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London & Associated Properties PLC

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FY2016 Annual Report · London & Associated Properties PLC
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LONDON & ASSOCIATED  
PROPERTIES 

ANNUAL REPORT 2016

Contents

OVERVIEW
2 

LAP at a glance

5  Chairman and Chief Executive’s statement

STRATEGIC REPORT
14  Financial review

21  Principal activities, strategy & business model

22  Risks and uncertainties

24  Bisichi risks and uncertainties

27  Key performance indicators

28  Corporate responsibility

GOVERNANCE
34  Directors & advisors

35  Directors’ report

39  Corporate Governance

41 

 Governance Statement by the 
Chairman of The Remuneration Committee

42  Annual remuneration report

46  Remuneration policy summary

48  Remuneration policy

51  Audit committee report

52  Directors’ responsibilities statement

53 

Independent auditor’s report

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
 Consolidated income statement
56 

57 

58 

59 

 Consolidated statement of comprehensive income

 Consolidated balance sheet

 Consolidated statement of changes in  
shareholders’ equity 

60 

 Consolidated cash flow statement

62  Group accounting policies

69 

 Notes to the financial statements

100  Five year financial summary

Financial calendar

Annual General Meeting  
6 June 2017

Announcement of half year results to 30 June 2017  
Late August 2017

Announcement of annual results for 2017 
Late April 2018

OVERVIEW

OVERVIEW

2  LAP AT A GLANCE

5  CHAIRMAN AND CHIEF EXECUTIVE’S STATEMENT

London & Associated Properties PLC 2016 1

OVERVIEW LAP at a glance

LAP at a glance

London & Associated Properties PLC (“LAP”) is a main 
market listed group which invests in UK shopping centres 
and retail property whilst also managing property assets 
for institutional clients. LAP owns and/or manages  
£221 million of property investments.

The Group also holds a substantial investment in Bisichi 
Mining PLC, which operates coal mines in South Africa  
and owns UK property investments. In accordance with 
IFRS 10 the results of Bisichi have been consolidated  
in the group accounts.

LOOKING TO CREATE ENVIRONMENTS 
WHERE RETAILERS CAN THRIVE.

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS

FULLY DILUTED NET 
ASSETS PER SHARE 

IFRS NET ASSETS

PORTFOLIO VALUATION*

44.83p  
2015: 47.26p

£48.6m  
2015: £49.7m

£221m 
2015: £246m

*Including properties under management 

2  London & Associated Properties PLC 2016

 
OVERVIEW LAP at a glance

OVERALL PORTFOLIO SPLIT

PORTFOLIO BY RENTAL INCOME 

52%

48%

42%

58%

KEY PROJECTS

HIGHLIGHT

 WHOLLY OWNED

•  Orchard Square, Sheffield
•  Market Row and  

Brixton Village Brixton

•  King Square,  

West Bromwich

 A number of value enhancing lettings 
at Orchard Square, Sheffield 

  JOINT VENTURES 
AND MANAGEMENT

 •  Langney Shopping Centre  

Eastbourne

Joint venture with Columbus Capital 
in Langney. Investment in joint 
venture sold in March 2016

  INVESTMENTS AND 
MANAGEMENT

•  Kingsgate Centre, Dunfermline
•  The Rushes Centre, Loughborough
•  The Vancouver Quarter Centre  

Co-investment with Oaktree Capital 
Management and manage three of  
their shopping centres

Kings Lynn

  COAL PRODUCTION

•  In South Africa, Black Wattle produced 1.26 million metric tonnes  
of Run of Mine Coal in 2016 (2015: 1.58 million metric tonnes)

London & Associated Properties PLC 2016  3

4 London & Associated Properties PLC 2016

OVERVIEW 

Chairman and 
Chief Executive’s 
statement

We are pleased to report another 
satisfactory year in the property business 
of LAP despite a continuing backdrop of 
uncertainty and transition in the retailing 
world. Our comments below deal primarily 
with the LAP property business with 
supplementary comments about our 
investment in Bisichi Mining PLC, in  
which we own 41.5%, being based on  
the comments of the Bisichi management. 

The Referendum in June 2016 for the United Kingdom’s 
planned withdrawal from the European Union has led to a 
number of retailers delaying their expansion plans as adverse 
currency movements and political upheaval combine to create 
a much more difficult trading environment. In addition, the 
ongoing shift towards online retailing has led to further 
consolidation within the occupier market, which, in turn, has led 
to a greater surfeit of units. Many retailers have either reduced 
their estate or merged. Finally, retailer insolvencies have added 
further to the number of vacant units competing for tenants.

Total property assets under management in which we have  
a financial interest were valued at £220.7 million as at  
31 December 2016 compared to £226.9 million in 2015. 
This includes those of Bisichi, Dragon Retail Properties (our 
joint venture with Bisichi) and Project Harrogate (our joint 
venture with Oaktree Capital Management). 

Total occupancy of the group property portfolio stands  
at 97.9%.

For shareholders to get a proper understanding of the 
accounts, it is necessary to consider separately the position 
of LAP and Bisichi. Although both are consolidated into 
group accounts (as required by IFRS 10), they are managed 
independently.  

CONSOLIDATED RESULTS
Group net assets at the year-end were £48.63 million  
(2015: £49.65 million). Most of this change is attributable  
to a reduction of £1.3 million in recoverable deferred tax.  
It should be noted that the group has a potential future 
benefit of £5.4 million in respect of unrecognised taxation 
losses available to offset future profits and gains. 

At the same time £0.8 million (2015: £0.6 million) of liabilities 
relates to a mark to market of interest rate derivatives, 
primarily swaps that were taken out to hedge a loan from 
Santander and which expire at the same date. We do not 
intend to repay the loan early and therefore these derivative 
liabilities are unlikely to crystalise.

The Group loss after valuation movements and before taxation 
for the year was £0.97 million (2015: £2.09 million). A full 
breakdown of group income and results by sector is included 
in the financial review on page 15 and in the segmental 
analysis in Note 1 to the accounts.

Over the course of the next 18 months, a legacy debenture 
of which £3.75million is outstanding, with a coupon of 
11.6% will be repaid. We are already talking to potential 
lenders about a refinancing of the properties held as 
collateral and are confident that this will lead to a significant 
reduction in interest payable. We will keep shareholders 
informed as negotiations progress.

LAP PROPERTY ACTIVITIES 
LAP’s rental income actually rose from £6.1 million to  
£6.2 million. Once again our intensive management style 
has enabled us to maintain our total revenue levels at £6.7 
million (2015: £6.8 million). The small drop in total property 
revenue was due to lower management income from third 
party properties of £0.5 million as compared to £0.7 million 
in 2015 following the disposal of an investment.  

At the same time, LAP’s direct property costs fell from  
£1.5 million to £1.2 million. Much of this drop is attributable 
to lower vacancy costs following new lettings but we also 
worked hard to reduce expenses and fees.

Shopping centre values generally were affected by 
deteriorating market sentiment and we were unable to 
escape this market shift altogether. Nevertheless, our directly 
owned properties were valued at the year-end at £89.2 
million compared to £88.9 million in the preceding year.  

We believe our core property holdings will continue to 
interest investors as they are all either part of a major city 
that will remain a destination in its own right; a differentiated 
offer which forms part of a leisure experience; or they fulfil  
a role providing convenient retail facilities. 

London & Associated Properties PLC 2016  5

OVERVIEW Chairman and Chief Executive’s statement

BRIXTON
These two markets remain fully let with an ever-lengthening 
waiting list of retailers.  

Brixton exemplifies successful modern shopping as it combines 
independent retail with interesting street food and a 
non-High Street feel. This tangible experience cannot be 
replicated online and our markets are a destination for 
shoppers and diners from all over London and beyond. We 
expect this strong trend towards experiential shopping to 
continue enhancing the prospects of these markets.

The redevelopment of the land opposite the rear of Brixton 
Village is now to commence in 2017 following a number of 
unforeseen delays resulting from the need to assemble all  
of the land on behalf of the Council. This will see a further  
303 apartments being built to the rear of our markets

WEST BROMWICH
This Shopping Centre has, for some years, felt the effect of 
too many available shops within the town centre following 
the 473,000 square feet development of a large Tesco and 
additional retail space on the opposite side of the High Street 
to our own Centre. Nevertheless, we continue to benefit 
from the bus station and tram interchange at the rear of 
our scheme which has ensured the Centre remains popular 
with shoppers.  

We have steadily filled the void units caused by aggressive 
poaching of our tenants on terms we were unwilling to match 
by the adjacent developer, and the Centre is once again 
approaching full occupancy. Retailers aiming at value and 
convenience, trade extremely well from this location, and 
we are confident that trading will continue to be positive 
here in the future.

OTHER 
The rest of our portfolio continues to trade well and LAP’s 
portfolio has a void level of just 2.15% (2015: 2.07%).

ORCHARD SQUARE, SHEFFIELD
Orchard Square continued to trade well in 2016.  
Currently there is only one vacant unit within the Square, 
which arose following the insolvency of a tenant in the 
second half of the year. The unit is being let on a temporary 
basis, and we are in discussions with a number of retailers 
for a permanent lease.

In May 2016, we re-geared our lease with TK Maxx, the 
anchor tenant of the Centre which trades from a 45,000 
square feet unit. We now have an unbroken 10 year lease 
from March 2016 at an annual rent of £475,000 compared 
to £625,000 previously. This rental adjustment reflects in 
part market conditions – particularly the competition we 
faced from other landlords within Sheffield for this highly 
regarded retailer – and partly the lack of a rent free period 
that such a letting would normally attract.  

We are very pleased that TK Maxx confirmed Orchard 
Square to be its favoured location in Sheffield, and believe 
that this re-gearing will assist us in attracting new retailers 
to the scheme as well as securing lease renewals from our 
existing tenants.

Elsewhere within the Centre, Virgin Money completed the 
development of its cutting-edge banking offer which 
incorporates a bowling alley, cinema, reading room and 
other non-traditional banking services. The end result is 
dramatic, and makes for an exciting experience for visitors 
to the Centre.

We are also carrying out a number of smaller lettings in the 
Centre where existing leases are expiring. These include a 
nail bar/beautician and a tattooist, which all form part of 
the shopping-as-leisure experience. We have also worked 
with pop-up retail operators to put food trucks within our 
Centre to attract shoppers. These retailers have been well 
received by the public.

Finally, we refurbished the common parts and a floor of 
offices over Virgin Money during the course of the year.  
As a result, we have signed a new lease with one of the 
existing office tenants whose lease was expiring, and we are 
in discussions for a new lease on the only vacant office floor.

6  London & Associated Properties PLC 2016

London & Associated Properties PLC 2016 7

OVERVIEW Chairman and Chief Executive’s statement

HARROGATE PORTFOLIO

Kings Lynn

This Centre continues to trade well. During the year, we 
secured planning permission and freeholder consent for 
the redevelopment of a former Beales department store 
whose lease had recently expired. The consent is for 
33,000 square feet of retail across five units, including a 
20,000 square feet anchor store, and the headlease was 
re-geared to enable us to extend the footprint of the 
building over existing walkways. We have agreed a new 
lease with an anchor tenant, and will shortly exchange an 
agreement for lease, enabling demolition of the existing 
building and construction of the new property to commence.  

Elsewhere within the scheme, our Sainsbury foodstore 
sub-let half its space to B&M Retail. While we do not 
benefit in rental terms, this sub-letting has contributed  
to increased footfall throughout the Centre 

Loughborough

Occupancy at this Centre has remained extremely high 
throughout the year, restricting the number of asset 
management initiatives we have been able to undertake.

Dunfermline

This Centre has traded well all year and we have been able 
to carry out a number of lease extensions to existing 
retailers as well as new lettings to various retailers.

DRAGON RETAIL PROPERTIES
Dragon’s principal asset is a building in Clifton, Bristol. During 
the year, the building remained fully occupied and was valued 
at £2.6 million (2015: £2.6 million).

8  London & Associated Properties PLC 2016

London & Associated Properties PLC 2016 9

10  London & Associated Properties PLC 2016

OVERVIEW Chairman and Chief Executive’s statement

MINING ACTIVITIES BY BISICHI MINING PLC
The management of Bisichi report that for the year ended 
31 December 2016, the company achieved earnings before 
interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation (EBITDA) of             
£2.4 million (2015: £1.4 million), a significant improvement 
on the previous year despite the impact on Black Wattle, its 
direct coal mining subsidiary in South Africa, of both mining 
challenges and a sluggish coal market for most of the year. 

For the first half of 2016 Black Wattle continued to 
supplement production from its own reserves with coal 
mined at Blue Nightingale under an agreement to purchase 
Run of Mine coal. Unfortunately, the quality of the Blue 
Nightingale coal deteriorated as the reserve came to an end 
and the higher cost per tonne produced, along with supressed 
coal prices, impacted on overall earnings during the first half 
of the year.

In anticipation of the Blue Nightingale reserve coming to  
an end, management plans were already in place to increase 
production from Black Wattle’s own reserves. Part of this 
plan entailed increasing the production from an existing 
opencast area at Black Wattle as well as the development  
of a new opencast area to replace the coal purchased from 
Blue Nightingale. 

In these new opencast areas Bisichi has had to deal with 
stone contamination issues which have affected both yield 
and mining production through the washing plant and have 
consequently impacted on their earnings in the second half 
of the year. Management are initiating various infrastructure 
improvements to the coal washing plant which will be 
completed by the end of the second quarter of 2017. The 
new infrastructure will assist in reducing stone contamination 
through the plant and will allow Black Wattle to mine at a higher 
rate of production at our opencast areas and increase yield.  

As a result of the lower production in the second half of the 
year, overall Run of Mine production from Black Wattle 
decreased in 2016, with total production for the year of 
1.26 million metric tonnes (2015: 1.58 million metric tonnes). 

Black Wattle continues to perform well under the  
Quattro Programme, which allows junior black-economic 
empowerment coal producers direct access to the coal 
export market via Richards Bay Coal Terminal.

Looking forward into 2017, coal prices have continued to 
remain stable at somewhat higher levels compared to the 
prior year and Bisichi continues to see strong demand for 
coal in both the domestic and export markets. 

Bisichi’s property portfolio is managed by LAP and continues 
to perform well. Overall, net Property revenue (excluding 
joint ventures) was £1.06 million (2015: £1.01 million). The 
increase, compared to the prior year, can mainly be attributed 
to the contribution to revenue from a new retail property in 
Northampton, which was acquired in October 2015. 

The property portfolio was externally valued at 31 December 
2016 and the value of UK investment properties attributable 
to the group at year end was £13.25 million (2015: £12.8 
million). 

Bisichi has decided to hold the dividend at the 2015 level 
and will recommend a final dividend of 3p (2015: 3p). LAP’s 
cash share of this is £177,000 (2015: £177,000).

DIVIDEND
Your directors are pleased to recommend a dividend of 
0.165p, an increase of 3% over 2015.

Finally, we would like to thank all of our 
staff and advisors for their hard work 
during the course of the year. 

Sir Michael Heller, 
Chairman 

John Heller,  
Chief Executive

27 April 2017

London & Associated Properties PLC 2016  11

 
 
12  London & Associated Properties PLC 2016

STRATEGIC REPORT

STRATEGIC 
REPORT

14  FINANCIAL REVIEW

21  PRINCIPAL ACTIVITIES, STRATEGY & BUSINESS MODEL

22  RISKS AND UNCERTAINTIES

24  BISICHI RISKS AND UNCERTAINTIES

27  KEY PERFORMANCE INDICATORS

28  CORPORATE RESPONSIBILITY

London & Associated Properties PLC 2016  13

STRATEGIC REPORT 

Financial review

The financial statements for 2016 have 
been prepared to reflect the 
requirements of IFRS 10. This means 
that the accounts of Bisichi Mining PLC 
(a London Stock Exchange main market 
quoted company – BISI) (“Bisichi”), have 
been consolidated with those of LAP.

Bisichi continues to operate as a fully independent company 
and currently LAP owns only 41.52% of the issued ordinary 
share capital. However, because related parties also have 
shareholdings in Bisichi and there is a wide disposition of 
other shareholdings, LAP is deemed under IFRS 10 to have 
effective control of Bisichi for accounting purposes. This 
treatment means that the income and net assets of Bisichi 
are disclosed in full and the value attributable to the 
“non-controlling interest” (58.48%) is shown separately in 
the equity section as a non-controlling interest. There is no 
impact on the net assets attributable to LAP shareholders.

Dragon Retail Property Limited (“Dragon”), our 50:50 joint 
venture with Bisichi is also consolidated.

14  London & Associated Properties PLC 2016

Shareholders are aware that LAP is a property business  
with a significant investment in a listed mining company.  
The effect of consolidating the results, assets and liabilities 
of the property business and the mining company make the 
figures complex and less transparent.  Property company 
accounts are already subject to significant volatility as 
valuations of property assets as well as derivative liabilities 
can be subject to major movements based on market 
sentiment. Most of these changes, though, have little or no 
effect on the cash position and it is, of course, self-evident 
that cash flow is the most important factor influencing the 
success of a property business. We have endeavoured to 
explain the factors affecting the property business first, 
clearly separating these from factors affecting the mining 
business which we do not manage. Comments about Bisichi 
(the mining business) are based on information provided by 
the independent management of that company.

LOANS
Long term debt of LAP (excluding Bisichi and Dragon which 
are detailed separately below), consists of a £45 million 
facility expiring in July 2019 and two debentures: one of 
£10 million expiring in August 2022 and another of £3.75 
million with £0.75 million and £3 million repayable in August 
2017 and August 2018, respectively. As in previous years, 
all loans and debentures are secured on core property and 
cash deposits and are covenant compliant.

LAP’s five year £35 million non-recourse loan from 
Santander, as senior lender, is supported by a £10 million 
loan from Europa Capital Mezzanine Limited, as mezzanine 
lender. The senior loan facility is fully hedged and at the year 
end, 50% of the loan was swapped at a rate of 2.25% and 
the remaining 50% was covered by an interest cap at 2.25%. 
This gives a blended current interest rate of 4.71% for the 
total £45 million debt. In February 2016, an interest cap 
swaption was replaced by an interest cap at 2.25%.

STRATEGIC REPORT Financial review

CASH FLOW
The operating cash flow and net cash balances at the 
year-end were as follows: 

CASH FLOW FROM 
OPERATIONS

LAP

Bisichi

Dragon

Group total

2016 
£’000

2,623

2,879

84

5,586

Note: The figures exclude inter-company transactions.

NET CASH BALANCES

LAP

Bisichi

Dragon

2016 
£’000

3,706

(890)

115

2015 
£’000

2,380

1,931

64

4,375

2015 
£’000

3,192

(626)

9

Group total

   2,931

  2,575

Our investment with Oaktree Capital Management (HRGT 
Shopping Centres LP), remains profitable and generates 
management fees (2016: £0.46 million and 2015: £0.46 
million) for our wholly owned subsidiary (London & 
Associated Management Services Limited). We also 
received £0.1 million (2015: £0.2 million) as a partial 
repayment of our loan.

During the year, LAP and Bisichi sold their entire 
investment (of 12.5% each) in Langney Shopping Centre 
Unit Trust for £2.28 million in cash. Additionally £0.2 
million was received for dividends and loan repayment. 

LAP

Bisichi

Dragon

Group loss before taxation

INCOME STATEMENT
The segmental analysis in note 1 to the financial 
statements gives more detail but the tables below give a 
clearer summary of the Group results. 

RESULTS BEFORE 
REVALUATIONS AND  
NON-CASH MOVEMENTS

LAP

Bisichi

Dragon

2016 
£’000

(1,070)

(241)

9

2015 
£’000

(1,900)

(431)

69

Group total

(1,302)

(2,262)

Note: The figures exclude inter-company transactions.

Strenuous efforts to cut costs at LAP are reflected in lower 
overheads and property expenses, resulting in an 
improvement of £0.8 million in the operating result before 
revaluations of the core property business. 

Our property portfolio (including Bisichi) of £105.1 million 
increased on revaluation by £0.5 million, a 0.5% increase.

As shown below the stable property revenues, reductions 
in running costs and increased property valuations, have 
resulted in the property business showing a reduction of 
£0.74 million in the LAP loss before taxation to £1.15 
million (2015: £1.89 million). 

(LOSS)/PROFIT BEFORE 
TAXATION

2016 
£’000

2015 
£’000

(1,150)

(1,886)

216

(40)

(974)

(217)

10

(2,093)

Note: The figures exclude inter-company transactions.

The LAP Group taxation charge of £1.17 million  
(2015: credit £0.05 million) is mainly due to writing off part 
of the deferred tax asset, because the current estimate of 
the  amount of foreseeable taxable profit is insufficient to 
offset all of the carrying value.

London & Associated Properties PLC 2016  15

STRATEGIC REPORT Financial review

BALANCE SHEET
Taking account of the changes required by IFRS 10 (see table below) LAP has group net assets of £48.6 million (2015: 
£49.7 million). This reduction of £1.1 million in net assets arises from the loss after taxation of £2.1 million offset by 
exchange differences on translation of Bisichi Mining PLC’s foreign operations (£1.1 million), (see page 59).

Net assets attributable to equity shareholders at the year-end were 44.83p per share (2015: 47.26p per share).

2016
Investment properties
Other fixed assets
Investments in Bisichi Mining PLC
Investments and loans in joint ventures
Other non current assets
Current assets
Current liabilities
Non-current liabilities
Net assets

2015
Investment properties
Other fixed assets
Investments in Bisichi Mining PLC
Investments and loans in joint 
ventures and assets held for sale
Other non current assets
Current assets
Current liabilities
Non-current liabilities
Net assets

LAP
ORIGINAL 
GROUP
£’000
93,791
112
6,918
866
3,008
5,559
(9,014)
(62,697)
38,543

93,510
148
6,357
2,041

4,385
5,534
(8,605)
(62,992)
40,378

BISICHI
MINING PLC
GROUP
£’000
13,426
8,520
-
2,671
32
12,224
(10,326)
(9,541)
17,006

DRAGON
RETAIL
PROPERTIES
£’000
2,630
21
-
-
-
2,447
(2,078)
(1,288)
1,732

CONSOLIDATION
ADJUSTMENTS
£’000
-
-
(6,918)
(1,732)
-
(4,347)
4,347
-
(8,650)

12,994
5,374
–
3,266

14
9,467
(6,501)
(8,983)
15,631

2,668
30
–
–

–
2,548
(2,199)
(1,300)
1,747

–
–
(6,357)
(1,747)

–
(4,531)
4,531
–
(8,104)

LAP
NET ASSETS
£’000 
109,847
8,653
-
1,805
3,040
15,883
(17,071)
(73,526)
48,631

109,172
5,552
–
3,560

4,399
13,018
(12,774)
(73,275)
49,652

16  London & Associated Properties PLC 2016

STRATEGIC REPORT Financial review

BISICHI MINING PLC
Although the results of Bisichi Mining PLC have been 
consolidated in these financial statements, the Board of 
LAP has no direct influence over the management of 
Bisichi. The comments below are based on the published 
accounts of Bisichi. 

The Bisichi group results are stated in full in its published 
2016 financial statements which are available on its 
website: www.bisichi.co.uk.

The Bisichi group increased its EBITDA to £2.4 million 
(2015: £1.4 million), mainly due to revaluation movements 
on UK investment property of £0.6 million (2015: £0.2 
million) and exchange rate gains of £0.4 million (2015: loss 
£0.5 million). Profit for the year after tax was £0.3 million 
(2015: loss £0.1 million). Bisichi has two core revenue 
streams – investment in retail property in the UK and coal 
mining in South Africa.

The volatility in South African Rand against UK Sterling, 
continued to impact on the earnings during the year. The 
results of the year were positively impacted by an exchange 
rate gain of £0.4 million against an exchange rate loss of 
£0.5 million during the prior year. These exchange movements 
are mainly due to retranslation of Rand denominated 
inter-company trade receivable balances with the group’s 
South African mining operations that are held within the 
UK. Before taking into account of the impact of the above 
exchange movements, the Bisichi group’s operating 
activities achieved an adjusted EBITDA (Operating profit 
before depreciation, fair value adjustments and exchange 
movements) of £1.5 million (2015: £1.7 million). This 
decrease is mainly due to lower Run of Mine production at 
Black Wattle offsetting the impact of the higher coal prices 
in the last quarter.

The UK retail property portfolio was valued at the year end 
at £13.25 million (2015: £12.8 million). The increase is mainly 
due to higher valuation of a retail property in Northampton. 
The property portfolio is actively managed by LAP and 
generates rental income of £1.0 million (2015: £1.0 million). 

In South Africa, a subsidiary of Bisichi signed an increase  
in the structured trade finance facility from R60 million to 
R80 million (South African Rand) in October 2013 with 
Absa Bank Limited. This facility is renewable annually at  
30 June and is secured against inventory, debtors and cash 
that are held in the Bisichi group’s South African operations.

In the UK, the Bisichi group signed a £6 million five-year 
term loan with Santander in December 2014. £123,300 of 
this loan was repaid in the year. This loan is secured against 
UK investment property. 

Overall the Bisichi group achieved a net increase in cash 
and cash equivalents of £0.4 million (2015: decrease of 
£1.7 million). This increase was mainly attributable to a one 
off cash receipt from the sale of its interest in Langney 
Shopping Centre Unit Trust for £1.14 million. After taking 
into account an exchange loss of £0.7 million on the 
translation of the Bisichi group’s year end net cash 
borrowings that were held in South African Rand, the 
group’s net balance owing of cash and cash equivalents 
(including bank overdrafts) at year end was £0.9 million 
(2015: £0.6 million). The Bisichi group’s cash and cash 
equivalents (excluding bank overdrafts) at the year-end 
were £2.4 million (2015: £1.6 million).

The Bisichi group’s financial position remains strong.  
Its net assets at 31 December 2016 were £17 million 
(2015: £15.6 million).The group expect to continue to 
achieve significant value from its existing mining operation. 
In addition, Bisichi seeks to expand its operations in South 
Africa through the acquisition of additional coal reserves.

DRAGON RETAIL PROPERTIES LIMITED
Dragon is a UK property investment company. The company 
has a Santander bank loan of £1.25 million secured against 
its investment property and is covenant compliant. It paid 
management fees of £72,000 (2015: £84,000) split equally 
to the two joint venture partners. Its results continue to be 
near breakeven after taxation. Dragon has net assets of  
£1.7 million (2015: £1.7 million).

London & Associated Properties PLC 2016  17

STRATEGIC REPORT Financial review

ACCOUNTING JUDGEMENTS 
AND GOING CONCERN
The most significant judgements made in preparing these 
accounts relate to the carrying value of the properties, 
investments and interest rate hedges. The hedges have 
been valued by the hedge provider. The Group uses external 
property valuers to determine the fair value of its properties. 

Under IFRS10 the Group has included Bisichi Mining PLC 
in the consolidated accounts, as it is deemed to be under 
the effective control of LAP and has therefore been 
treated as a subsidiary.

The Directors exercise their commercial judgement when 
reviewing the Group’s cash flow forecasts and the underlying 
assumptions on which the forecasts are based. The Group’s 
business activities, together with the factors likely to affect 
its future development, are set out in the Chairman and 
Chief Executive’s Statement and in this review. In addition, 
the Directors consider that note 23 to the financial 
statements sets out the Group’s objectives, policies and 
processes for managing its capital; its financial risk 
management objectives; details of its financial instruments 
and hedging activities; and its exposure to credit risk, 
liquidity risk and other risks.

With a quality property portfolio comprising a majority of 
tenants with long leases supported by suitable financial 
arrangements, the Directors believe the company is well 
placed to manage its business risks successfully, despite 
the continuing uncertain economic climate. The Directors 
therefore have a reasonable expectation that the company 
has adequate resources to continue in operational existence 
for the foreseeable future. Thus, they continue to adopt 
the going concern basis of accounting in preparing the 
annual financial statements.

18  London & Associated Properties PLC 2016

TAXATION
The LAP Group tax strategy is to account for tax on an accurate 
and timely basis. We only structure our affairs based on 
sound commercial principles and wish to maintain a low tax 
risk position. We do not engage in aggressive tax planning.

The LAP Group (excluding Bisichi and Dragon) has unused 
tax losses and deductions with a potential value of £10.18 
million of which only £4.73 million has been recognised in 
the 2016 financial statements. As LAP returns to profit, 
these tax losses and deductions should be utilised.

DIVIDENDS AND FUTURE PROSPECTS
The directors are proposing a final dividend of 0.165p  
per ordinary share payable in September 2017. This is an 
increase of 3% compared to the 2015 dividend of 0.16p 
per ordinary share.

The Group remains confident about its trading and future 
outlook and is looking to further reduce its overhead costs 
and interest payable; while it stabilises its property income 
together with seeking out growth opportunities. 

London & Associated Properties PLC 2016  19

20  London & Associated Properties PLC 2016

STRATEGIC REPORT 

Principal activities, strategy 
& business model

The Group’s principal business model is the investment in and management of town centre retail property through direct 
investment and joint ventures, where we manage the property ourselves and on behalf of our partners. 

The principal activity of Bisichi Mining PLC is coal mining in South Africa. Further information is available in its 2016 
Financial Statements which are available on their web site: www.bisichi.co.uk 

STRATEGIC PRIORITIES ARE

OUR STRATEGY IS

MAXIMISING INCOME

CREATING QUALITY PROPERTY

CAPITAL STRENGTH

By achieving an appropriate tenant mix and shopping experience 
we can increase footfall through the centres, hence increase tenant 
demand for space and enhance income.

We look to improve the consumer experience at all our centres 
by achieving an appropriate tenant mix and a vibrant trading 
environment through investment activity, enhancement, 
refurbishment and development.

We operate within a prudent and flexible financial structure. Our 
gearing, which has been substantially reduced, provides financial 
stability whilst giving capacity and flexibility to look for further 
investments.

MAINTAIN THE VALUE OF  
INVESTMENT IN BISICHI

By encouraging the Bisichi management to maximise sustainable 
profits and cash distributions.

London & Associated Properties PLC 2016  21

STRATEGIC REPORT 

Risks and uncertainties

DESCRIPTION 
OF RISK

DESCRIPTION  
OF IMPACT

MITIGATION

ASSET MANAGEMENT:

TENANT FAILURE

Financial loss.

LEASES NOT RENEWED

Financial loss.

Initial and subsequent assessment of tenant covenant strength 
combined with an active credit control function.

Lease expiries regularly reviewed. Experienced in house 
teams with strong tenant and market knowledge who manage 
appropriate tenant mix.

ASSET LIQUIDITY  
(SIZE AND GEOGRAPHICAL 
LOCATION)

PEOPLE:

Assets may be illiquid and 
affect flexing of balance sheet.

Regular reporting of current and projected position to the 
Board with efficient treasury management.

RETENTION AND 
RECRUITMENT OF STAFF

Unable to retain and attract the 
best people for the key roles. 

Nomination Committee and senior staff review skills gaps and 
succession planning. Training and development offered.

REPUTATION:

BUSINESS INTERRUPTION

Loss in revenue.

Documented Recovery Plan in place. 

Impact on footfall.

Adverse publicity.

Potential for criminal/ 
civil proceedings.

General and terrorism insurance policies in place and risks 
monitored by trained security staff. 

Health and Safety policies in place. 

CCTV in centres.

FINANCING:

FLUCTUATION IN PROPERTY 
VALUES

Impact on covenants and other 
loan agreement obligations.

Secure income flows. 

Regular monitoring of LTV and IC covenants and 
other obligations.

Focus on quality assets.

REDUCED AVAILABILITY OF 
BORROWING FACILITIES

Insufficient funds to meet 
existing debts/interest 
payments and operational 
payments.

Efficient treasury management. 

Loan facilities extended where possible.

Regular reporting of current and projected position to the 
Board.

LOSS OF CASH AND 
DEPOSITS

Financial loss.

Only use a spread of banks and financial institutions which 
have a strong credit rating.

FLUCTUATION OF INTEREST 
RATES

Uncertainty of interest rate 
costs.

Manage derivative contracts to achieve a balance between 
hedging interest rate exposure and minimising potential cash 
calls.

22  London & Associated Properties PLC 2016

London & Associated Properties PLC 2016  23

STRATEGIC REPORT 
STRATEGIC REPORT

Bisichi risks and uncertainties

Bisichi (although it is consolidated into group accounts as required by IFRS 10) is managed independently of LAP. The risks outlined below are an 
abbreviated summary of the risks reported by the Directors of Bisichi to the shareholders of that Company. Full details are available in the published 
accounts of Bisichi (www.bisichi.co.uk).

These risks, although critical to Bisichi, are of less significance to LAP which only has a minority investment of 41.52% in the company. In the unlikely 
event that Bisichi was unable to continue trading, it would not affect the ability of LAP to continue operating as a going concern. 

DESCRIPTION OF RISK

DESCRIPTION OF IMPACT

MITIGATION

COAL PRICES CAN BE IMPACTED MATERIALLY 
BY MARKET AND CURRENCY VARIATIONS

Affects sales value and therefore 
margins.

Forward sales contracts are used to 
manage value expectations.

MINING OPERATIONS ARE INHERENTLY RISKY. 
MINERAL RESERVES, REGULATIONS, LICENSING, 
POWER AVAILABILITY, HEALTH AND SAFETY 
CAN ALL DAMAGE OPERATIONS

Loss of production causing loss of 
revenue.

Use of geology experts, careful 
attention to regulations, health and 
safety training, employee dialogue to 
minimise controllable risks.

CURRENCY RISK

Affects realised sales value and 
therefore margins.

Regular monitoring and review of 
forward currency situation.

CASHFLOW VARIATION BECAUSE OF MINING 
RISKS, COMMODITY PRICE OR CURRENCY 
VARIATIONS

Variations can deliver significant 
shifts in cash flow.

UK property investments used to 
offset high risk mining operations.

24  London & Associated Properties PLC 2016

London & Associated Properties PLC 2016  25

26  London & Associated Properties PLC 2016

STRATEGIC REPORT 

Key performance indicators

VOIDS

6.0

The Group’s Key Performance Indicators are selected to ensure clear alignment between its strategy and shareholder interests.  
The KPIs are calculated using data from management reporting systems.

2.0

%

4.0

STRATEGIC PRIORITY

KPI 

PERFORMANCE

MAXIMISING INCOME – LIKE FOR LIKE PROPERTY INCOME

To increase the like-for-like income 
from the property year on year.

Like-for-like rental income as a 
percentage of the prior year rental.

The like-for-like rental  
income has increased  
by £0.18m. 

MAXIMISING INCOME – OCCUPANCY

We aim to maximise the total  
income in our properties by  
achieving full occupancy.

The ERV of the empty units as a 
percentage of our total income.

Void levels have  
stabilised.

%
%

e
r
a
h
s

r
e
p
e
c
n
%
e
p
V
A
N
%

CAPITAL STRENGTH – GROWTH IN NET ASSET VALUE PER SHARE

The net assets per share is the 
principal measure used by the  
group for monitoring its performance 
and is an indicator of the level of 
reserves available for distribution 
by way of dividend.

Movement in the net assets  
per share.

e
r
a
h
s

The net assets per share  
fell by 2.43 pence per share  
or 5.1%. 

r
e
p
The small reduction in NAV  
e
c
n
was to be expected as the  
e
%
p
V
assets and liabilities are  
A
N
re-organised and positioned  
for growth.

0.0

2014 2015

2016

4.0
6.0
2.0

4.0
0.0

-4.0
2.0

-8.0
0.0

75.0
6.0
50.0
4.0
4.0
25.0
2.0
2.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
-4.0

-8.0

4.0
75.0
2.0
50.0
0.0
25.0
-4.0
0.0
-8.0

LIKE-FOR-LIKE INCOME
VOIDS

2014 2015
2014 2015

2016
2016

NET ASSETS PER SHARE
VOIDS

LIKE-FOR-LIKE INCOME

2014 2015

2016

2014 2015

2016

2014 2015

2016

LIKE-FOR-LIKE INCOME
NET ASSETS PER SHARE

2014 2015
2014 2015

2016
2016

NET ASSETS PER SHARE

e
r
a
h
s

r
e
p
e
c
n
e
p
V
A
N

75.0

50.0

25.0

0.0

2014 2015

2016

London & Associated Properties PLC 2016  27

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
STRATEGIC REPORT 

Corporate responsibility

SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT
Bisichi’s Black Wattle continues to strive to conduct business 
in a safe, environmentally and socially responsible manner. Some 
highlights of their Health, Safety and Environment 
performance in 2016:

Emissions for landlord controlled areas have been calculated 
based on actual consumption information collected from each 
shopping centre. Emissions from tenant controlled areas have 
been calculated based on floor area and energy consumption 
benchmarks for general retail services in the UK. 

The Bisichi Group has employed the Operational Control 
boundary definition to outline the carbon footprint boundary. 
Included within that boundary are Scope 1 & 2 emissions 
from coal extraction and onsite mining processes for Black 
Wattle Colliery. Excluded from the footprint boundary are 
emission sources considered non material by Bisichi Group, 
including refrigerant use onsite.

We have used the GHG Protocol Corporate Accounting and 
Reporting Standard (revised edition) and guidance provided 
by UK’s Department of Environment and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) 
on voluntary and mandatory carbon reporting. Emission 
factors were used from UK Government’s GHG Conversion 
Factors for Company Reporting 2016.

As well as reporting Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions, legislation 
requires that at least one intensity ratio is reported for the 
given reporting period. The intensity figure represented 
below shows the emissions in tCO2e per thousand pounds 
revenue.

•   Black Wattle Colliery recorded one Lost Time Injury 

during 2016 (2015: Two). 

•   No cases of Occupational Diseases were recorded. 

•   Zero claims for the Compensation for Occupational 

Diseases were submitted.

They continue to adhere and make progress in terms of 
their Social and Labour Plan and their various BEE 
initiatives. A fuller explanation of these can be found in 
Bisichi’s 2016 Financial Statements which are available on 
their web site: www.bisichi.co.uk

GREENHOUSE GAS REPORTING
We have reported on all of the emission sources required under 
the Companies Act 2006 (Strategic Report and Directors’ 
Reports) Regulations 2013 for the reporting period 1st January 
2016 to 31st December 2016. The emissions are detailed 
in tables 1, 2, 3 and 4 below.

We have employed the Financial Control definition to outline 
our carbon footprint boundary reporting Scope 1 & 2 emissions 
only. Emissions from both landlord & tenant controlled areas 
of LAP owned shopping centres and facilities that fall within 
the footprint boundary. LAP has landlord controlled areas 
in Kings Square, Orchard Square, Brewery Street, Shipley 
and Bridgend. Excluded from our footprint boundary are: 
properties that we manage on behalf of others or are not 
wholly owned by LAP and emissions considered non 
material by the business. 

28  London & Associated Properties PLC 2016

STRATEGIC REPORT Corporate responsibility

TABLE1. LANDLORD & TENANT CONTROLLED AREAS

Scope 1 emissions

Scope 2 emissions

EMISSIONS SOURCE

Natural gas (tCO2e)
Refrigerants (tCO2e)
Electricity (tCO2e)
Total tCO2e
Intensity ratio (tCO2e/£thousand)

TABLE 2. LAP CONTROLLED AREAS

Scope 1 emissions

Scope 2 emissions

EMISSIONS SOURCE

Natural gas (tCO2e)
Refrigerants (tCO2e)
Electricity (tCO2e)
Total tCO2e

TABLE 3. TENANT CONTROLLED AREAS

Scope 1 emissions

Scope 2 emissions

EMISSIONS SOURCE

Natural gas (tCO2e)
Refrigerants (tCO2e)
Electricity (tCO2e)
Total tCO2e

1.  2015 and 2016 Guidelines to DEFRA/DECC’s GHG Conversion Factors for Company Reporting, Department for environment,  

Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) and Department for Energy and Climate Change (DECC)

2. 2015 electricity and natural gas consumption figures have been restated due to an increase of data accuracy.

TABLE 4. COAL MINING CARBON FOOTPRINT

Emissions source:
  Scope 1 Combustion of fuel & operation of facilities
  Scope 1 Emissions from coal mining activities
  Scope 2 Electricity, heat, steam and cooling purchased for own use
  Total
Intensity:

Intensity 1 Tonnes of CO2 per pound sterling of revenue
Intensity 2 Tonnes of CO2 per pound of coal produced

2016

234
5
3,491
3,730
0.076

2016

234
5
236
475

2016

-
-
3,255
3,255

2015

245
-
3,948
4,193
0.089

2015

245
-
297
542

2015

-
-
3,651
3,651

2016
CO2e
TONNES

11,860
22,171
8,530
42,561

0.0019
0.034

2015
CO2e
TONNES

10,571
27,789
7,571
45,931

0.00179
0.0291

London & Associated Properties PLC 2016  29

 
 
 
30  London & Associated Properties PLC 2016

STRATEGIC REPORT Corporate responsibility

DIRECTOR, EMPLOYEES AND GENDER 
REPRESENTATION
At the year end the company had 6 directors  
(6 male, 0 female), 2 senior managers (2 male,  
0 female) and 26 employees (13 male, 13 female).

BISICHI MINING PLC
Bisichi Mining PLC’s group at the year end had  
6 directors (6 male, 0 female), 7 senior managers (6 male, 1 
female) and 187 employees (143 male, 44 female). 

Detailed information relating to Bisichi Strategic Report is 
available in its 2016 financial statements.

Approved on behalf of the board of directors

Anil Thapar, 
Finance Director

27 April 2017

ENVIRONMENT
United Kingdom
The Group’s principal UK activity is property investment, 
which involves renting premises to retail businesses. We 
seek to provide those tenants with good quality premises 
from which they can operate in an efficient and 
environmentally friendly manner. Where possible, 
improvements, repairs and replacements are made in an 
environmentally efficient manner and waste re-cycling 
arrangements are in place at all of the Company’s 
locations.

South Africa
The Bisichi group’s principal activity in South Africa is coal 
mining. Under the terms of the mine’s Environmental 
Management Programme approved by the Department of 
Mineral Resource (“DMR”), Black Wattle undertakes a host 
of environmental protection activities to ensure that the 
approved Environmental Management Plan is fully 
implemented. A performance assessment audit was 
conducted to verify compliance to Their Environmental 
Management Programme and no significant deviations 
were found.

EMPLOYEE, SOCIAL, COMMUNITY AND 
HUMAN RIGHTS
The Group’s policy is to attract staff and motivate 
employees by offering competitive terms of employment. 
The Group provides equal opportunities to all employees 
and prospective employees including those who are 
disabled and operates in compliance with all relevant 
national legislation.

London & Associated Properties PLC 2016  31

GOV ERNANCE

32  London & Associated Properties PLC 2016
32  London & Associated Properties PLC 2016

GOV ERNANCE

34  DIRECTORS & ADVISORS

35  DIRECTORS’ REPORT

39  CORPORATE GOVERNANCE

41  GOVERNANCE STATEMENT BY THE CHAIRMAN OF THE REMUNERATION COMMITTEE

42  ANNUAL REMUNERATION REPORT

46  REMUNERATION POLICY SUMMARY

48  REMUNERATION POLICY

51  AUDIT COMMITTEE REPORT

52  DIRECTORS’ RESPONSIBILITIES STATEMENT

53  INDEPENDENT AUDITOR’S REPORT

London & Associated Properties PLC 2016  33
London & Associated Properties PLC 2016  33

GOVERNANCE

Directors & advisors

EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS
Sir Michael Heller MA FCA*  
(Chairman)

John A Heller LLB MBA  
(Chief Executive)

Anil K Thapar FCCA  
(Finance Director) 

NON-EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS 
Howard D Goldring BSC (ECON) ACA† 
Howard Goldring is Executive Chairman of Delmore Asset 
Management Limited which specialises in the discretionary 
management of investment portfolios for pension funds, charities, 
family trusts and private clients. He also acts as an advisor providing 
high level asset allocation advice to family offices and pension 
schemes, including Tesco Pension Investment Ltd. He has been a 
member of the LAP Board since July 1992, and has over 30 years’ 
experience of the real estate market. From 1997-2003 he was 
consultant director on global asset allocation to Liverpool Victoria 
Asset Management Limited and was a director of Living Bridge VCT 
2 from 2010-2016. Howard is a regular guest host for 
CNBC ‘Squawk Box’.

Clive A Parritt FCA CF FIIA #†  
Clive Parritt joined the board on 1 January 2006. He is a chartered 
accountant with over 40 years’ experience of providing strategic, 
financial and commercial advice to businesses of all sizes. He is 
Chairman of BG Training Limited and a director of Jupiter US Smaller 
Companies plc. Until April 2016 he was Group Finance Director of 
Audiotonix Limited (an international manufacturer of audio mixing 
consoles). He has chaired and been a director of a number of other 
public and private companies. Clive Parritt was President of the 
Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales in 
2011-12. He is Chairman of the Audit Committee and as Senior 
Independent Director he chairs the Nomination and Remuneration 
Committees.

Robin Priest MA 
Robin Priest joined the board on 31 July 2013. He is chairman of 
private real estate company Property Alliance Group and a senior 
advisor to Alvarez & Marsal LLP (“A&M”) and to a German real estate 
investment fund manager. He has more than 35 years’ experience in 
real estate and structured finance. He was formerly Managing 
Director of A&M’s real estate practice, advising private sector and 
public sector clients on both operational and financial real estate 
matters. Prior to joining A&M, Robin was lead partner for Real Estate 
Corporate Finance in London with Deloitte LLP and before this he 
founded and ran a property company backed by private equity.  
He is also a trustee of London’s Oval House Theatre.

*   Member of the nomination committee  
#  Senior independent director  
†  Member of the audit, remuneration and nomination committees

34  London & Associated Properties PLC 2016

SECRETARY & REGISTERED OFFICE
Anil K Thapar FCCA 
24 Bruton Place 
London W1J 6NE 

AUDITOR
RSM UK Audit LLP 

PRINCIPAL BANKERS
Santander UK plc 
Abbey National Treasury Services plc 
Europa Capital Mezzanine Ltd

SOLICITORS
Olswang LLP 
Pinsent Masons LLP

STOCKBROKER
Stockdale Securities Limited 

REGISTRARS & TRANSFER OFFICE
Capita Asset Services 
Shareholder Services 
The Registry 
34 Beckenham Road 
Beckenham 
Kent 
BR3 4TU 

UK telephone: 0871 664 0300 
International telephone: +44 (0) 20 8639 3399 
(Calls cost 12p per minute plus your phone company’s access charge. 
Calls outside the United Kingdom will be charged at the applicable 
international rate). 

Lines are open between 9.00am to 5.30pm, Monday to Friday, 
excluding public holidays in England and Wales. 

Website: www.capitaregistrars.com 
Email: shareholderenquiries@capita.co.uk

Company registration number 
341829 (England and Wales)

WEBSITE
www.lap.co.uk

E-MAIL
admin@lap.co.uk

GOVERNANCE

Directors’ report

The Directors submit their report and the audited 
financial statements for the year ended 
31 December 2016.

STRATEGIC REPORT
A comprehensive review and assessment of the Group’s activities during 
the year as well as its position at the year end and prospects for the 
forthcoming year are included in the Chairman and Chief Executive’s 
Statement and the Strategic Report. These reports can be found on 
pages 5 to 31 and should be read in conjunction with this report.

ACTIVITIES
The principal activities of the Group during the year were property 
investment and development, as well as investment in joint ventures and 
an associated company. The associated company is Bisichi Mining PLC 
(Bisichi) in which the Company holds a 42 per cent interest. Bisichi is 
listed on the main market of the London Stock Exchange and operates 
in England and South Africa with subsidiaries which are involved in 
overseas mining and mining investment. The results, together with 
the assets and liabilities, of Bisichi are consolidated with those of LAP 
in accordance with the terms of IFRS 10 even though the Group only 
has a minority interest – under IFRS 10 the 58% majority interest is 
disclosed as a “non-controlling interest”.

BUSINESS REVIEW

Review of the Group’s development and performance
A review of the Group’s development and performance can be found 
below and should be read in conjunction with the Strategic Report 
on pages 14 to 31.

FUTURE DEVELOPMENTS
The Group continues to look for new opportunities to acquire real 
estate assets where it feels it can increase value by applying its 
intensive management skills. At the same time, it seeks to reduce its 
interest payments on its loans as they expire or where opportunities 
arise to refinance on better terms. We also seek to improve our 
existing estate through the continued pursuit of asset management 
initiatives.

PROPERTY ACTIVITIES
The Group is a long-term investor in property. It acquires retail properties, 
actively manages those assets to improve rental income, and thus 
seeks to enhance the value of its properties over time. In reviewing 
performance, the principal areas regularly monitored by the 
Group include:

•   Rental income –  the aim of the Group is to maximise the maintainable 
income from each property by careful tenant management supported 
by sympathetic and revenue enhancing development. Income may be 
affected adversely by the inability of tenants to pay their rent, but 
careful monitoring of rent collection and tenant quality helps to 
mitigate this risk. Risk is also minimised by a diversified tenant base, 
which should limit the impact of the failure of any individual tenant.

•   Cash flow – allowing for voids, acquisitions, development expenditure, 
disposals and the impact of operating costs and interest charges, 
the Group aims to maintain a positive cash flow over time.

•   Financing costs – the exposure of the Group to interest rate 
movements is managed partly by the use of swap and cap 
arrangements (see note 23 on page 84 for full details of the 
contracts in place) and also by using loans with fixed terms and 
interest rates. These arrangements are designed to ensure that our 
interest costs are known in advance and are always covered by 
anticipated rental income. Details of key estimates that have been 
adopted are contained in the accounting policies note on page 63.

•   Property valuations – market sentiment and economic conditions 
have a direct effect on property valuations, which can vary significantly 
(upwards or downwards) over time. Bearing in mind the long term 
nature of the Group’s business, valuation changes have little direct 
effect on the ongoing activities or the income and expenditure of 
the Group. Tenants generally have long term leases, so rents are 
unaffected by short term valuation changes. Borrowings are secured 
against property values and if those values fall very significantly, 
this could limit the ability of the Group to develop the business 
using external borrowings. The risk is minimised by trying to ensure 
that there is adequate cover to allow for fluctuations in value on 
a short term basis. 

It continues to be the policy of the Group to realise property assets 
when the valuation of those assets reaches a level at which the directors 
consider that the long-term rental yield has been reached. The Group 
also seeks to acquire additional property investments on an opportunistic 
basis when the potential rental yields offer scope for future growth.

INVESTMENT ACTIVITIES
The investments in joint ventures and Bisichi are for the long term.

LAP manages the UK property assets of Bisichi. However, the principal 
activity of Bisichi is overseas mining investment (principally in South 
Africa). While IFRS 10 requires the consolidation of Bisichi, the investment 
is held to generate income and capital growth over the longer term. 
It is managed independently of LAP and should be viewed by shareholders 
as an investment and not a subsidiary. The other listed investments 
are held as current assets to provide the liquidity needed to support 
the property activities while generating income and capital growth. 

Investments in property are made through joint ventures when the 
financing alternatives and spreading of risk make such an approach 
desirable. 

DIVIDEND POLICY
The directors are recommending payment of a final dividend for 
2016 of 0.165p per share (2015 0.16p per share). 

Subject to shareholder approval, the ordinary final dividend will be 
payable on Friday 15 September 2017 to shareholders registered at 
the close of business on Friday 18 August 2017. 

London & Associated Properties PLC 2016  35

GOVERNANCE Directors’ report

THE COMPANY’S ORDINARY SHARES HELD IN TREASURY
At 31 December 2016, 221,061 (2015: 734,816) ordinary shares 
were held in Treasury with a market value of £46,422 (2015: £181,867). 
At the Annual General Meeting (AGM) in June 2016 members 
renewed the authority for the Company to purchase up to 10 per cent 
of its issued ordinary shares. The Company will be asking members 
to renew this authority at the next AGM to be held on Tuesday  
6 June 2017. 

MOVEMENTS IN TREASURY SHARES DURING THE YEAR:
Treasury shares held at 1 January 2016
Issued for directors’ bonuses (69,225 shares at 24.50p)
Issued for staff bonuses (154,073 shares at 24.50p)
Issued for Share Incentive Plan (Directors 24,488 shares at 24.50p)
Issued for Share Incentive Plan (Staff 36,732 shares at 24.50p)
Issued for Share Incentive Plan (1,936 shares at 25p)
Issued for directors’ bonuses (224,470 shares at 21.25p) 
Issued for Share Incentive Plan (2,831 shares at 21.25p)
Treasury shares held at 31 December 2016

NUMBER OF
SHARES
734,816
(69,225)
(154,073)
(24,488)
(36,732)
(1,936)
(224,470)
(2,831)
221,061

Treasury shares are not included in issued share capital for the 
purposes of calculating earnings per share or net assets per share 
and they do not qualify for dividends payable.

INVESTMENT PROPERTIES
The freehold and long leasehold properties of the Company, its 
subsidiaries and Bisichi were revalued as at 31 December 2016 by 
independent professional firms of chartered surveyors – Allsop LLP, 
London (85.66 per cent of the portfolio), Carter Towler, Leeds (12.60 
per cent) – and by the Directors (1.74 per cent). The valuations, 
which are reflected in the financial statements, amount to £105.08 
million (2015: £104.39 million). 

Taking account of prevailing market conditions, the valuation of the 
properties at 31 December 2016 resulted in an increase of £0.53 million 
(2015: decrease of £0.18 million). The proportion of this revaluation 
attributable to the Group (net of taxation) is reflected in the consolidated 
income statement and the consolidated balance sheet. 

FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS 
Note 23 to the financial statements sets out the risks in respect of 
financial instruments. The board reviews and agrees overall treasury 
policies, delegating appropriate authority for applying these policies 
to the Chief Executive and Finance Director. Financial instruments 
are used to manage the financial risks facing the Group and 
speculative transactions are prohibited. Treasury operations are 
reported at each board meeting and are subject to weekly internal 
reporting. Hedging arrangements are in place for the Company, its 
subsidiaries and joint ventures in order to limit the effect of higher 
interest rates upon the Group. Where appropriate, hedging 
arrangements are covered in the Chairman and Chief Executive’s 
Statement and the Financial Review. 

36  London & Associated Properties PLC 2016

DIRECTORS
Sir Michael Heller, J A Heller, A K Thapar, H D Goldring, C A Parritt 
and R Priest were Directors of the company for the whole of 2016.

R Priest is retiring by rotation at the Annual General Meeting in 2017 
and offers himself for re-election.

Robin Priest is chairman of private real estate company Property 
Alliance Group and a senior advisor to Alvarez & Marsal LLP (“A&M”) 
and to a German real estate investment fund manager. He has more 
than 35 years’ experience in real estate and structured finance. He 
was formerly Managing Director of A&M’s real estate practice, 
advising private sector and public sector clients on both operational 
and financial real estate matters. Prior to joining A&M, Robin was 
lead partner for Real Estate Corporate Finance in London with 
Deloitte LLP and before this he founded and ran a property company 
backed by private equity. Robin Priest has a contract of service with 
the Company determinable upon three months notice. The board 
has considered the appointment of Robin Priest and recommends his 
re-election as Director. His knowledge of structured finance and 
experience of dealing with challenging and complex assets and 
portfolios is of significant benefit to the business.

DIRECTORS’ INTERESTS 
The interests of the Directors in the ordinary shares of the Company, 
including family and trustee holdings, where appropriate, can be 
found on page 44 of the Annual Remuneration Report.

SUBSTANTIAL SHAREHOLDINGS 
At 31 December 2016, Sir Michael Heller and his family had an 
interest in 48.08 million shares of the Company, representing 56.35 
per cent of the issued share capital net of treasury shares (2015: 
47.8 million shares representing 56.4 per cent). Cavendish Asset 
Management Limited had an interest in 8,173,875 shares representing 
9.58 per cent of the issued share capital of the Company (2015: 
8,280,434 shares representing 9.76 per cent). James Hyslop had an 
interest in 4,456,258 shares representing 5.22 per cent of the issued 
share capital of the Company (2015: 3,856,258 shares representing 
4.55 per cent).

The Company does not consider that the Heller family have a controlling 
share interest irrespective of the number of shares held as no individual 
party holds a majority and there is no legal obligation for shareholders to 
act in concert. The Directors do not consider that any party has control.

The Company is not aware of any other holdings exceeding 3 per cent 
of the issued share capital. 

TAKEOVER DIRECTIVE
The Company has one class of share capital, namely ordinary shares. 
Each ordinary share carries one vote. All the ordinary shares rank pari 
passu. There are no securities issued by the Company which carry 
special rights with regard to control of the Company. 

The identity of all significant direct or indirect holders of securities in 
the Company and the size and nature of their holdings is shown in 
“Substantial Shareholdings” above.

The rights of the ordinary shares to which the HMRC approved 
Share Incentive Plan relates, are exercisable by the trustees on behalf 
of the employees.

GOVERNANCE Directors’ report

There are no restrictions on voting rights or on the transfer of ordinary 
shares in the Company, save in respect of treasury shares. The rules 
governing the appointment and replacement of Directors, alteration 
of the articles of association of the Company and the powers of the 
Company’s Directors accord with usual English company law provisions. 
Each Director is re-elected at least every three years. The Company 
has requested authority from shareholders to buy back its own ordinary 
shares and there will be a resolution to renew the authority at this 
year’s AGM (Resolution 10). 

The Company is not party to any significant agreements that take 
effect, alter or terminate upon a change of control of the Company 
following a takeover bid. The Company is not aware of any agreements 
between holders of its ordinary shares that may result in restrictions 
on the transfer of its ordinary shares or on voting rights.

There are no agreements between the Company and its Directors or 
employees providing for compensation for loss of office or employment 
that occurs because of a takeover bid.

STATEMENT AS TO DISCLOSURE OF INFORMATION 
TO THE AUDITOR
The Directors in office at the date of approval of the financial statements 
have confirmed that, so far as they are aware, there is no relevant 
audit information of which the auditor is unaware. Each of the 
Directors has confirmed that they have taken all the steps that they 
ought to have taken as a Director in order to make them aware of 
any relevant audit information and to establish that it has been 
communicated to the auditor.

DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS LIABILITY INSURANCE
The Group maintains Directors and officers insurance, which is reviewed 
annually and is considered to be adequate by the Company and its 
insurance advisers.

DONATIONS
No political donations were made during the year (2015: £Nil). No  
donations for charitable purposes were made during the year (2015: £Nil).

CORPORATE RESPONSIBILITY
Environment
The environmental considerations of the group’s South African coal 
mining operations are covered in the Bisichi Mining PLC Strategic Report.

The group’s UK activities are principally property investment whereby 
premises are provided for rent to retail businesses. The group seeks 
to provide those tenants with good quality premises from which they 
can operate in an efficient and environmentally efficient manner and 
waste re-cycling arrangements are in place at all the company’s locations.

Greenhouse gas emissions
Details of the group’s greenhouse gas emissions for the year ended 
31 December 2016 can be found on pages 28 and 29 of the 
Strategic Report.

Employment
The group’s policy is to attract staff and motivate employees by 
offering competitive terms of employment. The group provides equal 
opportunities to all employees and prospective employees including 
those who are disabled. The Bisichi Mining PLC Strategic Report gives 
details of the group’s activities and policies concerning the employment, 
training, health and safety and community support and social 
development concerning the group’s employees in South Africa.

GOING CONCERN
The directors have reviewed the cash flow forecasts of the Group 
and the underlying assumptions on which they are based. The Group’s 
business activities, together with the factors likely to affect its future 
development, are set out in the Chairman’s and Chief Executive’s 
Statement and Financial Review. In addition, note 23 to the financial 
statements sets out the Group’s objectives, policies and processes for 
managing its capital; its financial risk management objectives; details 
of its financial instruments and hedging activities; and its exposure to 
credit risk and liquidity risk.

With secured long term banking facilities, sound financial resources and 
long term leases in place the Directors believe it remains appropriate 
to adopt the going concern basis of accounting in preparing the 
annual financial statements.

The Bisichi directors continue to adopt the going concern basis of 
accounting in preparing the Bisichi annual financial statements.

CORPORATE GOVERNANCE
The Corporate governance report can be found on pages 39 and 40 
of the annual report and accounts.

ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING
The Annual General Meeting will be held at 24 Bruton Place, London 
W1J 6NE on Tuesday 6 June 2017 at 11.00 a.m. Items 1 to 8 will be 
proposed as ordinary resolutions. More than 50 per cent. of shareholders’ 
votes cast at the meeting must be in favour for those ordinary 
resolutions to be passed. Items 9 to 11 will be proposed as special 
resolutions. At least 75 per cent. of shareholders’ votes cast at the 
meeting must be in favour for those special resolutions to be passed. 
The Directors consider that all of the resolutions to be put to the meeting 
are in the best interests of the Company and its shareholders as a whole 
and accordingly the board unanimously recommends that shareholders 
vote in favour of all of the resolutions, as the Directors intend to do in 
respect of their own beneficial holdings of ordinary shares. Please note 
that the following paragraphs are only summaries of certain of the 
resolutions to be proposed at the Annual General Meeting and do 
not represent the full text of the resolutions. You should therefore 
read this section in conjunction with the full text of the resolutions 
contained in the notice of Annual General Meeting which accompanies 
this  Directors’ Report.

ORDINARY RESOLUTIONS
Resolution 3 – Remuneration Policy
Resolution 3 is to approve the remuneration policy of the Company 
for the three year period from the date of this Annual General Meeting 
in compliance with section 439A of the Companies Act 2006. The vote 
on the remuneration policy is binding and the company may not make 
a remuneration payment or payment for loss of office to a person who 
is, is to be, or has been a director of the Company unless that payment 
is consistent with the approved remuneration policy, or has otherwise 
been approved by a resolution of members. If Resolution 3 is passed, the 
remuneration policy will take effect from the conclusion of the Annual 
General Meeting. The remuneration policy will be put to shareholders 
again no later than the Company’s Annual General Meeting in 2020.

London & Associated Properties PLC 2016  37

GOVERNANCE Directors’ report

Resolution 8 – Authority to allot securities
Paragraph 8.1.1 of Resolution 8 would give the Directors the authority 
to allot shares in the Company and grant rights to subscribe for or convert 
any security into shares in the Company up to an aggregate nominal 
value of £2,836,478. This represents approximately 1/3 (one third) of 
the ordinary share capital of the Company in issue (excluding treasury 
shares) as at 21 April 2017 (being the last practicable date prior to the 
publication of this Directors’ Report).

In line with guidance issued by the Investment Association (‘IA’), paragraph 
8.1.2 of Resolution 8 would give the directors the authority to allot 
shares in the Company and grant rights to subscribe for or convert any 
security into shares in the Company up to a further aggregate nominal 
value of £2,836,478, in connection with an offer by way of a rights 
issue. This amount represents approximately 1/3 (one third) of the 
ordinary share capital of the Company in issue (excluding treasury 
shares) as at 21 April 2017 (being the last practicable date prior to the 
publication of this Directors’ Report).

The Directors’ authority will expire on the earlier of 31 August 2018 
or the next AGM. The Directors do not currently intend to make use 
of this authority. However, if they do exercise the authority, the 
Directors intend to follow best practice as recommended by the IA 
regarding its use (including as regards the Directors standing for 
re-election in certain cases).

SPECIAL RESOLUTIONS
The following special resolutions will be proposed at the 
Annual General Meeting:

Resolution 9 – Disapplication of pre-emption rights
Under English company law, when new shares are allotted or 
treasury shares are sold for cash (otherwise than pursuant to an 
employee share scheme) they must first be offered at the same price 
to existing shareholders in proportion to their existing shareholdings. 
This special resolution gives the Directors authority, for the period 
ending on the date of the next annual general meeting to be held in 
2017, to: (a) allot shares of the Company and sell treasury shares for 
cash in connection with a rights issue or other pre-emptive offer; and 
(b) otherwise allot shares of the Company, or sell treasury shares, for 
cash up to an aggregate nominal value of £425,472 representing, in 
accordance with institutional investor guidelines, approximately 5 per 
cent. of the total ordinary share capital in issue as at 21 April 2017 
(being the last practicable date prior to the publication of this 
Directors’ Report) in each case as if the pre-emption rights in English 
company law did not apply. 

Save in respect of issues of shares in respect of employee share 
schemes and share dividend alternatives, the Directors do not 
currently intend to make use of these authorities. The board intends 
to adhere to the provisions in the Pre-emption Group’s Statement of 
Principles not to allot shares for cash on a non-pre-emptive basis in 
excess of an amount equal to 7.5 per cent. of the Company’s 
ordinary share capital within a rolling three-year period without prior 
consultation with shareholders. The Directors’ authority will expire 
on the earlier of 31 August 2018 or the date of next AGM.

38  London & Associated Properties PLC 2016

Resolution 10 – Purchase of own ordinary shares
The effect of Resolution 10 would be to renew the Directors’ current 
authority to make limited market purchases of the Company’s ordinary 
shares of 10 pence each. The power is limited to a maximum 
aggregate number of 8,509,435 ordinary shares (representing 
approximately 10 per cent. of the Company’s issued share capital as at 
21 April 2017 (being the latest practicable date prior to publication of 
this Directors’ Report)). The minimum price (exclusive of expenses) 
which the Company would be authorised to pay for each ordinary 
share would be 10 pence (the nominal value of each ordinary share). 
The maximum price (again exclusive of expenses) which the Company 
would be authorised to pay for an ordinary share is an amount equal 
to 105 per cent. of the average market price for an ordinary share for 
the five business days preceding any such purchase. The authority 
conferred by Resolution 10 will expire at the conclusion of the 
Company’s next annual general meeting to be held in 2018 or 15 
months from the passing of the resolution, whichever is the earlier. 
Any purchases of ordinary shares would be made by means of market 
purchases through the London Stock Exchange.

If granted, the authority would only be exercised if, in the opinion of 
the Directors, to do so would result in an increase in earnings per 
share or asset values per share and would be in the best interests of 
shareholders generally. In exercising the authority to purchase ordinary 
shares, the Directors may treat the shares that have been bought back 
as either cancelled or held as treasury shares (shares held by the 
Company itself). No dividends may be paid on shares which are held 
as treasury shares and no voting rights are attached to them. 

Resolution 11 – Notice of General Meetings
Resolution 11 shall be proposed to allow the Company to call 
general meetings (other than an Annual General Meeting) on 14 
clear days’ notice. A resolution in the same terms was passed at the 
Annual General Meeting in 2016. The notice period required by the 
Companies Act 2006 for general meetings of the Company is 21 
days, unless shareholders approve a shorter notice period, which 
cannot however be less than 14 clear days. Annual General Meetings 
must always be held on at least 21 clear days’ notice. It is intended 
that the flexibility offered by this resolution will only be used for 
time-sensitive, non-routine business and where merited in the 
interests of shareholders as a whole. The approval will be effective 
until the Company’s next Annual General Meeting, when it is 
intended that a similar resolution will be proposed.

OTHER MATTERS
RSM UK Audit LLP has expressed its willingness to continue in office 
as auditor. A proposal will be made at the Annual General Meeting 
for its reappointment.

By order of the board 

Anil Thapar  
Secretary

27 April 2017 
24 Bruton Place  
London 
W1J 6NE

GOVERNANCE

Corporate Governance

The Company has adopted the Corporate 
Governance Code for Small and Mid-Size Quoted 
Companies (the QCA Code) published by the 
Quoted Companies Alliance. The QCA Code 
provides governance guidance to small and 
mid-size quoted companies. The paragraphs 
below set out how the Company has applied this 
guidance during the year. The Company has complied 
with the QCA Code throughout the year. 

PRINCIPLES OF CORPORATE GOVERNANCE
The board promotes good corporate governance in the areas of risk 
management and accountability as a positive contribution to business 
prosperity. The board endeavours to apply corporate governance 
principles in a sensible and pragmatic fashion having regard to the 
circumstances of the business. The key objective is to enhance and 
protect shareholder value.

BOARD STRUCTURE
During the year the board comprised the Chairman, the Chief Executive, 
one other executive Director and three non-executive Directors. 
Their details appear on page 34. The board is responsible to 
shareholders for the proper management of the Group.

The Directors’ responsibilities statement in respect of the accounts is set 
out on page 52. The non-executive Directors have a particular responsibility 
to ensure that the strategies proposed by the executive Directors are 
fully considered. To enable the board to discharge its duties, all Directors 
have full and timely access to all relevant information and there is a 
procedure for all Directors, in furtherance of their duties, to take 
independent professional advice, if necessary, at the expense of the 
Group. The board has a formal schedule of matters reserved to it and 
normally has eleven regular meetings scheduled each year. Additional 
meetings are held for special business when required. 

The board is responsible for overall Group strategy, approval of major 
capital expenditure and consideration of significant financial and 
operational matters.

The board committees, which have written terms of reference, deal 
with specific aspects of the Group’s affairs: 

•   The nomination committee is chaired by C A Parritt and comprises 
one other non-executive Director and the executive Chairman. 
The committee is responsible for proposing candidates for appointment 
to the board, having regard to the balance and structure of the 
board. In appropriate cases recruitment consultants may be used 
to assist the process. All Directors are subject to re-election at a 
maximum of every three years.

•   The remuneration committee is responsible for making 

recommendations to the board on the Company’s framework of 
executive remuneration and its cost. The committee determines 
the contract terms, remuneration and other benefits for each of the 
executive directors, including performance related bonus schemes, 
pension rights and compensation payments. The board itself 
determines the remuneration of the non-executive Directors. 
The committee comprises two non-executive Directors and it is 
chaired by C A Parritt. The executive Chairman of the board is 
normally invited to attend. The Annual Remuneration Report is 
set out on pages 42 to 45.

•   The audit committee comprises two non-executive Directors and 

is chaired by C A Parritt. The audit committee report, with its terms 
of reference, is set out on page 51. The Chief Executive and 
Finance Director are normally invited to attend.

BOARD AND BOARD COMMITTEE MEETINGS HELD 
IN 2016
The number of regular meetings during the year and attendance was 
as follows:

Sir Michael Heller  Board

Nomination committee
Remuneration 
committee
Board
Audit committee
Board
Audit committee
Board
Audit committee
Nomination committee
Remuneration 
committee
Board
Audit committee
Nomination committee
Remuneration 
committee
Board

J A Heller 

A K Thapar 

C A Parritt

H D Goldring 

R Priest

MEETINGS 
HELD
10
1
1

MEETINGS 
ATTENDED
10
1
1

10
2
10
2
10
2
1
1

10
2
1
1

10

10
2
10
2
10
1
1
1

10
2
1
1

9

PERFORMANCE EVALUATION – BOARD, 
BOARD COMMITTEES AND DIRECTORS
The performance of the board as a whole, its committees and the 
non-executive Directors is assessed by the Chairman and the Chief 
Executive and is discussed with the senior non-executive 
independent Director. Their recommendations are discussed at the 
nomination committee prior to proposals for re-election being 
recommended to the board. The performance of executive Directors 
is discussed and assessed by the remuneration committee. The senior 
independent Director meets regularly with the Chairman, executive 
and non-executive Directors individually outside of formal meetings. 
The Directors will take outside advice in reviewing performance but 
have not found this to be necessary to date.

London & Associated Properties PLC 2016  39

GOVERNANCE Corporate Governance

INDEPENDENT DIRECTORS
The senior independent non-executive Director is C A Parritt. The other 
independent non-executive Directors are H D Goldring and R Priest. 
Delmore Asset Management Limited (Delmore) is a Company in which 
H D Goldring is the majority shareholder and the Executive Chairman. 
Delmore provides consultancy services to the Company on a fee 
paying basis. Alvarez and Marsal Real Estate Advisory Services (A&M) 
is a Company in which R Priest is a senior advisor. A&M provides 
consultancy and advisory services to the Company on a fee paying 
basis. C A Parritt also provides some advisory services as part of his 
accounting practice.

The board encourages all three non-executive Directors to act 
independently and does not consider that length of service of any 
individual non-executive Director, nor any connection with the 
above mentioned consultancy and advisory companies has resulted 
in the inability or failure to act independently. In the opinion of the 
board the three non-executive Directors continue to fulfil their roles 
as independent non-executive Directors. 

The independent Directors exchange views regularly between board 
meetings and meet when required to discuss corporate governance 
and other issues concerning the Group.

INTERNAL CONTROL
The Directors are responsible for the Group’s system of internal 
control and for reviewing its effectiveness at least annually, and for 
the preparation and review of its financial statements. The board has 
designed the Group’s system of internal control in order to provide 
the Directors with reasonable assurance that assets are safeguarded, 
that transactions are authorised and properly recorded and that 
material errors and irregularities are either prevented or would be 
detected within a timely period. However, no system of internal 
control can eliminate the risk of failure to achieve business objectives 
or provide absolute assurance against material misstatement or loss. 
The key elements of the control system in operation are:

•   The board meets regularly on full notice with a formal schedule of 
matters reserved for its decision and has put in place an organisational 
structure with clearly defined lines of responsibility and with 
appropriate delegation of authority;

•   There are established procedures for planning, approval and 

monitoring of capital expenditure and information systems for 
monitoring the Group’s financial performance against approved 
budgets and forecasts;

•   The departmental heads are required annually to undertake a full 
assessment process to identify and quantify the risks that face 
their departments and functions, and assess the adequacy of the 
prevention, monitoring and modification practices in place for 
those risks. In addition, regular reports about significant risks and 
associated control and monitoring procedures are made to the 
executive Directors. The process adopted by the Group accords 
with the guidance contained in the document “Internal Control 
Guidance for Directors on the Combined Code” issued by the 

40  London & Associated Properties PLC 2016

Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales. The audit 
committee receives reports from external auditors and from executive 
Directors of the Group. During the period the audit committee has 
reviewed the effectiveness of the system of internal control as described 
above. The board receives periodic reports from all committees.

•   There are established procedures for the presentation and review 

of the financial statements and the Group has in place an organisational 
structure with clearly defined lines of responsibility and with 
appropriate delegation of authority. 

There are no internal control issues to report in the annual report and 
financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2016. Up to 
the date of approval of this report and the financial statements, the 
board has not been required to deal with any related material internal 
control issues. The Directors confirm that the board has reviewed 
the effectiveness of the system of internal control as described 
during the period.

COMMUNICATION WITH SHAREHOLDERS
Prompt communication with shareholders is given high priority. 
Extensive information about the Group and its activities is provided 
in the Annual Report. In addition, a half-year report is produced for each 
financial year and published on the Company’s website. The Company’s 
website www.lap.co.uk is updated promptly with announcements 
and Annual Reports upon publication. Copies from previous years 
are also available on the website. 

The Company’s share price is published daily in the Financial Times.  
The share price history and market information can be found at 
http://www.londonstockexchange.com/prices-and-markets/markets/
prices.htm. The company code is LAS. 

There is a regular dialogue with the Company’s stockbrokers and 
institutional investors. Enquiries from individuals on matters relating 
to their shareholdings and the business of the Group are dealt with 
promptly and informatively.

The Company’s website is under continuous development to enable 
better communication with both existing and potential new 
shareholders. 

THE BRIB ERY ACT 2010
The Company is committed to acting ethically, fairly and with 
integrity in all its endeavours and compliance with the code is 
monitored closely.

GOVERNANCE

Governance Statement by the Chairman 
of The Remuneration Committee

The remuneration committee is pleased to present 
its report for the year ended 31 December 2016. 
The report is presented in two parts in accordance 
with the regulations.

The first part is the Annual Remuneration Report which details 
remuneration awarded to Directors and non-executive Directors 
during the year. The shareholders will be asked to approve the 
Annual Remuneration Report as an ordinary resolution (as in 
previous years) at the AGM in June 2017. 

The current remuneration policy, which details the remuneration policy 
for directors, can be found at www.lap.co.uk. The current remuneration 
policy was subject to a binding vote which was approved by shareholders 
at the AGM in June 2014. The approval will continue to apply for a 
3 year period up to the AGM on 6 June 2017.

The second part details the Remuneration Policy for Directors. This 
policy is subject to a binding vote which will be proposed to shareholders 
at the AGM in 2017 and if approved will apply for a 3 year period 
commencing from the conclusion of the AGM. 

Both of the reports have been prepared in accordance with The 
Large and Medium-sized Companies and Groups (Accounts and 
Reports) (Amendment) Regulations 2013.

The Company’s auditor, RSM UK Audit LLP is required by law to 
audit certain disclosures and where disclosures have been audited 
that is indicated.

C A Parritt 
Chairman, Remuneration Committee

27 April 2017

London & Associated Properties PLC 2016  41

GOVERNANCE

Annual remuneration report

THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION HAS BEEN AUDITED 

Single total figure of remuneration for the year ended 31 December 2016 

SALARY AND FEES
£’000

BONUSES
£’000

BENEFITS
£’000

PENSIONS
£’000

TOTAL  
BEFORE SHARE 
OPTIONS
£’000 

SHARE OPTIONS
£’000 

TOTAL 2016
£’000 

Executive Directors
Sir Michael Heller*
Sir Michael Heller - Bisichi
J A Heller
A K Thapar

Non-executive Directors
H D Goldring*+
C A Parritt*+
R Priest*

Total 

7
75
333
152
567

32
38
51
121
688

-
-
166
35
201

-
-
-
-
201

43
-
40
11
94

5
-
-
5
99

-
-
30
15
45

-
-
-
-
45

50
75
569
213
907

37
38
51
126
1,033

n/a
n/a
n/a
n/a
-

n/a
n/a
n/a
-
-

50
75
569
213
907

37
38
51
126
1,033

Single total figure of remuneration for the year ended 31 December 2015 

SALARY AND FEES
£’000

BONUSES
£’000

BENEFITS
£’000

PENSIONS
£’000

TOTAL  
BEFORE SHARE 
OPTIONS
£’000 

SHARE OPTIONS
£’000 

TOTAL 2015
£’000 

Executive Directors
Sir Michael Heller*
Sir Michael Heller - Bisichi
J A Heller
A K Thapar

Non-executive Directors
H D Goldring*+
C A Parritt*+
R Priest*

Total 

* Note 28 “Related party transactions”

7
75
333
130
545

47
38
63
148
693

-
-
366
55
421

-
-
-
-
421

42
-
30
8
80

5
-
-
5
85

-
-
33
40
73

-
-
-
-
73

49
75
762
233
1,119

52
38
63
153
1,272

n/a
n/a
n/a
n/a
-

n/a
n/a
n/a
-
-

49
75
762
233
1,119

52
38
63
153
1,272

+ Members of the remuneration committee for years ended 31 December 2015 and 31 December 2016

Benefits include the provision of car, health and other insurance and subscriptions

Sir Michael Heller is a director of Bisichi Mining PLC, (a subsidiary for 
IFRS 10 purposes) and received a salary from that company of 
£75,000 (2015: £75,000) for services. 

Although Sir Michael Heller receives reduced remuneration in 
respect of his services to LAP, the Company does supply office 
premises, property management, general management, accounting 
and administration services for a number of companies in which Sir 
Michael Heller has an interest. The board estimates that the annual 
value of these services, if supplied to a third party, would have been 
£300,000 (2015: £300,000). Further details of these services are set 
out in Note 28 to the financial statements “Related party 
transactions”.

J A Heller is a director of Dragon Retail Properties Limited, (a 
subsidiary for IFRS 10 purposes) and received benefits from that 
company of £11,336 (2015: £7,250) for services. This is included in 
the remuneration figures disclosed above.

42  London & Associated Properties PLC 2016

The remuneration figures disclosed for H D Goldring include fees 
paid to his company, Delmore Asset Management Limited for 
consultancy services provided to the Group. This is detailed in Note 
28 to the financial statements.

The remuneration figures for C A Parritt include fees paid to his 
accountancy practice for consultancy services provided to the 
Group. This is detailed in Note 28 to the financial statements.

Until 31 July 2016 R Priest was a managing director of Alvarez & 
Marsal Real Estate Advisory Services who provide consultancy 
services to the Group. The figure of disclosed remuneration for Mr 
Priest includes the value of these services up to 31 July 2016. This is 
detailed in Note 28 to the financial statements. 

GOVERNANCE Annual remuneration report

SUMMARY OF DIRECTORS’ TERMS

Executive Directors
Sir Michael Heller
John Heller
Anil Thapar
Non-executive Directors
H D Goldring
C A Parritt
R Priest

DATE OF CONTRACT UNEXPIRED TERM NOTICE PERIOD

1 January 1971
1 May 2003
1 January 2015

Continuous
Continuous
Continuous

6 months
12 months
6 months

1 July 1992
1 January 2006
31 July 2013

Continuous
Continuous
Continuous

3 months
3 months
3 months

TOTAL PENSION ENTITLEMENTS 
Two directors had benefits under money purchase schemes. Under their contracts of employment, they were entitled to a regular employer 
contribution (currently £30,000 and £15,000 a year). There are no final salary schemes in operation. No pension costs are incurred on behalf 
of non-executive Directors.

SHARE INCENTIVE PLAN (SIP)
In 2006 the Directors set up an HMRC approved share incentive plan (SIP). The purpose of the plan, which is open to all eligible LAP 
executive Directors and head office based staff, is to enable them to acquire shares in the Company and give them a continuing stake in the 
Group. The SIP comprises four types of share – (1) free shares under which the Company may award shares of up to the value of £3,000 
each year, (2) partnership shares, under which members may save up to £1,500 per annum to acquire shares, (3) matching shares, through 
which the Company may award up to two shares for each share acquired as a partnership share, and (4) dividend shares, acquired from 
dividends paid on shares within the SIP.

1. Free shares: No free shares were issued for 2016 bonuses. 61,220 shares were awarded in January 2016 relating to 2015 bonuses and 
these are shown below as 2015.

Free shares awarded:

Directors:

J A Heller
  A K Thapar
Staff
Total at 31 December

NUMBER OF MEMBERS

NUMBER OF SHARES

VALUE OF SHARES

2016 

2015

2016

2015

-
-
-
-

1
1
3
5

-
-
-
-

12,244
12,244
36,732
61,220

2016
£

-
-
-
-

2015
£

3,000
3,000
9,000
15,000

2. Partnership shares: No partnership shares were issued between November 2015 and October 2016.

3. Matching shares: The partnership share agreements for the year to 31 October 2016 provide for two matching shares to be awarded free 
of charge for each partnership share acquired. No partnership shares were acquired in 2016 (2015: nil). Matching shares will usually be 
forfeited if a member leaves employment in the Group within 5 years of their grant.

4. Dividend shares: Dividends on shares acquired under the SIP will be utilised to acquire additional shares. Accumulated dividends received 
on shares in the SIP to 31 December 2016 amounted to £602 (2015: £484).

DIVIDEND SHARES ISSUED:

Directors:

J A Heller
  A K Thapar
Staff
Total at 31 December 

NUMBER OF MEMBERS

 NUMBER OF SHARES

VALUE OF SHARES

2016 

2015

2016

2015

1
1
6
8

1
1
8
10

402
495
1,934
 2,831

255
331
1,350
1,936

2016
£

85
105
412
602

2015
£

64
83
337
484

London & Associated Properties PLC 2016  43

 
 
GOVERNANCE Annual remuneration report

The SIP is set up as an employee benefit trust. The trustee is London 
& Associated Securities Limited, a wholly owned subsidiary of LAP, 
and all shares and dividends acquired under the SIP will be held by 
the trustee until transferred to members in accordance with the rules 
of the SIP. 

SHARE OPTION SCHEMES
The Company has an HMRC approved scheme (Approved Scheme). 
It was set up in 1986 in accordance with HMRC rules to gain HMRC 
approved status which gave the members certain tax advantages. 
There are no performance criteria for the exercise of options under 
the Approved Scheme, as this was set up before such requirements 
were considered to be necessary. No Director has any options 
outstanding under the Approved Scheme nor were any options granted 
under the Approved Scheme for the year ended 31 December 2016.

A share option scheme known as the “Non-approved Executive Share 
Option Scheme” (Unapproved Scheme) which does not have HMRC 
approval was set up during 2000. At 31 December 2016 there were 
no options to subscribe for ordinary shares outstanding. The exercise 
of options under the Unapproved Scheme is subject to the satisfaction 
of objective performance conditions specified by the remuneration 
committee which conforms to institutional shareholder guidelines 
and best practice provisions. Further details of this scheme are set 
out in Note 26 “Share Capital” to the financial statements.

PAYMENTS TO PAST DIRECTORS 
No payments were made to past Directors in the year ended 
31 December 2016.

PAYMENTS FOR LOSS OF OFFICE
No payments for loss of office were made in the year ended 
31 December 2016. 

STATEMENT OF DIRECTORS’ SHAREHOLDING AND SHARE INTEREST

Directors’ interests
The interests of the Directors in the ordinary shares of the Company, including family and trustee holdings, where appropriate, were as follows:

Sir Michael Heller
H D Goldring
J A Heller 
C A Parritt 
R Priest
A K Thapar

BENEFICIAL INTERESTS

NON-BENEFICIAL 
INTERESTS

31 DEC 16
6,053,541
19,819
1,867,393
36,168
-
120,495

1 JAN 16
6,353,541
19,819 
1,630,022
36,168
-
150,047

31 DEC 16
19,277,931
-
†14,073,485
-
-
-

1 JAN 16
19,277,931
-
†14,073,485
-
-
-

†These non-beneficial holdings are duplicated with those of Sir Michael Heller.

The beneficial holdings of Directors shown above include their interests in the Share Incentive Plan.

THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION 
IS UNAUDITED:
The graph illustrates the Company’s performance 
as compared with a broad equity market index over 
a five year period. Performance is measured by 
total shareholder return. The directors have chosen 
the FTSE All Share – Total Return Index as a suitable 
index for this comparison as it gives an indication 
of performance against a large spread of quoted 
companies. 

The middle market price of London & Associated 
Properties PLC ordinary shares at 31 December 
2016 was 21p (2015: 25p). During the year the 
share middle market price ranged between 
19p and 28.38p. 

44  London & Associated Properties PLC 2016

Total Shareholder Return

250

200

150

100

50

JAN 2012

JAN 2013

JAN 2014

JAN 2015

JAN 2016

London & Associated Properties

FTSE All Share Index

GOVERNANCE Annual remuneration report

REMUNERATION OF THE CHIEF EXECUTIVE OVER THE LAST TEN YEARS 

YEAR
2016
2015
2014
2013
2012
2011
2010
2009
2008
2007

CEO
J A Heller
J A Heller
J A Heller
J A Heller
J A Heller
J A Heller
J A Heller
J A Heller
J A Heller
J A Heller

CHIEF EXECUTIVE SINGLE TOTAL 
FIGURE OF REMUNERATION 
£’000
569
762
835
716
417
671
577
982
688
1,032

ANNUAL BONUS PAYMENT 
AGAINST MAXIMUM OPPORTUNITY*
%
18 %
41 %
49 %
n/a
n/a
n/a
n/a
n/a
n/a
n/a

LONG-TERM INCENTIVE VESTING RATES  
AGAINST MAXIMUM OPPORTUNITY*
%
n/a
n/a
n/a
n/a
n/a
n/a
n/a
n/a
n/a
n/a

*There were no formal criteria or conditions to apply in determining the amount of bonus payable or the number of shares to be issued prior to 2014.

PERCENTAGE CHANGE IN CHIEF EXECUTIVE’S REMUNERATION (AUDITED) 
The table below shows the percentage change in Chief Executive remuneration for the prior year compared to the average percentage change 
for all other Head Office based employees. To provide a meaningful comparison, the same group of employees (although not necessarily the 
same individuals) appears in the 2015 and 2016 group. The remuneration committee chose Head Office based employees as the comparator 
group as this group forms the closest comparator group.

Base salary and allowances
Taxable benefits
Annual bonus
Total

CHIEF EXECUTIVE 
£’000

HEAD OFFICE EMPLOYEES 
£’000

2016
333
40
166
539

2015
333
30
366
729

% CHANGE
0%
33%
(55%)
(26%)

2016
692
77
97
866

2015
691
67
126
884

% CHANGE
0%
15%
(23%)
(2%)

RELATIVE IMPORTANCE OF SPEND ON PAY
The total expenditure of the Group on remuneration to all employees (Note 29 refers) is shown below:

Employee Remuneration
Distributions to shareholders

STATEMENT OF IMPLEMENTATION OF 
REMUNERATION POLICY
The policy was approved at the AGM in June 2014 and was effective 
from 10 June 2014. The vote on the remuneration policy is binding 
in nature. The Company may not then make a remuneration payment 
or payment for loss of office to a person who is, is to be, or has been 
a director of the Company unless that payment is consistent with the 
approved remuneration policy, or has otherwise been approved by a 
resolution of members. It is to be presented for approval at the 
forthcoming AGM.

Resolution to approve the Remuneration Report (9 June 2016)
Resolution to approve the Remuneration Policy (10 June 2014)

2016
£’000 
7,173
136

2015
£’000 
7,219 
133 

CONSIDERATION BY THE DIRECTORS OF MATTERS 
RELATING TO DIRECTORS’ REMUNERATION
The Remuneration Committee considered the executive Directors’ 
remuneration and the board considered the non-executive Directors’ 
remuneration in the year ended 31 December 2016. No increases were 
awarded and no external advice was taken in reaching this decision. 

SHAREHOLDER VOTING
At the Annual General Meeting on 9 June 2016, there was an advisory 
vote on the resolution to approve the Remuneration Report, other 
than the part containing the remuneration policy.

In addition, on 10 June 2014, there was a binding vote on the resolution 
to approve the Remuneration Policy. The results are detailed below:

% OF VOTES  
FOR 
83.78 
99.12 

% OF VOTES  
AGAINST 
1.27 
0.67 

NUMBER OF VOTES 
WITHHELD
8,541,374
66,918

London & Associated Properties PLC 2016  45

GOVERNANCE

Remuneration policy summary

The remuneration policy summary below is an 
extract of the group’s current remuneration policy 
on directors’ remuneration, which was approved 
by a binding vote at the 2014 AGM. The approved 
policy took effect from 10 June 2014. 

A copy of the full policy can be found at www.lap.co.uk.

ELEMENT

PURPOSE

POLICY

OPERATION

OPPORTUNITY AND PERFORMANCE CONDITIONS

EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS 

Base salary 

To recognise:

Skills  
Responsibility 
Accountability  
Experience 
Value
To provide competitive retirement benefits

Pension 

Considered by remuneration committee on appointment

Set at a level considered appropriate to attract, retain, 
motivate and reward the right individuals

Reviewed annually whenever there is a change of role 

There is no prescribed maximum salary or maximum rate of increase

No specific performance conditions are attached to base salaries

or operational responsibility

Paid monthly in cash

Company contribution offered at up to 10% of base salary 
as part of overall remuneration package

The contribution payable by the Company is included 

Company contribution offered at up to 10% of base salary as part of overall 

in the Director’s contract of employment 

remuneration package

Benefits 

To provide a competitive benefits package

Contractual benefits include:

Annual Bonus

To reward and incentivise

Car or car allowance 
Group health cover 
Death in service cover 
Permanent health insurance

In assessing the performance of the executive team, and 
in particular to determine whether bonuses are merited 
the remuneration committee takes into account the 
overall performance of the business, as well as individual 
contribution to the business in the period

Bonuses are generally offered in cash or shares

Share Options 

To provide executive Directors with a  
long-term interest in the Company

Granted under existing schemes (see page 44)

Offered at appropriate times by the remuneration 

Entitlement to share options granted under the Approved Option scheme are not 

Share Incentive Plan (SIP)

To offer a shorter term incentive in the Company 
and to give Directors a stake in the Group

NON-EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS 

To recognise:

Skills 
Experience 
Value

Base salary

Pension
Benefits

Share Options

Offered to executive Directors and head office staff

Maximum participation levels are set by HMRC

Of any bonus awarded, Directors may opt to have maximum of £3,000 of per 

Considered by the board on appointment

Set at a level considered appropriate to attract, retain and 
motivate the individual 

Experience and time required for the role are considered 
on appointment
No pension offered
No benefits offered except to one non-executive Director 
who is eligible for health cover (see annual remuneration 
report page 42) 

Non-executive Directors do not participate in the share 
option schemes

Paid into money purchase schemes

No specific performance conditions are attached to pension contributions

The committee retains the discretion to approve 

The costs associated with benefits offered are closely controlled and reviewed 

changes in contractual benefits in exceptional 

on an annual basis

circumstances or where factors outside the control 

of the Group lead to increased costs (e.g. medical 

No specific performance conditions are attached to contractual benefits

The value of benefits for each Director for the year ended 31 December 2016 

is shown in the table on page 42

The remuneration committee determines the level of 

The current maximum bonus will not exceed 200% of base salary in any one 

bonus on an annual basis applying such performance 

year but the remuneration committee reserves the power to award up to 300% 

and performance measures as it considers appropriate

Performance conditions will be assessed on an annual basis

in an exceptional year

inflation)

conditions  

committee

The performance measures applied may be financial, non-financial, corporate, 

divisional or individual and in such proportion as the remuneration committee 

considers appropriate

subject to performance criteria. Share Options granted under the Unapproved 

Scheme are subject to the performance criteria specified in the Scheme rules

Share options will be offered by the remuneration committee as appropriate

There are no maximum levels for share options offered

year paid in ‘Free Shares’ under the SIP scheme rules

Full detail of the SIP can be found on page 43

Reviewed annually

There is no prescribed maximum salary or maximum rate of increase

No performance conditions are attached to base salaries

The committee retains the discretion to approve changes 

The costs associated with benefits offered are closely controlled and reviewed 

in contractual benefits in exceptional circumstances or 

on an annual basis

where factors outside the control of the Group lead to 

increased costs (e.g. medical inflation)

No specific performance conditions are attached to contractual benefits

The remuneration committee consider the performance measures outlined in the table above to be appropriate measures of performance 
and that the KPI’s chosen align the interests of the directors and shareholders.

46  London & Associated Properties PLC 2016

GOVERNANCE Remuneration policy summary

ELEMENT

PURPOSE

POLICY

OPERATION

OPPORTUNITY AND PERFORMANCE CONDITIONS

Considered by remuneration committee on appointment

Set at a level considered appropriate to attract, retain, 

motivate and reward the right individuals

Reviewed annually whenever there is a change of role 
or operational responsibility

There is no prescribed maximum salary or maximum rate of increase

No specific performance conditions are attached to base salaries

Paid monthly in cash

EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS 

Base salary 

To recognise:

Skills  

Responsibility 

Accountability  

Experience 

Value

Pension 

To provide competitive retirement benefits

Company contribution offered at up to 10% of base salary 

as part of overall remuneration package

The contribution payable by the Company is included 
in the Director’s contract of employment 

Company contribution offered at up to 10% of base salary as part of overall 
remuneration package

Benefits 

To provide a competitive benefits package

Contractual benefits include:

Annual Bonus

To reward and incentivise

Car or car allowance 

Group health cover 

Death in service cover 

Permanent health insurance

In assessing the performance of the executive team, and 

in particular to determine whether bonuses are merited 

the remuneration committee takes into account the 

overall performance of the business, as well as individual 

contribution to the business in the period

Bonuses are generally offered in cash or shares

Paid into money purchase schemes
The committee retains the discretion to approve 
changes in contractual benefits in exceptional 
circumstances or where factors outside the control 
of the Group lead to increased costs (e.g. medical 
inflation)

The remuneration committee determines the level of 
bonus on an annual basis applying such performance 
conditions and performance measures as it considers 
appropriate

Share Options 

To provide executive Directors with a  

Granted under existing schemes (see page 44)

long-term interest in the Company

Offered at appropriate times by the remuneration 
committee

Share Incentive Plan (SIP)

To offer a shorter term incentive in the Company 

Offered to executive Directors and head office staff

Maximum participation levels are set by HMRC

and to give Directors a stake in the Group

No specific performance conditions are attached to pension contributions
The costs associated with benefits offered are closely controlled and reviewed 
on an annual basis

No specific performance conditions are attached to contractual benefits

The value of benefits for each Director for the year ended 31 December 2016 
is shown in the table on page 42
The current maximum bonus will not exceed 200% of base salary in any one 
year but the remuneration committee reserves the power to award up to 300% 
in an exceptional year

Performance conditions will be assessed on an annual basis

The performance measures applied may be financial, non-financial, corporate, 
divisional or individual and in such proportion as the remuneration committee 
considers appropriate
Entitlement to share options granted under the Approved Option scheme are not 
subject to performance criteria. Share Options granted under the Unapproved 
Scheme are subject to the performance criteria specified in the Scheme rules

Share options will be offered by the remuneration committee as appropriate

There are no maximum levels for share options offered
Of any bonus awarded, Directors may opt to have maximum of £3,000 of per 
year paid in ‘Free Shares’ under the SIP scheme rules

Full detail of the SIP can be found on page 43

NON-EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS 

Base salary

To recognise:

Skills 

Value

Experience 

Pension

Benefits

Considered by the board on appointment

Set at a level considered appropriate to attract, retain and 

motivate the individual 

Experience and time required for the role are considered 

No benefits offered except to one non-executive Director 

who is eligible for health cover (see annual remuneration 

on appointment

No pension offered

report page 42) 

option schemes

Reviewed annually

There is no prescribed maximum salary or maximum rate of increase

No performance conditions are attached to base salaries

The committee retains the discretion to approve changes 
in contractual benefits in exceptional circumstances or 
where factors outside the control of the Group lead to 
increased costs (e.g. medical inflation)

The costs associated with benefits offered are closely controlled and reviewed 
on an annual basis

No specific performance conditions are attached to contractual benefits

Share Options

Non-executive Directors do not participate in the share 

The remuneration committee consider the performance measures outlined in the table above to be appropriate measures of performance 

and that the KPI’s chosen align the interests of the directors and shareholders.

London & Associated Properties PLC 2016  47

GOVERNANCE

Remuneration policy

INTRODUCTION
Set out below is the LAP Group policy on directors’ 
remuneration (excluding Bisichi). This will be 
proposed for a binding vote at the 2017 AGM. 
If approved the policy will take effect from 
6 June 2017.

In setting the policy, the Remuneration Committee has taken 
the following into account:

•   The need to attract, retain and motivate individuals of a calibre 
who will ensure successful leadership and management of the 
company

•   The LAP Group’s general aim of seeking to reward all employees 
fairly according to the nature of their role and their performance

FUTURE POLICY TABLE

ELEMENT

PURPOSE

Executive directors

Base salary 

Pension 

To recognise:
Skills  
Responsibility 
Accountability  
Experience 
Value
To provide competitive retirement benefits

Benefits 

To provide a competitive benefits package

Annual  
bonus

To reward and incentivise

POLICY

OPERATION

OPPORTUNITY AND PERFORMANCE CONDITIONS

Considered by remuneration committee on appointment
Set at a level considered appropriate to attract, retain, motivate and reward 
the right individuals

Reviewed annually whenever there is a change  

of role or operational responsibility

Paid monthly in cash

There is no prescribed maximum salary or maximum rate of increase

No individual director will be awarded a base salary in excess of 

£700,000 a year

No specific performance conditions are attached to base salaries

Company contribution offered at up to 10% of base salary as part of 
overall remuneration package

Contractual benefits include:
Car or car allowance
Group health cover
Death in service cover
Permanent health insurance
In assessing the performance of the executive team, and in particular to 
determine whether bonuses are merited the remuneration committee takes 
into account the overall performance of the business, as well as  
individual contribution to the business in the period

Share  
options 

To provide executive directors with a long-
term interest in the company

Share options may be granted under existing schemes (see page 44)
Where it is necessary to attract, retain, motivate and reward the right 
individuals, the directors may establish new schemes to replace any expired 
schemes

Share 
incentive 
plan (SIP)

To offer a shorter term incentive in the company 
and to give directors a stake in the group

Offered to executive directors and head office staff

Maximum participation levels are set by HMRC

Non-executive directors 

Base salary

To recognise:
Skills 
Responsibility 
Experience 
Risk 
Value

Pension
Benefits

Share  
options

Considered by the board on appointment
Set at a level considered appropriate to attract, retain and motivate the 
individual 
Experience and time required for the role are considered on appointment

No pension offered
No benefits offered except to one non-executive director who is eligible 
for health cover (see annual remuneration report page 42) 

Non-executive directors do not participate in the share option schemes

Reviewed annually

No individual non-executive director will be awarded a base salary 

in excess of £40,000 a year

No performance conditions are attached to base salaries

The committee retains the discretion to approve changes in 

The costs associated with benefits offered are closely controlled 

contractual benefits in exceptional circumstances or where factors 

and reviewed on an annual basis.

outside the control of the Group lead to increased costs (e.g. 

medical inflation)

No non-executive director will receive benefits in excess of £10,000 a year

No specific performance conditions are attached to contractual benefits

Notes to the Remuneration Policy
In order to ensure that shareholders have sufficient clarity over 
director remuneration levels, the company has, where possible, 
specified a maximum that may be paid to a director in respect of 

48  London & Associated Properties PLC 2016

each component of remuneration. There have been no other 
significant changes made to the future remuneration policy from the 
previous remuneration policy.

The contribution payable by the Company is included in the 

Company contribution offered at up to 10% of base salary as part 

director’s contract of employment 

Paid into money purchase schemes

of overall remuneration package

No specific performance conditions are attached to pension contributions

The committee retains the discretion to approve changes in 

The costs associated with benefits offered are closely controlled 

contractual benefits in exceptional circumstances or where factors 

and reviewed on an annual basis

outside the control of the Group lead to increased costs (e.g. 

medical inflation)

The remuneration committee determines the level of bonus on an 

annual basis.

In assessing performance consideration is given to the level of net 

rental income, cash flow, voids, realised development gains and 

income from managing joint ventures. Achieved results are then 

compared with expectation taking account of market conditions

Bonuses are generally offered in cash or shares

Offered at appropriate times by the remuneration committee

No director will receive benefits of a value in excess of 30% of their base salary

No specific performance conditions are attached to contractual benefits

The current maximum bonus will not exceed 200% of base salary in 

any one year but the remuneration committee reserves the power 

to award up to 300% in an exceptional year

Performance conditions will be assessed on an annual basis

The performance measures applied may be financial, non-financial, 

corporate, divisional or individual and in such proportion as the 

remuneration committee considers appropriate

Entitlements to share options granted under the Approved 

Option scheme are not subject to performance criteria. Share 

Options granted under the Unapproved Scheme are subject to the 

performance criteria specified in the Scheme rules.

The aggregate number of shares over which options may be granted 

under all of the company’s option schemes (including any options 

and awards granted under the company’s employee share plans) in 

any period of ten years, will not exceed, at the time of grant, 10 % 

of the ordinary share capital of the company from time to time

Share options will be offered by the remuneration committee as appropriate

Of any bonus awarded, Directors may opt to have maximum of 

£3,000 per year paid in ‘Free Shares’ under the SIP scheme rules

 
GOVERNANCE Remuneration policy

•   Remuneration packages offered to similar companies within 

the same sector

•   The need to align the interests of shareholders as a whole with 

the long-term growth of the Group; and

•   The need to be flexible and adjust with operational changes 

throughout the term of this policy

The remuneration of non-executive directors is determined by the 
board, and takes into account additional remuneration for services 
outside the scope of the ordinary duties of non-executive directors.

Executive directors

Base salary 

To recognise:

Skills  

Responsibility 

Accountability  

Experience 

Value

Pension 

To provide competitive retirement benefits

Company contribution offered at up to 10% of base salary as part of 

Benefits 

To provide a competitive benefits package

Contractual benefits include:

overall remuneration package

Car or car allowance

Group health cover

Death in service cover

Permanent health insurance

Annual  

bonus

To reward and incentivise

In assessing the performance of the executive team, and in particular to 

determine whether bonuses are merited the remuneration committee takes 

into account the overall performance of the business, as well as  

individual contribution to the business in the period

Share  

options 

term interest in the company

To provide executive directors with a long-

Share options may be granted under existing schemes (see page 44)

Where it is necessary to attract, retain, motivate and reward the right 

individuals, the directors may establish new schemes to replace any expired 

schemes

Share 

incentive 

plan (SIP)

Non-executive directors 

Base salary

To recognise:

Skills 

Responsibility 

Experience 

Risk 

Value

Pension

Benefits

Share  

options

Considered by the board on appointment

Set at a level considered appropriate to attract, retain and motivate the 

individual 

Experience and time required for the role are considered on appointment

No pension offered

No benefits offered except to one non-executive director who is eligible 

for health cover (see annual remuneration report page 42) 

Non-executive directors do not participate in the share option schemes

ELEMENT

PURPOSE

POLICY

OPERATION

OPPORTUNITY AND PERFORMANCE CONDITIONS

Considered by remuneration committee on appointment

Set at a level considered appropriate to attract, retain, motivate and reward 

the right individuals

Reviewed annually whenever there is a change  
of role or operational responsibility
Paid monthly in cash

The contribution payable by the Company is included in the 
director’s contract of employment 
Paid into money purchase schemes
The committee retains the discretion to approve changes in 
contractual benefits in exceptional circumstances or where factors 
outside the control of the Group lead to increased costs (e.g. 
medical inflation)

The remuneration committee determines the level of bonus on an 
annual basis.
In assessing performance consideration is given to the level of net 
rental income, cash flow, voids, realised development gains and 
income from managing joint ventures. Achieved results are then 
compared with expectation taking account of market conditions
Bonuses are generally offered in cash or shares
Offered at appropriate times by the remuneration committee

To offer a shorter term incentive in the company 

Offered to executive directors and head office staff

Maximum participation levels are set by HMRC

and to give directors a stake in the group

There is no prescribed maximum salary or maximum rate of increase
No individual director will be awarded a base salary in excess of 
£700,000 a year
No specific performance conditions are attached to base salaries

Company contribution offered at up to 10% of base salary as part 
of overall remuneration package
No specific performance conditions are attached to pension contributions
The costs associated with benefits offered are closely controlled 
and reviewed on an annual basis
No director will receive benefits of a value in excess of 30% of their base salary
No specific performance conditions are attached to contractual benefits

The current maximum bonus will not exceed 200% of base salary in 
any one year but the remuneration committee reserves the power 
to award up to 300% in an exceptional year
Performance conditions will be assessed on an annual basis
The performance measures applied may be financial, non-financial, 
corporate, divisional or individual and in such proportion as the 
remuneration committee considers appropriate
Entitlements to share options granted under the Approved 
Option scheme are not subject to performance criteria. Share 
Options granted under the Unapproved Scheme are subject to the 
performance criteria specified in the Scheme rules.
The aggregate number of shares over which options may be granted 
under all of the company’s option schemes (including any options 
and awards granted under the company’s employee share plans) in 
any period of ten years, will not exceed, at the time of grant, 10 % 
of the ordinary share capital of the company from time to time
Share options will be offered by the remuneration committee as appropriate
Of any bonus awarded, Directors may opt to have maximum of 
£3,000 per year paid in ‘Free Shares’ under the SIP scheme rules

Reviewed annually

No individual non-executive director will be awarded a base salary 
in excess of £40,000 a year
No performance conditions are attached to base salaries

The committee retains the discretion to approve changes in 
contractual benefits in exceptional circumstances or where factors 
outside the control of the Group lead to increased costs (e.g. 
medical inflation)

The costs associated with benefits offered are closely controlled 
and reviewed on an annual basis.
No non-executive director will receive benefits in excess of £10,000 a year
No specific performance conditions are attached to contractual benefits

The remuneration committee considers the performance measures 
outlined in the table above to be appropriate measures of 
performance and that the KPI’s chosen align the interests of the 
directors and shareholders. 

For details of remuneration of other company employees please see 
page 45.

London & Associated Properties PLC 2016  49

 
GOVERNANCE Remuneration policy

REMUNERATION SCENARIOS
An indication of the possible level of remuneration that would be received 
by each Executive director in the 12 months commencing 6 June 2017 
in accordance with the director’s remuneration policy is shown below.

Maximum
Based on the minimum, enhanced by the maximum bonus available 
in an exceptional year (300% of base salary). Base salary, benefits 
and pension for 2017 are assumed at the levels included in the single 
total figure remuneration table for the year ended 31 December 2016.

0
0
0
£

’

0
0
0
£

’

0
0
0
£

’

Sir Michael Heller

1,400

1,200

1,000

800

600

400

200

0

£1,200

75%

25%

n Bonus

n  Salary, benefits 
and pension

£300

100%

£330
9%

91%

Minimum

On target

Maximum

J A Heller

1,800

1,600

1,400

1,200

1,000

800

600

400

200
0

£1,612

75%

25%

n Bonus

n  Salary, benefits 
and pension

£403

100%

£757

47%

53%

Minimum

On target

Maximum

A K Thapar

800

700

600

500

400

300

200

100

0

£178

100%

£223
20%

80%

£712

75%

25%

n Bonus

n  Salary, benefits 
and pension

Minimum

On target

Maximum

The base salary level for Sir Michael Heller for the purpose of these 
graphs (and bonus calculations) is £300k as per note on page 42.

ASSUMPTIONS 
Minimum
Consists of base salary, benefits and pension. Base salary, benefits 
and pension for 2017 are assumed at the levels included in the single 
total figure remuneration table for the year ended 31 December 2016.

On target
Based on the minimum, enhanced by a bonus calculated as the average 
percentage bonus awarded to the individual in the three years ending 
on 31 December 2016. As outlined in the policy summary above, the 
remuneration committee has discretion to award bonuses of up to 
200% of base salary in any one year (up to 300% in an exceptional year). 
Base salary, benefits and pension for 2017 are assumed at the levels 
included in the single total figure remuneration table for the year 
ended 31 December 2016.

50  London & Associated Properties PLC 2016

APPROACH TO RECRUITMENT REMUNERATION
All appointments to the board are made on merit. The components 
of the remuneration package (for a new director who is recruited 
within the life of the approved remuneration policy) would comprise 
base salary, pension, benefits and an opportunity to earn an annual 
bonus and be granted share options as outlined above. The approach 
to such appointments is detailed within the policy summary above. 
The company will pay remuneration to new directors at a level that 
will enable it to attract appropriately skilled and experienced 
individuals but which is not, in the opinion of the remuneration 
committee excessive.

SERVICE CONTRACTS
All executive directors have full-time contracts of employment with 
the Company. Non-executive directors have contracts of service. No 
director has a contract of employment or contract of service with the 
company, its joint venture or associated companies with a fixed term 
which exceeds twelve months. Directors notice periods (see the 
annual remuneration report) are set in line with market practice and 
are of a length considered sufficient to ensure an effective handover 
of duties should a director leave the Company. 

All directors’ contracts as amended from time to time, have run from the 
date of appointment. Service contracts are kept at the registered office. 

POLICY ON PAYMENT FOR LOSS OF OFFICE
There are no contractual provisions that could impact on a termination 
payment. Termination payments will be calculated in accordance with 
the existing contract of employment or service contract. It is the policy 
of the remuneration committee to issue employment contracts to 
executive directors with normal commercial terms and without 
extended terms of notice which could give rise to extraordinary 
termination payments. 

CONSIDERATION OF EMPLOYMENT CONDITIONS 
ELSEWHERE IN THE COMPANY
In setting this policy for directors’ remuneration the remuneration 
committee has been mindful of the Company’s objective to reward 
all employees fairly according to their role, performance and market 
forces. In setting the policy for Directors’ remuneration the 
committee has considered the pay and employment conditions of 
the other employees within the Group, but no formal consultation 
has been undertaken with employees in drawing up the policy. The 
committee has not used formal comparison measures. 

CONSIDERATION OF SHAREHOLDER VIEWS
No shareholder views have been taken into account when formulating 
this policy. In accordance with the new regulations, an ordinary 
resolution for approval of this policy will be put to shareholders at 
the AGM in June 2017.

 
 
GOVERNANCE

Audit committee report

The committee’s terms of reference have been 
approved by the board and follow published 
guidelines, which are available on request from 
the company secretary.

At the year end the audit committee comprised two of the non-
executive directors – H D Goldring and C A Parritt, both of whom 
are Chartered Accountants.

MEETINGS
The committee meets at least twice prior to the publication of the 
annual results and discusses and considers the half year results prior 
to their approval by the board. The audit committee meetings are 
attended by the external audit partner, chief executive, finance director 
and company secretary. During the year the members of the committee 
also meet on an informal basis to discuss any relevant matters which 
may have arisen. Additional formal meetings may be held as necessary.

The audit committee’s primary tasks are to:

During the past year the committee:

•   review the scope of external audit, to receive regular reports from 

•   met with the external auditors, and discussed their reports to the 

audit committee;

•   approved the publication of annual and half year financial results;

•   considered and approved the annual review of internal controls;

•   decided that there was no current need for an internal audit 

function;

•   agreed the independence of the auditors and approved their fees 
for both audit and non-audit services as set out in note 2 to the 
financial statements; and

•   the chairman of the audit committee has also had separate 
meetings and discussions with the external audit partner.

EXTERNAL AUDITOR
RSM UK Audit LLP held office throughout the period under review. 
In the United Kingdom London & Associated Properties PLC 
provides extensive administration and accounting services to Bisichi 
Mining PLC, which has its own audit committee and employs BDO 
LLP, a separate and independent firm of registered auditor.

C A Parritt  
Chairman – Audit Committee

27 April 2017

RSM UK Audit LLP and to review the half-yearly and annual 
accounts before they are presented to the board, focusing in 
particular on accounting policies and areas of management 
judgement and estimation;

•   monitor the controls which are in force to ensure the integrity of 

the information reported to the shareholders;

•   act as a forum for discussion of internal control issues and 
contribute to the board’s review of the effectiveness of the 
Group’s internal control and risk management systems and 
processes; 

•   to review the risk assessments made by management, consider key 
risks with action taken to mitigate these and to act as a forum for 
discussion of risk issues and contribute to the board’s review of 
the effectiveness of the Group’s risk management control and 
processes; 

•   consider once a year the need for an internal audit function;

•   advise the board on the appointment of the external auditors, the 

rotation of the audit partner every five years and on their 
remuneration for both audit and non-audit work; discuss the 
nature and scope of their audit work and undertake a formal 
assessment of their independence each year, which includes:

 i) 

ii) 

 a review of non-audit services provided to the Group and 
related fees;

 discussion with the auditors of their written report detailing all 
relationships with the Company and any other parties that 
could affect independence or the perception of independence;

iii)   a review of the auditors’ own procedures for ensuring the 

independence of the audit firm and partners and staff involved in 
the audit, including the regular rotation of the audit partner; and

iv)   obtaining a written confirmation from the auditors that, in 

their professional judgement, they are independent.

London & Associated Properties PLC 2016  51

 
 
 
 
GOVERNANCE

Directors’ responsibilities statement

DIRECTORS’ STATEMENT PURSUANT TO THE 
DISCLOSURE AND TRANSPARENCY RULES
Each of the directors, whose names and functions are listed on 
page 34, confirms that to the best of each person’s knowledge:

a.  the financial statements, prepared in accordance with the applicable 
set of accounting standards, give a true and fair view of the assets, 
liabilities, financial position and profit of the Company and the 
undertakings included in the consolidation taken as a whole; and

b.  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 Company and the undertakings included in the 
consolidation taken as a whole, together with a description of the 
principal risks and uncertainties that they face.

The Directors are responsible for the maintenance and integrity of 
the corporate and financial information included on the London & 
Associated Properties PLC website.

Legislation in the United Kingdom governing the preparation and 
dissemination of financial statements may differ from legislation in 
other jurisdictions.

The Directors are responsible for preparing the 
Strategic Report and the Directors’ Report, the 
Directors’ Remuneration Report and the financial 
statements in accordance with applicable law 
and regulations.

English company law requires the Directors to prepare Group and 
Company financial statements for each financial year. The Directors 
are required under the Listing Rules of the Financial Conduct Authority 
to prepare Group financial statements in accordance with International 
Financial Reporting Standards (“IFRS”) as adopted by the European 
Union (“EU”) and have elected under English company law to prepare 
the Company financial statements in accordance with United Kingdom 
Generally Accepted Accounting Practice (United Kingdom Accounting 
Standards and applicable law) including FRS101 ‘Reduced 
Disclosure Framework’. 

The Group financial statements are required by law and IFRS adopted 
by the EU to present fairly the financial position and performance of 
the Group; the Companies Act 2006 provides in relation to such financial 
statements that references in the relevant part of that Act to financial 
statements giving a true and fair view are references to their 
achieving a fair presentation.

Under English company law the 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 or loss of the Group for that period. 

In preparing each of the Group and Company financial statements, 
the Directors are required to:

a.  select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently;

b.  make judgements and accounting estimates that are reasonable 

and prudent;

c.  for the Group financial statements, state whether they have been 
prepared in accordance with IFRS adopted by the EU and for the 
company financial statements state whether applicable UK 
accounting standards have been followed, subject to any material 
departures disclosed and explained in the financial statements; 
and

d.  prepare the financial statements on the going concern basis unless 
it is inappropriate to presume that the Group and the Company 
will continue in business.

The Directors are responsible for keeping adequate accounting records 
that are sufficient to show and explain the Group’s and the Company’s 
transactions and disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the 
financial position of the Group and the Company and enable them to 
ensure that the financial statements and the Directors’ Remuneration 
Report comply with the Companies Act 2006 and, as regards the 
Group financial statements, Article 4 of the IAS Regulations. 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.

52  London & Associated Properties PLC 2016

GOVERNANCE

Independent auditor’s report

TO THE MEMBERS OF LONDON & ASSOCIATED PROPERTIES PLC

OPINION ON FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
We have audited the Group and parent Company 
financial statements (“the financial statements”) on 
pages 55 to 99. The financial reporting framework 
that has been applied in the preparation of the 
group financial statements is applicable law and 
International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRSs) 
as adopted by the European Union. The financial 
reporting framework that has been applied in 
the preparation of the parent company financial 
statements is applicable law and United Kingdom 
Accounting Standards (United Kingdom Generally 
Accepted Accounting Practice) including 
FRS 101 ‘Reduced Disclosure Framework’. 

MATTERS ON WHICH WE ARE REQUIRED 
TO REPORT BY EXCEPTION
In the light of the knowledge and understanding of the group and 
parent company and its environment obtained in the course of the 
audit, we have not identified any material misstatements in the 
Strategic Report or the Directors’ Report.

We have nothing to report in respect of the following: 

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 returns; or

In our opinion:

•   certain disclosures of Directors’ remuneration specified by law are 

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

not made; or

the Group’s and of the Parent company’s affairs as at 31 
December 2016 and of the group’s loss for the year then ended;

•   we have not received all the information and explanations we 

require for our audit.

•   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 United Kingdom Generally Accepted 
Accounting Practice; 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.

SCOPE OF THE AUDIT OF THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
A description of the scope of an audit of financial statements is 
provided on the Financial Reporting Council’s website at  
http://www.frc.org.uk/auditscopeukprivate

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

•   based on the work undertaken in the course of the audit, 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 and the 
Strategic Report and the Directors’ Report have been prepared  
in accordance with applicable legal requirements.

RESPECTIVE RESPONSIBILITIES OF DIRECTORS AND 
AUDITOR
As more fully explained in the Directors’ Responsibilities Statement 
set out on page 52 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 
(APB’s) Ethical Standards for Auditors.

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.

Geoff Wightwick BA FCA (Senior Statutory Auditor)  
For and on behalf of 
RSM UK AUDIT LLP 
Statutory Auditor 
Chartered Accountants 
25 Farringdon Street 
London EC4A 4AB

28 April 2017

London & Associated Properties PLC 2016  53

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  

54  London & Associated Properties PLC 2016
54  London & Associated Properties PLC 2016

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  

FINANCIAL   
STATEMENTS

56  CONSOLIDATED INCOME STATEMENT

57  CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

58  CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET

59  CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY 

60  CONSOLIDATED CASH FLOW STATEMENT

62  GROUP ACCOUNTING POLICIES

69  NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

100  FIVE YEAR FINANCIAL SUMMARY

London & Associated Properties PLC 2016  55
London & Associated Properties PLC 2016  55

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Consolidated income statement
for the year ended 31 December 2016

Group revenue
Operating costs
Income from listed investments held for trading 
Operating profit
Finance income
Finance expenses
Debenture break cost
Result before revaluation and other movements

Non–cash changes in valuation of assets and liabilities and other movements
Increase/(decrease) in value of investment properties
Loss on disposal of investment properties
Increase/(decrease) in trading investments
Increase/(decrease) in value of other investments
Adjustment to interest rate derivative
Share of profit of joint ventures, net of tax
Loss on reclassification of asset as held for sale
Result including revaluation and other movements
Profit from discontinued operations
Loss for the year before taxation
Income tax (charge)/credit
Loss for the year

Attributable to:
Equity holders of the Company
Non–controlling interest
Loss for the year

Earnings per share
Loss per share – basic and diluted – continuing operations
Profit per share – basic and diluted – discontinued operations
Total

NOTES
1

3

5
5
23

23
12
12

7
2
6

27

9
9
9

2016
£’000
 29,704 
(26,860)
 2 
 2,846 
 144 
(4,292)
– 
(1,302)

 532 
– 
 1 
 12 
(217)
– 
– 
(974)
– 
(974)
(1,175)
(2,149)

(2,357)
 208 
(2,149)

2015
£’000
 32,666 
(30,675)
 3 
 1,994 
 123 
(4,221)
(158)
(2,262)

(185)
(32)
(1)
(11)
 84 
 71 
(276)
(2,612)
 519 
(2,093)
 47 
(2,046)

(1,899)
(147)
(2,046)

(2.77)p

–

(2.77)p

(2.85)p
0.61p
(2.24)p

56  London & Associated Properties PLC 2016

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Consolidated statement of comprehensive income
for the year ended 31 December 2016

Loss for the year
Other comprehensive income/(expense):
Items that may be subsequently recycled to the income statement:
Exchange differences on translation of Bisichi Mining PLC foreign operations
Transfer of gain/(loss) on available for sale investments
Taxation
Other comprehensive income/(expense) for the year net of tax
Total comprehensive expense for the year net of tax
Attributable to: 
Equity shareholders
Non–controlling interest

2016
£’000
(2,149)

 1,106 
 193 
(13)
 1,286 
(863)

(1,864)
 1,001 
(863)

2015
£’000
(2,046)

(1,167)
(201)
 41 
(1,327)
(3,373)

(2,414)
(959)
(3,373)

London & Associated Properties PLC 2016  57

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Consolidated balance sheet
at 31 December 2016

Non–current assets
Market value of properties attributable to Group
Present value of head leases
Property
Mining reserves, plant and equipment
Investments in joint ventures
Loan to joint venture
Held to maturity investments
Other investments
Deferred tax

Current assets
Inventories
Assets held for sale
Trade and other receivables
Interest rate derivatives
Corporation tax recoverable
Available for sale investments
Investments held for trading
Cash and cash equivalents

Total assets
Current liabilities
Trade and other payables
Borrowings
Current tax liabilities

Non–current liabilities
Borrowings
Interest rate derivatives
Present value of head leases on properties
Provisions
Deferred tax liabilities

Total liabilities
Net assets
Equity attributable to the owners of the parent
Share capital
Share premium account
Translation reserve (Bisichi Mining PLC)
Capital redemption reserve
Retained earnings (excluding treasury shares)
Treasury shares
Retained earnings 
Total equity attributable to equity shareholders
Non–controlling interest
Total equity
Net assets per share
Diluted net assets per share

NOTES

2016
£’000

2015
£’000

10
31

11
12
13
17
17
24

16
14
18
23

19
19

20
21

21
23
31
22
25

26

26

27

9
9

 105,080 
 4,767 
 109,847 
 8,653 
 455 
 1,350 
 1,874 
 32 
 1,134 
 123,345 

 1,721 
– 
 7,061 
 4 
 32 
 781 
 19 
 6,265 
 15,883 
 139,228 

(12,942)
(4,108)
(21)
(17,071)

(64,401)
(793)
(4,767)
(1,236)
(2,329)
(73,526)
(90,597)
 48,631 

 8,554 
 4,866 
(728)
 47 
 25,648 
(145)
 25,503 
 38,242 
 10,389 
 48,631 
44.83p
44.83p

 104,388 
 4,784 
 109,172 
 5,552 
 325 
 900 
 1,995 
 14 
 2,390 
 120,348 

 1,049 
 2,335 
 6,502 
 15 
 29 
 594 
 20 
 4,809 
 15,353 
 135,701 

(10,497)
(2,267)
(10)
(12,774)

(64,951)
(587)
(4,784)
(847)
(2,106)
(73,275)
(86,049)
 49,652 

 8,554 
 4,866 
(1,145)
 47 
 28,238 
(482)
 27,756 
 40,078 
 9,574 
 49,652 
47.26p
47.26p

These financial statements were approved by the board of directors and authorised for issue on 27 April 2017 and signed on its behalf by:

Sir Michael Heller 
Director 

 Anil Thapar 
 Director 

58  London & Associated Properties PLC 2016

Company Registration No. 341829 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Consolidated statement of changes 
in shareholders’ equity 
for the year ended 31 December 2016

SHARE 
CAPITAL 
£’000
 8,554 
– 

SHARE  
PREMIUM 
£’000
 4,866 
– 

TRANSLATION 
RESERVES  
£’000
(696)
– 

CAPITAL 
REDEMPTION 
RESERVE 
£’000
 47 
– 

TREASURY  
SHARES 
£’000
(883)
– 

RETAINED  
EARNINGS 
EXCLUDING  
TREASURY  
SHARES 
£’000
 30,659 
(1,899)

TOTAL 
EXCLUDING 
NON– 
CONTROLLING 
INTERESTS 
£’000
 42,547 
(1,899)

NON– 
CONTROLLING 
INTERESTS 
£’000
 10,826 
(147)

TOTAL 
EQUITY 
£’000
 53,373 
(2,046)

Balance at 1 January 2015 
Loss for year
Other comprehensive expense:
Currency translation
Loss on available for sale 
investments (net of tax)
Total other comprehensive expense
Total comprehensive  
expense
Transactions with owners:
Share options charge
Share options cancelled
Dividends – equity holders
Dividends – non–controlling interests
Change in equity held by LAP
Acquisition of own shares
Disposal of own shares
Loss on transfer of own shares
Transactions with owners 
Balance at 31 December 2015
(Loss)/profit for year
Other comprehensive income:
Currency translation
Gain on available for sale 
investments (net of tax)
Total other comprehensive income
Total comprehensive  
income/ (expense)
Transactions with owners:
Share options charge
Dividends – equity holders
Dividends – non–controlling interests
Disposal of own shares
Loss on transfer of own shares
Transactions with owners 
Balance at 31 December 2016

– 
– 

– 
– 

– 
– 

– 
– 

– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
 8,554 
– 

– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
 4,866 
– 

– 
– 

– 
– 

– 
– 

– 
– 

– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
 8,554 

– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
 4,866 

(449)
– 

(449)
(449)

– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
(1,145)
– 

 417 
– 

 417 
 417 

– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
(728)

– 
– 

– 
– 

– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
 47 
– 

– 
– 

– 
– 

– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
 47 

(449)
(66)

(515)
(2,414)

 13 
(45)
(133)
– 
(5)
(111)
 226 
– 
(55)
 40,078 
(2,357)

(718)
(94)

(1,167)
(160)

(812)
(959)

(1,327)
(3,373)

 18 
(64)
– 
(250)
 3 
– 
– 
– 
(293)
 9,574 
 208 

 31 
(109)
(133)
(250)
(2)
(111)
 226 
– 
(348)
 49,652 
(2,149)

– 
– 

– 
– 

– 
(66)

(66)
(1,965)

 13 
(45)
(133)
– 
(5)
– 
– 
(286)
(456)
 28,238 
(2,357)

– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
(111)
 226 
 286 
 401 
(482)
– 

– 
– 

– 
– 

– 
 76 

 417 
 76 

 689 
 104 

 1,106 
 180 

 76 
(2,281)

 493 
(1,864)

 793 
 1,001 

 1,286 
(863)

– 
– 
– 
 119 
 218 
 337 
(145)

 45 
(136)
– 
– 
(218)
(309)
 25,648 

 45 
(136)
– 
 119 
– 
 28 
 38,242 

 64 
– 
(250)
– 
– 
(186)
 10,389 

 109 
(136)
(250)
 119 
– 
(158)
 48,631 

London & Associated Properties PLC 2016  59

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Consolidated cash flow statement
for the year ended 31 December 2016

Operating activities
Loss for the year before taxation
Finance income
Finance expense
Debenture break cost
(Increase)/decrease in value of investment properties
Loss on disposal of investment properties
(Increase)/decrease in trading investments
(Increase)/decrease in value of other investments
Adjustment to interest rate derivative
Share of profit of joint ventures, net of tax
Loss on reclassification of asset as held for sale
Profit from discontinued operations
Depreciation
Profit on disposal of non-current assets
Share based payment expense
Gain on investment held for trading
Exchange adjustments
Change in inventories
Change in receivables – continuing operations
Change in receivables – discontinued operations
Change in payables
Cash generated from operations
Income tax paid
Cash inflows from operating activities
Investing activities
Disposal of shares and loans held to maturity
Disposal of assets held for sale
Share of profit in joint ventures (assets held for sale)
Acquisition of investment properties, mining reserves, plant and equipment
Sale of investment properties, plant and equipment – continuing operations
Residual receipt from Windsor Shopping Centre disposal – discontinued operations
Interest received  – continuing operations

– discontinued operations

Cash inflows/(outflows) from investing activities

2016 
£’000

(974)
(144)
 4,292 
– 
(532)
– 
(1)
(12)
 217 
– 
– 
– 
 1,818 
(32)
 109 
 4 
(449)
(258)
 468 
– 
 1,080 
 5,586 
(57)
 5,529 

 121 
 2,275 
 60 
(3,022)
 32 
 414 
 133 
– 
 13 

2015  
£’000

(2,093)
(123)
 4,221 
 158 
 185 
 32 
 1 
 11 
(84)
(71)
 276 
(511)
 1,329 
– 
 31 
 122 
 497 
 393 
 581 
(424)
(156)
 4,375 
(1)
 4,374 

 201 
– 
 210 
(3,339)
 368 
– 
 88 
 87 
(2,385)

60  London & Associated Properties PLC 2016

 
 
 
 
 
 
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS Consolidated cash flow statement

Financing activities
Purchase of treasury shares
Sale of treasury shares
Interest paid 
Interest obligation under finance leases 
Debenture stock break costs paid 
Receipt of bank loan – Bisichi Mining PLC
Repayment of bank loan – Bisichi Mining PLC
Receipt of bank loan – Dragon Retail Properties Ltd
Repayment of bank loan – Dragon Retail Properties Ltd
Repayment of bank loan 
Repayment of debenture stocks 
Equity dividends paid
Equity dividends paid – non-controlling interests
Cancelled share options – Bisichi Mining PLC
Cash outflows from financing activities
Net increase/(decrease) in cash and cash equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year
Exchange adjustment
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year

2016 
£’000

– 
 119 
(3,943)
(216)
– 
 37 
(131)
– 
– 
– 
– 
(136)
(250)
– 
(4,520)
 1,022 
 2,575 
(666)
 2,931 

The cash flows above relate to continuing and discontinued operations. See Note 7 for information on discontinued operations.

Cash and cash equivalents
For the purpose of the cash flow statement, cash and cash equivalents comprise the following balance sheet amounts:

Cash and cash equivalents (before bank overdrafts)

Bank overdrafts

Cash and cash equivalents at end of year

£530,000 of cash deposits at 31 December 2016 were charged as security to debenture stocks.

2016
£’000
 6,265 

(3,334)

 2,931 

2015  
£’000

(111)
 226 
(3,996)
(247)
(158)
 18 
(66)
 1,250 
(1,900)
(201)
(1,250)
(133)
(250)
(109)
(6,927)
(4,938)
 7,118 
 395 
 2,575 

2015
£’000
 4,809 

(2,234)

 2,575 

London & Associated Properties PLC 2016  61

 
 
 
 
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Group accounting policies

The following are the principal Group accounting policies:

BASIS OF ACCOUNTING
The Group financial statements are prepared in accordance with 
International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS), as adopted by the 
European Union and with those parts of the Companies Act 2006 
applicable to companies reporting under IFRS. 

The Company has elected to prepare the parent company’s financial 
statements in accordance with Financial Reporting Standard 101 
’Reduced Disclosure Framework’ (FRS 101) and Companies Act 2006 
and these are presented in Note 33. The financial statements are 

prepared under the historical cost convention, except for the 
revaluation of freehold and leasehold properties and financial assets 
held for trading as well as fair value of interest derivatives. 

The Group financial statements are presented in Pounds Sterling and 
all values are rounded to the nearest thousand pounds (£’000) 
except when otherwise stated.

The functional currency for each entity in the Group, and for joint 
arrangements, is the currency of the country in which the entity has 
been incorporated. Details of which country each entity has been 
incorporated in can be found in note 15 for subsidiaries and Note 12 
for joint arrangements.

The exchange rates used in the accounts were as follows:

Year-end rate
Annual average

£1 STERLING: RAND

£1 STERLING: DOLLAR

2016
16.9472
19.9269

2015 
22.9067
19.5017

2016 
1.23321
1.35477

2015 
1.47634
1.51750

London & Associated Properties PLC, the parent company, is a listed public company incorporated and domiciled in England and quoted on the 
London Stock Exchange. The Company registration number is 341829.

GOING CONCERN
In reviewing going concern it is necessary to consider separately the 
position of LAP and Bisichi. Although both are consolidated into group 
accounts (as required by IFRS 10), they are managed independently 
and in the unlikely event that Bisichi was unable to continue trading 
this would not affect the ability of LAP to continue operating as a 
going concern. The same would be true for Bisichi in reverse.

INTERNATIONAL ACCOUNTING STANDARDS (IAS/IFRS)
The financial statements are prepared in accordance with 
International Financial Reporting Standards and Interpretations in 
force at the reporting date. These are prepared under the historic 
cost basis as modified by the revaluation of investment properties 
and held for trading and available for sale investments and interest 
rate derivatives. 

The directors have reviewed the cash flow forecasts of the LAP Group 
and the underlying assumptions on which they are based. The LAP 
Group’s business activities, together with the factors likely to affect its 
future development, are set out in the Chairman and Chief Executive’s 
Statement and Financial Review. In addition, Note 23 to the financial 
statements sets out the Group’s objectives, policies and processes 
for managing its capital; its financial risk management objectives; 
details of its financial instruments and hedging activities; and its 
exposure to credit risk and liquidity risk.

The directors believe that the LAP Group has adequate resources to 
continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future and that 
the LAP Group is well placed to manage its business risks. Thus they 
continue to adopt the going concern basis of accounting in preparing 
the annual financial statements.

The Bisichi directors continue to adopt the going concern basis of 
accounting in preparing the Bisichi annual financial statements.

The following Amendments were mandatory for the accounting period:

•   Amendments to IAS 1, Presentation of Financial Statements (“IAS 1”)

•   Amendments to IAS 16 and IAS 38, Clarification of Acceptable 

Methods of Depreciation and Amortisation

•   Amendments to IFRS 10, IFRS 12 and IAS 28, Investment Entities: 

Applying the Consolidation Exception

•   Amendments to IFRS 11, Accounting for Acquisition of Interest in 

Joint Operations

•   Amendments to IAS 27, Separate financial statements

•   Annual Improvements to IFRSs 2012-2014 Cycle

The application of these amendments has had no effect on the 
Group’s financial statements.

62  London & Associated Properties PLC 2016

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS Group accounting policies

The Group has not adopted any standards or interpretations in advance 
of the required implementation dates. The following new or revised 
standards that are applicable to the Group were issued but not yet 
effective:

•   Annual Improvements to IFRS Standards 2014-2016 Cycle

•   IFRIC Interpretation 22 Foreign Currency Transactions and 

Advance Consideration

•   Amendments to IAS 7 – Statement of Cash Flows 

•   Amendments to IAS 12 – Recognition of Deferred Tax Assets for 

Unrealized Losses 

•   Amendments to IFRS 2 – Classification and Measurement of 

Share-based Payment Transactions 

•   Amendments to IAS 40: Transfers of Investment Property

It is not expected that adoption of any standards or interpretations 
above, which have been issued by the International Accounting 
Standards Board but have not been adopted will have a material 
impact on the financial statements. 

The directors are currently evaluating the financial and operational 
impact of the following new or revised standards and the impact of 
adopting these standards cannot be reliably measured until this work 
is substantially complete.

•   IFRS 15 ‘Revenue from Contracts with Customers’ was issued by 

the IASB in May 2014. It is effective for accounting periods 
beginning on or after 1 January 2018. The new standard will 
replace existing accounting standards, and provides enhanced 
detail on the principle of recognising revenue to reflect the 
transfer of goods and services to customers at a value which the 
company expects to be entitled to receive. The standard also 
updates revenue disclosure requirements. The standard was 
endorsed by the EU on 22 September 2016. 

•   IFRS 9 was published in July 2014 and will be effective for the 

Group from 1 January 2018. The standard was endorsed by the 
EU on 22 November 2016 It is applicable to financial assets and 
financial liabilities, and covers the classification, measurement, 
impairment and de-recognition of financial assets and financial 
liabilities together with a new hedge accounting model. 

•   IFRS 16 ‘Leases’ – IFRS 16 ‘Leases’ was issued by the IASB in 

January 2016 and is effective for accounting periods beginning on 
or after 1 January 2019. The new standard will replace IAS 17 
‘Leases’ and will eliminate the classification of leases as either 
operating leases or finance leases and, instead, introduce a single 
lessee accounting model. The standard provides a single lessee 
accounting model, specifying how leases are recognised, 
measured, presented and disclosed. The standard has yet to be 
endorsed by the EU. 

KEY JUDGEMENTS AND ESTIMATES
The preparation of the financial statements requires management to 
make assumptions and estimates that may affect the reported amounts 
of assets and liabilities and the reported income and expenses, further 
details of which are set out below. Although management believes 
that the assumptions and estimates used are reasonable, the actual 
results may differ from those estimates. Further details of the estimates 
are contained in the Directors’ Report.

Property operations
Fair value measurements of investment properties and investments 
An assessment of the fair value of certain assets and liabilities, in particular 
investment properties, is required to be performed. In such instances, 
fair value measurements are estimated based on the amounts for which 
the assets and liabilities could be exchanged between market participants. 
To the extent possible, the assumptions and inputs used take into 
account externally verifiable inputs. However, such information is by 
nature subject to uncertainty. The directors note that the fair value 
measurement of the investment properties may be considered to be 
less judgemental where external valuers have been used and as a 
result of the nature of the underlying assets. 

Mining operations
Life of mine and reserves
The directors consider the judgements and estimates surrounding 
the life of the mine and its reserves have the most significant effect 
on the amounts recognised in the financial statements and to be the 
area where the financial statements are at most risk of a material 
adjustment due to estimation uncertainty. The remaining life of the 
mine is currently estimated at 5 years. This life of mine is based on 
the group’s existing coal reserves and excludes future run of mine 
coal purchases and coal reserve acquisitions. The Group’s coal 
reserves are subject to assessment by an independent Competent 
Person and impact assessments are made of the carrying value of 
property, plant and equipment, depreciation calculations and 
rehabilitation and decommissioning provisions. There are numerous 
uncertainties inherent in estimating coal reserves and changes to 
these assumptions may result in restatement of reserves. These 
assumptions include factors such as commodity prices, production 
costs and yield.

Depreciation, amortisation of mineral rights, mining development 
costs and plant & equipment
The annual depreciation/amortisation charge is dependent on 
estimates, including coal reserves and the related life of the mine, 
expected development expenditure for probable reserves, the 
allocation of certain assets to relevant ore reserves and estimates of 
residual values of the processing plant. The charge can fluctuate 
when there are significant changes in any of the factors or 
assumptions used, such as estimating mineral reserves which in turn 
affects the life of mine or the expected life of reserves. Estimates of 
proven and probable reserves are prepared by an independent 
Competent Person. Assessments of depreciation/amortisation rates 
against the estimated reserve base are performed regularly. Details 
of the depreciation/amortisation charge can be found in note 11.

London & Associated Properties PLC 2016  63

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS Group accounting policies

Provision for mining rehabilitation including restoration and 
de-commissioning costs 
A provision for future rehabilitation including restoration and 
decommissioning costs requires estimates and assumptions to be 
made around the relevant regulatory framework, the timing, extent 
and costs of the rehabilitation activities and of the risk free rates 
used to determine the present value of the future cash outflows. The 
provisions, including the estimates and assumptions contained 
therein, are reviewed regularly by management. The Group engages 
an independent expert to assess the cost of restoration and 
decommissioning annually as part of management’s assessment of 
the provision. Details of the provision for mining rehabilitation can be 
found in note 22.

Mining impairment 
Property, plant and equipment representing the Group’s mining assets 
in South Africa are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes 
in circumstances indicate that the carrying value may not be fully 
recoverable. The impairment test is performed using the approved 
Life of Mine plan and those future cash flow estimates are discounted 
using asset specific discount rates and are based on expectations about 
future operations. The impairment test requires estimates about 
production and sales volumes, commodity prices, proven and probable 
reserves (as assessed by the Competent Person), operating costs and 
capital expenditures necessary to extract reserves in the approved 
Life of Mine plan. Changes in such estimates could impact recoverable 
values of these assets. Details of the carrying value of property, 
plant and equipment can be found in note 11. 

The impairment test indicated significant headroom as at 31 December 2016 
and therefore no impairment is considered appropriate. The key 
assumptions include: coal prices, including domestic coal prices based 
on recent pricing and assessment of market forecasts for export coal; 
production based on proven and probable reserves assessed by the 
independent Competent Person and an increase in yield of 8% 
associated with new mining areas based on assessments by the 
Competent Person and empirical data. If export coal prices reduce by 10% a 
5.25% decrease in yield below expectation would be required to create 
breakeven scenario. However, the Bisichi directors consider the 
forecasted yield levels to be achievable.

Carrying value of Ezimbokodweni joint venture
The Group holds a £1.8 million (2015: £1.2 million) net investment in 
Ezimbokodweni Mining (Pty) Limited (“Ezimbokodweni”), made up of 
a £1.35 million loan (2015: £0.9 million) and a £0.45 million (2015: £0.3 
million) joint venture investment, as in note 12 and 13. The carrying 
value of the investment is dependent upon the completion of the 
acquisition of the Pegasus coal project (“the project”) in South Africa. 

Although the South African Department of Mineral Resources (“DMR”) 
has previously approved the transfer of legal title for the reserve to 
Ezimbokodweni, a proposed sale and purchase agreement negotiated 
and a deposit paid for the project, the conclusion of the transaction has 
been delayed pending the commercial transfer of the prospecting right 
from the current owners of the project to Ezimbokodweni. Previous 
negotiations to complete the commercial acquisition of the project have 
been beset by various delays outside the control of the Bisichi Group. 
More recently, Ezimbokodweni has indicated to the current owners of 
the project their ability to fund and complete the transaction via a 

64  London & Associated Properties PLC 2016

consortium of newly proposed shareholders of Ezimbokodweni. The 
proposed consortium includes Anglo American PLC, Butsunani Energy 
Investment Holdings, Vunani Limited, our BEE partner in Black Wattle, 
and Bisichi Mining PLC. The consortium meets the Black Economic 
Empowerment requirements as required for the transaction as per the 
DMR. The current owners of the project have very recently notified 
Ezimbokodweni that they do not wish to divest the project at this stage 
and, accordingly, the Bisichi Board have considered the likelihood of the 
acquisition ultimately completing in due course as part of its assessment 
of the carrying value of the investment in Ezimbokodweni. The Bisichi 
Board remain committed to engaging with the current owners, the DMR 
and relevant stakeholders in order to conclude the transaction and plan 
further discussions with these parties in the near future.

In light of the previously approved legal transfer from the DMR, our 
understanding of the potential concerns the DMR may have if current 
owners do not ultimately divest of the asset and the support expressed 
for the transaction by the DMR as an important stakeholder, the Bisichi 
Board remain confident of the transaction completing in due course. 
The Bisichi Board has exercised significant judgement in forming its 
assessment that the transaction will ultimately complete. We will continue 
to evaluate the status of our investment on an ongoing basis as the 
planned engagement with the relevant stakeholders is undertaken. 
However, at present, we believe the Bisichi Group is still able to achieve 
significant value from the project in excess of its carrying value.

The carrying value of the net investment in the joint venture was tested 
for impairment based on the economic model for the project and no 
impairment indicators were considered to exist in terms of the underlying 
value of the asset. The carrying value of the underlying project is 
supported by its coal reserves and life of mine plan and is considered 
appropriate given the underlying economic value of the project.

Deferred tax
The calculation of deferred tax involves the exercise of judgement in 
relation to the amount of income and gains which will be realised in future 
to support the recognition of a deferred tax asset in respect of 
unrelieved losses.

Interest rate hedges
All interest rate hedges are held at fair value as valued by the 
hedge provider.

Further detail is provided in notes 21 and 23.

BASIS OF CONSOLIDATION
The Group accounts incorporate the accounts of London & Associated 
Properties PLC and all of its subsidiary undertakings, together with 
the Group’s share of the results and net assets of its joint ventures. 

Non–controlling interests in subsidiaries are presented separately from 
the equity attributable to equity owners of the parent company. When 
changes in ownership in a subsidiary do not result in a loss of control, 
the non–controlling shareholders’ interests are initially measured at the 
non–controlling interests’ proportionate share of the subsidiaries’ net 
assets. Subsequent to this, the carrying amount of non–controlling 
interests is the amount of those interests at initial recognition plus the 
non–controlling interests’ share of subsequent changes in equity. Total 
comprehensive income is attributed to non–controlling interests even 
if this results in the non–controlling interests having a deficit balance.

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS Group accounting policies

SUBSIDIARIES
Subsidiaries are entities controlled by the Group. The Group controls 
an entity when it is exposed to, or has rights to, variable returns from its 
involvement with the entity and has the ability to affect those returns 
through its power over the entity. Subsidiaries acquired during the 
year are consolidated using the acquisition method. Their results are 
incorporated from the date that control passes. 

All intra Group transactions, balances, income and expenses are 
eliminated on consolidation. Details of the Group’s trading subsidiary 
companies are set out in Note 15.

The directors are required to consider the implications of IFRS 10 on 
the LAP investment in Bisichi Mining PLC (“Bisichi”). Related parties also 
have shareholdings in Bisichi. When combined with the 42% held by 
LAP and, taking account of the wide disposition of other shareholders, 
there is potential for LAP and these related parties to exercise voting 
control over Bisichi. IFRS 10 makes it clear that possible voting control 
is of more significance than actual management control. 

For this reason the directors have concluded that there is a requirement 
to consolidate Bisichi with LAP. While, in theory, they could achieve 
control, in practice they do not get involved in the day to day operations 
of Bisichi. The directors have presented consolidated accounts using 
the published accounts of Bisichi but it is important to note that any 
figures, risks and assumptions attributable to that company are the 
responsibility of the Bisichi Board of directors who are independent 
from LAP.

As a result of treating Bisichi as a subsidiary, Dragon Retail Properties 
Limited is also a subsidiary for accounting purposes, as LAP and 
Bisichi each own 50% of that joint venture business.

JOINT VENTURES
Investments in joint ventures, being those entities over whose activities 
the Group has joint control, as established by contractual agreement, 
include the appropriate share of the results and net assets of those 
undertakings.

Loans to joint ventures are classified as non-current assets when they 
are not expected to be received in the normal working capital cycle. 
The loan to Ezimbokodweni is included in joint ventures as a part of 
net investment in joint venture as it is not expected to be repaid in 
the foreseeable future, as the recoverability is dependent upon the 
acquisition of the Pegasus coal project in South Africa and development 
over the life of mine. Trading receivables and payables to joint ventures 
are classified as current assets and liabilities.

GOODWILL
Goodwill arising on acquisition is recognised as an intangible asset and 
initially measured at cost, being the excess of the cost of the acquired 
entity over the Group’s interest in the fair value of the assets and liabilities 
acquired. Goodwill is carried at cost less accumulated impairment losses. 
Goodwill arising from the difference in the calculation of deferred tax for 
accounting purposes and fair value in negotiations is judged not to be an 
asset and is accordingly impaired on completion of the relevant acquisition. 

REVENUE
Revenue comprises sales of coal, property rental income and 
property management fees. 

Rental income
Rental income arises from operating leases granted to tenants. An 
operating lease is a lease other than a finance lease. A finance lease 
is one whereby substantially all the risks and rewards of ownership 
are passed to the lessee. Rental income is recognised in the Group 
income statement on a straight–line basis over the term of the lease. 
This includes the effect of lease incentives to tenants, which are 
normally in the form of rent free periods. Contingent rents, being the 
difference between the rent currently receivable and the minimum 
lease payments, are recognised in property income in the periods in 
which they are receivable. Rent reviews are recognised when such 
reviews have been agreed with tenants.

Reverse surrender premiums
Payments received from tenants to surrender their lease obligations 
are recognised immediately in the income statement.

Dilapidations
Dilapidations monies received from tenants in respect of their lease 
obligations are recognised immediately in the income statement.

Other revenue
Revenue in respect of listed investments held for trading represents 
investment dividends received and profit or loss recognised on 
realisation. Dividends are recognised in the income statement when 
the dividend is received. 

PROPERTY OPERATING EXPENSES
Operating expenses are expensed as incurred and any property 
operating expenditure not recovered from tenants through service 
charges is charged to the income statement. 

EMPLOYEE BENEFITS

Share based remuneration 
The Company operates a long–term incentive plan and two share 
option schemes. The fair value of the conditional awards on shares 
granted under the long–term incentive plan and the options granted 
under the share option scheme is determined at the date of grant. 
This fair value is then expensed on a straight–line basis over the 
vesting period, based on an estimate of the number of shares that 
will eventually vest. At each reporting date, the fair value of the 
non–market based performance criteria of the long–term incentive 
plan is recalculated and the expense is revised. In respect of the 
share option scheme, the fair value of options granted is calculated 
using a binomial method.

Pensions
The Company operates a defined contribution pension scheme. The 
contributions payable to the scheme are expensed in the period to 
which they relate. 

London & Associated Properties PLC 2016  65

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS Group accounting policies

FOREIGN CURRENCIES
Monetary assets and liabilities are translated at year end exchange rates 
and the resulting exchange rate differences are included in the consolidated 
income statement within the results of operating activities if arising 
from trading activities, including inter-company trading balances and 
within finance cost / income if arising from financing.

For consolidation purposes, income and expense items are included in the 
consolidated income statement at average rates, and assets and liabilities 
are translated at year end exchange rates. Translation differences arising on 
consolidation are recognised in other comprehensive income. Foreign 
exchange differences on intercompany loans are recorded in other 
comprehensive income when the loans are not considered trading balances 
and are not expected to be repaid in the foreseeable future. Where 
foreign operations are sold or closed, the cumulative exchange differences 
attributable to that foreign operation are recognised in the consolidated 
income statement when the gain or loss on disposal is recognised. 

Transactions in foreign currencies are translated at the exchange rate 
ruling on transaction date. 

FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS

Investments
Held to maturity investments are stated at amortised cost using the 
effective interest rate method. 

Investments held for trading are included in current assets at fair value. 
For listed investments, fair value is the bid market listed value at the 
balance sheet date. Realised and unrealised gains or losses arising from 
changes in fair value are included in the income statement of the period 
in which they arise. 

Trade and other receivables
Trade and other receivables are recognised initially at fair value. A provision 
for impairment of trade receivables is made when there is evidence that 
the Group will not be able to collect all amounts due. Trade receivables 
do not carry any interest, as any interest that would be recognised from 
discounting future cash payments over the short period is not considered 
to be material.

Trade and other payables
Trade and other payables are non-interest bearing and are stated at their 
nominal value, as the interest that would be recognised from discounting 
future cash payments over the short payment period is not considered 
to be material.

Bank loans and overdrafts
Bank loans and overdrafts are included as financial liabilities on the 
Group balance sheet net of the unamortised discount and costs of 
issue. The cost of issue is recognised in the Group income Statement 
over the life of the bank loan. Interest payable on those facilities is 
expensed as a finance cost in the period to which it relates. 

Debenture loans
The debenture loans are included as a financial liability on the balance 
sheet net of the unamortised costs on issue. The cost of issue is recognised 
in the Group income statement over the life of the debenture. Interest 
payable to debenture holders is expensed in the period to which it relates. 

66  London & Associated Properties PLC 2016

Finance lease liabilities
Finance lease liabilities arise for those investment properties held under 
a leasehold interest and accounted for as investment property. The 
liability is calculated as the present value of the minimum lease payments, 
reducing in subsequent reporting periods by the apportionment of 
payments to the lessor. Lease payments are allocated between the 
liability and finance charges so as to achieve a constant financing rate. 
Contingent rents payable, such as rent reviews or those related to rental 
income, are charged as an expense in the period in which they are incurred. 

Interest rate derivatives
The Group uses derivative financial instruments to hedge the interest 
rate risk associated with the financing of the Group’s business. No 
trading in such financial instruments is undertaken. At each reporting 
date, these interest rate derivatives are recognised at their fair value to 
the business, being the Net Present Value of the difference between 
the hedged rate of interest and the market rate of interest for the 
remaining period of the hedge. 

Ordinary shares
Shares are classified as equity when there is no obligation to transfer 
cash or other assets. Incremental costs directly attributable to the 
issue of new shares are shown in equity as a deduction, net of tax, 
from the proceeds.

Treasury shares 
When the Group’s own equity instruments are repurchased, consideration 
paid is deducted from equity as treasury shares until they are cancelled. 
When such shares are subsequently sold or reissued, any consideration 
received is included in equity. 

INVESTMENT PROPERTIES

Valuation
Investment properties are those that are held either to earn rental income 
or for capital appreciation or both, including those that are undergoing 
redevelopment. They are reported on the Group balance sheet at fair 
value, being the amount for which an investment property could be 
exchanged between knowledgeable and willing parties in an arm’s 
length transaction. The directors’ property valuation is at fair value. 

The external valuation of properties is undertaken by independent 
valuers who hold recognised and relevant professional qualifications 
and have recent experience in the locations and categories of 
properties being valued. Surpluses or deficits resulting from changes 
in the fair value of investment property are reported in the Group 
income statement in the period in which they arise. 

Capital expenditure 
Investment properties are measured initially at cost, including related 
transaction costs. Additions to capital expenditure, being costs of a 
capital nature, directly attributable to the redevelopment or 
refurbishment of an investment property, up to the point of it being 
completed for its intended use, are capitalised in the carrying value 
of that property. The redevelopment of an existing investment 
property will remain an investment property measured at fair value 
and is not reclassified. Capitalised interest is calculated with 
reference to the actual rate payable on borrowings for development 
purposes, or for that part of the development costs financed out of 
borrowings the capitalised interest is calculated on the basis of the 
average rate of interest paid on the relevant debt outstanding. 

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS Group accounting policies

Disposal 
The disposal of investment properties is recorded on completion of the 
contract. On disposal, any gain or loss is calculated as the difference 
between the net disposal proceeds and the valuation at the last year 
end plus subsequent capitalised expenditure in the period. 

Depreciation and amortisation
In applying the fair value model to the measurement of investment 
properties, depreciation and amortisation are not provided in respect 
of investment properties. 

OTHER ASSETS AND DEPRECIATION
The cost, less estimated residual value, of other property, plant and 
equipment is written off on a straight–line basis over the asset’s 
expected useful life. Residual values and useful lives are reviewed, 
and adjusted if appropriate, at each balance sheet date. Changes to 
the estimated residual values or useful lives are accounted for 
prospectively. The depreciation rates generally applied are: 

Motor vehicles
Office equipment

25–33 per cent per annum
10–33 per cent per annum

ASSETS HELD FOR SALE
Non-current assets, or disposal groups comprising assets and liabilities, 
are classified as held-for-sale if it is highly probable that they will be 
recovered primarily through sale rather through continuing use. Such 
assets, or disposal groups, are generally measured at the lower of their 
carrying amount and fair value less costs of sale. Any impairment loss on 
a disposal group is allocated first to goodwill, and then to the remaining 
assets and liabilities on a pro rata basis, except that no loss is allocated 
to inventories, financial assets, deferred tax assets, employee benefit 
assets, investment property which continue to be measured in accordance 
with the Group’s other accounting policies. Impairment losses on initial 
classification as held-for-sale and subsequent gains and losses on 
remeasurement are recognised in profit or loss. Once classified as 
held-for-sale, intangible assets and property, plant and equipment 
are no longer amortised or depreciated, and any equity-accounted 
investment is no longer equity accounted.

AVAILABLE FOR SALE ASSETS
Financial assets available for sale are measured at fair value. Any 
changes in fair value above cost are recognised in other comprehensive 
income and accumulated in the available-for-sale reserve. For any 
changes in fair value below cost a provision for impairment is 
recognised in the profit or loss account.

Other investments classified as non-current available for sale investments 
comprise shares in listed companies and are carried at fair value.

INCOME TAXES
The charge for current taxation is based on the results for the year as 
adjusted for disallowed or non–assessable items. Tax payable upon 
realisation of revaluation gains recognised in prior periods is recorded 
as a current tax charge with a release of the associated deferred tax. 
Deferred tax is the tax expected to be payable or recoverable on 
differences between the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities in 
the financial statements and the corresponding tax bases used in the 
tax computations, and is recorded using the balance sheet liability 
method. Deferred tax liabilities are generally recognised for all taxable 
temporary differences and deferred tax assets are recognised to the 
extent that it is probable that taxable profits will be available against 
which deductible temporary differences can be utilised. In respect of 

the deferred tax on the revaluation surplus, this is calculated on the 
basis of the chargeable gains that would crystallise on the sale of the 
investment portfolio as at the reporting date. The calculation takes 
account of indexation on the historic cost of properties and any available 
capital losses. Deferred tax is calculated at the tax rates that are 
expected to apply in the period when the liability is settled or the 
asset is realised. Deferred tax is charged or credited in the Group 
income statement, except when it relates to items charged or credited 
directly to equity, in which case it is also dealt with in equity. 

DIVIDENDS
Dividends payable on the ordinary share capital are recognised as a 
liability in the period in which they are approved.

CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS
Cash comprises cash in hand and on demand deposits, net of bank 
overdrafts. Cash equivalents comprise short–term, highly liquid 
investments that are readily convertible to known amounts of cash 
and which are subject to an insignificant risk of changes in value and 
original maturities of three months or less.

BISICHI MINING PLC

Mining revenue
Revenue is recognised when the customer has a legally binding obligation 
to settle under the terms of the contract and has assumed all 
significant risks and rewards of ownership.

Revenue is only recognised on individual sales of coal when all of the 
significant risks and rewards of ownership have been transferred to a 
third party. Export revenue is generally recognised when the product 
is delivered to the export terminal location specified by the customer, 
at which point the customer assumes risks and rewards under the 
contract. Domestic coal revenues are generally recognised on collection 
by the customer from the mine when loaded into transport, where 
the customer pays the transportation costs.

Mining costs
Expenditure is recognised in respect of goods and services received. 
Where coal is purchased from third parties at point of extraction the 
expenditure is only recognised when the coal is extracted and all of 
the significant risks and rewards of ownership have been transferred.

Mining reserves, plant and equipment
The cost of property, plant and equipment comprises its purchase price 
and any costs directly attributable to bringing the asset to the location 
and condition necessary for it to be capable of operating in accordance 
with agreed specifications. Freehold land is not depreciated. Other 
property, plant and equipment is stated at historical cost less accumulated 
depreciation. The cost recognised includes the recognition of any 
decommissioning assets related to property, plant and equipment.

Heavy surface mining and other plant and equipment is depreciated at 
varying rates depending upon its expected usage. The depreciation 
rates generally applied are between 5-10 per cent per annum, but 
limited to the shorter of its useful life or the life of the mine. 

Other non–current assets, comprising motor vehicles and office equipment, 
are depreciated at a rate of between 10% and 33% per annum which 
is calculated to write off the cost, less estimated residual value of the 
assets, on a straight line basis over their expected useful lives. 

London & Associated Properties PLC 2016  67

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS Group accounting policies

Mine inventories
Inventories are stated at the lower of cost and net realisable value. Cost 
includes materials, direct labour and overheads relevant to the stage of 
production. Cost is determined using the weighted average method. Net 
realisable value is based on estimated selling price less all further costs 
to completion and all relevant marketing, selling and distribution costs. 

Mine provisions
Provisions are recognised when the Group has a present obligation as 
a result of a past event which it is probable will result in an outflow of 
economic benefits that can be reliably estimated.

A provision for rehabilitation of the mine is initially recorded at 
present value and the discounting effect is unwound over time as a 
finance cost. Changes to the provision as a result of changes in 
estimates are recorded as an increase/decrease in the provision and 
associated decommissioning asset. The decommissioning asset is 
depreciated in line with the Group’s depreciation policy over the life 
of mine. The provision includes the restoration of the underground, 
opencast, surface operations and de-commissioning of plant and 
equipment. The timing and final cost of the rehabilitation is uncertain 
and will depend on the duration of the mine life and the quantities 
of coal extracted from the reserves. 

Mine impairment
Whenever events or changes in circumstance indicate that the 
carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable that asset is 
reviewed for impairment. A review involves determining whether the 
carrying amounts are in excess of the recoverable amounts. 

An asset’s recoverable amount is determined as the higher of its fair value 
less costs of disposal and its value in use. Such reviews are undertaken on 
an asset-by-asset basis, except where assets do not generate cash 
flows independent of other assets, in which case the review is 
undertaken on a company or group level.

If the carrying amount of an asset exceeds its recoverable amount an 
asset’s carrying value is written down to its estimated recoverable amount 
(being the higher of the fair value less cost to sell and value in use). 
Any change in carrying value is recognised in the comprehensive 
income statement.

Mine reserves and development cost
The purpose of mine development is to establish secure working 
conditions and infrastructure to allow the safe and efficient extraction 
of recoverable reserves. Depreciation on mine development is not 
charged until production commences or the assets are put to use. 
On commencement of full commercial production, depreciation is 
charged over the life of the associated mine reserves extractable 
using the asset on a unit of production basis. The unit of production 
calculation is based on tonnes mined as a ratio to proven and probable 
reserves and also includes future forecast capital expenditure. The cost 
recognised includes the recognition of any decommissioning assets 
related to mine development.

Post production stripping
In surface mining operations, the Group may find it necessary to remove 
waste materials to gain access to coal reserves prior to and after production 
commences. Prior to production commencing, stripping costs are 
capitalised until the point where the overburden has been removed 
and access to the coal seam commences. Subsequent to production, 
waste stripping continues as part of the extraction process as a run 
of mine activity. There are two benefits accruing to the Group from 
stripping activity during the production phase: extraction of coal that 
can be used to produce inventory and improved access to further 
quantities of material that will be mined in future periods. Economic 
coal extracted is accounted for as inventory. The production stripping 
costs relating to improved access to further quantities in future periods 
are capitalised as a stripping activity asset, if and only if, all of the 
following are met:

•   it is probable that the future economic benefit associated with the 

stripping activity will flow to the Group;

•   the Group can identify the component of the ore body for which 

access has been improved; and

•   the costs relating to the stripping activity associated with that 

component or components can be measured reliably.

In determining the relevant component of the coal reserve for which 
access is improved, the Group componentises its mine into geographically 
distinct sections or phases to which the stripping activities being 
undertaken within that component are allocated. Such phases are 
determined based on assessment of factors such as geology and 
mine planning.

The Group depreciates deferred costs capitalised as stripping assets 
on a unit of production method, with reference the tons mined and 
reserve of the relevant ore body component or phase.

SEGMENTAL REPORTING
For management reporting purposes, the Group is organised into business 
segments distinguishable by economic activity. The Group’s business 
segments are LAP operations, Bisichi operations and Dragon operations. 
These business segments are subject to risks and returns that are 
different from those of other business segments and are the primary 
basis on which the Group reports its segmental information. This is 
consistent with the way the Group is managed and with the format of 
the Group’s internal financial reporting. Significant revenue from 
transactions with any individual customer, which makes up 10 per cent 
or more of the total revenue of the Group, is separately disclosed 
within each segment. All coal exports are sales to coal traders at 
Richard Bay’s terminal in South Africa with the risks and rewards 
passing to the coal trader at the terminal. Whilst the coal traders will 
ultimately sell the coal on the international markets the Group has 
no visibility over the ultimate destination of the coal. Accordingly, the 
export sales are recorded as South Africa revenue. 

68  London & Associated Properties PLC 2016

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Notes to the financial statements
for the year ended 31 December 2016

1.  RESULTS FOR THE YEAR AND SEGMENTAL ANALYSIS
Operating Segments are based on the internal reporting and operational management of the Group. LAP is focused primarily on property activities 
(which generate trading income), but it also holds and manages investments. IFRS 10 requires the Group to treat Bisichi as a subsidiary and 
therefore it is consolidated, rather than being included in the accounts as an associate using the equity method. The Group has also consolidated 
Dragon, a company which the Company jointly controls with Bisichi; Bisichi is a coal mining company with operations in South Africa and also 
holds investment property in the United Kingdom and derives income from property rentals. Dragon is a property investment company and derives its 
income from property rentals. These operating segments (LAP, Bisichi and Dragon) are each viewed separately and have been so reported below.

Business segments

BUSINESS ANALYSIS
Rental income
Management income from third party properties
Mining
Group Revenue
Direct property costs
Direct mining costs
Overheads
Exchange gains
Depreciation
Operating profit before listed investments held for trading
Listed investments held for trading
Operating profit
Finance income
Finance expenses
Result before valuation movements 
Other segment items
Net increase/(decrease) on revaluation of investment properties
Increase in value of other investments
Net increase on revaluation of investments held for trading
Adjustment to interest rate derivative
Revaluation and other movements
(Loss)/profit for the year before taxation
Segment assets
- Non-current assets – property
- Non-current assets – plant & equipment
- Cash & cash equivalents
- Non-current assets – other
- Non-current assets – deferred tax asset
- Current assets – others
Total assets excluding investment in joint ventures and assets held for sale
Segment liabilities
Borrowings
Current liabilities
Non-current liabilities
Total liabilities
Net assets
Investment in joint ventures non segmental
Net assets as per balance sheet 
Major customers: Customer A

This customer is for mining revenue in South Africa.

GEOGRAPHIC ANALYSIS
Revenue
Operating profit/(loss)
Non-current assets excluding investments
Total net assets
Capital expenditure

LAP 
£’000 
 6,241 
 501 
– 
 6,742 
(1,168)
– 
(2,926)
– 
(25)
 2,623 
 2 
 2,625 
 11 
(3,706)
(1,070)

 125 
– 
 1 
(206)
(80)
(1,150)

 93,791 
 112 
 3,706 
 1,874 
 1,134 
 1,853 
 102,470 

(58,068)
(6,074)
(5,379)
(69,521)
 32,949 

BISICHI
£’000 
 1,060 
– 
 21,731 
 22,791 
(187)
(16,184)
(4,903)
 449 
(1,785)
 181 
– 
 181 
 132 
(554)
(241)

 445 
 12 
– 
– 
 457 
 216 

 13,426 
 8,520 
 2,444 
 32 
– 
 7,745 
 32,167 

(9,234)
(6,811)
(3,665)
(19,710)
 12,457 

DRAGON
£’000 
 171 
– 
– 
 171 
 5 
– 
(128)
– 
(8)
 40 
– 
 40 
 1 
(32)
 9 

(38)
– 
– 
(11)
(49)
(40)

 2,630 
 21 
 115 
– 
– 
 20 
 2,786 

(1,207)
(78)
(81)
(1,366)
 1,420 

– 

 14,543 

– 

UNITED
KINGDOM
£’000
 8,025 
 3,441 
 111,117 
 43,916 
 164 

SOUTH
AFRICA 
£’000
 21,679 
(595)
 8,517 
 4,715 
 2,858 

2016 
TOTAL 
£’000 
 7,472 
 501 
 21,731 
 29,704 
(1,350)
(16,184)
(7,957)
 449 
(1,818)
 2,844 
 2 
 2,846 
 144 
(4,292)
(1,302)

 532 
 12 
 1 
(217)
 328 
(974)

 109,847 
 8,653 
 6,265 
 1,906 
 1,134 
 9,618 
 137,423 

(68,509)
(12,963)
(9,125)
(90,597)
 46,826 
 1,805 
 48,631 
 14,543 

 2016 
TOTAL 
£’000 
 29,704 
 2,846 
 119,634 
 48,631 
 3,022 

London & Associated Properties PLC 2016  69

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS Notes to the financial statements

1.  RESULTS FOR THE YEAR AND SEGMENTAL ANALYSIS CONTINUED

BUSINESS ANALYSIS
Rental income
Management income from third party properties
Mining
Group Revenue
Direct property costs
Direct mining costs
Overheads
Exchange losses
Depreciation 
Operating profit/(loss) before listed investments held for trading
Listed investments held for trading
Operating profit/(loss)
Finance income
Finance expenses
Debenture break costs
Result before valuation movements
Other segment items
Net (decrease)/increase on revaluation of investment properties
Decrease in value of other investments
Net decrease on revaluation of investments held for trading
Loss on sale of investment property
Adjustment to interest rate derivative
Share of (loss)/profit of joint ventures, net of tax
Loss on reclassification of asset as held for sale
Revaluation and other movements
Profit from discontinued operations
(Loss)/profit for the year before taxation
Segment assets
- Non – current assets – property 
- Non – current assets – plant and equipment
- Cash and cash equivalents
- Non – current assets – other
- Non – current assets – deferred tax asset
- Current assets – others
Total assets excluding investment in joint ventures and assets held for sale
Segment liabilities
Borrowings
Current liabilities
Non-current liabilities
Total liabilities
Net assets
Investment in joint ventures non segmental
Assets held for sale
Net assets as per balance sheet
Major customers: Customer A

This customer is for mining revenue in South Africa.

GEOGRAPHIC ANALYSIS
Revenue
Operating profit/(loss)
Non–current assets excluding investments
Total net assets
Capital expenditure

LAP
£’000
6,129
696
–
6,825
(1,530)
–
(3,301)
–
(39)
1,955
1
1,956
16
(3,714)
(158)
(1,900)

(368)
–
(1)
–
69
(67)
(138)
(505)
519
(1,886)

93,510
148
3,192
1,995
2,390
2,355
103,590

(57,815)
(6,390)
(5,177)
(69,382)
34,208
–
–
–
–

BISICHI
£’000
1,014
–
24,640
25,654
(110)
(19,177)
(4,651)
(497)
(1,284)
(65)
–
(65)
107
(473)
–
(431)

225
(11)
–
–
–
138
(138)
214
–
(217)

12,994
5,374
1,608
14
–
5,794
25,784

(8,207)
(3,918)
(3,043)
(15,168)
10,616
–
–
–
14,126

UNITED 
KINGDOM 
£’000
8,058
2,779
111,759
46,293
1,349

DRAGON
£’000
187
–
–
187
(13)
–
(67)
–
(6)
101
2
103
–
(34)
–
69

(42)
–
–
(32)
15
–
–
(59)
–
10

2,668
30
9
–
–
60
2,767

(1,196)
(199)
(104)
(1,499)
1,268
–
–
–
–

SOUTH
AFRICA
£’000
24,608
(785)
5,355
3,359
1,990

2015 
TOTAL
£’000
7,330
696
24,640
32,666
(1,653)
(19,177)
(8,019)
(497)
(1,329)
1,991
3
1,994
123
(4,221)
(158)
(2,262)

(185)
(11)
(1)
(32)
84
71
(276)
(350)
519
(2,093)

109,172
5,552
4,809
2,009
2,390
8,209
132,141

(67,218)
(10,507)
(8,324)
(86,049)
46,092
1,225
2,335
49,652
14,126

2015
TOTAL
£’000
32,666
1,994
117,114
49,652
3,339

Group revenue is external to the Group and the directors consider that inter segmental revenues are not material. Revenue includes 
contingent rents of £0.2 million (2015: £0.3 million).

70  London & Associated Properties PLC 2016

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS Notes to the financial statements

2.  LOSS BEFORE TAXATION 

Loss before taxation is stated after charging/(crediting):
Staff costs (see note 29)
Depreciation on tangible fixed assets - owned assets
Operating lease rentals - land and buildings
Exchange (gain)/loss
Profit on disposal of motor vehicles and office equipment
Amounts payable to the auditor in respect of both audit and non-audit services
Audit services
Statutory - Company and consolidation
Subsidiaries - audited by RSM
Subsidiaries - audited by other auditors
Further assurance services
Other services

Staff costs are included in overheads.

Gain on revaluation of investment properties

Investment surplus/(deficit)
Loss on valuation movement in respect of head lease payments

3.  LISTED INVESTMENTS HELD FOR TRADING

Dealing loss
Dividends receivable
Net profit from listed investments

4.  DIRECTORS’ EMOLUMENTS

Emoluments
Defined contribution pension scheme contributions

Sir Michael Heller received £75,000 (2015: £75,000) as a Director of Bisichi Mining PLC.

Details of directors’ emoluments and share options are set out in the remuneration report.

5.  FINANCE INCOME AND EXPENSES

Finance income
Finance expenses
Interest on bank loans and overdrafts
Unwinding of discount (Bisichi)
Other loans
Interest on derivatives
Interest on obligations under finance leases
Total finance expenses

2016
£’000 

 7,173 
 1,818 
 442 
(449)
(32)

 88 
 20 
50
 4 
32
 194 

2016
£’000 
549
(17)
532

2016 
£’000
– 
 2 
 2 

2015 
£’000

 7,219 
 1,329 
 422 
 497 
– 

 115 
 22 
39
 13 
2 
 191 

2015 
£’000 
(181)
(4)
(185)

2015 
£’000
(6)
 9 
 3 

2016 
£’000
988
 45 
1,033

2015 
£’000
 1,199 
 73 
 1,272 

2016
£’000 
 144 

(2,243)
(78)
(1,420)
(302)
(249)
(4,292)
(4,148)

2015
£’000 
 123 

(2,258)
(79)
(1,359)
(295)
(230)
(4,221)
(4,098)

London & Associated Properties PLC 2016  71

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS Notes to the financial statements

6.  INCOME TAX

Current tax
Corporation tax on profit of the period
Corporation tax on profit of previous periods
Total current tax
Deferred tax
Origination of timing differences
Revaluation of investment properties
Accelerated capital allowances
Fair value of interest derivatives
Adjustment in respect of prior years
Total deferred tax (notes 24 and 25)
Tax on profit on ordinary activities

2016
£’000 

 73 
– 
 73 

874
 472 
(48)
(40)
(156)
 1,102 
 1,175 

2015 
£’000

 10 
(20)
(10)

 864 
(1,035)
(97)
 22 
 209 
(37)
(47)

The 2016 deferred tax recognised in income of £1,102,000 includes a credit of £168,000 arising in the Bisichi Group on the correction of an 
error in the calculation of deferred tax in 2015 related to the accounting of a deferred tax liability incorrectly recognised in respect of management 
fees. The Group has adjusted the effect of this error in its 2016 financial statements by reducing the tax charge for the year by £168,000 and 
reducing the associated deferred tax liability as it is not considered to be material to the current or prior year financial statements.

Factors affecting tax charge/(credit) for the year
The corporation tax assessed for the year is different from that at the effective rate of corporation tax in the United Kingdom of 20 per cent  
(2015: 20.25 per cent). The differences are explained below:

Loss for the year before taxation
Taxation at 20 per cent (2015: 20.25 per cent)

Effects of:
Other differences
Adjustment in respect of prior years 
Deferred tax rate adjustment
Income tax charge/(credit) for the year

2016  
£’000
(974)
(195)

1,306
(157)
 221 
 1,175 

The main component of other differences in the reconciliation relates to capital gains of £0.8 million (2015: losses £1.1 million) and 
indexation allowances of £nil (2015: (£0.1 million)), and others £0.5 million (2015: £0.3 million).

Analysis of United Kingdom and overseas tax:
United Kingdom tax included in above:

Corporation tax
Adjustment in respect of prior years
Current tax
Deferred tax

Overseas tax included above:

Corporation tax
Adjustment in respect of prior years
Current tax
Deferred tax

2016
£’000 
13
–
13
1,241
1,254

2016
£’000 
60
–
60
(139)
(79)

2015  
£’000
(2,093)
(424)

(607)
 189 
 795 
(47)

2015 
£’000 
10
(23)
(13)
(153)
(166)

2015 
£’000 
–
3
3
116
119

Factors that may affect future tax charges:
Based on current capital expenditure plans, the Group expects to continue to be able to claim capital allowances in excess of depreciation in 
future years, but at a slightly lower level than in the current year.

A deferred tax provision has been made for gains on revaluing investment properties. At present it is not envisaged that any tax will become 
payable in the foreseeable future. 

The Finance Bill 2016 was substantively enacted on 7 September 2016. This includes a reduction in the rate of Corporation tax from 19% 
effective 1 April 2017 to 17% from 1 April 2020.

72  London & Associated Properties PLC 2016

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS Notes to the financial statements

7. DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS 
As part of the Group’s strategy to focus on core assets, the Group disposed of King Edward Court, Windsor in 2013. The profits and losses 
arising from this disposal were classified as discontinued operations. Contracts for the sale of King Edward Court had been exchanged in 2013 
and completion took place in January 2014. Following the settlement of a dispute additional proceeds of £414,000 were received by the Group 
in 2016.

8.  DIVIDEND

Dividends paid during the year relating to the prior period 
Dividends to be paid:
Proposed final dividend for the year

9.  (LOSS)/PROFIT PER SHARE AND NET ASSETS PER SHARE
(Loss)/profit per share has been calculated as follows:

2016
PER SHARE

0.16p

£’000 
 136 

2015
PER SHARE

0.156p

£’000 
 133 

0.165p

 141 

0.16p

 136 

Loss for the year for the purposes of basic and diluted profit per share (£’000)
Weighted average number of ordinary shares in issue for the purpose of basic profit per share (’000)
Basic loss per share
Weighted average number of ordinary shares in issue for the purpose of diluted profit per share (’000)
Fully diluted loss per share

2016 
(2,357)
 85,107 
(2.77)p
 85,107 
(2.77)p

2015 
(1,899)
 84,951 
(2.24)p
 84,951 
(2.24)p

Weighted average number of shares in issue is calculated after excluding treasury shares of 221,061 (2015: 734,816).

The loss for continuing operations was £2,357,000 (2015: £2,418,000) and the profit for discontinued operations was £nil (2015: £519,000).

Net assets per share have been calculated as follows:

Net assets (£’000)
Shares in issue (’000)
Basic net assets per share
Net assets diluted (£’000)
Shares in issue (’000)
Diluted net assets per share

10.  INVESTMENT PROPERTIES 

Cost or valuation at 1 January 2016
Additions in year
Decrease in present value of head leases
Increase/(decrease) on revaluation
At 31 December 2016

Representing assets stated at:
Valuation
Present value of head leases

At 31 December 2016
At 31 December 2015

2016 
 38,242 
 85,322 
44.83p
 38,242 
 85,322 
44.83p

2015 
 40,078 
 84,808 
47.26p
 40,078 
 84,808 
47.26p

TOTAL
£’000
 109,172 
 160 
(17)
 532 
 109,847 

 105,080 
 4,767 
 109,847 

 109,847 
 109,172 

FREEHOLD
£’000
 86,468 
 160 
– 
 1,957 
 88,585 

 88,585 
– 
 88,585 

 88,585 
 86,468 

LEASEHOLD 
OVER 50  
YEARS
£’000
 21,060 
– 
(15)
(1,425)
 19,620 

LEASEHOLD
UNDER 50 
YEARS
£’000
 1,644 
– 
(2)
– 
 1,642 

 15,495 
 4,125 
 19,620 

 19,620 
 21,060 

 1,000 
 642 
 1,642 

 1,642 
 1,644 

London & Associated Properties PLC 2016  73

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS Notes to the financial statements

10.  INVESTMENT PROPERTIES CONTINUED

Cost or valuation at 1 January 2015
Acquisition of property
Additions in year
Disposals 
Decrease in present value of head leases
Increase/(decrease) on revaluation
At 31 December 2015
Representing assets stated at:
Valuation
Present value of head leases

At 31 December 2015
At 31 December 2014

TOTAL 
£’000
108,443
960
357
(400)
(3)
(185)
109,172

104,388
4,784
109,172

109,172
108,443

FREEHOLD
£’000
85,080
960
210
(400)
-
618
86,468

86,468
-
86,468

86,468
85,080

LEASEHOLD
OVER 
50 YEARS 
£’000
21,591
-
147
-
-
(678)
21,060

16,920
4,140
21,060

21,060
21,591

LEASEHOLD 
UNDER
50 YEARS 
£’000
1,772
-
-
-
(3)
(125)
1,644

1,000
644
1,644

1,644
1,772

The leasehold and freehold properties, excluding the present value of head leases and directors’ valuations, were valued as at 31 December 2016 by 
professional firms of chartered surveyors. The valuations were made at fair value. The directors’ property valuations were made at fair value. 

Allsop LLP
Carter Towler 
Directors’ valuations

Add: present value of headleases

2016
£’000
90,010

13,245

1,825

105,080

4,767

109,847

2015
£’000
87,095
12,800
4,493
104,388
4,784

109,172

The historical cost of investment properties, including total capitalised interest of £1,161,000 (2015: £1,161,000) was as follows:

Cost at 1 January 

Acquisition of property

Additions 

Disposals 

2016

LEASEHOLD 
OVER 50 
YEARS
£’000
 17,653 

LEASEHOLD 
UNDER 50 
YEARS 
£’000
 1,939 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

FREEHOLD
£’000
 72,551 

– 

 160 

– 

2015

LEASEHOLD 
OVER 50 
YEARS
£’000
 17,506 

– 

 147 

– 

LEASEHOLD 
UNDER 50 
YEARS 
£’000
 1,939 

– 

– 

– 

FREEHOLD
£’000
 71,601 

 960 

 210 

(220)

Cost at 31 December 

 72,711 

 17,653 

 1,939 

 72,551 

 17,653 

 1,939 

Each year external valuers are appointed by the executive directors on behalf of the Board. The valuers are selected based upon their 
knowledge, independence and reputation for valuing assets such as those held by the Group.

Valuations are performed annually and are performed consistently across all properties in the Group’s portfolio. At each reporting date 
appropriately qualified employees of the Group verify all significant inputs and review the computational outputs. Valuers submit their report 
to the Board on the outcome of each valuation.

Valuations take into account tenure, lease terms and structural condition. The inputs underlying the valuations include market rent or 
business profitability, likely incentives offered to tenants, forecast growth rates, yields, EBITDA, discount rates, construction costs including 
any specific site costs (for example section 106), professional fees, developer’s profit including contingencies, planning and construction 
timelines, lease regear costs, planning risk and sales prices based on known market transactions for similar properties to those being valued.

Valuations are based on what is determined to be the highest and best use. When considering the highest and best use the valuer will consider, on a 
property by property basis, its actual and potential uses which are physically, legally and financially viable. Where the highest and best use differs 
from the existing use, the valuer will consider the cost and likelihood of achieving and implementing this change in arriving at the valuation.

74  London & Associated Properties PLC 2016

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS Notes to the financial statements

10.  INVESTMENT PROPERTIES CONTINUED
There are often restrictions on Freehold and Leasehold property which could have a material impact on the realisation of these assets. The 
most significant of these occur when planning permission or lease extension and renegotiation of use are required or when a credit facility is 
in place. These restrictions are factored into the property’s valuation by the external valuer.

The methods of fair value measurement are classified into a hierarchy based on the reliability of the information used to determine the 
valuation, as follows:

Level 1: 

Level 2: 

valuation based on inputs on quoted market prices in active markets.

 valuation based on inputs other than quoted prices included within level 1 that maximise the use of observable data directly or 
from market prices or indirectly derived from market prices.

Level 3: 

where one or more inputs to valuations are not based on observable market data.

CLASS OF PROPERTY
LEVEL 3
Freehold – external valuation

CARRYING /
FAIR VALUE
2016
£’000
86,760

CARRYING/ 
FAIR VALUE 
2015 
£’000

VALUATION  
TECHNIQUE
81,975 Income capitalisation

KEY UNOBSERVABLE
INPUTS
Estimated Rental Value

RANGE 
(WEIGHTED 
AVERAGE) 
2016
£5 – £37

RANGE 
(WEIGHTED 
AVERAGE) 
2015
£5 – £37

Per sq ft p.a

(£19)

(£18)

Equivalent Yield

5% – 14%

5% – 15%

Leasehold over 50 years – 
external valuation

15,495

16,920 Income capitalisation

Estimated Rental Value

(8%)
£5 – £11

(8%)
£5 – £11

Per sq ft p.a

(£9)

(£10)

Equivalent Yield

7% – 18%

7% –18%

Leasehold under 50 years – 
external valuation

1,000

1,000 Income capitalisation

Estimated Rental Value

Per sq ft p.a

(11%) 

£3 – £5

(£4)

(11%)
£4 – £5

(£4)

Equivalent Yield

18% – 23%

23% – 26%

Freehold – Directors’ valuation

1,825

4,493 Income capitalisation

Estimated Rental Value

Per sq ft p.a

(19%)
£5 – £5

(£5)

(25%)
£5 – £24

(£16)

Equivalent Yield

6% – 6%

6% – 6%

(6%)

(6%)

At 31 December

105,080

104,388

There are interrelationships between all these inputs as they are determined by market conditions. The existence of an increase in more than 
one input would be to magnify the input on the valuation. The impact on the valuation will be mitigated by the interrelationship of two inputs 
in opposite directions, for example, an increase in rent may be offset by an increase in yield.

The table below illustrates the impact of changes in key unobservable inputs on the carrying / fair value of the Group’s properties.

ESTIMATED RENTAL VALUE
10% INCREASE OR (DECREASE)

EQUIVALENT YIELD
25 BASIS POINT 
CONTRACTION
OR (EXPANSION)

Freehold – external valuation
Leasehold over 50 years – external valuation
Leasehold under 50 years – external valuation
Freehold – Directors’ valuation

2015
£’000

2016
£’000

2015
£’000
8,671/(8,671) 8,064/(8,064) 3,585/(3,298) 3,288/(3,027)
440/(418)
1,545/(1,545) 1,692/(1,692)
10/(10)
100/(100)
183/(169)
443/(443)

394/(375)
13/(13)
78/(72)

100/(100)
183/(183)

2016
£’000

London & Associated Properties PLC 2016  75

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS Notes to the financial statements

11. MINING RESERVES, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT

Cost at 1 January 2016
Exchange adjustment
Additions
Disposals
At 31 December 2016
Accumulated depreciation at 1 January 2016
Exchange adjustment
Charge for the year
Disposals in year
Accumulated depreciation at 31 December 2016
Net book value at 31 December 2016

Cost at 1 January 2015
Exchange adjustment
Additions
Disposals
Cost at 31 December 2015
Accumulated depreciation at 1 January 2015
Exchange adjustment
Charge for the year
Disposals
Accumulated depreciation at 31 December 2015
Net book value at 31 December 2015

12.  INVESTMENT IN JOINT VENTURE

Shares in joint venture:

At 1 January
Share of profit after tax (Langney)
Dividends received (Langney)
Loss on reclassification of asset held for sale (Langney)
Exchange adjustment
Transfer to assets held for sale (Langney) (note 14)
At 31 December

Results of joint venture:

Turnover
Loss before tax
Loss after taxation
Balance sheet
Non-current assets
Current assets
Current liabilities
Non-current liabilities
Share of net assets at 31 December

76  London & Associated Properties PLC 2016

TOTAL
£’000 
 17,188 
 6,273 
 2,862 
(506)
 25,817 
 11,636 
 4,202 
 1,818 
(492)
 17,164 
 8,653 

 19,536 
(4,361)
 2,022 
(9)
 17,188 
 13,279 
(2,963)
 1,329 
(9)
 11,636 
 5,552 

MINING 
RESERVES
£’000 
 995 
 349 
– 
– 
 1,344 
 949 
 336 
 2 
– 
 1,287 
 57 

 1,266 
(271)
– 
– 
 995 
 1,149 
(256)
 56 
– 
 949 
 46 

MINING
EQUIPMENT
£’000 
 15,453 
 5,858 
 2,814 
(401)
 23,724 
 10,201 
 3,824 
 1,746 
(401)
 15,370 
 8,354 

 17,539 
(4,048)
 1,964 
(2)
 15,453 
 11,705 
(2,679)
 1,177 
(2)
 10,201 
 5,252 

2016
£’000 
 325 
– 
– 
– 
 130 
– 
 455 

2016 
£’000 
– 
– 
– 

 1,346 
 3 
(1,349)
– 
– 

EZIMBOKODWENI
49%
£’000
– 
– 
– 

 1,346 
 3 
(1,349)
– 
– 

OFFICE 
EQUIPMENT 
AND MOTOR
VEHICLES
£’000 
 740 
 66 
 48 
(105)
 749 
 486 
 42 
 70 
(91)
 507 
 242 

 731 
(42)
 58 
(7)
 740 
 425 
(28)
 96 
(7)
 486 
 254 

2015 
£’000
 3,434 
 71 
(210)
(276)
(359)
(2,335)
 325 

2015 
£’000 
 344 
(204)
(204)

 5,467 
 206 
(989)
(2,349)
 2,335 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS Notes to the financial statements

12.  INVESTMENT IN JOINT VENTURE CONTINUED

Reconciliation to amounts included in the financial statements:

GROUP SHARE OF:
Amount invested in excess of net assets
Shares in joint venture

EZIMBOKODWENI
49.00%
£’000 
 455 
 455 

TOTAL
2016 
£’000 
 455 
 455 

TOTAL
2015 
£’000 
 325 
 325 

Ezimbokodweni Mining (Pty) Limited (Ezimbokodweni) – unlisted coal production company. The Group owns, via Bisichi Mining PLC, 49% 
of the issued share capital. The company is incorporated in South Africa and its registered address is Samora Machel Street, Bethal Road, 
Middelburg, Mpumalanga, 1050. It has issued share capital of 100 (2015: 100) ordinary shares of ZAR1 each. No dividends were received 
during the period. Included in the carrying value of the net investment in the joint venture assets in note 13 is a loan to Ezimbokodweni of 
£1,350,000 (2015: £900,000) and an equity investment of £455,000 (2015: £325,000). The loan bears interest at the South African prime 
overdraft rate plus 1.5%. The loan is unsecured and repayable on demand.

Langney Shopping Centre Unit Trust (Langney) – Prior to 11 March 2016, the Group owned 25% of the units of Langney Shopping Centre Unit 
Trust, an unlisted property unit trust incorporated in Jersey. 25% of the units in the trust were held by London & Associated Properties PLC 
and Bisichi Mining PLC equally and 75% were held by Columbus UK GP limited, a partner acting on behalf of Columbus UK Real Estate Fund. 
On the 11 March 2016, the Group disposed of its investment in Langney Shopping Centre Unit Trust. The net proceeds from the sale were 
£2,335,000 which includes £60,000 dividends repaid post year end. At 31 December 2015, the investment was transferred from investment 
in joint ventures to assets held for sale in the balance sheet. At year end, the share of the net assets of the trust held by the Group were £nil 
(2015: £2,335,000) which includes a loss on the reclassification of the asset to held for sale in the amount of £nil (2015: £276,000).

13. LOAN TO JOINT VENTURE

Loan to Ezimbokodweni Mining (Pty) Limited
At 1 January
Exchange adjustment
Additions – interest
At 31 December

14. ASSETS HELD FOR SALE 

Investment in Langney Shopping Centre Unit Trust
At 1 January
Transfer from investment in joint venture (note 12)
Disposal
At 31 December

2016 
JOINT 
VENTURES 
ASSETS 
£’000

2015 
JOINT 
VENTURES 
ASSETS 
£’000

 900 
 336 
 114 
 1,350 

2016
£’000 

2,335
–
(2,335)
–

 1,040 
(235)
 95 
 900 

2015 
£’000 

–
2,335
–
2,335

On the 11 March 2016, the Group disposed of its investment in Langney Shopping Centre Unit Trust, an unlisted property unit trust 
incorporated in Jersey. The Group owned 25% of the units of the trust. The net proceeds from the sale were £2,335,000 (including dividend). 
At year end, the Group’s share of the net assets of the trust was £nil (2015: £2,335,000).

London & Associated Properties PLC 2016  77

 
 
 
 
 
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS Notes to the financial statements

15. SUBSIDIARY COMPANIES
In accordance with Section 409 of the Companies Act 2006 a full list of subsidiaries, the principal activity, the country of incorporation and 
the percentage of equity owned, as at 31 December 2016 is disclosed below:

ENTITY
Analytical Investments Limited
Analytical Portfolios Limited
Analytical Properties Holdings Limited
Analytical Properties Limited
Analytical Ventures Limited
24 Bruton Place Limited
24 BPL (Harrogate) Limited
24 BPL (Harrogate ) Two Limited
Brixton Village Limited
Market Row Limited
Newincco 1243 Limited
Newincco 1244 Limited
Newincco 1245 Limited

Newincco 1299 Limited
Newincco 1300 Limited
LAP Ocean Holdings Limited
LAP Ocean Two Limited
London & Associated Limited
London & Associated (Rugeley) Limited
London & Associated Securities Limited
London & Associated Management Services Limited

London & African Investments Limited
Orchard Chambers Residential Limited
Bisichi Mining PLC (note D)
Mineral Products Limited (note A)(note D)
Bisichi (Properties) Limited (note A)(note D)
Bisichi Mining (Exploration) Limited (note A)(note D) Holding company
Black Wattle Colliery (Pty) Limited (note A)(note D) Coal mining

Bisichi Coal Mining (Pty) Limited (note A)(note D)

Coal mining

100%

Urban First (Northampton) Limited (note A)(note D) Dormant
Bisichi Trustee Limited (note A)(note D)
Property
Bisichi Mining Management Services Limited (note A)(note D) Dormant
Dormant
Ninghi Marketing Limited (note A)(note D)
Property
Bisichi Northampton Limited (note A)(note D)
Dormant
Amandla Ehtu Mineral Resource Development (Pty) 
Limited (note A)(note D)
Ezimbokodweni Mining (Pty) Limited (note A)(note D) Dormant

100%
100%
100%
90.1%
100%
70%

49%

Black Wattle Klipfontein (Pty) Limited (note A)(note D) Coal mining

62.5%

Dragon Retail Properties Limited (note B)(note D)
Newincco 1338 Limited (note C)

Property 
Property 

50%
100%

Details on the non–controlling interest in subsidiaries are shown under note 27.

ACTIVITY
Dormant
Dormant
Property 
Property
Property
Dormant
Investment
Investment
Property
Property
Property
Property
Property 
Management Services
Property 
Property
Property
Property
Dormant
Dormant
Dormant
Property 
Management Services
Dormant
Dormant
Coal mining
Share dealing
Property

100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%

100% 
100%
41.52%
100%
100%
100%
62.5%

PERCENTAGE 
OF SHARE 
CAPITAL
100%
100% 
100%
100%
100%
100%
88%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%

COUNTRY OF 
INCORPORATION

REGISTERED ADDRESS
24 Bruton Place, London, W1J 6NE England and Wales
24 Bruton Place, London, W1J 6NE England and Wales
24 Bruton Place, London, W1J 6NE England and Wales
24 Bruton Place, London, W1J 6NE England and Wales
24 Bruton Place, London, W1J 6NE England and Wales
24 Bruton Place, London, W1J 6NE England and Wales
24 Bruton Place, London, W1J 6NE England and Wales
24 Bruton Place, London, W1J 6NE England and Wales
24 Bruton Place, London, W1J 6NE England and Wales
24 Bruton Place, London, W1J 6NE England and Wales
24 Bruton Place, London, W1J 6NE England and Wales
24 Bruton Place, London, W1J 6NE England and Wales
24 Bruton Place, London, W1J 6NE England and Wales

24 Bruton Place, London, W1J 6NE England and Wales
24 Bruton Place, London, W1J 6NE England and Wales
24 Bruton Place, London, W1J 6NE England and Wales
24 Bruton Place, London, W1J 6NE England and Wales
24 Bruton Place, London, W1J 6NE England and Wales
24 Bruton Place, London, W1J 6NE England and Wales
24 Bruton Place, London, W1J 6NE England and Wales
24 Bruton Place, London, W1J 6NE England and Wales

South Africa

South Africa

24 Bruton Place, London, W1J 6NE England and Wales
24 Bruton Place, London, W1J 6NE England and Wales
24 Bruton Place, London, W1J 6NE England and Wales
24 Bruton Place, London, W1J 6NE England and Wales
24 Bruton Place, London, W1J 6NE England and Wales
24 Bruton Place, London, W1J 6NE England and Wales
Samora Machel Street, Bethal Road, 
Middelburg, Mpumalanga, 1050
Samora Machel Street, Bethal Road, 
Middelburg, Mpumalanga, 1050
24 Bruton Place, London, W1J 6NE England and Wales
24 Bruton Place, London, W1J 6NE England and Wales
24 Bruton Place, London, W1J 6NE England and Wales
24 Bruton Place, London, W1J 6NE England and Wales
24 Bruton Place, London, W1J 6NE England and Wales
Samora Machel Street, Bethal Road, 
Middelburg, Mpumalanga, 1050
Samora Machel Street, Bethal Road, 
Middelburg, Mpumalanga, 1050
Samora Machel Street, Bethal Road, 
Middelburg, Mpumalanga, 1050
24 Bruton Place, London, W1J 6NE England and Wales
24 Bruton Place, London, W1J 6NE England and Wales

South Africa

South Africa

South Africa

Note A: these companies are owned by Bisichi and the equity shareholdings disclosed relate to that company.
Note B: this entity is a joint venture owned 50% by LAP and 50% by Bisichi.
Note C: this company is owned by Dragon and the equity shareholdings disclosed relate to that company.
Note D: Bisichi and Dragon and their subsidiaries are included in the consolidated financial statements in accordance with IFRS 10.

78  London & Associated Properties PLC 2016

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS Notes to the financial statements

16. INVENTORIES

Coal
Washed
Run of mine
Work in progress
Other

2016 
£’000

 1,139 
 83 
 458 
 41 
 1,721 

17.  HELD TO MATURITY INVESTMENTS AND OTHER INVESTMENTS
Held to maturity investments:

At 1 January
Repayments
At 31 December

2016
TOTAL
£’000
 1,995 
(121)
1,874

UNLISTED
SHARES
£’000
 1 
– 
 1 

LOAN
STOCK
£’000
 1,994 
(121)
 1,873 

2015
TOTAL
£’000
 2,196 
(201)
1,995

UNLISTED
SHARES
£’000
 1 
– 
 1 

2015 
£’000

 778 
 110 
 122 
 39 
 1,049 

LOAN
STOCK
£’000
 2,195 
(201)
 1,994 

The Group owns a 6.95% interest in the equity and loans of HRGT Shopping Centres LP (HRGT), a limited partnership set up in England to 
acquire and own 3 shopping centres in Dunfermline, Kings Lynn and Loughborough. 92.10% of the equity and loans are owned by Oaktree 
Capital Management and 0.95% by Gooch Cunliffe Whale LLP. London & Associated Management Services Limited has a management 
contract to manage the properties on behalf of HRGT.

Other investments: 

Net book and market value of investments listed on overseas stock exchange

18.  TRADE AND OTHER RECEIVABLES

Trade receivables
Other receivables
Prepayments and accrued income

The directors consider that the carrying amount of trade and other receivables approximates to their fair value.

19.  INVESTMENTS AVAILABLE FOR SALE AND HELD FOR TRADING

Market bid value of the listed investment portfolio - available for sale
Market bid value of the listed investment portfolio - held for trading
Unrealised gain/(loss) of market value over cost
Listed investment portfolio at cost

2016 
£’000
 32 
 32 

2016 
£’000
 4,701 
 1,010 
 1,350 
 7,061 

2016
£’000 
 781 
 19 
 45 
 755 

2015 
£’000
 14 
 14 

2015 
£’000
 4,129 
 1,385 
 988 
 6,502 

2015 
£’000
 594 
 20 
(146)
 760 

Investments are listed on the London Stock Exchange with the exception of £60,000 (2015: £26,000) listed outside Great Britain.

The directors have reviewed the individual investments for impairment and do not consider the investments which are below cost to be impaired.

London & Associated Properties PLC 2016  79

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS Notes to the financial statements

20   TRADE AND OTHER PAYABLES

Trade payables
Other taxation and social security costs
Other payables
Accruals and deferred income

The directors consider that the carrying amount of trade and other payables approximates to their fair value.

21.  BORROWINGS

Other loans (Bisichi)
£1.25 million term bank loan (secured) repayable by 2020 (Dragon)*
£3.75 million first mortgage debenture stock 2018 at 11.6 per cent
Bank overdrafts (secured) (Bisichi)
Bank loan (secured)(Bisichi)
£10 million first mortgage debenture stock 2022 at 8.109 per cent*
£5.876 million term bank loan (secured) repayable by 2019 (Bisichi)*
£34.897 million term bank loan (secured) repayable by 2019*
£10.105 million term bank loan (secured) repayable by 2019 at 9.5 per cent*

2016
£’000
CURRENT
 24 
– 
 750 
 3,334 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
 4,108 

2016
£’000
NON-CURRENT
– 
 1,207 
 3,000 
– 
 66 
 9,905 
 5,810 
 34,468 
 9,945 
 64,401 

Borrowings analysis by origin:

United Kingdom
South Africa

2016 
£’000
 3,618 
 739 
 2,815 
 5,770 
 12,942 

2015
£’000 
 2,289 
 661 
 2,687 
 4,860 
 10,497 

2015
£’000
CURRENT
 33 
– 
– 
 2,234 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
 2,267 

2015
£’000
NON-CURRENT
– 
 1,196 
 3,750 
– 
 13 
 9,888 
 5,927 
 34,296 
 9,881 
 64,951 

2016
£’000 
65,085
3,424
68,509

2015 
£’000 
64,938
2,280
67,218

*  The £10 million debenture and bank loans are shown after deduction of un-amortised issue costs.

Interest payable on the term bank loans is variable being based upon the London inter–bank offered rate (LIBOR) plus margin.

In 2015, the Group repaid early £1.25 million of the £5 million first mortgage debenture stock 2018, at an additional cost of £158,000.

First Mortgage Debenture Stocks August 2018 and 2022 and the £34.897 million and £10.105 million term bank loans repayable in July 
2019 are secured by way of a charge on specific freehold and leasehold properties which are included in the financial statements at a value 
of £87.38 million. In addition, £0.53 million of cash deposits are charged as security to debenture stocks. The £34.897 million bank loan has 
an interest cost of 2 per cent above LIBOR. An interest rate swap and cap agreements have been entered into as detailed in note 23.

The Bisichi United Kingdom bank loans and overdraft are secured by way of a first charge over the investment properties in the UK which are 
included in the financial statements at a value of £13.2 million. During the year, Bisichi breached a loan to value covenant on the bank loan. 
Bisichi made a £123,300 payment against the loan and remedied the covenant breach, leaving a loan due of £5.876 million. The interest cost 
of the bank loan is 2.35 per cent above LIBOR.

The Bisichi South African bank loans are secured by way of a first charge over specific pieces of mining equipment, inventory and the debtors 
of the relevant company which holds the loan which are included in the financial statements at a value of £6.057 million. 

The bank loan of £1.25 million (Dragon) which is repayable in November 2020 is secured by way of a first charge on specific freehold 
property and which is included in the financial statements at a value of £2.58 million. The interest cost of the loan is 2 per cent above LIBOR.

The Group’s objectives when managing capital are: 

–   To safeguard the Group’s ability to continue as a going concern, so that it may provide returns for shareholders and benefits for other 

stakeholders; and

–   To provide adequate returns to shareholders by ensuring returns are commensurate with the risk.

80  London & Associated Properties PLC 2016

 
 
 
 
 
 
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS Notes to the financial statements

22.  PROVISIONS

At 1 January
Exchange adjustment
Unwinding of discount
At 31 December

The above provision relates to mine rehabilitation costs in Bisichi.

23.  FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS

Total financial assets and liabilities
The Group’s financial assets and liabilities and their fair values are as follows: 

Cash and cash equivalents
Assets held for sale
Investments held to maturity
Loan to joint venture
Other investments
Investments held for trading
Available for sale investments
Derivative assets
Other assets
Derivative liabilities
Bank overdrafts
Bank loans
Present value of head leases on properties
Other liabilities
Total financial liabilities before debentures

Fair value of debenture stocks
Fair value of the Group’s debenture liabilities:

Debenture stocks
Tax at 20 per cent (2015: 20 per cent)
Post tax fair value adjustment
Post tax fair value adjustment – basic pence per share

2016 
£’000
 847 
 311 
 78 
 1,236 

2015 
£’000
 930 
(162)
 79 
 847 

FAIR 
VALUE 
£’000 
 6,265 
– 
 1,874 
 1,350 
 32 
 19 
 781 
 4 
 5,711 
(793)
(3,334)
(52,218)
(4,767)
(12,942)
(58,018)

BOOK 
VALUE 
£’000 
(13,750)
– 
– 
– 

2016
CARRYING 
VALUE 
£’000 
 6,265 
– 
 1,874 
 1,350 
 32 
 19 
 781 
 4 
 5,711 
(793)
(3,334)
(51,520)
(4,767)
(12,942)
(57,320)

FAIR 
VALUE 
£’000 
 4,809 
 2,335 
 1,995 
 900 
 14 
 20 
 594 
 15 
 5,514 
(587)
(2,234)
(52,298)
(4,784)
(10,497)
(54,204)

2015
CARRYING 
VALUE 
£’000 
 4,809 
 2,335 
 1,995 
 900 
 14 
 20 
 594 
 15 
 5,514 
(587)
(2,234)
(51,346)
(4,784)
(10,497)
(53,252)

FAIR 
VALUE 
£’000 
(17,276)
– 
– 
– 

2016 
FAIR VALUE 
ADJUSTMENT 
£’000 
(3,526)
 705 
(2,821)
(3.3)p

2015 
FAIR VALUE 
ADJUSTMENT 
£’000 
(3,575)
 715 
(2,860)
(3.3)p

London & Associated Properties PLC 2016  81

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS Notes to the financial statements

23.  FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS CONTINUED
There is no material difference in respect of other financial liabilities or any financial assets.

The fair values were calculated by the directors as at 31 December 2016 and reflect the replacement value of the financial instruments used 
to manage the Group’s exposure to adverse rate movements.

The fair values of the debentures are based on the net present value at the relevant gilt interest rate of the future payments of interest on the 
debentures. The bank loans and overdrafts are at variable rates and there is no material difference between book values and fair values.

Investments held for trading and available for sale fall under level 1 of the fair value hierarchy into which fair value measurements are 
recognised in accordance with the levels set out in IFRS 7. Held to maturity investments are held at cost and other investments are held at 
fair value. The directors are of the opinion that the difference in value between cost and fair value of other investments is not significant or 
material. The comparative figures for 2015 fall under the same category of financial instrument as 2016.

The carrying amount of short term (less than 12 months) trade receivable and other liabilities approximates its fair values. The fair value of 
non-current borrowings in note 21 approximates its carrying value and was determined under level 2 of the fair value hierarchy and is 
estimated by discounting the future contractual cash flows at the current market interest rates for UK borrowings and for the South African 
overdraft facility. The fair value of the finance lease liabilities in note 31 approximates its carrying value was determined under level 2 of the 
fair value hierarchy and is estimated by discounting the future contractual cash flows at the current market interest rates.

Treasury policy 
The Group enters into derivative transactions such as interest rate swaps and forward exchange contracts in order to help manage the 
financial risks arising from the Group’s activities. The main risks arising from the Group’s financing structure are interest rate risk, liquidity risk 
and market price risk, credit risk, commodity price risk and foreign exchange risk. The policies for managing each of these risks and the 
principal effects of these policies on the results are summarised below.

Sensitivity analysis
LAP and Dragon have variable interest term debts which are covered by derivatives. Additionally, LAP has variable interest term debt covered 
by interest caps. At 31 December 2016, with other variables unchanged, a 1% increase in interest rates would change the profit/loss for the 
year by £173,000 (2015: £173,000). Bisichi has variable loans and a 1% increase in interest rates would change the profit/loss for the year by 
£56,000 (2015: £67,000).

Interest rate risk 
Treasury activities take place under procedures and policies approved and monitored by the Board to minimise the financial risk faced by the 
Group. The £34.897 million bank loan and Bisichi United Kingdom bank loans and overdraft are secured by way of a first charge on certain 
fixed assets. The rates of interest vary based on LIBOR in the UK.

The £10.105 million term bank loan is secured by way of a second charge on certain fixed assets. This loan is based on a fixed interest rate.

The Bisichi South African bank loans are secured by way of a first charge over specific pieces of mining equipment, inventory and the debtors 
of the relevant company which holds the loan. The rates of interest vary based on PRIME in South Africa.

The £1.25 million bank loan (Dragon) is secured by way of a first charge on specific freehold property. The rate of interest varies based on 
LIBOR in the UK.

Liquidity risk 
The Group’s policy is to minimise refinancing risk by balancing its exposure to interest risk and to refinancing risk. In effect the Group seeks to 
borrow for as long as possible at the lowest acceptable cost. Efficient treasury management and strict credit control minimise the costs and 
risks associated with this policy which ensures that funds are available to meet commitments as they fall due. Cash and cash equivalents earn 
interest at rates based on LIBOR in the UK. These facilities are considered adequate to meet the Group’s anticipated cash flow requirements 
for the foreseeable future.

In South Africa, an increase in the structured trade facility from R60 million (South African Rand) to R80 million was signed by Black Wattle 
Colliery (Pty) Limited with Absa Bank Limited, a South African subsidiary of Barclays Bank PLC. The facility is renewable annually at 30 June 
and is secured against inventory, debtors and cash that are held by Black Wattle Colliery (Pty) Limited.

82  London & Associated Properties PLC 2016

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS Notes to the financial statements

23.  FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS CONTINUED
The table below analyses the Group’s financial liabilities (excluding interest rate derivatives) into maturity Groupings and also provides details 
of the liabilities that bear interest at fixed, floating and non–interest bearing rates.

Bank overdrafts (floating)
Debentures (fixed)
Bank loans (fixed)
Bank loans (floating)*
Trade and other payables (non–interest)

Bank overdrafts (floating)
Debentures (fixed)
Bank loans (fixed)
Bank loans (floating)*
Trade and other payables (non–interest)

2016 
TOTAL 
£’000 
 3,334 
 13,655 
 9,945 
 41,575 
 12,942 
 81,451 

2015 
TOTAL 
£’000 
 2,234 
 13,638 
 9,881 
 41,465 
 11,506 
 78,724 

LESS THAN
1 YEAR
£’000 
 3,334 
 750 
– 
 24 
 12,942 
 17,050 

LESS THAN
1 YEAR
£’000 
 2,234 
– 
– 
 33 
 10,636 
 12,903 

2-5 YEARS 

£’000 
– 
 3,000 
 9,945 
 41,551 
– 
 54,496 

2-5 YEARS

£’000 
– 
 3,750 
 9,881 
 41,432 
 737 
 55,800 

OVER 
5 YEARS 
£’000 
– 
 9,905 
– 
– 
– 
 9,905 

OVER
5 YEARS 
£’000 
– 
 9,888 
– 
– 
 133 
 10,021 

The Group would normally expect that sufficient cash is generated in the operating cycle to meet the contractual cash flows as disclosed 
above through effective cash management. 

*Certain bank loans are fully hedged with appropriate interest derivatives. Details of all hedges are shown below.

Market price risk
The Group is exposed to market price risk through interest rate and currency fluctuations.

Credit risk 
At the balance sheet date there were no significant concentrations of credit risk. The maximum exposure to credit risk is represented by the 
carrying amount of each financial asset in the balance sheet. The Group only deposits surplus cash with well–established financial institutions 
of high quality credit standing.

Foreign exchange risk 
Only Bisichi is subject to this risk. All trading is undertaken in the local currencies except for certain export sales that commenced during 
2016 which are invoiced in US Dollars. It is not the Bisichi Group’s policy to obtain forward contracts to mitigate foreign exchange risk on 
these contracts as payment terms are within 15 days of invoice or earlier. Funding is also in local currencies other than inter-company 
investments and loans and it is also not the Bisichi Group’s policy to obtain forward contracts to mitigate foreign exchange risk on these 
amounts. During 2016 and 2015 the Bisichi Group did not hedge its exposure of foreign investments held in foreign currencies. 

The Bisichi directors consider there to be no significant risk from exchange rate movements of foreign currencies against the functional 
currencies of the reporting companies within the Bisichi Group, excluding inter-company balances. The principle currency risk to which the 
Bisichi Group is exposed in regard to inter-company balances is the exchange rate between Pounds sterling and South African Rand. It arises 
as a result of the retranslation of Rand denominated inter-company trade receivable balances held within the UK which are payable by South 
African Rand functional currency subsidiaries. 

Based on the Bisichi Group’s net financial assets and liabilities as at 31 December 2016, a 25% strengthening of Sterling against the South 
African Rand, with all other variables held constant, would decrease the Bisichi Group’s profit after taxation by £435,000 (2015: £344,000). A 
25% weakening of Sterling against the South African Rand, with all other variables held constant would increase the Bisichi Group’s profit 
after taxation by £725,000 (2015: £573,000). 

The 25% sensitivity has been determined based on the average historic volatility of the exchange rate for 2015 and 2016. 

London & Associated Properties PLC 2016  83

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS Notes to the financial statements

23.  FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS CONTINUED
The table below shows the Bisichi currency profiles of cash and cash equivalents:

Sterling
South African Rand
US Dollar

Cash and cash equivalents earn interest at rates based on LIBOR in Sterling and Prime in Rand. 

The tables below shows the Bisichi currency profiles of net monetary assets and liabilities by functional currency:

2016:
Sterling
South African Rand
US Dollar

2015:
Sterling
South African Rand
US Dollar

2016
£’000 
1,717
725
2
2,444

2015 
£’000 
1,135
470
3
1,608

UK
£’000 
(2,522)
36
35
(2,451)

SOUTH AFRICA 
£’000 
–
(2,262)
–
(2,262)

UK
£’000 
(3,221)
89
13
(3,119)

SOUTH AFRICA 
£’000 
–
(136)
–
(136)

Borrowing facilities 
At 31 December 2016 the Group was within its bank borrowing facilities and was not in breach of any of the covenants. Term loan 
repayments are as set out below. Details of other financial liabilities are shown in Notes 20 and 21. 

Interest rate and hedge profile 

Fixed rate borrowings

Floating rate borrowings

– Subject to interest rate swap

– Other borrowings

Average fixed interest rate

Weighted average swapped interest rate

Weighted average cost of debt on overdrafts, bank loans and debentures

Average period for which borrowing rate is fixed

Average period for which borrowing rate is swapped

2016
£’000 
 23,855 

 36,147 

9,300

 69,302
9.24%

3.3%

5.8%

3.8 years

2.5 years

2015 
£’000
 23,855 

 36,148 

8,280

 68,283 
9.24%

3.41%

5.71%

4.8 years

3.5 years

The Group’s floating rate debt bears interest based on LIBOR for the term bank loans and bank base rate for the overdraft.

At 31 December 2016 the Group had hedges totaling £34.897 million to cover the £34.9 million bank loan. These consisted of a 5 year swap 
for £17.5 million, taken out in July 2014 at 2.25% and a £17.5 million cap agreement taken out in July 2014 at 2.25% until 29 January 2016 
and a swaption at 2.25% on the capped portion from 29 January 2016 to 1 July 2019. During the year the swaption was not exercised and 
was replaced in January 2016 with a £17.397 million cap agreement to 1 July 2019.

At the year end the fair value liability in the accounts was £793,000 (2015: £587,000) as valued by the hedge provider. 

At 31 December 2016, Dragon had hedges of £1.25 million to cover the £1.25 million bank loan. This consists of a 5 year £1.25 million cap 
agreement taken out in November 2015 at 2.5%. At the year end, the fair value asset in the accounts was £4,000, as valued by the hedge provider.

84  London & Associated Properties PLC 2016

 
 
 
 
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS Notes to the financial statements

23.  FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS CONTINUED

Fair value of financial instruments
Fair value estimation
The Group has adopted the amendment to IFRS 7 for financial instruments that are measured in the balance sheet at fair value. This requires 
the methods of fair value measurement to be classified into a hierarchy based on the reliability of the information used to determine the 
valuation, as follows:

–   Quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets for identical assets or liabilities (level 1).

–   Inputs other than quoted prices included within level 1 that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly (that is, as prices) 

or indirectly (that is, derived from prices) (level 2).

–  Inputs for the asset or liability that are not based on observable market data (that is unobservable inputs) (level 3).

Financial assets
Other financial assets held for trading and available for sale
Quoted equities
Derivative financial instruments
Interest rate swaps
Financial liabilities
Derivative financial instruments
Interest rate swaps

LEVEL 1 
£’000

LEVEL 2 
£’000

LEVEL 3 
£’000

TOTAL 
£’000

2016
GAIN/(LOSS) 
TO INCOME 
STATEMENT
£’000

832

–

–

–

4

793

–

–

–

832

4

13

(11)

793

(206)

Financial assets
Other financial assets held for trading and available for sale
Quoted equities
Derivative financial instruments
Interest rate swaps
Financial liabilities
Derivative financial instruments
Interest rate swaps

LEVEL 1 
£’000

LEVEL 2 
£’000

LEVEL 3 
£’000

TOTAL 
£’000

614

–

–

–

15

587

–

–

–

614

15

587

2015
GAIN/(LOSS) 
TO INCOME 
STATEMENT
£’000

(12)

–

84

Capital structure
The Group sets the amount of capital in proportion to risk. It ensures that the capital structure is commensurate to the economic conditions 
and risk characteristics of the underlying assets. In order to maintain or adjust the capital structure, the Group may vary the amount of 
dividends paid to shareholders, return capital to shareholders, issue new shares or sell assets to reduce debt.

The Group considers its capital to include share capital, share premium, capital redemption reserve, translation reserve and retained earnings, 
but excluding the interest rate derivatives.

Consistent with others in the industry, the Group monitors its capital by its debt to equity ratio (gearing levels). This is calculated as the net 
debt (loans less cash and cash equivalents) as a percentage of the equity calculated as follows:

Total debt
Less cash and cash equivalents
Net debt
Total equity

The Group does not have any externally imposed capital requirements.

2016
£’000 
68,509
(6,265)
62,244
48,631
128.0%

2015 
£’000
67,218
(4,809)
62,409
49,652
125.7%

London & Associated Properties PLC 2016  85

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS Notes to the financial statements

23.  FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS CONTINUED

Financial assets
The Group’s principal financial assets are bank balances and cash, trade and other receivables and investments. The Group has no significant 
concentration of credit risk as exposure is spread over a large number of counterparties and customers. The credit risk in liquid funds and derivative 
financial instruments is limited because the counterparties are banks with high credit ratings assigned by international credit–rating agencies. 
The Group’s credit risk is primarily attributable to its trade receivables. The amounts presented in the balance sheet are net of allowances for 
doubtful receivables, estimated by the Group’s management based on prior experience and the current economic environment.

Financial assets maturity
Cash and cash equivalents all have a maturity of less than three months.

Cash at bank and in hand

2016
£’000 
6,265

2015 
£’000
4,809

These funds are primarily invested in short term bank deposits maturing within one year bearing interest at the bank’s variable rates. 

Financial liabilities maturity
Repayment of borrowings

Bank loans and overdrafts:
Repayable on demand or within one year
Repayable between two and five years

Debentures:
Repayable within one year
Repayable between two and five years
Repayable in more than five years

2016
£’000 

2015 
£’000

3,358
51,496
54,854

750
3,000
9,905
68,509

2,267
51,313
53,580

–
3,750
9,888
67,218

Certain borrowing agreements contain financial and other conditions that if contravened by the Group, could alter the repayment profile.

24.  DEFERRED TAX ASSET

Balance at 1 January
Transferred to consolidated income statement
Balance at 31 December

The deferred tax balance comprises the following:
Revaluation of properties
Accelerated capital allowances
Fair value of interest derivatives
Short-term timing differences
Loss relief
Deferred tax asset at end of year:

2016 
£’000
 2,390 
(1,256)
 1,134 

(2,719)
(904)
 151 
(124)
 4,730 
 1,134 

2015 
£’000
 2,324 
 66 
 2,390 

(2,226)
(952)
 111 
(131)
 5,588 
 2,390 

The directors consider the temporary differences arising in connection with the interests in joint ventures are insignificant. There is no time 
limit in respect of the Group tax loss relief.

In addition, the Group has unused losses and reliefs with a potential value of £5,455,000 (2015: £4,945,000), which have not been 
recognised as a deferred tax asset. As the Group returns to profit, these losses and reliefs can be utilised.

86  London & Associated Properties PLC 2016

 
 
 
 
 
 
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS Notes to the financial statements

25.  DEFERRED TAX LIABILITIES

Balance at 1 January
Transferred to consolidated income statement
Transferred to other comprehensive income
Exchange adjustment
Balance at 31 December

The deferred tax balance comprises the following:
Revaluation of properties
Accelerated capital allowances
Short-term timing differences
Fair value of interest derivatives
Unredeemed capital deductions
Losses and other deductions
Deferred tax liability provision at end of year:

2016
£’000 
 2,106 
(154)
 13 
 364 
 2,329 

 793 
 1,347 
 191 
– 
(642)
 640 
 2,329 

2015
£’000 
 2,410 
 29 
(41)
(292)
 2,106 

 724 
 1,490 
(111)
 3 
– 
– 
 2,106 

Refer to note 6 for details of a Bisichi Group adjustment in respect of the prior year deferred tax, in the current year.

26.  SHARE CAPITAL
The Company has one class of ordinary shares which carry no right to fixed income.

Authorised: ordinary shares of 10p each 
Allotted, issued and fully paid share capital
Less: held in Treasury (see below)
“Issued share capital” for reporting purposes

Treasury shares

NUMBER OF 
ORDINARY 10P
SHARES
2016

NUMBER OF 
ORDINARY 10P
SHARES
2015

 110,000,000 
 85,542,711 
(221,061)
 85,321,650 

 110,000,000 
 85,542,711 
(734,816)
 84,807,895 

Shares held in Treasury at 1 January 
Issued for share incentive plan -dividends investment (Jan 2016 - 25p)
Issued to meet directors bonuses (Jan 2016 - 24.50p) (Jan 2015 - 37.75p)
Issued to meet staff bonuses (Jan 2016 - 24.50p) (Jan 2015 - 37.75p) 
Issued for new directors share incentive plan (Jan 2016 - 24.50p) (Jan 2015 - 37.75p)
Issued for new staff share incentive plan (Jan 2016 - 24.50p) (Jan 2015 - 37.75p) 
Purchase of shares (Jun 2015 - 37.69p) 
Purchase of shares (Oct 2015 - 36.18p)
Issued for share incentive plan - dividends investment (Nov 2016 - 21.25p)
Issued to meet directors bonuses (Nov 2016 - 21.25p)
Shares held in Treasury at 31 December 

NUMBER OF 
ORDINARY  
10P SHARES 

2016 
 734,816 
(1,936)
(69,225)
(154,073)
(24,488)
(36,732)
– 
– 
(2,831)
(224,470)
 221,061 

2015 
 1,032,991 
– 
(431,476)
(111,678)
(7,947)
(47,271)
 133,333 
 166,864 
– 
– 
 734,816 

2016 
£’000 

 11,000 
 8,554 
(22)
 8,532 

2015 
£’000 

 11,000 
 8,554 
(73)
 8,481 

COST/ISSUE VALUE 

2016
£’000 
 482 
(1) 
(45)
(101)
(16)
(24)
– 
– 
(2)
(148)
 145 

2015 
£’000 
 883 
– 
(369)
(95)
(7)
(40)
 50 
 60 
– 
– 
 482 

London & Associated Properties PLC 2016  87

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS Notes to the financial statements

26.  SHARE CAPITAL CONTINUED

Share Option Schemes
Employees’ share option scheme (Approved scheme)
At 31 December 2016 there were no options to subscribe for ordinary shares outstanding, issued under the terms of the Employees’ Share 
Option Scheme.

This share option scheme was approved by members in 1986, and has been approved by Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs (HMRC). 

There are no performance criteria for the exercise of options under the Approved scheme, as this was set up before such requirements were 
considered to be necessary.

A summary of the shares allocated and options issued under the scheme up to 31 December 2016 is as follows:

Shares issued to date 
Shares allocated over which options have not been granted
Total shares allocated for issue to employees under the scheme

AT 1
JANUARY
2016
 2,367,604 
 1,549,955 
 3,917,559 

 CHANGES DURING THE YEAR

OPTIONS
EXERCISED
– 
– 
– 

OPTIONS
GRANTED
– 
– 
– 

OPTIONS
LAPSED
– 
– 
– 

AT 31 
DECEMBER
2016
 2,367,604 
 1,549,955 
 3,917,559 

Non–approved Executive Share Option Scheme (Unapproved scheme)
A share option scheme known as the “Non–approved Executive Share Option Scheme” which does not have HMRC approval was set up 
during 2000. At 31 December 2016 there were no options to subscribe for ordinary shares outstanding.

The exercise of options under the Unapproved scheme is subject to the satisfaction of objective performance conditions specified by the 
remuneration committee which confirms to institutional shareholder guidelines and best practice provisions.

A summary of the shares allocated and options issued under the scheme up to 31 December 2016 is as follows:

Shares issued to date 
Shares allocated over which options have not yet been granted
Total shares allocated for issue to employees under the scheme 

The Bisichi Mining PLC Unapproved Option Schemes 
Details of the share option schemes in Bisichi are as follows: 

AT 1
JANUARY
2016
 450,000 
 550,000 
 1,000,000 

 CHANGES DURING THE YEAR

OPTIONS
EXERCISED
– 
– 
– 

OPTIONS
GRANTED
– 
– 
– 

OPTIONS
LAPSED
– 
– 
– 

AT 31 
DECEMBER
2016
 450,000 
 550,000 
 1,000,000 

YEAR OF 
GRANT
2006
2010
2015

 SUBSCRIPTION 
PRICE PER SHARE 

 PERIOD WITHIN 
WHICH OPTIONS 
EXERCISABLE 
237.5p Oct 2009 – Oct 2016
202.5p Aug 2013 – Aug 2020
Sep 2015 – Sep 2025

87.0p

 NUMBER OF SHARES
FOR WHICH OPTIONS 
OUTSTANDING AT 
31 DECEMBER 2015
 325,000 
 80,000 
 300,000 

NUMBER OF 
SHARE OPTIONS 
ISSUED/EXERCISED/ 
(CANCELLED) 
DURING YEAR 
(325,000)
–
– 

 NUMBER OF SHARES 
FOR WHICH OPTIONS 
OUTSTANDING AT 
31 DECEMBER 2016
– 
80,000 
 300,000 

The exercise of options under the Unapproved Share Option Schemes, for certain option issues, is subject to the satisfaction of objective 
performance conditions specified by the remuneration committee, which will conform to institutional shareholder guidelines and best practice 
provisions in force from time to time. The performance conditions for the 2010 scheme, agreed by members on 31 August 2010 respectively, 
requires growth in net assets over a three year period to exceed the growth of the retail prices index by a scale of percentages. There are no 
performance or service conditions attached to 2015 options which are outstanding at 31 December 2016 which vested in 2015.

Outstanding at 1 January
Granted during year
Lapsed during the year
Outstanding at 31 December
Exercisable at 31 December

88  London & Associated Properties PLC 2016

2016
WEIGHTED 
AVERAGE
EXERCISE PRICE
133.1p
– 
237.5p
111.5p
111.5p

2016
NUMBER
 705,000 
– 
(325,000)
 380,000 
 380,000 

2015
WEIGHTED
AVERAGE
EXERCISE PRICE
167.1p
87.0p
34.0p
133.1p
133.1p

2015
NUMBER
 598,000 
 300,000 
(193,000)
 705,000 
 705,000 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS Notes to the financial statements

26.  SHARE CAPITAL CONTINUED
The 2016 share based payment charge of £109,000 relates to the remaining grant date fair value in respect of the 300,000 share options 
granted to A R Heller and G J Casey in 2015, with a corresponding entry to the share based payment reserve. There were no vesting conditions 
attached to these share options and therefore they should have been fully expensed in 2015, rather than spread over the estimated life of the 
options. As the error is not considered to be material to the current or prior year financial statements it has been corrected in the current period. 

27.  NON–CONTROLLING INTEREST (“NCI”)

As at 1 January
Share of profit/(loss) for the year
Share of gain/(loss) on available for sale investments
Dividends received
Shares issued
Shares cancelled
Exchange movement
Other changes in equity
As at 31 December

The following subsidiaries had material NCI:

Bisichi Mining PLC 
Black Wattle Colliery (Pty) Ltd

2016
£’000 
 9,574 
 208 
 104 
(250)
 64 
– 
 689 
– 
 10,389 

2015 
£’000
 10,826 
(147)
(94)
(250)
 18 
(64)
(718)
 3 
 9,574 

Summarised financial information for these subsidiaries is set out below. The information is before inter–company eliminations with other 
companies in the Group.

BISICHI MINING PLC
Revenue
Profit/(loss) for the year attributable to owners of the parent
(Loss)/profit for the year attributable to NCI
Profit/(loss) for the year
Other comprehensive income/(expense) attributable to owners of the parent
Other comprehensive income/(expense) attributable to NCI
Other comprehensive income/(expense) for the year
Balance sheet
Non–current assets
Current assets
Total assets
Current liabilities
Non–current liabilities
Total liabilities
Net current assets at 31 December
Cash flows
From operating activities
From investing activities
From financing activities
Net cash flows

2016
£’000 
 22,791 
 479 
(72)
 407 
 1,186 
 100 
 1,286 

 24,649 
 12,224 
 36,873 
(10,326)
(9,541)
(19,867)
 17,006 

 2,941 
(1,570)
(969)
 402 

2015 
£’000
 25,654 
(259)
 4 
(255)
(1,241)
(87)
(1,328)

 20,480 
 10,635 
 31,115 
(6,501)
(8,983)
(15,484)
 15,631 

 1,979 
(2,773)
(947)
(1,741)

The non–controlling interest comprises of a 37.5% shareholding in Black Wattle Colliery (Pty) Ltd, a coal mining company incorporated in 
South Africa.

London & Associated Properties PLC 2016  89

 
 
 
 
 
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS Notes to the financial statements

27.  NON–CONTROLLING INTEREST (“NCI”) CONTINUED
Summarised financial information reflecting 100% of the underlying subsidiary’s relevant figures, is set out below.

BLACK WATTLE COLLIERY (PTY) LIMITED (“BLACK WATTLE”)
Revenue
Expenses
(Loss)/profit for the year
Total comprehensive (expense)/income for the year
Balance sheet
Non–current assets
Current assets
Current liabilities
Non–current liabilities
Net assets at 31 December

2016 
£’000 
 21,703 
(22,185)
(482)
(482)

 8,516 
 8,600 
(12,151)
(2,635)
 2,330 

2015
£’000 
 24,608 
(24,582)
 26 
 26 

 5,355 
 5,932 
(7,156)
(1,988)
 2,143 

The non–controlling interest relates to the disposal of a 37.5% shareholding in Black Wattle in 2010. The total issued share capital in Black 
Wattle Colliery (Pty) Ltd was increased from 136 shares to 1,000 shares at par of ZAR1 (South African Rand) through the following shares issue:

–   a subscription for 489 ordinary shares at par by Bisichi Mining (Exploration) Limited increasing the number of shares held from 136 

ordinary shares to a total of 675 ordinary shares; 

–  a subscription for 110 ordinary shares at par by Vunani Mining (Pty) Ltd; 

–  a subscription for 265 “A” shares at par by Vunani Mining (Pty) Ltd

Bisichi Mining (Exploration) Limited is a wholly owned subsidiary of Bisichi Mining PLC incorporated in England and Wales. 

Vunani Mining (Pty) Ltd is a South African Black Economic Empowerment company and minority shareholder in Black Wattle. 

The “A” shares rank pari passu with the ordinary shares save that they will have no dividend rights until such time as the dividends paid by 
Black Wattle Colliery (Pty) Ltd on the ordinary shares subsequent to 30 October 2008 will equate to ZAR832,075,000.

A non–controlling interest of 15% in Black Wattle is recognised for all profits distributable to the 110 ordinary shares held by Vunani Mining 
(Pty) Ltd from the date of issue of the shares (18 October 2010). An additional non–controlling interest will be recognised for all profits 
distributable to the 265 “A” shares held by Vunani Mining (Pty) Ltd after such time as the profits available for distribution, in Black Wattle 
Colliery (Pty) Ltd, before any payment of dividends after 30 October 2008, exceeds ZAR832,075,000. 

28.  RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS

COST RECHARGED
TO (BY) RELATED
PARTY
£’000

AMOUNTS 
OWED
BY (TO) RELATED
PARTY
£’000

ADVANCED TO
(BY) RELATED
PARTY
£’000

(i)

(i)
(ii)
(ii)
(ii)

 19 
– 

(63)
– 

 6 
(30)
(19)
(34)
 114 
(7)
 53 

– 
– 

– 
(700)

 6 
(15)
(18)
(34)
 1,350 
 589 
 340 

– 
(128)

– 
– 

– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
(128)
(208)

Related party: 
Langney Shopping Centre Unit Trust
  Current account 
Loan account 

Simon Heller Charitable Trust
  Current account 
Loan account 

Directors and key management
  M A Heller and J A Heller
  H D Goldring (Delmore Asset Management Limited)
  C A Parritt
  R Priest (A & M Europe LLP)
Ezimbokodweni Mining (pty) Limited
Totals at 31 December 2016
Totals at 31 December 2015

Nature of costs recharged – (i) Property management fees (ii) Consultancy fees. 

90  London & Associated Properties PLC 2016

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS Notes to the financial statements

28.  RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS CONTINUED

Langney Shopping Centre Unit Trust (joint venture)
Langney Shopping Centre Unit Trust (Langney) was owned 12.5 per cent by the Company and 12.5 per cent by Bisichi Mining PLC. The 
remaining 75 per cent is owned by Columbus Capital Management LLP. This investment was sold in March 2016.

The Company provided property management services to Langney. 

Ezimbokodweni Mining (PTY) Limited (Joint Venture)
Ezimbokodweni Mining is a Bisichi joint venture and is treated as a non-current asset investment. It is a prospective coal production company 
based in South Africa. Ezimbokodweni Mining (Pty) Limited is a joint venture and a loan to the joint venture is treated as part of the net 
investment in the joint venture. Further details on the net investment in Ezimbokodweni can be found in note 12.

Directors 
London & Associated Properties PLC provides office premises, property management, general management, accounting and administration 
services for a number of private property companies in which Sir Michael Heller and J A Heller have an interest. Under an agreement with Sir 
Michael Heller no charge is made for these services on the basis that he reduces by an equivalent amount the charge for his services to 
London & Associated Properties PLC. The board estimates that the value of these services, if supplied to a third party, would have been 
£300,000 for the year (2015: £300,000). 

The companies for which services are provided are: Barmik Properties Limited, Cawgate Limited, Clerewell Limited, Cloathgate Limited, 
Ken–Crav Investments Limited, London & South Yorkshire Securities Limited, Metroc Limited, Penrith Retail Limited, Shop.com Limited, South 
Yorkshire Property Trust Limited, Wasdon Investments Limited, Wasdon (Dover) Limited, and Wasdon (Leeds) Limited.

In addition the Company received management fees of £10,000 (2015: £10,000) for work done for two charitable foundations, the Michael 
& Morven Heller Charitable Foundation and the Simon Heller Charitable Trust.

The Simon Heller Trust has placed on deposit with LAP £700,000 at an interest rate of 9% which is refundable on demand.

Delmore Asset Management Limited (Delmore) is a Company in which H D Goldring is a majority shareholder and director. Delmore provides 
consultancy services to the Company on an invoiced fee basis.

Alvarez & Marsal Real Estate Advisory Services LLP (A&M) is a company in which R Priest was a director. A&M provided consultancy services 
to the Company on an invoiced fee basis. 

In 2012 a loan of £116,000 was made by Bisichi to one of the Bisichi directors - A R Heller. The loan amount outstanding at the year end was 
£71,000 (2015: £86,000) and a repayment of £15,000 (2015: £15,000) was made during the year. Interest is payable on the loan at a rate of 
6.14 percent. There is no fixed repayment date for the loan.

The directors are considered to be the only key management personnel and their remuneration including employer’s national insurance for 
the year were £1,103,000 (2015: £1,341,000). All other disclosures required including interest in share options in respect of those directors 
are included within the remuneration report.

29.  EMPLOYEES
The average number of employees, including directors, of the Group during the year was as follows: 

Production
Administration

Staff costs during the year were as follows:

Salaries and other costs
Social security costs
Pension costs
Share based payments

2016 
185
46
231

2016 
£’000
6,396
332
335
110
7,173

2015 
191
44
235

2015 
£’000 
6,459
361
368
31
7,219

London & Associated Properties PLC 2016  91

 
 
 
 
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS Notes to the financial statements

30.  CAPITAL COMMITMENTS

Commitments for capital expenditure approved but for which contracts have not been placed at the year end
Commitments for capital expenditure approved and contracted for at the year end
Share of commitment of capital expenditure in joint venture

2016 
£’000 
– 
 762 
 1,489 

2015 
£’000 
 306 
– 
 1,102 

All the above relates to Bisichi Mining PLC.

31.  OPERATING AND FINANCE LEASES

Operating leases on land and buildings
At 31 December 2016 the Group had commitments under non–cancellable operating leases on land and buildings expiring as follows:

After five years

Operating lease payments represent rentals payable by the Group for its office premises. 

The leases are for an average term of ten years and rentals are fixed for an average of five years.

Present value of head leases on properties

2016 
£’000
 1,680 

2015
£’000 
 1,920 

Within one year
Second to fifth year
After five years

Future finance charges on finance leases
Present value of finance lease liabilities

MINIMUM LEASE
 PAYMENTS 

PRESENT VALUE
OF MINIMUM
LEASE PAYMENTS

 2016
£’000 
 305 
 1,222 
 29,734 
 31,261 
(26,494)
 4,767 

2015
£’000 
 306 
 1,225 
 30,142 
 31,673 
(26,889)
 4,784 

2016 
£’000
 305 
 1,130 
 3,332 
 4,767 
– 
 4,767 

2015
£’000 
 306 
 1,139 
 3,339 
 4,784 
– 
 4,784 

Finance lease liabilities are in respect of leased investment property. Many leases provide for contingent rent in addition to the rents above, 
usually a proportion of rental income.

Finance lease liabilities are effectively secured as the rights to the leased asset revert to the lessor in the event of default.

Future aggregate minimum rentals receivable
The Group leases out its investment properties to tenants under operating leases. The future aggregate minimum rentals receivable under 
non–cancellable operating leases are as follows:

Within one year
Second to fifth year
After five years

2016 
£’000
6,684
20,104
36,736
63,524

2015 
£’000
6,491
20,207
35,622
62,320

32.  CONTINGENT LIABILITIES AND EVENTS AFTER THE REPORTING PERIOD

There were no contingent liabilities at 31 December 2016 (2015: £Nil), except as disclosed in Note 23.

Bank guarantees have been issued by the bankers of Black Wattle Colliery (Pty) Limited on behalf of the Company to third parties. The 
guarantees are secured against the assets of the Company and have been issued in respect of the following:

Rail siding & transportation
Rehabilitation of mining land
Water & electricity

92  London & Associated Properties PLC 2016

2016
£’000 
63
1,364
57
1,484

2015
£’000 
47
1,009
42
1,098

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS Notes to the financial statements

33.  COMPANY FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Company balance sheet at 31 December 2016

Fixed assets
Tangible assets
Other investments:
Associated company – Bisichi Mining PLC
Subsidiaries and others including Dragon Retail Properties Limited

Current assets
Assets held for sale
Debtors
Deferred tax due after more than one year
Investments
Bank balances

Creditors
Amounts falling due within one year
Borrowings
Net current liabilities
Total assets less current liabilities

Creditors
Amounts falling due after more than one year
Net assets

Capital and reserves
Share capital
Share premium account
Capital redemption reserve
Treasury shares
Retained earnings
Shareholders’ funds

NOTES

33.3

33.4
33.4

33.5
33.6
33.10
33.7

33.8
33.9

33.9

33.11

33.11

2016 
£’000 

2015 
£’000 

 27,383 

 28,468 

 489 
 42,492 
 42,981 
 70,364 

– 
 1,130 
 2,082 
 19 
 2,625 
 5,856 

(34,790)
(750)
(29,684)
 40,680 

 489 
 57,472 
 57,961 
 86,429 

 964 
 1,084 
 3,055 
 20 
 2,233 
 7,356 

(53,769)
– 
(46,413)
 40,016 

(17,491)
 23,189 

(18,228)
 21,788 

 8,554 
 4,866 
 47 
(145)
 9,867 
 23,189 

 8,554 
 4,866 
 47 
(482)
 8,803 
 21,788 

These financial statements were approved by the board of directors and authorised for issue on 27 April 2017 and signed on its behalf by:

Sir Michael Heller 
Director 

Anil Thapar 
Director

Company Registration No. 341829 

London & Associated Properties PLC 2016  93

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS Notes to the financial statements

33.  COMPANY FINANCIAL STATEMENTS CONTINUED

Company statement of changes in equity for the year ended 31 December 2016

Balance at 1 January 2015
Loss for year
Total comprehensive income
Transactions with owners:
Dividends – equity holders
Acquisition of own shares
Disposal of own shares
Loss on transfer of own shares
Transactions with owners
Balance at 31 December 2015 
Profit for year
Total comprehensive income
Transaction with owners:
Dividends – equity holders
Disposal of own shares
Loss on transfer of own shares
Transactions with owners 
Balance at 31 December 2016

SHARE
CAPITAL
£’000 
 8,554 
– 
– 

– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
 8,554 
– 
– 

– 
– 
– 
– 
 8,554 

SHARE 
PREMIUM
£’000 
 4,866 
– 
– 

CAPITAL
REDEMPTION
RESERVE
£’000 
 47 
– 
– 

TREASURY 
SHARES
£’000 
(883)
– 
– 

– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
 4,866 
– 
– 

– 
– 
– 
– 
 4,866 

– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
 47 
– 
– 

– 
– 
– 
– 
 47 

– 
(111)
 226 
 286 
 401 
(482)
– 
– 

– 
 119 
 218 
 337 
(145)

RETAINED 
EARNINGS
EXCLUDING 
TREASURY 
SHARES
£’000 
 13,366 
(4,144)
(4,144)

(133)
– 
– 
(286)
(419)
 8,803 
 1,418 
 1,418 

(136)
– 
(218)
(354)
 9,867 

TOTAL
EQUITY
£’000 
 25,950 
(4,144)
(4,144)

(133)
(111)
 226 
– 
(18)
 21,788 
 1,418 
 1,418 

(136)
 119 
– 
(17)
 23,189 

£7.9 million (2015: £5.7 million) of retained earnings (excluding treasury shares) is distributable.

33.1. COMPANY 

Accounting policies
The following are the main accounting policies of the Company:

Basis of preparation
The financial statements have been prepared on a going concern basis and in accordance with Financial Reporting Standard 101 ’Reduced Disclosure 
Framework’ (FRS 101) and Companies Act 2006. The financial statements are prepared under the historical cost convention as modified to include the 
revaluation of freehold and leasehold properties and fair value adjustments in respect of current asset investments and interest rate hedges.

The results of the Company are included in the consolidated financial statements. No profit or loss is presented by the Company as permitted 
by Section 408 of the Companies Act 2006. 

In these financial statements, the company has applied the exemptions available under FRS 101 in respect of the following disclosures:

•   Cash Flow Statement and related notes; 

•   Comparative period reconciliations for share capital, tangible fixed assets and intangible assets; 

•   Disclosures in respect of transactions with wholly owned subsidiaries; 

•   Disclosures in respect of capital management; 

•   The effects of new but not yet effective IFRSs; 

•   Disclosures in respect of the compensation of Key Management Personnel.

As the consolidated financial statements include the equivalent disclosures, the Company has also taken the exemptions under FRS 101 
available in respect of the following disclosures:

•   IFRS 2 Share Based Payments in respect of group settled share based payments;

•   The disclosures required by IFRS 7 and IFRS 13 regarding financial instrument disclosures have not been provided apart from those which 

are relevant for the financial instruments which are held at fair value and are not either held as part of trading portfolio or derivatives.

Key judgements and estimates
The preparation of the financial statements requires management to make assumptions and estimates that may affect the reported amounts 
of assets and liabilities and the reported income and expenses, further details of which are set out below. Although management believes 
that the assumptions and estimates used are reasonable, the actual results may differ from those estimates. Further details of the estimates 
are contained in the Directors’ Report and in the Group accounting policies.

94  London & Associated Properties PLC 2016

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS Notes to the financial statements

33.1. COMPANY CONTINUED

Investments in subsidiaries, associated undertakings and joint ventures
Investments in subsidiaries, associated undertakings and joint ventures are held at cost less accumulated impairment losses.

Fair value measurements of investment properties and investments 
An assessment of the fair value of certain assets and liabilities, in particular investment properties, is required to be performed. In such instances, fair 
value measurements are estimated based on the amounts for which the assets and liabilities could be exchanged between market participants. To the 
extent possible, the assumptions and inputs used take into account externally verifiable inputs. However, such information is by nature subject to 
uncertainty. The directors note that the fair value measurement of the investment properties may be considered to be less judgemental where 
external valuers have been used and as a result of the nature of the underlying assets. 

The following accounting policies are consistent with those of the Group and are disclosed on page 62 to 68 of the Group financial statements.
•   Revenue 
•   Property operating expenses
•   Employee benefits
•   Financial instruments 
•   Investment properties
•   Other assets and depreciation
•   Assets held for sale
•   Income taxes
•   Leases

33.2. RESULT FOR THE FINANCIAL YEAR
The Company’s result for the year was a profit of £1,418,000 (2015 loss: £4,144,000). In accordance with the exemption conferred by 
Section 408 of the Companies Act 2006, the Company has not presented its own profit and loss account.

33.3. TANGIBLE ASSETS

Cost or valuation at 1 January 2016
Additions
Disposals
Decrease in present value of head leases
(Decrease)/increase on revaluation
Cost or valuation at 31 December 2016

Representing assets stated at:
Valuation
Cost

Depreciation at 1 January 2016
Charge for the year
Disposals
Depreciation at 31 December 2016
Net book value at 1 January 2016
Net book value at 31 December 2016

INVESTMENT PROPERTIES

FREEHOLD
£’000
 8,460 
 28 
– 
– 
 397 
 8,885 

LEASEHOLD
OVER 50 YEARS
£’000
 18,216 
– 
– 
(2)
(1,470)
 16,744 

 LEASEHOLD
UNDER 50 
YEARS
£’000
 1,644 
– 
– 
(2)
– 
 1,642 

OFFICE
EQUIPMENT
AND MOTOR 
VEHICLES
£’000
 449 
 3 
(105)
– 
– 
 347 

 8,885 
– 
 8,885 

– 
– 
– 
– 
 8,460 
 8,885 

 16,744 
– 
 16,744 

– 
– 
– 
– 
 18,216 
 16,744 

 1,642 
– 
 1,642 

– 
– 
– 
– 
 1,644 
 1,642 

–
 347 
 347 

 301 
 25 
(91)
 235 
 148 
 112 

TOTAL
£’000
 28,769 
 31 
(105)
(4)
(1,073)
 27,618 

 27,271 
 347 
 27,618 

 301 
 25 
(91)
 235 
 28,468 
 27,383 

The freehold and leasehold properties, excluding the present value of head leases and directors’ valuations, were valued as at 31 December 2016 by 
professional firms of chartered surveyors. The valuations were made at fair value. The directors’ property valuations were made at fair value. 

Allsop LLP
Directors’ valuation

Add: Present value of headleases

2016
£’000
20,860
1,825
22,685
4,586
27,271

2015
£’000
21,905
1,825
23,730
4,590
28,320

London & Associated Properties PLC 2016  95

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS Notes to the financial statements

33.3. TANGIBLE ASSETS CONTINUED
The historical cost of investment properties was as follows:

Cost at 1 January 2016
Additions
Cost at 31 December 2016

FREEHOLD 
£’000 
 4,861 
 28 
 4,889 

LEASEHOLD
OVER 50 YEARS
£’000
 13,966 
– 
 13,966 

LEASEHOLD
UNDER 50 
YEARS
£’000
 1,939 
– 
 1,939 

Long leasehold properties are held on leases with an unexpired term of more than fifty years at the balance sheet date. 

33.4. OTHER INVESTMENTS

COST OR VALUATION
At 1 January 2016
Impairment provision
At 31 December 2016

SHARES IN
SUBSIDIARY
COMPANIES
£’000
 57,308 
(14,980)
 42,328 

SHARES IN
JOINT
VENTURES
£’000
 164 
– 
 164 

TOTAL
£’000
 57,961 
(14,980)
 42,981 

SHARES IN
ASSOCIATE 
£’000
 489 
– 
 489 

Subsidiary companies
Details of the Company’s subsidiaries are set out in Note 15. As stated on page 78, under IFRS 10 Bisichi Mining Plc and its subsidiaries and 
Dragon Retail Properties Limited are accounted for as subsidiaries of the Company.

Impairment reflects reduction in value of investment due to receipt of dividend of £15 million from a subsidiary.

In the opinion of the directors the value of the investment in subsidiaries is not less than the amount shown in these fifnancial statements.

Details of the joint ventures are set out in Notes 12 and 13.

33.5. ASSETS HELD FOR SALE 

Investment in Langney Shopping Centre Unit Trust
At 1 January
Transfer from investment in joint venture (note 12)
Disposal
At 31 December

2016
£’000 

964
–
(964)
–

2015 
£’000 

–
964
–
964

On 11 March 2016, the Company disposed of its investment in Langney Shopping Centre Unit Trust, an unlisted property unit trust incorporated in 
Jersey. The company owned 12.5% of the units of the trust. The net proceeds from the sale were £1,168,000 (including dividend).

33.6. DEBTORS

Trade debtors
Amounts due from associate and joint ventures
Amounts due from subsidiary companies
Other debtors
Prepayments and accrued income

96  London & Associated Properties PLC 2016

2016
£’000

 343 
 35 
 150 
 173 
 429 
 1,130 

2015
£’000

 315 
 123 
– 
 159 
 487 
 1,084 

 
 
 
 
 
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS Notes to the financial statements

33.7. INVESTMENTS

Market value of the listed investment portfolio
Unrealised gain/(deficit) of market value over cost
Listed investment portfolio at cost

All investments are listed on the London Stock Exchange.

33.8. CREDITORS: AMOUNTS FALLING DUE WITHIN ONE YEAR

Amounts owed to subsidiary companies
Amounts owed to joint ventures
Other taxation and social security costs
Other creditors
Accruals and deferred income

33.9. CREDITORS: AMOUNTS FALLING DUE AFTER MORE THAN ONE YEAR

Present value of head leases on properties
Term Debenture stocks:
£3.75 million First Mortgage Debenture Stock 2018 at 11.6 per cent
£10 million First Mortgage Debenture Stock 2022 at 8.109 per cent*

*The £10 million debenture is shown after deduction of un–amortised issue costs.

Details of terms and security of overdrafts, loans and loan renewal and debentures are set out in note 21.

Repayment of borrowings:
Debentures:
Repayable within one year
Repayable between two and five years
Repayable in more than five years

33.10. DEFERRED TAX ASSET

Deferred Taxation
Balance at 1 January
Transfer to profit and loss account
Balance at 31 December

The deferred tax balance comprises the following:

Accelerated capital allowances
Short–term timing differences
Revaluation of investment properties
Loss relief
Deferred tax asset provision at end of period

2016
£’000
 19 
 1 
 18 

2015
£’000
 20 
(3)
 23 

2016
£’000
 28,750 
 2,190 
 388 
 1,323 
 2,139 
 34,790 

2016
£’000
 4,586 

 3,000 
 9,905 
 12,905 
 17,491 

2015
£’000
 47,511 
 2,215 
 314 
 1,364 
 2,365 
 53,769 

2015
£’000
 4,590 

 3,750 
 9,888 
 13,638 
 18,228 

750
3,000
9,905
13,655

–
3,750
9,888
13,638

2016
£’000

 3,055 
(973)
 2,082 

(823)
(124)
 100 
 2,929 
 2,082 

2015
£’000

 4,699 
(1,644)
 3,055 

(868)
(131)
 217 
 3,837 
 3,055 

London & Associated Properties PLC 2016  97

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS Notes to the financial statements

33.11. SHARE CAPITAL
Details of share capital, treasury shares and share options are set out in Note 26.

33.12. RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS

COST RECHARGED
TO (BY) RELATED
PARTY
£’000

AMOUNTS OWED
BY (TO) RELATED
PARTY
£’000

ADVANCED TO
(BY) RELATED
PARTY
£’000

Related party: 
Dragon Retail Properties Limited
  Current account 
Loan account 

Langney Shopping Centre Unit Trust
  Current account 
Loan account 
Bisichi Mining PLC 
  Current account 
Simon Heller Charitable Trust
  Current account 
Loan account 

Directors and key management
  M A Heller and J A Heller
  H D Goldring (Delmore Asset Management Limited)
  C A Parritt
  R Priest (A & M Europe LLP)
Totals at 31 December 2016
Totals at 31 December 2015

(101)
– 

 19 
– 

 138 

(ii)

(63)
– 

 6 
(30)
(19)
(34)
(84)
(97)

(i)
(iii)
(iii)
(iii)

(i)

(190)
(2,000)

– 
– 

 35 

– 
(700)

 6 
(15)
(18)
(34)
(2,916)
(2,788)

 30 
– 

– 
(64)

– 

– 
– 

– 
– 
– 
– 
(34)
(22)

Nature of costs recharged – (i) Management fees (ii) Property management fees (iii) Consultancy fees 

During the period, the Company entered into transactions, in the ordinary course of business, with other related parties. The company has 
taken advantage of the exemption under paragraph 8(k) of FRS101 not to disclose transactions with wholly owned subsidiaries.

Dragon Retail Properties Limited – ‘Dragon’ is owned equally by the Company and Bisichi Mining PLC. During 2012 Dragon lent the company 
£2 million at 6.875 per cent annual interest.

Langney Shopping Centre Unit Trust – ‘Langney’ is an unlisted property unit trust incorporated in Jersey. It was owned 12.5 per cent by the 
Company and 12.5 per cent by Bisichi Mining PLC until March 2016.

Bisichi Mining PLC – The company has 41.52 per cent ownership of ‘Bisichi’.

Other details of related party transactions are given in note 28.

33.13. CAPITAL COMMITMENTS
There were no capital commitments at 31 December 2016 (2015: £Nil).

33.14. OPERATING AND FINANCE LEASES
At 31 December 2015 the Company had commitments under non–cancellable operating leases on land and buildings as follows:

Expiring in more than five years

2016
£’000 
1,680

2015
£’000
1,920

In addition, the Company has an annual commitment to pay ground rents on its leasehold investment properties which amount to £246,000 
(2015: £246,000). 

98  London & Associated Properties PLC 2016

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS Notes to the financial statements

33.14. OPERATING AND FINANCE LEASES CONTINUED

Present value of head leases on properties

Within one year
Second to fifth year
After five years

Future finance charges on finance leases
Present value of finance lease liabilities

MINIMUM LEASE
PAYMENTS 

PRESENT VALUE
OF MINIMUM
LEASE PAYMENTS

 2016
£’000
 294 
 1,177 
 28,298 
 29,769 
(25,183)
 4,586 

2015
£’000
 294 
 1,177 
 28,593 
 30,064 
(25,474)
 4,590 

2016
£’000
 294 
 1,094 
 3,198 
 4,586 
– 
 4,586 

2015
£’000
 294 
 1,094 
 3,202 
 4,590 
– 
 4,590 

Finance lease liabilities are in respect of leased investment property. A few leases provide for contingent rent in addition to the rents above, 
usually a proportion of rental income.

Finance lease liabilities are effectively secured as the rights to the leased asset revert to the lessor in the event of default.

Future aggregate minimum rentals receivable
The Company leases out its investment properties to tenants under operating leases. The future aggregate minimum rentals receivable under 
non–cancellable operating leases are as follows:

Within one year
Second to fifth year
After five years

33.15. CONTINGENT LIABILITIES AND POST BALANCE SHEET EVENTS
There were no contingent liabilities at 31 December 2016 (2015: £Nil). 

2016
£’000
1,661
4,446
2,393
8,500

2015
£’000
1,603
3,961
2,316
7,880

London & Associated Properties PLC 2016  99

 
 
 
 
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Five year financial summary

Portfolio size
Investment properties–LAP^
Investment properties–joint ventures
Investment properties–Dragon Retail Properties
Investment properties–Bisichi Mining^

Portfolio activity
Acquisitions
Disposals
Capital Expenditure

Consolidated income statement
Group income
(Loss)/profit before tax
Taxation
(Loss)/profit attributable to shareholders
Earnings/(loss) per share – basic and diluted
Dividend per share

Consolidated balance sheet
Shareholders’ funds attributable to equity shareholders
Net borrowings
Net assets per share – basic

– fully diluted

Consolidated cash flow statement
Cash generated from operations
Capital investment and financial investment

Notes: 

* Original LAP group – pre IFRS 10 amendments 
^ Excluding the present value of head leases

2016
£M

89
–
3
13
105

£M
–
–
0.16
0.16

£M
29.70
(0.97)
(1.18)
(2.36)
(2.77)p

0.165p

£M
38.24
62.22
44.83p
44.83p

£M
5.59
(0.18)

2015
£M

89
19
3
13
124

£M
1.00
(0.40)
0.36
0.96

£M
32.67
(2.09)
0.04
(1.90)
(2.24)p

0.160p

£M
40.08
62.39
47.26p
47.26p

£M
4.37
(2.77)

2014
£M

89
20
3
12
124

£M
0.68
–
–
0.68

£M
33.53
(2.69)
(3.70)
(7.14)
(8.45)p

0.156p

£M
42.55
59.71
50.35p
50.35p

£M
2.96
100.42

2013
£M

87
16
3
12
118

£M
–
(9.47)
–
(9.47)

£M
43.29
1.14
2.55
3.47
4.12p
0.125p

£M
49.73
53.96
59.00p
59.00p

£M
12.23
4.35

2012*
£M

205
27
–
12
244

£M
–
–
0.97
0.97

£M
15.17
7.62
(0.35)
7.27
8.65p
–

£M
46.46
131.27
55.30p
55.29p

£M
12.72
(0.87)

100  London & Associated Properties PLC 2016

 
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In addition, if your document is carbon neutral, then you can use the following four lines 
and the CarbonNeutral® publication logo within your imprint:

This is a certified CarbonNeutral® publication. Emissions generated during the manufacture 
and delivery of this product have been measured and reduced to net zero through a 
verified carbon offsetting project via The CarbonNeutral Company. This is in accordance 
with The CarbonNeutral Protocol, the global leading standard for carbon neutrality.

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