets include Westwood cross, 
thanet and team Valley Retail Park, Gateshead. 

Leisure and hotels
We own three stand-alone leisure assets and 
a 95% share of the X-leisure fund which 
comprises 16 schemes of prime leisure and 
entertainment space.

We also own 29 accor Group hotels in the UK. 
they are leased back to accor Group for 77 
years, with 12 yearly tenant break clauses. Rent 
is set as a percentage of each hotel’s turnover.

Top 10 retail tenants

Primark 

Arcadia Group

Boots 

Sainsbury’s 

Next

M&S

Dixons Retail

Debenhams

H&M

Home Retail Group

Retail other (excluding Accor)

Total

1.  On a proportionate basis.

table 82

% of Group
rent1

2.2

1.8

1.7

1.6

1.3

1.0

0.9

0.9

0.9

0.9

13.2

40.6

53.8

Voids and units in administration
Like-for-like Retail Portfolio %
12 months ended 31 March 2014

Chart 83

Rental and capital value trends
Like-for-like Retail Portfolio %
12 months ended 31 March 2014

Chart 84

7

6

5

4

3

2

1

0

6.1

5.0

4.3

4.7

5.3

4.0

3.4

2.5

1.9

Mar
13

Sep
13

Mar
14

Shopping centres
and shops

Mar
13

Sep
13

Mar
14

Retail warehouses
and food stores

Mar
13

Sep
13

Mar
14

Retail
Portfolio

7

6

5

4

3

2

1

0

-1

-2

6.5

2.7

2.1

0.6

2.3

0.9

-1.3 -0.3

Shopping centres
and shops

Retail warehouses
and food stores

Leisure
and hotels

Total Retail
like-for like portfolio

Administration

Voids

Rental value change1 

Valuation surplus

1 Rental value change excludes units materially altered during the period.

Land Securities Annual Report 2014business analysis – 
london

139

To read our London Portfolio Review 
go to: pages 30–31

London Portfolio valuation % 

Chart 85

London Portfolio floorspace 
(6.63 million sq ft) %

Chart 86

West End 
Mid-town 
City 
Inner London 
Central London shops 
Other 

36.3%
15.6%
22.4%
5.0%
19.2%
1.5%

£6.36bn

London offices 
Central London shops 
Other retail 

82.8%
4.7%
12.5%

West End
Our £2.3bn West end office portfolio is 
dominated by our Victoria assets which include 
cardinal Place, sW1 and developments 
including the Zig Zag Building, sW1 and nova, 
Victoria, sW1.

Mid-town
Positioned between the city and West end, our 
cluster of buildings at new street square, ec4, 
represent our major assets in mid-town.

City
Our £1.4bn city office portfolio includes recently 
completed developments such as One new 
change, ec4 and the development programme 
schemes including 20 fenchurch street, ec3 and 
1 & 2 new ludgate, ec4.

Inner London
includes our assets at Docklands and thomas 
more square, e1.

Central London shops
this segment comprises the retail space in our 
london Portfolio assets. the largest elements 
are the retail space at One new change, ec4, 
cardinal Place, sW1, and Piccadilly lights, W1.

Top 10 office tenants

Central Government (including Queen Anne’s Gate, SW1)2

Deloitte

Bank of New York Mellon

Taylor Wessing

K&L Gates

Lloyds Banking Group Plc

EDF Energy

Redbus Interhouse

Microsoft

Bain & Co Inc

Office other

Total

1.  On a proportionate basis.
2. Rent from Central Government excluding Queen Anne’s Gate, SW1 is 0.1%.

table 87

% of Group
rent1

4.7

2.6

1.4

1.3

1.2

1.0

1.0

1.0

0.8

0.8

15.8

17.4

33.2

Voids and units in administration
Like-for-like London Portfolio %
12 months ended 31 March 2014

Chart 88

Rental and capital value trends
Like-for-like London Portfolio %
12 months ended 31 March 2014

Chart 89

2.0

1.2

1.0

2.50

2.00

1.50

1.00

0.50

0

Mar
13

Mar
14

Sep
13
London
offices

Administration

Voids

1.6

1.0

0.8

Mar
13

Mar
14

Sep
13
London
Portfolio

0.4

0.4

0.0

Mar
Sep
Mar
13
14
13
Central London
shops

20

18

16

14

12

10

8

6

4

2

0

16.8

9.7

6.5

7.1

9.0

1.9

2.0

1.9

1.8

0.2

West End

City

Mid-town

Central London
shops

Total London
like-for-like portfolio

Rental value change1
Valuation surplus

1 Rental value change excludes units materially altered 
   during the year and Queen Anne’s Gate, SW1.

Land Securities Annual Report 2014Additional informationfinancial statementsGOVeRnanceAdditionAl informAtionstRateGic RePORt140
140

Land Securities Annual Report 2014

sustainability and 
responsibility

Performance against key targets 2014
to achieve high standards in sustainability and responsibility we report annually against a number of targets. monitoring our performance in this way means we 
continue to make incremental progress as well as take bigger, more transformational steps. Once a target is achieved, and the cR committee perceive the behaviours 
required to maintain performance are embedded through the business, it moves to a ‘business as usual’ watch list. We report against that list by exception. 
the performance against our key targets is detailed below; a full list can be found in our cR Report (www.landsecurities.com/responsibility).

Performance against key targets 2014 continued

table 90

Long-term target

Sustainable business

Interim measure

Performance

To create a culture at Land Securities that values and actively 
promotes difference, by March 2018.

Interim measure 
Design and introduce diversity training to 
all Hiring Managers, by March 2014.

Interim achieved, on track for long-term 

Maintain or increase 60% employee volunteering rate (for half day or 
more per year) but increase the proportion of those who provide 
skilled or professional advice or mentoring to 42% (of the 60%), by 
March 2014.

90% of our surveyed investor and analyst audience and 90% of our 
surveyed SRI specialists to believe our CR strategy is clear and 
perceived to be embedded in the way we do business, by March 2014.

Better environments
Reduce normalised average CO2e emissions from the like for like 
managed portfolio by 15% by 2020 (compared to 2010/11 baseline).

Reduce normalised water consumption from the like-for-like 
managed portfolio by 10% by 2016 (compared to 2010/11 baseline).

Interim measure
5% reduction in offices, shopping centres 
and retail parks.

To increase to 90% the amount of waste diverted from landfill and 
recycle at least 70% by weight (as an average across all shopping 
centres) by March 2015.

Interim measure
Portfolio average to maintain 90% 
landfill avoidance figure with at least 
69% being reused or recycled by 
March 2014.

London Portfolio recycling rates – achieve 100% diverted from  
landfill and 70% reused or recycled. Ongoing.

All new developments and major refurbishments to achieve a 
‘Very Good’ rating under BREEAM (2011) or BREEAM Non-Domestic 
Refurbishment (when published), with an aspiration for ‘Excellent’ 
where reasonably practicable. Residential schemes to achieve Code 
for Sustainable Homes Level 4 or ‘Very Good’ under EcoHomes 
(Scotland) or BREEAM Domestic Refurbishment where applicable. 
Ongoing.

Record zero environmental incidents. Ongoing.

Working towards zero, remain below industry benchmarks for 
reportable incidents for health and safety purposes on development 
sites and continue to reduce occurrence of incidents within our 
managed property portfolio. Ongoing.

Missed
57% employees volunteered this year. 32% of 
volunteering activity can be classified as professional.

Missed
Responses in the latest survey are mixed. The 
majority recognise the important of CR but some 
investors still question its value.

Partially achieved, on track for long term
Overall portfolio shows 16% reduction but emissions 
by portfolio differ. 
London offices: increased by 7%
Shopping centres: reduced by 33%
Retail parks: reduced by 8%

Missed
Overall portfolio shows 9% increase but 
consumption by portfolio differs.
London offices: increased by 15%
Shopping centres: increased by 7%
Retail parks: decreased by 78% 

Achieved one year ahead of target
98% diverted
72% recycled

Partially achieved
We believed our high recycling rate to be ‘business as 
usual’ performance. However we report by exception 
as our recycling rates have decreased significantly.  
We believe this is due to more accurate measurement.
100% diverted
57% recycled 

Achieved

Achieved
No incidents recorded 

Achieved
Well below industry benchmark for reportable 
incidences. 
Our incident rate: 139.6 per 100,000 workers.
Industry rate: 539.0 per 100,000 workers.

Land Securities Annual Report 2014Land Securities Annual Report 2014

141
141

Performance against key targets 2014 continued

table 90

Long-term target

Stronger communities

Report annually against social, economic and environmental metrics 
to all regional Local Authorities and London Boroughs where we have 
significant shopping centre or development presence by March 2014.

Deliver the London Employment Strategy across the development 
pipeline and introduce to some managed portfolio service partners by 
March 2014.

Establish appropriate grant-giving funds in all communities where we 
have a significant development or shopping centre presence (based 
on giving thresholds set against centre size and development 
construction value).  

Interim measure

Performance

Partially achieved
We do report annually to local authorities, but not in 
a systematic, consistent way. The launch of our 
Impact Reporting programme will ensure reports are 
consistent moving forward.

Achieved
14 existing, three new and five London Portfolio 
APSIRE partners are now on board.

Achieved
Now ‘business as usual’.

London: To increase external donor 
contributions to Westminster Fund every 
year to 2014. 
Retail: A good number of schemes in 
place. Further review needed to 
determine potential and limitations of 
scheme. 

Additional performance highlights 2014  
throughout this report you will have discovered how our responsible approach is simply part of the way we do business. Our impact on the environment, and the way 
people interact with that environment, is considered at all stages of our property investment. and our responsibility for the socio-economic fabric of the areas in 
which we operate is fundamental to us being successful. 

there are some additional disclosures we have not made throughout the body of this report, all of which support our core business and help us to become 

developer, partner and employer of choice.

Additional performance highlights 2014  

Activity

Benchmarking

Carbon Disclosure Project (CDP)

Detail

Performance

table 91

Every year we work with CDP to disclose our greenhouse 
gas emissions. We were pleased to retain our position in 
the Leadership Index this year.

2013: disclosure 88/score B
2012: disclosure 92/score B
2011: disclosure 60/score D

Global Real Estate Sustainability Benchmark 
(GRESB)

GRESB is a global, industry driven organisation that 
assesses the sustainability performance of real estate 
portfolios.

2013: score 67%
2012: score 68%

Dow Jones Sustainability Index (DJSI)

DJSI assesses the long term social, environmental and 
economic impact of companies. Only those that lead 
their industries are included in the index.

We continue to retain our established position in 
the DJSI
2013: score 72
2012: score 70
2011: score 72

FTSE4Good

The FTSE4Good Index identifies companies that meet 
globally recognised corporate responsibility standards.

We continue to retain our established position in the 
FTSE4Good Index.

London Benchmarking Group (LBG)

We report the volume and value of our community and 
charitable contribution every year. 

Community

National Charity Partnership

Local Charity Partnerships

Education

All our shopping centres have partnered with The MS 
Society during the past two years. Next year, our 
national partner is Mencap.

Shopping centres are required to have a local charity 
partnership too. These partnerships typically run for  
1–2 years.

Each of our shopping centres and large scale 
developments have at least one educational 
partnership.

£3.0m equivalent value of time, promotion and cash 
investment
8,080 hours spent by our employees on volunteering

£216,000 funds raised during the two-year relationship

£250,000 has been raised across 19 shopping centres 
this year, for their local charity partners.

The Department for Education has approved a new 
University Technical College for Westminster this year 
focusing on transport and construction engineering. 
This was the result of collaboration between the Sir 
Simon Milton Foundation and other employer partners. 

Land Securities Annual Report 2014Additional informationfinancial statementsGOVeRnanceAdditionAl informAtionstRateGic RePORt 
 
142

sustainability  
reporting

We measure the environmental impact 
of our business to help us improve 
sustainability performance and ensure 
compliance with regulation.

as at 31 march 2014 we report an overall reduction 
of 16% against our 2011 baseline target (like-for-like) 
in normalised equivalent cO2 emissions. this is 
increasingly important to us as it becomes more 
so for our customers. as we see the cost of energy 
increasing and security of supply under threat, we are 
helping customers reduce variable costs of their 
occupancy by making their buildings more efficient. 
a resilient portfolio is one that is prepared for these 
energy efficiency challenges. 

Detailed analysis of the headline figure shows 

divergence across the portfolio. in the london 
Portfolio cO2e emission intensity increased, across 
the Retail Portfolio we have seen a reduction. 

Reporting framework
Disclosures concerning greenhouse gas emissions 
became mandatory for land securities under the 
companies act in the 2014 financial year. as well 
as fulfilling these mandatory carbon reporting 
requirements (see page 77 for details), land 
securities is committed to european Public 
Real estate association (ePRa) Best Practice 
Recommendations for sustainability reporting, and 
we also make further disclosures as recommended 
by DefRa environmental Reporting Guidance 2013 
and the Greenhouse Gas Protocol.

We have restated both our 2011 baseline and 
2013 year figures, due to recommendations and 
improvements on prior years. there has been further 
segregation of the portfolio to align with our financial 
reporting that was not previously employed. measured 
gross internal areas have been used, improving on 
the calculation method based on net lettable areas 
used in prior years. there were also material changes 
to the conversion factors provided by DefRa and 
these have been applied in all three reporting years.
We report our data using an operational control 

approach to define our organisational boundary. 
a detailed description of our methodology can be 
found at www.landsecurities.com/annualreport2014.
for headline absolute emissions see page 77. for a 
detailed breakdown of absolute emissions across the 
portfolio see www.landsecurities.com/annualreport2014.

Whilst we are obliged to report on absolute 

emissions by scope, as above, we believe our 
performance is best understood by monitoring the 
performance of our like-for-like portfolio against 
ePRa performance indicators, which are tailored for 
relevance to our industry. the results of this comprise 
the remainder of this section.

DEFRA UK conversion factors (kg CO2e)

Electricity generated

Natural gas 

Gas oil 

0.44548

0.18404

0.27176

Like-for-like performance
We analyse and explain our like-for-like performance 
in our largest targeted segments; retail shopping 
centres & shops and london offices, against our 
selected performance indicators; greenhouse gas 
intensity and building water intensity, but for a 
complete breakdown of our like-for-like performance 
against our key ePRa performance indicators see 
page 143. 

Greenhouse Gas Emissions (Like-for-like)
London offices 
2014 vs. 2013
normalised GHG emissions were 0.111 tcO2e/m2 in 
2014, a decrease of 2% (2013: 0.114). 

2014 vs. 2011 Fixed Baseline
a 7% increase in the GHG intensity of london offices 
as compared to baseline, from 0.104 to 0.111 tcO2e/
m2 is as a result of land securities having disposed of 
a number of older buildings that although less 
efficient had a simple services infrastructure, and 
where a number of the tenants had their own direct 
utility supplies. also in the baseline year thomas 
more square, one of our largest sites was operational 
but not fully occupied resulting in very low intensity. 
this combined with occupation density increases 
across the london office portfolio, and the inclusion 
in the like-for like portfolio of some large sites with 
full service infrastructure such as new street square, 
where the landlord is responsible for the energy has 
resulted in an increase in GHG intensity. 

Retail shopping centres 
2014 vs. 2013
normalised GHG emissions were 0.036 tcO2e/m2  
in 2014, a decrease of 5% (2013: 0.038). 

2014 vs. 2011 Fixed Baseline 
like-for-like GHG emissions have increased in retail 
shopping centres due to the addition of a number of 
large sites including cabot circus, the elements and  
st Davids 2. However, this increase in emissions is 
accompanied by an increase in floor area so the overall 
GHG intensity of the portfolio has reduced compared 
to the baseline from 0.054 to 0.036 tcO2e/m2, a 
reduction of 33%. this can be credited to the move 
away from conditioned enclosed malls to a more open 
naturally ventilated urban design in our new centres 
with greater reliance on daylighting and energy efficient 
leD lighting to the public spaces. specific energy 
reduction initiatives at some of our larger shopping 
centres have also contributed to this reduction.

Water consumption (Like-for-like)
London offices 
2014 vs. 2013
london office water intensity has increased by 
12% from 0.717 to 0.802m3/m2 as compared to prior 
year. this is due to water consumption increasing at 
some sites as a result of specific tenants operating 
extended hours, combined with the trend for higher 
occupancy rates in london offices. 

2014 vs. 2011 Fixed Baseline
for the same reason, intensity as compared 
to baseline has increased 15% from 0.697 to  
0.802m3/m2. 

Retail shopping centres 
2014 vs. 2013 
Water consumption in shopping centres has 
increased by 4% as compared to prior year. Building 
water intensity has increased by 4% from 0.620 to 
0.645m3/m2. this reflects a shift in the tenant mix 
across our shopping centre portfolio to include more 
restaurants and catering demises, which use higher 
volumes of water. consumption and intensity at sites 
such as cabot circus and Gunwharf Quays has 
increased markedly. 

Direct and indirect GHG 
emissions and intensity across 
the like-for-like portfolio in 
2011 (fixed baseline), 2013 and 2014

Chart 92

70

60

50

40

30

20

10

0

e
2
O
C
t
d
n
a
s
u
o
h
T

0.120

0.110

0.100

0.090

0.080

0.070

0.060

0.050

0.040

0.030

2

m
/
e
2
O
C
t

2011 BL

2013

2014

2011 BL

2013

2014

London offices

Retail shopping centres

Direct & indirect

Intensity

Water consumption and 
intensity across the like-for-like 
portfolio in 2011 (fixed baseline), 
2013 and 2014

Chart 93

500

400

300

200

100

0

3

m
d
n
a
s
u
o
h
T

0.900

0.800

0.700

0.600

0.500

0.400

0.300

0.200

0.100

2

m

/
3

m

2011 BL

2013

2014

2011 BL

2013

2014

London offices

Retail shopping centres

Consumption

Intensity

Tonnes of waste disposed 
of via different disposal 
routes, across the like-for-like 
portfolio in 2013 and 2014 

Chart 94

s
e
n
n
o
t

16,000

14,000

12,000

10,000

8,000

6,000

4,000

2,000

0

9%

25%

2%
31%

66%

67%

31%
69%

44%
56%

2013

2014

2013

2014

London offices

Retail shopping centres

Recycled
Energy from waste

Landfill

Land Securities Annual Report 2014 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Land Securities Annual Report 2014

143
143

2014 vs. 2011 Fixed Baseline
similarly, the 7% increase in building water intensity 
from 0.601 to 0.645m3/m2 is due to the changing 
tenant mix in the shopping centre portfolio, 
particularly at sites such as cabot circus and 
st Davids 2. 

Waste disposal (Like-for-like)
London offices
During 2013 london offices moved to a new service 
partner for waste management which has allowed us 
to measure each waste stream by the precise weight. 
We believe that the 13% decrease in recycling is a 
result of better, more accurate data collection. 

Going forward, our new and improved methods 
of measurement will allow us to better engage with 
our occupiers to improve recycling rates at each of 
our assets. 

Retail shopping centres
Recycling rates at our Retail shopping centres have 
increased by 1% as* compared to the prior year, and 
the proportion of energy from waste has increased 
by 6%. this means a significant improvement in 
reducing waste sent to landfill; in 2013 9% of waste 
was sent to landfill as compared to 2% in 2014. 

*  This equates to 67% recycled in our like-for-like portfolio. When 
considering our full Retail shopping centre portfolio, we have  
achieved 72% recycled.

Like-for-like portfolio – selected performance indicators in 2014, 2013 and fixed baseline  

EPRA performance indicator

Greenhouse gas emissions

Water

table 95

Waste

Total direct 
greenhouse 
gas (GHG) 
emissions 
(annual  
metric tonnes 
CO2e)

Total indirect 
greenhouse 
gas (GHG) 
emissions 
(annual  
metric tonnes 
CO2e)

Greenhouse 
gas intensity 
from building 
energy 
(tCO2e/m2/
year)

Total water 
withdrawal  
by source 
(annual m3)

Building water 
intensity
(m3/m2/year)

Total weight  
of waste by 
disposal route
(annual  
metric tonnes 
– recycled)

Total weight  
of waste by 
disposal route
(annual  
metric tonnes 
– EfW)

Total weight  
of waste by 
disposal route
(annual  
metric tonnes 
– landfill)

Proportion of 
waste by 
disposal route 
(% of total  
by weight –  
recycled)

Proportion of 
waste by 
disposal route 
(% of total  
by weight  
– EfW)

Proportion of 
waste by 
disposal route 
(% of total  
by weight  
–  landfill)

2014 Retail Portfolio
Shopping centres and shops

Retail warehouses and food stores

Leisure and hotels

Other

Landlord own consumption

2014 London Portfolio
London offices

London shops

Other

Landlord own consumption

Total

2013 Retail Portfolio
Shopping centres and shops

Retail warehouses and food stores

Leisure and hotels

Other

Landlord own consumption

2013 London Portfolio
London offices

London shops

Other

Landlord own consumption

Total

5,367
–
284
–
497
6,148

6,330
128
17
190
6,666
12,815

5,702
9
275
–
483
6,469

6,756
112
63
228
7,159
13,628

2011 Fixed baseline Retail Portfolio
Shopping centres and shops

Retail warehouses and food stores

Leisure and hotels

Other

Landlord own consumption

2011 Fixed baseline London Portfolio
London offices

London shops

Other

Landlord own consumption

Total

3,725
81
–
–
306
4,112

7,635
105
26
212
7,977
12,088

18,591
825
1,130
25
41
20,612

44,973
202
95
909
46,180
66,792

19,601
899
1,147
64
45
21,756

45,819
250
100
974
47,143
68,899

18,311
791
–
137
46
19,284

52,160
321
77
964
53,522
72,805

0.036
0.002
0.112
0.001
0.046
0.023

0.111
0.056
0.113
0.095
0.110
0.0481

0.038
0.002
0.113
0.003
0.045
0.024

0.114
0.080
0.164
0.104
0.114
0.0501

0.054
0.002
–
0.007
0.030
0.026

0.104
0.099
0.103
0.101
0.104
0.0571

402,130
2,199
14,122
748
10,589
429,786

311,341
24,874
2,896
5,684
344,795
774,582

386,719
2,824
13,482
9,214
9,758
421,997

278,366
24,200
1,286
5,394
309,247
731,243

245,674
9,832
–
20,323
7,825
283,654

339,141
19,835
1,093
5,568
365,637
649,291

0.645
0.007
3.371
0.038
0.914
0.295

0.802
1.552
3.348
0.490
0.828
0.5591

0.620
0.009
3.218
0.467
0.842
0.289

0.717
1.645
1.487
0.465
0.744
0.5281

0.601
0.032
–
1.030
0.675
0.212

0.697
1.569
1.264
0.480
0.715
0.5151

8,984
385
5

–
9,374

2,042
373
–
50
2,465
11,839

8,929
382
2
–
–
9,313

2,418
370
–
20
2,808
12,121

4,064
143
–

–
4,226

1,618
218
–
26
1,861
6,087

3,431
148
–
–
–
3,579

1,087
94
–
14
1,195
4,774

266
–
3

–
269

–
–
–
–
–
269

1,140
–
1
–
–
1,142

–
–
–
–
–
1,142

67%
73%
57%

0%
68%

56%
63%
0%
66%
57%
65%

66%
72%
57%
0%
0%
66%

69%
80%
0%
59%
70%
67%

31%
27%
0%

0%
30%

44%
37%
0%
34%
43%
33%

25%
28%
0%
0%
0%
26%

31%
20%
0%
41%
30%
27%

2%
0%
43%

0%
2%

0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
2%

9%
0%
43%
0%
0%
8%

0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
6%

1. Normalised consumption

Land Securities Annual Report 2014Additional informationfinancial statementsGOVeRnanceAdditionAl informAtionstRateGic RePORt 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
144

combined portfolio analysis

Like-for-like segmental analysis 

Market value1

Valuation movement2

Rental income3

31 March 
2014
£m

31 March 
2013
£m

Surplus/ 
(deficit)
£m

Surplus/ 
(deficit)
%

31 March 
2014
£m

31 March 
2013
£m

Annualised 
rental 
income4

31 March 
2014
£m

Annualised net rent5

table 96

Net estimated  
rental value6

31 March 
2014
£m

31 March 
2013
£m

31 March 
2014
£m

31 March 
2013
£m

Retail Portfolio

Shopping centres and shops

Retail warehouses and food stores

Leisure and hotels

Other

Total Retail Portfolio

London Portfolio

West End

City

Mid-town

Inner London

Total London offices

Central London shops

Other

Total London Portfolio

Like-for-like portfolio10

Proposed developments3

Completed developments3

Acquisitions11

Sales and restructured interests12

Development programme13

Combined portfolio

Surplus on investment property reclassified 
as trading

Properties treated as finance leases

Combined portfolio

Total portfolio analysis 

Retail Portfolio

Shopping centres and shops

Retail warehouses and food stores

Leisure and hotels

Other

Total Retail Portfolio

London Portfolio

West End

City

Mid-town

Inner London

Total London offices

Central London shops

Other

Total London Portfolio

Combined portfolio
Surplus on investment property reclassified 
as trading

Properties treated as finance leases

Combined portfolio

Represented by:

Investment portfolio

Share of joint ventures

Combined portfolio

2,410.3
1,122.5
502.1
33.8
4,068.7

1,537.6
556.3
941.7
316.2

3,351.8
876.3
72.9
4,301.0
8,369.7
–
1,170.2
802.4
–
1,517.1
11,859.4

2,341.4
1,106.1
471.1
31.6
3,950.2

1,441.7
507.6
885.8
301.7

3,136.8
746.5
68.9
3,952.2
7,902.4
–
1,039.3
563.0
884.1
1,057.6
11,446.4

54.4
(3.3)
30.6
1.6
83.3

90.3
47.9
53.5
8.3

200.0
125.3
3.4
328.7
412.0
–
59.3
8.8
–
273.8
753.9

2.3%
(0.3%)
6.5%
5.0%
2.1%

6.5%
9.7%
7.1%
4.1%

7.0%
16.8%
5.1%
9.0%
5.4%
–
5.7%
1.1%
–
22.3%
7.1%

175.1
70.7
33.7
4.2
283.7

80.4
25.8
42.4
20.3

168.9
36.5
1.9
207.3
491.0
–
53.1
48.3
36.1
16.5
645.0

172.7
68.3
33.3
4.0
278.3

85.6
26.5
41.5
20.4

174.0
35.7
2.0
211.7
490.0
–
29.2
11.5
63.9
9.9
604.5

174.6
68.7
33.6
3.0
279.9

81.9
26.0
43.9
19.9

171.7
37.2
2.0
210.9
490.8
–
54.7
59.4
–
35.5
640.4

166.8
66.9
33.6
2.8
270.1

76.1
26.3
41.9
20.3

164.6
36.5
2.0
203.1
473.2
–
51.4
57.0
–
8.7
590.3

162.5
68.1
33.2
3.6
267.4

81.9
23.6
41.2
18.0

164.7
33.8
2.0
200.5
467.9
–
28.6
34.9
60.1
4.6
596.1

162.7
69.8
33.9
3.5
269.9

74.3
32.2
49.7
20.8

177.0
47.2
2.2
226.4
496.3
–
63.2
54.3
–
137.0
750.8

160.9
70.8
33.0
4.2
268.9

74.2
31.6
48.7
19.6

174.1
44.1
2.1
220.3
489.2
–
63.8
39.5
59.3
93.8
745.6

9.9

18.4%

763.8

7.1%

(10.9)
634.1

(11.5)
593.0

31 March 
2014
£m

 31 March 
2013
£m

Surplus/ 
(deficit)
£m

Surplus/ 
(deficit)
%

31 March 
2014
£m

 31 March 
2013
£m

31 March 
2014
£m

31 March 
2014
£m

 31 March 
2013
£m

31 March 
2014
£m

31 March 
2013
£m

3,020.4
1,210.4
1,231.7
36.8
5,499.3

2,312.8
1,423.9
989.6
316.2

5,042.5
1,220.6
97.0
6,360.1
11,859.4

3,161.3
1,183.0
968.8
34.9
5,348.0

2,065.0
1,115.5
917.1
770.6

4,868.2
1,110.8
119.4
6,098.4
11,446.4

71.8
8.6
36.2
1.4
118.0

180.9
209.8
57.5
8.3

456.5
168.8
10.6
635.9
753.9

2.5%
0.7%
3.1%
4.0%
2.2%

8.8%
18.0%
7.2%
4.1%

10.8%
16.1%
12.8%
11.9%
7.1%

9.9

18.4%

763.8

7.1%

10,260.4
1,599.0
11,859.4

9,845.0
1,601.4
11,446.4

608.5
155.3
763.8

6.6%
10.5%
7.1%

223.1
71.6
79.2
4.3
378.2

94.2
42.1
42.4
33.6

212.3
52.1
2.4
266.8
645.0

(10.9)
634.1

569.9
75.1
645.0

207.9
69.2
44.2
4.0
325.3

92.0
41.1
44.8
41.8

219.7
56.7
2.8
279.2
604.5

(11.5)
593.0

520.6
83.9
604.5

206.5
72.4
89.4
3.1
371.4

100.6
54.1
43.9
19.9

218.5
48.5
2.0
269.0
640.4

193.7
68.3
87.2
2.9
352.1

80.3
45.3
41.9
20.3

187.8
48.4
2.0
238.2
590.3

199.7
68.8
67.8
3.6
339.9

84.5
33.4
41.2
45.7

204.8
49.4
2.0
256.2
596.1

199.0
75.1
84.6
3.6
362.3

140.7
90.6
65.6
20.8

317.7
68.4
2.4
388.5
750.8

220.6
78.1
69.2
4.2
372.1

137.2
70.6
48.7
47.3

303.8
67.2
2.5
373.5
745.6

559.4
81.0
640.4

521.5
68.8
590.3

515.1
81.0
596.1

641.7
109.1
750.8

622.8
122.8
745.6

Land Securities Annual Report 2014   
 
 
 
 
 
 
Like-for-like segmental analysis continued 

Retail Portfolio

Shopping centres and shops

Retail warehouses and food stores

Leisure and hotels

Other

Total Retail Portfolio

London Portfolio

West End

City

Mid-town

Inner London

Total London offices

Central London shops

Other 

Total London Portfolio

Like-for-like portfolio10

Proposed developments3

Completed developments3

Acquisitions11

Sales and restructured interests12

Development programme13

Combined portfolio

Total portfolio analysis 

Retail Portfolio

Shopping centres and shops

Retail warehouses and food stores

Leisure and hotels

Other

Total Retail Portfolio

London Portfolio

West End

City

Mid-town

Inner London

Total London offices

Central London shops

Other 

Total London Portfolio

Combined portfolio

Represented by:

Investment portfolio

Share of joint ventures

Combined portfolio

145

table 96

Gross estimated  
rental value7

Net initial yield8

Equivalent yield9

Voids (by ERV)3

31 March 
2014
£m

 31 March 
2013
£m

31 March 
2014
%

 31 March 
2013
%

31 March 
2014
%

 31 March 
2013
%

31 March 
2014
%

 31 March 
2013
%

173.4
70.5
33.9
3.6
281.4

74.3
32.4
50.8
20.8

178.3
47.5
2.2
228.0
509.4
–
63.7
54.4
–
137.0
764.5

172.1
71.4
33.0
4.3
280.8

74.2
31.8
49.8
19.6

175.4
44.4
2.1
221.9
502.7
–
64.2
39.7
60.6
93.9
761.1

5.9%
5.5%
6.4%
5.1%
5.8%

4.7%
4.5%
4.0%
5.6%

4.6%
3.8%
2.3%
4.4%
5.1%
–
4.1%
6.0%
0.9%
0.3%
4.4%

6.1%
5.5%
6.7%
5.7%
6.0%

5.2%
4.7%
4.4%
5.5%

4.9%
4.3%
2.6%
4.8%
5.4%
–
2.2%
5.8%
5.9%
0.3%
4.7%

6.0%
5.8%
6.4%
8.0%
6.0%

5.0%
5.1%
4.9%
5.9%

5.1%
4.9%
2.5%
5.0%
5.5%
n/a
5.1%
6.4%
n/a
5.0%
5.4%

6.1%
5.9%
6.7%
8.2%
6.2%

5.4%
5.5%
5.1%
6.4%

5.5%
5.3%
2.7%
5.4%
5.8%
n/a
5.2%
n/a
n/a
5.3%
n/a

3.5%
0.6%
–
22.2%
2.6%

2.0%
–
3.3%
1.4%

2.0%
0.4%
–
1.6%
2.1%
n/a
n/a
n/a
n/a
n/a
n/a

3.7%
1.1%
–
25.6%
2.9%

1.3%
0.3%
0.8%
1.5%

1.0%
0.5%
–
0.9%
2.0%
n/a
n/a
n/a
n/a
n/a
n/a

31 March 
2014
£m

 31 March 
2013
£m

31 March 
2014
%

 31 March 
2013
%

209.6
75.8
84.7
3.7
373.8

140.8
91.1
66.7
20.8

319.4
68.9
2.4
390.7
764.5

653.4
111.1
764.5

232.6
78.7
69.3
4.3
384.9

137.0
71.0
49.8
48.2

306.0
67.7
2.5
376.2
761.1

636.2
124.9
761.1

5.5%
5.1%
6.3%
5.0%
5.6%

3.2%
3.0%
3.8%
5.6%

3.4%
3.6%
1.8%
3.4%
4.4%

4.6%
3.6%
4.4%

5.4%
5.1%
6.4%
5.2%
5.5%

3.8%
3.0%
4.3%
5.7%

4.0%
4.0%
1.5%
3.9%
4.7%

4.7%
4.5%
4.7%

Notes:
1.  The market value figures are determined by the Group’s 

external valuers.

2.  The valuation movement is stated after adjusting for the 

effect of SIC 15 under IFRS.
3.  Refer to glossary for definition.
4.  Annualised rental income is annual ‘rental income’  

(as defined in the glossary) at the balance sheet date, except 
that car park and commercialisation income are included  
on a net basis (after deduction for operational outgoings). 
Annualised rental income includes temporary lettings.
5.  Annualised net rent is annual cash rent, after the deduction 
of ground rents, as at the balance sheet date. It is calculated 
with the same methodology as annualised rental  
income but is stated net of ground rent and before  
SIC 15 adjustments.

6.  Net estimated rental value is gross estimated rental  

value, as defined in the glossary, after deducting expected 
ground rents.

7.  Gross estimated rental value (ERV) - refer to glossary for 
definition. The figure for proposed developments relates  
to the existing buildings and not the schemes proposed.

8.  Net initial yield – refer to glossary for definition. This 

calculation includes all properties including those sites  
with no income.

9.  Equivalent yield – refer to glossary for definition. Proposed 

developments are excluded from the calculation of 
equivalent yield on the combined portfolio.

10.  The like-for-like portfolio – refer to glossary for definition. 

Capital expenditure on refurbishments, acquisitions of head 
leases and similar capital expenditure has been allocated  
to the like-for-like portfolio in preparing this table.
11.  Includes all properties acquired since 1 April 2012.
12. Includes all properties sold since 1 April 2012.
13. The development programme – refer to glossary for 

definition. Net initial yield figures are only calculated for 
properties in the development programme that have 
reached practical completion.

Land Securities Annual Report 2014Additional informationfinancial statementsGOVeRnanceAdditionAl informAtionstRateGic RePORt146

lease lengths

Lease lengths

Retail Portfolio

Shopping centres and shops

Retail warehouses and food stores

Leisure and hotels

Total Retail Portfolio

London Portfolio

West End

City

Mid-town

Inner London

Total London offices

Central London shops

Total London Portfolio

Combined portfolio

table 97

Unexpired lease term at 31 March 2014

Like-for-like  
portfolio
mean1  
years

Like-for-like 
portfolio, completed 
developments and
acquisitions mean1 
years

7.3

8.7

5.8

7.5

8.7

6.4

11.0

13.0

9.4

9.3

9.7

8.5

7.9

9.2

9.6

8.6

8.6

7.5

11.0

13.0

9.4

9.0

9.6

9.0

table 98

Valuation 
surplus for 
the year 
ended 
31 March
20142
£m

16.4
8.8
–
25.2

–
4.8
277.9
282.7

–

–

–

–

1. Mean is the rent-weighted average remaining term on leases subject to lease expiry/break clauses.

development pipeline

Development pipeline financial summary

Cumulative movements on the development programme to 31 March 2014

Total scheme details1

Market 
value at 
start of 
scheme
£m

Capital 
expenditure  
incurred  
to date
£m

Capitalised 
interest to 
date
£m

Valuation 
surplus to
date2
£m

Disposals, 
SIC15 rent  
and other 
adjustments
£m

Market 
value at  
31 March 
2014
£m

Estimated 
total capital
expenditure3
£m

Estimated 
total 
capitalised 
interest
£m

Estimated 
total  
development 
cost4
£m

Net 
income/
ERV5
£m

97.5
15.5
–
113.0

–
18.0
551.4
569.4

–

–

–

–

304.5
38.6
–
343.1

–
9.2
485.9
495.1

22.6
1.3
–
23.9

–
0.2
31.9
32.1

142.2
15.1
–
157.3

–
9.1
496.6
505.7

18.8
(22.5)
–
(3.7)

585.6
48.0
–
633.6

–
–
(85.2)
(85.2)

–
36.5
1,480.6
1.517.1

Movement on proposed developments for the year to 31 March 2014

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

300.8
35.5
–
336.3

–
20.8
919.8
940.6

–

–

–

–

22.6
1.3
–
23.9

–
0.4
70.8
71.2

–

–

–

–

420.9
39.3
–
460.2

–
39.2
1,542.0
1,581.2

–

–

–

–

34.1
2.6
–
36.7

–
2.7
136.7
139.4

–

–

–

–

Developments let and 
transferred or sold
Shopping centres and shops
Retail warehouses and food stores 
London Portfolio

Developments after practical 
completion, approved or in 
progress
Shopping centres and shops
Retail warehouses and food stores
London Portfolio

Proposed developments

Shopping centres and shops

Retail warehouses and food stores

London Portfolio

Notes: 
1. Total scheme details exclude properties sold in the year.
2. Includes profit realised on the disposal of investment properties and a £9.9m surplus on investment properties transferred to trading properties, of which £1.0m relates to developments let and transferred or sold.
3. For proposed development properties the estimated total capital expenditure represents the outstanding costs required to complete schemes at year end.  There were no properties within proposed developments at 31 March 2014.
4. Includes the property at its market value at the start of the financial year in which the property was added to the development programme together with estimated capitalised interest. For proposed development properties, the 
market value of properties at the year end is included in the estimated total cost. Estimated total development cost includes the cost of residential properties in the development programme (£11.3m for the London Portfolio). 
Estimated costs for proposed schemes could still be subject to material change prior to final approval.

5. Net headline annual rent on let units plus net ERV at 31 March 2014 on unlet units. 

Land Securities Annual Report 2014Description  
of use

Ownership  
interest  
%

Size
 sq ft

Letting  
status  
%

Market 
value 
£m

Net 
income/ 
ERV
£m

Estimated/ 
actual 
completion  
date

Total 
development 
costs to date
£m

147

For more information about our 
development pipeline go to:  
pages 16–17, 28–31

92
100

63
100

82

87
67

–
–

–
26

–

–
–

–
–

64
–

97

99

n/a

98

262

323

37

344

163

136

29

48

123

53

490

96

n/a

48

13.9

Aug 2012

18.6

  May 2013

2.7

21.5

Jul 2014

Aug 2014

22.6

Apr 2015

15.8

May 2015

5.3

16.0

Feb 2016

Jun 2016

20.0

Jul 2016

3.0

Sept 2016

29.4

4.7

n/a

2.6

Feb 2013

Mar 2013

Sept 2013

Dec 2013

154

179

27

206

132

101

26

44

85

33

370

49

n/a

39

table 99

Forecast 
total 
development 
cost
 £m

154

179

39

239

257

174

66

177

245

51

372

49

n/a

39

Development pipeline at 31 March 2014

Property
Developments after practical completion

123 Victoria Street, SW11

62 Buckingham Gate, SW1

Developments approved or in progress

Bishop Centre, Taplow

20 Fenchurch Street, EC3 

1 & 2 New Ludgate, EC4

The Zig Zag Building, SW12

20 Eastbourne Terrace, W2

1 New Street Square, EC4

Nova, Victoria, SW1 – Phase I

Oriana, W1 – Phase II

Office
Retail

Office
Retail

Retail

Office
Retail

Office
Retail

Office
Retail

Office

Office
Retail

Office
Retail

Retail
Residential

100

100

100

50

100

100

100

100

50

50

200,100
28,200

259,700
15,600

101,500

673,600
13,000

348,600
30,800

187,700
44,200

91,800

266,200
4,700

480,300
79,900

72,300
20,200

Developments let and transferred or sold

Trinity Leeds

185–221 Buchanan Street, Glasgow 

Chadwell Heath, Whalebone Lane

Crawley

Retail

Retail

Retail

Retail

100

100

Sold

100

817,000

115,200

48,100

118,500

1.  Office refurbishment only. Figures provided are for the property as a whole including the retail element.
2. Includes retail within Kings Gate, SW1.

Where the property is not 100% owned, floor areas and letting status shown above represent the full scheme whereas all other figures represent our proportionate 
share. letting % is measured by eRV and shows letting status at 31 march 2014. trading property development schemes are excluded from the development pipeline. 

Total development cost 
Refer to glossary for definition. Of the properties in the development pipeline at 31 march 2014, the only property on which interest was capitalised on the land cost 
was nova, Victoria, sW1 – Phase i. the figures for total development cost include expenditure on the residential elements of Oriana, W1 – Phase ii (£11.3m).

Net income/ERV
net income/eRV represents net headline annual rent on let units plus net eRV at 31 march 2014 on unlet units.

Trading property development schemes

Property
Buchanan Gardens, Glasgow

Kings Gate, SW1

Nova, Victoria, SW1 – Phase I

Description  
of use
Residential

Residential

Residential

Ownership  
interest  
%
Sold

100

50

Size
 sq ft
45,200

108,900

166,400

Sales 
exchanged 
by unit
%
100

82

68

Estimated/ 
actual 
completion  
date
Nov 2013

May 2015

Apr 2016

Total 
development 
costs to date
£m
9

86

66

Number 
of units
49

100

170

table 100

Forecast 
total 
development 
cost
 £m
9

159

138

Land Securities Annual Report 2014Additional informationfinancial statementsGOVeRnanceAdditionAl informAtionstRateGic RePORt148

five year summary

Land Securities Annual Report 20142014£m2013£m2012£m2011£m2010£mIncome statementGroup revenue716.5736.6671.5701.9833.4Costs(253.3)(290.7)(239.6)(270.8)(392.5)463.2445.9431.9431.1440.9Profit/(loss) on disposal of investment properties15.6(3.1)45.475.7(32.5)Profit on disposal of investments in joint ventures2.5––––Net surplus on revaluation of investment properties606.6196.7169.8794.1746.0Profit on disposal of other investments–1.6–––Release of impairment/(impairment) of trading properties5.37.1(2.0)(1.4)(10.6)Operating profit1,093.2648.2645.11,299.51,143.8Net interest expense(179.2)(170.7)(179.4)(216.1)(212.1)Revaluation of redemption liabilities(5.6)(4.5)–––Net gain on business combination5.01.4–––913.4474.4465.71,083.4931.7Share of post tax profit from joint ventures 195.558.652.2143.9137.6Impairment of investment in joint ventures––(2.2)––Profit before tax1,108.9533.0515.71,227.31,069.3Income tax7.7–8.016.823.1Profit for the financial year1,116.6533.0523.71,244.11,092.4Revaluation surplus for the year:Group608.51197.01169.8794.1746.0Joint ventures155.3120.5121.1114.7117.8Total763.81217.51190.9908.8863.8Revenue profit319.6290.7299.4274.7251.81. Includes our non-wholly owned subsidiaries on a proportionate basis.five year summary

149

Land Securities Annual Report 2014Additional informationfinancial statementsGOVeRnanceAdditionAl informAtionstRateGic RePORt2014£m2013£m2012£m2011£m2010£mBalance sheetInvestment properties9,847.79,651.98,453.28,889.08,044.3Other property, plant and equipment7.38.38.811.312.8Net investment in finance leases186.9188.0185.0116.8115.4Loan investments50.050.050.872.284.3Investment in joint ventures1,443.31,301.01,137.6939.6787.8Other investments––32.31.8–Trade and other receivables34.310.6–77.0–Derivative financial instruments5.3––––Pension surplus2.35.9–8.7–Total non-current assets11,577.111,215.79,867.710,116.49,044.6Trading properties and long-term development contracts192.9152.8133.1129.387.9Derivative financial instruments––––1.0Trade and other receivables366.3344.8759.6352.5334.4Monies held in restricted accounts and deposits14.530.929.535.195.6Cash and cash equivalents20.941.729.737.6159.4Total current assets 594.6570.2951.9554.5678.3Borrowings(513.2)(436.2)(10.8)(33.0)(308.6)Derivative financial instruments(5.5)(9.1)––(1.1)Trade and other payables(319.5)(364.3)(361.3)(423.2)(395.5)Provisions(3.6)(7.0)(8.6)(7.4)(1.5)Current tax liabilities(2.9)(21.2)(21.6)(35.5)(111.0)Total current liabilities(844.7)(837.8)(402.3)(499.1)(817.7)Borrowings(2,849.0)(3,315.2)(3,225.1)(3,351.3)(3,209.7)Derivative financial instruments(3.5)(10.7)(6.5)(2.0)–Pension deficit––(2.4)–(6.5)Trade and other payables(23.6)(17.4)(27.7)(6.2)–Redemption liabilities(32.6)(118.1)–––Total non-current liabilities(2,908.7)(3,461.4)(3,261.7)(3,359.5)(3,216.2)Net assets8,418.37,486.77,155.66,812.35,689.0Net debt(3,330.5)(3,698.6)(3,183.2)(3,313.6)(3,263.4)Results per shareTotal dividend payable in respect of the financial year (actual)30.7p29.8p29.0p28.2p28.0pBasic earnings per share142.3p68.4p67.5p162.3p144.0pDiluted earnings per share 141.8p68.1p67.4p162.2p144.0pAdjusted earnings per share1 40.7p37.0p38.5p35.5p33.1pAdjusted diluted earnings per share1 40.5p36.8p38.5p35.5p33.1pNet assets per share1,069p959p921p885p750pDiluted net assets per share1,065p955p918p884p750pAdjusted net assets per share1,017p907p866p827p691pAdjusted diluted net assets per share 1,013p903p863p826p691p1. In 2012 adjusted earnings and adjusted earnings per share were restated to exclude profits on disposals of trading properties and long-term development contracts. The prior years have been adjusted accordingly.150

investor information

Land Securities Annual Report 2014Financial calendar Table 101Event dateEx-dividend date – 2013/14 final dividend18 June 2014Record date – 2013/14 final dividend20 June 2014First quarter interim management statement announcement17 July 2014AGM – London18 July 2014Payment date – 2013/14 final dividend22 July 2014Ex-dividend date – 1st interim dividend*10 September 2014Payment date – 1st interim dividend*10 October 20142014/15 Half-yearly results announcement11 November 2014Ex-dividend date – 2nd interim dividend*4 December 2014Payment date – 2nd interim dividend*8 January 2015Third quarter interim management statement announcement21 January 2015Ex-dividend date – 3rd  interim dividend*12 March 2015Payment date – 3rd interim dividend*10  April 20152014/15 Annual results announcementMay 2015* Provisional datesDividend Reinvestment PlanOn 22 January 2014, we announced the suspension of the Scrip Dividend Scheme and the launch of the Dividend Reinvestment Plan. The Dividend Reinvestment Plan gives shareholders the opportunity to reinvest their cash dividends in Land Securities Group PLC ordinary shares to purchase additional shares in the Company through a convenient, easy and cost effective facility provided by Equiniti Financial Services Limited. Under the Dividend Reinvestment Plan the cash dividend will be used to buy whole shares as soon after the dividend payment date as possible, with any residual cash being carried forward to the next dividend. Details of the scheme, including the rules, and election form for participation are available at www.landsecurities.com/investors/shareholder-investor-information/dividend-reinvestment-plan or via: The Share Dividend Team,Equiniti,Aspect House, Spencer Road,Lancing, West Sussex BN99 6DATelephone: 0871 384 2268*International dialling: +44 (0)121 415 7173151

Share price information
the latest information on land securities Group 
Plc’s share price is available on our website  
www.landsecurities.com.

Unsolicited mail and shareholder fraud
shareholders are advised to be wary of unsolicited 
mail or telephone calls offering free advice, to buy 
shares at a discount or offering free company 
reports. to find more detailed information on how 
shareholders can be protected from investment scams 
visit www.fca.org.uk/consumers/scams/investment-
scams/share-fraud-and-boiler-room-scams.

Registered office
5 strand, london Wc2n 5af
Registered in england and Wales
no. 4369054

*  Calls to 0871 telephone numbers are charged at 8p per minute plus 
network extras. Lines open 8.30am to 5.30pm, Monday to Friday, 
excluding bank holidays.

Our website
Our corporate website gives you access to share  
price and dividend information as well as sections  
on managing your shares electronically, corporate 
governance and other debt and equity investor 
information on the Group. to access the website 
please go to www.landsecurities.com/investors.

Registrar
all general enquiries concerning holdings of ordinary 
shares in land securities Group Plc, should be 
addressed to:

equiniti,
aspect House, spencer Road,
lancing, West sussex Bn99 6Da
telephone: 0871 384 2128*
textphone: 0871 384 2255*
international dialling: +44 (0)121 415 7049
Website: www.shareview.co.uk

an online share management service is available, 
enabling shareholders to access details of their land 
securities shareholdings electronically. shareholders 
wishing to view this information, together with 
additional information such as indicative share prices 
and information on recent dividends, should visit  
www.landsecurities.com/investors/shareholder-
investor-information/dividend-information or  
www.shareview.co.uk/clients/myportfolio.

e-communication
We encourage shareholders to consider receiving 
their communications electronically. choosing to 
receive shareholder communications electronically 
means you receive information quickly and securely 
and allows land securities to communicate in a 
more environmentally friendly and cost-effective 
way. to register for this service, shareholders should 
visit www.landsecurities.com/investors/shareholder-
investor-information/manage-your-shares or www.
shareview.co.uk.

Payment of dividends
shareholders whose dividends are not currently  
paid to mandated accounts may wish to consider 
having their dividends paid directly into their bank  
or building society account. this has a number  
of advantages, including the crediting of cleared 
funds into the nominated account on the dividend 
payment date. if shareholders would like their future 
dividends to be paid in this way, they should contact 
the registrar or complete a mandate instruction 
available from www.landsecurities.com/investors/
shareholder-investor-information/dividend-
information and return it to the registrar. Under  
this arrangement tax vouchers are sent to the 
shareholder’s registered address.

Dividends for shareholders resident outside 
the UK
instead of waiting for a sterling cheque to arrive by 
mail, you can ask us to send your dividends direct to 
your bank account. this is a  service our registrar can 
arrange in over 30 different countries worldwide and 
it normally costs less than paying in a sterling 

cheque. for more information contact the 
company’s registrar, equiniti, on +44 (0)121 415 
7049 or download an application form online at 
www.shareview.co.uk or write to our registrar at  
the address given. 

Share dealing facilities
equiniti provides both existing and prospective UK 
shareholders with simple ways of buying and selling 
land securities Group Plc ordinary shares by 
telephone, internet or post. for telephone dealing, 
call 0845 603 7037 between 8.00am and 4.30pm 
monday to friday. for internet dealing, log on to 
www.shareview.co.uk/dealing. for postal dealing, 
call 0871 384 2248* for full details and a form. 
existing shareholders will need to provide the 
account/shareholder reference number, shown on 
the share certificate. Other brokers and banks or 
building societies also offer share dealing facilities.

ShareGift
shareholders with a small number of shares, the 
value of which makes it uneconomic to sell them, 
may wish to consider donating them to the charity 
shareGift (registered charity 1052686), which 
specialises in using such holdings for charitable 
benefit. a shareGift Donation form can be obtained 
from the registrar and further information about 
shareGift is available at www.sharegift.org or by 
writing to:

shareGift,
17 carlton House terrace,
london sW1Y 5aH
telephone: 020 7930 3737

Corporate Individual Savings Accounts (ISAs)
the company has arranged for a corporate isa to be 
managed by equiniti financial services limited, who 
can be contacted at: 

aspect House,
spencer Road,
lancing, West sussex Bn99 6UY
telephone: 0871 384 2244*

Capital gains tax
for the purpose of capital gains tax, the price of the 
company’s ordinary shares at 31 march 1982, 
adjusted for the capitalisation issue in november 
1983 and the scheme of arrangement in september 
2002, was 203p. On the assumption that the 5 for 8 
Rights issue in march 2009 was taken up in full, the 
adjusted price would be 229p. 

Unclaimed Assets Register
the company participates in the Unclaimed assets 
Register, which provides a search facility for financial 
assets which may have been forgotten. for further 
information, contact:

the Unclaimed assets Register,
PO Box 9501, nottingham nG80 1WD
telephone: 0870 241 1713
fax: 0115 976 8785
Website: www.uar.co.uk

Land Securities Annual Report 2014Additional informationfinancial statementsGOVeRnanceAdditionAl informAtionstRateGic RePORt152

glossary

Adjusted earnings per share (EPS)
Earnings per share based on revenue profit after related tax.

Adjusted net asset value (NAV) per share
NAV per share adjusted to remove the effect of the de-recognition of the 2004 
bond exchange and cumulative fair value movements on interest-rate swaps 
and similar instruments. 

Adjusted net debt
Net debt excluding cumulative fair value movements on interest-rate swaps, 
the adjustment arising from the de-recognition of the bond exchange and 
amounts payable under finance leases. It generally includes the net debt of 
subsidiaries and joint ventures on a proportionate basis. 

Average unexpired lease term
The weighted average of the unexpired term of all leases other than short-term 
lettings such as car parks and advertising hoardings, temporary lettings of less 
than one year, residential leases and long ground leases. 

Book value
The amount at which assets and liabilities are reported in the financial 
statements. 

BREEAM
Building Research Establishment’s Environmental Assessment Method. 

Combined portfolio
The combined portfolio comprises the investment properties of the Group’s 
subsidiaries, on a proportionately consolidated basis when not wholly owned, 
together with our share of investment properties held in our joint ventures. 
Unless stated otherwise, references are to the combined portfolio when the 
investment property business is discussed. 

Completed developments
Completed developments consist of those properties previously included in 
the development programme, which have been transferred from the 
development programme since 1 April 2012. 

Development pipeline
The development programme together with proposed developments. 

Development programme
The development programme consists of committed developments (Board 
approved projects with the building contract let), authorised developments 
(Board approved), projects under construction and developments which have 
reached practical completion within the last two years but are not yet 95% let. 

Diluted figures
Reported results adjusted to include the effects of potentially dilutive shares 
issuable under employee share schemes. 

DRIP (Dividend Reinvestment Plan)
This is when shareholders are offered the opportunity to use cash dividends 
received to purchase additional shares in the company immediately after the 
dividend payment date. 

Earnings per share (EPS)
Profit after taxation attributable to owners of the Parent divided by the 
weighted average number of ordinary shares in issue during the period. 

EPRA
European Public Real Estate Association. 

EPRA net initial yield
EPRA net initial yield is defined within EPRA’s Best Practice Recommendations 
as the annualised rental income based on the cash rents passing at the balance 
sheet date, less non-recoverable property operating expenses, divided by the 
gross market value of the property. It is consistent with the net initial yield 
calculated by the Group’s external valuers.

Equivalent yield
Calculated by the Group’s external valuers, equivalent yield is the internal rate 
of return from an investment property, based on the gross outlays for the 
purchase of a property (including purchase costs), reflecting reversions to 
current market rent and such items as voids and non-recoverable expenditure 
but ignoring future changes in capital value. The calculation assumes rent is 
received annually in arrears.  

ERV – Gross estimated rental value 
The estimated market rental value of lettable space as determined biannually 
by the Group’s external valuers.  

Fair value movement
An accounting adjustment to change the book value of an asset or liability to  
its market value (see also mark-to-market adjustment). 

Finance lease
A lease that transfers substantially all the risks and rewards of ownership from 
the lessor to the lessee. 

Gearing
Total borrowings, including bank overdrafts, less short-term deposits, 
corporate bonds and cash, at book value, plus cumulative fair value movements 
on financial derivatives as a percentage of total equity. For adjusted gearing, 
see note 21 in the financial statements. 

Investment portfolio
The investment portfolio comprises the investment properties of the Group’s 
subsidiaries, on a proportionately consolidated basis where not wholly owned. 

Joint venture
An entity in which the Group holds an interest and is jointly controlled by the 
Group and one or more partners under a contractual arrangement. Decisions 
on financial and operating policies essential to the operation, performance and 
financial position of the venture require each partner’s consent. 

Lease incentives
Any incentive offered to occupiers to enter into a lease. Typically the incentive 
will be an initial rent-free period, or a cash contribution to fit-out or similar 
costs. For accounting purposes the value of the incentive is spread over the 
non-cancellable life of the lease. 

LIBOR
The London Interbank Offered Rate, the interest rate charged by one bank to 
another for lending money, often used as a reference rate in bank facilities. 

Like-for-like managed properties
Properties in the like-for-like portfolio other than those in our joint ventures 
which we do not manage operationally. 

Like-for-like portfolio
The like-for-like portfolio includes all properties which have been in the 
portfolio since 1 April 2012, but excluding those which are acquired, sold or 
included in the development pipeline at any time since that date.

Loan-to-value (LTV) 
Group LTV is the ratio of adjusted net debt, including subsidiaries and joint 
ventures, to the sum of the market value of investment properties and the book 
value of trading properties of the Group, its subsidiaries and joint ventures, all 
on a proportionate basis, expressed as a percentage. For the Security Group, 
LTV is the ratio of net debt lent to the Security Group divided by the value of 
secured assets. 

Market value
Market value is determined by the Group’s external valuers, in accordance with 
the RICS Valuation Standards, as an opinion of the estimated amount for which 
a property should exchange on the date of valuation between a willing buyer 
and a willing seller in an arm’s-length transaction after proper marketing. 

Mark-to-market adjustment
An accounting adjustment to change the book value of an asset or liability to its 
market value (see also fair value movement). 

Net asset value (NAV) per share
Equity attributable to owners of the Parent divided by the number of ordinary 
shares in issue at the period end. 

Net initial yield
Net initial yield is a calculation by the Group’s external valuers of the yield that 
would be received by a purchaser, based on the Estimated Net Rental Income 
expressed as a percentage of the acquisition cost, being the market value plus 
assumed usual purchasers’ costs at the reporting date. The calculation is in line 
with EPRA guidance.  

Estimated Net Rental Income is the passing cash rent less ground rent at the 
balance sheet date, estimated non-recoverable outgoings and void costs 
including service charges, insurance costs and void rates. 

Outline planning consent
This gives consent in principle for a development, and covers matters such as use 
and building mass. Full details of the development scheme must be provided in an 
application for ‘reserved matters approval’, including detailed layout, scale, 
appearance, access and landscaping, before a project can proceed. An outline 
planning permission will lapse if the submission of ‘reserved matters’ have not 
been made within three years, or if it has not been implemented within three 
years or within two years of the final approval of ‘reserved matters’, unless 
otherwise expressly stated within conditions attached to the permission itself or, 
for any permissions granted on or before 1 October 2009, a successful application 
has been made to extend the time within which ‘reserved matters’ application 
can be submitted, or the overall limit for commencement of development.  

Over-rented
Space where the passing rent is above the ERV. 

Passing cash rent
The estimated annual rent receivable as at the reporting date which includes 
estimates of turnover rent and estimates of rent to be agreed in respect of 
outstanding rent review or lease renewal negotiations. Passing cash rent may 
be more or less than the ERV (see over-rented, reversionary and ERV). Passing 
cash rent excludes annual rent receivable from units in administration save to 
the extent that rents are expected to be received. Void units and units that are 
in a rent-free period at the reporting date are deemed to have no passing cash 
rent. Although temporary lets of less than 12 months are treated as void, 
income from temporary lets is included in passing cash rents. 

Pre-development properties
Pre-development properties are those properties within the like-for-like 
portfolio which are being managed to align vacant possession within a three 
year horizon with a view to redevelopment. 

Gross market value
Market value plus assumed usual purchaser’s costs at the reporting date. 

Pre-let
A lease signed with an occupier prior to completion of a development. 

Head lease
A lease under which the Group holds an investment property. 

Interest Cover Ratio (ICR)
A calculation of a company’s ability to meet its interest payments on 
outstanding debt. It is calculated using revenue profit before interest, divided 
by net interest (excluding the mark-to-market movement on interest-rate 
swaps, bond exchange de-recognition, capitalised interest and interest on the 
pension scheme assets and liabilities). The calculation excludes joint ventures.  

Property income distribution (PID)
A PID is a distribution by a REIT to its shareholders paid out of qualifying profits. 
A REIT is required to distribute at least 90% of its qualifying profits as a PID to 
its shareholders.  

Proposed developments
Proposed developments are properties which have not yet received final Board 
approval or are still subject to main planning conditions being satisfied, but 
which are more likely to proceed than not. 

Interest-rate swap
A financial instrument where two parties agree to exchange an interest rate 
obligation for a predetermined amount of time. These are generally used by the 
Group to convert floating-rate debt or investments to fixed rates. 

Qualifying activities/Qualifying assets
The ownership (activity) of property (assets) which is held to earn rental 
income and qualifies for tax-exempt treatment (income and capital gains) 
under UK REIT legislation.

Real Estate Investment Trust (REIT)
A REIT must be a publicly quoted company with at least three-quarters of its 
profits and assets derived from a qualifying property rental business. Income 
and capital gains from the property rental business are exempt from tax but the 
REIT is required to distribute at least 90% of those profits to shareholders. 
Corporation tax is payable on non-qualifying activities in the normal way. 

Rental income
Rental income is as reported in the income statement, on an accruals basis, and 
adjusted for the spreading of lease incentives over the term certain of the lease 
in accordance with SIC 15. It is stated gross, prior to the deduction of ground 
rents and without deduction for operational outgoings on car park and 
commercialisation activities. 

Rental value change
Increase or decrease in the current rental value, as determined by the Group’s 
external valuers, over the reporting period on a like-for-like basis. 

Return on average capital employed
Group profit before interest, plus joint venture profit before interest, divided by the 
average capital employed (defined as shareholders’ funds plus adjusted net debt). 

Return on average equity
Group profit before tax plus joint venture tax divided by the average equity 
shareholders’ funds. 

Revenue profit
Profit before tax, excluding profits on the sale of non-current assets and 
trading properties, profits on long-term development contracts, valuation 
movements, fair value movements on interest-rate swaps and similar 
instruments used for hedging purposes, the adjustment to interest payable 
resulting from the amortisation of the bond exchange de-recognition 
adjustment, debt restructuring charges and any items of an unusual nature. 

Reversionary or under-rented
Space where the passing rent is below the ERV. 

Reversionary yield
The anticipated yield to which the initial yield will rise (or fall) once the rent 
reaches the ERV. 

Scrip dividend
A scrip dividend is when shareholders are offered the opportunity to receive 
dividends in the form of shares instead of cash. 

Security Group
Security Group is the principal funding vehicle for Land Securities and 
properties held in the Security Group are mortgaged for the benefit of lenders. 
It has the flexibility to raise a variety of different forms of finance. 

Temporary lettings
Lettings for a period of one year or less. These are included within voids. 

Topped-up net initial yield
Topped-up net initial yield is a calculation by the Group’s external valuers.  
It is calculated by making an adjustment to net initial yield in respect of the 
annualised cash rent foregone through unexpired rent-free periods and other 
lease incentives. The calculation is consistent with EPRA guidance.

Total business return
Dividend paid per share, plus the change in adjusted diluted net asset value per 
share, divided by the adjusted diluted net asset value per share at the beginning 
of the year. 

Total cost ratio
Total cost ratio represents all costs included within revenue profit, other than 
rents payable and financing costs, expressed as a percentage of gross rental 
income before rents payable.  

Total development cost (TDC)
Total development cost refers to the book value of the site at the 
commencement of the project, the estimated capital expenditure required to 
develop the scheme from the start of the financial year in which the property is 
added to our development programme, together with capitalised interest, being 
the Group’s borrowing costs associated with direct expenditure on the property 
under development. Interest is also capitalised on the purchase cost of land or 
property where it is acquired specifically for redevelopment. The TDC for trading 
property development schemes excludes any estimated tax on disposal.

Total property return
Valuation movement, profit/(loss) on property sales and net rental income in 
respect of investment properties expressed as a percentage of opening book 
value, together with the time weighted value for capital expenditure incurred 
during the current year, on the combined property portfolio.

Total Shareholder Return (TSR)
The growth in value of a shareholding over a specified period, assuming that 
dividends are reinvested to purchase additional units of the stock.

Trading properties
Properties held for trading purposes and shown as current assets in the  
balance sheet.

Turnover rent
Rental income which is related to an occupier’s turnover.

Voids
Voids are expressed as a percentage of ERV and represent all unlet space, 
including voids where refurbishment work is being carried out and voids in 
respect of pre-development properties. Temporary lettings for a period of one 
year or less are also treated as voids.

Weighted average cost of capital (WACC)
Weighted average cost of debt and notional cost of equity, used as a benchmark 
to assess investment returns.

Yield shift
A movement (negative or positive) in the equivalent yield of a property asset.

Zone A
A means of analysing and comparing the rental value of retail space by dividing 
it into zones parallel with the main frontage. The most valuable zone, Zone A,  
is at the front of the unit. Each successive zone is valued at half the rate of the 
zone in front of it.

Land Securities Annual Report 2014forward-looking StatementS

this annual report and the land securities website may contain certain 
‘forward-looking statements’ with respect to the land securities Group PlC and 
the Group’s financial condition, results of its operations and business, and certain 
of land securities Group PlC’s and the Group’s plans, strategy, objectives, goals 
and expectations with respect to these items and the economies and markets in 
which land securities Group operates.

Forward-looking statements are sometimes, but not always, identified by 
their use of a date in the future or such words as ‘anticipates’, ‘aims’, ‘due’, ‘could’, 
‘may’, ‘should’, ‘will’, ‘would’, ‘expects’, ‘believes’, ‘intends’, ‘plans’, ‘targets’, ‘goal’ 
or ‘estimates’ or, in each case, their negative or other variations or comparable 
terminology. Forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future 
performance. By their very nature forward-looking statements are inherently 
unpredictable, speculative and involve risk and uncertainty because they relate to 
events and depend on circumstances that will occur in the future. many of these 
assumptions, risks and uncertainties relate to factors that are beyond the Group’s 
ability to control or estimate precisely. there are a number of such factors that 
could cause actual results and developments to differ materially from those 
expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements. these factors include, 
but are not limited to, changes in the economies and markets in which the Group 
operates; changes in the legal, regulatory and competition frameworks in which 
the Group operates; changes in the markets from which the Group raises finance; 
the impact of legal or other proceedings against or which affect the Group; 
changes in accounting practices and interpretation of accounting standards 
under iFrss, and changes in interest and exchange rates.

any written or verbal forward-looking statements, made in this annual 

report, or the land securities website or made subsequently, which are 
attributable to land securities Group PlC or any other member of the Group or 
persons acting on their behalf are expressly qualified in their entirety by the 
factors referred to above. each forward-looking statement speaks only as of the 
date it is made. except as required by its legal or statutory obligations, land 
securities Group PlC does not intend to update any forward-looking statements.

Land Securities Group PLC
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Land Securities Group PLC 
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