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FY2019 Annual Report · Mitchells & Butlers
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Making 
moments 
matter 

Mitchells & Butlers plc 
Annual report and 
accounts 2019

AT A GLANCE

Who are we?

120mMEALS SOLD A YEAR

75%OF VISITS ARE FOOD LED

82%OF THE UK POPULATION LIVE WITHIN 

5 MILES OF AN M&B SITE

51%FOOD MIX

3.5%LIKE-FOR-LIKE SALES GROWTH

We run many of the UK’s most 
beautiful and iconic pubs. In fact, 
we are one of the leading restaurant 
and pub companies in the UK with 
over 1,700 businesses.

Our	scale	is	impressive.	Since	1898,	
Mitchells	&	Butlers	has	been	at	the	
forefront	of	UK	drinking	and	eating	out,	
currently	serving	around	120	million	meals	
a	year,	as	well	as	some	380	million	drinks.	
We	employ	over	46,000	people	in	pubs,	
bars	and	restaurants	that	are	located	across	
the	length	and	breadth	of	the	UK,	with	over	
82%	of	the	UK	population	within	five	miles	
of	one	of	our	sites.

Our	strong	portfolio	of	brands	and	formats	
includes	Harvester,	Toby	Carvery,	All	Bar	
One,	Miller	&	Carter,	Premium	Country	
Pubs,	Sizzling	Pubs,	Stonehouse,	Vintage	
Inns,	Browns,	Castle,	Nicholson’s,	O’Neill’s	
and	Ember	Inns.	In	addition,	we	operate	
Innkeeper’s	Lodge	hotels	in	the	UK	and	
Alex	restaurants	and	bars	in	Germany.

We	remain	focused	on	our	three	priority	
areas	of	building	a	more	balanced	business;	
instilling	a	more	commercial	culture;	and	
driving	an	innovation	agenda,	and	this	has	
driven	further	success	in	the	year	with	
like-for-like	sales	up	3.5%	and	adjusted	
operating	profit	growth	of	4.6%.

*	 The	Directors	use	a	number	of	alternative	
performance	measures	(APMs)	that	are	
considered	critical	to	aid	the	understanding	of	
the	Group’s	performance.	Key	measures	are	
explained	on	pages	156	to	158	of	this	report.

46,000

EMPLOYEES

15BRANDS AND FORMATS OPERATED 

ACROSS 1,671 SITES

380m

DRINKS SOLD A YEAR

65%REDUCTION IN FOOD WASTE IN THE 

SUPPLY CHAIN THIS YEAR

£14mADJUSTED OPERATING PROFIT GROWTH

82%FREEHOLD PROPERTIES

Alex		
44 sites

All	Bar	One		
57 sites

Browns	
24 sites

Castle		
113 sites

Ember	Inns		
149 sites

Harvester		
178 sites

High	Street		
75 sites

Miller	&	Carter		
115 sites

Nicholson’s		
77 sites

O’Neill’s		
37 sites

Premium	Country	Pubs		
127 sites

Stonehouse		
97 sites

Suburban		
240 sites

Toby	Carvery		
154 sites

Vintage	Inns		
184 sites

INTRODUCTION
1	 Welcome	to	Mitchells	&	Butlers
2	

Purpose	in	action

STRATEGIC REPORT
10	 Chairman’s	statement
12	 Chief	Executive’s	business	review
16	 Our	markets
18	 Our	strategic	priorities
22	 Our	strategy	in	action
28	 Distinctively	Mitchells	&	Butlers
30	 Our	business	model
32	 Value	creation	story
38	 Key	performance	indicators
40	 Risks	and	uncertainties
45	 Compliance	statements
46	 Financial	review

GOVERNANCE
52	 Chairman’s	introduction	to	governance
54	 Board	of	Directors
58	 Directors’	report
62	 Directors’	responsibilities	statement
63	 Corporate	governance	statement
72	 Audit	Committee	report
76	 Report	on	Directors’	remuneration

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
99	

Independent	auditor’s	report	to	the	
members	of	Mitchells	&	Butlers	plc

106	 Group	income	statement
107	 Group	statement	of	comprehensive	

income

108	 Group	balance	sheet
109	 Group	statement	of	changes	in	equity
110	 Group	cash	flow	statement
111	 Notes	to	the	consolidated	financial	

statements

151	 Company	financial	statements
153	 Notes	to	the	Company	financial	

statements

OTHER INFORMATION
156	 Alternative	performance	measures
159	 Shareholder	information

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
Revenue	(£m)

Profit	before	tax	(£m)*	

Adjusted	operating	profit	(£m)**

£2,237m
£177m
£317m
37.2p

Adjusted	earnings	per	share	(pence)**

*	
Includes	separately	disclosed	items.	
**	 The	Directors	use	a	number	of	alternative	
performance	measures	(APMs)	that	are	
considered	critical	to	aid	understanding	of	
the	Group’s	performance.	Key	measures	are	
explained	on	pages	156	to	158	of	this	report.

FINANCIAL REVIEW
See	pages	46	to	49	

WELCOME TO MITCHELLS & BUTLERS
OUR PURPOSE

At Mitchells 
& Butlers, our 
purpose is to be 
the host of life’s 
memorable 
moments, 
bringing people 
and communities 
together through 
great experiences. 

Here are just a 
few of the ways 
that we make 
moments matter.

PHIL URBAN
Chief	Executive	
Mitchells	&	Butlers	plc

CHIEF EXECUTIVE’S REVIEW
See	pages	12	to	15	

1

ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2019
MITCHELLS & BUTLERS PLC

STRATEGIC REPORTGOVERNANCEFINANCIAL STATEMENTSOTHER INFORMATIONPURPOSE IN ACTION

Training the 
business leaders 
of the future

Since 2016, Mitchells & Butlers has focused 
on growing our population of apprentices, 
introducing new talent to our industry and 
upskilling our current employees. We offer 
hospitality apprenticeships nationwide in all 
our managed pubs and restaurants, alongside 
intermediate and higher-level apprenticeships 
in Business Management, Human Resources, 
Learning & Development and Business Change 
& Transformation for corporate employees.

Through a series of learning pathways, our 
apprentices are able to gain nationally recognised 
qualifications and transferable career skills, 
creating a talent pipeline that will support our 
business today and for years to come. 

This year, 900 young people have joined our 
business on hospitality apprenticeships, and over 
1,600 of our current employees have enrolled 
onto one of the apprenticeship opportunities 
open to them. We are delighted that 685 
employees successfully completed their first 
apprenticeship in 2019, meaning 1,860 employees 
have undertaken an apprenticeship with us since 
its introduction in 2016. M&B now has around 
2,300 apprentices within the organisation, and we 
are aspiring to add a further 3,200 apprenticeship 
starts in FY 2020. 

In recognition of our continued impact on young 
people, this year M&B has been externally 
recognised by the National Apprenticeship 
Service, The Springboard Charity, and the CIPD 
for our Youth Engagement and Employment. 
Equally as important as external recognition, 
M&B moved up from 34th in 2018 to third in 
2019 in the Top 100 Employers within Rate My 
Apprenticeship, as voted for by apprentices. 

As an integral part of our apprenticeship offering, 
this year our Chefs’ Academy was awarded the 
exclusive ‘Princess Royal Training Award’ for 
excellence.

Chefs’ Academy was created in FY 2017 to 
develop internal culinary skills, and since then has 
grown from two locations to seven nationwide. 
In total, 280 chefs, both internally and externally 
recruited, have begun the programme this year, 
making Chefs’ Academy one of the largest 
workshop-supported commis chef 
apprenticeship schemes in the UK. 

Now in its third year of delivery, the business 
is reaping the benefits of the programme, with 
many graduates already being promoted into 
Kitchen Manager/Head Chef roles, as well 
as being awarded divisional accolades such as 
Head Chef of the Year. To ensure appropriate 
development opportunities for graduates of 
Chefs’ Academy, the business has now launched 
an Advanced Chefs’ Academy programme, 
with 39 chefs commencing this programme. 

With apprenticeship opportunities from Level 2 
through to Level 7, 16-year-old school leavers can 
now join us on an intermediate apprenticeship 
and progress through a range of qualifications 
culminating in a BA (Hons) degree. There is not 
one learning pathway which fits all, but here at 
M&B we can offer a true alternative to the 
traditional academic route. 

We have the building 
blocks in place to help 
create a talent pipeline, 
and produce our 
business leaders 
of the future.

2,300 

The number of apprentices within 
the organisation today.

3,200 

We aim to add a further 3,200 
apprentices in FY 2020.

Top 3

M&B rated third in the Top 100 
apprentice employers, as voted 
for by apprentices themselves.

2

ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2019MITCHELLS & BUTLERS PLCRISING STAR
This year, we were delighted to see Joe 
Buck, a Toby Carvery apprentice, become 
the National Apprenticeship Service 
Awards’ first ever ‘Rising Star’ winner!

These prestigious awards showcase 
how apprenticeships have made a real 
difference to both individuals and 
organisations, so we were proud to 
see Joe rewarded for the three 
apprenticeship courses he has completed 
in just over three years with us.

JOE’S STORY
Having left school knowing he wanted to work in 
hospitality, Joe joined Mitchells & Butlers in 2016 
on a Level 2 Hospitality Services apprenticeship, 
offering him a structured career path with clear 
goals. Joe quickly gained a range of skills across 
the business at Toby Carvery Aintree and 
progressed this further with a Level 3 Hospitality 
Supervisor qualification which helped him 
develop skills in leadership and management. 

It was here Joe really stamped his mark. Becoming 
a ‘Master Carver’, one of the best in the business, 
Joe attended menu training and led the 
communication of changes back to his business. 
A pillar of continuity in the kitchen, he trained new 
Kitchen Team Leaders who joined the business. 

Joe’s initiative had a profound effect on the 
business. He created new innovative processes 
to minimise leftovers and improve efficiency. 
Joe’s impact also contributed towards improved 
Guest Satisfaction with scores rising from 60% to 
80% in two months. Not content with just this, Joe 
helped deliver a record breaking Grand National 
week including a daily and weekly sales record! 

And where will he be in five years? Joe says 
“I’ll definitely be running a pub somewhere! The 
best thing about Mitchells & Butlers is that you 
can move across brands, so I would love to have 
a go in one of our other brands. I would hope in 
five years I can be a General Manager – working 
towards becoming a Retail Business Manager. 
I just want to keep progressing!”

3

ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2019MITCHELLS & BUTLERS PLCSTRATEGIC REPORTGOVERNANCEFINANCIAL STATEMENTSOTHER INFORMATIONPURPOSE IN ACTION CONTINUED

Reducing 
environmental 
impact by 
recycling kitchen 
hardware

In 2018, as part of our Ignite activity and our 
commitment to the environment, a project was 
initiated to reduce our expenditure on new 
catering equipment by refurbishing and reusing 
old, formerly redundant, kit. 

Previously, when our pubs and restaurants were 
converted to other brands, kitchen equipment 
that was no longer needed to deliver the new 
menu was removed and put into landfill. This 
was also the case when we remodelled kitchens 
as part of our regular maintenance programme. 
There was, therefore, an opportunity to reduce 
our environmental impact and expenditure by 
reconditioning equipment that was deemed to 
still have economic life. 

The process is straightforward. Our Kitchen 
Design Managers grade the relevant equipment 
from 1 to 4, with anything graded 1–3 deemed 
as fit to be reused elsewhere in our estate and 
anything graded 4 being stripped down for spare 
parts to be used on other pieces of kitchen kit. 
The kit is then transported to a central warehouse 
from where our contractors, Caterline, assess, 
clean, test, service and deliver the refurbished 
equipment to a set cost structure. 

Our operational teams have embraced the new 
way of working with comments such as “the 
equipment looks brand new”, “it’s hard to tell the 
difference” and “it’s good we’re doing our bit for 
the environment” during the first year. Examples 
of the initiative in action include: Toby Carvery 
Maidstone where we saved over £60k by using 
refurbished equipment; and All Bar One 
Aberdeen which benefited from serviced 
equipment from another All Bar One site.

In the two years that the project has been running 
we estimate that, through the refurbishment and 
reuse of kitchen equipment, we have reduced 
our use of landfill by 274 cubic metres.

4

There was an 
opportunity to reduce 
our environmental 
impact and expenditure 
by reconditioning 
equipment.

274m3 

We have reduced our use of landfill by 274m3.

ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2019MITCHELLS & BUTLERS PLCELLIE WRIGHTON
The driving force behind the project 
was Ellie Wrighton, Kitchen Design, 
Equipment and Capacity Manager:

“I realised that most of the kitchen equipment we 
disposed of was not broken but just did not fit into 
the new offer post investment. 

Two years ago, motivated by the madness of 
disposing of kit that was still working as well as 
Phil’s mantra of ‘treat this like it’s your own 
money’, I designed a process by which previous 
redundant kit was assessed, stored, cleaned, 
tested, and serviced for use elsewhere – reducing 
our use of landfill and saving the Company 
some money. 

Working closely with our contractors, especially 
Caterline, we established a storage facility in 
Dudley and began to make it happen. 

The team and I are really proud of what has been 
achieved in the last couple of years and the 
potential for further benefits going forward.”

5

ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2019MITCHELLS & BUTLERS PLCSTRATEGIC REPORTGOVERNANCEFINANCIAL STATEMENTSOTHER INFORMATIONPURPOSE IN ACTION CONTINUED

Minimising waste, 
helping to fight 
hunger

Over the last few years, we have focused on 
reducing our food waste. Centrally, we have 
reviewed the products we use for each of our 
brands’ menus and have identified items which 
are low usage and, therefore, have a higher risk 
of being wasted. We have also worked with our 
suppliers to optimise the pack sizes of goods to 
ensure that we get the right amount of each 
product for a particular business. These are a 
couple of examples of how we have reduced food 
waste in our supply chain by 65% in the last year.

Given the scale of our food operation, with over 
120 million meals sold every year in our pubs, 
bars and restaurants, there are inevitably some 
food items and ingredients that are surplus to 
requirements as a result of factors such as the 
weather, menu revisions and changes in 
consumer taste. In the past we have not had 
a mechanism to redistribute these items before 
they went out-of-date. 

This year we will begin to redistribute surplus food 
that’s still good to eat to charities and community 
groups, working with food redistribution charity 
FareShare. 

Whilst this work is focused on our supply chain, 
we are also working hard to reduce levels of 
food waste in our pubs, bars and restaurants. 
Sometimes a small amount of surplus food is 
difficult to avoid, and we are testing options to 
redirect unavoidable surplus food from our sites 
to avoid it being wasted. We are exploring 
opportunities with a number of partners including 
working with Too Good to Go in a selection of 
our Toby Carvery sites. 

6

This year we will begin 
to redistribute surplus 
food to charities and 
community groups, 
working with food 
distribution charity 
FareShare.

65% 

We have reduced our food waste in our supply 
chain by 65% in the year.

ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2019MITCHELLS & BUTLERS PLCFARESHARE
FareShare are the UK’s largest charity 
fighting hunger and food waste. 

Last year they redistributed almost 21,000 
tonnes of food through their network of 22 
regional centres reaching almost 11,000 charities 
and community groups in 2,000 towns and cities 
up and down the country. These organisations 
then turn this food into meals, totalling some 47 
million last year. The organisations they supply 
provide life-changing support (as well as lunch 
and dinner!) and include homeless hostels, older 
people’s day centres and breakfast clubs. 

Commenting on the partnership, FareShare’s 
Commercial Officer Samantha Lai said: “We’re 
very excited about the prospect of working with 
Mitchells & Butlers to distribute their good-to-eat 
surplus food to charities supporting vulnerable 
people, and are looking forward to receiving our 
first delivery of surplus next year.”

7

ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2019MITCHELLS & BUTLERS PLCSTRATEGIC REPORTGOVERNANCEFINANCIAL STATEMENTSOTHER INFORMATIONPURPOSE IN ACTION CONTINUED

Making 
memorable 
moments: 
Mother’s Day

Special occasions are important to our guests and 
delivering a great experience on those days is one 
of the things which make us proud to be part of 
Mitchells & Butlers. 

Mother’s Day is a particularly important day 
to our brands; it is the second largest sales day 
after Christmas Day and provides us with the 
opportunity to create memorable moments for 
our guests. 

Our guests like to be able to plan special events, 
and our enhanced bookings platform enables 
them to do so quickly and easily. The 
improvements we have made to the booking 
process means fewer steps to complete the 
booking and immediate confirmation of a table. 
Visibility of bookings also allows our managers 
to plan and prepare ahead for the day so that 
the atmosphere and service is always of the 
highest standard. 

We know that our guests like to be able to indulge 
and treat their loved ones on these days, so many 
of our brands offer a fixed-price menu giving 
our guests that special experience as well as 
transparency over the cost. Our marketing, food 
development and operational teams work hard to 
ensure that the fixed-price menus provide great 
quality food to complement the celebratory 
importance of the day. 

With these background elements in place, our 
engaged teams are able to deliver the high-quality 
service which makes days like these, when family 
and friends come together, truly memorable.

8

Mother’s Day is our 
second largest sales 
day after Christmas 
Day and provides us 
with the opportunity 
to create memorable 
moments for our 
guests.

1.1m 

Over the Mother’s Day weekend this year 
we sold 1.1 million main meals, the equivalent 
of over 650 meals per pub.

ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2019MITCHELLS & BUTLERS PLCBUT DON’T TAKE OUR WORD FOR IT
Here is some feedback from our guests:

“Mother’s Day Heaven! Delicious, hot food. 
The staff were lovely and couldn’t do enough for 
us, would 110% recommend and we look forward 
to returning very soon.“
Premium Country Pub guest

“The Manager went out of his way to 
accommodate us all on Mother’s Day, our lovely 
waitress was excellent and we all enjoyed our 
food. Will definitely be going back.”
Toby Carvery guest

“Lovely Mother’s Day dinner with my family. 
Friendly staff and great food. Will definitely go 
back. Lobster was amazing! Thanks to the chef 
and team for such great presentation and service.”
Miller & Carter guest

9

ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2019MITCHELLS & BUTLERS PLCSTRATEGIC REPORTGOVERNANCEFINANCIAL STATEMENTSOTHER INFORMATIONCHAIRMAN’S STATEMENT

A company 
positioned for 
further success 
in the future

OUR BOARD
In	February	and	March,	we	extended	the	depth	
of	experience	of	the	Board,	welcoming	Jane	
Moriarty	and	Susan	Murray.	Jane	Moriarty,	who	is	
a	Fellow	of	the	Institute	of	Chartered	Accountants	
in	Ireland,	is	currently	a	director	of	NG	Bailey	
Group	Limited,	Quarto	Group	Inc.,	Martin’s	
Properties	Holdings	Limited	and	Nyrstar	NV	and	
was	previously	a	senior	advisory	partner	with	
KPMG	LLP.	

Susan	Murray,	who	has	been	appointed	as	the	
Board’s	senior	independent	director,	brings	
valuable	insight	from	a	number	of	current	and	
previous	board	positions	including	Compass	
Group	PLC,	Pernod	Ricard	SA,	Imperial	Brands	
PLC	and	Ei	Group	plc	as	well	as	being	a	former	
Council	Member	of	the	Advertising	Standards	
Authority	and,	currently,	Hays	PLC,	Grafton	
Group	PLC	and	William	Grant	&	Sons	Holdings	
Limited.	In	her	executive	career,	amongst	other	
roles,	Susan	was	Director	of	International	
Marketing	of	Grand	Metropolitan’s	IDV	business,	
Worldwide	President	and	Chief	Executive	of	
Smirnoff’s	vodka	business	and	subsequently	
Chief	Executive	of	Littlewoods.

I	believe	that	the	skills	and	attributes	of	our	Board	
members	provide	a	diverse	range	of	views	and	
experience.	The	collective	strength	of	the	Board	
is	realised	through	open	and	engaged	discussions.	
The	stewardship	of	the	Board	has	been	instrumental	
in	repositioning	the	business	over	recent	years	
and	its	focus	will	continue	to	be	on	the	long-term	
success	of	the	Company	for	all	of	our	stakeholders.	

BOB IVELL
Chairman
Mitchells	&	Butlers	plc

This	year	we	are	delighted	to	see	the	sustained	
efforts	of	our	teams	across	the	business	translate	
into	a	strong	financial	performance	despite	
the	challenging	cost	environment	and	uncertain	
political	backdrop.	We	have	seen	trading	
momentum	continue	to	build	and	efficiency	gains	
delivered	through	our	Ignite	programme.	As	a	
result,	operating	profit	grew	by	£42m	against	last	
year	and	earnings	per	share	increased	by	36.7%.	

We	have	remained	steadfast	in	the	application	of	
our	capital	allocation	strategy	which	facilitates	the	
pay	down	of	debt	and	transfer	of	value	to	equity,	
to	the	long-term	benefit	of	our	shareholders.	The	
successful	execution	of	our	clear	strategy,	which	
is	built	around	our	purpose,	leaves	me	confident	
that	we	are	positioning	the	Company	for	further	
success	in	the	future.	

The	people	within	the	business	are	the	driving	
force	behind	this	success	and	I	would	like	to	take	
this	opportunity	to	thank	them	for	their	continued	
dedication	and	hard	work.	

OUR PURPOSE
At	Mitchells	&	Butlers	we	have	a	proud	and	long	
history	of	serving	the	communities	we	operate	in.	
Over	many	years,	our	pubs,	bars	and	restaurants	
have	acted	as	a	meeting	place,	in	the	heart	of	the	
community,	where	people	of	all	backgrounds	can	
get	together	and	socialise.	We	believe	that	this	
sense	of	community	is	as	important	now	as	it	was	
then	and,	therefore,	feel	that	it	is	important	for	
venues	such	as	ours	to	be	maintained	and	operated	
responsibly	for	the	benefit	of	all.	Our	strategy	is	built	
around	our	purpose	which	is	to	be	the	host	of	life’s	
memorable	moments,	bringing	people	and	
communities	together	through	great	experiences.	

This	sense	of	community	is	ingrained	in	all	aspects	
of	our	business,	both	in	our	sites	and	within	our	
central	functional	teams,	and	we	understand	the	
importance	of	protecting	those	communities	and	
the	environment	around	them.	We	are	taking	our	
responsibility	in	this	regard	seriously,	and	have	
developed	a	plan	to	increase	the	positive	effects	
we	can	have	on	society	and	the	communities	we	
work	in	and	reduce	the	negative	impact	our	
business	and	operations	have	on	the	environment.	

10

Later	in	this	report	we	bring	to	life	how	we	make	
our	purpose	live	in	the	business,	to	the	benefit	of	
all	stakeholders,	through	a	series	of	case	studies	
and	interviews.	

OUR CULTURE 
We	are	seeing	the	benefits	of	the	business	
transformation.	The	collective	ambition	which	
has	been	fostered	is	reflected	in	the	culture	of	the	
organisation	which,	with	careful	guardianship,	
will	continue	to	drive	performance	in	the	future.	
The	Board	and	the	Executive	team	have	a	lead	
role	in	shaping	and	supporting	the	culture	of	the	
organisation	and	our	ambition	is	to	create	a	
responsible	and	inclusive	environment	which	
allows	all	of	our	people	to	thrive.	In	the	year,	Dave	
Coplin	has	taken	the	responsibility	of	representing	
employees’	voices	on	the	Board,	with	a	number	of	
events	to	gather	views	which	will	ensure	that	the	
perspective	of	our	site	and	corporate	teams	is	
always	considered	as	a	key	factor	in	making	our	
business	decisions.	

Our	people	are	our	greatest	asset	and	we	were	
delighted	to	see	engagement	continue	to	improve	
over	the	last	financial	year.	This	is	testament	to	
the	positive	team	culture	within	the	organisation	
which	means	that,	despite	the	challenges	being	
put	to	teams	to	deliver	our	numerous	Ignite	
initiatives,	we	continue	to	develop	people	who	
enjoy	working	together	and	with	us.	

OUR VALUES
The	values	we	hold	ourselves	accountable	to	
across	the	business	ensure	that	all	of	our	people	
are	working	collectively	to	create	an	environment	
which	supports	our	purpose,	working	in	union	
with	our	stakeholders.	

The	values	we	operate	to	are	Passion,	Respect,	
Innovation,	Drive	and	Engagement.	We	believe	
these	are	the	key	elements	needed	to	support	the	
culture	which	allows	the	business	to	excel.	Each	
team	has	the	autonomy	to	bring	these	values	to	
life	in	their	day-to-day	roles	and	feedback	on	the	
perception	of	how	these	values	live	in	the	business	
is	a	crucial	part	of	our	engagement	survey.

ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2019MITCHELLS & BUTLERS PLCThe pub holds a 
special place in its 
guests’ hearts. We want 
to preserve that by 
delivering real benefits 
to the communities 
we work in.

CHAIRMAN’S INTRODUCTION 
TO GOVERNANCE
Go to page 52 to hear how the business  
has been managed to drive performance over 
the past financial year.

11

ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2019MITCHELLS & BUTLERS PLCSTRATEGIC REPORTGOVERNANCEFINANCIAL STATEMENTSOTHER INFORMATION 
CHIEF EXECUTIVE’S BUSINESS REVIEW

We are delighted 
with the strong 
performance 
this year

The momentum we have built demonstrates that 
we have stabilised the profitability of the business, 
which was a key milestone having previously 
returned the business to sustained sales growth.

The result was driven by a strong sales 
performance, with 3.5% of like-for-like salesa 
growth, which was broad-based with all brands 
delivering like-for-like sales growth. This is a 
strong indicator that our recovery is not simply 
about capital investment and reflects the impact 
of the numerous workstreams under our Ignite 
change programme. It further reinforces the belief 
that it is the aggregate impact of all the initiatives 
we are undertaking that is key to moving the 
business forward, as opposed to any silver bullet. 

Equally pleasing was the fact that we managed to 
grow our profit conversion percentage, despite 
the continuing external cost inflation. This is the 
output from all the work done on efficiency 
drivers under Ignite.

The review that follows updates you on our 
progress in the year against our three strategic 
priorities; outlines our current view of the market 
in which we operate; and updates on current 
trading in the first seven weeks of the new year 
and the outlook.

Overall, we are confident of being able to maintain 
the momentum we have built into the new 
financial year. Whilst there are still macro factors 
to consider, we believe we have the business 
moving in the right direction to generate value 
for all of our stakeholders.

BUSINESS REVIEW
This has been a strong year for Mitchells & Butlers. 
The work we have undertaken, principally 
through our Ignite programme of initiatives, 
is driving a strong trading performance and 
generating profit growth whilst we continue to 
invest in our estate and pay down debt. 

Like-for-like salesa grew by 3.5%, with strong 
performances across all of our brands contributing 
to continued, consistent outperformance of the 
marketb. Within this, our uninvested estatec grew 
by 1.5% demonstrating breadth of performance 
across our portfolio. Total sales grew by 3.9% over 
the year. 

We completed 240 remodels and conversions 
in FY 2019 (FY 2018 232) and remain on course 
to deliver a 6–7 year cycle of investment, from the 
11–12 year cycle of previous years. Ordinarily we 
expect a drag on profit in the year of investment 
due to lost trade during closure and the cost 
associated with opening the invested business. 
This year we have been focusing on enhancing 
the ‘in year’ return of our investment projects and 
have eliminated profit drag by reducing closure 
time, more efficient use of resources and setting 
businesses up for success from the first day of 
trading. As a result, return on investmenta for 
conversion and acquisition projects increased to 
21%, the strongest we have seen for many years. 

Adjusted operating profita of £317m grew by 
£14m against last year. Ignite initiatives focusing 
on sales and efficiency enhancements have 
resulted in adjusted operating margina growth of 
0.1ppts, despite the inflationary cost headwinds 
which continue to impact our sector. On a 
statutory basis, profit before tax of £177m grew 
by 36.2% against last year. 

OUR STRATEGIC PRIORITIES 
We have maintained our strategic approach with 
three priority areas focused on repositioning the 
company to a stronger competitive position:

•  Build a more balanced business
•  Instil a more commercial culture
•  Drive an innovation agenda

Our continued progress across each of these 
priorities has been instrumental in the strong 
performance during the year. 

Build a more balanced business
Our estate comprises 1,748 pubs, bars and 
restaurants, of which more than 80% are freehold 
or long-leasehold. Our focus in this area is to 
optimise the balance of brands across the estate 
in order to create long-term value. During the 
year, we continued to execute our plan focusing 
on improving the quality of the estate through 
premiumisation and amenity upgrades. 

Our remodel returnsa have also improved, 
increasing to 34% for projects completed in 
the financial year. Our remodel programme is 
designed to enhance the amenity and appeal of 
sites which remain within the same brand, giving 
the opportunity both to delight existing, and 
attract new, guests. The remodel programme 
provides a vehicle through which brands can 
continue to evolve and innovate in the highly 
competitive market in which we operate.

We continue to search for new areas to create 
value. Miller & Carter Frankfurt opened in August 
and gives us an opportunity to test this successful 
offer in a new market. 

We have been considering the environmental 
impact of our investment programme and, 
where possible, have refurbished existing kitchen 
equipment and furnishings to be used in new 
projects. In so doing we have saved 500 pieces of 
equipment from landfill which equates to 274m3. 
In addition, our new Edinburgh lodge has been 
built to high environmental standards and we are 
continually looking for opportunities to improve 
the sustainability credentials of our buildings to 
reduce our use of natural resources. 

12

ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2019MITCHELLS & BUTLERS PLCWe have stabilised 
the profitability of 
the business, a key 
milestone having 
returned the business 
to sustained sales 
growth.

13

ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2019MITCHELLS & BUTLERS PLCSTRATEGIC REPORTGOVERNANCEFINANCIAL STATEMENTSOTHER INFORMATIONCHIEF EXECUTIVE’S BUSINESS REVIEW CONTINUED

Centralised	pricing	process	allows	us	to	identify	
pricing	opportunities	and	move	quickly	to	realise	
them.	In	the	year	we	have	streamlined	this	process	
and	effectively	utilised	our	till	software	to	enable	
centralised	changes	to	be	activated	in	line	with	
changes	to	local	market	dynamics.	

During	the	year,	we	have	systematically	targeted	
leased	businesses	which	were	underperforming	
expectations.	A	focused	team	has	identified	and	
implemented	solutions	to	enhance	the	performance	
and	profitability	of	these	sites,	and,	as	a	result,	we	
have	improved	the	uninvested	trading	performance	
of	these	sites	by	over	£1m	in	the	financial	year.	

Contributing	to	our	improved	return	on	invested	
capital,	we	have	invested	in	software	which	enables	
us	to	match	specific	guest	criteria	against	a	site	
location.	This	technology	enables	us	to	make	data	
driven	investment	decisions	to	ensure	that	each	site	
operates	under	the	brand	which	most	appropriately	
matches	the	needs	of	the	population	around	it.	

PEOPLE
Our	fantastic	team	of	over	46,000	people	across	the	
business,	is	critical	to	delivering	the	all-important	
experiences	which	guests	have	with	us.	We	rely	
on	our	people	to	uphold	the	highest	standards	
whilst	making	each	visit	personal	and	memorable.	
That	is	why	attracting,	training	and	retaining	
great	people	is	key	to	our	organisation.	We	are	
delighted,	therefore,	that	our	engagement	scores	
have	improved	across	all	cohorts	and	that	team	
turnover	has	reduced	by	3ppts	to	81%.	

We	are	proud	of	our	training	and	progression	
opportunities.	We	are	committed	to	providing	
progression	opportunities	and	development	to	
our	people	facilitated	through	training	and	a	
strong	centralised	HR	function.	Our	apprentice	
programme	continues	to	grow:	in	the	year	900	
young	people	have	completed	an	apprenticeship	
scheme;	and	1,600	existing	employees	have	
enrolled	on	a	course.	We	now	have	seven	
programmes	available	up	to	bachelor’s	degree	
level.	We	believe	that	our	apprentice	scheme	will	
provide	excellent	future	talent	to	our	organisation,	
and	we	were	delighted	to	be	recognised	
externally	by	the	National	Apprenticeship	Service,	
The	Springboard	Charity,	the	BII	and	the	CIPD	
for	our	Youth	Engagement	and	Employment.	

CURRENT TRADING AND OUTLOOK
In	the	first	seven	weeks	of	the	new	financial	year	
like-for-like	salesa	have	grown	by	1.4%	having	
continued	to	outperform	the	marketb	in	a	period	
of	adverse	weather.	

A	return	to	profit	growth	in	the	last	financial	year	
represents	significant	progress	in	the	face	of	
inflationary	cost	headwinds	impacting	the	sector.	
We	have	now	started	the	new	financial	year	with	
like-for-like	salesa	remaining	consistently	ahead	of	
the	market	and	a	new	wave	of	initiatives	from	our	
Ignite	programme	of	work	under	development.	

The	market	remains	challenging	with	a	high	level	
of	macro	uncertainties,	but	we	will	remain	focused	
on	maintaining	a	strong	balance	sheet	and	
reducing	our	net	debt	whilst	positioning	the	
business	to	generate	value	for	our	stakeholders.	

PHIL URBAN
Chief	Executive
Mitchells	&	Butlers	plc

Instil a more commercial culture
Instilling	a	commercial	mindset	across	the	
organisation	has	been	instrumental	in	driving	the	
turnaround	in	trading	performance	over	the	past	
two	years.	In	our	sites,	managers	have	been	
equipped	with	the	knowledge	to	confidently	
grow	sales	in	their	local	markets	and	have	been	
provided	with	systems	which	assist	them	in	running	
their	businesses	more	efficiently.	Centrally,	our	
procurement	team	continue	to	leverage	our	buying	
power	and	during	the	year	have	mitigated	£6m	of	
inflation	costs	across	food,	drink	and	logistics.	

Centralisation	of	procurement	and	stock	
management	has	also	allowed	us	to	reduce	the	
level	of	food	waste	in	our	supply	chain	during	the	
year.	Through	product	and	pack	size	review	we	
have	reduced	food	waste	by	65%	compared	to	
last	year.	During	the	year	we	also	began	working	
with	FareShare	who	will	take	the	unavoidable	
waste	from	our	supply	chain	and	distribute	it	to	
charitable	organisations	which	aim	to	bring	people	
together	through	food	and	social	interaction.	We	
are	also	working	hard	to	reduce	food	waste	in	our	
sites,	aided	by	investment	in	a	more	sophisticated	
stock	management	system.	In	addition,	we	are	
exploring	opportunities	to	redistribute	food	from	
sites	when	we	have	a	surplus,	for	example	we	
have	trialled	Too	Good	to	Go	in	Toby	Carvery.	

Our	enhanced	labour	deployment	systems,	
in	combination	with	a	specialist	team	of	system	
experts,	continue	to	deliver	improved	efficiencies.	
The	system	generates	accurate	deployment	
schedules,	individual	to	the	trading	patterns	of	a	
specific	business,	enabling	the	manager	to	deploy	
staff	in	the	most	efficient	way.	Our	team	of	
experts	help	managers	to	get	the	most	out	of	the	
system	and	to	optimise	labour	deployment	in	
their	business.	

Drive an innovation agenda
An	innovation	mindset	continues	to	be	a	priority	
for	our	business.	Innovation	takes	place	at	all	levels	
of	the	business	from	single	product	and	process	
development	to	our	organisation-wide	digital	
strategy.	Our	digital	strategy	represents	an	
opportunity	to	unlock	value	by	facilitating	agile	
integration	with	new	technology.	As	consumer	

behaviour	evolves,	we	are	more	able	to	provide	
flexible	solutions	to	accommodate	changing	
needs.	Technology	and	the	resulting	data	also	
provide	us	with	the	insight	to	improve	our	
understanding	of	the	requirements	of	our	guests	
and	how	we	can	fulfil	those	requirements	and	
offer	even	better	experiences.

During	the	year	we	have	developed	our	
technology	to	facilitate	an	improved	online	
booking	experience,	have	developed	an	
employee	app	allowing	our	staff	greater	flexibility	
and	have	continued	to	work	with	Just	Eat	and	
Deliveroo,	with	273	sites	now	offering	delivery.	
In	addition	to	this,	we	have	three	delivery	only	
brands	in	trial,	utilising	existing	kitchens	which	
have	additional	capacity.	

The	George	at	Harpenden,	a	new	all-day	concept	
which	we	opened	last	year,	has	been	performing	
well.	The	offer	is	a	premium	suburban	concept	which	
aims	to	appeal	across	all	day	parts	with	flexible	
space,	which	is	appropriate	for	a	range	of	occasions.	

We	are	increasingly	supporting	innovative	
companies	finding	sustainable	solutions	for	our	
industry,	as	well	as	working	collaboratively	with	
other	organisations	in	our	sector	to	share	learnings	
and	best	practice	in	addressing	the	environmental	
challenges	we	are	faced	with.	

Ignite
Ignite	is	the	internal	name	used	for	our	focused	
programme	of	work	underpinning	the	longer-term	
strategy.	Ignite	initiatives	have	been	instrumental	
in	driving	the	turnaround	in	trading	performance	
and	profitability	and	have	continued	at	pace	in	the	
year.	Ignite	2	initiatives	are	in	place	to	continue	to	
deliver	benefits	in	the	current	financial	year	and	
our	next	stage,	Ignite	3,	will	be	developed	during	
the	coming	year.	

An	example	of	an	Ignite	2	initiative	which	was	
rolled	out	during	the	year	is	the	enhancement	of	
our	booking	platforms.	We	have	simplified	the	
booking	process	by	reducing	the	number	of	steps	
a	guest	needs	to	take	to	book	a	table.	Booking	
conversions	have	increased	by	1.3ppts	as	a	result	
of	this	more	seamless	experience.	

14

ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2019MITCHELLS & BUTLERS PLC21% 

Return on investmenta for conversion and 
acquisition projects.

£14m

Adjusted operating profita grew by £14m 
to £317m.

a.	 The	Directors	use	a	number	of	alternative	

performance	measures	(APMs)	that	are	considered	
critical	to	aid	the	understanding	of	the	Group’s	
performance.	Key	measures	are	explained	on	pages	
156	to	158	of	this	report.

b.	 As	measured	by	the	Coffer	Peach	business	tracker.	
c.	 Uninvested	estate	refers	to	sites	which	have	not	

received	investment	in	the	last	year.

15

ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2019MITCHELLS & BUTLERS PLCSTRATEGIC REPORTGOVERNANCEFINANCIAL STATEMENTSOTHER INFORMATIONOUR MARKETS

People still want 
to go out and 
treat themselves

MARKET TRENDS
Our sector remains in growth, forecast to be 
1.3% in 2019, with a number of key consumer 
trends impacting the industry:

RESTAURANT SUPPLY

-3.4% 

Restaurant supply fell by 3.4% in the year to 
June 2019.

ACCESS TO TALENT 
A challenge for the industry as a whole and 
impacted by Brexit. Focus on reducing 
turnover and developing own talent through 
training and apprenticeships and delivering 
on our people promise.

RISING CONSUMER RESPONSIBILITY 

43% 

43% of the UK population want to eat more 
healthily than they were doing five years ago.

Source: MCA UK Eating Out Report 2019/CGA 
Outlet Index 

PREMIUMISATION 
Premium drinks, increased food quality 
and aspirational décor is the focus for 
growth brands.

16

THE EXTERNAL ENVIRONMENT
The eating out industry continues to face 
challenges, including rising costs and supply 
which has, over recent years, outstripped 
demand. The result of these factors has been a 
number of CVAs and business closures amongst 
our competitors, and, in the twelve months to 
June, the number of restaurants in operation fell 
by 3.4%. This reduction in sites was evenly spread 
across the UK. 

However, the industry as a whole remains in 
revenue growth; forecast to be 1.3% in the year 
to September 2019. This suggests that, despite 
reported fragile consumer confidence, people 
ultimately still want to go out and treat themselves 
to social occasions. 

There are a number of key trends impacting the 
industry. Consumers are increasingly seeking 
higher quality food when eating out, with a focus 
on superior ingredients and sourcing. These 
factors have resulted in the continuing trend of 
increased spend per visit and a number of brands 
have premiumised their food offers and amenity 
in response to this changing consumer behaviour. 
Premiumisation is also supported by consumers’ 
increasing desire for healthy options, with 43% of 
the population stating a desire to eat and drink 
more healthily than they were doing five years 
ago. To consumers of this mindset, high quality 
ingredients, healthy cooking methods and 
nutritionally beneficial meals command a higher 
price point and, therefore, there has been a 
growing proportion of offers targeting this trend. 

Busy lifestyles have led to consumer demand 
across all day parts as people increasingly fit in 
social occasions during different parts of the day, 
with breakfast growth outstripping any other day 
part. As a result, a number of brands have evolved 
with the intention of creating an offer which is 
competitive across the whole day. The impact of 
this is increased capacity from existing restaurants 
without an increase in the number of sites, 
compounding the long-term increase in supply in 
the market. Brands must consider their position 
in the market for each timeslot they are open to 
trade and must remain competitive across their 
trading hours in order to maximise the profitability 
of their offer. 

Total eating out market

£91bn 

£4.4bn

£20.1bn

£66.5bn

Hotels, Pubs & Restaurants
Retail, Travel & Leisure
Contract catering

Source:	MCA	UK	Eating	Out	Market	Report	2019

ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2019MITCHELLS & BUTLERS PLCDelivery and takeaway remain areas of growth 
in the industry facilitated by aggregators which 
allow consumers the convenience of a range of 
cuisines delivered to their homes. The delivery 
sector has seen rapid growth over recent years, 
a trend which looks set to continue. Until now, 
delivery has largely been an addition to the 
traditional restaurant model. However, as the 
opportunity in this market grows there has been 
increasing introduction of delivery-only brands 
and the use of ‘dark kitchens’. Strategic 
participation in this area of the market is likely 
to be a key differentiator in performance over 
the coming years. 

The UK political and economic environment 
remains uncertain. The impact of Brexit remains 
unclear, and, aside from macro-economic 
consequences, the specific areas of material 
impact for our business are likely to be increases 
in costs and the reduction of availability of goods, 
and implications of restrictions on the free 
movement of labour. On the UK’s exit from the 
EU, the cost of goods might be impacted by 
changes in terms of trade and therefore tariffs, 
additional border controls and fluctuations in 
the value of sterling. From an employment 
perspective, at a time when unemployment levels 
are at a 40-year low, any restriction on the free 
movement of labour would be expected to have 
a material impact on both the cost of labour and 
access to talent. Currently, across our business, 
13% of staff are non-British EU nationals, with the 
proportion fluctuating by geographic region. We 
remain close to these issues and have contingency 
plans in place whilst we await further details.

UK restaurant sales growth (%)

0 0.5 1.4 1.6 2.6
2014
2012
2010

2011

2013

3.0
2015

1.9
2016

1.7 1.4 1.3
2019
2018
2017
(estimate)

Source:	MCA	UK	Eating	Out	Market	Report	2019

Net MAT UK restaurant openings

2,500

2,000

1,500

1,000

500

0

-500

-1,000

-1,500

Q3
2015

Q3
2016

Q3
2017

Q3
2018

Q3
2019

17

Source:	CGA	Outlet	Index

ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2019MITCHELLS & BUTLERS PLCSTRATEGIC REPORTGOVERNANCEFINANCIAL STATEMENTSOTHER INFORMATIONOUR STRATEGIC PRIORITIES

The role 
sustainability 
goals play in 
our business

The	17	UN	Sustainable	Development	Goals	
(SDGs)	are	the	widely	accepted	blueprint	to	
achieve	a	more	sustainable	future,	seeking	to	
address	the	global	challenges	we	currently	face.	
The	goals	were	agreed	in	2015,	since	when	
businesses	and	governments	across	the	world	
have	been	using	them	as	a	guide	to	meet	
environmental,	economic	and	societal	challenges.

On	analysis	of	the	underlying,	specific	ambitions	
of	the	17	UN	SDGs,	12	have	been	identified	as	
directly	applicable	to	Mitchells	&	Butlers	by	being	
within	the	Company’s	scope	of	impact.	We	have	
therefore	reviewed	our	approach	to	sustainability	
during	the	year	and	have	developed	a	new	
strategy	designed	to	increase	our	positive	effect	
on	communities	and	reduce	the	negative	effect	
of	our	operations	on	the	environment.	By	aligning	
our	sustainability	strategy	with	the	identified	12	
UN	SDGs,	we	aim	to	ensure	that	focus	remains	on	
key	areas	of	risk	and	opportunity	which	enable	us	
to	more	effectively	contribute	to	global	priorities.

The	sustainability	strategy	we	have	developed	
in	the	year	has	been	built	around	three	pillars,	
namely	sourcing,	community	and	resources.	
The	activity	under	these	pillars	is	designed	to	
address	the	SDGs	we	have	identified.	Given	the	
importance	and	scale	of	the	work	we	have	built	
a	governance	structure	around	the	strategy	to	
support	the	change	needed,	including	a	Board	
level	committee.

18

EXTERNAL TARGETS
We have set targets which are measurable and 
stretching and which align with wider UK 
ambitions. We have also introduced greenhouse 
gas emissions and food waste reduction as key 
performance indicators as they are key to 
improving the sustainability of our operations 
from an environmental perspective. We will 
report our progress against these targets annually 
within this report. 

STRATEGIC PILLARS
The identified UN SGDs and alignment to our 
strategic pillars are shown on the facing page. 
For each of the pillars we have defined our 
objective, key actions and targets.

OUR THREE STRATEGIC PILLARS:
1. SOURCING
2. COMMUNITY
3. RESOURCES

1. GREENHOUSE GAS EMISSIONS

-25%Target: Reduce greenhouse gas emissions 

by 25% by 2030 (measured as GHGe/meal)

2. FOOD WASTE

-20%Target: Reduce food waste by 20% 

by 2025

3. PLASTICS

Zero

Target: Remove unnecessary single use 
plastics by 2021

4. RECYCLING

80%Target: Increase proportion of waste 

recycled to 80% by 2025

ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2019MITCHELLS & BUTLERS PLCSOURCING

COMMUNITY

RESOURCES

Relevant SDGs 

Relevant SDGs 

Relevant SDGs 

Objective 
Reduce the negative impact of our food and drink 
supply chain on greenhouse gas emissions, 
biodiversity and deforestation

Objective
Increase the positive effect on people impacted 
by the business, be they employees, customers or 
the wider community

Objective
Reduce the use of natural resources and find 
opportunities to contribute to the development 
of a circular economy

Key actions
•  Measure the emission targets of our supply 
chain to identify opportunities to reduce 
impact

•  Balance the animal welfare, emissions, 

biodiversity and deforestation impact on 
sourcing decisions

•  Tailor menus to increase the number of items 
that have a lower negative impact on the 
environment

•  Communicate sourcing decisions to customers

Key actions
•  Develop a genuine culture of openness and 
trust as a basis for true community focus

•  Understand the welfare of all levels of 

employees and provide relevant support
•  Facilitate healthier lifestyles by providing 
information and choice on all menus

•  Develop strategic partnerships with charities 
utilising the specific skills and opportunities 
within the business to add genuine value

Key actions
•  Use emissions footprint to find opportunities 

to reduce impact

•  Build a plan to reduce consumption of water, 

directly and in our supply chain

•  Make estate more sustainable by using 

appropriate building materials and ensuring 
that our businesses have the right equipment 
in place to minimise resource usage

•  Reduce operational food waste and donate 

unavoidable surplus food to charities

External target
1. Greenhouse gas emissions
2. Reduction in single-use plastic usage

External target
1. Engagement scores
2. Net promoter score

External target
1. Greenhouse gas emissions
2. Reduction in food waste
3. Reduction in single-use plastic usage
4. Increased levels of recycling

19

ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2019MITCHELLS & BUTLERS PLCSTRATEGIC REPORTGOVERNANCEFINANCIAL STATEMENTSOTHER INFORMATIONOUR STRATEGIC PRIORITIES CONTINUED

Our strategy aims 
to deliver long-
term sustainable 
shareholder value 
through organic 
and sustainable 
growth

Through ensuring we have a balanced 
estate; instilling a more commercial 
culture; and driving an innovation 
agenda, we aim to generate value from 
the business whilst reducing the negative 
effects our operations have on the 
environment and finding opportunities 
to create a positive impact. 

BUILD A MORE BALANCED BUSINESS
•  Effectively utilise our estate of largely freehold-backed properties
•  To ensure we are exposed to the right market segments by having the 
correct trading brand or concept in each outlet, based on location, 
site characteristics and local demographics

•  To maintain the amenity level of the estate such that we operate safely, 
have the ability to reduce our impact on the environment and remain 
competitive to guests, alongside meeting cash flow commitments

FY 2019 progress
•  Maintained focus on investment in capital activity with investment in the 

year of £152m

•  Completed 247 capital projects in the year, maintaining a six to seven year 

investment cycle

•  Strong returnsa generated of 21% 
•  Acquired seven sites and disposed of ten sites which did not fit into our 

estate strategy

•  Continued to progress partnership with Ego Restaurants with 19 sites 

now open

FY 2020 priorities
•  Focus on enhancing asset value through remodelling sites where we 

believe increased value can be unlocked

•  Make further selective acquisitions where we feel they add value to the 
estate, and disposals where we feel we have extracted maximum value
•  Develop a new build site with top sustainability credentials in order to test 

options with potential to be rolled out to further properties

Sustainability
•  Refurbished 500 items of kitchen equipment saving 274m3 of landfill space
•  Identify opportunities to reduce our consumption of natural resources 

across the estate 

•  New lodge in Edinburgh built to high sustainability standards

a.	 The	Directors	use	a	number	of	alternative	performance	
measures	(APMs)	that	are	considered	critical	to	aid	the	
understanding	of	the	Group’s	performance.	Key	measures	
are	explained	on	pages	156	to	158	of	this	report.

20

LINK TO KEY RISKS  1A, 2A, 2I, 2J
See	pages	40	to	44		

LINK TO KPIs 
See	pages	38	and	39		

2, 3, 4, 5

ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2019MITCHELLS & BUTLERS PLCINSTIL A MORE COMMERCIAL CULTURE
•  Empower teams across the business to make changes to facilitate 

DRIVE AN INNOVATION AGENDA
•  To ensure that our brands and formats remain fresh and relevant within 

sustainable growth 

their market segments

•  To engage our teams in delivering outstanding guest experiences
•  To act quickly and decisively to remain competitive in our fast-changing 

marketplace

•  To leverage the increasing role technology can play in improving efficiency 

and guest experience 

•  To execute a digital strategy to engage with consumers across a variety 

•  Provide training and development opportunities which allow our people 

of platforms

to thrive within the business

•  To facilitate new product and concept development
•  To utilise our scale and position to lead on environmental issues which 

impact our sector, finding innovative solutions to pressing issues

FY 2019 progress
•  Mitigation of £6m of food, drink and logistics cost headwinds through 

FY 2019 progress
•  Expanded our involvement with delivery partners, 273 sites are now live 

continued efficiency savings

with Deliveroo or JustEat

•  Smart approach to pricing has allowed us to react more quickly to changes 

•  Continued to bring guest technology to the customer through order and 

in local market conditions

pay at table 

•  Continued use of IntelliQ to identify suspicious transactions has delivered 

significant benefit 

•  Successful launch of new concept at The George, Harpenden 
•  Development of trial of delivery – only brands utilising existing kitchens 

•  Employee app developed and launched facilitating greater working 

with additional capacity 

flexibility

•  Further advances in guest engagement with continued focus on social 

media response resulting in an average score across the business of over 
4 out of 5

•  Rollout of removal of cash expenditure for sundry expenses to increase 

visibility, and control and identify scale purchasing opportunities 

FY 2020 priorities
•  Fully roll out and embed the new stock auto-ordering system, improving 
control through a reduction in waste, fewer stock outages and a more 
efficient stock take process

•  Removal of all unprofitable hours throughout the business 
•  Increase spend per head through tailored pricing, menu psychology 

and upselling

•  Continue to leverage scale through central procurement and roll out of 

cash expenditure removal across all businesses

FY 2020 priorities
•  Consolidate all data onto one platform to facilitate increased use of 

technology within our business 

•  Further develop guest loyalty initiatives and extend roll out to more brands
•  Further development of our order at table technology and roll out across 

more brands 

•  Continue to evolve and develop all of our brands and concepts 

Sustainability
•  Food waste in the supply chain reduced by 65% due to range review 

Sustainability
•  Supporting businesses looking to find sustainable solutions relevant 

and rationalisation

to our industry 

•  During the year 1,030 of our people gained progression opportunities 

to management level and through moves to larger businesses 
•  In the year 900 young people joined us through apprenticeship 
schemes and 1,600 of our existing employees enrolled onto an 
apprentice opportunity 

LINK TO KEY RISKS  1A, 1B, 2A, 2D, 2G, 2I, 2J
See	pages	40	to	44		

LINK TO KEY RISKS  1A, 2B, 2C, 2I, 2J
See	pages	40	to	44			

LINK TO KPIs 
See	pages	38	and	39	

1, 2, 3, 5

LINK TO KPIs 
See	pages	38	and	39	

2, 3, 5

21

ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2019MITCHELLS & BUTLERS PLCSTRATEGIC REPORTGOVERNANCEFINANCIAL STATEMENTSOTHER INFORMATIONOUR STRATEGY IN ACTION

Build a more 
balanced business

We aim to generate maximum long-term 
value from our estate by ensuring we 
have the right brand in the right location. 
During the year, we completed a total of 
247 projects as well as investing in the 
maintenance and infrastructure of our 
businesses. We have also successfully 
focused on reducing the profit drag 
from the closure and re-opening of 
our investments. 

22

This means we have kept pace with our aim to 
invest in each of our sites every six to seven years, 
ensuring we upgrade and maintain the look and 
feel in an ever more competitive market. Our 
returns from our investment in the year have 
improved, with EBITDA returnsa of 34% on our 
remodel projects and 21% on our conversion and 
acquisition projects. 

We aim to continuously enhance and develop the 
environments we create for our guests. Examples 
of the progress we have made are The George, 
a new concept, and Browns Edinburgh where a 
refreshed design format is being trialled. We are 
delighted with these projects which have 
received positive guest feedback. 

We are also acutely aware of the potential 
environmental impact of our investment 
programme and so, during the year, we have 
begun a programme to refurbish existing kitchen 
equipment to be used in new projects, with 500 
pieces already saved from landfill. We will 
continue to look for opportunities to improve 
the sustainability credentials of our estate 
and investments.

In the coming year, we will maintain this 
investment cycle and look to unlock further value 
from our existing assets through our remodel 
programme.

ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2019MITCHELLS & BUTLERS PLC23

ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2019
MITCHELLS & BUTLERS PLC

STRATEGIC REPORTGOVERNANCEFINANCIAL STATEMENTSOTHER INFORMATIONOUR STRATEGY IN ACTION CONTINUED

Instil a 
commercial 
culture

Engaged people, with the right skills 
and means to both delight guests and 
deliver profitable growth, have been 
instrumental in driving the turnaround 
in our performance in the last two years.

24

We have continued to equip our managers with 
the knowledge to grow sales and the tools to 
deliver efficiencies within the business. These 
efficiencies include enhanced labour deployment, 
improved stock control and reduced petty cash 
spend. Centrally, our teams continue to drive 
efficiencies from our scale, and have successfully 
mitigated £6m of inflationary costs across food, 
drink and logistics in the year.

Central procurement and stock management has 
allowed us to reduce food waste by 65% through 
product and pack size review in the period. This 
year we will also begin to work with FareShare, who 
will take the surplus food from our supply chain 
and re-distribute it to charities and community 
organisations which bring people together through 
food to encourage social interaction. 

Our enhanced labour deployment system, and 
the team of experts that support it, have delivered 
further labour efficiencies in the period whilst also 
optimising the labour deployment in our sites.

ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2019MITCHELLS & BUTLERS PLC25

ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2019MITCHELLS & BUTLERS PLCSTRATEGIC REPORTGOVERNANCEFINANCIAL STATEMENTSOTHER INFORMATIONOUR STRATEGY IN ACTION CONTINUED

Drive an 
innovation 
agenda

Delivering our digital strategy is still at 
the forefront of our focus as we continue 
to bring technology to the customer 
experience from single product and 
process development to our organisation-
wide digital strategy. The data produced 
also enables us to better understand our 
customers’ evolving needs and how we 
can fulfil them.

26

ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2019MITCHELLS & BUTLERS PLCTherefore, during the year, we have improved 
our online booking experience by reducing the 
number of steps taken to complete a booking 
resulting in a 25% increase in bookings year on 
year. We have continued to work with JustEat and 
Deliveroo, with 273 sites now offering delivery 
and giving the opportunity for guests to enjoy our 
brands at home. 

We have also utilised technology to facilitate more 
flexible working for our employees by developing 
an app which gives oversight of rotas and the 
opportunity to swap shifts. In addition to previous 
investments in labour and stock systems, we 
continue to look at opportunities for technology 
to support our teams. 

In terms of new concept development, during 
the year we opened The George, a new all-day 
concept designed to appeal to a range of occasions, 
which is performing well and receiving positive 
guest feedback. 

a.	 The	Directors	use	a	number	of	alternative	performance	
measures	(APMs)	that	are	considered	critical	to	aid	the	
understanding	of	the	Group’s	performance.	Key	measures	
are	explained	on	pages	156	to	158	of	this	report.

27

ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2019MITCHELLS & BUTLERS PLCSTRATEGIC REPORTGOVERNANCEFINANCIAL STATEMENTSOTHER INFORMATIONDISTINCTIVELY MITCHELLS & BUTLERS

FINANCIAL
• 	Long-term	transfer	of	value	to	equity	as	

debt	is	paid	down

• 	Strategy	designed	to	generate	sustainable	

sales	and	profit	growth

The Mitchells  
& Butlers 
difference

In	this	section,	we	outline	the	
distinctive	characteristics	of	
Mitchells	&	Butlers	that	enable	it	to	
create	value	for	its	stakeholders	–	
be	they	financial,	structural,	cultural	
or	environmental.	

STRUCTURAL
• We	have	a	diversified	portfolio	of	leading	

brands	and	offers

• We	are	a	predominantly	freehold	business	

with	well-invested	properties

• As	one	of	the	leading	operators	we	benefit	
from	economies	of	scale	driven	by	our	
central	functions

• We	understand	our	guests	and	have	the	

systems	in	place	to	receive	and	react	to	their	
changing	needs	to	evolve	our	offers

28

ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2019MITCHELLS & BUTLERS PLCENVIRONMENTAL
• Our	sustainability	strategy	is	

designed	to	create	a	positive	effect	
on	people	and	communities	and	to	
reduce	the	negative	effect	of	our	
operations	on	the	environment	

CULTURAL
• We	have	a	defined	purpose	
supported	by	our	PRIDE	
(Passion,	Respect,	Innovation,	
Drive,	Engagement)	values

• Our	people	strategy	

encompasses	a	structured	
approach	to	recruitment,	
retention,	development	and	
engagement

• We	have	a	team	of	dedicated,	
knowledgeable	and	capable	
people	who	are	critical	to	
delivering	outstanding	
experiences	to	our	guests

29

ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2019MITCHELLS & BUTLERS PLCOUR BUSINESS MODEL

How we  
create value

Our	business	model	is	driven	by	
our	understanding	of	our	guests	
and	our	ability	over	time	to	evolve	
our	brands	and	offers	to	reflect	
changes	in	their	needs.

Critical	to	the	delivery	of	our		
offers	is	the	quality	of	our	people,	
supply	chain,	estate	and	central	
functions,	which	provide	the	
infrastructure	through	which		
our	brands	deliver	memorable	
moments	to	our	guests.

Our	success	in	creating	these	
moments	consistently	and	
profitably	creates	long-term		
value	for	our	stakeholders.

Our experience and 
ability to interpret 
guest feedback help 
us understand what 
our guests want.

Everything we learn  
about our guests’  
requirements is fed back.

Creating memorable
moments generates
value for stakeholders.

Suppliers
Page	32

Guests
Page	33

Employees
Page	34

30

ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2019MITCHELLS & BUTLERS PLCUnderstanding 
what our guests 
want influences 
every element of 
our brands and 
offers.

Everything we do is…

Run by our people…

Supplied by our supply chain…

Realised within our estate…

46,000

employees

380m

drinks	sold	per	year	

120m

main	meals	sold	per	year

1,748

pubs,	bars	and	restaurants

Supported and  
managed by our  
central functions… 
Finance	and	
Technology,	Human	
Resources,	Legal	and	
Risk,	Marketing,	
Procurement,	and	
Property

The combination of our brands, people, 
supply chain, estate and central functions 
creates memorable moments for our guests.

Local community
Page	35

Environment
Page	36

Investors
Page	37

31

ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2019MITCHELLS & BUTLERS PLCVALUE CREATION STORY

Suppliers

FY 2019 HIGHLIGHTS

Tier 2

ACHIEVED TIER 2 BUSINESS 
BENCHMARK ON FARM ANIMAL 
WELFARE RATING 

WORKED COLLABORATIVELY 
WITH SUPPLIERS TO DEVELOP 
PRODUCTS AND OFFERS IN LINE 
WITH BRANDS’ VISIONS 

Our suppliers provide the products which bring 
our brand visions to life. Customer tastes are 
continuously evolving and our ability to meet 
changing preferences at scale sets us apart from 
our competitors. 

ISSUES
• Long-term	and	collaborative	relationships
• Products	are	aligned	with	consumer	needs	
• Environmental	impact	and	animal	welfare	
• Transparent	business	and	payments	terms	

We build long-term and collaborative 
partnerships with our suppliers. By working 
together, we can develop new and innovative 
products which help our brands adapt and 
evolve, building both of our businesses. 

We work with suppliers to understand the 
environmental impact of our supply chain and 
also prioritise high animal welfare standards. 

HOW WE ENGAGE
We	aim	to	develop	open	and	long-term	
relationships,	where	shared	insight	from	different	
perspectives	can	help	both	sides	to	grow	and	
innovate.	We	work	collaboratively	with	suppliers	
to	secure	high	quality	products	which	we	are	
proud	to	serve.	By	working	together	we	can	
ensure	that	products	evolve	with	consumer	
expectations	and	are	well	communicated	to	
our	guests.	

Our	central	procurement	function	and	brand	
teams	develop	open	relationships	with	suppliers	
which	facilitate	ongoing	communication.	We	set	
high	standards	of	practice	as	part	of	our	supplier	
agreements	and	when	necessary	use	our	
experience	to	help	smaller	suppliers	achieve	
those	standards.	

We	also	hold	an	annual	suppliers’	conference	to	
communicate	our	business	ambitions	and	ways	of	
working	including	our	expected	Code	of	Conduct	
and	practices.	

32

ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2019MITCHELLS & BUTLERS PLCGuests

The satisfaction and enjoyment of our guests is 
critical to the success of our business. We always 
aim to exceed guests’ expectations and 
continually evolve our offers with that objective 
in mind. 

ISSUES
• Safe	environment	
• Clear	allergen	information	
• Ability	to	have	feedback	heard	and	considered
• High	quality	products	and	service	

FY 2019 HIGHLIGHTS

INDUSTRY LEADING SAFETY SCORES

Guests trust us to provide a safe environment 
and we strive to achieve the highest safety and 
hygiene standards. We focus on ensuring high 
quality practices across the business. 

High quality food and drink, served by an 
engaged team, in an appealing environment are 
the key elements to providing our guests with 
memorable experiences. We continually assess 
changing guest preferences across these areas 
to position our brands for success. 

HOW WE ENGAGE
Our	business	is	driven	by	people	and	as	a	result	
we	are	in	the	fortunate	position	to	receive	‘live’	
feedback	from	our	customers.	Our	general	
managers	and	team	members	interact	with	
customers	every	day	and	receive	valuable	
feedback	on	personal	experiences.	

We	also	collate	feedback	through	online	channels	
and	via	our	brand	surveys	which	is	collated	
centrally	and	utilised	to	provide	valuable	insight	
for	future	brand	development.	

4+ONLINE REVIEW SCORE OF OVER 

4 OUT OF 5 ACROSS THE BUSINESS 

3.5%LIKE-FOR-LIKE SALES UP 3.5%

33

ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2019MITCHELLS & BUTLERS PLCSTRATEGIC REPORTGOVERNANCEFINANCIAL STATEMENTSOTHER INFORMATIONVALUE CREATION STORY CONTINUED

Employees

Our people are central to our business, bringing 
to life brand visions through engaging interaction 
with our guests and preparation of high quality 
food and drink. 

ISSUES
• Ensuring	employee	expectations	and	needs	

are	met

• Providing	development	and	progression	

FY 2019 HIGHLIGHTS

ENGAGEMENT SCORES UP ACROSS 
ALL COHORTS 

Through our open and inclusive culture, we aim 
to create an environment which allows our people 
to develop and thrive. We are proud of the 
training and development opportunities we offer 
and strive to provide progression opportunities 
to all of our people. 

The welfare of our employees is of paramount 
importance to us and we are continually reviewing 
the support we offer to employees across 
the business. 

81%RETAIL STAFF TURNOVER DOWN 3PPTS 

TO 81%

STRONG INTERNAL DEVELOPMENT 

AWARD WINNING APPRENTICE SCHEME

MENTAL HEALTH TRAINING ROLLED 
OUT TO ALL GENERAL MANAGERS

opportunities

• Diversity	and	inclusion	

HOW WE ENGAGE
We	have	two	formal	feedback	surveys	a	year	
providing	the	opportunity	to	gain	insight	into	
employee	satisfaction	and	to	highlight	
opportunities	to	improve	our	offer	as	an	employer.	

One	to	one	manager	reviews	take	place	twice	a	
year	where	clear	objectives	are	set	and	reviewed.	

Employee	forums	are	hosted	by	the	Executive	
team	and	are	open	to	all	employees,	giving	the	
opportunity	for	team	members	to	directly	discuss	
any	issues.	The	Executive	team	also	conduct	
regional	meetings	with	all	General	Managers	
twice	a	year	providing	business	updates	and	
the	opportunity	for	open	discussion.	

Dave	Coplin,	independent	Non-Executive	
Director,	is	the	nominated	Board	member	
responsible	for	representing	the	employee	voice	
at	Board	level.	

We	are	committed	to	providing	equal	
opportunities	for	all	of	our	employees.	Our	
employee	Diversity	Policy	ensures	that	every	
employee,	without	exception,	is	treated	equally	
and	fairly	and	that	all	of	our	employees	are	
aware	of	their	responsibilities.	

The	following	table	sets	out	our	diversity	balance	
between	men	and	women	at	the	end	of	FY	2019.	

Directors
Other	senior	managers
All	employees

Men Women
3
13
21,965 24,121

9
30

34

ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2019MITCHELLS & BUTLERS PLCLocal community 

We have a long history of providing a central hub 
to many communities where people have met 
and socialised for decades. Therefore, we want 
to help to support the communities we are proud 
to have been a part of for many years. 

ISSUES
• Local	disruption
• Impact	on	local	economy	
• Social	mobility
• Charitable	partnerships	

Many of our brands are long standing supporters 
of causes which resonate with the brand and its 
guests. For example, All Bar One supports Shelter 
with selected dishes including a donation. Toby 
Carvery supports Armed Forces and Nicholson’s 
the Royal National Lifeboat Institute. 

HOW WE ENGAGE
We	have	personal	interaction	with	our	guests	
from	the	local	community	within	our	businesses	
and	our	general	managers	have	the	support	to	
find	ways	to	connect	and	support	their	local	
communities.	

FY 2019 HIGHLIGHTS

Free

TOBY CARVERY ANNUALLY SUPPORTS 
ARMED FORCES DAY GIVING A FREE 
MEAL TO MILITARY PERSONNEL 

We are actively looking to enhance the positive 
impact we can have on local communities, 
including supporting charities, providing career 
opportunities, encouraging responsible drinking, 
and supporting health by reducing the salt and 
sugar content of our meals. 

Centrally	we	support	charities	which	are	focused	
on	supporting	people	and	communities.	Our	
charitable	partners	are	Mind	and	Shelter	and	we	
are	looking	at	opportunities	to	enhance	the	
support	we	offer.	

Our	Company	nutritionist	provides	expert	insight	
into	ways	in	which	we	can	enhance	the	nutritional	
content	of	our	offers,	and	a	working	group	has	
established	a	long-term	road	map	to	ambitious	
goals	in	this	area.	

(not	including	tax	collected,	e.g.	VAT)

£173mTAX PAID £173M 
20%ACHIEVED SUGAR REDUCTION PLEDGE 

TO REDUCE SUGAR BY 20% BY 2020

No.3

HARVESTER AWARDED NO.3 IN 
OUT TO LUNCH RANKINGS BY THE 
SOIL ASSOCIATION

35

ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2019MITCHELLS & BUTLERS PLCSTRATEGIC REPORTGOVERNANCEFINANCIAL STATEMENTSOTHER INFORMATIONVALUE CREATION STORY CONTINUED

Environment

The natural environment provides the business 
with the resources it needs to operate. We take 
our responsibility to protect that environment 
seriously and have, therefore, set new and 
stretching targets to reduce the negative impact 
of our business. 

We have aligned our objectives with the UN 
Sustainable Development Goals in order to focus 
our efforts on the global priorities. 

The food industry has an important part to play 
in climate change, as food supply chains are 
a significant factor in rising greenhouse gas 
emissions and in the reduction of biodiversity, 
and food waste is one of the largest contributors 
to greenhouse gas emissions globally. 

ISSUES
• Preventing	damaging	levels	of	global	warming
• Protecting	biodiversity	
• Reducing	the	use	of	scarce	resources	

HOW WE ENGAGE
We	aim	to	make	sustainable	and	responsible	
operation	part	of	the	way	we	do	business	in	the	
future.	We	are	prioritising	the	areas	where	we	can	
have	the	biggest	impact	first	and	have	ambitions	
across	a	number	of	areas	which	we	will	pursue	
in	the	most	effective	way	possible	over	the	
coming	years.	

We	are	actively	collaborating	with	organisations	
such	as	The	Sustainable	Restaurant	Association	
and	UK	Hospitality	to	support	industry	wide	
changes,	including	policy	setting,	to	reduce	
the	negative	impact	our	market	has	on	the	
environment.	

FY 2019 HIGHLIGHTS

274m3

KITCHEN EQUIPMENT REFURBISHMENT 
SAVING 274m3 OF LANDFILL SPACE 

ALL FOOD WASTE SENT TO ANAEROBIC 
DIGESTION

PARTNERSHIP ESTABLISHED WITH 
FARESHARE TO REDISTRIBUTE 
UNAVOIDABLE WASTE FOOD IN 
SUPPLY CHAIN 

RECYCLED WASTE IS PROCESSED IN UK 
AND NORTHERN EUROPE ONLY

ESTABLISHED STRETCHING TARGETS 
FOR THE COMING YEARS TO REDUCE 
OUR IMPACT (SEE PAGES 18 AND 19)

BOARD COMMITTEE AND HEAD OF 
SUSTAINABILITY ROLE CREATED 

36

ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2019MITCHELLS & BUTLERS PLCInvestors

Our investors are made up of our shareholders 
and bondholders who play an important role 
in monitoring and safeguarding the governance 
of our Group. 

We aim to demonstrate the responsible 
stewardship of the Company from a financial, 
strategic, governance, environmental and ethical 
perspective. It is important that our investors have 
transparency over the operation of our business. 

ISSUES
• Environmental,	social	and	governance	matters
• Financial	performance	
• Capital	allocation
• Strategy	and	business	model

HOW WE ENGAGE
We	maintain	an	open	dialogue	through	our	
investor	relations	programme.	We	update	
investors	on	financial	and	strategic	performance	
through	regular	performance	updates	and	
facilitate	discussion	through	meetings,	
roadshows	and	our	Annual	General	Meeting.	

We	ensure	that	investor	views	are	brought	
to	the	Boardroom	and	are	considered	in	
decision	making.	

FY 2019 HIGHLIGHTS

REPORTING ON ENVIRONMENTAL, 
SOCIAL AND GOVERNANCE ISSUES 
ENHANCED 

BREADTH OF EXPERIENCE ON BOARD 
ENHANCED WITH NEW MEMBERS 

STRONG FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE

OPEN COMMUNICATION WITH 
INVESTORS

NEW SUSTAINABILITY STRATEGY 
IN PLACE

a.	 The	Directors	use	a	number	of	alternative	

performance	measures	(APMs)	that	are	considered	
critical	to	aid	the	understanding	of	the	Group’s	
performance.	Key	measures	are	explained	on	pages	
156	to	158	of	this	report.

37

ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2019MITCHELLS & BUTLERS PLCSTRATEGIC REPORTGOVERNANCEFINANCIAL STATEMENTSOTHER INFORMATIONKEY PERFORMANCE INDICATORS

Measuring 
performance

We measure our performance against 
our strategy through five key 
performance indicators.

We	have	introduced	two	new	indicators	in	the	
year	in	relation	to	greenhouse	gas	emissions	and	
food	waste	and	we	will	report	our	progress	
against	these	in	FY	2020.	These	measures	
demonstrate	our	sustainability	ambitions;	for	
further	details	please	see	pages	18	and	19.

STAFF TURNOVER

NET PROMOTER SCORE

Definition
The	number	of	leavers	in	our	retail	businesses,	
expressed	as	a	percentage	of	average	retail	
employees.	This	like-for-like	measure	excludes	
site	management.

Definition
The	net	promoter	score	for	a	site	is	defined	as	the	
percentage	of	responses	where	we	score	9	or	10	
out	of	10,	less	the	percentage	of	responses	where	
we	score	0	to	6	out	of	10	based	on	the	question	
“how	likely	are	you	to	recommend	this	site	to	
a	friend	and/or	relative?”

FY 2019 performance
Retail	staff	turnover	decreased	by	3ppts	to	81%	
which	represents	a	significant	improvement	on	
the	prior	year.	

We	operate	in	a	highly	competitive	labour	market	
and	therefore	have	focused	on	continuing	to	
deliver	and	enhance	our	people	promise	in	order	
to	meet	the	needs	of	our	employees.	

FY 2019 performance
Net	promoter	score	for	FY	2019	was	60	which	has	
decreased	from	a	score	of	62	in	FY	2018.

Despite	the	decrease	in	this	score,	which	is	the	
outcome	of	individual	site	surveys,	our	online	
review	scores	have	increased	to	over	4	out	of	5	
across	the	business	and	the	number	of	complaints	
was	reduced.	

81%

60

82
2015

86
2016

82
2017

84
2018

81
2019

65
2015

51
2016

59
2017

62
2018

60
2019

Link to strategic priority:

Link to strategic priority:

a.	 The	Directors	use	a	number	of	alternative	

performance	measures	(APMs)	that	are	considered	
critical	to	aid	the	understanding	of	the	Group’s	
performance.	Key	measures	are	explained	on	pages	
156	to	158	of	this	report.

2

OUR STRATEGIC PRIORITIES
See	pages	20	and	21		

1, 2 & 3

38

ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2019MITCHELLS & BUTLERS PLCYEAR-ON-YEAR SAME OUTLET LIKE-
FOR-LIKE SALESa

INCREMENTAL RETURN ON 
EXPANSIONARY CAPITALa

ADJUSTED OPERATING PROFITa

Definition
The	sales	this	year	compared	to	the	sales	in	the	
previous	year	of	all	UK	managed	sites	that	were	
trading	in	the	two	periods	being	compared,	
expressed	as	a	percentage.

Definition
Expansionary	capital	includes	investments	
made	in	new	sites	and	investment	in	existing	
assets	that	materially	changes	the	guest	offer.	
Incremental	return	is	the	growth	in	annual	site	
EBITDA,	expressed	as	a	percentage	of	
expansionary	capital.

Definition
Operating	profit	before	separately	disclosed	
items	as	set	out	in	the	Group	Income	Statement.	
Separately	disclosed	items	are	those	which	are	
separately	disclosed	by	virtue	of	their	size	or	
incidence.	Excluding	these	items	allows	a	better	
understanding	of	the	trading	of	the	Group.	

FY 2019 performance
Like-for-like	sales	rose	by	3.5%	in	FY	2019.	This	
strong	sales	performance	was	driven	by	growth	
across	all	of	our	brands	and	supported	by	
uninvested	sales	growth.	Growth	remained	
consistently	ahead	of	the	market	as	measured	
against	the	Coffer	Peach	Tracker.

FY 2019 performance
The	EBITDA	return	on	all	conversion	and	
acquisition	capital	invested	in	FY	2019	was	21%,	
up	from	16%	in	FY	2018.	The	improvement	in	
return	is	due	to	reduced	closure	times,	efficient	
use	of	resources	and	a	focus	on	setting	the	business	
up	for	success	immediately	after	opening.	

FY 2019 performance
Adjusted	operating	profit	for	the	year	of	£317m	
was	4.6%	higher	than	the	prior	year.	This	
successful	performance	was	delivered	through	
strong	trading	and	the	delivery	of	cost	efficiencies	
as	part	of	the	Ignite	programme	of	work.	
Operating	margin	grew	by	0.1	ppts	despite	the	
ongoing	inflationary	cost	pressure	impacting	
our	industry.	

3.5%

21%

£317m

0.8
2016
2015 -0.8

1.8
2017

1.3
2018

3.5
2019

18
2015

20
2016

18
2017

16
2018

21
2019

328
2015

318
2016

314
2017

303
2018

317
2019

Link to strategic priority:

Link to strategic priority:

Link to strategic priority:

1, 2 & 3

OUR STRATEGIC PRIORITIES
See	pages	20	and	21		

1

39

1, 2 & 3

ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2019MITCHELLS & BUTLERS PLCSTRATEGIC REPORTGOVERNANCEFINANCIAL STATEMENTSOTHER INFORMATIONOUR THREE LINES OF DEFENCE

1•  Executive Committee

•  Leadership group/management
•  Internal controls and processes
•  Internal policies and procedures
•  Training

2•  Financial authority limits

•  Risk Management processes
•  Audit Committee 
•  Risk Committee
•  Health and Safety Team
•  Technology specialists
•  Legal support

3•  Group Assurance

•  Operational Practices Team

In discharging its role of reviewing the risks to 
which the Company is exposed, during 2019 the 
Risk Committee considered very carefully the 
potential risks which might arise from the UK’s 
departure from the European Union, which had 
several dates and configurations during the year. 
Those potential considerations were reviewed as 
part of every identified risk area as opposed to 
being considered as a separate, stand-alone risk 
due to the possibility for such potential risks to 
have an impact across various risk areas. Since, 
at the time of publication of this Annual Report, 
this issue has not been finally resolved, the same 
approach is continuing in FY 2020. 

Therefore, there is a robust and transparent 
process in place to provide an appropriate level 
of direction and support in the identification, 
assessment and management of those aspects 
of the business which have the potential to 
seriously damage our financial position, our 
shareholder value, our responsibilities to our 
staff and guests, our reputation and our 
relationships with key stakeholders.

RISKS AND UNCERTAINTIES

Keeping risk 
under control

This section highlights the principal 
risks and uncertainties that affect 
the Company, together with the key 
mitigating activities in place to manage 
those risks. 

This does not represent a comprehensive 
list of all of the risks that the Company 
faces, but focuses on those that are 
currently considered to be most relevant.

OVERVIEW
Risk management is critical to the proper 
discharge of our corporate responsibilities and 
to the delivery of shareholder value. Risk is at 
the heart of everything we do as an organisation. 
Therefore, the process for identifying and 
assessing risks and opportunities for 
improvements is an integral and inseparable 
part of the management skills and processes 
which are at the core of our business. 

There is a formally established Risk Committee 
in place which continues to meet on a quarterly 
basis to review the key risks facing the business. 
Key risks identified are reviewed and assessed by 
the Risk Committee in terms of their likelihood 
and impact and recorded on the Group’s ‘Key Risk 
Heat Map’, in conjunction with associated agreed 
risk mitigation plans. The processes that are used 
to identify and manage risks are described in the 
Internal Control and Risk Management statement 
on page 70.

Management support, involvement and 
enforcement is fundamental to the success of our 
risk management framework and each member of 
the Executive Committee takes responsibility for 
the management of the specific risks associated 
with their function. Our Group risk register clearly 
outlines the alignment of each key risk to an 
Executive Committee member and identifies an 
‘action owner’, to ensure responsibilities are 
formally aligned. 

40

ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2019MITCHELLS & BUTLERS PLC1. MARKET RISKS

Risk category

Controls/mitigating activities

Movement

A. DECLINING SALES PERFORMANCE
Sales
There is a risk that declining sales, concerns 
around consumer confidence, increased personal 
debt levels, squeezes on disposable income 
and rising inflation individually, together or in 
combination, may adversely affect our market 
share and profitability, reducing headroom 
against securitisation tests.

Consumer and market insight
If Mitchells & Butlers fails to manage and develop 
its existing (and new) brands in line with consumer 
needs and market trends due to failure to obtain 
or use sufficient insight in a timely manner, this 
may lead to a decline in revenues and profits.

Pricing and market changes
If price changes are not intelligently applied due 
to a lack of appreciation of market sensitivities and 
elasticities, this may result in decreased revenue 
and profit.

B. COST OF GOODS – PRICE INCREASES
Food
The cost of goods increases due to changes in 
demand, food legislation, exchange rates and/or 
production costs and uncertainty of supply, 
leading to decreased profits.

Drinks
The cost of drinks goods increases due to changes 
in demand, legislation, exchange rates and 
production costs, leading to decreased profits.

Goods not for resale
Increases in the cost of goods not for resale and 
utilities costs as a result of increases in global 
demand and uncertainty of supply in producing 
nations can have a significant impact on the cost 
base, consequently impacting margins.

Brexit
Given that circa 30% of food spend is sourced 
from EU countries, the overall risk and impact of 
additional costs is higher. In addition, there is an 
increasing risk of sourcing certain products given 
the expected delays at ports following the exit by 
the UK from the EU. On exit by the UK from the 
EU, the cost of goods may be impacted by 
changes in terms of trade and therefore tariffs, 
additional border controls and fluctuations in the 
value of sterling. 

41

•  Right operational and commercial team and structure in place. Brand 

RISK DECREASING

RISK INCREASING

alignment ensures the right research is done and is acted on. 

•  Daily, weekly and periodic sales reporting, monitoring and scrutiny 

activity is in place.

•  Our Eat Drink Share panel provides robust, quick and cost-effective 

research. This is our own panel of 27,000 Mitchells & Butlers guests whom 
we can use for research purposes for quick and cost-effective insights. 

•  Primary research in partnership with brand/category teams. 
•  Working with suppliers to tap into their research.
•  Each brand has its own pricing strategy.
•  Price promotions are in line with the agreed strategy.
•  Sales training for Management.
•  Consumer/insight-led innovation process and development for new brands.
•  Reduce guest complaints by improving the local management of social 

media responses (e.g. TripAdvisor responses). 

•  Increased digital marketing activity including new loyalty apps.
•  Increased activity from takeaway and delivery offerings. 
•  Online guest satisfaction survey to collect guest feedback. This feedback, 
together with the results of research studies, is monitored and evaluated 
by a dedicated guest insight team to ensure that the relevance to guests 
of the Company’s brands is maintained.

Overall, cost increases are mitigated as Mitchells & Butlers leverages its 
scale to drive competitive cost advantage and collaborates with suppliers to 
increase efficiencies in the supply chain. The fragmented nature of the food 
supply industry in the world commodity markets gives the Company the 
opportunity to source products from a number of alternative suppliers in 
order to drive down cost. Consideration has been given to potential areas 
such as supply chain risk (e.g. customs controls on imports), labour risk and 
economic disruption. Key mitigating activities for food and drink are 
detailed below:

Food: 
•  A Food Procurement Strategy is in place. 
•  Full reviews are carried out on key categories to ensure optimum value 

is achieved in each category.

•  A full range review was completed in FY 2019 ensuring the correct 

number of products/suppliers. This is regularly reviewed.

•  Regular reporting of current and projected inflation. 
•  Good relationships with key suppliers.

Drinks:
•  Each drinks category has a clearly defined strategic sourcing plan to 

ensure Company scale is leveraged, the supply base is rationalised and 
consumer needs are met.

•  Good relationships with key suppliers.
•  Supplier collaboration programmes are in place.
•  Plans in place to mitigate Sugar Tax.

Risk is increasing mainly due to the devaluation of the pound following the 
EU referendum, changes in Government policy (raising the risk of punitive 
duty changes) and the introduction of the Sugar Tax in 2018. Brexit risks 
have been considered in detail during FY 2019 and mitigating plans continue 
to be reviewed and developed. 

Buying ahead to mitigate the increasing risk of a lack of availability of 
products upon the exit by the UK from the EU.

ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2019MITCHELLS & BUTLERS PLCSTRATEGIC REPORTGOVERNANCEFINANCIAL STATEMENTSOTHER INFORMATIONRISKS AND UNCERTAINTIES CONTINUED

2. OPERATIONAL RISKS

Risk category

Controls/mitigating activities

Movement

A. PEOPLE PLANNING AND 
DEVELOPMENT
Mitchells & Butlers has a strong guest focus and 
so it is important that it is able to attract, retain, 
develop and motivate the best people with the 
right capabilities throughout the organisation. 
There is a risk that, without the right people, 
our customer service levels would be affected.

There are a large number of EU workers within the 
Group, particularly in London and the South East. 
Therefore, the overall risk is increasing as the UK 
approaches its possible exit from the EU. Any 
restriction on the free movement of labour would 
have a material impact on both the cost of labour 
and access to talent. 

B. BUSINESS CONTINUITY AND 
CRISIS MANAGEMENT
Mitchells & Butlers relies on its food and drink 
supply chain and the key IT systems underlying 
the business to serve its guests efficiently and 
effectively. Supply chain interruption, IT system 
failure or crises such as terrorist activity or the 
threat of disease pandemic might restrict sales 
or reduce operational effectiveness.

C. INFORMATION SECURITY AND 
DISASTER RECOVERY
There is a risk that inadequate disaster recovery 
plans and information security processes are in 
place to mitigate against a system outage, or 
failure to ensure appropriate back-up facilities 
(covering key business systems and the recovery 
of critical data) and loss of sensitive data. 

Increasing risk of cyber-attacks. 

Risk of non-compliance with GDPR. 

•  The Company makes significant investment in training to ensure that its 

RISK INCREASING

people have the right skills to perform their jobs successfully. 

•  Furthermore, an employee survey is conducted annually to establish 

employee satisfaction and engagement and this is compared with other 
companies, as well as previous surveys. Where appropriate, changes in 
working practices are made in response to the findings of these surveys. 

•  Remuneration packages are benchmarked to ensure that they remain 
competitive and a talent review process is used to provide structured 
succession planning. 

•  The apprenticeship programme will also assist in mitigating against the 

increasing risk in relation to EU workers.

•  A new talent management system has been sourced.

(Specifically in London/
South East)

•  The Company has in place crisis and continuity plans that are tested and 
refreshed regularly. The Company’s third-party back-up facility, for Retail 
Support Centre employees, has been successfully tested to ensure critical 
business systems are able to function in the event of a disaster. 

•  In addition, during FY 2019, departmental Business Continuity Plans have 

NO RISK 
MOVEMENT

been updated.

•  During FY 2018, two key departments took part in a test of our third-party 
off-site back-up facility. This test was a success and identified some key 
learnings to improve the overall service, all of which were implemented. 
Further testing is planned for FY 2020.

•  In FY 2019 a further review of cyber security was performed in order 

RISK INCREASING

to highlight any gaps and address any challenges. As a result, a number 
of further improvements have been made to address audit actions.

•  In addition, controls include:

 − The work carried out by the Group’s cross-functional Information 

Security Steering Group.

 − Group Assurance IT controls reviews. 
 − Implementation and revision of appropriate cyber security governance 

policies and procedures.

 − Ongoing security awareness initiatives continue to be undertaken.
 − A regular cycle of penetration testing. 
 − An effective implementation of a business-wide Global Data Protection 
Regulation compliance programme, including training of all relevant 
employees and contractors.

 − Increased focus on protecting the business against potential cyber-
attacks has resulted in the implementation of additional controls to 
mitigate against such risks.

 − Systems, processes and controls have been reviewed and updated 

to ensure GDPR compliance. 

42

ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2019MITCHELLS & BUTLERS PLCRisk category

Controls/mitigating activities

Movement

D. WAGE COST INFLATION
There is a risk that increased costs associated with 
further increases to the National Living Wage may 
adversely impact upon overall operational costs.

E. BORROWING COVENANTS
There are risks that borrowing covenants are 
breached because of circumstances such as:

i.   A change in the economic climate leading 

to reduced net cash inflows; or

ii.   A material change in the valuation of the 

property portfolio. 

F. PENSION FUND DEFICIT
The material value of the pension fund deficit 
remains a risk.

G. FAILURE TO OPERATE SAFELY 
AND LEGALLY
A major health and safety failure could lead to 
illness, injury or loss of life or significant damage to 
the Company’s or a brand’s reputation.

•  A detailed review of the risks associated with the National Living Wage 

RISK INCREASING

NO RISK 
MOVEMENT

RISK DECREASING

RISK INCREASING

has been completed. This review has been undertaken at a strategic level 
and seeks to ensure that appropriate mitigating actions are in place, some 
of which are in relation to how the Group carefully manages productivity 
and efficiency across the estate. 

•  We have successfully implemented a new Time and Attendance system 

to improve the management controls and reporting of staff hours. 

•  The Company maintains headroom against these risks. The finance team 
conducts daily cash forecasting with periodic reviews at the Treasury 
Committee, the role of which includes ensuring that the Board Treasury 
Policy is adhered to, monitoring its operation and agreeing appropriate 
strategies for recommendation to the Board. 

•  In addition, regular forecasting and testing of covenant compliance is 

performed and frequent communication is maintained with the 
Securitisation Trustee.
•  Annual property valuation. 
•  Detailed assessment of this is included in the long-term viability statement. 

•  The Company has made significant additional contributions to reduce the 
funding deficit. In September 2019, the Company reached agreement on 
the triennial valuation of the Group pension schemes as at 31 March 2019, 
with a funding shortfall of £293m (March 2016 valuation £451m shortfall). 

•  The Company will continue to pay cash contributions (of £45m p.a. RPI 
indexed from 1 April 2016) to 2023, with an additional payment of £13m 
into escrow in 2024 should such further funding be required at that time. 
This schedule of contributions is unchanged from that agreed in relation to 
the 2016 valuations. 

•  Mitchells & Butlers maintains a robust programme of health and safety 
checks both within its restaurants, pubs and bars and throughout the 
supply chain. 

•  The dedicated Safety Assurance team uses a number of technical partners 
including food technologists, microbiologists and allergen specialists to 
ensure that our food procedures are safe. 

•  Regular independent audits of trading sites are performed to ensure that 
procedures are followed and that appropriate standards are maintained. 
•  If a business is identified as underperforming in terms of health and safety 

standards, it is immediately targeted for improvement. 

•  The Company has Primary Authority Partnerships with Westminster City 
Council, St Albans City Council and Shared Regulatory Services in Wales, 
for the provision of assured advice on, amongst other things, safety issues 
and with Hampshire Fire Service for the provision of support and guidance 
on fire safety risks.

•  Food suppliers are required to meet the British Retail Consortium Global 
Standard for Food Safety and are subject to regular safety and quality audits. 

•  Comprehensive health and safety training programmes are in place.

43

ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2019MITCHELLS & BUTLERS PLCSTRATEGIC REPORTGOVERNANCEFINANCIAL STATEMENTSOTHER INFORMATIONRISKS AND UNCERTAINTIES CONTINUED

2. OPERATIONAL RISKS CONTINUED

Risk category

Controls/mitigating activities

H. FOOD SUPPLY  
CHAIN SAFETY
Malicious or accidental contamination in the 
supply chain could lead to food goods for resale 
being unfit for human consumption or being 
dangerous to consume. This could lead to 
restrictions in supply which in turn causes an 
increase in cost of goods and reduced sales due 
to consumer fears and physical harm to 
customers/employees. 

•  Mitchells & Butlers has a Safety Assurance team and uses a number 

of technical partners including food technologists, food safety experts, 
microbiologists, allergy consultants, trading standards specialists 
and nutritionists. 

•  Mitchells & Butlers uses a robust system of detailed product specifications.
•  All food products are risk rated using standard industry definitions and 
assessment of the way the products are used in Mitchells & Butlers’ 
kitchens. Suppliers are then risk rated according to their products.

•  Each food supplier is audited at least once per annum in respect of safety 

and additionally in response to any serious food safety complaint 
or incident.

Allergens are becoming an increased risk within 
the industry, however, this is a well managed risk 
within the Group.

•  A robust response has been taken to manage allergens and the associated 
data within the menu cycle coupled with a continuous review in place to 
ensure controls remain appropriate.

Movement

NO RISK 
MOVEMENT

•  We monitor changing behaviour in relation to health and lifestyle issues 
and adapt our brands to appeal to changing needs ensuring that the 
brands remain relevant and competitive.

•  We have set targets for ongoing sugar and salt reduction.
•  A plan is in place to provide nutritional information for all brands to allow 

customers to make informed decisions.

RISK INCREASING

•  We are completing a greenhouse gas foot printing exercise to 

RISK INCREASING

understand the current impact of the business and to provide a baseline 
for future reduction.

•  We are working with suppliers to understand the impact of our supply 
chain with a view to reducing the negative impact on the environment.
•  Participation in industry collaboration to find solutions to environmental 
issues, ensuring that the areas where the most material benefit can be 
gained, are being addressed.

I. HEALTH AND LIFESTYLE CONCERNS
Failure to respond to changing consumer 
expectations in relation to health and lifestyle 
choices and our responsibility to facilitate those. 

There is an increasing level of focus from media 
and Government on health and obesity issues, 
predominantly impacting the UK. This heightened 
consumer awareness has increased consumer 
awareness of the health implications of their 
eating and drinking choices and it is important 
that we evolve our offers to facilitate consumers 
to make informed decisions. Failure to meet these 
expectations could have both a financial and 
reputational impact on the business. 

J. ENVIRONMENT AND SUSTAINABILITY
Climate change, biodiversity depletion and 
environmental pollution present a risk to our 
ability to source products, with food being 
particularly at risk. 

The impact of extreme and longer-term shifts in 
weather patterns, natural resource depletion and 
other effects of climate change could impact the 
business both financially and reputationally. 
It could disrupt our supply chain and the ability 
to source products due to reduced availability. 
Regulatory action to manage climate change 
could result in the introduction of additional taxes 
or restrictions being imposed. The business also 
has a responsibility to continually aim to reduce its 
usage of natural resources and its negative impact 
on the climate. 

44

ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2019MITCHELLS & BUTLERS PLCCOMPLIANCE STATEMENTS

LONG-TERM VIABILITY STATEMENT 
Assessment of prospects
The	Group’s	strategy	provides	long-term	direction	
and	considers	the	viability	of	the	business	model	
given	prevailing	market	and	economic	conditions.	
The	Directors’	subsequent	assessment	of	
longer-term	prospects	has	been	made	taking	
account	of	the	current	financial	position,	compliance	
with	covenants,	strategy,	the	budget	planning	
process	and	the	key	risks	and	uncertainties,	
as	detailed	within	the	Annual	Report.	Key	factors	
considered	in	the	assessment	of	the	Group’s	
prospects	are	the	strong	market	position	of	the	
Group	with	a	broad	range	of	brands	and	offers,	
supported	by	capital	investment	focused	on	
premiumisation	of	offers	and	reductions	in	the	
remodel	cycle,	contributing	to	outperformance	
against	the	wider	market.	Balanced	against	this	
is	the	assessment	of	risks	including	the	current	
economic	background,	political	uncertainty	and	
prevailing	cost	headwinds.	

Assessment period
Three	years	is	deemed	an	appropriate	period	of	
assessment	as	it	aligns	with	the	Group’s	planning	
horizon	in	a	fast-moving	market	subject	to	
economic	and	political	uncertainties	and	is	
supported	by	three	year	forecasts	as	approved	
by	the	Board	in	September	2019.	This	period	
also	aligns	with	the	triennial	process	of	pensions	
valuations,	a	key	consideration	in	respect	of	future	
cash	flows.

Assessment of viability
In	accordance	with	Provision	C2.2	of	the	2016	UK	
Corporate	Governance	Code,	the	Directors	have	
undertaken	an	assessment,	including	sensitivity	
analyses,	of	the	prospects	of	the	Group	for	
a	period	of	three	years	to	September	2022.

The	current	funding	arrangements	of	the	Group	
consist	of	£1.7bn	of	long-term	securitised	debt	
and	£150m	of	unsecured	committed	bank	
facilities.	The	securitised	debt	amortises	on	a	
scheduled	profile	over	the	next	17	years	and,	
whilst	the	unsecured	facilities	expire	in	December	
2020,	refinancing	is	believed	to	remain	within	the	
debt	capacity	of	the	business.	Secured	debt	
covenants	are	tested	quarterly	both	on	an	annual	
and	a	half	year	basis.	Unsecured	facility	covenants	
are	tested	twice	yearly	on	an	annual	basis.	
No	significant	changes	to	the	capital	structure	
are	assumed.

The	three	year	plan	takes	account	of	the	prevailing	
economic	outlook,	capital	allocation	decisions	and	
of	significant	cost	headwinds	that	are	expected	to	
recur	each	year	alongside	planned	mitigating	
activity	to	manage	such	costs.	The	resilience	of	
this	plan	is	assessed	through	application	of	
significant	but	plausible	downside	sensitivity	
analysis	focused	in	particular	on	the	impact	of	the	
following	Risks	described	in	the	Annual	Report:	
Declining	Sales	Performance	(Market	risks	A),	
Cost	of	Goods	Price	Increases	(Market	risks	B)	
and	Wage	Cost	Inflation	(Operational	risks	D)	
(including	combinations	of	these	factors).	
Compliance	with	financial	covenants	(Operational	
risks	E)	on	both	secured	debt	and	unsecured	
facilities	is	assessed	for	both	the	plan	and	
downside	sensitivities.

Viability statement
The	Directors	have	therefore	concluded,	based	
upon	the	extent	of	the	financial	planning	
assessment,	sensitivity	analysis,	potential	mitigating	
actions	and	current	financial	position	that	there	is	
a	reasonable	expectation	that	the	Group	has	
adequate	resources	and	will	be	able	to	continue	in	
operation	and	meet	all	its	liabilities	as	they	fall	due	
over	the	three	year	period	of	assessment.	

NON-FINANCIAL INFORMATION 
STATEMENT
The	Group	has	complied	with	the	requirements	of	
s414CB	of	the	Companies	Act	2006	by	including	
certain	non-financial	information	within	the	
report.	This	can	be	found	as	follows:

• Business	model	on	pages	30	and	31
• Information	regarding	the	following	matters	can	

be	found	on	the	following	pages:
	− Environmental	matters	on	page	36
	− Employees	on	page	34
	− Social	matters	on	pages	32	to	37
	− Respect	for	human	rights	on	pages	69	

and	70

	− Anti-corruption	and	anti-bribery	matters	

on	pages	69	and	70.

• Where	principal	risks	have	been	identified	

in	relation	to	any	of	the	matters	listed	above,	
these	can	be	found	on	pages	40	to	44	
including	a	description	of	the	business	
relationships,	products	and	services	which	are	
likely	to	cause	adverse	impacts	in	those	areas	
of	risk,	and	a	description	of	how	the	principal	
risks	are	managed.

• All	key	performance	indicators	of	the	Group,	

including	those	non-financial	indicators,	are	on	
pages	38	to	39.

• The	Financial	review	section	on	pages	46	to	49	
includes,	where	appropriate,	references	to,	and	
additional	explanations	of,	amounts	included	in	
the	accounts.

45

ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2019MITCHELLS & BUTLERS PLCSTRATEGIC REPORTGOVERNANCEFINANCIAL STATEMENTSOTHER INFORMATIONFINANCIAL REVIEW

Our financial 
and operating 
performance

On a statutory basis, 
profit before tax for 
the year was £177m 
(FY 2018 £130m) 
on sales of £2,237m 
(FY 2018 £2,152m). 

TIM JONES
Chief Financial Officer 
Mitchells & Butlers plc

46

ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2019MITCHELLS & BUTLERS PLCThe	Group	Income	Statement	discloses	adjusted	profit	and	earnings	per	
share	information	that	excludes	separately	disclosed	items	to	allow	a	better	
understanding	of	the	trading	of	the	Group.	Separately	disclosed	items	are	
those	which	are	separately	identified	by	virtue	of	their	size	or	incidence.

Revenue
Operating	profit
Profit	before	tax
Earnings	per	share
Operating	profit	margin

Statutory

Adjusteda

FY 2019 
£m
2,237
297
177
33.5p
13.3%

FY 2018 
£m
2,152
255
130
24.5p
11.8%

FY 2019 
£m
2,237
317
197
37.2p
14.2%

FY 2018 
£m
2,152
303
178
34.1p
14.1%

INTEREST
Net	finance	costs	of	£113m	for	the	full	year	were	£5m	lower	than	last	year	
reflecting	the	reduction	in	Group	securitised	borrowings.

The	net	pensions	finance	charge	for	the	year	was	£7m	(FY	2018	£7m).	
The	charge	for	next	year	is	expected	to	be	£3m.	

EARNINGS PER SHARE
Basic	earnings	per	share,	after	the	separately	disclosed	items	described	
above,	were	33.5p	(FY	2018	24.5p).	The	increase	over	last	year	reflects	an	
increase	in	profit	before	adjusted	items	and	reduced	separately	disclosed	
items.	Adjusted	earnings	per	sharea	were	37.2p,	9.1%	higher	than	last	year.	
The	weighted	average	number	of	shares	in	the	period	was	427m	and	the	
total	number	of	shares	issued	at	the	balance	sheet	date	was	429m.

At	the	end	of	the	period,	the	total	estate	comprised	1,748	sites	in	the	UK	and	
Germany	of	which	1,671	are	directly	managed.

CHANGES IN ACCOUNTING POLICIES
During	the	period	the	Group	has	adopted	IFRS	15	(Revenue	from	Contracts	
with	Customers)	and	IFRS	9	(Financial	Instruments).	In	the	forthcoming	year,	
FY	2020,	we	shall	adopt	IFRS	16	(Leases),	the	anticipated	impact	of	which	is	
dealt	with	later	in	this	review.	

REVENUE
Total	revenue	of	£2,237m	was	3.9%	higher	than	last	year,	with	growth	in	
like-for-like	salesa	and	the	benefit	of	conversions	and	new	site	openings.	

Like-for-like	salesa	grew	by	3.5%	with	food	salesa	up	by	3.4%	and	drink	salesa	
up	by	3.2%.	Average	spend	per	item	on	food	was	up	3.4%,	and	average	drink	
item	spend	up	4.5%,	following	strengthening	of	prices	and	increasing	
premiumisation	across	the	estate.	Other	sales,	including	accommodation	and	
machine	sales,	grew	at	a	higher	rate	impacting	total	like-for-like	salesa	growth.	

Like-for-like salesa growth:
Food
Drink
Total

Weeks 1–33 
FY 2019
3.6%
3.9%
3.8%

Weeks 34–52 
FY 2019
3.1%
2.1%
2.9%

Weeks 1–52 
FY 2019
3.4%
3.2%
3.5%

SEPARATELY DISCLOSED ITEMS
Separately	disclosed	items	are	identified	due	to	their	nature	or	materiality	
to	help	the	reader	form	a	better	view	of	overall	and	adjusted	trading.	

A	£19m	past	service	cost	is	recognised	in	relation	to	the	defined	benefit	
pension	obligation	as	a	result	of	the	High	Court	ruling	on	guaranteed	
minimum	pensions	equalisations.	

A	£9m	charge	is	recognised	relating	to	valuation	and	impairment	of	
properties,	comprising	a	£4m	(FY	2018	£28m)	charge	relating	to	downward	
valuation	movements	on	selected	sites,	and	a	£5m	(FY	2018	£15m)	
impairment	charge	on	short	leasehold	and	unlicensed	properties.	

Disposal	of	assets	generated	a	£1m	profit	in	the	year	(FY	2018	nil),	in	addition	
to	a	£7m	(FY	2018	nil)	reversal	of	past	impairment	on	disposed	assets	when	
reclassified	to	assets	held	for	sale	at	the	interim	date.	

OPERATING MARGINS AND PROFITa
Despite	ongoing	inflationary	cost	pressures,	growth	in	adjusted	operating	
margina	was	achieved	through	like-for-like	salesa	growth	and	enhanced	
efficiencies.	Inflationary	cost	pressures	which	totalled	£64m	were	in	line	with	
expectations,	particularly	impacting	labour,	energy,	property	and	food	and	
drink.	Adjusted	operating	margina	for	the	full	year	was	0.1ppts	higher	than	
last	year	at	14.2%.	

CASH FLOW AND NET DEBT
The	cash	flow	statement	below	excludes	the	net	movement	on	unsecured	
revolving	facilities	of	nil	(FY	2018	(£6m)),	which	were	undrawn	at	the	year-end	
(FY	2018	undrawn).	

EBITDA	before	separately	disclosed	itemsa	
Non-cash	share-based	payment	and	pension	costs
Operating cash flow before adjusted 
items, movements in working capital and 
additional pension contributions
Working	capital	movement
Pension	deficit	contributions
Cash flow from operations before 
adjusted items
Cash	flow	from	adjusted	items
Capital	expenditure
Interest
Tax
Disposal	proceeds
Investment	in	associates	and	other
Repayment	of	liquidity	facility
Transfers	from	cash	deposits
Net cash flow before bond amortisation 
Mandatory	bond	amortisation
Net cash flow before dividends 
Dividend
Net free cash flowa

FY 2019 
£m
436
6

FY 2018 
£m
422
5

442
9
(49)

402
–
(152)
(111)
(25)
14
(3)
(147)
120
98
(87)
11
–
11

427
2
(48)

381
(2)
(171)
(119)
(20)
6
(5)
–
–
70
(82)
(12)
(7)
(19)

The	business	generated	£436m	of	EBITDA	before	separately	disclosed	itemsa.	

Capital	expenditure	of	£152m	was	lower	than	the	prior	year	due	to	lower	
central	and	maintenance	investment	and	to	lower	capital	cost	per	project,	
driven	by	a	decreased	proportion	of	conversion	projects.	Disposal	income	
of	£14m	related	to	the	sale	of	five	sites	in	the	year.	

During	the	year	the	securitisation	liquidity	facility	of	£147m,	originally	drawn	
in	2014,	was	repaid.	£120m	of	the	repayment	was	made	using	other	cash	
deposits,	with	the	balance	of	£27m	from	cash	and	cash	equivalents.

After	all	outgoings	other	than	mandatory	bond	amortisation	cash	flow	
generated	was	£98m.	

There	was	no	dividend	paid	in	the	year.

Adjusted	operating	profita	of	£317m	was	4.6%	higher	than	last	year,	as	a	result	
of	mitigating	cost	reductions	and	like-for-like	salesa	growth.	

Net	debt	reduced	to	£1,564m	at	the	year-end	(FY	2018	£1,688m),	
representing	3.6	times	adjusted	EBITDAa	(FY	2018	4.0	times).

47

ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2019MITCHELLS & BUTLERS PLCSTRATEGIC REPORTGOVERNANCEFINANCIAL STATEMENTSOTHER INFORMATIONFINANCIAL REVIEW CONTINUED

All	debt	at	the	year-end	was	within	the	group	securitisation	arrangements	
and	is	subject	to	quarterly	testing	on	both	a	rolling	half	and	full	year	basis.	
Full	year	headroom	against	the	restricted	payment	test	and	covenants	is	
set	out	below:

PENSIONS
The	net	pensions	liability,	including	minimum	funding,	is	£215m	(FY	2018	
£249m).	

Securitisation	restricted	payment	tests:

Free	cash	flow	to	debt	service
EBITDA	to	debt	service

Securitisation	covenants:

Free	cash	flow	to	debt	service
Net	worth

Test
1.3x
1.7x

Actual
1.5x
1.9x

Headroom
£37m
£32m

Covenant
1.1x

Headroom
Actual
£76m
1.5x
£500m £2,322m £1,822m

Further	details	can	be	found	at	https://www.mbplc.com/infocentre/
debtinformation

CAPITAL EXPENDITURE
Capital	expenditure	of	£152m	comprises	£147m	from	purchase	of	property,	
plant	and	equipment	and	£5m	in	relation	to	purchase	of	intangible	assets.	

Maintenance	and	infrastructure	capex	of	£60m	was	£10m	lower	than	the	
prior	year	due	primarily	to	reduced	maintenance	requirements	as	the	
proportion	of	the	estate	recently	invested	grows,	and	reduced	IT	investment	
as	significant	projects	took	place	in	the	prior	year.

During	the	year	we	completed	a	greater	number	of	investment	projects,	
247	in	total	(FY	2018	239).	This	was	achieved	at	a	lower	level	of	return	
generating	capital,	£92m,	due	to	the	reduced	proportion	of	conversion	
projects	and	increased	number	of	remodels	which	require	lower	spend	per	
project.	Acquisitions	were	focused	on	premiumisation	and	expansion	with	
the	opening	of	three	new	Miller	&	Carter	sites	(one	in	Germany),	three	new	
Alex	sites	and	a	purpose-built	lodge	in	Edinburgh.	

Our	return	on	expansionary	capitala	across	all	conversion	and	acquisition	
projects	over	the	past	four	years	has	increased	markedly	to	21%	(FY	2018	
16%),	with	increasing	returns	particularly	coming	through	from	more	recent	
projects.	Recent	remodel	performance,	for	projects	completed	in	FY	2019,	
has	also	been	especially	encouraging,	delivering	returnsa	of	34%a	and	sales	
uplifts	in	excess	of	10%.	

Maintenance and infrastructure 
Remodels	–	refurbishment
Remodels	–	expansionary
Conversions
Acquisitions	–	freehold
Acquisitions	–	leasehold
Total return generating 
capital expenditure
Total capital expenditure

FY 2019

FY 2018

#

212
11
17
5
2

247

£m
60
65
5
11
4
7

92
152

#

188
13
31
2
5

239

£m
70
63
7
21
7
3

101
171

The	Group	capital	expenditure	next	year	is	expected	to	increase	to	a	similar	
level	to	that	of	FY	2018,	in	the	range	of	£170m	to	£180m.	

PROPERTY
In	line	with	our	property	valuation	policy,	a	red	book	valuation	of	the	
freehold	and	long	leasehold	estate	has	been	completed	in	conjunction	
with	the	independent	property	valuer,	CBRE.	In	addition,	the	Group	has	
conducted	an	impairment	review	on	short	leasehold	and	unlicensed	
properties.	The	overall	property	portfolio	valuation	has	increased	by	£82m	
(FY	2018	decrease	of	£48m)	reflecting	a	£2m	separately	disclosed	net	
impairment	charge	in	the	income	statement	and	a	£84m	increase	in	the	
revaluation	reserve.	

48

The	results	of	the	2019	triennial	valuation	show	an	actuarial	deficit	of	£293m	
and	in	September	we	reached	agreement	with	the	Trustee	for	an	unchanged	
schedule	of	future	contributions.	The	deficit	will	continue	to	be	funded	by	
cash	contributions	of	£45m	per	annum	indexed	from	1	April	2016	to	2023.	
In	2024	an	additional	payment	of	£13m	will	be	made	into	escrow,	should	such	
further	funding	be	required	at	that	time.

The	hearing	in	relation	to	the	rate	of	inflation	to	be	applied	to	pensions	
increases	for	certain	sections	of	the	membership	in	excess	of	the	guaranteed	
minimum	pensions	is	expected	to	be	heard	in	mid	2020.

CAPITAL ALLOCATION POLICY AND DIVIDENDS
The	Company	has	obligations,	notably	in	respect	of	debt	service	and	pension	
fund	contributions,	after	which	investment	in	the	estate	and	distribution	to	
shareholders	can	be	considered.	Subsequent	capital	allocation	decisions	are	
made	primarily	to	protect	the	ongoing	and	future	health	of	the	business	and,	
as	previously	stated,	when	assessing	dividends	the	Board	would	not	expect	
to	see	a	structural,	or	permanent,	increase	in	the	use	of	short-term	facilities.	

Given	this	capital	allocation	framework	combined	in	particular	with	the	
uncertain	political	and	economic	outlook,	the	Board	does	not	propose	a	final	
dividend	for	the	year

The	Board	keeps	its	dividend	policy	under	review	as	appropriate	in	the	
context	of	its	capital	allocation	policies,	capital	structure,	and	visibility	
on	trading.

IFRS 16 (LEASES)
The	Group	will	adopt	IFRS	16	for	the	first	time	in	FY	2020	using	the	modified	
retrospective	(asset	equals	liability)	method,	without	restatement	of	prior	
year	comparatives.	Any	opening	balance	sheet	adjustments	are	recorded	
directly	into	equity.

Adoption	will	mean	that	the	majority	of	leases	will	be	recognised	on	balance	
sheet	through	creation	of	a	right	of	use	asset	and	related	lease	liability.	In	the	
income	statement	operating	rental	costs	will	largely	be	replaced	by	
depreciation	of	the	asset	and	interest	on	the	liability.	There	is	no	cash	impact.

The	impact	on	transition	of	adoption	on	the	income	statement	is	expected	
to	be	an	uplift	in	EBITDA	of	circa	£50m	(through	lower	rental	costs)	and	a	
reduction	in	pre-tax	profits	(after	increased	depreciation	and	interest	charges)	
of	circa	£11m,	reducing	basic	earnings	per	share	by	2.1p.	On	the	opening	
FY	2020	balance	sheet	we	expect	to	recognise	a	right	of	use	asset	of	£500m	
and	a	lease	liability	of	£546m.	These	changes	should	lead	to	an	increase	of	
70bps	in	the	book	net	debt:	EBITDA	multiple.	Further	details	of	the	new	policy	
and	expected	impact	are	included	in	section	1	of	the	notes	to	the	consolidated	
financial	statements.	

TIM JONES
Chief	Financial	Officer

a.	 The	Directors	use	a	number	of	alternative	performance	measures	(APMs)	that	are	

considered	critical	to	aid	the	understanding	of	the	Group’s	performance.	Key	measures	
are	explained	on	pages	156	to	158	of	this	report.

ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2019MITCHELLS & BUTLERS PLC£197m 

Adjusted profit before taxa of £197m, up £19m.

37.2p

Adjusted earnings per sharea of 37.2p, up 9.1%.

49

ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2019MITCHELLS & BUTLERS PLCSTRATEGIC REPORTGOVERNANCEFINANCIAL STATEMENTSOTHER INFORMATIONGovernance

50

ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2019MITCHELLS & BUTLERS PLCIN THIS SECTION
52  Chairman’s introduction to governance
54  Board of Directors
58  Directors’ report
62  Directors’ responsibilities statement
63  Corporate governance statement
72  Audit Committee report
76  Report on Directors’ remuneration

51

ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2019MITCHELLS & BUTLERS PLCSTRATEGIC REPORTGOVERNANCEFINANCIAL STATEMENTSOTHER INFORMATIONCHAIRMAN’S INTRODUCTION TO GOVERNANCE

52

ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2019MITCHELLS & BUTLERS PLCDear fellow 
shareholder

It gives me great pleasure to update you 
on our progress in corporate governance 
over the past year.

At	the	2019	year	end,	the	Company	had	more	
than	46,000	employees	and	one	of	the	key	roles	
for	the	Board	of	Directors	at	Mitchells	&	Butlers	
is	to	provide	leadership	for	them	and	maintain	
the	highest	possible	standards	of	corporate	
governance.	

One	of	the	key	changes	from	last	year’s	report	has	
been	the	detailed	consideration	of	the	2018	UK	
Corporate	Governance	Code	(the	‘2018	Code’),	
published	in	July	2018.	This	applies	to	accounting	
periods	beginning	on	or	after	1	January	2019	and	
so	the	Company	is	not	required	to	report	under	
it	until	FY	2020.	Nevertheless,	in	the	interests	of	
good	governance,	the	Board	has	decided	that	it	
will	report	under	the	2016	UK	Corporate	
Governance	Code	(the	‘2016	Code’)	and,	to	the	
extent	to	which	it	is	already	able,	it	will	also	report	
under	the	2018	Code	for	FY	2019,	which	is	earlier	
than	required,	which	has	the	advantage	of	
highlighting	any	areas	requiring	attention	before	
compliance	becomes	mandatory.	

The	2018	Code	places	greater	emphasis	on	
relationships	between	companies,	shareholders	
and	stakeholders.	It	also	promotes	the	importance	
of	establishing	a	corporate	culture	that	is	aligned	
with	the	Company	purpose	and	business	strategy,	
promotes	integrity	and	values	diversity.	This	has	
had	a	significant	effect	on	the	structure	of	both	
the	Strategic	report	on	pages	10	to	49,	which	
includes	the	Group’s	strategy,	progress	and	
performance	for	the	year,	and	on	the	corporate	
governance	statement	on	pages	63	to	71,	which	
sets	out	the	Company’s	compliance	against	
published	governance	requirements.

During	the	year	the	Board	as	a	whole	has	
continued	to	work	together	to	implement	the	
Company’s	strategy	in	a	cohesive	way.	Our	
broad	range	of	Board	talent	covers	a	variety	
of	professional	skills	and	our	diverse	group	of	
Non-Executive	Directors	continue	to	bring	
much	experience	and	challenge	to	the	Board.	
On	31	December	2018,	our	former	Senior	
Independent	Director,	Stewart	Gilliland,	stepped	
down	from	the	Board	in	order	to	concentrate	on	

his	other	roles.	A	process	of	identification	and	
recruitment	took	place,	with	the	result	that	we	
were	delighted	to	announce	the	appointment	of	
Jane	Moriarty	and	Susan	Murray	to	the	Board,	on	
27	February	2019	and	8	March	2019	respectively,	
with	Susan	taking	on	the	role	of	Senior	
Independent	Director	on	appointment.	The	two	
new	appointees	between	them	bring	a	wealth	
of	experience	to	the	Board	in	the	finance	and	
marketing	sectors,	and	significantly	increase	the	
Board’s	diversity.	My	focus	will	continue	to	be	on	
maintaining	a	strong	team,	with	a	broad	range	of	
professional	backgrounds,	experience	from	both	
within	our	sector	and	in	other	industries	and	
business	and	communication	skills	to	drive	further	
improvements	where	possible.

Both	the	2016	Code	and	the	2018	Code	state	
that	there	should	be	a	formal	and	rigorous	annual	
evaluation	of	the	performance	of	the	board,	its	
committees,	the	chair	and	individual	directors	and	
that	the	chair	should	consider	having	a	regular	
externally	facilitated	board	evaluation.	In	FTSE	
350	companies	this	should	happen	at	least	every	
three	years.	An	externally	facilitated	review	of	the	
Board’s	effectiveness	took	place	in	2018	and	the	
results	were	published	in	the	2018	Annual	Report,	
with	the	next	externally	facilitated	review	being	
due	for	reporting	in	the	2021	Annual	Report.	
For	the	2019	Annual	Report,	the	evaluation	of	
the	Chairman’s	performance	was	undertaken	by	
the	Senior	Independent	Director	in	dialogue	with	
the	whole	Board	(other	than	the	Chairman).	Also,	
in	FY	2019,	the	Company	undertook	an	internal	
Board	effectiveness	review	which	was	led	by	
the	Chairman,	with	support	from	the	Company	
Secretary	and	General	Counsel,	and	the	results	
of	this	are	given	on	page	71	of	this	report.

The	remainder	of	this	report	contains	the	narrative	
reporting	required	by	the	2016	Code,	the	2018	
Code,	the	Listing	Rules	and	the	Disclosure	
Guidance	and	Transparency	Rules.	I	hope	that	
you	find	this	report	to	be	informative	and	helpful	
in	relation	to	this	important	topic.	

53

We	are	committed	to	maintaining	an	active	
dialogue	with	all	our	shareholders,	and	we	
continue	to	offer	our	institutional	investors	access	
to	key	senior	management	and	our	Investor	
Relations	team	via	our	Investor	Roadshow	
programme.	I	would	like	to	encourage	
shareholders	to	attend	our	Annual	General	
Meeting,	details	of	which	are	set	out	in	the	
separate	Notice	of	AGM	sent	out	with	this	
Annual	Report.

We	have	been	pleased	with	the	success	of	our	
Retail	Support	Centre	in	Birmingham	as	an	AGM	
venue,	in	terms	of	its	suitability,	accessibility	to	
shareholders	from	all	parts	of	the	country	and	
also	the	cost	saving,	and	we	therefore	intend	to	
continue	to	use	it	for	this	meeting.	I	look	forward	
to	welcoming	you	there	at	our	2020	AGM,	where	
I	hope	you	will	take	the	opportunity	of	meeting	all	
our	Board	Directors,	but	in	particular	our	newly	
appointed	Directors,	who	will	be	meeting	you	for	
the	first	time.

I	look	forward	to	the	year	ahead,	confident	in	the	
knowledge	that	the	Company	is	led	by	a	highly	
competent,	professional	and	motivated	team.	
I	also	look	forward	to	the	support	of	you,	our	
shareholders,	as	our	senior	management	team	
continues	to	focus	on	driving	future	profit	growth	
and	creating	additional	shareholder	value.

BOB IVELL
Chairman
Mitchells	&	Butlers	plc

FOR THE COMPANY’S LATEST 
FINANCIAL INFORMATION 
go	to:	www.mbplc.com/investors	

ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2019MITCHELLS & BUTLERS PLCSTRATEGIC REPORTGOVERNANCEFINANCIAL STATEMENTSOTHER INFORMATIONBOARD OF DIRECTORS

54

BOB IVELL 
NON-EXECUTIVE	CHAIRMAN	R,N,M,C

Appointed	to	the	Board	in	May	2011,	Bob	has	
over	40	years	of	extensive	food	and	beverage	
experience	with	a	particular	focus	on	food-led,	
managed	restaurants,	pubs	and	hotels.	He	is	
currently	Non-Executive	Chairman	of	Carpetright	
plc,	a	Non-Executive	Director	of	Charles	Wells	
Limited	and	a	UK	Board	member	of	UK	
Hospitality.	He	was	previously	Senior	
Independent	Director	of	AGA	Rangemaster	
Group	plc	and	Britvic	plc,	and	a	main	Board	
Director	of	S&N	plc	as	Chairman	and	Managing	
Director	of	its	Scottish	&	Newcastle	retail	division.	
He	has	also	been	Chairman	of	Regent	Inns,	Park	
Resorts	and	David	Lloyd	Leisure	Limited,	and	was	
Managing	Director	of	Beefeater	Restaurants,	
one	of	Whitbread’s	pub	restaurant	brands,	and	
a	Director	of	The	Restaurant	Group.	Bob	is	Chair	
of	the	Nomination	Committee,	the	Pensions	
Committee,	the	Market	Disclosure	Committee	
and	the	Corporate	Responsibility	Committee.

PHIL URBAN
CHIEF	EXECUTIVE	M,E 

Phil	joined	Mitchells	&	Butlers	in	January	2015	
as	Chief	Operating	Officer	and	became	Chief	
Executive	in	September	2015.	Phil	was	previously	
Managing	Director	at	Grosvenor	Casinos,	a	
division	of	Rank	Group	and	Chairman	of	the	
National	Casino	Forum.	Prior	to	that,	he	was	
Managing	Director	for	Whitbread’s	Pub	
Restaurant	division,	and	for	Scottish	&	Newcastle	
Retail’s	Restaurants	and	Accommodation	
Division.	Phil	has	an	MBA	and	is	a	qualified	
management	accountant	(CIMA).

TIM JONES
CHIEF	FINANCIAL	OFFICER M,E

Tim	was	appointed	Chief	Financial	Officer	in	
October	2010.	Prior	to	joining	the	Company,	
he	held	the	position	of	Group	Finance	Director	
for	Interserve	plc,	a	support	services	group.	
Previously,	he	was	Director	of	Financial	
Operations	at	Novar	plc	and	held	senior	financial	
roles	both	in	the	UK	and	overseas	in	the	logistics	
company,	Exel	plc.	Tim	is	a	member	of	the	
Institute	of	Chartered	Accountants	in	England	
and	Wales	and	obtained	an	MA	in	Economics	
at	Cambridge	University.

KEY TO COMMITTEE MEMBERSHIP
A	Audit	Committee
R	 Remuneration	Committee
N	Nomination	Committee
M	Market	Disclosure	Committee
E	 Executive	Committee
C	 Corporate	Responsibility	Committee

ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2019MITCHELLS & BUTLERS PLCDAVE COPLIN
INDEPENDENT	NON-EXECUTIVE	DIRECTOR 
A,R,N,C

Appointed	as	an	independent	Non-Executive	
Director	in	February	2016,	Dave	is	the	CEO	and	
founder	of	The	Envisioners	Limited	and	was	
formerly	the	Chief	Envisioning	Officer	for	
Microsoft	Limited,	and	is	an	established	thought	
leader	on	the	role	of	technology	in	our	personal	
and	professional	lives.	For	over	25	years	he	has	
worked	across	a	range	of	industries	and	customer	
marketplaces,	providing	strategic	advice	and	
guidance	around	the	role	and	optimisation	of	
technology	in	the	modern	society	both	inside	
and	outside	of	the	world	of	work.	Dave	is	also	
a	non-executive	director	of	Vianet	Group	plc.

KEITH BROWNE
NON-EXECUTIVE	DIRECTOR

Appointed	as	a	Non-Executive	Director	in	
September	2016,	Keith	is	a	nominated	
shareholder	representative	of	Elpida	Group	
Limited,	a	significant	shareholder	in	Mitchells	&	
Butlers.	He	is	a	non-executive	director	of	Grove	
Limited,	the	holding	company	of	Barchester	
Healthcare	Limited.	Keith	obtained	a	Bachelor	
of	Commerce	Degree	from	University	College	
Dublin,	qualified	as	a	chartered	accountant	in	
1994	and	subsequently	gained	an	MBA	from	
University	College	Dublin.	After	joining	KPMG	
Corporate	Finance	in	1996,	he	became	a	partner	
in	the	firm	in	2001	and	Head	of	Corporate	Finance	
in	2009.	He	retired	from	the	partnership	to	
operate	as	an	Independent	Consultant	in	2011.	

EDDIE IRWIN
NON-EXECUTIVE	DIRECTOR A,R,N,C

Appointed	as	a	Non-Executive	Director	in	
March	2012,	Eddie	is	a	nominated	shareholder	
representative	of	Elpida	Group	Limited,	a	
significant	shareholder	in	Mitchells	&	Butlers.	
Eddie	is	Finance	Director	of	Coolmore,	a	leading	
thoroughbred	bloodstock	breeder	with	
operations	in	Ireland,	the	USA	and	Australia	and	
a	Non-Executive	Director	of	Grove	Limited,	the	
holding	company	of	Barchester	Healthcare	
Limited.	He	graduated	from	University	College	
Dublin	with	a	Bachelor	of	Commerce	Degree	and	
he	is	a	Fellow	of	both	the	Association	of	Chartered	
Certified	Accountants	and	the	Institute	of	
Chartered	Secretaries	and	Administrators.

55

ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2019MITCHELLS & BUTLERS PLCSTRATEGIC REPORTGOVERNANCEFINANCIAL STATEMENTSOTHER INFORMATIONBOARD OF DIRECTORS CONTINUED

56

JOSH LEVY
NON-EXECUTIVE	DIRECTOR R 

Appointed	a	Non-Executive	Director	in	
November	2015,	Josh	is	a	nominated	shareholder	
representative	of	Piedmont	Inc.,	a	significant	
shareholder	in	Mitchells	&	Butlers.	Josh	is	Chief	
Executive	of	Ultimate	Finance	Group,	Chairman	
of	Avenue	Insurance	and	a	Director	of	Tavistock	
Group.	Josh	previously	worked	in	the	Investment	
Banking	Division	of	Investec	Bank	and	holds	
an	MSc	and	a	BA	(Hons)	from	the	University	
of	Nottingham.

SUSAN MURRAY
SENIOR	INDEPENDENT	DIRECTOR A,R,N,C

Appointed	as	Senior	Independent	Director	in	
March	2019,	Susan	has	served	on	the	boards	of	
Compass	Group	PLC,	Pernod	Ricard	SA,	Imperial	
Brands	PLC	and	EI	Group	plc	and	is	a	former	
Council	Member	of	the	Advertising	Standards	
Authority.	She	is	currently	a	non-executive	
director	of	Hays	Plc	and	Grafton	Group	PLC	
and	a	member	of	the	supervisory	board	of	
William	Grant	&	Sons	Holdings	Limited.	In	her	
executive	career,	amongst	other	roles,	Susan	
was	Director	of	International	Marketing	of	
Grand	Metropolitan’s	IDV	business,	Worldwide	
President	and	Chief	Executive	of	Smirnoff’s	
vodka	business	and	subsequently	Chief	
Executive	of	Littlewoods.

RON ROBSON
DEPUTY	CHAIRMAN A,N,C

Appointed	as	Deputy	Chairman	in	July	2011,	Ron	
is	a	Non-Executive	Director	of	Tottenham	Hotspur	
Limited	and	Clyde	Munro	Group	Limited.	He	was	
previously	Chief	Financial	Officer	of	Tamar	Capital	
Partners	and	Group	Finance	Director	of	Kenmore,	
both	property	investment	and	management	
groups.	From	2005	to	2008	he	was	Group	Finance	
Director	of	The	Belhaven	Group	plc,	a	listed	pub	
retailing,	brewing	and	drink	distribution	group.	
Prior	to	that	he	held	a	number	of	senior	finance	
roles	including	Group	Finance	Director	of	a	listed	
shipping	and	logistics	group,	and	trained	as	a	
Chartered	Accountant	with	Arthur	Andersen.	
Ron	is	a	nominated	shareholder	representative	
of	Piedmont	Inc.

ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2019MITCHELLS & BUTLERS PLCJANE MORIARTY
INDEPENDENT	NON-EXECUTIVE	DIRECTOR 
A,R,N,C

Appointed	as	an	independent	Non-Executive	
Director	in	February	2019,	Jane	is	a	Fellow	of	the	
Institute	of	Chartered	Accountants	in	Ireland,	and	
currently	a	director	of	NG	Bailey	Group	Limited,	
Quarto	Group	Inc.,	Martin’s	Investments	Limited	
and	Nyrstar	NV.	She	was	previously	a	senior	
advisory	partner	with	KPMG	LLP.

COLIN RUTHERFORD
INDEPENDENT	NON-EXECUTIVE	DIRECTOR 
A,R,N,M,C

Appointed	as	an	independent	Non-Executive	
Director	in	April	2013,	Colin	is	currently	Chairman	
of	Brookgate	Limited.	He	is	also	a	Non-Executive	
Director	of	James	Donaldson	&	Sons	Limited,	
NewRiver	REITplc,	Evofem	Biosciences	Inc.,	
Meallmore	Limited	and	Renaissance	Services	
SAOG	amongst	his	other	activities.	He	was	
formerly	Executive	Chairman	of	MAM	Funds	plc	
and	Euro	Sales	Finance	plc	and	has	served	as	
a	Director	of	various	other	public	and	private	
companies	in	the	UK	and	overseas.	Colin	is	a	
member	of	the	Institute	of	Chartered	Accountants	
of	Scotland	and	has	directly	relevant	corporate	
finance	experience	in	both	the	leisure	and	
hospitality	industries.	Colin	is	Chairman	of	the	
Audit	Committee,	and	serves	on	all	other	
independent	governance	committees.	

IMELDA WALSH
INDEPENDENT	NON-EXECUTIVE	DIRECTOR 
A,R,N,C

Appointed	as	an	independent	Non-Executive	
Director	in	April	2013,	Imelda	is	a	Non-Executive	
Director,	and	Chair	of	the	Remuneration	
Committees	of	FirstGroup	plc	and	Aston	Martin	
Lagonda	Global	Holdings	plc.	She	was	a	
Non-Executive	Director,	and	subsequently	Chair	
of	the	Remuneration	Committee,	of	William	Hill	
plc	from	2011	to	2018,	Mothercare	plc	from	2013	
to	2016,	and	Sainsbury’s	Bank	plc	from	2006	to	
2010.	She	has	held	senior	Executive	roles	at	
J	Sainsbury	plc,	where	she	was	Group	HR	Director	
from	March	2004	to	July	2010,	Barclays	Bank	plc	
and	Coca-Cola	&	Schweppes	Beverages	Limited.	
Imelda	is	Chair	of	the	Remuneration	Committee.

57

ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2019MITCHELLS & BUTLERS PLCSTRATEGIC REPORTGOVERNANCEFINANCIAL STATEMENTSOTHER INFORMATIONDIRECTORS’ REPORT

THE BOARD’S RESPONSIBILITIES IN 
RESPECT OF THE COMPANY INCLUDE:
• Determining	the	overall	business	and	

commercial	strategy

• Identifying	the	Company’s	long-term	

objectives

• Reviewing	the	annual	operating	budget	and	
financial	plans	and	monitoring	performance	
in	relation	to	those	plans

• Determining	the	basis	of	the	allocation	of	

capital

• Considering	all	policy	matters	relating	to	the	
Company’s	activities	including	any	major	
change	of	policy

The	Board	has	decided,	to	the	extent	to	which	
it	is	already	able,	to	adopt	the	provisions	of	the	
2018	UK	Corporate	Governance	Code	(the	
‘2018	Code’)	earlier	than	is	required.	Further	
information	is	set	out	in	the	Strategic	Report	
which	examines	the	‘purpose’	aspect	of	the	
new	requirements,	and	in	the	Corporate	
Governance	Report	which	describes	the	
changes	in	the	reporting	of	the	Company’s	
approach	to	culture	and	practices	undertaken	
during	FY	2019,	in	readiness	for	when	full	
compliance	is	required	in	FY	2020.

FOR THE COMPANY’S LATEST 
FINANCIAL INFORMATION
go	to:	www.mbplc.com/investors	

The	Directors	present	their	report	on	the	affairs	
of	the	Group	and	the	audited	financial	statements	
for	the	52	weeks	ended	28	September	2019.	
The	Business	review	of	the	Company	and	its	
subsidiaries	is	given	on	pages	12	to	15	which,	
together	with	the	corporate	governance	
statement	and	Audit	Committee	report,	are	
incorporated	by	reference	into	this	report	and,	
accordingly,	should	be	read	as	part	of	this	report.

Details	of	the	Group’s	policy	on	addressing	risks	
are	given	on	pages	40	to	44	and	70,	and	details	
about	financial	instruments	are	shown	in	note	4.4	
to	the	financial	statements.	These	sections	include	
information	about	trends	and	factors	likely	to	
affect	the	future	development	and	performance	
of	the	Group’s	businesses.	The	Company	
undertakes	no	obligation	to	update	forward-
looking	statements.	

Key	performance	indicators	for	the	Group’s	
businesses	are	set	out	on	pages	38	and	39.	

The	Company’s	Directors	pay	due	regard	to	
the	need	to	foster	the	Company’s	business	
relationships	with	suppliers,	customers	and	
others.	Details	of	the	Company’s	engagement	
process	with	various	stakeholders	and	different	
tiers	of	suppliers,	together	with	the	effect	of	that	
regard	on	the	principal	decisions	taken	by	the	
Company	during	the	financial	year,	is	set	out	in	
the	section	discussing	the	Company’s	business	
model	on	pages	30	and	31.	

58

This	report	has	been	prepared	under	current	
legislation	and	guidance	in	force	at	the	year	end	
date.	In	addition,	the	material	contained	on	pages	
10	to	49	reflects	the	Directors’	understanding	of	
the	requirement	to	provide	a	Strategic	report.

Participants	in	the	Share	Incentive	Plan	(‘SIP’)	may	
complete	a	Form	of	Instruction	which	is	used	by	
Equiniti	Share	Plan	Trustees	Limited,	the	SIP	
Trustee,	as	the	basis	for	voting	on	their	behalf.

This	report	has	been	prepared	for,	and	only	for,	
the	members	of	the	Company	as	a	body,	and	
no	other	persons.	The	Company,	its	Directors,	
employees,	agents	or	advisers	do	not	accept	or	
assume	responsibility	to	any	other	person	to	
whom	this	document	is	shown	or	into	whose	
hands	it	may	come	or	who	becomes	aware	of	
it	and	any	such	responsibility	or	liability	is	
expressly	disclaimed.

AREAS OF OPERATION
Throughout	FY	2019	the	Group	had	activities	in,	
and	operated	through,	pubs,	bars	and	restaurants	
in	the	United	Kingdom	and	Germany.	A	full	list	
of	the	Company’s	subsidiaries	and	their	country	
of	operation	is	given	on	page	149	of	the	
Annual	Report.

SHARE CAPITAL AND VOTING RIGHTS
The	Company’s	issued	ordinary	share	capital	as	
at	28	September	2019	comprised	a	single	class	of	
ordinary	shares	of	which	428,577,760	shares	were	
in	issue	and	listed	on	the	London	Stock	Exchange	
(29	September	2018	428,310,823	shares).	The	
rights	and	obligations	attaching	to	the	ordinary	
shares	of	the	Company	are	contained	within	the	
Company’s	Articles	of	Association.

During	the	year,	shares	with	a	nominal	value	
of	£22,801	were	allotted	under	all-employee	
schemes	as	permitted	under	Section	549	of	the	
Companies	Act	2006.	No	securities	were	issued	
in	connection	with	a	rights	issue	during	the	year.	

The	Company	is	not	aware	of	any	agreements	
between	shareholders	that	restrict	the	transfer	
of	shares	or	voting	rights	attached	to	the	shares.

Interests	of	the	Directors	and	their	immediate	
families	in	the	issued	share	capital	of	the	Company	
as	at	the	year	end	are	on	page	92	in	the	Report	on	
Directors’	remuneration.

DIVIDENDS
No	Final	Dividend	will	be	paid	in	respect	of	the	
year	ended	28	September	2019	(2018	nil).	No	
Interim	Dividend	was	paid	during	the	year	
(2018	nil).

INTERESTS IN VOTING RIGHTS
As	at	28	September	2019,	the	Company	was	
aware	of	the	significant	holdings	of	voting	rights	
(3%	or	more)	in	its	shares	shown	in	Table	1	below.

The	following	changes	took	place	between	
29	September	2019	and	19	November	2019:

Of	the	issued	share	capital,	no	shares	were	held	
in	treasury	and	the	Company’s	employee	share	
trusts	held	2,815,781	shares.	Details	of	
movements	in	the	issued	share	capital	can	be	
found	in	note	4.7	to	the	financial	statements	on	
page	146.

Standard	Life	Aberdeen	plc	notified	the	Company	
on	30	September	2019	that	its	holding	was	
25,157,186	shares	(5.87%);	on	2	October	2019	that	
its	holding	was	24,046,406	shares	(5.61%)	and	on	
17	October	2019	that	its	holding	was	23,981,445	
shares	(5.60%).

DIRECTORS
Details	of	the	Directors	as	at	19	November	2019	
and	their	biographies	are	shown	on	pages	54	to	57	
and	in	the	Notice	of	Meeting.	The	Directors	at	
28	September	2019	and	their	interests	in	shares	
are	shown	on	page	92.	

Stewart	Gilliland	stepped	down	from	the	Board	
on	31	December	2018.	Jane	Moriarty	and	
Susan	Murray	were	appointed	to	the	Board	on	
27	February	2019	and	8	March	2019	respectively.	
There	were	no	changes	to	the	Board	of	Directors	
subsequent	to	the	year	end,	up	to	the	date	of	
this	report.

Each	share	carries	the	right	to	one	vote	at	general	
meetings	of	the	Company.	The	notice	of	the	
Annual	General	Meeting	specifies	deadlines	for	
exercising	voting	rights	in	relation	to	the	resolutions	
to	be	put	to	the	Annual	General	Meeting.

All	issued	shares	are	fully	paid	up	and	carry	no	
additional	obligations	or	special	rights.	There	are	
no	restrictions	on	transfers	of	shares	in	the	
Company,	or	on	the	exercise	of	voting	rights	
attached	to	them,	other	than	those	which	may	
from	time	to	time	be	applicable	under	existing	
laws	and	regulations	and	under	the	Articles	of	
Association.	In	addition,	pursuant	to	the	Listing	
Rules	of	the	Financial	Conduct	Authority,	
Directors	and	certain	officers	and	employees	
of	the	Group	require	the	prior	approval	of	the	
Company	to	deal	in	the	ordinary	shares	of	
the	Company.

Table 1: Interests in voting rights

Shareholder
Piedmont	Inc.
Elpida	Group	Limited
Standard	Life	Aberdeen	plc
Smoothfield	Holding	Limited

Ordinary shares
116,234,517
100,840,659
26,178,807
19,021,589

% of 
share capital*
27.12
23.53
6.11
4.44

Direct	holding
Direct	holding
Indirect	holding
Direct	holding

*	 Based	on	the	total	voting	rights	figure	as	at	28	September	2019	of	428,577,760	shares.

ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2019MITCHELLS & BUTLERS PLCThe	Company	is	governed	by	its	Articles	of	
Association	and	the	Companies	Act	2006	and	
related	legislation	in	relation	to	the	appointment	
and	removal	of	Directors.	The	powers	of	the	
Company’s	Directors	are	set	out	in	the	Company’s	
Articles	of	Association.	

In	accordance	with	the	Company’s	Articles	of	
Association	(which	are	in	line	with	the	best	
practice	guidance	of	the	UK	Corporate	
Governance	Code)	all	the	Directors	will	retire	
at	the	AGM	and	will	offer	themselves	for	election	
or	re-election	as	appropriate.

MAJOR SHAREHOLDER BOARD 
REPRESENTATION
The	Board	maintains	excellent	relations	with	its	
two	major	shareholders,	whose	investment	
objectives	are	fully	aligned	with	those	of	the	
Group	and	of	other	shareholders.	Those	two	
major	shareholders	maintain	a	dialogue	via	their	
representatives	on	the	Board,	all	of	whom	are	
careful	to	ensure	that	there	is	no	conflict	between	
that	role	and	their	duty	to	the	Board	and	other	
shareholders.	The	two	largest	shareholders	have	
been	very	supportive	of	the	Board’s	strategy,	in	
particular	the	recent	Ignite	initiatives	and	their	
continued	investment	and	presence	on	the	Board	
adds	value	as	we	work	towards	common	goals,	and	
in	pursuit	of	the	Company’s	published	strategy.

Under	a	Deed	of	Appointment	between	
Piedmont	Inc.	and	the	Company,	Piedmont	Inc.	
has	the	right	to	appoint	two	shareholder	Directors	
to	the	Board	whilst	it	owns	22%	or	more	of	the	
issued	share	capital	of	the	Company,	and	the	right	
to	appoint	one	shareholder	Director	to	the	Board	
whilst	it	owns	more	than	16%	of	the	Company	
but	less	than	22%.	In	the	event	that	Piedmont	Inc.	
owns	less	than	16%	of	the	Company	any	such	
shareholder	Directors	would	be	required	to	
resign	immediately.

The	Company’s	two	largest	shareholders,	
Piedmont	Inc.	and	Elpida	Group	Limited,	have	
nominated	representatives	on	the	Board.	
Piedmont’s	appointment	rights	are	formalised	in	
the	Deed	of	Appointment	referred	to	in	this	report	
but	there	is	no	equivalent	agreement	in	place	
between	the	Company	and	Elpida.	The	Elpida	
representatives	were	appointed	with	the	approval	
of	the	Board	in	March	2012	and	September	2016.	
The	Board	has	carefully	considered	whether	it	
would	be	appropriate	to	enter	into	a	formal	
agreement	with	Elpida	that	is	similar	to	the	existing	
agreement	between	the	Company	and	Piedmont.	
Having	taken	into	account	the	Financial	Reporting	
Council’s	report	of	August	2014	‘Towards	Clear	
&	Concise	Reporting’	and	the	views	expressed	
previously	by	certain	of	the	investor	representative	
bodies,	the	Board	considers	that	such	an	
agreement	would	be	merely	one	of	form	rather	
than	substance	and	not	in	the	interests	of	
shareholders	generally.	As	a	result,	the	Board	
does	not	propose	currently	that	the	Company	
should	enter	into	such	an	agreement	with	
Elpida,	and	Elpida	has	not,	to	date,	sought	such	
an	agreement.	

DIRECTORS’ INDEMNITY
As	permitted	by	the	Articles	of	Association,	each	
of	the	Directors	has	the	benefit	of	an	indemnity,	
which	is	a	qualifying	third-party	indemnity	as	
defined	by	Section	234	of	the	Companies	Act	
2006.	The	indemnity	was	in	force	throughout	the	
tenure	of	each	Director	during	the	last	financial	
year,	and	is	currently	in	force.	The	Company	also	
purchased	and	maintained	throughout	the	financial	
year	Directors’	and	Officers’	liability	insurance	in	
respect	of	itself	and	its	Directors.	No	indemnity	is	
provided	for	the	Company’s	auditor.	

ARTICLES OF ASSOCIATION
The	Articles	of	Association	may	be	amended	by	
special	resolution	of	the	shareholders	of	the	
Company.

CONFLICTS OF INTEREST
The	Company’s	Articles	of	Association	permit	
the	Board	to	consider	and,	if	it	sees	fit,	authorise	
situations	where	a	Director	has	an	interest	that	
conflicts,	or	may	possibly	conflict,	with	the	interests	
of	the	Company	(‘Situational	Conflicts’).	The	Board	
has	a	formal	system	in	place	for	Directors	to	declare	
Situational	Conflicts	to	be	considered	for	
authorisation	by	those	Directors	who	have	no	
interest	in	the	matter	being	considered.	In	deciding	
whether	to	authorise	a	Situational	Conflict,	the	
non-conflicted	Directors	are	required	to	act	in	
the	way	they	consider	would	be	most	likely	to	
promote	the	success	of	the	Company	for	the	
benefit	of	all	shareholders,	and	they	may	impose	
limits	or	conditions	when	giving	authorisation,	
or	subsequently,	if	they	think	this	is	appropriate.	
The	Board	believes	that	the	systems	it	has	in	place	
for	reporting	and	considering	Situational	Conflicts	
continue	to	operate	effectively.

RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
Internal	controls	are	in	place	to	ensure	that	any	
related	party	transactions	involving	Directors	or	
their	connected	persons	are	carried	out	on	an	
arm’s-length	basis	and	are	properly	recorded.

CHANGE OF CONTROL PROVISIONS
There	are	no	significant	agreements	which	
contain	provisions	entitling	other	parties	to	such	
agreements	to	exercise	termination	or	other	rights	
in	the	event	of	a	change	of	control	of	the	Company.	

There	are	no	provisions	in	the	Directors’	or	
employees’	service	agreements	providing	for	
compensation	for	loss	of	office	or	employment	
occurring	because	of	a	takeover.	

The	trustee	of	the	Company’s	SIP	will	invite	
participants	on	whose	behalf	it	holds	shares	to	
direct	it	how	to	vote	in	respect	of	those	shares,	
and,	if	there	is	an	offer	for	the	shares	or	other	
transaction	which	would	lead	to	a	change	of	
control	of	the	Company,	participants	may	direct	
it	to	accept	the	offer	or	agree	to	the	transaction.	
The	trustee	of	the	Mitchells	&	Butlers	Employee	
Benefit	Trust	may,	having	consulted	with	the	
Company,	vote	or	abstain	from	voting	in	respect	
of	any	shares	it	holds	or	accept	or	reject	an	offer	
relating	to	shares	in	any	way	it	sees	fit,	and	it	may	
take	all	or	any	of	the	following	matters	into	
account:	the	long-term	interests	of	beneficiaries,	
the	non-financial	interests	of	beneficiaries,	the	
interests	of	beneficiaries	in	their	capacity	as	
employees	or	former	employees,	the	interests	of	
future	beneficiaries	and	considerations	of	a	local,	
moral,	ethical,	environmental	or	social	nature.

The	rules	of	certain	of	the	Company’s	share	
plans	include	provisions	which	apply	in	the	event	
of	a	takeover	or	reconstruction,	as	set	out	in	
Table	2	below.

EMPLOYMENT POLICIES 
The	Group	employed	an	average	of	45,560	
people	in	FY	2019	(FY	2018	44,802).	Through	its	
diversity	policy,	the	Company	seeks	to	ensure	that	
every	employee,	without	exception,	is	treated	
equally	and	fairly	and	that	all	employees	are	aware	
of	their	responsibilities.	

Our	policies	and	procedures	fully	support	our	
disabled	colleagues.	We	take	active	measures	to	
do	so	via:

• a	robust	reasonable	adjustment	policy;
• disability-specific	online	resources	(accessible	

via	the	Group’s	online	recruitment	system);	and

• processes	to	ensure	colleagues	are	fully	

supported.

The	Group	is	responsive	to	the	needs	of	its	
employees.	As	such,	should	any	employee	of	the	
Group	become	disabled	during	their	time	with	us,	
we	will	actively	retrain	that	employee	and	make	
reasonable	adjustments	to	their	environment	
where	possible,	in	order	to	keep	the	employee	
with	the	Group.	It	is	the	policy	of	the	Group	that	
the	recruitment,	training,	career	development	and	
promotion	of	disabled	persons	should,	as	far	as	
possible,	be	identical	to	that	of	other	employees.

Table 2: Provisions which apply in the event of a takeover or reconstruction

Share plan
2013	Performance	Restricted	Share	Plan

2013	Short	Term	Deferred	Incentive	Plan

2013	Sharesave	Plan

Share	Incentive	Plan

Provision in the event of a takeover
Awards	vest	pro	rata	to	performance	and	time	
elapsed	and	lapse	six	months	later
Bonus	shares	may	be	released	or	exchanged	for	
shares	in	the	new	controlling	company
Options	may	be	exercised	within	six	months	
of	a	change	of	control
Free	shares	may	be	released	or	exchanged	for	
shares	in	the	new	controlling	company

59

ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2019MITCHELLS & BUTLERS PLCSTRATEGIC REPORTGOVERNANCEFINANCIAL STATEMENTSOTHER INFORMATIONDuring	the	year,	the	Company	has	remained	
within	its	headroom	limits	for	the	issue	of	new	
shares	for	share	plans	as	set	out	in	the	rules	of	the	
above	plans.	The	Company	uses	an	employee	
benefit	trust	to	acquire	shares	in	the	market	when	
appropriate	to	satisfy	share	awards	in	order	to	
manage	headroom	under	the	plan	rules.	A	total	of	
900,000	shares	in	the	Company	were	purchased	
by	the	employee	benefit	trust	during	FY	2019.

RESPONSIBLE ALCOHOL POLICY
Mitchells	&	Butlers	operates	the	Challenge	21	
policy	in	all	our	businesses	across	England	and	
Wales	(and	a	Challenge	25	policy	in	our	Scottish	
businesses).	The	policy	requires	that	any	guest	
attempting	to	buy	alcohol	who	appears	under	
the	age	of	21	(or	25	in	Scotland),	must	provide	
an	acceptable	form	of	proof	of	age	ID	to	confirm	
that	they	are	over	18,	before	they	can	be	served.	
This	policy	forms	part	of	our	regular	training	for	
our	employees	on	their	responsibilities	for	
serving	alcohol.

POLITICAL DONATIONS
The	Company	made	no	political	donations	during	
the	year	and	intends	to	maintain	its	policy	of	not	
making	such	payments.	It	will,	however,	as	a	
precautionary	measure	to	avoid	inadvertent	
breach	of	the	law,	seek	shareholder	authority	at	its	
2020	AGM	to	make	limited	donations	or	incur	
limited	political	expenditure,	although	it	has	no	
intention	of	using	the	authority.

FUNDING AND LIQUIDITY RISK 
In	order	to	ensure	that	the	Group’s	long-term	
funding	strategy	is	aligned	with	its	strategic	
objectives,	the	Treasury	Committee	regularly	
assesses	the	maturity	profile	of	the	Group’s	debt,	
alongside	the	prevailing	financial	projections	and	
three	year	plan.	This	enables	it	to	ensure	that	
funding	levels	are	appropriate	to	support	the	
Group’s	plans.

The	current	funding	arrangements	of	the	Group	
consist	of	the	securitised	notes	issued	by	Mitchells	
&	Butlers	Finance	plc	(and	associated	liquidity	
facility)	and	£150m	of	unsecured	committed	bank	
facilities.	Further	information	regarding	these	
arrangements	is	included	in	note	4.2	to	the	
financial	statements	on	page	132.	The	terms	of	
the	securitisation	and	the	bank	facilities	contain	
a	number	of	financial	and	operational	covenants.	
Compliance	with	these	covenants	is	monitored	by	
Group	Treasury.

The	Group	prepares	a	rolling	daily	cash	forecast	
covering	a	six	week	period	and	an	annual	cash	
forecast	by	period.	These	forecasts	are	reviewed	
and	used	to	manage	the	investment	and	
borrowing	requirements	of	the	Group.	
A	combination	of	cash	pooling	and	zero	balancing	
agreements	is	in	place	to	ensure	the	optimum	
liquidity	position	is	maintained.	Committed	
facilities	outside	of	the	securitisation	are	sized	to	
ensure	that	the	Group	can	meet	its	medium-term	
anticipated	cash	flow	requirements.

GOING CONCERN 
The	financial	statements	which	appear	on	pages	
98	to	155	have	been	prepared	on	a	going	concern	
basis.	The	Directors	have	reviewed	the	Group’s	
objectives,	policies	and	processes	for	managing	its	
capital;	its	financial	risk	management	objectives;	
its	financial	instruments	and	hedging	activities;	
and	its	exposures	to	credit	risk	and	liquidity	risk.	
The	Group’s	financing	is	based	on	securitised	
debt	and	unsecured	bank	facilities	and,	within	this	
context,	a	robust	review	has	been	undertaken	of	
projected	performance	against	all	financial	
covenants.	As	a	result	of	this	review	the	Directors	
have	a	reasonable	expectation	that	the	Group	has	
adequate	resources	to	continue	in	operational	
existence	for	the	foreseeable	future.	See	section	1	
of	the	financial	statements	on	page	111	for	the	
Company’s	going	concern	statement,	and	page	45	
for	the	Company’s	long-term	viability	statement.	

ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING
The	notice	convening	the	Annual	General	
Meeting	is	contained	in	a	circular	sent	to	
shareholders	with	this	report	and	includes	full	
details	of	the	resolutions	proposed.

AUDITOR
Deloitte	LLP	has	expressed	its	willingness	to	
continue	in	office	as	auditor	of	the	Company	and	
its	reappointment	will	be	put	to	shareholders	at	
the	AGM.

EVENTS AFTER THE BALANCE SHEET 
DATE 
There	are	no	post-balance	sheet	events	to	report.

DISCLOSURE OF INFORMATION 
TO AUDITOR
Having	made	the	requisite	enquiries,	so	far	as	the	
Directors	are	aware,	specifically	those	who	are	
a	Director	at	the	date	of	approval	of	the	Annual	
Report,	there	is	no	relevant	audit	information	(as	
defined	by	Section	418(3)	of	the	Companies	Act	
2006)	of	which	the	Company’s	auditor	is	unaware	
and	each	Director	has	taken	all	steps	that	ought	to	
have	been	taken	to	make	themselves	aware	of	any	
relevant	audit	information	and	to	establish	that	the	
Company’s	auditor	is	aware	of	that	information.	

GREENHOUSE GAS (‘GHG’) EMISSIONS 
STATEMENT 
The	Group	generates	GHG	emissions	throughout	
its	estate	of	bars	and	restaurants	for	heating,	
cooling,	lighting	and	catering	including	the	
refrigeration	and	preparation	of	food	and	drink.	
There	are	new	disclosure	requirements	for	
financial	years	starting	after	1	April	2019	and	
these	will	be	addressed	in	the	Sustainability	
programme	being	undertaken	by	the	Company.	
The	disclosures	below	relate	to	current	
disclosure	requirements.

GHG	emissions	per	£m	turnover	were	reduced	by	
14.9%	during	the	2018/19	tax	year	in	comparison	
to	2017/18	in	response	to	our	continued	approach	
to	staff	engagement	on	energy	use	and	to	several	
projects	focusing	on	energy	reduction	across	
our	estate.	

DIRECTORS’ REPORT CONTINUED

EMPLOYEE ENGAGEMENT 
Mitchells	&	Butlers	engages	with	its	employees	
continuously	and	in	a	number	of	ways	to	suit	their	
different	working	patterns.	This	includes:

• line	manager	briefings;
• communications	forums	and	roadshows	held	
by	functions	or	brands	across	the	Company;

• a	dedicated	intranet	for	the	Retail	Support	

Team;

• ‘Mable’,	the	Mitchells	&	Butlers	online	

learning	platform;
• email	news	alerts;
• focus	groups;
• weekly	bulletins	–	specifically	targeted	at	retail	

house	managers	and	mobile	workers;

• employee	social	media	groups;	and
• a	monthly	magazine	poster,	Frontline	News,	

for	the	retail	estate.

Details	of	the	financial	and	economic	factors	
affecting	the	performance	of	the	Company	are	
shared	with	all	employees	at	the	appropriate	time	
using	the	methods	listed	above.	In	addition,	and	in	
order	to	align	more	closely	with	the	2018	Code,	
the	Board	has	agreed	that	Dave	Coplin	will	act	as	
a	link	to	the	Board	for	the	general	workforce	in	
order	to	strengthen	the	‘employee	voice’	at	the	
Board.	This	will	involve	attending	employee	
forums,	focus	groups	and	Company	awards	and	
providing	feedback	on	values	and	behaviours,	
employee	development	and	upskilling	and	
ensuring	that	feedback	is	listened	to	and	acted	
upon	where	appropriate.	

We	provide	opportunities	for	employees	to	give	
their	feedback	to	the	Company	in	a	number	of	
ways,	from	team	or	shift	meetings	in	restaurants,	
bars	and	pubs	and	engagement	surveys	for	all	
employees	to	the	Mitchells	&	Butlers	Business	
Forum.	Business	Forum	representatives	collect	
questions	from	employees	across	the	Company	
and	put	them	to	members	of	the	Executive	
Committee.	The	questions	and	answers	are	
published	in	Frontline	News	and	online.

Engagement	with	Mable	(Mitchells	&	Butlers’	
online	learning	platform)	has	grown	significantly	
since	launch	in	July	2017,	with	over	22,300	people	
logging	in	each	month	to	participate	in	formal	
learning	and	social	discussion.	Mable	is	used	to	
deliver	on-line	interactive	courses,	90%	of	which	
are	designed	in	house,	and	utilises	gamification,	
videos	and	social	learning	groups.	Mable	
encourages	engagement	and	proactive,	
discretionary	learning	with	over	1.3	million	
courses	completed	since	launch.	

Mitchells	&	Butlers	is	keen	to	encourage	greater	
employee	involvement	in	the	Group’s	
performance	through	share	ownership.	It	
operates	two	HMRC	approved	all-employee	
plans,	which	are	the	2013	Sharesave	Plan	and	the	
Share	Incentive	Plan	(which	includes	Partnership	
shares).	The	Company	also	operates	two	other	
plans	on	a	selective	basis,	which	are	the	2013	
Performance	Restricted	Share	Plan	and	the	2013	
Short	Term	Deferred	Incentive	Plan.	Further	
details	on	the	plans	are	set	out	in	the	Report	on	
Directors’	remuneration.

60

ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2019MITCHELLS & BUTLERS PLCAssessment parameters
Assessment year
Consolidation approach
Boundary summary

Scope

Consistency with the financial statements

Exclusions

Emission factor data source

Assessment methodology
Materiality threshold
Intensity threshold

Target

2018/19	tax	year.
Financial	control.
All	pubs,	bars	and	restaurants	either	owned	or	under	operational	control	during	the	2018/19	tax	year	
were	included.
General	classifications	of	greenhouse	gas	emissions	scopes	based	on	the	GHG	protocol	and	
ISO14064-1:2006	within	the	context	of	the	Group’s	operations	are	as	follows:

Scope 1	–	direct	greenhouse	gas	emissions	from	sources	that	are	owned	or	controlled	by	the	Group,	
e.g.	fuel	combustion	of	varying	types,	occurs	during	kitchen	activity	and	to	generate	heating	and	
domestic	hot	water	most	commonly	through	natural	grid	supplied	gas,	but	also	some	LPG	(Liquefied	
Petroleum	Gas)	and	oil.	Real	fires	fuelled	by	logs	or	coal	are	also	used	to	supplement	customer	comfort	
and	enhance	ambience.

Scope 2	–	GHG	emissions	from	the	generation	of	purchased	electricity	used	during	kitchen	activity	and	
for	lighting,	heating	and	cooling.

Scope 3	–	indirect	emissions	as	a	consequence	of	the	activities	of	the	Group	but	occurring	from	sources	
not	owned	or	controlled	by	the	Group.

This	assessment	focuses	on	Scope	1	and	2	emissions	only	(scope	3	is	optional	under	the	current	
regulations).
Scope	1	and	2	emissions	are	reported	for	the	2018/19	and	2017/18	tax	years	to	retain	consistency	with	
reporting	of	our	carbon	emissions	under	the	Carbon	Reduction	Commitments	(CRC).

Leased	and	franchised	sites	are	excluded	as	they	are	responsible	for	arranging	and	paying	for	their	
own	energy.

Alex	sites	in	Germany	are	included.	Emissions	are	based	on	UK	average	emissions	multiplied	by	the	
number	of	Alex	sites.
Scope 1	–	Vehicle	fleet	emissions	are	excluded	as	they	have	been	calculated	to	account	for	<1%	of	total	
emissions	which	falls	below	the	materiality	threshold.

Scope 1	–	Fugitive	emissions	within	refrigeration	and	cooling	equipment	are	not	included	as	detailed	
records	are	not	yet	held.

Outside of scope	–	Logs	are	‘outside	of	scope’	because	the	Scope	1	impact	of	these	fuels	has	been	
determined	to	be	a	net	‘0’.	However,	the	CO2e	value	of	logs	has	been	calculated	to	be	<1%	and	would	
be	excluded	in	any	case	as	these	fall	below	the	materiality	threshold.
All	carbon	emission	factors	used	are	consistent	with	details	provided	in	the	respective	Carbon	
Reduction	Commitment	submissions.
Defra	Environmental	Guidelines	2013.
All	emission	types	estimated	to	contribute	>1%	of	total	emissions	are	included.	
Emissions	are	stated	in	tonnes	CO2e	per	£m	revenue.	This	intensity	ratio	puts	emissions	into	context	
given	the	scale	of	the	Group’s	activities	and	enables	comparison	with	prior	year	performance.
Emissions	during	the	2017/18	tax	year	are	provided	for	comparative	purposes.

It	should	be	noted	that	the	2017/18	emissions	have	been	re-calculated	with	electricity	transmission	and	
distribution	losses	removed	as	these	are	now	classed	as	Scope	3	emissions.

2017/18

2018/19

Change from previous year

Greenhouse gas emissions source
Scope	1
Scope	2
Statutory total (Scope 1 & 2)*

(tCO2e)
90,021
149,721
239,742

(tCO2e/£m)
41.2
68.5
109.7

(tCO2e)
84,388
118,696
203,084

(tCO2e/£m)
38.8
54.6
93.4

(tCO2e)
-5,633
-31,025
-36,658

(tCO2e/£m)
-2.4
-13.9
-16.3

% movement 
in tCO2e/£m
-5.8%
-20.3%
-14.9%

*	

Statutory	carbon	reporting	disclosures	required	by	Companies	Act	2006.

MODERN SLAVERY ACT 2015
In	accordance	with	the	requirements	of	the	Modern	Slavery	Act,	the	Board	has	approved	and	the	Company	has	accordingly	published	its	compliance	
statement	on	its	website.	This	can	be	accessed	at	www.mbplc.com

By	order	of	the	Board

GREG McMAHON
Company	Secretary	and	General	Counsel
19	November	2019

61

ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2019MITCHELLS & BUTLERS PLCSTRATEGIC REPORTGOVERNANCEFINANCIAL STATEMENTSOTHER INFORMATIONDIRECTORS’ RESPONSIBILITIES STATEMENT

The Directors are responsible for 
preparing the Annual Report and the 
financial statements in accordance 
with applicable law and regulations.

Company	law	requires	the	Directors	to	prepare	
such	financial	statements	for	each	financial	year.	
Under	that	law	the	Directors	are	required	to	
prepare	the	Group	financial	statements	in	
accordance	with	International	Financial	Reporting	
Standards	(IFRSs)	as	adopted	by	the	European	
Union	and	Article	4	of	the	IAS	Regulation	and	
have	also	chosen	to	prepare	the	parent	company	
financial	statements	in	accordance	with	Financial	
Reporting	Standard	101	‘Reduced	Disclosure	
Framework‘.	Under	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	Company	and	of	the	
profit	or	loss	of	the	Company	for	that	period.	

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

We	confirm	that	to	the	best	of	our	knowledge:

• the	financial	statements,	prepared	in	

accordance	with	the	relevant	financial	reporting	
framework,	give	a	true	and	fair	view	of	the	
assets,	liabilities,	financial	position	and	profit	or	
loss	of	the	Company	and	the	undertakings	
included	in	the	consolidation	taken	as	a	whole;

• the	Strategic	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;	and

• the	Annual	Report	and	financial	statements,	
taken	as	a	whole,	are	fair,	balanced	and	
understandable	and	provide	the	information	
necessary	for	shareholders	to	assess	the	
Company’s	position	and	performance,	business	
model	and	strategy.

This	responsibility	statement	was	approved	by	the	
Board	of	Directors	on	19	November	2019	and	is	
signed	on	its	behalf	by:

TIM JONES 
Chief	Financial	Officer	
19	November	2019

In	preparing	the	parent	company	financial	
statements,	the	Directors	are	required	to:

• select	suitable	accounting	policies	and	then	

apply	them	consistently;

• make	judgements	and	accounting	estimates	

that	are	reasonable	and	prudent;

• state	whether	Financial	Reporting	Standard	101	

Reduced	Disclosure	Framework	has	been	
followed,	subject	to	any	material	departures	
disclosed	and	explained	in	the	financial	
statements;	and

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

In	preparing	the	Group	financial	statements,	
International	Accounting	Standard	1	requires	
that	Directors:

• properly	select	and	apply	accounting	policies;
• present	information,	including	accounting	

policies,	in	a	manner	that	provides	relevant,	
reliable,	comparable	and	understandable	
information;	

• provide	additional	disclosures	when	

compliance	with	the	specific	requirements	in	
IFRSs	is	insufficient	to	enable	users	to	
understand	the	impact	of	particular	
transactions,	other	events	and	conditions	on	
the	entity’s	financial	position	and	financial	
performance;	and

• make	an	assessment	of	the	Company’s	ability	

to	continue	as	a	going	concern.

The	Directors	are	responsible	for	keeping	
adequate	accounting	records	that	are	sufficient	to	
show	and	explain	the	Company’s	transactions	and	
disclose	with	reasonable	accuracy	at	any	time	the	
financial	position	of	the	Company	and	enable	
them	to	ensure	that	the	financial	statements	
comply	with	the	Companies	Act	2006.	They	are	
also	responsible	for	safeguarding	the	assets	of	the	
Company	and	hence	for	taking	reasonable	steps	
for	the	prevention	and	detection	of	fraud	and	
other	irregularities.

62

ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2019MITCHELLS & BUTLERS PLCCORPORATE GOVERNANCE STATEMENT

This corporate 
governance 
statement sets 
out our report 
to shareholders 
on the status of 
our corporate 
governance 
arrangements. 

BOB IVELL
Chairman

63

The	Board	is	responsible	for	ensuring	that	the	
activities	of	the	Mitchells	&	Butlers	Group	and	its	
various	businesses	are	conducted	in	compliance	
with	the	law,	regulatory	requirements	and	rules,	
good	practices,	ethically	and	with	appropriate	
and	proper	governance	and	standards.	This	
includes	reviewing	internal	controls,	ensuring	
that	there	is	an	appropriate	balance	of	skills	and	
experience	represented	on	the	Board	and	
compliance	with	the	applicable	UK	Corporate	
Governance	Code,	which	is	issued	by	the	
Financial	Reporting	Council	and	which	is	
available	at	www.frc.org.uk,	and	for	maintaining	
appropriate	relations	with	shareholders.

The	latest	financial	information	for	Mitchells	&	
Butlers	and	its	group	of	companies	is	included	
in	the	2019	Annual	Report	and	Accounts	
(of	which	this	corporate	governance	statement	
forms	part)	and	which	is	available	online	at:	
www.mbplc.com/investors

For	FY	2018,	the	Company	reported	against	the	
2016	edition	of	the	UK	Corporate	Governance	
Code	(the	‘2016	Code’).	A	revised	version	was	
published	in	July	2018	(the	‘2018	Code’),	which	
became	effective	for	accounting	periods	
beginning	on	or	after	1	January	2019.	The	key	
changes	between	the	2016	and	2018	versions	are:

1.			Enhanced	board	engagement	with	the	

workforce	and	wider	stakeholders,	including	
describing	how	the	Company	complies	with	its	
obligations	to	take	into	account	stakeholder	
views	pursuant	to	s.172	Companies	Act	2006;

2.			Demonstration	of	a	clear	business	strategy	
aligned	with	a	healthy	corporate	company	
culture;

3.			A	high-quality	and	diverse	board	composition;	

and

4.			Proportionate	executive	remuneration	that	

supports	the	long-term	success	of	the	business.

Mitchells	&	Butlers	is	currently	required	to	report	
against	the	2016	Code	and	does	not	need	to	
report	against	the	2018	Code	until	FY	2020.	
Nevertheless,	we	are	aware	of	the	
recommendations	of	the	2018	Code	and,	given	
that	it	is	a	higher	governance	standard	than	the	

2016	Code,	to	the	extent	appropriate	we	will	be	
reporting	in	line	with,	or	exercise	the	‘comply	or	
explain	principle’	in	relation	to,	the	2018	Code	
as	well	as	reporting	in	accordance	with	the	
2016	Code.	

In	view	of	the	importance	attached	by	the	Board	
to	moving	towards	compliance	with	the	2018	
Code,	the	Board	established	a	Corporate	
Responsibility	Committee	in	June	2019.	The	
purpose	of	this	new	Committee	is	to	allow	more	
executive,	leadership	and	functional	management	
involvement,	thereby	demonstrating	a	significant	
commitment	to	the	enhancement	of	governance	
in	general	and	matters	such	as	stakeholder	
engagement	and	is	therefore	seen	as	a	positive	
development.	More	details	of	this	Committee	and	
its	membership	are	set	out	on	page	69	and	its	
Terms	of	Reference	are	on	the	Company’s	website	
www.mbplc.com

PROGRESS TOWARDS ALIGNMENT 
TO THE 2018 CODE IN FY 2019
In	pursuance	of	greater	alignment	with	the	
2018	Code,	the	following	operational	and	
administrative	changes	were	made,	or	existing	
procedures	were	reinforced,	during	FY	2019:

1. Enhanced Board engagement with the 
workforce and wider stakeholders
The	2018	Code	recommends	that	the	Board	
should	consider	wider	stakeholder	views,	in	
particular	implementing	arrangements	for	
gathering	the	views	of	the	workforce.	The	2018	
Code	permits	a	designated	non-executive	director	
to	fill	this	role	and,	accordingly,	during	FY	2019	
the	Board	designated	Dave	Coplin	for	this	role.	
The	purpose	of	this	appointment	under	the	2018	
Code	is	to	gather	employee	views,	ensure	
employee	views	are	taken	into	account	in	Board	
discussions	and	decision-making,	and	engage	
with	the	workforce	to	explain	how	executive	
remuneration	aligns	with	Company	remuneration	
policy.	Work	has	commenced	on	this,	with	Dave	
Coplin	being	introduced	to	those	executive	
managers	who	can	help	ensure	that	meetings	
and	site	visits	are	effective.	

ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2019MITCHELLS & BUTLERS PLCSTRATEGIC REPORTGOVERNANCEFINANCIAL STATEMENTSOTHER INFORMATIONCORPORATE GOVERNANCE STATEMENT CONTINUED

Mitchells	&	Butlers	already	has	an	Employee	
Forum	with	elected	representatives	which	meets	
with	the	Executive	Directors	and	members	of	the	
Executive	Committee	annually.	Questions	from	
the	workforce	in	general	are	sought	through	the	
intranet	to	seek	areas	of	concern	or	enquiry	and	
to	enable	the	Company	to	respond.	This	has	been	
expanded	by	holding	two	Employee	Forum	
meetings	a	year	and	the	Employee	Forum	agenda	
includes	an	overview	of	how	executive	pay	is	
aligned	with	the	Company’s	strategic	objectives.	
During	FY	2019	the	Terms	of	Reference	of	the	
Employee	Forum	were	updated	to	reflect	this.

The	results	of	regular	Board	roadshows	are	used	
to	update	managers	on	performance	and	the	
latest	developments,	and	employee	feedback	is	
included	in	Board	papers	where	appropriate	as	
part	of	the	decision-making	process.

2. A clear business strategy aligned with 
a healthy corporate company culture
In	July	2018	the	Financial	Reporting	Council	
published	‘Guidance	on	the	Strategic	Report’,	
strengthening	the	link	between	the	purpose	of	the	
Strategic	Report	and	the	Directors’	duty	under	
section	172	Companies	Act	2006,	to	promote	the	
success	of	the	Company.	The	revised	guidance	
encourages	companies	to	consider	the	broader	
matters	that	may	impact	the	performance	of	the	
Company	over	the	longer	term	including	the	
interests	of	wider	stakeholders,	and	it	is	now	
established	Mitchells	&	Butlers	practice	that	
strategic	proposals	put	to	the	Company’s	Board	
meetings	include	a	requirement	to	consider	the	
Directors’	duties	under	section	172.	

The	specific	provisions	of	section	172	require	
directors	to	act	in	the	way	they	consider,	in	good	
faith,	would	be	most	likely	to	promote	the	success	
of	the	company	for	the	benefit	of	its	members	as	
a	whole	and,	in	doing	so,	have	regard	to	the	
interests	of	other	stakeholders.	The	specific	
requirements	of	section	172	are	that	Boards	
should	consider:

• the	likely	consequences	of	decisions	in	the	

long	term;

• the	interests	of	the	Company’s	employees;
• the	fostering	of	business	relationships	with	

suppliers,	customers	and	others;

• the	impact	of	the	Company’s	operations	on	the	

community	and	the	environment;

• the	maintenance	of	high	standards	of	business	

conduct;	and

• the	fairness	of	actions	as	between	members	

of	the	Company.

The	2018	Code	now	specifically	requires	that	
the	Board	should	understand	the	views	of	the	
Company’s	key	stakeholders	(including	
employees,	suppliers,	customers	and	others)	and	
keep	stakeholder	engagement	mechanisms	under	
review	so	they	remain	effective.	The	2018	Code	
also	recommends	that	there	should	be	regular	
reporting	as	to	how	the	Board	has	complied	with	
this	engagement	approach	in	its	decision-making	

processes.	The	2018	Code	sets	out	a	series	of	
aspects	to	be	taken	into	account	in	demonstrating	
the	Board	has	complied	with	its	section	172	
responsibilities.	These	are	listed	below,	together	
with	Company	procedures	which	were	either	
already	in	place	or	newly	adopted	during	FY	2019,	
to	align	Mitchells	&	Butlers’	corporate	behaviour	
with	the	spirit	and	values	of	the	2018	Code:

a. Culture
Mitchells	&	Butlers	already	has	in	place	a	set	of	
PRIDE	values	of	Passion,	Respect,	Innovation,	Drive	
and	Engagement	which	underpin	its	key	priorities	of	
People,	Practices,	Profits	and	Guests.	The	Board	
observes	these	PRIDE	values	in	discharging	its	
everyday	responsibilities	and	considering	
decisions	and	proposals	and	encourages	all	levels	
of	the	organisation	to	do	so.

b. Strategy
In	demonstrating	that	the	Board	is	promoting	the	
success	of	the	Company	and	taking	decisions	with	
regard	to	their	long-term	impact,	the	Board	must	
ensure	it	has,	and	regularly	reviews,	its	strategy.	
Developments	arising	from	the	strategy	review	
are	followed	up,	documented	and,	on	a	regular	
basis,	the	Board	reviews	whether	the	Company	
is	operating	in	line	with	that	strategy	and/or	there	
needs	to	be	a	revision	of	the	strategy	to	reflect	
external	and	possibly	internal	changes	in	the	
dynamics	of	the	business.	Board	papers	refer	to	
whether	they	reflect	a	proposal	that	is	aligned	
to,	or	diverges	from,	the	agreed	strategy.

Principle	B	and	Provisions	1	and	2	of	the	2018	
Code	require	the	Board	to:

• describe	how	opportunities	and	risks	to	the	
future	success	of	the	business	have	been	
considered	and	addressed,	the	sustainability	
of	the	company’s	business	model	and	how	its	
governance	contributes	to	the	delivery	of	
its	strategy;	

• establish	the	company’s	purpose,	values	and	
strategy,	ensure	that	these	and	its	culture	are	
aligned	and	describe	the	activities	the	Board	
takes	to	monitor	and	implement	this	culture;	
and

• describe	the	company’s	approach	to	investing	

in	and	rewarding	its	workforce.

Details	of	how	the	Board	achieves	this	are	given	
in	the	Strategic	report	on	pages	10	to	49.

c. Training and awareness
There	is	an	induction	process	for	all	Directors	on	
appointment	and	the	Company	Secretary	is	
available	to	all	Directors,	whether	of	the	Company	
or	any	of	the	subsidiaries,	for	consultation	and	
guidance	on	matters	of	governance	in	relation	to	
any	aspects	of	the	affairs	of	any	part	of	the	Group.	
As	circumstances	or	new	areas	develop,	whether	
in	the	operations	of	the	business	or	externally,	
appropriate	training	will	be	considered	to	ensure	
that	each	Director	can	be	sure	he/she	is	involved	
in	decision	making	and	oversight	with	the	benefit	
of	the	correct	amount	of	knowledge	as	to	what	is	
relevant	for	consideration.

The	induction	process	ensured	that	Directors	
were	aware	of,	and	understood,	the	requirements	
under	section	172.	Nevertheless,	in	April	2019,	
a	comprehensive	guide	was	sent	to	all	subsidiary	
Directors	to	provide	training	below	Board	level	in	
relation	to	section	172	requirements,	focusing	on	
how	such	considerations	should	be	documented	
in	the	future,	to	ensure	a	proper	understanding	of	
what	needs	to	be	considered	and	what	evidence	
is	required	to	be	presented	when	putting	
proposals	to	the	Board.	Ongoing	training	on	their	
responsibilities	is	also	provided	to	subsidiary	
company	directors.	

d. Information
Board	paper	procedures	now	contain	specific	
references	to	the	factors	referred	to	in	section	172	
Companies	Act	2006,	so	they	can	be	brought	to	
the	Board’s	attention	where	appropriate.

e. Policies and processes
The	business	has	an	existing	comprehensive	suite	
of	policies	and	processes	and	these	are	updated,	
revised	and	re-communicated	regularly.

f. Stakeholder engagement
Engagement	with	the	workforce	is	addressed	
above	and	engagement	with	guests	is	dealt	with	
through	the	Guest	Health	initiatives.	Engagement	
with	key,	critical	suppliers	is	addressed	through	
the	supplier	segmentation	tiering	process	where	
we	consult	with	suppliers	on	a	regular	basis	which	
varies	from	monthly	interaction	to	annual	reviews,	
depending	on	where	the	supplier	appears	on	the	
Company’s	tier	1	to	tier	4	ranking	(which	is	a	
multi-factor	process	involving	criticality,	volume,	
spend	size	and	availability	of	substitute	products).

3. Board composition and diversity
a. Board composition
Following	the	decision	of	Stewart	Gilliland	to	
step	down	from	the	Board	on	31	December	2018,	
the	Board	appointed	two	new	independent	
Non-Executive	Directors,	Jane	Moriarty	and	
Susan	Murray,	which	enhanced	both	the	
independence	and	diversity	of	the	Board.	
Immediately	on	appointment,	Susan	Murray	
became	the	new	Senior	Independent	Director,	
a	post	which	had	been	temporarily	vacant	
following	Stewart	Gilliland’s	departure.

b. Board diversity
Principle	J	of	the	2018	Code	states	that	Boards	are	
encouraged	to	‘promote	diversity	of	gender,	social	
and	ethnic	backgrounds,	cognitive	and	personal	
strengths’	through	their	appointments	and	
succession	planning.	The	purpose	is	to	ensure	that	
there	is	a	balance	of	views	from	different	genders	
and	other	experiences	and	skill	sets	around	the	
Board	table	so	that	decision-making	can	be	made	
with	good	oversight	of	all	relevant	factors.

64

ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2019MITCHELLS & BUTLERS PLC3. Composition of the Board (2016 
Code Provision B.1.2 and 2018 Code 
Provision 11)
During	the	year,	2016	Code	Provision	B.1.2	and	
2018	Code	Provision	11,	which	require	that	at	
least	half	the	board,	excluding	the	chair,	should	
be	non-executive	directors	whom	the	board	
considers	to	be	independent,	were	not	complied	
with.	Accordingly,	this	had	consequential	
implications	on	the	composition	of	the	Audit,	
Nomination	and	Remuneration	Committees.	

During	FY	2019,	Stewart	Gilliland	resigned	from	
the	Board	on	31	December	2018,	and	Jane	
Moriarty	and	Susan	Murray	were	appointed	to	
the	Board	on	27	February	2019	and	8	March	2019	
respectively.	In	accordance	with	the	disclosure	
requirements	of	Provision	B.2.4	of	the	2016	Code	
and	Provision	20	of	the	2018	Code,	the	Company	
confirms	that	the	services	of	Spencer	Stuart	were	
engaged	for	both	appointments,	and	that	there	is	
no	other	connection	between	Spencer	Stuart	and	
the	Company,	or	its	Board,	or	any	of	its	Directors.	

The	Board	does	not	comply	fully	with	the	
requirement	for	at	least	half	of	its	members	to	
be	independent,	due	to	the	presence	of	four	
shareholder	representatives	on	the	Board,	
representing	our	two	largest	shareholders.	
These	two	shareholders	maintain	a	dialogue	
via	their	representatives	on	the	Board,	all	of	whom	
are	careful	to	ensure	that	there	is	no	conflict	
between	that	role	and	their	duty	to	the	Board	and	
other	shareholders.

The	two	shareholders	concerned	have	made	
extremely	significant	investments	in	the	Company	
and	the	Board	considers	their	investment	
objectives	to	be	fully	aligned	with	those	of	the	
Group	and	of	other	shareholders.	The	Board	
maintains	excellent	relations	with	its	major	
shareholders	and	considers	their	commitment	to	
be	a	significant	factor	in	the	ongoing	stability	of	
the	Board,	particularly	as	a	result	of	their	strong	
support	of	the	Board’s	long-term	strategy,	including	
the	recent	Ignite	initiatives.	Their	continued	
investment	and	presence	on	the	Board	adds	value	
as	the	Group	works	towards	common	goals,	and	
in	pursuit	of	the	Company’s	published	strategy.

The	Board	intends	to	continue	to	work	closely	
with	the	representatives	of	its	major	shareholders	
to	further	the	interests	of	the	Company	and	no	
change	is	proposed	to	the	shareholder	
representative	profile	of	the	Board	in	the	
immediate	future.

The	Company	already	had	a	Board	Diversity	
Policy	in	place,	but	during	FY	2019	it	was	also	
agreed	that	talent	pipeline	presentations	to	the	
Board	should	include	the	extent	to	which	
diversity	aspects	have	been	taken	into	account	
in	development	plans/recruitment,	and	that	
ethnicity	and	disability	reporting	should	be	
addressed,	to	the	extent	that	the	Company	has	
reliable	data.

In	pursuance	of	a	more	balanced	Board,	Jane	
Moriarty	and	Susan	Murray	were	appointed	in	
FY	2019.	It	is	felt	that	not	only	will	their	appointment	
create	a	more	diverse	gender	profile,	but	that	
their	broader	experience	outside	the	specific	
characteristics	of	the	business	of	the	Company	
and	the	industry	will	strengthen	the	balance	and	
breadth	of	the	Board’s	decision-making.

Gender	Pay	Gap	data	is	already	overseen	by	the	
Remuneration	Committee	and	details	are	set	out	
on	page	82	of	the	Annual	report	on	remuneration.

4. Proportionate executive remuneration
This	is	dealt	with	on	pages	82	and	94	of	the	
Annual	report	on	remuneration.

CORPORATE GOVERNANCE
The	Board	is	committed	to	high	standards	of	
corporate	governance.	I	am	delighted	to	be	able	to	
report	that	the	Board	considers	that	the	Company	
has	complied	throughout	the	year	ended	
28	September	2019	with	all	the	Provisions	and	
best	practice	guidance	of	the	2016	Code	and	the	
2018	Code	except	those	in	respect	of	Board	
composition	and	the	constitution	of	Board	
Committees.	This	corporate	governance	
statement	addresses	the	small	number	of	areas	
where,	for	reasons	specific	to	Mitchells	&	Butlers,	
there	are	divergences	from	the	2016	Code	and	
2018	Code	as	described	below.	

The	Audit	Committee	report	and	Nomination	
Committee	report	which	are	set	out	on	pages	72	
to	75	and	page	68	respectively	of	the	Annual	
Report	also	form	part	of	this	corporate	
governance	statement	and	they	should	all	be	
considered	together.

The	Board	recognises	the	importance	of	good	
corporate	governance	in	creating	a	sustainable,	
successful	and	profitable	business	and	details	are	
set	out	in	this	statement	of	the	Company’s	
corporate	governance	procedures	and	application	
of	the	principles	of	the	2016	Code	and	the	2018	
Code.	There	are,	however,	a	small	number	of	
areas	where,	for	reasons	specifically	related	to	the	
Company,	the	detailed	Provisions	of	the	2016	
Code	and	the	2018	Code	were	not	fully	complied	
with	in	FY	2019.	These	areas	are	kept	under	
regular	review.	A	fundamental	aspect	of	both	the	
2016	Code	and	the	2018	Code	is	that	in	each	case	
it	contains	best	practice	recommendations	in	
relation	to	corporate	governance	yet	acknowledges	
that,	in	individual	cases,	these	will	not	all	
necessarily	be	appropriate	for	particular	
companies.	Accordingly,	both	the	2016	Code	and	
the	2018	Code	specifically	recognise	the	concept	
of	‘Comply	or	Explain’	in	relation	to	divergences	
from	it.	

COMPLIANCE WITH THE CODE 
Except	for	the	matters	which	are	explained	below	
(in	line	with	the	‘Comply	or	Explain’	concept),	the	
Company	complied	fully	with	the	Principles	and	
Provisions	of	the	2016	Code	and	the	2018	Code	
throughout	the	financial	year	in	respect	of	which	
this	statement	is	prepared	(and	continues	to	do	
so	as	at	the	date	of	this	statement).

EXPLANATION FOR NON-COMPLIANCE 
WITH PARTS OF THE 2016 CODE AND 
THE 2018 CODE
During	the	year,	there	were	six	divergences	
from	full	compliance	with	the	2016	Code	and	
the	2018	Code	as	set	out	below	by	reference	to	
specific	paragraphs	in	the	relevant	UK	Corporate	
Governance	Code.	Except	in	relation	to	2018	
Code	Provision	19,	there	is	similar	best	practice	
guidance	on	these	issues	in	both	codes.

1. Chairman’s tenure (2018 Code 
Provision 19)
Bob	Ivell	was	appointed	to	the	Board	of	Mitchells	
&	Butlers	in	May	2011.	The	performance	of	Bob	
Ivell	has	been	subject	to	rigorous	review,	including	
with	regard	to	his	independence.	The	Directors	
believe	that	Bob	Ivell’s	in-depth	knowledge	of	the	
business	and	industry,	combined	with	the	
consistency	he	provides	through	continued	
service	and	his	good	working	relationships	across	
the	Board	and	with	management	of	the	Company,	
remains	invaluable;	and	that	it	is	in	the	best	
interests	of	all	shareholders	and	other	
stakeholders,	that	the	Company	as	a	whole	
continues	to	benefit	from	Bob’s	experience.	Bob	
Ivell	continues	to	demonstrate	the	attributes	of	an	
independent	Non-Executive	Director,	including	
contributing	to	constructive	challenge	and	debate	
at	meetings	and	the	Board	is	satisfied	that	Bob’s	
tenure	has	not	impacted	his	independence.	In	
reaching	this	conclusion,	Bob’s	other	current	
appointments	have	been	taken	into	consideration.

In	light	of	this,	Mitchells	&	Butlers	expects	to	
explain	its	position	with	regard	to	2018	Code	
Provision	19	on	Chair	tenure,	rather	than	to	comply	
with	it,	in	its	Annual	Report	2020,	when	reporting	
against	the	2018	Code	comes	into	effect.	

2. Senior Independent Director (2016 
Code Provision A.4.1 and 2018 Code 
Provision 12)
Following	the	departure	of	Stewart	Gilliland	on	
31	December	2018,	there	was	no	nominated	
Senior	Independent	Director	from	that	time	until	
the	appointment	of	Susan	Murray	as	such	on	
8	March	2019.	This	arose	due	to	the	Board	
searching	to	recruit	a	suitable	replacement	for	
that	role	in	the	intervening	period.	The	Board	was	
aware	that	in	the	meantime	this	led	to	a	period	of	
non-compliance,	but	accepted	that	it	was	
inevitable	while	the	recruitment	process	was	
underway	and	would	last	only	until	the	new	
appointment	was	made.	Susan	Murray	was	the	
Senior	Independent	Director	at	the	year	end	of	
28	September	2019	and	remains	so.

65

ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2019MITCHELLS & BUTLERS PLCSTRATEGIC REPORTGOVERNANCEFINANCIAL STATEMENTSOTHER INFORMATIONCORPORATE GOVERNANCE STATEMENT CONTINUED

4. Constitution of Committees
Throughout	FY	2019,	the	Company	had	(and	
continues	to	have)	fully	functioning	Nomination,	
Audit	and	Remuneration	Committees	as	required	
by	the	2016	Code	and	the	2018	Code.

(i) Nomination Committee (2016 Code 
Provision B.2.1 and 2018 Code Provision 17)
The	Nomination	Committee	was	not	fully	
compliant	with	the	2016	Code	and	2018	Code	
in	FY	2019,	in	that	it	did	not	contain	a	majority	of	
independent	Non-Executive	Directors	as	required	
by	2016	Code	Provision	B.2.1	and	2018	Code	
Provision	17.	This	occurred	for	a	short	period	
only,	which	started	in	the	period	following	the	
resignation	of	Stewart	Gilliland	and	ceased	
following	the	appointment	of	additional	
independent	Non-Executive	Directors.	At	the	
year	end	of	28	September	2019,	the	Nomination	
Committee	was	fully	compliant	with	2016	Code	
Provision	B.2.1	and	2018	Code	Provision	17.

(ii) Audit Committee (2016 Code Provision 
C.3.1 and 2018 Code Provision 24); and 

(iii) Remuneration Committee (2016 Code 
Provision D.2.1 and 2018 Code Provision 32)
The	Audit	and	Remuneration	Committees	are	not	
fully	compliant	with	the	relevant	Provisions	of	the	
2016	Code	and	the	2018	Code.	2016	Code	
Provisions	C.3.1	and	D.2.1	and	2018	Code	
Provisions	24	and	32	respectively	specify	that	both	
the	Audit	and	Remuneration	Committees	should	
consist	of	independent	Non-Executive	Directors	
and	both	Committees	include	the	presence	of	
representatives	of	major	shareholders.	The	Board	
has	carefully	considered	the	implications	of	this	
and	has	concluded	that	it	constitutes	a	valid	
exception	under	the	‘comply	or	explain’	regime	
of	the	2016	Code	and	2018	Code,	in	that	the	two	
shareholders	concerned	are	committed	to	the	
progression	and	growth	of	the	Company,	have	
made	a	substantial	financial	commitment	and	are	
fully	supportive	of	the	Group’s	strategy.	The	
shareholder	representatives	have	significant	
commercial	and	financial	experience	and	make	
a	substantial	contribution	to	the	Committees	and	
the	Group	remains	fully	committed	to	working	
with	them	on	matters	affecting	the	Group	and	its	
activities	in	the	future.

The	possibility	of	appointing	a	further	
independent	Non-Executive	Director	remains	a	
matter	for	the	Nomination	Committee	to	review	
and	is	considered	regularly.

The	information	required	by	Disclosure	Guidance	
and	Transparency	Rule	(‘DGTR’)	7.1	is	set	out	in	
the	Audit	Committee	report	on	pages	72	to	75.	
The	information	required	by	DGTR	7.2	is	set	out	
in	this	corporate	governance	statement,	other	
than	that	required	under	DGTR	7.2.6	which	is	set	
out	in	the	Directors’	report	on	pages	58	to	61.	

BOARD COMPOSITION
The	Board	started	the	year	with	11	Directors	and	
ended	it	with	12.	Stewart	Gilliland	stepped	down	
from	the	Board	on	31	December	2018.	Jane	
Moriarty	and	Susan	Murray	were	appointed	to	
the	Board	on	27	February	2019	and	8	March	2019	
respectively.	The	table	opposite	lists	the	
composition	of	the	Board	during	the	year.	

THE BOARD
The	Board	is	responsible	to	all	stakeholders,	
including	its	shareholders,	for	the	strategic	
direction,	development	and	control	of	the	Group.	
It	approves	strategic	plans	and	annual	capital	and	
revenue	budgets.	It	reviews	significant	investment	
proposals	and	the	performance	of	past	
investments	and	maintains	an	overview	and	
control	of	the	Group’s	operating	and	financial	
performance.	It	monitors	the	Group’s	overall	
system	of	internal	controls,	governance	and	
compliance	and	ensures	that	the	necessary	
financial,	technical	and	human	resources	are	in	
place	for	the	Company	to	meet	its	objectives.	
Our	website	includes	a	schedule	of	matters	which	
have	been	reserved	for	the	main	Board.

During	FY	2019	there	were	ten	scheduled	
Board	meetings.	There	were	also	four	meetings	
of	the	Audit	Committee,	four	meetings	of	the	
Remuneration	Committee	and	two	meetings	of	
the	Nomination	Committee.	The	table	below	
shows	attendance	levels	at	the	Board	and	
Committee	meetings	held	during	the	year;	the	
numbers	in	brackets	confirm	how	many	meetings	
each	Director	was	eligible	to	attend	during	
the	year.

Except	as	noted	in	the	table	below,	full	attendance	
was	recorded	for	all	Directors	in	respect	of	all	
Board	and	Committee	meetings	during	FY	2019,	
but	where	Directors	are	unable	to	attend	a	
meeting	(whether	of	the	Board	or	one	of	its	

Committees),	they	are	provided	with	all	the	
papers	and	information	relating	to	that	meeting	
and	are	able	to	discuss	issues	arising	directly	with	
the	Chairman	of	the	Board	or	Chair	of	the	relevant	
Committee.	In	addition,	the	Board	members	meet	
more	informally	approximately	four	times	a	year	
and	the	Chairman	and	the	Non-Executive	
Directors	meet	without	the	Executive	Directors	
twice	a	year.	

There	are	nine	Board	meetings	currently	planned	
for	FY	2020.	

The	Company	Secretary’s	responsibilities	include	
ensuring	good	information	flows	to	the	Board	and	
between	senior	management	and	the	Non-
Executive	Directors.	The	Company	Secretary	is	
responsible,	through	the	Chairman,	for	advising	
the	Board	on	all	corporate	governance	matters	
and	for	assisting	the	Directors	with	their	
professional	development.	This	includes	regular	
corporate	governance	and	business	issues	
updates,	as	well	as	the	use	of	operational	site	
visits	and	the	provision	of	external	courses	where	
required.	The	Company	Secretary	facilitates	a	
comprehensive	induction	for	newly	appointed	
Directors,	tailored	to	individual	requirements	and	
including	guidance	on	the	requirements	of,	and	
Directors’	duties	in	connection	with,	the	2016	
Code,	the	2018	Code	and	the	Companies	Act	
2006	as	well	as	other	relevant	legislation.	

An	externally	facilitated	Board	evaluation	is	
required	every	three	years	and	the	last	one	took	
place	in	FY	2018,	with	the	next	one	due	in	FY	2021.	
In	FY	2019,	the	Company	Secretary	co-ordinated	
the	internal	performance	evaluation	of	the	Board,	
which	was	led	by	the	Chairman,	details	of	the	
output	of	which	are	set	out	at	page	71.	The	
appointment	and	removal	of	the	Company	
Secretary	is	a	matter	reserved	for	the	Board.

Attendance levels at Board and Committee meetings

Board

Audit 
Committee

Remuneration 
Committee

Nomination 
Committee

Directors who served during the year
Bob	Ivell
Keith	Browne
Dave	Coplin
Stewart	Gilliland1
Eddie	Irwin
Tim	Jones
Josh	Levy
Jane	Moriarty2
Susan	Murray3
Ron	Robson
Colin	Rutherford
Phil	Urban
Imelda	Walsh

10	(10)
10	(10)
9	(10)
3	(3)
10	(10)
10	(10)
10	(10)
6	(6)
5	(5)
9	(10)
10	(10)
10	(10)
10	(10)

n/a
n/a
4	(4)
1	(1)
4	(4)
n/a
n/a
2	(2)
2	(2)
4	(4)
4	(4)
n/a
4	(4)

4	(4)
n/a
4	(4)
2	(2)
4	(4)
n/a
4	(4)
2	(2)
2	(2)
n/a
4	(4)
n/a
4	(4)

2	(2)
n/a
1	(2)
1	(1)
2	(2)
n/a
n/a
1	(1)
1	(1)
2	(2)
2	(2)
n/a
2	(2)

1.	 Resigned	31	December	2018.
2.	 Appointed	27	February	2019.
3.	 Appointed	8	March	2019.
Dave	Coplin	was	unable	to	attend	the	December	2018	Board	and	Nomination	Committee	meetings	due	to	illness.
Ron	Robson	was	unable	to	attend	the	July	2019	meeting	due	to	an	unavoidable	prior	personal	commitment.

66

ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2019MITCHELLS & BUTLERS PLCIt	is	also	agreed	in	writing	that	the	Chief	Executive	
has	responsibility	for	all	aspects	of	the	Group’s	
overall	commercial,	operational	and	strategic	
development.	He	chairs	the	Executive	Committee	
(details	of	which	appear	on	page	69)	and	attends	
the	Nomination,	Remuneration	and	Audit	
Committee	by	invitation,	not	necessarily	for	the	
entirety	of	such	meetings	depending	upon	the	
subject	matter.	He	is	also	a	member	of	the	Market	
Disclosure	Committee,	the	Property	Committee	
and	the	Pensions	Committee.	

All	other	Executive	Directors	(currently	just	the	
Chief	Financial	Officer)	and	all	other	members	of	
the	Executive	Committee	report	to	the	Chief	
Executive.

Chairman
Provision	A.2.1	of	the	2016	Code	and	Provision	9	
of	the	2018	Code	provides	that	the	Chairman	
should,	on	appointment,	meet	the	independence	
criteria	set	out	in	Provision	B.1.1	and	Provision	10	
respectively.	Bob	Ivell	met	these	independence	
criteria	on	appointment.

Bob	Ivell	was	appointed	to	the	role	of	Executive	
Chairman	on	26	October	2011	on	the	departure	of	
the	then	Chief	Executive	and	reverted	to	the	role	of	
Non-Executive	Chairman	on	12	November	2012.	

The	Chairman	ensures	that	appropriate	
communication	is	maintained	with	shareholders.	
He	ensures	that	all	Directors	are	fully	informed	
of	matters	relevant	to	their	roles.	

Chief Executive
Phil	Urban	was	appointed	Chief	Executive	on	
27	September	2015.	He	has	responsibility	for	
implementing	the	strategy	agreed	by	the	Board	
and	for	the	executive	management	of	the	Group.

Senior Independent Director
The	Senior	Independent	Director,	Stewart	
Gilliland,	stepped	down	from	the	Board	on	
31	December	2018	in	order	to	concentrate	on	his	
other	roles.	He	was	replaced	by	Susan	Murray,	
who	became	Senior	Independent	Director	
immediately	upon	her	appointment	to	the	Board	
on	8	March	2019.

The	Senior	Independent	Director	supports	the	
Chairman	in	the	delivery	of	the	Board’s	objectives	
and	ensures	that	the	views	of	all	major	shareholders	
and	stakeholders	are	conveyed	to	the	Board.	
Susan	Murray	is	available	to	all	shareholders	
should	they	have	any	concerns	if	the	normal	
channels	of	Chairman,	Chief	Executive	or	Chief	
Financial	Officer	have	failed	to	resolve	them,	or	
for	which	such	contact	is	inappropriate.	

The	Senior	Independent	Director	also	meets	with	
Non-Executive	Directors,	without	the	Chairman	
present,	at	least	annually,	and	conducts	the	
annual	appraisal	of	the	Chairman’s	performance	
and	provides	feedback	to	the	Chairman	on	the	
outputs	of	that	appraisal.

Directors
The	following	were	Directors	of	the	Company	during	the	year	ended	28	September	2019:

Directors who served during the year
Bob	Ivell

Independent	Non-Executive	Director1
Interim	Chairman1
Executive	Chairman
Non-Executive	Chairman
Non-Executive	Director
Independent	Non-Executive	Director
Independent	Non-Executive	Director
Senior	Independent	Director
Non-Executive	Director
Non-Executive	Director
Chief	Financial	Officer
Independent	Non-Executive	Director
Independent	Non-Executive	Director	and	
Senior	Independent	Director
Non-Executive	Director
Deputy	Chairman
Independent	Non-Executive	Director
Chief	Executive
Independent	Non-Executive	Director

Keith	Browne2
Dave	Coplin
Stewart	Gilliland3

Eddie	Irwin2
Josh	Levy4
Tim	Jones
Jane	Moriarty
Susan	Murray

Ron	Robson4

Colin	Rutherford
Phil	Urban
Imelda	Walsh

Date appointed

Date of 
change of role

09/05/11
14/07/11
26/10/11
12/11/12
22/09/16
29/02/16
23/05/13
02/02/15
21/03/12
13/11/15
18/10/10
27/02/19

08/03/19
22/01/10
14/07/11
22/04/13
27/09/15
22/04/13

14/07/11
26/10/11
12/11/12
–
–
–
31/12/18
31/12/18
–
–
–
–

–
–
–
–
–
–

Independent	while	in	the	role	specified.

1.	
2.	 Nominated	shareholder	representative	of	Elpida	Group	Limited.
3.	 Stepped	down	from	the	Board	on	31	December	2018.
4.	 Nominated	shareholder	representative	of	Piedmont	Inc.

Provision	15	of	the	2018	Code	states	that	full-time	
executive	directors	should	not	take	on	more	than	
one	non-executive	directorship	in	a	FTSE	100	
company	or	other	significant	appointments.	The	
Executive	Directors	may	be	permitted	to	accept	
one	external	Non-Executive	Director	appointment	
with	the	Board’s	prior	approval	and	as	long	as	this	
is	not	likely	to	lead	to	conflicts	of	interest.	During	
FY	2019,	neither	of	the	Executive	Directors	held	
any	such	external	directorship,	nor	did	they	hold	
any	other	significant	appointments,	as	a	director	
or	otherwise,	and	that	remains	the	case	as	at	the	
date	of	this	Annual	Report.

Division of responsibilities between 
Chairman and Chief Executive
In	accordance	with	Provision	A.2.1	of	the	2016	
Code	and	Provision	9	of	the	2018	Code,	the	roles	
of	Chairman	and	Chief	Executive	should	not	be	
exercised	by	the	same	individual.	

The	division	of	responsibilities	between	the	
Chairman	and	the	Chief	Executive	is	clearly	
established	as	required	by	Principle	A.2	of	the	
2016	Code	and	Principle	G	of	the	2018	Code	and	
these	are	set	out	in	writing	and	have	been	agreed	
by	the	Board.	In	particular,	it	has	been	agreed	in	
writing	that	the	Chairman	shall	be	responsible	for	
running	the	Board	and	shall	provide	advice	and	
assistance	to	the	Chief	Executive.	He	also	chairs	
the	Nomination	Committee,	is	a	member	of	the	
Remuneration	Committee	and	attends,	by	
invitation,	meetings	of	the	Audit	Committee.	
He	also	chairs	the	Market	Disclosure	Committee,	
Corporate	Responsibility	Committee,	the	Property	
Committee	and	the	Pensions	Committee.	

At	the	start	of	the	year,	the	Board	was	made	up	
of	10	male	and	one	female	members.	During	the	
year	Stewart	Gilliland	stepped	down	from	the	
Board	on	31	December	2018	and	Jane	Moriarty	
and	Susan	Murray	were	appointed	to	the	Board	
on	27	February	2019	and	8	March	2019	
respectively.	At	the	end	of	the	year,	the	Board	was	
made	up	of	nine	male	and	three	female	members.

The	Executive	Directors	have	service	contracts,	
details	of	which	are	on	the	Company’s	website	
www.mbplc.com.	The	Chairman	and	each	of	the	
Non-Executive	Directors	have	letters	of	
appointment.	Copies	of	the	respective	service	
contracts	or	letters	of	appointment	of	all	the	
members	of	the	Board	are	available	on	the	
Company’s	website.	In	addition,	they	are	available	
for	inspection	at	the	registered	office	of	the	
Company	during	normal	business	hours	and	at	the	
place	of	the	Annual	General	Meeting	from	at	least	
15	minutes	before	and	until	the	end	of	the	meeting.

At	the	Company’s	forthcoming	Annual	General	
Meeting	in	2020,	the	Directors	appointed	during	
the	year	(Jane	Moriarty	and	Susan	Murray)	will	be	
required	to	stand	for	election	for	the	first	time	and	
the	remaining	Directors	will	be	required	to	stand	
for	annual	re-election,	in	accordance	with	the	
Company’s	Articles	of	Association.	Their	
biographical	details	as	at	19	November	2019	are	
set	out	on	pages	54	to	57,	including	their	main	
commitments	outside	the	Company.	In	addition,	
Provision	18	of	the	2018	Code	requires	that	the	
papers	accompanying	the	resolutions	to	elect	or	
re-elect	directors,	set	out	the	specific	reasons	
why	the	individual	director’s	contribution	is,	and	
continues	to	be,	important	to	the	Company’s	
long-term	sustainable	success	and	this	
information	can	be	found	in	the	accompanying	
Notice	of	Meeting.

67

ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2019MITCHELLS & BUTLERS PLCSTRATEGIC REPORTGOVERNANCEFINANCIAL STATEMENTSOTHER INFORMATIONCORPORATE GOVERNANCE STATEMENT CONTINUED

Non-Executive Directors 
The	Company	has	experienced	Non-Executive	
Directors	on	its	Board.	The	Board’s	view	on	the	
tenure	of	Bob	Ivell	as	Chairman	is	set	out	on	
page	65.

Audit Committee
Details	of	the	Audit	Committee	and	its	activities	
during	the	year	are	included	in	the	Audit	
Committee	report	on	pages	72	to	75	which	is	
incorporated	by	reference	into	this	statement.

Ron	Robson	and	Josh	Levy	were	appointed	to	the	
Board	as	representatives	of	one	of	the	Company’s	
largest	shareholders,	Piedmont	Inc.,	and	were	
therefore	not	regarded	as	independent	in	accordance	
with	the	2016	Code	and	the	2018	Code.	

Remuneration Committee
Details	of	the	Remuneration	Committee	and	its	
activities	during	the	year	are	included	in	the	
Report	on	Directors’	remuneration	on	pages	76	
to	97.

Eddie	Irwin	and	Keith	Browne	were	appointed	
to	the	Board	as	representatives	of	another	of	the	
Company’s	largest	shareholders,	Elpida	Group	
Limited,	and	were	therefore	not	regarded	as	
independent	in	accordance	with	the	2016	Code	
and	the	2018	Code.

There	are	currently	five	independent	Non-
Executive	Directors	on	the	Board:	Colin	Rutherford,	
Imelda	Walsh,	Dave	Coplin,	Jane	Moriarty	and	
Susan	Murray.

Other	than	their	fees,	and	reimbursement	of	
taxable	expenses	which	are	disclosed	on	page	87,	
the	Non-Executive	Directors	received	no	
remuneration	from	the	Company	during	the	year.	
With	effect	from	1	January	2020,	the	base	fee	for	
Non-Executive	Directors	will	remain	at	£53,000	
per	annum,	the	fee	paid	to	Non-Executive	
Directors	for	chairing	a	Committee	or	for	the	role	
of	Senior	Independent	Director	will	remain	at	
£13,000	per	annum,	and	the	fee	paid	to	Dave	
Coplin	for	his	new	role	as	‘employee	voice’	will	
remain	at	£13,000	per	annum.

When	Non-Executive	Directors	are	considered	for	
appointment,	the	Board	takes	into	account	their	
other	responsibilities	in	assessing	whether	they	
can	commit	sufficient	time	to	their	prospective	
directorship.	On	average,	the	Non-Executive	
Directors	spend	two	to	three	days	per	month	on	
Company	business,	but	this	may	be	more	
depending	on	the	circumstances	from	time	to	time.

Nomination Committee
The	Nomination	Committee	is	responsible	for	
nominating,	for	the	approval	of	the	Board,	
candidates	for	appointment	to	the	Board.	It	is	also	
responsible	for	succession	planning	for	the	Board	
and	the	Executive	Committee	and	reviewing	the	
output	of	the	Board	effectiveness	review.	In	
compliance	with	the	disclosure	requirements	of	
Provision	B.2.4	of	the	2016	Code	and	Provision	23	
of	the	2018	Code,	there	is	an	ongoing	process	of	
review	of	the	make-up	of	the	Board	and	for	Board	
succession,	which	is	carried	out	by	the	
Nomination	Committee	and	led	by	the	Chairman.	
The	Nomination	Committee	engages	external	
search	agencies	when	required	and	ensures	that	
all	candidates	are	identified	and	assessed	against	
pre-determined	criteria.	Gender	balance	is	dealt	
with	by	the	Nomination	Committee	on	a	regular	
basis	and	includes	assessment	of	gender	balance	
at	senior	management	level.

In	accordance	with	the	disclosure	requirement	
in	Provision	23	of	the	2018	Code,	as	at	the	date	of	
this	report,	the	gender	balance	for	those	in	the	
senior	management	team	and	their	direct	reports,	
was	split	as	to	51%	female	and	49%	male.	For	this	
purpose,	the	senior	management	team	comprises	
the	Executive	Committee.

The	gender	balance	of	the	Executive	Committee	
(which	includes	two	Board	members)	is	80%	male	
and	20%	female.	Further	information	on	the	
Executive	Committee	is	given	on	page	69.

Board information and training
All	Directors	are	briefed	by	the	use	of	
comprehensive	papers	circulated	in	advance	of	
Board	meetings	and	by	presentations	at	those	
meetings,	in	addition	to	receiving	minutes	of	
previous	meetings.	Their	understanding	of	the	
Group’s	business	is	enhanced	by	business	specific	
presentations	and	operational	visits	to	the	Group’s	
businesses.	Separate	strategy	meetings	and	
meetings	with	senior	executives	and	
representatives	of	specific	functions,	brands	or	
business	units	are	also	held	throughout	the	year.	

During	the	year,	the	Nomination	Committee	
considered	the	composition	of	the	Board	and,	
following	the	year	end,	has	assessed	the	outcome	
of	the	Board	effectiveness	review	which	was	
carried	out	during	the	financial	year	now	reported	
on.	More	details	of	the	conclusions	of	that	review	
are	on	page	71.	The	Nomination	Committee	
agrees	the	importance	of	having	diversity	on	the	
Board,	including	female	representation	and	
individuals	with	different	experiences,	skill	sets	
and	expertise,	so	as	to	maintain	an	appropriate	
balance	within	the	Company	and	on	the	Board.	

The	training	needs	of	Directors	are	formally	
considered	on	an	annual	basis	and	are	also	
monitored	throughout	the	year	with	appropriate	
training	being	provided	as	required,	including	
corporate	social	responsibility	and	corporate	
governance	as	well	as	the	environmental	impacts	
of	the	Company’s	activities.

COMMITTEES
The	Audit,	Remuneration,	Nomination	and	
Corporate	Responsibility	Committees	have	
written	terms	of	reference	approved	by	the	Board,	
which	are	available	on	the	Company’s	website.	
Those	terms	of	reference	are	each	reviewed	
annually	by	the	relevant	Committee	to	ensure	
they	remain	appropriate.

Diversity and Inclusion Steering Group 
and Board Diversity Policy
The	Company	has	a	Diversity	and	Inclusion	
Steering	Group	which	examines	the	
implementation	of	diversity	within	the	Group.

The	Board	has	approved	a	Board	Diversity	Policy.	
The	key	statement	and	objectives	of	that	policy	
are	as	follows:

Statement:
The	Board	recognises	the	benefits	of	diversity.	
Diversity	of	skills,	background,	knowledge,	
international	and	industry	experience,	and	
gender,	amongst	many	other	factors,	will	be	taken	
into	consideration	when	seeking	to	appoint	a	new	

Director	to	the	Board.	Notwithstanding	the	
foregoing,	all	Board	appointments	will	always	
be	made	on	merit.

Objectives:
• The	Board	should	ensure	an	appropriate	mix	
of	skills	and	experience	to	ensure	an	optimum	
Board	and	efficient	stewardship.	All	Board	
appointments	will	be	made	on	merit	while	
taking	into	account	individual	competence,	
skills	and	expertise	measured	against	identified	
objective	criteria	(including	consideration	
of	diversity).

• The	Board	should	ensure	that	it	comprises	

Directors	who	are	sufficiently	experienced	and	
independent	of	character	and	judgement.
• The	Nomination	Committee	will	discuss	and	
agree	measurable	objectives	for	achieving	
diversity	on	the	Board	with	due	regard	being	
given	to	the	recommendations	set	out	in	the	
Davies	Report,	the	Hampton-Alexander	
Review,	the	2016	Code	and	the	2018	Code.	
These	will	be	reviewed	on	an	annual	basis.

Progress against the policy:
The	Board	continues	to	monitor	progress	against	
this	policy.	In	terms	of	Board	diversity,	the	
proportion	of	women	on	the	Board	was	9%	as	at	
the	year	ended	29	September	2018,	increasing	
to	25%	at	28	September	2019,	following	the	
resignation	of	Stewart	Gilliland	on	31	December	
2018	and	the	subsequent	appointment	of	Jane	
Moriarty	and	Susan	Murray	during	FY	2019.	Any	
future	appointments	will	always	be	made	on	merit	
and	will	continue	to	take	into	account	diversity,	
not	only	in	terms	of	gender,	but	also	in	terms	of	
the	appropriate	mix	of	skills	and	experience.	

Details	of	the	Mitchells	&	Butlers	Diversity	Policy,	
which	applies	to	diversity	in	relation	to	employees	
of	the	Mitchells	&	Butlers	Group,	can	be	found	in	
the	Value	Creation	Story	section	on	page	34.

A	detailed	description	of	the	duties	of	the	
Nomination	Committee	is	set	out	within	its	terms	
of	reference	which	can	be	viewed	at	
www.mbplc.com/investors/businessconduct/
boardcommittees/

The	following	were	members	of	the	Nomination	
Committee	during	the	year:

Bob	Ivell	(Chair)
Dave	Coplin
Stewart	Gilliland*
Eddie	Irwin
Jane	Moriarty
Susan	Murray
Ron	Robson
Colin	Rutherford
Imelda	Walsh

Appointment 
date
11/07/13
29/02/16
11/07/13
11/07/13
27/02/19
08/03/19
11/07/13
11/07/13
11/07/13

Member at 
28/09/19
Y
Y
N
Y
Y
Y
Y
Y
Y

*	

Stepped	down	from	the	Nomination	Committee	on	
31	December	2018.

During	the	year,	the	Company	did	not	comply	
with	2018	Code	Provision	17	(or	the	equivalent	
Provision	B.2.1	of	the	2016	Code)	as	the	
Nomination	Committee	did	not	comprise	a	
majority	of	independent	Non-Executive	Directors.

68

ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2019MITCHELLS & BUTLERS PLCMARKET DISCLOSURE COMMITTEE
The	EU	Market	Abuse	Regulation	(MAR)	which	
took	effect	in	July	2016,	brought	about	substantial	
changes	relating	to	announcements	of	material	
information	about	the	Company	and	its	affairs,	
and	relating	to	dealings	in	shares	or	other	
securities	by	Directors	and	other	senior	managers,	
including	tighter	controls	on	permitted	‘dealings’	
during	closed	periods	and	the	handling	of	
information	relating	to	the	Company.	MAR	
requires	companies	to	keep	a	list	of	people	
affected	and	the	previous	compliance	regime	
and	timeframe	were	enhanced.

As	a	result,	a	formal	standing	Committee	of	the	
Board	was	established,	called	the	Market	
Disclosure	Committee,	which	comprises	the	
Chairman,	the	Chief	Executive,	the	Chief	Financial	
Officer	and	an	independent	Non-Executive	
Director,	currently	Colin	Rutherford.	

CORPORATE RESPONSIBILITY 
COMMITTEE
A	Corporate	Responsibility	Committee	was	
established	in	June	2019	and	its	purpose	is	to	
allow	more	executive,	leadership	and	functional	
management	involvement	in	matters	of	corporate	
responsibility	and	sustainability.	Its	Terms	of	
Reference	are	on	the	Company’s	website	
www.mbplc.com

The	Corporate	Responsibility	Committee	
comprises	Bob	Ivell	(Chair),	Ron	Robson,	Imelda	
Walsh,	Colin	Rutherford,	Eddie	Irwin,	Susan	
Murray,	Jane	Moriarty	and	Dave	Coplin.	It	is	likely	
that	the	Chief	Executive,	Phil	Urban,	will	be	
invited	to	attend	regularly.

Following	approval	of	the	Committee’s	formation,	
a	work	plan	for	FY	2020	was	established	with	
a	‘road	map’	and	targets.	A	multi-disciplinary	
steering	committee	has	been	tasked	with	carrying	
out	first	level	oversight	of	the	plan,	with	regular	
reports	to	the	Corporate	Responsibility	
Committee.

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
The	Executive	Committee,	which	is	chaired	by	
the	Chief	Executive,	consists	of	the	Executive	
Directors	and	certain	other	senior	executives,	
namely	Gary	John	(Group	Property	Director),	
Susan	Martindale	(Group	HR	Director),	Greg	
McMahon	(Company	Secretary	and	General	
Counsel),	Chris	Hopkins	(Commercial	and	
Marketing	Director)	and	Susan	Chappell,	Nick	
Crossley,	David	Gallacher	and	Dennis	Deare	
(all	Divisional	Directors).

The	Executive	Committee	meets	at	least	every	six	
weeks	and	has	day-to-day	responsibility	for	the	
running	of	the	Group’s	business.	It	develops	the	
Group’s	strategy	and	annual	revenue	and	capital	
budgets	for	Board	approval.	It	reviews	and	
recommends	to	the	Board	any	significant	
investment	proposals.	This	Committee	monitors	the	
financial	and	operational	performance	of	the	Group	
and	allocates	resources	within	the	budgets	agreed	
by	the	Board.	It	considers	employment	issues,	
ensures	the	Group	has	an	appropriate	pool	of	talent	
and	develops	senior	management	manpower	
planning	and	succession	plans.	A	note	of	the	actions	
agreed	by,	and	the	principal	decisions	of,	the	
Executive	Committee	are	supplied	to	the	Board	
for	information	in	order	that	Board	members	can	
keep	abreast	of	operational	developments.

Phil	Urban	has	ultimate	responsibility	for	
employment	related	issues	and	he	also	oversees	
matters	relating	to	human	rights	including	the	
implementation	of	the	Modern	Slavery	Act	
throughout	the	Group.

GENERAL PURPOSES COMMITTEE
The	General	Purposes	Committee	comprises	any	
two	Executive	Directors	or	any	one	Executive	
Director	together	with	a	senior	officer	from	an	
agreed	and	restricted	list	of	senior	Executives.	
It	is	always	chaired	by	an	Executive	Director.	
It	attends	to	business	of	a	routine	nature	and	to	
administrative	matters,	the	principles	of	which	
have	been	agreed	previously	by	the	Board	or	an	
appropriate	Committee.

PROPERTY COMMITTEE
The	Property	Committee	reviews	property	
transactions	which	have	been	reviewed	and	
recommended	by	the	Portfolio	Development	
Committee,	without	the	need	for	submission	of	
transactions	to	the	full	Board.	The	Property	
Committee	agrees	to	the	overall	strategic	direction	
for	the	management	of	the	Group’s	property	
portfolio	on	a	regular	basis	and	may	decide	that	
a	particular	transaction	should	be	referred	to	the	
Board	for	consideration	or	approval.	The	Property	
Committee	comprises	Bob	Ivell	(Committee	
Chair),	Phil	Urban,	Tim	Jones,	Josh	Levy,	Keith	
Browne,	Colin	Rutherford,	Jane	Moriarty	and	
Gary	John.

PORTFOLIO DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE
The	executive	review	of	property	transactions	and	
capital	allocation	to	significant	property	matters	
such	as	site	remodel	and	conversion	plans	and	the	
Company’s	real	estate	strategy	is	carried	out	by	
the	Portfolio	Development	Committee.	This	is	not	
a	formal	Board	Committee	but	comprises	the	
Chief	Executive,	the	Chief	Financial	Officer,	
the	Group	Property	Director	and	the	Company	
Secretary	and	General	Counsel.	It	has	delegated	
authority	to	approve	certain	transactions	up	to	
agreed	financial	limits	and,	above	those	authority	
levels,	it	makes	recommendations	to	the	Board	or	
the	Property	Committee.

PENSIONS COMMITTEE
The	Board	has	established	a	Pensions	Committee	
to	supervise	and	manage	the	Company’s	
relationship	with	its	various	pension	schemes	
and	their	trustees.	

The	Pensions	Committee	members	are	Bob	Ivell	
(Committee	Chair),	Colin	Rutherford,	Imelda	
Walsh,	Tim	Jones,	Phil	Urban,	Keith	Browne	and	
Josh	Levy.

Throughout	FY	2019,	the	work	of	the	Pensions	
Committee	focused	primarily	on	the	monitoring	
of	the	performance	of	the	Group’s	pensions	
arrangements,	the	assessment	of	the	impact	of	
the	decisions	in	relation	to	Guaranteed	Minimum	
Pensions	in	the	Lloyds	Banking	Group	case,	the	
ongoing	oversight	of	the	Company’s	involvement	
in	the	application	to	court	by	the	Trustee	of	the	
Mitchells	&	Butlers	Pension	Plan	for	rectification	of	
the	Trust	Deed	and	Rules	of	that	plan	as	referred	
to	at	note	4.5	of	the	Group	Financial	Statements,	
and	the	finalisation	of	the	2019	Actuarial	
Valuations	of	the	Company’s	two	defined	benefit	
pension	schemes,	including	the	agreement	to	the	
deficit	recovery	plans	for	both	schemes	with	an	
unchanged	schedule	of	future	contributions.

TREASURY COMMITTEE 
The	treasury	operations	of	the	Mitchells	&	Butlers	
Group	are	operated	on	a	centralised	basis	under	
the	control	of	the	Group	Treasury	department.	
Although	not	a	formal	Board	Committee,	the	
Treasury	Committee,	which	reports	to	the	Chief	
Financial	Officer	but	is	subject	to	oversight	from	
the	Audit	Committee	and,	ultimately,	the	Board,	
has	day-to-day	responsibility	for:

• liquidity	management;	
• investment	of	surplus	cash;	
• funding,	cash	and	banking	arrangements;	
• interest	rate	and	currency	risk	management;	
• guarantees,	bonds,	indemnities	and	any	

financial	encumbrances	including	charges	on	
assets;	and	

• relationships	with	banks	and	other	market	

counterparties	such	as	credit	rating	agencies.	

The	Treasury	Committee	also	works	closely	with	
the	financial	accounting	department	to	review	the	
impact	of	changes	in	relevant	accounting	practices	
and	to	ensure	that	treasury	activities	are	disclosed	
appropriately	in	the	Company’s	accounts.

The	Board	delegates	the	monitoring	of	treasury	
activity	and	compliance	to	the	Treasury	
Committee.	It	is	responsible	for	monitoring	the	
effectiveness	of	treasury	policies	and	making	
proposals	for	any	changes	to	policies	or	in	respect	
of	the	utilisation	of	new	instruments.	The	approval	
of	the	Board,	or	a	designated	committee	thereof,	
is	required	for	any	such	proposals.	

INDEPENDENT ADVICE
Members	of	the	Board	may	take	independent	
professional	advice	in	the	furtherance	of	their	
duties	and	the	Board	has	agreed	a	formal	process	
for	such	advice	to	be	made	available.	Members	
of	the	Board	also	have	access	to	the	advice	and	
services	of	the	Company	Secretary	and	General	
Counsel,	the	Company’s	legal	and	other	
professional	advisers	and	its	external	auditor.	
The	terms	of	engagement	of	the	Company’s	
external	advisers	and	its	external	auditor	are	
regularly	reviewed	by	the	Company	Secretary	
and	General	Counsel.

CODE OF ETHICS 
The	Company	has	implemented	business	conduct	
guidelines	describing	the	standards	of	behaviour	
expected	from	those	working	for	the	Company	in	
the	form	of	a	code	of	ethics	(the	‘Ethics	Code’).	
The	Ethics	Code	was	reviewed	and	re-
communicated	to	all	employees	in	FY	2019	to	
ensure	it	was	kept	clearly	in	focus.	Its	aim	is	to	
promote	honest	and	ethical	conduct	throughout	
our	business.	The	Ethics	Code	requires:

• compliance	with	all	applicable	rules	and	

regulations	that	apply	to	the	Company	and	
its	officers	including	compliance	with	the	
requirements	of	the	Bribery	Act	2010;
• the	ethical	handling	of	actual	or	apparent	
conflicts	of	interest	between	internal	and	
external,	personal	and	professional	
relationships;	and

• that	any	hospitality	from	suppliers	must	be	
approved	in	advance	by	appropriate	senior	
management,	with	a	presumption	against	
its	acceptance.

69

ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2019MITCHELLS & BUTLERS PLCSTRATEGIC REPORTGOVERNANCEFINANCIAL STATEMENTSOTHER INFORMATIONCORPORATE GOVERNANCE STATEMENT CONTINUED

The	Company	takes	a	zero	tolerance	approach	to	
bribery	and	has	developed	an	extensive	Bribery	
Policy	which	is	included	in	the	Ethics	Code.	The	
Ethics	Code	requires	employees	to	comply	with	
the	Bribery	Policy.

The	Company	also	offers	an	independently	
administered,	confidential	whistleblowing	hotline	
for	any	employee	wishing	to	report	any	concern	
that	they	feel	would	be	inappropriate	to	raise	
with	their	line	manager.	All	whistleblowing	
allegations	are	reported	to,	and	considered	by,	
the	Executive	Committee	and	a	summary	report	
(with	details	of	any	major	concerns)	is	supplied	
to,	and	considered	by,	the	Audit	Committee	at	
each	meeting.

Principle	E	and	Provision	6	of	the	2018	Code	
require	the	Board	to	be	clear	how	its	approach	
to	whistleblowing	has	changed	from	an	Audit	
Committee	led	approach	to	a	Board	led	approach.	
Although	the	Audit	Committee	continues	to	
receive	regular	reports	on	whistleblowing	activity,	
each	set	of	full	Board	papers	also	includes	as	part	
of	the	report	from	the	Company	Secretary	the	
number	and	assessment	of	any	whistleblowing	
reports	received	and,	where	relevant,	the	actions	
taken	in	respect	of	reports	which	are,	on	
investigation,	found	to	be	sustainable.

The	Board	takes	regular	account	of	social,	
environmental	and	ethical	matters	concerning	the	
Company	through	regular	reports	to	the	Board	
and	presentations	to	the	Board	at	its	strategy	
meetings.	The	Company’s	compliance	statement	
in	relation	to	the	Modern	Slavery	Act	can	be	
viewed	on	the	Company’s	website	
www.mbplc.com

Directors’	training	includes	environmental,	social	
and	governance	(‘ESG’)	matters	and	the	Company	
Secretary	is	responsible	for	ensuring	that	
Directors	are	made	aware	of	and	receive	regular	
training	in	respect	of	these	important	areas.	
The	Chief	Executive,	Phil	Urban,	is	ultimately	
responsible	for	ESG	matters.	

The	Board	is	responsible	for	the	Company’s	
internal	risk	management	system,	in	respect	of	
which	more	details	can	be	found	in	the	‘Risks	and	
uncertainties’	section	of	this	report,	and	in	the	
following	section	of	this	statement.	

INTERNAL CONTROL AND RISK 
MANAGEMENT
The	Board	has	overall	responsibility	for	the	
Group’s	system	of	internal	control	and	risk	
management	and	for	reviewing	its	effectiveness.	
In	order	to	discharge	that	responsibility,	the	Board	
has	established	the	procedures	necessary	to	
apply	the	2016	Code	and	the	2018	Code	for	the	
year	under	review	and	to	the	date	of	approval	of	
the	Annual	Report.	Such	procedures	are	in	line	
with	the	Financial	Reporting	Council’s	‘Guidance	
on	Risk	Management,	Internal	Control	and	
Related	Financial	and	Business	Reporting’	and	
are	regularly	reviewed	by	the	Audit	Committee.

The	key	features	of	the	Group’s	internal	control	
and	risk	management	systems	include:

• Processes,	including	monitoring	by	the	Board,	

in	respect	of:	

i.	

ii.	
iii.	

iv.	

	financial	performance	within	a	
comprehensive	financial	planning,	
accounting	and	reporting	framework;
	strategic	plan	achievement;
	capital	investment	and	asset	management	
performance,	with	detailed	appraisal,	
authorisation	and	post-investment	reviews;	
and
	consumer	insight	data	and	actions	to	assess	
the	evolution	of	brands	and	formats	to	
ensure	that	they	continue	to	be	appealing	
and	relevant	to	the	Group’s	guests.

• An	overall	governance	framework	including:

i.	

ii.	

iii.	

	clearly	defined	delegations	of	authority	
and	reporting	lines;	
	a	comprehensive	set	of	policies	and	
procedures	that	employees	are	required	to	
follow;	and
	the	Group’s	Ethics	Code,	in	respect	of	
which	an	annual	confirmation	of	
compliance	is	sought	from	all	corporate	
employees.

• The	Risk	Committee,	a	sub-committee	of	the	

Executive	Committee,	which	assists	the	Board,	
the	Audit	Committee	and	the	Executive	
Committee	in	managing	the	processes	for	
identifying,	evaluating,	monitoring	and	
mitigating	risks.	The	Risk	Committee,	which	
continues	to	meet	quarterly,	is	chaired	by	the	
Company	Secretary	and	General	Counsel	and	
comprises	Executive	Committee	members	and	
other	members	of	senior	management	from	a	
cross-section	of	functions.	Its	primary	
responsibilities	are	to:

i.	

ii.	

iii.	

iv.	

	 v.	

	 vi.	

	advise	the	Executive	Committee	on	the	
Company’s	overall	risk	appetite	and	risk	
strategy,	taking	account	of	the	current	and	
prospective	operating,	legal,	
macroeconomic	and	financial	
environments;
	advise	the	Executive	Committee	on	the	
current	and	emerging	risk	exposures	of	
the	Company	in	the	context	of	the	Board’s	
overall	risk	appetite	and	risk	strategy;
	promote	the	management	of	risk	
throughout	the	organisation;
	review	and	monitor	the	Company’s	
capability	and	processes	to	identify	and	
manage	risks;
	consider	the	identified	key	risks	faced	by	
the	Company	and	new	and	emerging	risks	
and	consider	the	adequacy	of	mitigation	
plans	in	respect	of	such	risks;	and
	where	mitigation	plans	are	inadequate,	
recommend	improvement	actions.

The	Group’s	risks	identified	by	the	processes	
that	are	managed	by	the	Risk	Committee	are	
described	in	‘Risks	and	uncertainties’	on	pages	
40	to	44.	More	details	of	the	work	of	the	Risk	
Committee	are	included	in	the	Audit	Committee	
report	on	pages	72	to	75.

• Examination	of	business	processes	on	a	risk	

basis	including	reports	from	the	internal	audit	
function,	known	as	Group	Assurance,	which	
reports	directly	to	the	Audit	Committee.

The	Group	also	has	in	place	systems,	including	
policies	and	procedures,	for	exercising	control	and	
managing	risk	in	respect	of	financial	reporting	and	
the	preparation	of	consolidated	accounts.	These	
systems,	policies	and	procedures:

• govern	the	maintenance	of	accounting	records	
that,	in	reasonable	detail,	accurately	and	fairly	
reflect	transactions;

• require	reported	information	to	be	reviewed	
and	reconciled,	with	monitoring	by	the	Audit	
Committee	and	the	Board;	and

• provide	reasonable	assurance	that	transactions	

are	recorded	as	necessary	to	permit	the	
preparation	of	financial	statements	in	
accordance	with	International	Financial	
Reporting	Standards	(‘IFRS’)	or	UK	Generally	
Accepted	Accounting	Practice,	as	appropriate.

In	accordance	with	the	2018	Code,	during	the	
year	the	Audit	Committee	completed	(and	
reported	to	the	Board	its	conclusions	in	respect	of)	
its	annual	review	of	the	effectiveness	of	the	
Group’s	risk	management	and	internal	control	
systems,	including	financial,	operational	and	
compliance	controls.	The	system	of	internal	
control	is	designed	to	manage,	rather	than	
eliminate,	the	risk	of	failure	to	achieve	business	
objectives	and,	as	such,	it	can	only	provide	
reasonable	and	not	absolute	assurance	against	
material	misstatement	or	loss.	In	that	context,	in	
the	opinion	of	the	Audit	Committee,	the	review	
did	not	indicate	that	the	system	was	ineffective	or	
unsatisfactory	and	to	the	extent	that	weaknesses	
in	internal	controls	were	identified,	the	Audit	
Committee	confirmed	that	necessary	remedial	
action	plans	were	in	place.	The	Audit	Committee	
is	not	aware	of	any	change	to	this	status	up	to	the	
date	of	approval	of	this	Annual	Report.

With	regard	to	insurance	against	risk,	it	is	not	
practicable	to	insure	against	every	risk	to	the	
fullest	extent.	The	Group	regularly	reviews	both	
the	type	and	amount	of	external	insurance	that	it	
buys	with	guidance	from	an	external	independent	
broker,	bearing	in	mind	the	availability	of	such	
cover,	its	cost	and	the	likelihood	and	magnitude	
of	the	risks	involved.

70

ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2019MITCHELLS & BUTLERS PLC	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
BOARD EFFECTIVENESS EVALUATION 
AND CHAIRMAN’S EVALUATION AND 
APPRAISAL
During	the	year,	the	Board	also	conducted	an	
internally	facilitated	Board	effectiveness	
evaluation,	led	by	the	Chairman	with	support	from	
the	Company	Secretary	and	General	Counsel.	
In	accordance	with	Provision	B.2.3	of	the	2016	
Code,	this	included	consideration	and	review	in	
respect	of	any	Director	who	had	served	for	more	
than	six	years.	The	review	concluded	that	the	
Board	continues	to	function	well	with	a	good	
blend	of	experience	from	both	within	and	outside	
the	Company’s	industry	and	a	good	mix	of	skills.	
Areas	for	improvement	related	to	the	timing	and	
locations	of	Board	meetings	so	that	more	time	
could	be	spent	in	the	Group’s	operational	
businesses	in	the	UK	and	Germany,	continued	
focus	on	the	operational	delivery	and	capital	
programmes	alongside	keeping	forward-looking	
industry	and	sector	developments	under	review	
as	part	of	the	ongoing	strategic	consideration	of	
emerging	trends	and	developments	both	within	
and	outside	the	Company’s	sector	and	increasing	
the	opportunity	for	Board	members	to	have	closer	
engagement	with	operational	management.	
These	themes,	which	also	align	with	the	
Company’s	work	on	its	development	of	the	
approach	to	culture	and	purpose	in	line	with	the	
recommendations	of	the	2018	Code,	have	been	
agreed	to	be	implemented	in	2020.

The	annual	appraisal	of	the	Chairman’s	
performance	was	conducted	by	the	Senior	
Independent	Director,	Susan	Murray,	with	the	
rest	of	the	Board	(without	the	Chairman	present)	
and	the	conclusions	fed	back	to	the	Chairman.	

Annual	reviews	of	the	Chairman’s	performance	
will	continue	to	be	conducted	as	required	by	the	
2018	Code.	

GOING CONCERN
The	Directors’	statement	as	to	the	status	of	the	
Company	as	a	going	concern	can	be	found	on	
page	60.	

SHAREHOLDER RELATIONS
The	Board	recognises	that	it	is	accountable	to	
shareholders	for	the	performance	and	activities	
of	the	Company.	The	Company	regularly	updates	
the	market	on	its	financial	performance,	at	the	half	
year	and	full	year	results	in	May	and	November	
respectively,	and	by	way	of	other	announcements	
as	required.	The	content	of	these	updates	is	
available	by	webcast	on	the	Company’s	website,	
together	with	general	information	about	the	
Company	so	as	to	be	available	to	all	shareholders.	
The	Company	has	a	regular	programme	of	
meetings	with	its	larger	shareholders	which	
provides	an	opportunity	to	discuss,	on	the	basis	
of	publicly	available	information,	the	progress	of	
the	business.	

On	a	more	informal	basis,	the	Chairman,	Chief	
Executive	and	the	Chief	Financial	Officer	regularly	
report	to	the	Board	the	views	of	larger	shareholders	
about	the	Company,	and	the	other	Non-Executive	
Directors	are	available	to	meet	shareholders	on	
request	and	are	offered	the	opportunity	to	attend	
meetings	with	larger	shareholders.	The	voting	
rights	of	Piedmont	Inc.	and	Elpida	Group	Limited	
are	set	out	in	the	Directors’	report	on	page	58.	

The	AGM	provides	a	useful	interface	with	
shareholders,	many	of	whom	are	also	guests	in	
our	pubs,	bars	and	restaurants.	All	proxy	votes	
received	in	respect	of	each	resolution	at	the	AGM	
are	counted	and	the	balance	for	and	against,	and	
any	votes	withheld,	are	indicated.	At	the	January	
2019	Annual	General	Meeting,	the	Company	had	
five	resolutions	where	20%	or	more	of	votes	cast,	
were	cast	against	the	resolution.	These	were	in	
respect	of	the	re-election	of	Keith	Browne,	
Eddie	Irwin,	Bob	Ivell,	Josh	Levy	and	Ron	Robson	
and	resulted	in	the	Company	featuring	in	the	
Investment	Association’s	public	register	of	
shareholder	dissent.	The	Company	made	it	clear	
at	that	AGM	that	it	recognised	both	the	scale	of	
non-independence	of	the	Board	composition	and	
the	lack	of	gender	diversity,	and	that	it	was	well	
advanced	in	the	recruitment	process	for	two	new	
independent	Non-Executive	Directors;	however	
the	recruitment	process	had	not	been	sufficiently	
near	to	conclusion	to	allow	reference	to	such	in	the	
2018	Annual	Report	and	Notice	of	Meeting.	

In	February	2019,	we	announced	the	
appointments	of	Jane	Moriarty	and	Susan	Murray,	
taking	the	Board	to	a	total	of	12	members,	five	
of	whom	are	independent	Non-Executive	
Directors	(including	three	female	independent	
Non-Executive	Directors).	This	takes	the	total	
percentage	of	women	on	our	Board	from	9%	
in	FY	2018	to	the	current	ratio	of	25%.

71

ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2019MITCHELLS & BUTLERS PLCSTRATEGIC REPORTGOVERNANCEFINANCIAL STATEMENTSOTHER INFORMATIONAUDIT COMMITTEE REPORT

Introduction 
from the Audit 
Committee 
Chairman 

COLIN RUTHERFORD
Chairman	of	the	Audit	Committee

72

On	behalf	of	the	Board,	I	present	the	report	of	
the	Audit	Committee	for	the	financial	year	ended	
28	September	2019.	During	the	period,	as	the	
purpose	and	effectiveness	of	external	and	internal	
audit	procedures	came	under	increasing	public	
scrutiny,	the	Committee	maintained	an	
appropriate	level	of	engagement	with	the	Chief	
Financial	Officer	and	the	Group	Risk	Director,	
other	key	individuals	and	their	teams	who	
collectively	provide	an	appreciation	and	rigorous	
insight	into	how	the	Group	functions	and	reports.	
The	Committee	is	always	very	grateful	for	the	
detailed	instruction	these	interactions	provide	
and	this,	in	turn,	significantly	assists	towards	
the	promotion	and	efficient	execution	of	the	
Committee’s	oversight	role,	ensuring	confidence	
in	reporting	to	the	wider	Board.

ENGAGEMENT WITH AUDITORS AND 
THIRD PARTIES
The	Committee	continued	to	engage	formally,	
regularly	and	at	an	appropriate	level	of	detail	with	
our	external	auditors,	internal	auditors	(also	
externally	resourced)	and	other	third-party	advisers	
as	necessary.	This	has	enabled	the	Committee	to	
maintain	an	appropriate	understanding	of	how	
our	auditors	and	advisers	interact	and	test	our	
comprehensive	risk	functions.	The	Committee’s	
engagement	during	the	whole	of	the	auditing	and	
advisory	process	conveys	confidence	in	their	
collective	fieldwork	conclusions.	

It	is	also	important	to	note	our	Committee’s	role	
in	overseeing	the	well-considered	provision	of	
adequate	resources	by	the	Group,	ensuring	that	
any	additional	non-audit	services	required	during	
the	year	were	obtained	where	necessary,	and	in	
particular	dealing	with	the	increasing	role	of	EU	
regulation,	the	Financial	Reporting	Council	(FRC)	
and	its	evolving	reporting	requirements.

EFFECTIVENESS OF INTERNAL 
CONTROLS AND GROUP ASSURANCE 
AND RISK FUNCTION
The	above	efforts	provided	the	Committee	with	
a	clear	and	detailed	understanding	of	the	principal	
financial	and	operational	risks	throughout	the	
period.	The	Committee	continued	to	focus	on	
challenging	the	effectiveness	of	internal	controls,	
the	robustness	of	assurance	and	risk	management	
processes	and	in	assessing	the	importance	of,	and	
acting	as	required	upon,	all	reported	information	
received	from	our	external	and	internal	auditors	
and	third-party	advisers.

The	Committee	remain	committed	to	maintaining	
an	open	and	constructive	dialogue	on	relevant	
audit	matters	with	all	shareholders.	Therefore,	
should	you	have	any	comments	or	questions	on	
any	aspects	of	this	report,	or	indeed	the	wider	
financial	statements,	may	I	respectfully	ask	you	
to	please	email	myself,	care	of	Adrian	Brannan,	
Group	Risk	Director,	at	
company.secretariat@mbplc.com

MEMBERSHIP AND REMIT OF THE AUDIT 
COMMITTEE 
The	main	purpose	of	the	Audit	Committee	is	to	
review	and	maintain	oversight	of	Mitchells	&	
Butlers’	corporate	governance,	particularly	with	
respect	to	financial	reporting,	internal	control	and	
risk	management.	The	Audit	Committee’s	
responsibilities	also	include:

• reviewing	the	processes	for	detecting	fraud,	
misconduct	and	internal	control	weaknesses;

• reviewing	the	effectiveness	of	the	Group	

Assurance	function;	and

• overseeing	the	relationship	with	the	external	

and	internal	auditors.	

ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2019MITCHELLS & BUTLERS PLCKEY ACTIVITIES OF THE AUDIT 
COMMITTEE
Audit	matters	are	reviewed	at	quarterly	Audit	
Committee	meetings	throughout	the	year	at	
which	detailed	reports	are	presented	for	review.	
The	Audit	Committee	commissions	reports	from	
external	advisers,	the	Group	Risk	Director	or	
Company	management,	either	after	consideration	
of	the	Company’s	major	risks	or	in	response	
to	developing	issues.	During	the	year,	in	order	
to	fulfil	the	roles	and	responsibilities	of	the	
Audit	Committee,	the	following	matters	
were	considered:

• the	suitability	of	the	Group’s	accounting	policies	

and	practices;	

• half	year	and	full	year	financial	results;
• the	scope	and	cost	of	the	external	audit;
• the	external	auditor’s	half	year	and	full	

year	reports;	

• reappointment	and	evaluation	of	the	

performance	of	the	external	auditor,	including	
recommendations	to	the	Board,	for	approval	by	
shareholders,	on	the	reappointment	of	the	
Company’s	auditor	and	on	the	approval	of	fees	
and	terms	of	engagement;

• non-audit	work	carried	out	by	the	auditor	and	
trends	in	the	non-audit	fees	in	accordance	with	
the	Committee’s	policy	to	ensure	the	
safeguarding	of	audit	independence;

• the	co-ordination	of	the	activities	and	the	work	

programmes	of	the	internal	and	external	
audit	functions;

• the	arrangements	in	respect	of	Group	

Assurance	including	its	resourcing,	external	
support,	the	scope	of	the	annual	internal	audit	
plan	for	FY	2019	regarding	the	level	of	
achievement	and	the	scope	of	the	annual	
internal	audit	plan	for	FY	2020;

• periodic	internal	control	and	assurance	reports	

from	Group	Assurance;

• the	Group’s	risk	management	framework	for	
the	identification	and	control	of	major	risks,	
its	risk	and	assurance	mitigation	plan	and	the	
annual	assessment	of	effectiveness	of	controls;
• compliance	with	the	Company’s	Code	of	Ethics;
• corporate	governance	developments;
• the	status	of	material	litigation	involving	

the	Group;	

• plans	for	the	implementation	of	IFRS	16;	and
• reports	on	allegations	made	via	the	Group’s	

whistleblowing	procedures	and	the	
effectiveness	of	these	procedures	including	a	
summary	of	reports	received	during	FY	2019.

At	the	date	of	the	Annual	Report,	the	Audit	
Committee	comprises	five	independent	
Non-Executive	Directors:	Colin	Rutherford	
(Chair),	Imelda	Walsh,	Dave	Coplin,	Jane	Moriarty	
and	Susan	Murray	and	two	further	Non-Executive	
Directors	nominated	by	substantial	shareholders,	
Ron	Robson	and	Eddie	Irwin.	In	accordance	with	
Code	provision	C.3.1	the	Board	considers	that	
Colin	Rutherford	has	significant,	recent	and	
relevant	financial	experience.	Biographies	of	all	of	
the	members	of	the	Audit	Committee,	including	
a	summary	of	their	respective	experience,	appear	
on	pages	54	to	57.	

The	Audit	Committee	continued	to	meet	
quarterly	during	FY	2019.	In	each	case,	
appropriate	papers	were	distributed	to	the	
Committee	members	and	other	invited	attendees,	
including,	where	and	to	the	extent	appropriate,	
representatives	of	the	external	audit	firm	and	the	
internal	Group	Assurance	function.	

When	appropriate,	the	Audit	Committee	
augments	the	skills	and	experience	of	its	members	
with	advice	from	internal	and	external	audit	
professionals,	for	example,	on	matters	such	as	
developments	in	financial	reporting.	Audit	
Committee	meetings	are	also	attended,	by	
invitation,	by	other	members	of	the	Board	
including	the	Chairman,	the	Chief	Executive	
and	the	Chief	Financial	Officer,	the	Company	
Secretary	and	General	Counsel,	the	Group	Risk	
Director	and	representatives	of	the	external	
auditor,	Deloitte	LLP.	The	Audit	Committee	also	
has	the	opportunity	to	meet	privately	not	less	than	
twice	a	year,	without	any	member	of	management	
present,	in	relation	to	audit	matters,	with	the	
external	auditor.	

The	remuneration	of	the	members	of	the	Audit	
Committee	is	set	out	in	the	Report	on	Directors’	
remuneration	on	page	87.

SUMMARY TERMS OF REFERENCE
A	copy	of	the	Audit	Committee’s	terms	of	
reference	is	publicly	available	within	the	Investor	
section	of	the	Company’s	website:	www.mbplc.
com/pdf/audit_committee_terms.pdf

The	Audit	Committee’s	terms	of	reference	were	
approved	by	the	Committee	and	adopted	by	the	
plc	Board	in	2013.	Those	terms	of	reference	
specifically	provide	that	they	will	be	reviewed	
annually.	They	have	been	reviewed	and	updated	
as	appropriate	each	year	since	and	no	changes	
were	felt	to	be	needed	in	FY	2019.	At	the	time	of	
re-adoption	of	the	Company’s	Corporate	
Governance	Compliance	Statement	in	July	2016,	
as	updated	to	reflect	changes	required	to	give	
effect	to	the	introduction	of	the	Market	Abuse	
Regulation	(MAR),	changes	to	the	Company’s	
governance	arrangements	to	reflect	the	
requirements	of	MAR	were	introduced.	Other	
than	those	MAR-related	amendments,	which	
related	to	consequential	changes	to	regulatory	
references	(e.g.	the	UKLA’s	Disclosure	and	
Transparency	Rules	are	now	known	as	the	
Disclosure	Guidance	and	Transparency	Rules),	
there	have	been	no	material	changes	to	these	
Terms	of	Reference	since	the	last	review	in	2015.	

Accordingly,	in	FY	2019	no	material	changes	were	
made	to	the	terms	of	reference	of	the	Audit	
Committee,	and	the	work	of	the	Audit	Committee	
is	kept	under	review	with	the	expectation	that	any	
such	matters	which	come	to	light	are	included	in	
the	review	scheduled	for	FY	2020.	

The	Audit	Committee	is	authorised	by	the	Board	
to	review	any	activity	within	the	business.	It	is	
authorised	to	seek	any	information	it	requires	
from,	and	require	the	attendance	at	any	of	its	
meetings	of,	any	Director	or	member	of	
management,	and	all	employees	are	expected	
to	co-operate	with	any	request	made	by	the	
Audit	Committee.	

The	Audit	Committee	is	authorised	by	the	Board	
to	obtain,	at	the	Company’s	expense,	outside	
legal	or	other	independent	professional	advice	
and	secure	the	attendance	of	outsiders	with	
relevant	experience	and	expertise,	if	it	considers	
this	necessary.	

The	Chair	of	the	Audit	Committee	reports	to	the	
subsequent	Board	meeting	on	the	Committee’s	
work	and	the	Board	receives	a	copy	of	the	minutes	
of	each	meeting.	

The	role	and	responsibilities	of	the	Audit	
Committee	are	to:

• review	the	Company’s	public	statements	on	

internal	control,	risk	management	and	
corporate	governance	compliance;

• review	the	Company’s	processes	for	detecting	
fraud,	misconduct	and	control	weaknesses	and	
to	consider	the	Company’s	response	to	any	
such	occurrence;

• review	management’s	evaluation	of	any	change	
in	internal	controls	over	financial	reporting;
• review	with	management	and	the	auditor,	

Company	financial	statements	required	under	
UK	legislation	before	submission	to	the	Board;

• establish,	review	and	maintain	the	role	and	
effectiveness	of	the	internal	audit	function,	
known	as	Group	Assurance,	whose	objective	is	
to	provide	independent	assurance	over	the	
Group’s	significant	processes	and	controls,	
including	those	in	respect	of	the	Group’s	
key	risks;

• assume	direct	responsibility	for	the	

appointment,	compensation,	resignation,	
dismissal	and	the	overseeing	of	the	auditor,	
including	review	of	the	external	audit,	its	cost	
and	effectiveness;

• pre-approve	non-audit	work	to	be	carried	out	
by	the	external	auditor	and	the	fees	to	be	paid	
for	that	work	together	with	the	monitoring	of	
the	external	auditor’s	independence;

• oversee	the	process	for	dealing	with	complaints	
received	by	the	Group	regarding	accounting,	
internal	accounting	controls	or	auditing	matters	
and	any	confidential,	anonymous	submission	
by	employees	of	concerns	regarding	
questionable	accounting	or	auditing	matters;	
and

• adopt	and	oversee	a	specific	Code	of	Ethics	for	
all	corporate	employees	which	is	consistent	
with	the	Company’s	overall	statement	of	
business	ethics.

73

ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2019MITCHELLS & BUTLERS PLCSTRATEGIC REPORTGOVERNANCEFINANCIAL STATEMENTSOTHER INFORMATIONAUDIT COMMITTEE REPORT CONTINUED

DISCLOSURE OF SIGNIFICANT ISSUES 
CONSIDERED 
The	Audit	Committee	has	reviewed	the	key	
judgements	applied	in	the	preparation	of	the	
consolidated	financial	statements,	which	are	
described	in	the	relevant	accounting	policies	and	
detailed	notes	to	the	financial	statements	on	
pages	98	to	155.	

The	Audit	Committee’s	review	included	
consideration	of	the	following	key	accounting	
judgements:	

• Property, plant and equipment valuation	
–	the	assumptions	used	by	management	to	
value	the	long	leasehold	and	freehold	estate	
including	estimated	fair	maintainable	trading	
levels,	brand	multiples	and	use	of	spot	
valuations	to	ensure	a	consistent	valuation	
methodology	is	in	place.	Short	leasehold	
buildings,	unlicensed	land	and	buildings	and	
fixtures,	fittings	and	equipment	are	held	at	cost	
less	depreciation	and	impairment.	The	
revaluation	methodology	is	determined	by	
using	management	judgement,	with	advice	
taken	from	third-party	valuers;

• Onerous lease provisions	–	determination	of	
whether	a	loss	is	unavoidable	requires	areas	of	
judgement	which	include	consideration	of	
potential	future	investment	decisions,	local	
conditions	which	may	be	impacting	on	current	
performance	and	the	opportunity	to	surrender	
a	lease	back	to	the	landlord;	

• Pension deficit –	the	pension	liability	is	

sensitive	to	the	actuarial	assumptions	applied	in	
measuring	future	cash	outflows.	The	use	of	
assumptions	such	as	the	discount	rate	and	
inflation	which	have	an	impact	on	the	valuation	
of	the	defined	benefit	pension	scheme	has	
been	assessed	by	the	Audit	Committee.	
Management	have	used	judgement	to	
determine	the	applicable	rate	of	inflation	to	
apply	to	pension	increases	in	calculating	the	
defined	benefit	obligation;

• Covenants –	the	headroom	on	the	covenants	
within	the	securitised	estate,	together	with	an	
evaluation	of	the	mitigating	options	available	to	
management	(to	ensure	there	is	reasonable	
assurance	that	should	a	covenant	be	close	to	
being	breached,	management	have	further	
actions	that	could	be	undertaken	to	prevent	
such	a	breach	occurring),	have	been	reviewed	
in	detail	by	management	and	assessed	by	the	
Audit	Committee;	and

• Separately disclosed items –	judgement	is	

used	to	determine	those	items	which	should	be	
separately	disclosed	to	allow	a	better	
understanding	of	the	adjusted	trading	
performance	of	the	Group.	This	judgement	
includes	assessment	of	whether	an	item	is	of	
sufficient	size	or	of	a	nature	that	is	not	
consistent	with	normal	trading	activities.

EFFECTIVENESS OF INTERNAL AUDIT 
The	Audit	Committee	is	responsible	for	
monitoring	and	reviewing	the	effectiveness	of	the	
Company’s	internal	audit	function.	The	Audit	
Committee	meets	regularly	with	management	
and	with	the	Group	Risk	Director	and	the	internal	
auditor,	to	review	the	effectiveness	of	internal	
controls	and	risk	management	and	receives	
reports	from	the	Group	Risk	Director	on	a	
quarterly	basis.	

The	annual	internal	audit	plan	is	approved	by	the	
Audit	Committee	and	kept	under	review	on	a	
monthly	basis,	by	the	Group	Risk	Director,	in	
order	to	reflect	the	changing	business	needs	and	
to	ensure	new	and	emerging	risks	are	considered.	
The	Audit	Committee	is	informed	of	any	
amendments	made	to	the	audit	plan	on	a	
quarterly	basis.	The	FY	2019	internal	audit	plan	
was	developed	through	a	review	of	formal	risk	
assessments	(in	conjunction	with	the	Risk	
Committee	and	the	Group’s	Executive	
Committee)	together	with	consideration	of	the	
Group’s	key	business	processes	and	functions	that	
could	be	subject	to	audit.	A	similar	approach	has	
been	employed	in	relation	to	the	FY	2020	internal	
audit	plan.

The	principal	objectives	of	the	internal	audit	plan	
for	FY	2019	were,	and	remain	for	FY	2020:

• to	provide	confidence	that	existing	and	
emerging	key	risks	are	being	managed	
effectively;

• to	confirm	that	controls	over	core	business	
functions	and	processes	are	operating	as	
intended	(‘core	assurance’);	and

• to	confirm	that	major	projects	and	significant	
business	change	programmes	are	being	
adequately	controlled.

During	FY	2019,	18	audit	reports	were	issued	by	
the	Group	Assurance	function	and	reviewed	by	
the	Board	or	the	Audit	Committee.	Internal	audit	
recommendations	are	closely	monitored	through	
to	closure	via	a	web-based	recommendation	
tracking	system,	introduced	in	FY	2013	and	
updated	in	FY	2019,	which	has	significantly	
improved	the	overall	monitoring	of	internal	audit	
recommendations	to	ensure	these	are	successfully	
implemented	in	a	timely	manner.	A	summary	of	
the	status	of	the	implementation	of	internal	audit	
recommendations	is	made	monthly	to	the	
Executive	Committee	and	quarterly	to	the	
Audit	Committee.

In	FY	2018,	a	comprehensive	tender	process	was	
undertaken	regarding	the	co-sourced	Group	
Assurance	function.	PwC	were	successfully	
reappointed	based	upon	overall	merit	and	quality	
of	the	team,	to	provide	Group	Assurance	audit	
services	to	Mitchells	&	Butlers	for	a	further	
two	years.	

RISK MANAGEMENT FRAMEWORK
As	disclosed	in	the	‘Risk	and	uncertainties’	section	
on	pages	40	to	44	the	Risk	Committee	continues	
to	meet	on	a	quarterly	basis	to	review	the	key	
risks	facing	the	business.	Membership	of	the	
Risk	Committee,	which	includes	representation	
from	each	of	the	key	business	functions,	is	
detailed	below:

• Company	Secretary	and	General	Counsel	

(Chairman)

• Chief	Financial	Officer
• Commercial	and	Marketing	Director	
• Divisional	Director	(Operations)	
• Group	HR	Director
• Director	of	Business	Change	&	Technology
• Group	Risk	Director	
• Head	of	Legal

Key	risks	identified	are	reviewed	and	assessed	on	
a	quarterly	basis	in	terms	of	their	likelihood	and	
impact,	within	the	Group’s	‘Key	Risk	Heat	Map’,	
in	conjunction	with	associated	risk	mitigation	
plans.	In	addition,	the	Risk	Committee	review	
includes	an	assessment	of	the	material	relevance	
of	emerging	risks	and	the	continued	relevance	of	
previously	identified	risks.	During	FY	2019,	Risk	
Committee	meetings	continued	to	include	a	
cross-functional,	detailed	review	of	the	Group’s	
key	risks.	This	process,	which	was	introduced	in	
FY	2016,	continues	to	prove	to	be	effective	and	
adds	value	to	the	continued	development	and	
progression	of	the	Group’s	approach	to	evaluating	
new	and	existing	risks,	supported	by	robust	
mitigation	plans.	

Actions	arising	from	Risk	Committee	meetings	are	
followed	up	by	the	Group	Risk	Director.	The	Audit	
Committee	reviews	the	Risk	Committee	minutes,	
in	addition	to	undertaking	a	quarterly	review	of	
the	Group’s	‘Key	Risk	Heat	Map’.

CONFIDENTIAL REPORTING 
The	Group’s	whistleblowing	policy	enables	staff,	
in	confidence,	to	raise	concerns	about	possible	
improprieties	in	financial	and	other	matters	and	to	
do	so	without	fear	of	reprisal.	Details	of	the	policy	
are	set	out	in	the	Company’s	Code	of	Ethics.	The	
Audit	Committee	receives	quarterly	reports	on	
whistleblowing	incidents	and	remains	satisfied	
that	the	procedures	in	place	are	satisfactory	to	
enable	independent	investigation	and	follow	up	
action	of	all	matters	reported.	No	major	issues	
have	been	reported	in	FY	2019	(major	issues	
being	defined	for	this	purpose	as	matters	having	
a	financial	impact	of	greater	than	£100k).	The	
Board	also	receives	a	report	on	whistleblowing	
in	the	Company	Secretary’s	regular	report	to	
Board	meetings.	

74

ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2019MITCHELLS & BUTLERS PLCThe	Audit	Committee	remains	confident	that	the	
objectivity	and	independence	of	the	auditor	are	
not	in	any	way	impaired	by	reason	of	the	
non-audit	services	which	they	provide	to	
the	Group.	

That	policy	also	includes	an	extensive	list	of	
services	which	the	audit	firm	may	not	provide	or	
may	only	provide	in	very	limited	circumstances	
where	the	Company	and	the	audit	firm	agree	that	
there	would	be	no	impact	on	the	impartiality	of	
the	audit	firm.	Details	of	the	remuneration	paid	
to	the	auditor,	and	the	split	between	audit	and	
non-audit	services,	are	set	out	at	note	2.3	of	the	
financial	statements	on	page	118.

EXTERNAL AUDIT ANNUAL 
ASSESSMENT 
The	Audit	Committee	assesses	annually	the	
qualification,	expertise,	resources	and	
independence	of	the	Group’s	auditor	and	the	
overall	effectiveness	of	the	audit	process.	The	
Chief	Financial	Officer,	Company	Secretary	and	
General	Counsel,	Audit	Committee	Chairman	and	
Group	Risk	Director	meet	with	the	auditor	to	
discuss	the	audit,	significant	risks	and	any	key	
issues	included	on	the	Audit	Committee’s	agenda	
during	the	year.

FAIR, BALANCED AND 
UNDERSTANDABLE STATEMENT 
One	of	the	key	governance	requirements	of	the	
Group’s	financial	statements	is	for	the	report	and	
accounts	to	be	fair,	balanced	and	understandable.	
Therefore,	upon	review	of	the	financial	statements,	
the	Audit	Committee	and	the	Board	have	
confirmed	that	they	are	satisfied	with	the	overall	
fairness,	balance	and	clarity	of	the	Annual	Report,	
which	is	underpinned	by	the	following:

• formal	minutes	of	the	year	end	working	group	

comprised	of	relevant	internal	functional	
representatives	and	appropriate	external	
advisers;

• clear	guidance	being	issued	to	all	contributors	

to	ensure	a	consistent	approach;	and	

• formal	review	processes	at	all	levels	to	ensure	

the	Annual	Report	is	factually	correct.

COLIN RUTHERFORD 
Chairman	of	the	Audit	Committee
19	November	2019

EXTERNAL AUDITOR APPOINTMENT
Deloitte	LLP	was	appointed	as	the	auditor	in	2011,	
following	a	formal	tender	process.	The	Audit	
Committee	has	considered	the	guidance	in	
relation	to	rotation	including	the	proposed	
transition	rules	which	will	be	considered	when	
recommending	the	appointment	of	the	auditor	
in	future	years.	The	most	recent	audit	partner	
rotation	took	place	in	2016	whereby	John	Charlton	
became	the	lead	Audit	Partner.	The	Company	has	
complied	throughout	the	reporting	year	with	the	
provisions	of	The	Statutory	Audit	Services	for	
Large	Companies	Market	Investigation	
(Mandatory	Use	of	Competitive	Tender	Processes	
and	Audit	Committee	Responsibilities)	Order	
2014.	Under	the	terms	of	that	Order,	the	
Committee	has	agreed	and	has	put	plans	in	place,	
to	carry	out	a	competitive	audit	tender	in	early	
2020,	in	respect	of	the	financial	year	ending	in	
2021	to	ensure	the	continued	objectivity,	
independence	and	value	for	money	of	the	
statutory	audit.	

The	Audit	Committee	considers	that	the	
relationship	with	the	auditor	is	working	well	and	
is	satisfied	with	its	effectiveness	and	has	not	
considered	it	necessary	to	require	Deloitte	LLP	
not	to	re-tender	for	the	external	audit	work.	There	
are	no	contractual	obligations	restricting	the	
Company’s	choice	of	auditor.

EXTERNAL AUDITOR’S INDEPENDENCE
The	external	auditors	should	not	provide	
non-audit	services	where	it	might	impair	their	
independence	or	objectivity	to	do	so.	The	Audit	
Committee	has	established	a	policy	to	safeguard	
the	independence	and	objectivity	of	the	Group’s	
auditor	as	set	out	below.	That	policy	has	been	
reviewed	in	FY	2019	and	a	copy	of	it	is	appended	
to	the	Audit	Committee’s	terms	of	reference	and	
is	available	on	the	Company’s	website.	Pursuant	
to	that	policy	the	following	services	have	been	
pre-approved	by	the	Audit	Committee	provided	
that	the	fees	for	such	services	do	not	exceed	in	
any	year	more	than	70%	of	the	average	audit	fee	
paid	to	that	audit	firm	over	the	past	three	years:	

• audit	services,	including	work	related	to	the	
annual	Group	financial	statements,	and	
statutory	accounts;	and

• certain	specified	tax	services,	including	tax	
compliance,	tax	planning	and	tax	advice.

Acquisition	and	vendor	due-diligence	may	only	
be	provided	if	it	is	specifically	approved	by	the	
Committee	on	a	case	by	case	basis	in	advance	of	
the	engagement	commencing.	Any	other	work	for	
which	management	wishes	to	utilise	the	external	
auditor	must	be	approved	as	follows:

• services	with	fees	less	than	£50,000	may	be	
approved	by	the	Chief	Financial	Officer;	and
• engagements	with	fees	over	£50,000	fall	to	be	
approved	by	the	Audit	Committee	or	its	Chair.

THE GOING CONCERN AND  
LONG-TERM VIABILITY STATEMENT 
CAN BE FOUND ON PAGES
99	and	45	respectively	

75

ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2019MITCHELLS & BUTLERS PLCSTRATEGIC REPORTGOVERNANCEFINANCIAL STATEMENTSOTHER INFORMATIONREPORT ON DIRECTORS’ REMUNERATION

Dear fellow 
shareholder 

I am pleased to present the Directors’ 
remuneration report in respect of 
the financial year, which ended on 
28 September 2019.

IMELDA WALSH 
Chair	of	the	Remuneration	Committee

76

BACKGROUND AND BUSINESS CONTEXT 
When	our	Chief	Executive,	Phil	Urban,	was	
appointed	in	late	2015	he	inherited	a	business	
that	was	in	like-for-like	sales	and	profit	decline,	
competing	in	a	market	with	excess	supply	and	
facing	significant	cost	pressures	of	circa	£60m	
per	annum,	at	a	time	when,	as	now,	there	was	
an	uncertain	economic	outlook	and	fragile	
consumer	confidence.	

Over	the	past	two	years	I	have	explained	how	
the	strategic	priorities	set	by	Phil	shortly	after	
his	appointment:	

• to	build	a	balanced	business;	
• instil	a	more	commercial	culture;	and
• drive	an	innovation	agenda,	

have	been	executed	successfully	through	the	
Ignite	programme	of	initiatives.	This	is	enabling	a	
return	to	both	sales	and	profit	growth,	consistent	
outperformance	of	the	market,	guest	satisfaction	
improvement	across	all	of	Mitchells	&	Butlers’	
brands	and	formats	and	employee	engagement	
at	its	highest	ever	level.	

Turning	specifically	to	performance	during	
FY	2019,	sales	in	the	year	were	£2,237m,	an	
increase	of	£85m	on	FY	2018	and	a	like-for-like	
salesa	improvement	of	3.5%	which	continues	to	
be	above	the	market	(as	measured	by	the	Coffer	
Peach	business	trackerb)	and	represents	now	
almost	three	years	of	consistent	market	
outperformance.	The	Mitchells	&	Butlers	portfolio	
is	broad	and,	as	such,	brands	and	offers	perform	
better	in	different	circumstances.	For	example,	
our	pubs	and	restaurants	with	gardens	trade	very	
strongly	in	good	weather,	whereas	warm	weather	
can	be	a	negative	for	our	carvery	businesses	
(Toby	Carvery	and	Stonehouse).	Conversely,	
in	colder	weather	our	carvery	businesses	trade	
strongly	as	do	brands	like	Miller	&	Carter,	and	in	
school	holidays	Harvester	is	a	family	favourite.	It	is	
therefore	very	encouraging	that	every	brand	and	
offer	across	the	portfolio	has	delivered	sales	and	
profit	growth	in	the	year.	

Our	capital	investment	programme	continues	
to	be	an	important	factor	in	building	a	balanced	
business	and	248	capital	investment	projects	were	
undertaken	during	the	year,	with	investment	
returns	continuing	to	improve	year-on-year	in	a	
very	competitive	market.	The	scale	of	our	capital	
plan	over	recent	years	has	meant	that	the	average	
length	of	time	between	investment	in	a	business	is	
on	course	to	reduce	from	around	twelve	years	to	
between	six	and	seven	years,	an	important	factor	
in	a	market	where	consumer	expectations	
continue	to	increase.	

Technology	plays	an	important	role	and	last	year	
I	explained	how	the	reputation.com	platform	
allowed	our	managers	to	access	social	media	
feedback	from	all	channels	in	one	place.	This	
platform	has	now	evolved	further	to	include	
feedback	received	directly	from	guest	surveys	as	
well	as	social	reviews.	During	FY	2020	it	will	also	
enable	our	managers	to	respond	and	track	any	
customer	complaints.	Technology	is	also	
facilitating	the	expansion	of	our	delivery	business	
and	we	anticipate	that	this	will	continue	to	be	an	
opportunity	for	growth	in	the	future.	

The	link	between	high	levels	of	engagement,	guest	
satisfaction	and,	ultimately,	sales	and	profitability	has	
never	been	stronger	and	it	is	very	encouraging	that	
employee	engagement	scores	have	improved	once	
again	to	an	all	time	high.	Turnover	of	all	employee	
groups	has	fallen	during	FY	2019,	with	retail	team	
member	turnover	falling	by	3ppts	to	81%	following	a	
slight	increase	in	FY	2018.	The	number	of	employees	
from	the	European	Union	has	remained	static	
despite	the	ongoing	uncertainty.	The	Company	
has	proactively	sought	to	keep	our	EU	colleagues	
up	to	date	with	regard	to	their	options	in	relation	
to	applying	for	Settled	Status.	

The	end	of	freedom	of	movement	will	ultimately	
have	an	adverse	impact	on	the	availability	of	talent,	
particularly	in	kitchen	roles	and	key	to	addressing	
this	shortage	is	our	apprenticeship	programme,	with	
around	2,300	employees	recruited	across	a	number	
of	roles	during	the	last	twelve	months.	The	quality	
of	our	training	has	been	recognised	during	the	
year,	winning	a	number	of	awards	including	overall	
winner	at	the	CIPD	People	Management	Awards.	

ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2019MITCHELLS & BUTLERS PLCNON-FINANCIAL MEASURES – 30% 
(OUT OF 100%)
Guest Health (outcome 7.5% out of 15%) 
The	measurement	of	Guest	Health	at	Mitchells	&	
Butlers	comprises	a	combination	of	three	elements,	
Net	Promoter	Score	(‘NPS’),	a	combined	social	
media	score	and	guest	complaints.	This	rounded	
assessment	ensures	that	Guest	Health	is	
measured	comprehensively	and	does	not	rely	
on	a	single	measure.	

• The	method	of	measuring	NPS	was	amended	
slightly	for	FY	2019.	In	prior	years	the	overall	
score	was	calculated	as	an	average	of	each	
business’s	score.	This	meant	a	smaller	business	
with	fewer	guests	completing	a	satisfaction	
survey	carried	as	much	weight	in	the	overall	
score	as	a	bigger	business	with	more	reviews.	
For	FY	2019	this	was	changed	to	treat	all	scores	
as	equally	important,	i.e.	larger	businesses	with	
more	guest	responses	have	a	greater	bearing	
on	the	overall	score.	

For	FY	2019	the	NPS	target	was	set	at	61,	
requiring	an	improvement	of	around	1ppt	on	the	
FY	2018	score	using	the	revised	calculation	
methodology.	The	overall	score	fell	short	of	this	
demanding	target	at	60.3.	

• The	target	for	the	combined	social	media	
score	(reputation.com)	was	set	at	4.0,	an	
improvement	on	the	FY	2018	outturn	of	3.93.	
A	reputation.com	score	of	4.0	is	an	important	
threshold	to	exceed	at	a	Group	level,	as	guests	
are	more	likely	to	visit	businesses	with	ratings	of	
4	or	5.	Making	even	a	small	positive	change	to	
social	media	scores	requires	big	improvements,	
for	example,	a	0.1	improvement	requires	an	
additional	100,000	review	scores	of	4	or	above.	

Excellent	progress	was	made	over	FY	2019	and	
the	overall	score	was	4.03,	ahead	of	the	target	set	
by	the	Committee.	

• The	guest	complaints	metric	measures	the	
proportion	of	complaints	received	for	every	
1,000	meals	served.	The	target	for	this	measure	
was	set	at	0.69.	The	overall	outcome	of	0.59	
represented	a	very	strong	performance	in	this	
area,	reflecting	the	focus	on	delivering	great	
guest	experiences	across	all	of	our	brands.	

Based	on	combined	scores	across	the	three	guest	
health	metrics,	the	overall	outcome	is	on	target	
and,	as	a	result,	a	payout	equivalent	to	7.5%	(out	of	
15%),	was	awarded	to	Executive	Directors	under	
this	element.	

Employee engagement (outcome 10% 
out of 10%)
A	clear	correlation	has	been	established	between	
employee	engagement	and	guest	satisfaction,	
which,	in	turn,	has	a	positive	impact	on	sales	
performance.	Two	surveys	are	held	each	year.

In	June,	employees	are	invited	to	provide	
feedback	through	a	comprehensive	survey,	
YourSay,	and	this	is	supplemented	by	a	shorter	
‘Pulse’	survey	in	February.	Overall,	around	
two-thirds	of	our	employees	contribute,	providing	
valuable	and	robust	insight	into	employee	
satisfaction.	

The	engagement	target	for	FY	2019	was	once	
again	based	on	a	combined	score	across	both	
surveys,	with	a	greater	weighting	placed	on	the	
more	comprehensive	YourSay	survey.	The	overall	
outcome	was	a	combined	score	of	81.3	which	was	
the	first	time	the	overall	score	has	been	over	80	
and	followed	the	previous	highest	ever	score	of	
78.9	achieved	in	2018.	

As	a	result,	a	maximum	payout	equivalent	to	10%	
(out	of	10%),	was	awarded	to	Executive	Directors	
under	this	element.

Food safety (outcome 5% out of 5%) 
Food	safety	will	always	be	a	priority	for	the	
business,	which	is	why	a	measure	was	introduced	
that	is	based	on	the	number	of	businesses	that	
achieve	either	a	4	or	5	rating	in	the	independently	
operated	National	Food	Hygiene	Rating	System	
(‘NFHRS’).	The	stretching	target	set	for	FY	2019	
was	for	98%	of	businesses	(of	which	we	have	
1,671	in	the	UK)	to	achieve	a	score	of	either	4	or	5	
over	the	year	and	the	actual	result	was	that	98.3%	
of	businesses	achieved	this	level	of	performance	
and	retained	its	second	place	in	the	league	table	
for	large	pub	and	restaurant	groups.	

As	an	additional	check,	the	Committee	has	also	
taken	into	account	overall	workplace	safety	which	
again	has	been	strong	in	all	areas.	

The	structure	for	this	element	is	such	that	payout	
is	based	entirely	on	achieving	the	target	set.	
Therefore,	a	payout	equivalent	to	5%	was	
triggered	against	this	element.	

Final bonus outcome
In	determining	the	overall	final	bonus	outcome,	the	
Committee	considered	the	wider	performance	of	
the	Group	as	part	of	its	overall	quality	of	earnings	
assessment	and	was	satisfied	that	the	outcome	
was	consistent	with	our	performance	over	the	
year,	taking	into	account	the	downward	
adjustment	to	the	Operating	Profit	element	
detailed	above.	Therefore,	the	total	bonus	
awarded	to	Executive	Directors	is	82%	of	salary	
resulting	in	bonus	payments	of	£423,156	and	
£353,959	to	Phil	Urban	and	Tim	Jones	respectively.	

In	line	with	our	policy,	half	of	the	bonus	award	will	
be	deferred	into	shares	under	the	Short	Term	
Deferred	Incentive	Plan	(‘STDIP’),	which	will	be	
released	in	two	equal	amounts	after	12	and	24	
months.	These	shares	must	be	retained	until	the	
relevant	shareholding	guideline	has	been	met.

FY 2019 Remuneration Outcomes
The	annual	bonus	plan	again	had	four	elements:	
Adjusted	Operating	Profita	(hereafter	referred	to	
as	Operating	Profit),	Guest	Health,	Employee	
Engagement	and	Food	Safety.	The	plan	measures	
reflect	the	overall	business	scorecard	aligning	all	
employees	from	the	Executive	Committee	
through	to	Retail	Management	employees.	

FINANCIAL MEASURES – OPPORTUNITY 
70% (OUT OF 100%)
Operating Profit (outcome 59.5% out 
of 70%)
In	setting	the	Operating	Profit	target	range	the	
Committee	considered	a	number	of	factors,	
including,	once	again,	the	significant	cost	
headwinds	the	business	continues	to	face.	For	the	
last	financial	year	these	ran	at	circa	£64m,	the	third	
year	in	which	we	have	faced	this	level	of	cost	
inflation.	As	before,	these	were	attributable	to	
labour	and	energy,	along	with	further	food	and	
drink	inflation.	The	Committee	also	took	into	
account	the	range	of	initiatives	put	in	place	as	part	
of	the	Ignite	programme	and	to	what	extent	these	
would	offset	the	cost	headwinds.	More	broadly,	
the	Committee	considered	the	general	and	sector	
outlook,	especially	given	the	recent	increase	in	
business	failures	and	CVAs	across	the	industry.	
In	this	context,	delivering	profit	growth	was	
considered	by	the	Committee	to	be	a	very	strong	
performance.	Target	performance	was	therefore	
set	slightly	above	the	FY	2018	outturn	(£303m)	
and	consensus,	which	the	Committee	felt	balanced	
the	need	for	fair	but	demanding	targets.	The	level	
required	for	a	maximum	award	required	a	significant	
level	of	performance	ahead	of	both	the	Company’s	
business	plan	and	market	expectations.

The	Operating	Profit	outcome	of	£317m	was	
just	over	103%	of	target	and	in	excess	of	the	
performance	required	for	a	maximum	payout	for	
this	element	of	the	bonus	scheme.	In	line	with	
established	practice	the	Committee	undertook	
a	thorough	quality	of	earnings	assessment,	to	
understand	in	detail	the	drivers	of	performance.	
Whilst	the	vast	majority	of	the	growth	has	been	
driven	through	strong	management	action	and	
implementation	of	the	Ignite	initiatives,	a	modest	
proportion	of	the	growth	seen	in	FY	2019	was	
achieved	as	a	result	of	the	utilisation	of	onerous	
lease	provisions	that	were	charged	to	a	large	
separately	disclosed	item	in	FY	2017.	With	this	in	
mind	the	Committee	has	scaled	back	the	bonus	
outcome	by	removing	the	benefit	of	these	
separately	disclosed	onerous	lease	provisions	
in	the	income	statement.

This	results	in	an	Operating	Profit	for	bonus	
purposes	of	£313.3m	(102%	of	target)	and	a	
payout	equivalent	to	59.5%	of	salary	(out	of	70%)	
for	Executive	Directors.	The	Committee	felt	that	
this	approach	to	moderating	the	bonus	outcome	
was	fair	and	the	resulting	payout	reflected	the	
very	strong	performance	and	improvement	on	
the	prior	year,	with	the	Company	returning	to	
Operating	Profit	growth	despite	the	
unprecedented	cost	challenges,	and	the	
continuing	outperformance	versus	competitors	
as	measured	independently	by	the	Coffer	Peach	
business	trackerb.

77

ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2019MITCHELLS & BUTLERS PLCSTRATEGIC REPORTGOVERNANCEFINANCIAL STATEMENTSOTHER INFORMATIONREPORT ON DIRECTORS’ REMUNERATION CONTINUED

PERFORMANCE RESTRICTED SHARE 
PLAN (OVERALL VESTING 47.5%)
The	2017–19	PRSP	performance	condition	had	
two	elements	with	equal	weighting,	annual	
adjusted	Earnings	per	Share	(EPS)	growth	and	
relative	Total	Shareholder	Return	(TSR).	The	
EPS	element	did	not	meet	the	threshold	level	
of	performance	required	and	therefore	lapses.	
TSR	performance	was	37.8%,	above	the	median	
of	the	Group	(11.8%)	but	below	the	level	required	
for	maximum	vesting	(39.6%)	and	therefore	
95%	of	this	element	vests.	Overall	vesting	is	
therefore	47.5%.	

As	a	result,	Phil	Urban	and	Tim	Jones	will	receive	
189,234	and	110,776	shares	respectively,	plus	any	
dividend	accrued	shares	due	on	the	date	of	
vestingc.	The	value	of	these	awards,	based	on	the	
average	Mitchells	&	Butlers	share	price	over	the	
three	months	to	the	end	of	FY	2019,	is	£634,690	in	
respect	of	Phil	Urban	and	£371,540	in	respect	of	
Tim	Jones.	

Over	the	three	year	period	(inclusive)	progress	has	
been	made	on	nominated	KPIsa	as	follows

• Cumulative	LFL	sales	growtha	is	6.6%	over	the	
period,	consistently	ahead	of	the	market.	

• Return	on	Investmenta	has	increased	from	20%	

to	27%.

• NPS	has	increased	from	51	to	60,	and	overall	

Guest	Health	has	also	improved.

• Staff	turnover	has	reduced	from	86%	to	81%.

Despite	a	strong	performance	in	the	last	year	(up	
9.1%)	the	overall	compound	EPSa	growth	for	the	
three	year	period	was	2.2%	(FY	2016	EPS	34.9p,	
FY	2019	EPS	37.2p)	against	a	threshold	of	4%.	
During	the	first	two	years	of	the	performance	
period,	the	business	was	unable	to	generate	
sufficient	improvement	in	sales,	or	cost	
efficiencies,	to	offset	the	increased	headwinds	
being	experienced	which	cumulatively	totalled	
circa	£180m	over	the	performance	period.	

Subsequently,	earnings	momentum	has	been	
achieved	largely	from	the	Ignite	initiatives	starting	
to	have	a	tangible	impact	on	performance	but	
over	the	first	two	years	EPS	declined	by	2.3%	
creating	a	gap	to	the	threshold	earnings	that	a	
strong	third	year	performance	was	unable	to	pull	
back.	In	addition	to	offsetting	the	above	cost	
headwinds	and	returning	to	earnings	growth,	
good	progress	has	also	been	made	in	paying	
down	debt,	with	net	debt	reducing	by	£276m	
from	£1,840m	to	£1,564m	at	the	end	of	FY	2019.	

The	Committee	is	aware	of	the	increased	
importance	applying	to	Environmental,	Social	
and	Governance	matters	when	determining	
remuneration	outcomes,	we	were	therefore	
pleased	to	note	good	progress	has	also	been	
made	across	a	range	of	safety	measures	over	the	
performance	period.	The	number	of	businesses	
that	achieve	either	a	4	or	5	rating	in	the	
independently	operated	National	Food	Hygiene	
Rating	System	(‘NFHRS’)	increased	from	96.7	to	
98.3	at	the	end	of	FY	2019.	The	number	of	serious	
accidents	involving	customers	has	fallen	during	
the	period	to	a	level	that	equates	to	0.6	incidents	
per	million	meals	served.	There	have	been	no	
serious	environmental	incidents	over	the	period	
and	during	FY	2019	a	review	of	the	business’s	
sustainability	strategy	was	undertaken,	and	a	
range	of	external	targets	was	agreed	by	the	Board.

78

The	peer	group	of	companies	for	the	TSR	element	
of	the	plan	was	the	FTSE	All	Share	Travel	and	
Leisure	group.	The	Committee	chose	this	group	
because	it	contains	all	of	Mitchells	&	Butlers’	
direct	listed	hospitality	competitors	and	also	those	
who	indirectly	compete	for	the	same	leisure	spend.	

TSR	performance	is	measured	by	reference	to	
performance	in	the	three	months	prior	to	the	start	
of	the	performance	period	compared	to	that	of	
performance	in	the	last	three	months	of	the	
performance	period,	relative	to	that	of	the	peer	
group.	The	improving	performance	over	the	past	
twelve	months	in	particular	has	underpinned	a	
steady	improvement	in	the	share	price.	Overall	
the	share	price	has	increased	from	278p	at	the	
start	of	the	performance	period	to	385p	at	the	end	
of	the	period.	

The	Committee	has	not	applied	discretion	to	the	
vesting	outcome	in	respect	of	the	PRSP	and	
believes	that	the	outcome	achieved	fairly	reflects	
the	significant	improvement	in	performance.	
In	line	with	our	remuneration	policy,	Executive	
Directors	are	required	to	hold	vested	shares	for	
a	further	period	of	two	years.

Remuneration policy and changes to the 
UK Corporate Governance Code
Our	remuneration	policy	was	approved	at	the	
2018	AGM,	with	97%	of	shareholders	voting	in	
favour	of	the	policy.	Our	policy	is	next	due	for	
approval	at	the	January	2021	AGM,	and	therefore	
a	review	process	will	be	undertaken	during	
FY	2020.	The	Committee	are	satisfied	that	the	
current	policy	is	working	effectively	and	as	
intended.	No	changes	to	the	remuneration	policy	
are	proposed	for	FY	2020.	Major	shareholders	
and	their	representative	bodies	will	continue	to	
be	consulted	where	material	changes	to	the	
Executive	Directors’	remuneration	policy	or	its	
application	are	being	considered.	Full	details	of	
the	current	remuneration	policy	can	be	found	on	
the	mbplc.com	website.

The	Committee	are	cognisant	of	the	forthcoming	
changes	to	the	UK	Corporate	Governance	code	
and	other	reporting	regulations.	Although	
Mitchells	&	Butlers	will	not	be	required	to	report	
against	these	new	regulations	until	the	FY	2020	
annual	report,	preparations	are	well	underway	for	
their	introduction	and	in	line	with	previous	years,	
where	appropriate,	a	proactive	‘early	adoption’	
approach	has	been	taken.	

For	example,	over	the	last	three	years	we	have	
reported	on	CEO	pay	ratios	and	last	year	set	out	
the	impact	of	a	50%	increase	in	share	price	on	LTIP	
vesting	in	the	illustrations	of	remuneration	policy.	
Last	year	we	also	introduced	a	new	section	to	the	
report	which	demonstrated	how	executive	
remuneration	links	to	overall	strategy	and	the	
relationship	between	executive	remuneration	and	
that	of	other	employees	across	the	Group.	This	
year	we	have	expanded	this	section	to	explain	
in	more	detail	how	our	remuneration	principles	
apply	through	the	organisation	and	how	our	
employee	value	proposition	differentiates	
Mitchells	&	Butlers	in	a	very	competitive	
recruitment	market.

APPROACH FOR 2020
Executive Directors’ salary review and 
pension contributions 
The	Committee	has	carefully	considered	the	
salaries	of	both	Executive	Directors,	and	
especially	that	of	the	CEO	given	the	very	strong	
performance,	noting	that	there	have	been	a	
number	of	new	appointments	at	higher	salary	
levels	in	the	sector.	The	Committee	will	continue	
to	keep	salaries	under	review	but	have	concluded	
that	with	effect	from	1	January	2020,	Phil	Urban’s	
salary	will	be	increased	to	£535,500	(3%)	and	Tim	
Jones’	salary	will	be	increased	to	£448,000	(3%).	
This	is	a	continuation	of	our	approach	to	increase	
salaries	in	line	with	the	workforce.

The	Committee	is	aware	of	the	increased	focus	
on	pension	contributions	for	Executive	Directors	
and	the	expectation	that	these	will	align,	over	
time,	with	the	broader	workforce.	The	current	
level	is	20%	of	salary	less	the	cost	of	employers’	
national	insurance	(incurred	when	this	is	paid	
as	an	allowance	through	payroll	as	opposed	to	
being	paid	as	a	contribution	into	a	pension),	
which	is	passed	onto	the	Executive	Director.	
Therefore	the	pension	allowance	paid	to	
Executive	Directors	currently	is	17.6%	of	base	
salary.	The	current	employee	average	pension	
contribution	is	circa	4%.	We	note	the	recent	
guidance	from	the	Investment	Association	in	
relation	to	pension	contributions	included	in	its	
Principles	of	Remuneration.

The	Chief	Executive	indicated	to	the	Committee	
his	desire	to	proactively	address	this	issue	and	
as	a	first	step,	for	FY	2020,	the	cash	equivalent	
pension	contribution	will	be	reduced	by	the	same	
cash	amount	as	the	increase	in	base	pay	set	out	
above	(3%).	This	means	that	for	FY	2020	the	cash	
equivalent	contribution	for	both	Executive	
Directors	will	reduce	to	14.2%,	and,	therefore,	
overall	fixed	pay	(salary	and	pension	allowance)	
remains	unchanged	versus	the	prior	financial	year.

The	Committee	will	keep	this	matter	under	review	
and	agree	as	part	of	our	policy	review	during	
2020,	the	best	approach	to	aligning	Executive	
Director	pension	contributions	to	the	broader	
workforce	over	time.	

Annual bonus 
No	changes	are	proposed	to	the	annual	bonus	
structure	for	FY	2020.

Operating	Profit	(70%)

• Half	of	the	bonus	opportunity	will	be	payable	for	
achieving	a	demanding	Operating	Profit	target.	

• The	threshold	at	which	bonus	will	begin	to	

accrue	will	again	be	set	at	95%	of	target	and	full	
payment	will	require	very	strong	performance,	
well	in	excess	of	current	market	consensus.
• In	setting	targets	the	Committee	has	once	again	

considered	the	significant	cost	headwinds	
which	the	business	faces	and	which	are	
expected	to	be	circa	£55m	in	FY	2020.	The	
Committee	has	also	taken	into	account	the	
further	benefits	expected	from	the	Ignite	
programme	and	the	underlying	performance	
of	the	business.	

• It	remains	the	view	of	the	Committee	that	even	
marginal	profit	growth	represents	a	strong	
performance	in	the	circumstances.	

ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2019MITCHELLS & BUTLERS PLCThe	remaining	30%	of	the	annual	bonus	plan	
will	be	allocated	against	the	business	scorecard	
as	follows:

• 15%	for	Guest	Health	(NPS;	combined	social	

media	scores	and	guest	complaints)

• 10%	for	employee	engagement	
• 5%	for	Food	Safety

performance	of	the	comparator	group	and	100%	
will	vest	for	performance	equivalent	to	the	upper	
quartile	of	the	group.	The	TSR	element	will	
continue	to	be	subject	to	a	share	price	underpin	
and	may	only	be	exercised	where	the	Mitchells	&	
Butlers	share	price	has	equalled	or	exceeded	the	
share	price	at	the	date	the	award	within	six	
months	of	the	vesting	date.	

The	non-financial	elements	are	only	payable	if	a	
threshold	level	of	profit	is	achieved.	For	FY	2020	
this	will	again	be	set	at	97.5%	of	the	Operating	
Profit	target.	

I	would	like	to	thank	my	colleagues	for	their	
engagement	and	commitment	and	the	efforts	of	
those	who	have	supported	the	Committee	in	the	
past	year.	

In	line	with	our	established	practice,	the	
Committee	will	consider	the	overall	performance	
of	the	Company,	not	just	the	outcome	of	each	
individual	measure.	

If	you	have	any	comments	or	questions	on	any	
element	of	this	report,	please	email	me,	care	of	
Craig	Provett,	Director	of	Compensation	and	
Benefits,	at	Remco@mbplc.com

2020–22 PRSP
A	PRSP	award	is	due	to	be	made	in	respect	of	the	
2020–22	performance	period.	The	Committee	
has	reviewed	the	performance	condition	and	has	
concluded	that	the	performance	measures	should	
remain	unchanged,	with	two	independent	
elements,	Operating	Cash	Flow	before	adjusted	
items,	movements	in	working	capital	and	
additional	pension	contributions	(75%	weighting,	
and	hereafter	referred	to	as	Operating	Cash	Flow)	
and	relative	TSR	(25%	weighting).

As	set	out	in	last	year’s	report,	in	setting	the	target	
range	for	2020–22	the	Committee	has	again	
considered	the	cost	headwinds	that	are	
anticipated	to	continue	through	the	plan	cycle.	
The	Committee	also	took	into	account	the	
potential	benefits	from	current	and	future	Ignite	
initiatives.	The	Operating	Cash	Flow	target	range	
will	have	a	threshold	set	at	£1,332m	and	maximum	
at	£1,362m.	Operating	Profit	is	the	key	
performance	driver	of	Operating	Cash	Flow	and	
this	target	range	requires	a	circa	£30m	growth	
from	the	2019–21	plan	at	both	threshold	and	
maximum,	which	the	Committee	considers	to	be	
a	stretching	target	range	in	the	circumstances.	
On	an	earnings	equivalent	basis,	the	adjusted	EPS	
target	range	is	4.5%	to	7%	CAGR,	broadly	the	
same	as	the	2019–21	plan.	The	application	
of	IFRS	16	will	change	reported	Operating	Profit,	
depreciation	and	amortisation	all	of	which	are	
component	parts	of	our	Operating	Cash	Flow	
measure.	The	exact	impact	is	not	yet	known,	
however	the	Committee	will	ensure	that	any	
restated	targets	for	IFRS	16	are	in	line	with	those	
set	out	above.	

The	current	TSR	comparator	group	comprises	
five	peer	companies	(Ei	Group,	Greene	King,	
Marston’s,	The	Restaurant	Group	and	JD	
Wetherspoon).	Following	the	purchase	of	Greene	
King	by	CKA	and	the	proposed	purchase	of	
Ei	Group	by	Stonegate,	there	will	only	be	three	
peer	companies	in	the	comparator	group,	
rendering	the	index-based	approach	used	in	prior	
years	unsuitable.	The	Committee	has	considered	
the	alternative	options	and	concluded	that	for	the	
2020–22	plan	the	most	appropriate	approach	is	
to	revert	to	the	FTSE	All	Share	Travel	and	Leisure	
group.	This	group	is	felt	to	be	more	relevant	than	
a	broad	index	such	as	the	FTSE	250	as	all	of	the	
constituents	compete	for	the	same	leisure	spend	
and	with	over	30	constituents,	will	not	be	
impacted	by	future	delistings	in	the	same	way	as	
the	current	peer	group	has	been.	25%	will	vest	for	
TSR	performance	equivalent	to	the	median	

79

IMELDA WALSH 
Chair	of	the	Remuneration	Committee
19	November	2019

This	report	has	been	prepared	on	behalf	of	the	Board	and	
has	been	approved	by	the	Board.	The	report	has	been	
prepared	in	accordance	with	the	Companies	Act	disclosure	
regulations	(the	Large	and	Medium-sized	Companies	and	
Groups	(Accounts	and	Reports)	(Amendment)	Regulations	
2013)	(the	‘Regulations’).

a.	 The	Directors	use	a	number	of	alternative	performance	
measures	(APMs)	that	are	considered	critical	to	aid	the	
understanding	of	the	Group’s	performance.	Key	
measures	are	explained	on	pages	156	to	158	of	
this	report.	

b.	 The	Coffer	Peach	business	tracker	is	the	UK’s	leading	

sales	tracker	for	pubs	and	restaurants.

c.	 Dividend	accrued	shares	are	due	in	respect	of	dividends	
paid	over	the	performance	period,	totalling	7.5p/share.

ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2019MITCHELLS & BUTLERS PLCSTRATEGIC REPORTGOVERNANCEFINANCIAL STATEMENTSOTHER INFORMATIONREPORT ON DIRECTORS’ REMUNERATION CONTINUED

Executive 
Remuneration 
at a glance

This section briefly highlights 
performance and remuneration 
outcomes for FY 2019, and our approach 
for FY 2020. More detail can be found 
in the Annual Report on remuneration 
on pages 76 to 79. Full details of the 
remuneration policy can be found on 
the mbplc.com website.

FY 2019 SINGLE FIGURE REMUNERATION FOR EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS

Phil	Urban
Tim	Jones
Total 

Basic 
salaries
£000
516
432
948

Taxable 
benefits
£000
16
16
32

Short-term 
incentives
£000
423
354
777

Pension-related 
benefits
£000
91
76
167

Long-term
incentives
£000
635
372
1,007

Other
£000
3
3
6

Total 
remuneration
£000
1,684
1,253
2,937

The	single	figure	table	sets	out	payments	made	to	Executive	Directors	in	respect	of	FY	2019,	including	base	salary,	annual	bonus	earnings,	long-term	
incentives,	payments	made	in	lieu	of	pension	contributions	and	taxable	benefits	such	as	company	car	and	healthcare	cover.	More	detail	is	provided	in	relation	
to	the	FY	2019	annual	bonus	scheme	and	long-term	incentive	scheme	outcomes	below	and	a	full	version	of	the	single	figure	table	for	all	Directors	can	be	found	
on	page	87.

FY 2019 ANNUAL BONUS
The	annual	bonus	was	based	on	two	elements:	70%	on	Operating	Profit	and	30%	on	non-financial	scorecard	measures.

Operating	Profit
Guest	Health	
	 NPS
	 Social	Media
	 Complaints
Employee	Engagement
Safety	

Target 
307

61
4.03
0.69
79.5
98.0

Actual
313.3*

Bonus outcome
(% of salary)
59.5

60.3
4.03
0.59
81.3
98.3

7.5

10
5

*	 Reported	Adjusted	Operating	Profit	was	£317.0m,	bonus	was	based	on	£313.3m.

Bonus	payments	equivalent	to	82%	of	base	salary	will	be	made	to	Executive	Directors	(£423,156	in	respect	of	Phil	Urban	and	£353,959	in	respect	of	Tim	Jones).
Half	of	the	bonus	award	will	be	deferred	into	shares	which	will	be	released	in	two	equal	amounts	after	12	and	24	months.

FY 2019 PRSP VESTING
The	PRSP	awards	granted	during	FY	2017	had	a	performance	period	ending	on	28	September	2019.	50%	of	the	award	was	based	on	relative	TSR	performance	
and	50%	on	EPS	growth.	

Total	Shareholder	Return	relative	to	peer	group
Compound	annual	adjusted	EPS	growth

Target range
Median	to	upper	quartile
4%	to	8%	CAGR

Actual
37.8%
2.2%	p.a.

% vesting
95
Nil

TSR	performance	was	37.8%	over	the	period	which	resulted	in	95%	vesting	against	this	element	and	EPS	growth	of	2.2%	p.a.	over	the	period	was	below	the	
threshold	and	this	element	of	the	award	did	not	vest.

80

ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2019MITCHELLS & BUTLERS PLC	
APPROACH FOR FY 2020

COMPONENTS OF REMUNERATION
The	remuneration	package	for	the	Executive	Directors	comprises	both	fixed	and	variable	elements	consistent	with	our	remuneration	principles.

Fixed: 

Variable:

Salary

+

Benefits and pension

=

Fixed total

Annual bonus

+

PRSP and shares

=

Variable total

FIXED COMPONENTS
Salary
On	1	January	2020	Phil	Urban’s	salary	will	increase	by	3%	to	£535,500	and	Tim	Jones’	will	also	increase	by	3%	to	£448,000.

Phil Urban Chief Executive 

£535,000  +3.0%

Tim Jones Chief Financial Officer 

£448,000  +3.0%

Pension
The	cash	equivalent	pension	contribution	for	both	Executive	Directors	will	be	reduced	by	an	amount	equal	to	the	increase	in	base	salary.	As	a	result	the	
cash	equivalent	pension	contribution	will	be	14.2%	of	base	salary	

VARIABLE COMPONENTS
Annual bonus

No	change	to	potential	quantum	–	100%	of	salary.

Measures will be: 

Operating Profit 

Business scorecard measures
Employee 
Engagement 

Guest Health 

Food 
Safety

70%

15%

10%

5%

Half	of	any	bonus	payable	will	be	deferred	in	the	form	of	shares	and	released	in	equal	parts	after	12	and	24	months.

PRSP

Awards levels
(unchanged)

Measures
and targets

Phil Urban Chief Executive

200% salary

Tim Jones Chief Financial Officer

140% salary

Threshold 

25% of element vests 

£1,332m 

Median 

Target range 

Maximum

100% of this element vests

Operating Cash Flow 

£1,362m

Total Shareholder Return 

Upper quartile

The	measures	for	the	2020–22	cycle	are	unchanged,	with	75%	of	the	award	based	on	Operating	Cash	Flow	and	25%	on	relative	TSR.

A	two-year	holding	period	applies	for	all	long-term	incentive	awards	made	from	2018	onwards.

Share ownership guidelines
Directors	are	required	to	retain	all	vested	
shares	(net	of	tax)	until	the	share	ownership	
guideline	is	met.	This	applies	to	vested	
deferred	bonus	shares	as	well	as	shares	
vesting	from	any	long-term	incentive	plans.

Phil Urban Chief Executive

200% salary

All other Executive Directors

150% salary

81

ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2019MITCHELLS & BUTLERS PLCSTRATEGIC REPORTGOVERNANCEFINANCIAL STATEMENTSOTHER INFORMATION	
 
 
 
REPORT ON DIRECTORS’ REMUNERATION CONTINUED

Additional 
remuneration 
information

ILLUSTRATIONS OF THE APPLICATION 
OF REMUNERATION POLICY
A	key	principle	of	the	Group’s	remuneration	policy	
is	that	variable	short-	and	long-term	reward	should	
be	linked	to	the	financial	performance	of	the	
Group.	The	charts	below	show	the	composition	
of	the	remuneration	of	the	Chief	Executive	and	
Chief	Financial	Officer	at	minimum,	on-target	and	
maximum	levels	of	performance	in	FY	2020.	
The	charts	also	show	the	impact	of	a	50%	increase	
in	share	price	on	the	LTIP	outcome.

Chief Executive £000

Share Price Gain
Long-term incentives
Short-term incentives
Fixed pay

2,767

2,231

19.3%

1,429

37.5%
18.7%

626

48.0%

38.7%

24.0%

19.4%

100% 43.8%
On-target
Minimum

22.6%

28.0%
Maximum Maximum +50%
Share Price Gain

Chief Financial Officer £000

Share Price Gain
Long-term incentives
Short-term incentives
Fixed pay

1,919

16.4%

1,605

The	performance	scenarios	demonstrate	the	
proportion	of	maximum	remuneration	which	
would	be	payable	in	respect	of	each	remuneration	
element	at	each	of	the	performance	levels.	In	
developing	these	scenarios,	the	following	
assumptions	have	been	made:	

MINIMUM
Only	the	fixed	elements	of	remuneration	are	
payable.	The	fixed	element	consists	of	base	salary,	
benefits	and	pension.	Base	salary	is	the	salary	
effective	from	1	January	2020.	Benefits	are	based	
on	actual	FY	2019	figures	and	include	company	
car,	healthcare	and	taxable	expenses.	Pension	is	
the	cash	allowance	and/or	Company	pension	
contribution	payable	from	1	January	2020.	

ON-TARGET 
In	addition	to	the	minimum,	this	reflects	the	
amount	payable	for	on-target	performance	under	
the	short-	and	long-term	incentive	plans:

• 50%	of	maximum	(50%	of	base	salary	for	the	
Chief	Executive	and	Chief	Financial	Officer)	
is	payable	under	the	short-term	incentive	
plan;	and	

• 50%	of	the	award	(100%	of	base	salary	for	the	
Chief	Executive	and	70%	of	base	salary	for	the	
Chief	Financial	Officer)	is	payable	under	the	
long-term	incentive	plan.

MAXIMUM
In	addition	to	the	minimum,	maximum	payment	is	
achieved	under	both	the	short-	and	long-term	
incentive	plans	such	that:	

• 100%	of	base	salary	is	payable	under	the	
short-term	incentive	plan	for	the	Chief	
Executive	and	Chief	Financial	Officer;	and

• 200%	of	base	salary	for	the	Chief	Executive	and	

140%	of	base	salary	for	the	Chief	Financial	
Officer	is	payable	under	the	long-term	
incentive	plan.

SHARE PRICE GAIN
This	shows	the	impact	a	50%	increase	in	the	share	
price	would	have	on	the	LTIP	outcome.	

PAY RATIOS AND GENDER PAY
The	table	below	sets	out	the	CEO	pay	ratio	at	the	
median,	25th	and	75th	percentiles.

Financial year
2019

CEO pay ratio

P25  
(lower 
quartile)
120:1

P50  
(median)
112:1

P75  
(upper quartile)
106:1

More	detail	in	relation	to	the	pay	ratio	calculation	can	be	found	on	page	94.

The	table	below	provides	a	summary	of	Gender	Pay	data	for	the	Group.

1,109

28.4%
23.9%

39.1%

32.7%

28.0%

23.4%

530

Mean	Pay	Gap
Median	Pay	Gap
Mean	Bonus	Gap	
Median	Bonus	Gap

2019 
%
6.1
3.2
33.5
15.4

2018 
%
7.4
4.7
38.5
29.2

2017 
%
8.1
5.2
27.6
20.6

100% 47.7%
On-target
Minimum

27.5%

32.9%
Maximum Maximum +50%
Share Price Gain

At	a	Group	level	the	pay	gap	has	reduced	overall	on	both	measures	and	the	median	pay	gap	compares	
very	favourably	to	the	national	average	of	17.9%.	A	number	of	initiatives	have	underpinned	the	
improvement	of	our	gender	pay	gap,	including	the	establishment	of	a	diversity	and	inclusion	steering	
group,	a	review	of	our	family	friendly	policies	and	the	implementation	of	a	new	talent	management	
process.	Full	details	can	be	found	in	our	gender	pay	report	on	the	Company	website.

82

ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2019MITCHELLS & BUTLERS PLCRemuneration 
context 

This section of the report sets out the 
broader context for remuneration and 
covers a number of areas:

• explaining	how	executive	reward	links	to	

Mitchells	&	Butlers’	three	strategic	priorities;

• the	link	between	executive	pay	and	
remuneration	across	the	Group;

• engagement	with	employees	on	pay	and	how	
the	Remuneration	Committee	is	kept	updated	
on	wider	workforce	pay,	incentives	policy	and	
alignment	to	our	values;	and

• explaining	the	factors	that	employees	value	in	
addition	to	pay	as	part	of	working	for	Mitchells	
&	Butlers	–	our	‘People	Promise’.

ALIGNMENT OF EXECUTIVE PAY TO STRATEGY 
The	table	below	sets	out	how	the	three	strategic	priorities	of	the	business	align	to	Executive	remuneration	for	Executive	Directors:	

Building a more balanced business

Strategic priority
Strong	cash	flow	and	operating	performance	
supports	the	delivery	and	sustainability	of	the	capital	
plan	and	estate	optimisation.

Link to Executive remuneration
Operating	Cash	Flow	is	the	main	component	
of	the	LTIP.	

Operating	Profit	delivery	is	the	main	component	
of	the	annual	bonus	plan.
The	Guest	Health	element	of	the	annual	bonus	
plan	provides	a	strong	indicator	of	the	success	of	
each	business	and	there	is	a	clear	correlation	
between	strong	Guest	Health	performance	and	
sales	performance.
The	engagement	element	of	the	annual	bonus	
plan	measures	how	our	teams	feel	about	working	
for	Mitchells	&	Butlers	and,	in	turn,	the	service	
they	provide	to	guests.
Operating	Cash	Flow	is	the	main	component	
of	the	LTIP.	

Operating	Profit	delivery	is	the	main	component	
of	the	annual	bonus	plan.
The	Guest	Health	quickly	demonstrates	where	
decisions	are	right	or	wrong	and	Executives	are	
incentivised	to	react.
The	employee	engagement	element	of	the	
annual	bonus	plan	supports	and	underpins	the	
development	of	culture.
Operating	Cash	Flow	is	the	main	component	
of	the	LTIP.	

Operating	Profit	delivery	is	the	main	component	
of	the	annual	bonus	plan.
The	Guest	Health	element	of	the	annual	plan	
provides	valuable	actionable	feedback	and	
incentivises	action.
The	employee	engagement	element	of	the	
annual	bonus	plan	incentivises	action	to	maintain	
and	improve	employee	engagement.

A	more	balanced	business	delivers	brands	and	food	
and	drink	offers	in	an	environment	that	guests	want	
to	enjoy.

High-quality	engaged	teams	are	fundamental	to	the	
success	of	any	business.

Instilling a more commercial culture

A	commercial	culture	improves	controls,	efficiency,	
purchasing	and	pricing,	driving	both	improved	cash	
flow	and	operating	performance.

Commercial	decisions	must	be	guest	focused	and	
benefit	from	the	input	of	customer	feedback.

Developing	and	evolving	a	commercial	culture	
requires	high	levels	of	employee	engagement	and	
business	awareness	throughout	the	business.
Innovation	at	small	and	large	scale	is	an	engine	
for	improved	sales	and,	therefore,	cash	and	
profit	generation.

Guests’	expectations	continue	to	increase,	
demanding	higher	standards	of	service	and	
digital	capability.
Innovation	involves	change	and	delivery	of	change	
requires	strong	employee	engagement.

Driving an innovation agenda

83

ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2019MITCHELLS & BUTLERS PLCSTRATEGIC REPORTGOVERNANCEFINANCIAL STATEMENTSOTHER INFORMATIONREPORT ON DIRECTORS’ REMUNERATION CONTINUED

MITCHELLS & BUTLERS’ 
REMUNERATION PRINCIPLES 
Shareholder alignment
A	high	proportion	of	reward	is	delivered	in	the	
form	of	equity,	ensuring	Executives	have	strong	
alignment	with	shareholders.

Competitive
Providing	reward	that	promotes	the	long-term	
success	of	the	business	whilst	enabling	the	
attraction,	retention	and	motivation	of	high-calibre	
senior	Executives.

Performance-linked
A	significant	part	of	an	Executive’s	reward	is	linked	
to	performance	with	a	clear	line	of	sight	between	
business	outcomes	and	the	delivery	of	
shareholder	value.

Straightforward
The	remuneration	structure	is	simple	to	
understand	for	participants	and	shareholders	and	
is	aligned	to	the	strategic	priorities	of	the	business.	

These	same	principles	apply	throughout	the	
organisation	and	are	adapted	as	appropriate	for	
specific	employee	groups.	A	good	example	of	this	
is	how	these	principles	apply	to	our	General	
Managers.	A	competitive	package	is	important	for	
this	group	as	they	are	fundamental	to	the	day-to-day	
success	of	the	business	and	the	current	
recruitment	market	is	challenging	with	a	shortage	
of	high-calibre	managers.	As	with	Executives	a	
high	proportion	of	potential	reward	for	this	group	
is	based	on	performance	and	the	overall	structure	
is	straightforward	to	understand.	There	is	a	lesser	
weighting	on	equity,	but	all	General	Managers	
can	participate	in	any	of	the	all	employee	share	
schemes,	subject	to	qualifying	service,	therefore	
building	their	own	equity	in	the	business.	

Equally	the	above	principles	are	applied	to	our	
hourly	paid	team	members.	The	recruitment	
market	is	becoming	ever	more	challenging	and	
this	means	that	competitive	pay	is	important	to	
attract	high-calibre	team	members,	especially	in	
London	and	the	South	East	and	for	kitchen	teams	
across	the	UK.	Although	base	pay	for	our	hourly	
paid	team	members	is	not	linked	to	performance	
there	is	a	strong	link	to	performance	where	there	
are	opportunities	to	earn	tips	and	service	charge	
(100%	of	which	are	retained	by	the	team	with	
no	administration	charge),	and	more	broadly,	
the	good	performance	of	the	Company	allows	
for	more	investment	in	pay.	Pay	structures	for	
this	group	are	straightforward	and,	as	with	other	
employees,	hourly	paid	team	members	can	
participate	in	any	of	the	all-employee	share	
schemes,	subject	to	qualifying	service.

REMUNERATION BELOW EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR LEVEL 
The	table	below	demonstrates	how	the	key	elements	of	Executive	pay	align	with	the	wider	workforce:	

Bonus
Bonus schemes for all 
schemes align to the 
business scorecard.

Long-term incentives
Measures and targets for 
long-term incentive plans 
consistent for all 
participants.

The majority of bonus 
opportunity is linked to 
financial performance.
Our	pay	approach	is	aimed	at	providing	regular	and	
predictable	earnings	through	competitive	base	pay	for	our	
retail	team	members.	This	is	valued	more	highly	than	variable	
pay	elements	for	retail	team	members	and	is	in	line	with	our	
‘competitive’	and	‘straightforward’	remuneration	principles.

All-employee share plans
All	employees	can	
participate	in	any	of	the	
all-employee	share	
schemes,	subject	to	
qualifying	service,	building	
a	stake	in	the	business.

Executive Directors
Executive Committee
Senior management

Support Centre
Retail managers

Retail team members

Base pay
Pay broadly around 
mid-market levels.

Overall, increases 
(in percentage terms) 
consistent across all salaried 
employee groups.
Pay set in line with market 
requirements and closely 
monitored.

Base pay for many 
employees is ahead of the 
statutory minimums.

Many employees benefit 
from tip and service charge, 
and it is Mitchells & Butlers’ 
policy to pass 100% of these 
earnings on to employees.

Workforce engagement 
Whilst	not	specifically	consulted	on	Executive	remuneration,	feedback	from	employees	is	gathered	in	a	number	of	ways	through	the	year	as	shown	in	the	
illustration	below:	

Remuneration Committee 

Employee survey 

CEO roadshows 

Employee forum 

Outcomes reviewed by 
the Remuneration 
Committee and taken 
into account when 
setting remuneration 
policy. 

The CEO and CFO hold 
regular roadshows that 
allow both support 
centre colleagues and 
General Managers an 
opportunity to discuss 
business issues and 
provide feedback. 

Elected representatives 
have direct access to the 
Executive Committee 
and for Executive 
remuneration matters, 
the Remuneration 
Committee chair.

Overview of pay and 
policy decisions

Committee members are 
updated on employee 
terms and conditions 
and made aware of 
significant changes to 
policies and other pay 
related matters.

Nominated and 
Non-Executive 
Director

A Non-Executive 
Director (Dave Coplin) 
has been appointed to 
engage with employees 
and report back to the 
Board. Dave Coplin is 
a member of the 
Remuneration 
Committee.

84

ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2019MITCHELLS & BUTLERS PLCThe	Committee	is	regularly	updated	throughout	
the	year	on	pay	and	conditions	applying	to	Group	
employees.	Where	significant	changes	are	
proposed	to	employment	conditions	and	policies	
elsewhere	in	the	Group,	these	are	highlighted	for	
the	attention	of	the	Committee	at	an	early	stage.	
Over	the	course	of	FY	2019	these	updates	
included	a	comprehensive	overview	of	the	terms	
and	conditions	applicable	to	the	three	main	
employee	groups	across	the	Company,	hourly	paid	
retail	team	members,	salaried	retail	management	
and	retail	support	centre	employees.	

The	Committee	takes	into	account	the	base	pay	
review	budget	applicable	to	other	employees	
when	considering	the	pay	of	Executive	Directors.	
The	Committee	considers	a	broad	range	of	
reference	points	when	determining	policy	and	pay	
levels;	these	include	external	market	benchmarks	
as	well	as	internal	reference	points.	Any	such	
reference	points	are	set	in	an	appropriate	context	
and	are	not	considered	in	isolation.

As	mentioned	above,	all	employees	are	invited	
to	take	part	in	our	annual	YourSay	employee	
engagement	survey	and	a	mid-year	‘Pulse’	survey.	
These	provide	all	employees	with	an	opportunity	
to	give	anonymous	feedback	on	a	wide	range	of	
topics	of	interest	or	concern	to	them.	The	
Committee	reviews	the	results	of	both	the	main	
Your	Say	survey	and	the	Pulse	survey	and	any	
significant	concerns	over	remuneration	would	be	
considered	separately	by	the	Committee	and,	if	
appropriate,	taken	into	account	when	determining	
the	remuneration	policy	and	its	implementation.	

In	addition,	each	year	an	employee	forum	is	held,	
which	gives	the	opportunity	for	employees	to	ask	
questions	of	senior	management,	via	elected	
representatives.	From	FY	2020	this	forum	will	be	
held	on	a	bi-annual	basis	and	will	also	be	attended	
by	the	nominated	Non-Executive	Director.	
More	details	on	how	the	Company	intends	to	
utilise	both	the	employee	forum	and	nominated	
Non-Executive	Director	in	engaging	with	
employees	are	set	out	on	page	60.

THE MITCHELLS & BUTLERS ‘PEOPLE PROMISE’ 

We expect our people to 
SERVE WITH PRIDE 

(as they have since 1898!)

In return, we offer:

Like many employers, opportunities for progression,
challenge, fair rewards & safety and security

But unlike many employers, also:

A better lifestyle,
because of the flexibility
and convenience

More job satisfaction,
because of the sense of community,
the feeling of belonging, the shared
purpose, the variety of work and
pride in their achievements

A great atmosphere,
because it’s both fun
and friendly

All this adds up to our
big promise – that you’ll

Clearly	pay	is	a	very	important	element	but	other	
factors	also	play	an	important	part	of	the	overall	
value	proposition,	which	is	known	internally	as	our	
‘People	Promise’.	The	diagram	above	explains	in	
more	detail	our	People	Promise	and	how	Mitchells	
&	Butlers	is	able	to	differentiate	our	employment	
proposition	in	a	challenging	recruitment	market.	

Our	people	value	opportunities	for	progression,	
challenge	within	their	role,	fair	rewards	and	a	safe	
working	environment.	In	more	recent	times,	given	
the	number	of	business	closures	in	the	hospitality	
industry,	the	job	security	that	working	for	
Mitchells	&	Butlers	brings	has	also	become	a	more	
important	factor.	

Our	research	has	also	shown	that,	unlike	some	
industries	and	employers,	Mitchells	&	Butlers	
offers	a	number	of	important	differentiators	which	
our	employees’	value:	

N
U
F

• Flexibility	and	convenience:	Mitchells	&	Butlers	
has	always	promoted	a	flexible	approach	to	
working	from	the	frontline	through	to	our	
support	centre.	This	flexibility	has	been	further	
enhanced	recently	with	the	roll	out	of	an	
employee	app	that	allows	frontline	teams	to	
view	their	rota	and	swap	shifts	with	colleagues.	
Further	improving	flexibility	for	all	employee	
groups	has	been	identified	as	a	key	opportunity	
for	the	future.	

• More	job	satisfaction:	As	part	of	our	research	
we	learnt	that	working	for	Mitchells	&	Butlers	
gave	employees	a	strong	sense	of	family	and	
that	employees	put	a	high	value	on	the	
day-to-day	variety	of	work.	This	comes	through	
very	strongly	in	our	survey	results	with	a	score	
of	81.7	for	job	satisfaction	and	lifestyle.	

• A	great	atmosphere:	Undoubtedly	working	in	
hospitality,	especially	at	the	frontline,	is	hard	
work.	However,	we	also	know	that	it	can	be	
great	fun.	Our	aim	at	Mitchells	&	Butlers	is	to	
make	the	working	environment	as	fun	and	
friendly	as	possible	whilst	ensuring	that	guests	
receive	great	service.	Good	examples	of	this	
include	our	‘legends’	recognition	programme	
which	is	a	peer	to	peer	opportunity	for	teams	to	
recognise	each	other	and	the	competitions	that	
many	of	our	brands	run	for	our	kitchen	teams	
that	provide	an	opportunity	to	design	dishes	for	
our	menus.	

85

ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2019MITCHELLS & BUTLERS PLCSTRATEGIC REPORTGOVERNANCEFINANCIAL STATEMENTSOTHER INFORMATIONREPORT ON DIRECTORS’ REMUNERATION CONTINUED

Annual report on 
remuneration

This section details the remuneration 
payable to the Executive and Non-
Executive Directors (including the 
Chairman) for the financial year ended 
28 September 2019 and sets out how we 
intend to implement our remuneration 
policy for the 2020 financial year. 
This report, along with the Chair’s 
annual statement, will be subject to 
a single advisory vote at the AGM on 
21 January 2020.

COMMITTEE TERMS OF REFERENCE
The	Committee’s	terms	of	reference	were	
reviewed	and	updated	in	2019	to	take	account	
of	the	revised	Corporate	Governance	Code.

COMMITTEE ACTIVITY DURING 
THE YEAR
The	Committee	met	four	times	during	the	year	
and	key	agenda	items	included	the	following:

October 
2018

• Annual	bonus	targets
• Long-term	incentive	plan	

targets	

• Chief	Executive	pay	review
• Executive	Committee	pay	

review

• Appointment	of	remuneration	

advisers	

November 
2018

• Long-term	incentive	plan	

vesting	update

• 2018	bonus	approval
• Corporate	Governance	

Code	update

• Committee	terms	of	reference
• Gender	Pay

April 2019 • Corporate	Governance	

Code	update

• Review	of	workforce	terms	

and	conditions

September 
2019

• 2019	bonus	scheme	
• Long-term	incentive	plan	

update

• Governance	update	
• Gender	Pay	and	employee	

engagement	

• Executive	Director	pay

The	Committee’s	main	responsibilities	include:

• determining	and	making	recommendations	
to	the	Board	on	the	Company’s	executive	
remuneration	policy	and	its	cost;

• taking	account	of	all	factors	necessary	when	
determining	the	policy,	the	objective	of	
which	shall	be	to	ensure	the	remuneration	
policy	promotes	the	long-term	success	of	
the	Company;	

• determining	the	individual	remuneration	

packages	of	the	Executive	Directors	and	other	
senior	Executives	(including	all	direct	reports	to	
the	CEO,	including	the	Company	Secretary),	
and	in	discussion	with	the	Executive	Directors,	
the	Company	Chairman;

• having	regard	to	the	pay	and	employment	

conditions	across	the	Company	when	setting	
the	remuneration	of	individuals	under	the	remit	
of	the	Committee;	and

• aligning	Executive	Directors’	interests	with	
those	of	shareholders	by	providing	the	
potential	to	earn	significant	rewards	
where	significant	shareholder	value	has	
been	delivered.

COMMITTEE MEMBERSHIP 
AND OPERATION
Committee	members	and	their	respective	
appointment	dates	are	detailed	in	the	table	below.

Name
Imelda	Walsh	(Chair)*
Colin	Rutherford*
Bob	Ivell
Eddie	Irwin
Dave	Coplin*	
Josh	Levy
Jane	Moriarty	*
Susan	Murray	*

Date of appointment 
to the Committee 
11	July	2013
11	July	2013
11	July	2013
11	July	2013
29	Feb	2016
20	July	2017
27	February	2019
8	March	2019

*	

Independent	Non-Executive	Directors.

86

ADVICE TO THE COMMITTEE 
The	Committee	received	advice	from	PwC	LLP	
during	the	year.	PwC	were	appointed	following	
a	competitive	tender	process	during	2018.	PwC	
are	signatories	to	the	Remuneration	Consultants	
Group	Code	of	Conduct	and	any	advice	received	
is	governed	by	that	Code.	Total	fees	payable	in	
respect	of	remuneration	advice	to	the	Committee	
in	the	reporting	year	totalled	£45,9001.	As	set	out	
in	the	Audit	Committee	report,	the	external	audit	
has	been	put	out	to	tender.	The	Remuneration	
Committee	has	been	advised	that,	should	PwC	
be	appointed	as	auditors,	it	will	be	necessary	to	
appoint	new	remuneration	advisers	as	PwC	
would	withdraw	its	Remuneration	Committee-
related	services	prior	to	the	commencement	of	
its	role	as	auditors.

Advice	was	also	received	from	the	Company’s	
legal	advisers,	Freshfields	Bruckhaus	Deringer	
LLP,	on	the	operation	of	the	Company’s	employee	
share	schemes	and	on	corporate	governance	
matters.	Clifford	Chance	LLP	also	provided	advice	
in	relation	to	pension	schemes.	

The	Committee	is	satisfied	that	the	advice	
received	from	its	advisers	was	objective	and	
independent.	

Members	of	management	including	Susan	
Martindale,	the	Group	HR	Director	and	Craig	
Provett,	the	Director	of	Compensation	and	
Benefits,	are	invited	to	attend	meetings	on	
remuneration	matters	where	appropriate.	They	
are	not	present	when	matters	affecting	their	own	
remuneration	arrangements	are	decided.	The	
Company	Chairman	does	not	attend	Board	or	
Committee	meetings	when	his	remuneration	is	
under	review.	Phil	Urban	and	Tim	Jones	were	
present	at	meetings	where	the	Company’s	long-	
and	short-term	incentive	arrangements	and	share	
schemes	were	discussed.	However,	each	
declared	an	interest	in	the	matters	under	review.

1.	 Fees	are	shown	net	of	VAT.	20%	VAT	was	paid	on	the	

advisers’	fees	shown	above.

ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2019MITCHELLS & BUTLERS PLCSTATEMENT OF VOTING AT AGM 
Our	Directors’	Remuneration	Policy	was	approved	at	the	2018	AGM	on	23	January	2018.	At	the	last	AGM	(held	on	22	January	2019),	the	resolution	on	the	
Annual	report	on	remuneration	was	subject	to	an	advisory	vote.	Set	out	in	the	table	below	are	details	of	the	relevant	shareholder	votes:

Annual	report	on	remuneration	

Votes cast
369,411,392

Votes fora
364,302,757

%
98.62

Votes against
5,108,635

%
1.38

Votes withheldb
1,811,835

a.	 The	‘For’	vote	includes	those	giving	the	Company	Chairman	discretion.
b.	 A	vote	withheld	is	not	a	vote	in	law	and	is	not	counted	in	the	calculation	of	the	votes	‘For’	or	‘Against’	the	resolution.

Votes	‘For’	and	‘Against’	are	expressed	as	a	percentage	of	votes	cast.	

PAY OUTCOMES
The	tables	and	related	disclosures	set	out	on	pages	87	to	92	on	Directors’	remuneration,	deferred	annual	bonus	share	awards	(‘STDIP’),	PRSP	share	options,
Share	Incentive	Plan	and	pension	benefits	have	been	audited	by	Deloitte	LLP.

DIRECTORS’ REMUNERATION
The	tables	below	set	out	the	single	figure	remuneration	received	by	the	Executive	Directors	and	the	Non-Executive	Directors	during	the	reporting	year.	Details	
of	performance	under	the	annual	bonus	plan	are	set	out	on	pages	88	and	89.

EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS

Phil	Urbane
Tim	Jonese
Sub-total	Executive	
Directors	

Basic salaries
£000

Taxable benefitsa
£000

2019
516
432

2018
509
425

2019
16
16

2018
16
16

Short-term
incentives
£000

2019
423
354

2018
200
167

Pension related 
benefitsb
£000

2019
91
76

2018
89
75

Long-term
incentivesc
£000

Otherd
£000

Total
remuneration
£000

2019
635
372

2018
–
–

2019
3
3

2018

2019
5 1,684
5 1,253

2018
819
688

948

934

32

32

777

367

167

164 1,007

–

6

10 2,937 1,507

Short-term
incentives
£000

Pension related 
benefits
£000

Long-term
incentives
£000

Other
£000

Total
remuneration
£000

NON-EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS

Bob	Ivell
Ron	Robson
Stewart	Gillilandg
Eddie	Irwin
Colin	Rutherford
Imelda	Walsh
Josh	Levy
Dave	Coplin
Keith	Browne
Susan	Murrayh
Jane	Moriartyh
Sub-total	Non-Executive	
Directors	
Total	Executive	Directors	
and	Non-Executive	
Directors	

Fees
£000

Taxable benefitsf
£000

2019
284
53
16
53
65
65
53
57
53
37
30

2018
284
52
62
52
	62
62
52
52
52
–
–

2019
2
1
0.5
1
2
1
1
0.5
1
0
0

2018
3
0
1
0
2.5
0
0
1
0
–
–

2019
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–

2018
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–

2019
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–

2018
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–

2019
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–

766

730

10

7.5

–

–

–

–

–

1,714 1,664

42

39.5

777

367

167

164 1,007

2018
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–

–

–

2019
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–

–

6

2018
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–

2019
286
54
16.5
54
67
66
54
57.5
54
37
30

2018
287
52
63
52
64.5
62
52
53
52
–
–

–

776 737.5

10 3,713 2,244.5

a.	 Taxable	benefits	for	the	year	comprised	car	allowance,	healthcare	and	taxable	expenses.	
b.	 Based	on	the	value	of	supplements	paid	in	lieu	of	contributions	to	the	Company	Scheme.
c.	 The	value	of	the	PRSP	vesting	is	based	on	the	three	month	average	share	price	to	the	year	end	(327.9p).	The	value	attributable	to	share	price	improvement	is	£138,590	for	Phil	Urban	and	

£81,129	for	Tim	Jones.
Includes	the	award	of	free	shares	awarded	under	the	SIP.

d.	
e.	 The	base	salary	for	Phil	Urban	was	£520,000	and	for	Tim	Jones	£435,000.	The	figures	set	out	are	the	actual	salaries	received	over	the	financial	year,	which	had	364	days.
f.	 Taxable	benefits	for	Non-Executive	Directors	include	cash	payments	made	or	accounted	for	by	the	Company	relating	to	the	reimbursement	of	expenses	(and	the	value	of	personal	tax	

on	those	expenses).

g.	 Stewart	Gilliland	stepped	down	from	the	Board	on	31	December	2018.
h.	

Jane	Moriarty	and	Susan	Murray	were	appointed	to	the	Board	on	27	February	2019	and	8	March	2019	respectively.	

87

ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2019MITCHELLS & BUTLERS PLCSTRATEGIC REPORTGOVERNANCEFINANCIAL STATEMENTSOTHER INFORMATION	
REPORT ON DIRECTORS’ REMUNERATION CONTINUED

ANNUAL PERFORMANCE BONUS AND STDIP 
The annual bonus and STDIP operate as set out in our remuneration policy which is available on the Company’s website. Details of the measures and targets 
applying to the FY 2019 plan are set out below: 

Threshold –  
95% of Target
(% of salary payable)
£291.7m 
(0%)

Target
(% of salary payable)
£307m
(35%)

Maximum –  
103% of Target
(% of salary payable)
£316.2m
(70%)

Outcome
(% of salary payable)
£313.3m*
(59.5%)

Target

Calculation of outcome  
(% of salary payable)

Performance
(Score)

Outcome
(% of salary payable)

61

4.0

0.69

Each element is scored 1 if better 
than target, 0 if on target, and -1 
if below target. 

• If the sum of these scores is +3 then 

maximum bonus is paid. (15%)

• If the sum of these scores is +1 or +2 
then an on-target payment would be 
made. (7.5%)

• If the sum of these scores is 0 then 
threshold bonus is paid. (3.75%)

60.3
(-1)
4.03
(+1)
0.59
(+1)

7.5%

Threshold 
(% of salary payable)
78.5 
(2.5%)

Target
(% of salary payable)
79.5
(5%)

Maximum
(% of salary payable)
80.5
(10%)

Outcome
(% of salary payable)
81.5
(10%)

Target
(% of salary payable)
98.0%
(5%)

Outcome
(% of salary payable)
98.3%
(5%)

Sales in the year were £2,237m, an increase 
of £85m on 2018 and a like-for-like sales 
improvement of 3.5% which continues to be 
above the market overall (as measured by the 
Coffer Peach business trackerb) and represents 
now almost three years of consistent market 
outperformance. 

The Operating Profit outcome of £317m was 
just over 103% of target and in excess of the 
performance required for a maximum payout for 
this element of the bonus scheme. In line with 
established practice the Committee undertook 
a thorough quality of earnings assessment, to 
understand in detail the drivers of performance. 
Whilst the vast majority of the growth has been 
driven through strong management action and 
implementation of the Ignite initiatives, a modest 
proportion of the growth seen in FY 2019 was 
achieved as a result of the utilisation of onerous 
lease provisions that were charged in part through 
a large separately disclosed item in 2017. With this 
in mind the Committee has scaled back the bonus 
outcome by removing the benefit of these 
separately disclosed onerous leases provisions 
in the income statement.

b.  The Coffer Peach business tracker is the UK’s leading 

sales tracker for pubs and restaurants.

This results in an Operating Profit for bonus 
purposes of £313.3m (102% of target) and a 
payout equivalent to 59.5% of salary (out of 70%) 
for Executive Directors. The Committee felt that 
this approach to moderating the bonus outcome 
was fair and the resulting payout reflects the very 
strong performance and improvement on the 
prior year, with the Company returning to 
Operating Profit growth despite the 
unprecedented cost challenges, and the 
continuing outperformance versus competitors 
as measured independently. 

NON-FINANCIAL MEASURES – 
MAXIMUM 30% (OUT OF 100%) 
Guest Health (outcome 7.5% out of 15%)
The measurement of Guest Health at Mitchells & 
Butlers comprises a combination of three 
elements: Net Promoter Score (‘NPS’); a 
combined social media score; and guest 
complaints. This rounded assessment ensures 
that Guest Health is measured comprehensively 
and does not rely on a single measure. 

• The method of measuring NPS was amended 
slightly for FY 2019. In prior years the overall 
score was calculated as an average of each 
business’s score. This means a smaller business, 
with fewer guests completing a satisfaction 
survey, carried as much weight in the overall 
score as a bigger business with more reviews. 
For FY 2019 this was changed to treat all scores 
as equally important, i.e. larger businesses with 
more guest responses have a greater bearing 
on the overall score. 

Adjusted Operating Profit
(70%)

*  Reported Operating Profit was £317.0m, bonus was based on £313.3m.

Guest Health (15%)
  Net Promoter Score (‘NPS’)

  Social Media Score

  Complaints Ratio

Employee Engagement 
(10%)*

Food Safety 
(5%)

*  Payout is on a straight-line basis between points.

FINANCIAL MEASURES – MAXIMUM 70% 
(OUT OF 100%) 
Operating Profit (outcome 59.5% out 
of 70%)
In setting the Operating Profit target range the 
Committee considered a number of factors, 
including, once again, the significant cost 
headwinds the business continues to face. For the 
last financial year these ran at circa £64m, the third 
year in which we have faced this level of cost 
inflation. As before, these costs were attributable 
to labour and energy along with further food and 
drink inflation. The Committee also took into 
account the range of initiatives put in place as part 
of the Ignite programme and to what extent these 
would offset the cost headwinds. 

More broadly the Committee considered the 
general and sector outlook, especially given the 
recent increase in business failures and CVAs 
across the industry. In this context, delivering any 
level of profit growth was considered by the 
Committee to be a very strong performance. 
Target performance was therefore set slightly 
above the 2018 outturn (£303m) and consensus, 
which the Committee felt balanced the need for 
fair but demanding targets. The level required for 
a maximum award required a significant level of 
performance ahead of both the Company’s 
business plan and market expectations.

88

ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2019MITCHELLS & BUTLERS PLCFor	FY	2019	the	NPS	target	was	set	at	61,	
requiring	an	improvement	of	around	1ppt	on	
the	FY	2018	score	using	the	revised	calculation	
methodology.	The	overall	score	fell	short	of	this	
demanding	target	at	60.3.	

• The	target	for	the	combined	social	media	
score	(reputation.com)	was	set	at	4.0,	an	
improvement	on	the	FY	2018	outturn	of	3.93.	
A	Reputation.com	score	of	4.0	is	an	important	
threshold	to	exceed	at	a	group	level,	as	guests	
are	more	likely	to	visit	businesses	with	ratings	of	
4	or	5.	Making	even	a	small	positive	change	to	
social	media	scores	requires	big	improvements,	
for	example	a	0.1	improvement	requires	an	
additional	100,000	review	scores	of	4	or	above.	

Excellent	progress	was	made	over	FY	2019	and	
the	overall	score	was	4.03,	ahead	of	the	target	set	
by	the	Committee.	

• The	guest	complaints	metric	measures	the	
proportion	of	complaints	received	for	every	
1,000	meals	served.	The	target	for	this	measure	
was	set	at	0.69.	The	overall	outcome	of	0.59	
represented	a	very	strong	performance	in	this	
area	reflecting	the	focus	on	delivering	great	
guest	experiences	across	all	of	our	brands.	

Based	on	combined	scores	across	the	three	Guest	
Health	metrics,	the	overall	outcome	is	on	target	
and	as	a	result	a	payout	equivalent	to	7.5%	(out	of	
15%)	was	awarded	to	Executive	Directors	under	
this	element.	

Employee engagement (outcome 10% 
out of 10%)
A	clear	correlation	has	been	established	between	
employee	engagement	and	guest	satisfaction,	
which	in	turn	has	a	positive	impact	on	sales	
performance.	Two	surveys	are	held	each	year.

In	June,	employees	are	invited	to	provide	feedback	
through	a	comprehensive	survey,	YourSay,	and	
this	is	supplemented	by	a	shorter	‘Pulse’	survey	in	
February.	Overall	around	two-thirds	of	employees	
contribute,	providing	valuable	and	robust	insight	
into	employee	satisfaction.	

The	engagement	target	for	FY	2019	was	once	
again	based	on	a	combined	score	across	both	
surveys,	with	a	greater	weighting	placed	on	the	
more	comprehensive	YourSay	survey.	The	overall	
outcome	was	a	combined	score	of	81.3	which	was	
the	first	time	the	overall	score	had	been	over	80	
and	followed	the	previous	highest	ever	score	of	
78.9	achieved	in	FY	2018.	

As	a	result,	a	maximum	payout	equivalent	to	10%	
(out	of	10%),	was	awarded	to	Executive	Directors	
under	this	element.

Food safety (outcome 5% out of 5%) 
Food	safety	will	always	be	a	priority	for	the	
business,	which	is	why	a	measure	was	introduced	
that	is	based	on	the	number	of	businesses	that	
achieve	either	a	4	or	5	rating	in	the	independently	
operated	National	Food	Hygiene	Rating	System	
(‘NFHRS’).	The	stretching	target	set	for	FY	2019	
was	for	98%	of	businesses	to	achieve	a	score	
of	either	4	or	5	over	the	year	and	the	actual	result	
was	that	98.3%	of	our	businesses	achieved	this	
level	of	performance	and	retained	its	second	
place	in	the	league	table	for	large	pub	and	
restaurant	groups.	

As	an	additional	check,	the	Committee	has	also	
taken	into	account	overall	workplace	safety	which	
again	has	been	strong	in	all	areas.	

The	structure	for	this	element	is	such	that	payout	
is	based	entirely	on	achieving	the	target	set.	
Therefore,	a	payout	equivalent	to	5%	was	
triggered	against	this	element.	

Final bonus outcome
In	determining	the	overall	final	bonus	outcome,	
the	Committee	considered	the	wider	
performance	of	the	Group	as	part	of	an	overall	
quality	of	earnings	assessment	and	was	satisfied	
that	the	outcome	was	consistent	with	our	
performance	over	the	year,	taking	into	account	
the	downward	adjustment	to	the	Operating	Profit	
element	detailed	above.	Therefore,	the	total	
bonus	awarded	to	Executive	Directors	is	82%	of	
salary	resulting	in	bonus	payments	of	£423,156	
and	£353,959	to	Phil	Urban	and	Tim	Jones	
respectively.	

In	line	with	our	policy,	half	of	the	bonus	award	will	
be	deferred	into	shares	under	the	Short	Term	
Deferred	Incentive	Plan	(‘STDIP’),	which	will	be	
released	in	two	equal	amounts	after	12	and	24	
months.	These	shares	must	be	retained	until	the	
relevant	shareholding	guideline	has	been	met.

LONG-TERM INCENTIVES VESTING 
DURING THE YEAR
During	FY	2017	share	awards	were	made	to	
Phil	Urban	and	Tim	Jones,	under	the	terms	of	the	
PRSP	to	the	value	of	200%	and	140%	of	their	
respective	base	salaries.	The	performance	
condition	had	two	independent	elements:	
compound	annual	adjusted	EPS	growth	and	TSR	
performance	against	a	group	of	sector	peers,	
measured	over	the	three	year	performance	period	
ending	28	September	2019.	

Table	1	below	summarises	performance	against	
each	element	of	the	performance	conditions.	

The	EPS	element	did	not	meet	the	threshold	level	
of	performance	required	and,	therefore,	lapses.	
TSR	performance	was	37.8%,	above	the	median	
of	the	group	(11.8%)	but	below	the	level	required	
for	maximum	vesting	(39.6%)	and,	therefore,	
95%	of	this	element	vests.	Overall	vesting	is	
therefore	47.5%.	

As	a	result,	Phil	Urban	and	Tim	Jones	will	receive	
189,234	and	110,776	shares	respectively,	plus	any	
dividend1	accrued	shares	due	on	the	date	of	
vesting.	The	value	of	these	awards,	based	on	the	
average	Mitchells	&	Butlers	share	price	over	the	
three	months	to	the	end	of	the	2019	financial	year,	
is	£634,690	in	respect	of	Phil	Urban	and	£371,540	
in	respect	of	Tim	Jones.	

Over	the	three	year	period	(inclusive),	progress	
has	been	made	on	nominated	KPIs	as	follows:	

• Cumulative	LFL	salesa	growth	is	6.6%	over	the	
period,	consistently	ahead	of	the	market;	

• Return	on	investment	has	increased	from	20%	

to	27%;

• NPS	has	increased	from	51	to	60,	and	overall	

Guest	Health	has	also	improved;	and

• Staff	turnover	has	reduced	from	86%	to	81%.

Despite	a	strong	performance	in	the	last	year	
(up	9.1%),	the	overall	compound	EPS	growth	for	
the	three	year	period	was	2.2%	(FY	2016	EPS	
34.9p,	FY	2019	EPS	37.2p)	against	a	threshold	of	
4%.	During	the	first	two	years	of	the	performance	
period,	the	business	was	unable	to	generate	
sufficient	improvement	in	sales	or	cost	efficiencies	
to	offset	the	increased	headwinds	being	
experienced	which	cumulatively	totalled	circa	
£180m	over	the	performance	period.	

Table 1

2017–19 PRSP – performance conditions
Compound	annual	adjusted	Earnings	Per	Share	(‘EPS’)	growth	(50%	weighting)	
Total	Shareholder	Return	relative	to	peer	group*	(50%	weighting)

Threshold (25%) to Maximum

(100%) range** 

4%	to	8%	CAGR
Median	to	upper	quartile

Actual
2.2%	p.a.
37.8%

% vesting
Nil
95.1%

*		 Comprising	the	constituents	of	the	FTSE	All	Share	Travel	and	Leisure	index.	
**	 Between	threshold	and	maximum,	vesting	under	each	measure	is	on	a	straight-line	basis.	Below	threshold	the	award	will	lapse.

89

1.		 Dividend	accrued	shares	are	due	in	respect	of	dividends	
paid	over	the	performance	period,	totalling	7.5p/share.

ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2019MITCHELLS & BUTLERS PLCSTRATEGIC REPORTGOVERNANCEFINANCIAL STATEMENTSOTHER INFORMATIONREPORT ON DIRECTORS’ REMUNERATION CONTINUED

Subsequently,	earnings	momentum	has	been	
achieved	largely	from	the	Ignite	initiatives	starting	
to	have	a	tangible	impact	on	performance,	but	
over	the	first	two	years	EPS	declined	by	2.3%	
creating	a	gap	to	the	threshold	earnings	that	a	
strong	third	year	performance	was	unable	to	
pull	back.	

In	addition	to	offsetting	the	above	cost	headwinds	
and	returning	to	earnings	growth,	good	progress	
has	also	been	made	in	paying	down	debt,	with	
net	debt	reducing	by	£276m	from	£1,840m	to	
£1,564m	at	the	end	of	FY	2019.	

The	Committee	is	aware	of	the	increased	
importance	applying	to	Environmental,	Social	
and	Governance	matters	when	determining	
remuneration	outcomes;	we	were	therefore	
pleased	to	note	good	progress	has	also	been	
made	across	a	range	of	safety	measures	over	the	
performance	period.	The	number	of	businesses	
that	achieve	either	a	4	or	5	rating	in	the	
independently	operated	National	Food	Hygiene	
Rating	System	(‘NFHRS’)	increased	from	96.7%	to	
98.3%	at	the	end	of	FY	2019.	The	number	of	serious	
accidents	involving	customers	has	fallen	during	the	
period	to	a	level	that	equates	to	0.6	incidents	per	
million	meals	served.	There	have	been	no	serious	
environmental	incidents	over	the	period	and	
during	FY	2019	a	review	of	the	business’s	
sustainability	strategy	was	undertaken,	and	a	
range	of	external	targets	was	agreed	by	the	Board,	
more	details	of	which	can	be	found	on	page	18.	

TSR performance over the period

The	peer	group	of	companies	for	the	TSR	element	
of	the	plan	was	the	FTSE	All	Share	Travel	and	
Leisure	group.	The	Committee	chose	this	group	
because	it	contains	all	of	Mitchells	&	Butlers	direct	
listed	hospitality	competitors	and	also	those	who	
indirectly	compete	for	the	same	leisure	spend.	

LONG-TERM INCENTIVE AWARDS MADE 
DURING FY 2019
An	award	was	made	to	the	Chief	Executive	and	
the	Chief	Financial	Officer	in	November	2018	in	
accordance	with	the	rules	of	the	PRSP	and	within	
the	approved	Remuneration	Policy.

TSR	performance	is	measured	by	reference	to	
performance	in	the	three	months	prior	to	the	start	
of	the	performance	period	compared	to	that	
of	performance	in	the	last	three	months	of	the	
performance	period,	relative	to	that	of	the	
peer	group.	

The	improving	performance	over	the	past	twelve	
months	in	particular	has	underpinned	a	steady	
improvement	in	the	share	price.	Overall	the	share	
price	has	increased	from	278p	at	the	start	of	the	
performance	period	to	385p	at	the	end	of	the	
period,	and	the	share	price	at	the	time	of	writing	
has	increased	further.	The	graph	below	shows	the	
Company’s	TSR	performance	over	the	period.

The	Committee	has	not	applied	discretion	to	the	
vesting	outcome	in	respect	of	the	PRSP	and	
believes	that	the	outcome	achieved	fairly	reflects	
the	significant	improvement	in	performance.	
In	line	with	our	Remuneration	Policy,	Executive	
Directors	are	required	to	hold	vested	shares	for	
a	further	period	of	two	years.	

The	performance	measures	were	unchanged,	
with	two	independent	elements,	Operating	
Cash	Flow	(75%	weighting)	and	relative	TSR	
(25%	weighting).	

In	setting	the	target	range	for	2019–21,	the	
Committee	considered	the	ongoing	cost	
headwinds	that	the	business	continues	to	face,	
the	upward	pressure	on	food	and	drink	inflation,	
along	with	the	potential	benefits	flowing	from	
the	Ignite	initiatives	over	the	coming	years.	

On	an	earnings	equivalent	basis,	the	adjusted	
EPSa	target	range	will	be	between	4.5%	and	
7%	CAGR.	

The	TSR	comparator	group	for	the	2019–21	
award	comprises	five	peer	companies	(Ei	Group,	
Greene	King,	Marston’s,	The	Restaurant	Group	
and	JD	Wetherspoon).	

180

160

140

120

100

80

60 2016

2017

2018

2019

Mitchells & Butlers plc

FTSE ALL Share Travel and Leisure

Source: Datastream (Thomson Reuters)

1.	Operating	Cash	Flow	(75%	of	the	award)
2.		Total	Shareholder	Return	(‘TSR’)	relative	to	
a	peer	group	of	comparator	companies

	 (25%	of	the	award)

Threshold vesting target*
£1,332m	(25%	vests)	
25%	will	vest	for	matching	the	median	of	the	group 100%	will	vest	for	TSR	performance	that	exceeds	

Maximum vesting target*
£1,362m	(100%	vests)

the	median	by	8.5%	p.a.

*	 Between	threshold	and	maximum,	vesting	under	each	measure	is	on	a	straight-line	basis.	Below	threshold	the	award	will	lapse.

Options	that	vest	under	the	TSR	element	of	the	performance	condition	may	only	be	exercised	where	the	share	price	has	equalled	or	exceeded	the	share	price	
at	the	date	of	grant	on	at	least	one	day	within	six	months	following	the	vesting	date.	If	this	condition	is	not	met,	then	the	vested	option	will	lapse.

90

ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2019MITCHELLS & BUTLERS PLCThe	Operating	Cash	Flow	and	TSR	conditions	are	measured	over	three	years	from	the	start	of	the	financial	year	in	which	they	are	granted	and	any	shares	that
vest	are	subject	to	a	further	two	year	holding	period.	Full	details	of	awards	made	to	Executive	Directors	under	the	PRSP	are	set	out	below:

Executive	Directors
Phil	Urban
Tim	Jones
Total

Nil Cost 
Options 
awarded
during the
year to 
28/09/19

375,000
219,521
594,521

Basis
of award
(% of basic 
annual 
salary)

Market
price per
share used to 
determine the 
award
(p)*

Award
date

Actual/
planned 
vesting 
date

Latest 
lapse 
date

Face 
value**
£

200
140

28/11/18
28/11/18

272
272

Nov	2021
Nov	2021

Nov	2023
Nov	2023

1,021,500
597,975
1,619,475

*	 Market	price	is	the	MMQ	on	the	day	prior	to	the	award	being	made.	
**	 Face	value	is	the	maximum	number	of	shares	that	would	vest	(excluding	any	dividend	shares	that	may	accrue)	if	the	performance	measure	(as	described	above)	is	met	in	full,	multiplied	by	

the	middle	market	quotation	of	a	Mitchells	&	Butlers	share	on	the	day	the	award	was	made	(272.4p).

The	aggregate	option	price	of	each	award	is	£1.	Performance	measurement	under	the	PRSP,	which	is	not	re-tested,	is	reviewed	and	certified	by	the	
Company’s	auditor.

ALL-EMPLOYEE SIP
The	table	below	shows	the	awards	made	to	Directors	under	the	free	share	element	of	the	SIP	during	the	year.

SIP

Director
Phil	Urban
Tim	Jones
Total

Shares 
awarded 
during 
the year 
to 28/09/19

1,112
943
2,055

Market price 
per share 
at award 
(p)

Award 
date

Market price 
per share 
at normal 
vesting date 
(p)

Normal 
vesting 
date

21/06/19
21/06/19

281.5
281.5

21/06/22
21/06/22

n/a
n/a

Lapsed 
during 
period 

n/a
n/a

Directors’	entitlements	under	the	Partnership	Share	element	of	the	SIP	are	set	out	as	part	of	the	Directors’	interests	table	on	page	87.

PRSP, STDIP AND OTHER SHARE AWARDS
The	table	below	sets	out	details	of	the	Executive	Directors’	outstanding	awards	under	the	PRSP,	STDIP	and	Sharesave	(SAYE).

Number of 
shares at 
29 September 
2018

381,022

397,970

Granted 
during the 
period

Date of grant

Lapsed 
during the 
period

Exercised 
during the 
period

Number of 
shares at 
28 September 
2019

Date from 
which 
exercisable

Expiry date

–

–

June	2016

381,022

Nov	2016

–

–

–

–

Nov	2018

Nov	2020

397,970

Nov	2019

Nov	2021

Name of Director
Phil Urban

Tim Jones

Scheme
PRSP
2016–18ab
PRSP
2017–19a
PRSP
2018–20c
PRSP	2019–21c
STDIP	2017
STDIP	2018
SAYE	2015
SAYE	2018

223,048

393,517
–
28,639
–
4,972
7,317
Total 1,213,437
PRSP
2016–18ab
PRSP
2017–19a
PRSP
2018–20c
PRSP
2019–21c
STDIP	2017
STDIP	2018
SAYE	2015
SAYE	2018
Total

–
23,950
–
2,486
7,317
720,130

230,361

232,968

–
375,000
–
36,988
–
–
411,988

–

–

–

219,521
–
30,932
–
–
250,453

July	2018
Nov	2018
Dec	2017
Dec	2018
June	2015
June	2018

–
–
–
–
4,972
–
385,994

Jun	2016

223,048

Nov	2016

July	2018

Nov	2018
Dec	2017
Dec	2018
June	2015
June	2018

–

–

–
–
–
2,486
–
225,534

–
–
14,319
–
–
–

393,517
375,000
14,320
36,988
–
7,317
14,319 1,225,112

Nov	2020
Nov	2021
Dec	2018d
Dec	2019d
Oct	2018
Oct	2021

Nov	2022
Nov	2023
Dec	2019
Dec	2020
Mar	2019
Mar	2022

–

–

–

–

Nov	2018

Nov	2020

232,968

Nov	2019

Nov	2021

230,361

Nov	2020

Nov	2022

–
11,975
–
–
–
11,975

219,521
11,975
30,932
–
7,317
733,074

Nov	2021
Dec	2018d
Dec	2019d
Oct	2018
Oct	2021

Nov	2023
Dec	2019
Dec	2020
Mar	2019
Mar	2022

a.		 50%	of	this	PRSP	award	is	subject	to	a	TSR	condition	and	the	other	50%	is	subject	to	adjusted	EPS	growth	targets.
b.	 The	2016–18	plan	lapsed	in	November	2018.
c.	 75%	of	this	PRSP	award	is	subject	to	an	Operating	Cash	Flow	target	and	the	remaining	25%	is	subject	to	a	TSR	condition.
d.	 Shares	are	released	in	two	equal	tranches,	12	and	24	months	after	grant.	Date	shown	is	first	release	date.

91

ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2019MITCHELLS & BUTLERS PLCSTRATEGIC REPORTGOVERNANCEFINANCIAL STATEMENTSOTHER INFORMATION	
	
	
REPORT ON DIRECTORS’ REMUNERATION CONTINUED

DIRECTORS’ INTERESTS
Executive	Directors	are	expected	to	hold	Mitchells	&	Butlers	shares	in	line	with	the	shareholding	guideline	set	out	in	the	remuneration	policy	report.

This	requires	the	Chief	Executive	to	accumulate	Mitchells	&	Butlers	shares	to	the	value	of	a	minimum	of	200%	of	salary	(150%	of	salary	for	other	Executive	
Directors)	through	the	retention	of	shares	arising	from	share	schemes	(on	a	net	of	tax	basis)	or	through	market	purchases.	Phil	Urban’s	shareholding	at
28	September	2019	was	76.6%	of	his	basic	annual	salary	(2018	48.7%)	and	Tim	Jones’	shareholding	was	78.3%	of	his	basic	annual	salary	(2018	57.6%)	and	
as	a	result	the	shareholding	guideline	is	not	met.	

If	deferred	annual	bonus	shares	that	are	due	to	be	released	in	November	2019	and	shares	vesting	from	the	2017/19	PRSP,	also	due	to	vest	in	November	2019,
are	taken	into	account	on	a	net	of	tax	basis,	the	Chief	Executive’s	shareholding	would	be	151%	of	base	salary	and	the	Chief	Financial	Officer’s	134%	of	base	
salary.	

Executive	Directors’	shareholdings	are	calculated	based	on	the	average	share	price	over	the	final	three	months	of	the	financial	year;	for	FY	2019	this	
was	327.9p.

The	interests	of	the	Directors	in	the	ordinary	shares	of	the	Company	as	at	28	September	2019	and	29	September	2018	are	as	set	out	below:

Wholly owned shares 
without performance 
conditionsa

Shares with 
performance 
conditions

Unvested options/awards 
without performance 
conditionsb

Unvested options/
awards with 
performance 
conditionsc

Vested but 
unexercised 
options

Total 
shares/options

2019

2018

2019

2018

2019

2018

2019

2018

2019

2018

2019

2018

Executive 
Directors
Phil	Urban
Tim	Jones
Non-Executive 
Directors
Bob	Ivell
Ron	Robson
Eddie	Irwin
Colin	Rutherford
Imelda	Walsh
Dave	Coplin
Josh	Levy
Keith	Browne
Susan	Murray
Jane	Moriarty	
Total

121,455 97,024
103,852 95,944

12,006 12,006
–
–
31,560 31,560
–
–
7,500
7,500
2,042
2,042
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
278,415 246,076

–
–

–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–

–
–

58,625 40,928 1,166,487 1,172,509
50,224 33,753
686,377

682,850

–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
– 108,849 74,681 1,849,337 1,858,886

–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–

–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–

–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–

–
–

–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–

– 1,346,567 1,310,461
836,926 816,074
–

12,006
–
31,560
–
7,500
2,042
–
–
–
–

12,006
–
–
–
31,560
–
–
–
7,500
–
2,042
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–	 2,236,601 2,179,643

Includes	Free	Shares	and	Partnership	Shares	granted	under	the	SIP.

a.	
b.	 Options	granted	under	the	Sharesave	as	detailed	in	the	table	on	page	91	and	deferred	bonus	awards	granted	under	the	STDIP.
c.	 Options	granted	under	the	PRSP	as	detailed	in	the	table	on	page	91.

Directors’	shareholdings	(shares	without	performance	conditions)	include	shares	held	by	persons	closely	associated	with	them.

The	above	shareholdings	are	beneficial	interests	and	are	inclusive	of	Directors’	holdings	under	the	Share	Incentive	Plan	(both	Free	Share	and	Partnership	
Share	elements).

Phil	Urban	and	Tim	Jones	each	acquired	62	shares	under	the	Partnership	Share	element	of	the	Share	Incentive	Plan	between	the	end	of	the	financial	year	and	
19	November	2019.	There	have	been	no	changes	in	the	holdings	of	any	other	Directors	since	the	end	of	the	financial	year.

None	of	the	Directors	has	a	beneficial	interest	in	the	shares	of	any	subsidiary	or	in	debenture	stocks	of	the	Company	or	any	subsidiary.

The	market	price	per	share	on	28	September	2019	was	285p	and	the	range	during	the	year	to	28	September	2019	was	238p	to	385p	per	share.

The	Executive	Directors	as	a	group	beneficially	own	0.05%	of	the	Company’s	shares.	

92

ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2019MITCHELLS & BUTLERS PLC	
	
	
FEES FOR EXTERNAL DIRECTORSHIPS 
No	external	non-executive	directorships	were	held	by	either	Executive	Director	during	the	year	to	28	September	2019.

PAYMENT FOR LOSS OF OFFICE
No	payments	for	loss	of	office	were	made	in	the	year	ended	28	September	2019.

PAYMENTS TO PAST DIRECTORS
No	payments	were	made	to	any	past	Directors	in	the	year	ended	28	September	2019.

Total shareholder return from September 2009 to September 2019 (rebased to 100)
This	graph	shows	the	value,	by	28	September	2019,	of	£100	invested	in	Mitchells	&	Butlers	plc	on	26	September	2009,	compared	with	the	value	of	£100	
invested	in	the	FTSE	250	and	the	FTSE	All	Share	Travel	and	Leisure	group	(operated	in	the	LTIP	vesting	in	2019).

350

300

250

200

150

100

50 2009

2010

2011

2012

2013

2014

2015

2016

2017

2018

2019

Mitchells & Butlers plc

FTSE 250

FTSE ALL Share Travel and Leisure

Source: Datastream (Thomson Reuters)

The	graph	below	illustrates	the	TSR	performance	over	the	past	three	years,	which	reflects	the	performance	achieved	under	the	current	Chief	Executive.	At	the	
start	of	this	period	the	Chief	Executive	had	been	in	position	for	a	year	and	had	completed	a	strategic	review	of	the	business,	identifying	three	strategic	priorities	
and	had	commenced	on	the	first	wave	of	Ignite	initiatives.	Over	the	three	year	period	the	performance	of	the	business	has	steadily	improved	as	further	Ignite	
initiatives	have	been	implemented	and	benefits	have	started	to	be	realised.	

180

160

140

120

100

80

60 2016

2017

2018

2019

Mitchells & Butlers plc

FTSE 250

FTSE ALL Share Travel and Leisure

Source: Datastream (Thomson Reuters)

93

ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2019MITCHELLS & BUTLERS PLCSTRATEGIC REPORTGOVERNANCEFINANCIAL STATEMENTSOTHER INFORMATIONREPORT ON DIRECTORS’ REMUNERATION CONTINUED

CEO EARNINGS HISTORY

Year ended
Phil Urban
Single	figure	remuneration	(£000)
Annual	bonus	outcome	(%	of	max)
LTIP	vesting	outcome	(%	of	max)
Alistair Darby
Single	figure	remuneration	(£000)
Annual	bonus	outcome	(%	of	max)
LTIP	vesting	outcome	(%	of	max)
Bob Ivell
Single	figure	remuneration	(£000)
Annual	bonus	outcome	(%	of	max)
LTIP	vesting	outcome	(%	of	max)
Jeremy Blood
Single	figure	remuneration	(£000)
Annual	bonus	outcome	(%	of	max)
LTIP	vesting	outcome	(%	of	max)
Adam Fowle
Single	figure	remuneration	(£000)
Annual	bonus	outcome	(%	of	max)
LTIP	vesting	outcome	(%	of	max)

25/09/10

24/09/11

29/09/12

28/09/13

27/09/14

26/09/15

24/09/16

30/09/17

29/09/18

28/09/19

–
–
–

–
–
–

–
–
–

–
–
–

1,315
87.6
16.2

–
–
–

–
–
–

–
–
–

397
–d
n/ac

483e
16.0
24.2

–
–
–

–
–
–

557
n/ac
n/ac

50
n/ac
–

–
–
–

–
–
–

982a
71.0
n/a

69b
n/ac
n/ac

–
–
–

–
–
–

–
–
–

642
–
n/a

–
–
–

–
–
–

–
–
–

–
–
–

878
–
19.0

–
–
–

–
–
–

–
–
–

613
–
–

770
28
–

819
39
–

1,684
82
47.5

–
–
–

–
–
–

–
–
–

–
–
–

–
–
–

–
–
–

–
–
–

–
–
–

–
–
–

–
–
–

–
–
–

–
–
–

–
–
–

–
–
–

–
–
–

–
–
–

a.	 Alistair	Darby	formally	took	up	the	position	of	CEO	on	12	November	2012	following	a	short	period	of	induction	and	handover.	The	figure	shown	reflects	the	date	of	his	appointment	to	the	

Board	(8	October	2012).

b.	 Figure	shown	is	up	to	and	including	11	November	2012	as	Bob	Ivell	remained	Executive	Chairman	to	this	date.
c.	 The	Director	was	not	a	participant	in	the	plan.
d.	

Jeremy	Blood	was	not	a	participant	in	the	short-term	incentive	plan.	At	the	discretion	of	the	Board	a	payment	of	£100,000	was	made	in	respect	of	his	contribution	as	Interim	Chief
Executive.	This	payment	is	included	in	the	single	remuneration	figure	(£397,000)	above.	Earnings	exclude	the	fee	payable	for	the	period	26	September	2010	to	14	March	2011	during	
which	Mr	Blood	served	as	a	Non-Executive	Director.

e.	 Earnings	disclosed	are	to	15	March	2011	when	Mr	Fowle	stepped	down	as	CEO.

CHANGE IN REMUNERATION OF THE CEO

CEO
Salaried	employees	

2019
520,000
34,321

Salary (£)

2018
510,000
32,383

Taxable benefits (£)

% Change
2.0
6.0

2019
15,789
895

2018
15,557
728

% Change

2019
1.5 423,156
4,744
22.9

Bonus (£)

2018
200,034
2,449

% Change
111.5
93.7

The	change	in	CEO	remuneration	is	compared	to	the	change	in	average	remuneration	of	all	full-time	salaried	employees,	which	includes	general	managers,
assistant	managers	and	kitchen	managers	employed	in	our	businesses.	

Salaried	employees	with	part-year	service	in	either	FY	2018	or	FY	2019	have	been	excluded	from	the	comparison	figures.	Retail	staff	employees	have	been	
excluded	from	the	comparator	group	as	they	are	hourly	paid,	largely	part	time	and	do	not	participate	in	any	bonus	plans.	The	CEO	figures	do	not	include	LTIP	
awards	or	pension	benefits	that	are	disclosed	in	the	single	figure	table.

CEO PAY RATIOS 
For	the	last	three	years	Mitchells	&	Butlers	has	disclosed	the	pay	ratio	between	the	CEO	and	the	median	pay	of	other	employees,	reflecting	emerging	best
practice.	The	Government	has	now	introduced	legislation	that	will	require	all	quoted	companies	with	more	than	250	employees	to	publish	the	ratio	of	their	
CEO’s	pay,	using	the	single	figure	for	total	CEO	remuneration	to	that	of	the	median,	25th	and	75th	percentile	total	remuneration	of	full-time	equivalent
employees.	Whilst	this	legislation	does	not	require	Mitchells	&	Butlers	to	comply	until	the	2020	Annual	Report,	the	Committee	feels	that	it	is	important	to	
continue	to	take	a	lead	in	this	area,	as	it	provides	a	helpful	opportunity	to	demonstrate	the	link	between	CEO	pay	in	the	context	of	overall	workforce	
remuneration.	The	table	below	sets	out	the	CEO	pay	ratio	at	the	median,	25th	and	75th	percentile	for	2019,	compared	to	2018.	

Financial year
2019
2018

CEO pay ratio

Method
Option C
Option	C

P25 (lower quartile)
120:1
61:1

P50 (median)
112:1
58:1

P75 (upper quartile)
106:1
52:1

The	lower	quartile,	median	and	upper	quartile	employees	were	calculated	based	on	full-time	equivalent	base	pay	data	as	at	28	September	2019.	This	
calculation	methodology	was	selected	as	the	data	was	felt	to	be	the	most	accurate	way	of	identifying	the	best	equivalents	of	P25,	P50	and	P75	and,	therefore,
the	most	accurate	measurement	of	our	pay	ratios.	Of	the	three	allowable	methodologies	under	the	forthcoming	legislation,	this	method	is	classed	as	
‘Option	C’.	Option	A	was	considered	but	given	the	high	levels	of	team	member	turnover,	it	was	felt	more	appropriate	to	adopt	the	approach	set	out	above.

94

ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2019MITCHELLS & BUTLERS PLC	
	
	
	
	
	
The	employee	pay	data	has	been	reviewed	and	the	Committee	is	satisfied	that	it	fairly	reflects	the	relevant	quartiles	given	the	very	large	proportion	of	hourly	
paid	team	members	employed	by	Mitchells	&	Butlers	(circa	85%	of	the	total	workforce).	The	three	representative	employees	used	to	calculate	the	pay	ratios	are	
hourly	paid	and	the	base	pay	elements	were	calculated	using	a	full-time	equivalent	hourly	working	week	of	35	hours.	Hourly	paid	employees	do	not	participate	
in	the	annual	bonus	plan	or	long-term	incentive	plan	and	in	most	cases	do	not	have	any	taxable	benefits.	Employee	pay	does	not	include	earnings	from	tips	
and	service	charge,	from	which	many	employees	benefit.	It	is	Mitchells	&	Butlers’	policy	to	pass	all	earnings	from	tips	and	service	charges	to	employees.

Pay	details	for	the	individuals	are	set	out	below:	

Salary	
Total	pay

CEO (£)
516,044
1,680,349

P25 (lower quartile) (£)
14,014	
14,014	

P50 (median) (£) P75 (upper quartile) (£)
15,575	
15,881	

14,872	
15,046	

The	median	pay	ratios	reported	in	2016	and	2017	were	completed	using	a	different	methodology	that	calculated	actual	pay	and	benefits	over	the	financial	year
for	all	employees	who	had	been	employed	for	the	full	financial	year.	This	methodology	is	not	compliant	with	the	new	regulations,	but	overall	the	median	pay	
ratio	is	broadly	in	line	with	prior	years	at	63:1	in	2017	and	44:1	in	2016,	a	year	in	which	no	bonus	was	paid	to	the	CEO.

The	Chief	Executive’s	base	salary	increased	by	2%	from	2018	compared	to	an	overall	increase	in	workforce	pay	of	around	4%.	The	ratio	between	the	base	pay	
of	the	Chief	Executive	and	the	base	pay	of	employees	at	each	quartile	has	remained	broadly	static.	On	a	total	pay	basis,	the	ratio	of	workforce	pay	to	the	Chief
Executive’s	total	pay	has	increased,	reflecting	the	higher	levels	of	variable	pay	from	annual	and	long-term	incentives	that	have	been	paid	to	the	Chief	Executive	
in	respect	of	FY	2019.	Whilst	the	pay	ratio	has	increased	because	of	the	incentive	payments,	the	Committee	believes	that	the	ratio	is	broadly	consistent	with	
that	of	other	organisations	in	hospitality	and	retail	that	have	also	seen	annual	and	long-term	incentive	plans	increase	total	earnings	for	the	Chief	Executive.

As	stated	above,	hourly-paid	employees	do	not	participate	in	the	annual	bonus	plan,	where	salaried	employees	do	participate	in	an	annual	bonus	plan	(circa	
5,000	employees);	they	have	also	seen	average	bonus	earnings	increase	in	percentage	terms	by	a	similar	amount	as	that	of	the	Chief	Executive	in	2019.	More	
broadly,	pay	in	the	hospitality	sector	is	lower	than	many	other	sectors	and	this	will	be	an	influencing	factor	in	the	overall	pay	ratio,	despite	significant	increases	
in	pay	rates	over	the	last	few	years.	

RELATIVE IMPORTANCE OF SPEND ON PAY £m
Figures	shown	for	wages	and	salaries	consist	of	all	earnings,	including	bonus.	In	FY	2019,	£3.5m	(0.5%)	was	paid	to	Executive	and	Non-Executive	Directors	
(2018	£2m	(0.3%)).	

700

600

500

400

300

200

100

0

5.8%

6.9%

0.0%

620
656
Wages and salaries*

171

160

Principal taxes**

+4.3%

49

47

Pension deficit contributions

197

197

Debt service

FY 2019

FY 2018

* From note 2.3 to the consolidated financial statements (excludes share-based payments).

** Business Rates, Corporation Tax, Employer’s NI.

Details of service contracts and letters of appointment 
Details	of	the	service	contracts	of	Executive	Directors	are	set	out	below.

Director
Phil	Urbana
Tim	Jones

Contract start date
27/09/15
18/10/10

Unexpired term
Indefinite
Indefinite

Notice period
from Company 
12	months
12	months

Minimum notice
period from Director
6	months	
6	months

Compensation on 
change of control
No
No

a.	 Phil	Urban	became	Chief	Executive	and	joined	the	Board	on	27	September	2015.	His	continuous	service	date	started	on	5	January	2015,	the	date	on	which	he	joined	the	Company	as

Chief	Operating	Officer.

95

ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2019MITCHELLS & BUTLERS PLCSTRATEGIC REPORTGOVERNANCEFINANCIAL STATEMENTSOTHER INFORMATION	
	
	
	
	
	
REPORT ON DIRECTORS’ REMUNERATION CONTINUED

Non-Executive Directors
Non-Executive	Directors,	including	the	Company	
Chairman,	do	not	have	service	contracts	but	serve	
under	letters	of	appointment	which	provide	that	
they	are	initially	appointed	until	the	next	AGM	
when	they	are	required	to	stand	for	election.	In	
line	with	the	Company’s	Articles,	all	Directors,	
including	Non-Executive	Directors,	will	stand	for	
re-election	at	the	2020	AGM.	This	is	also	in	line	
with	the	provisions	of	the	2018	UK	Corporate	
Governance	Code.	Non-Executive	Directors’	
appointments	are	terminable	without	notice	and	
with	no	entitlement	to	compensation.	Payment	
of	fees	will	cease	immediately	on	termination.

Ron	Robson	and	Josh	Levy	were	appointed	to	
the	Board	pursuant	to	the	terms	of	the	Piedmont	
Deed	of	Appointment,	information	on	which	is	
set	out	on	page	59.	

Copies	of	the	individual	letters	of	appointment	
for	Non-Executive	Directors	and	the	service	
contracts	for	Executive	Directors	are	available	
at	the	Registered	Office	of	the	Company	during	
normal	business	hours	and	on	our	website.	
Copies	will	also	be	available	to	shareholders	
to	view	at	the	2020	AGM.

IMPLEMENTATION OF REMUNERATION 
POLICY IN FY 2020
Executive Directors’ salary review and 
pension contributions
The	Committee	has	carefully	considered	the	
salaries	of	both	Executive	Directors,	and	
especially	that	of	the	Chief	Executive	given	the	
very	strong	performance	of	the	business,	
noting	that	there	have	been	a	number	of	new	
appointments	at	higher	salary	levels	in	the	sector.	
The	Committee	will	continue	to	keep	salaries	
under	review	but	has	concluded	for	the	next	
increase,	due	to	take	effect	from	1	January	2020,	
Phil	Urban’s	salary	will	be	increased	to	£535,500	
(3%)	and	Tim	Jones’	salary	will	be	increased	to	
£448,000	(3%).	This	is	a	continuation	of	our	
approach	to	increase	salaries	in	line	with	the	
workforce.	

The	Committee	is	cognisant	of	the	increased	
focus	on	pension	contributions	for	Executive	
Directors	and	the	requirement	for	these	
contributions	to	align,	over	time,	with	the	broader	
workforce.	The	current	level	is	20%	of	salary	less	
the	cost	of	employer’s	national	insurance	(incurred	
when	this	is	paid	as	an	allowance	through	payroll	
as	opposed	to	being	paid	as	a	contribution	into	
a	pension),	which	is	passed	on	to	the	Executive	

Director,	therefore	the	pension	allowance	paid	
to	Executive	Directors	currently	is	17.6%	of	base	
salary.	The	current	employee	average	pension	
contribution	is	circa	4%.	We	note	the	recent	
additional	guidance	from	the	Investment	
Association	in	relation	to	pension	contributions	
and	the	recent	publication	of	its	Principles	of	
Remuneration,	which	also	cover	Investment	
Association	members’	expectations	on	other	
areas	of	the	remuneration	structure.

The	Chief	Executive	indicated	to	the	Committee	
a	desire	to	proactively	address	this	issue	and,	
therefore,	as	a	first	step,	for	2020,	the	cash	
equivalent	pension	contribution	will	be	reduced	
by	the	same	cash	amount	as	the	increase	in	base	
pay	set	out	above	(3%).	This	means	that	for	2020	
the	cash	equivalent	contribution	for	both	
Executive	Directors	will	reduce	to	14.2%	and	
overall	fixed	pay	(salary	and	pension	allowance)	
remains	unchanged	versus	the	prior	year.	

The	Committee	will	keep	this	matter	under	review	
and	will	agree,	as	part	of	our	Policy	review	during	
2020,	the	best	approach	to	aligning	Executive	
Director	pension	contributions	to	the	broader	
workforce	over	time.	

Annual performance bonus
The	maximum	bonus	opportunity	will	remain	at	100%	of	salary	for	the	Chief	Executive	and	Chief	Financial	Officer	with	70%	of	bonus	to	be	based	on	Operating	
Profit	and	the	remaining	30%	on	non-profit	elements	linked	to	the	business	scorecard.	

Operating	Profit

Weighting
70%

Details
Bonus	will	begin	to	accrue	at	threshold	with	half	of	the	bonus	payable	for	on-target	performance.	

In	setting	targets	the	Committee	has	once	again	considered	the	significant	cost	headwinds	the	business	faces,	
expected	to	be	circa	£55m	in	FY	2020,	the	economic	outlook	and	consumer	confidence.	In	addition,	the	
Committee	has	also	taken	into	account	the	further	benefits	expected	from	the	Ignite	programme	and	the	
underlying	performance	of	the	business.	

It	remains	the	view	of	the	Committee	that	even	marginal	profit	growth	represents	a	strong	performance	in	
the	circumstances.	

Guest	Health

15%

Full	payment	will	require	very	strong	performance,	well	in	excess	of	current	market	consensus.
Guest	Health	will	comprise	three	measures,	each	with	an	equal	weighting:

• NPS	–	a	well-established	measure	of	Guest	Health,	will	continue	to	be	assessed	in	FY	2020.
• Social media	–	The	monitoring	tool	enables	all	social	media	reviews,	including	TripAdvisor,	Facebook	and	

Google,	to	be	combined	into	a	single	review	score.

• Guest complaints	–	There	has	been	an	increased	focus	on	improving	the	speed	at	which	guest	complaints	are	

resolved,	alongside	a	commitment	to	reducing	the	overall	number	of	complaints	received.	

Combining	NPS	with	an	assessment	of	social	media	reviews	and	guest	complaints	provides	a	more	holistic	review	
of	Guest	Health.	To	achieve	a	maximum	payment,	performance	will	need	to	exceed	target	on	at	least	two	
elements,	and	be	at	target	or	better,	for	the	third	element.	
Mitchells	&	Butlers	has	measured	employee	engagement	for	a	number	of	years,	and	a	clear	correlation	has	been	
established	between	employee	engagement	and	guest	satisfaction,	which,	in	turn,	has	a	positive	impact	on	sales.	
For	this	reason,	the	Committee	has	decided	to	continue	to	include	employee	engagement	in	the	bonus	scheme.
Food	Safety	will	always	be	a	key	priority	and	including	a	measure	based	on	the	proportion	of	our	businesses	that	
achieve	a	high	National	Food	Hygiene	Rating	Scheme	score	reflects	our	continued	focus	on	the	safe	operation	of	
our	businesses.	An	agreed	Food	Safety	score	must	be	achieved	for	this	part	of	the	bonus	to	pay	out	and,	as	an	
additional	check,	overall	workplace	safety	will	also	be	taken	into	account	when	determining	the	outcome.

Employee	Engagement

10%

Food	Safety

5%

96

ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2019MITCHELLS & BUTLERS PLCThe non-financial elements will only become 
payable if a certain level of Operating Profit has 
been achieved. For 2020, this will remain at 97.5% 
of target, which is ahead of the threshold required 
for payment under the Operating Profit measure. 

The Committee will continue to consider the 
overall performance of the Company, not just the 
outcome of each individual measure. All bonus 
targets are considered to be commercially 
sensitive and will not be disclosed in advance. 
However, retrospective disclosure of targets and 
performance against them will be provided in next 
year’s Directors’ remuneration report. 

The bonus structure for all Managers across 
Mitchells & Butlers is linked to the above business 
scorecard.

PERFORMANCE RESTRICTED SHARE 
PLAN (PRSP) 2020–22
A PRSP award is due to be made in respect of the 
2020–22 performance period. The Committee 
has reviewed the performance condition and has 
concluded that the performance measures should 
remain unchanged, with two independent 
elements, Operating Cash Flow (75% weighting) 
and relative TSR (25% weighting).

As set out in last year’s report, in setting the target 
range for 2020–22 the Committee has again 
considered the cost headwinds that are 
anticipated to continue through the plan cycle. 
The Committee also took into account the 
potential benefits from current and future Ignite 
initiatives. The Operating Cash Flow target range 
will have a threshold set at £1,332m and maximum 
at £1,362m. Operating Profit is the key 
performance driver of Operating Cash Flow and 
this target range requires growth of circa £30m 
from the 2019–21 plan at both threshold and 
maximum, which the Committee considers to be 
a stretching target range in the circumstances. 
As a comparison, Operating Profit in the previous 
three years was flat over the period. On an 
earnings-equivalent basis, the adjusted EPS target 
range is 4.5% to 7% CAGR, broadly the same as 
the 2019–21 plan. The application of IFRS 16 will 
change reported Operating Profit, depreciation 
and amortisation, all of which are component 
parts of our Operating Cash Flow measure. The 
Committee will ensure that any restated targets 
for IFRS 16 are no less stretching than those set 
out above. 

1. Operating Cash Flow (75% of the award)
2.  Total Shareholder Return (‘TSR’) relative to 
a peer group of comparator companies**

  (25% of the award)

Threshold vesting target*
£1,332m (25% vests) 
25% will vest for matching the median of the group

The current TSR comparator group comprises 
five peer companies (EI Group, Greene King, 
Marston’s, The Restaurant Group and JD 
Wetherspoon). Following the purchase of Greene 
King by CKA and the proposed purchase of 
EI Group by Stonegate there would only be three 
peer companies in the comparator group, 
rendering the index-based approach used in prior 
years unsuitable. The Committee has considered 
the alternative options and concluded that for the 
2020–22 plan the most appropriate approach is 
to revert to the FTSE All Share Travel and Leisure 
group. This group is felt to be more relevant than 
a broad index such as the FTSE 250, as all of the 
constituents compete for the same leisure spend 
and with over 30 constituents will not be impacted 
by future delistings in the same way as the current 
peer group has been. 25% will vest for TSR 
performance equivalent to the median 
performance of the comparator group and 100% 
will vest for performance equivalent to the upper 
quartile of the group. The TSR element will 
continue to be subject to a share price underpin 
and may only be exercised where the Mitchells & 
Butlers share price has equalled or exceeded the 
share price at the date of the award within six 
months of the vesting date. 

A summary of the performance measures and 
targets are set out in the table below:

Maximum vesting target*
£1,362m (100% vests)
100% will vest for TSR performance that is 
equivalent to the upper quartile of the 
comparator group

*   Between threshold and maximum, vesting under each measure is on a straight-line basis. Below threshold the award will lapse.
**  Consisting of the constituents of the FTSE All Share Travel and Leisure group.

NON-EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS’ FEE REVIEW

The Chairman and Non-Executive Director fees were last reviewed in January 2019. No changes are proposed for 2020. 

IMELDA WALSH 
Chair of the Remuneration Committee
19 November 2019

a.  The Directors use a number of alternative performance measures (APMs) that are considered critical to aid the understanding of the Group’s performance. Key measures are explained 

on pages 156 to 158 of this report.

97

ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2019MITCHELLS & BUTLERS PLCSTRATEGIC REPORTGOVERNANCEFINANCIAL STATEMENTSOTHER INFORMATIONFinancial 
statements

98

ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2019
MITCHELLS & BUTLERS PLC

IN THIS SECTION
99 

Independent auditor’s report to the 
members of Mitchells & Butlers plc

106  Group income statement
107  Group statement of comprehensive income
108  Group balance sheet
109  Group statement of changes in equity
110  Group cash flow statement

Notes to the consolidated financial statements
111  Section 1 – Basis of preparation

115 

 Section 2 – Results for the year
115  2.1 Segmental analysis 
115  2.2 Separately disclosed items
117  2.3 Revenue and operating costs
119  2.4 Taxation
121  2.5 Earnings per share

122   Section 3 – Operating assets and liabilities

122  3.1 Property, plant and equipment
126  3.2 Working capital
127  3.3 Provisions
128 

 3.4 Goodwill and other intangible 
assets
130  3.5 Associates

131  Section 4 – Capital structure and financing 

costs
131  4.1 Net debt
132  4.2 Borrowings
133  4.3 Finance costs and revenue
134  4.4 Financial instruments
141  4.5 Pensions
145  4.6 Share-based payments
146  4.7 Equity

148  Section 5 – Other notes

148  5.1 Related party transactions
149  5.2 Subsidiaries and associates
150  5.3 Five year review

151  Mitchells & Butlers plc Company financial 

statements

153  Notes to the Mitchells & Butlers plc 
Company financial statements

ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2019MITCHELLS & BUTLERS PLC 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
INDEPENDENT AUDITOR’S REPORT TO THE MEMBERS 
OF MITCHELLS & BUTLERS PLC

REPORT ON THE AUDIT OF THE 
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Opinion
In	our	opinion:

• the	financial	statements	of	Mitchells	&	Butlers	
plc	(the	‘Company’)	and	its	subsidiaries	(the	
‘Group’)	give	a	true	and	fair	view	of	the	state	of	
the	Group’s	and	of	the	Company’s	affairs	as	at	
28	September	2019	and	of	the	Group’s	profit	
for	the	52	weeks	then	ended;

• the	Group	financial	statements	have	been	
properly	prepared	in	accordance	with	
International	Financial	Reporting	Standards	
(IFRSs)	as	adopted	by	the	European	Union;
• the	Company	financial	statements	have	been	
properly	prepared	in	accordance	with	United	
Kingdom	Generally	Accepted	Accounting	
Practice,	including	Financial	Reporting	
Standard	101	‘Reduced	Disclosure	Framework’;	
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.

SUMMARY OF OUR AUDIT APPROACH

We	have	audited	the	financial	statements	
which	comprise:

• the	Group	income	statement;
• the	Group	statement	of	comprehensive	

income;

• the	Group	and	Company	balance	sheets;
• the	Group	and	Company	statements	of	

changes	in	equity;

• the	Group	cash	flow	statement;
• the	related	notes	1	to	5	of	Group	financial	

statements;	and

• the	related	notes	1	to	10	of	the	Company	

financial	statements

The	financial	reporting	framework	that	has	been	
applied	in	the	preparation	of	the	Group	financial	
statements	is	applicable	law	and	IFRSs	as	adopted	
by	the	European	Union.	The	financial	reporting	
framework	that	has	been	applied	in	the	
preparation	of	the	Company	financial	statements	
is	applicable	law	and	United	Kingdom	Accounting	
Standards,	including	FRS	101	‘Reduced	
Disclosure	Framework’	(United	Kingdom	
Generally	Accepted	Accounting	Practice).

Basis for opinion
We	conducted	our	audit	in	accordance	with	
International	Standards	on	Auditing	(UK)	(ISAs	
(UK))	and	applicable	law.	Our	responsibilities	
under	those	standards	are	further	described	in	
the	auditor’s	responsibilities	for	the	audit	of	the	
financial	statements	section	of	our	report.	

We	are	independent	of	the	Group	and	the	
Company	in	accordance	with	the	ethical	
requirements	that	are	relevant	to	our	audit	of	
the	financial	statements	in	the	UK,	including	the	
Financial	Reporting	Council’s	(the	‘FRC’s’)	Ethical	
Standard	as	applied	to	listed	public	interest	
entities,	and	we	have	fulfilled	our	other	ethical	
responsibilities	in	accordance	with	these	
requirements.	We	confirm	that	the	non-audit	
services	prohibited	by	the	FRC’s	Ethical	Standard	
were	not	provided	to	the	Group	or	the	Company.

We	believe	that	the	audit	evidence	we	have	
obtained	is	sufficient	and	appropriate	to	provide	
a	basis	for	our	opinion.

Key audit matters

The	key	audit	matters	that	we	identified	in	the	current	year	were:

• Onerous	lease	provisions	
• Valuation	of	the	pub	estate	
• Compliance	with	debt	covenants	

Materiality

Scoping

The	materiality	that	we	used	for	the	Group	financial	statements	was	£9.65m	which	was	determined	on	
the	basis	of	approximately	5%	of	profit	before	tax	before	separately	disclosed	items.

A	full	scope	audit	has	been	performed	in	respect	of	the	UK	business,	consistent	with	2018.

Significant changes in our approach

There	have	been	no	changes	in	the	key	audit	matters	included	in	our	audit	report	since	2018.	This	is	
consistent	with	the	fact	that	the	operations	of	the	Group	are	largely	unchanged	from	the	previous	year.

Conclusions relating to going concern, principal risks and viability statement
Going concern
We	have	reviewed	the	Directors’	statement	in	Section	1	to	the	financial	statements	about	whether	they	considered	it	appropriate	to	
adopt	the	going	concern	basis	of	accounting	in	preparing	them	and	their	identification	of	any	material	uncertainties	to	the	Group’s	and	
Company’s	ability	to	continue	to	do	so	over	a	period	of	at	least	twelve	months	from	the	date	of	approval	of	the	financial	statements.

We	confirm	that	we	
have	nothing	material	
to	report,	add	or	draw	
attention	to	in	respect	
of	these	matters.

We	considered	as	part	of	our	risk	assessment	the	nature	of	the	Group,	its	business	model	and	related	risks	including	where	relevant	
the	impact	of	Brexit,	the	requirements	of	the	applicable	financial	reporting	framework	and	the	system	of	internal	control.	We	
evaluated	the	Directors’	assessment	of	the	Group’s	ability	to	continue	as	a	going	concern,	including	challenging	the	underlying	data	
and	key	assumptions	used	to	make	the	assessment,	and	evaluated	the	Directors’	plans	for	future	actions	in	relation	to	their	going	
concern	assessment.

We	are	required	to	state	whether	we	have	anything	material	to	add	or	draw	attention	to	in	relation	to	that	statement	required	by	
Listing	Rule	9.8.6R(3)	and	report	if	the	statement	is	materially	inconsistent	with	our	knowledge	obtained	in	the	audit.

Principal risks and viability statement
Based	solely	on	reading	the	Directors’	statements	and	considering	whether	they	were	consistent	with	the	knowledge	we	obtained	
in	the	course	of	the	audit,	including	the	knowledge	obtained	in	the	evaluation	of	the	Directors’	assessment	of	the	Group’s	and	the	
Company’s	ability	to	continue	as	a	going	concern,	we	are	required	to	state	whether	we	have	anything	material	to	add	or	draw	
attention	to	in	relation	to:

We	confirm	that	we	
have	nothing	material	
to	report,	add	or	draw	
attention	to	in	respect	
of	these	matters.

• the	disclosures	on	pages	40–45	that	describe	the	principal	risks	and	explain	how	they	are	being	managed	or	mitigated;
• the	Directors’	confirmation	on	page	40	that	they	have	carried	out	a	robust	assessment	of	the	principal	risks	facing	the	Group,

including	those	that	would	threaten	its	business	model,	future	performance,	solvency	or	liquidity;	or

• the	Directors’	explanation	on	page	45	as	to	how	they	have	assessed	the	prospects	of	the	Group,	over	what	period	they	have	done	
so	and	why	they	consider	that	period	to	be	appropriate,	and	their	statement	as	to	whether	they	have	a	reasonable	expectation	that	
the	Group	will	be	able	to	continue	in	operation	and	meet	its	liabilities	as	they	fall	due	over	the	period	of	their	assessment,	including	
any	related	disclosures	drawing	attention	to	any	necessary	qualifications	or	assumptions.

We	are	also	required	to	report	whether	the	Directors’	statement	relating	to	the	prospects	of	the	Group	required	by	Listing	Rule	
9.8.6R(3)	is	materially	inconsistent	with	our	knowledge	obtained	in	the	audit.

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ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2019MITCHELLS & BUTLERS PLCSTRATEGIC REPORTGOVERNANCEFINANCIAL STATEMENTSOTHER INFORMATION	
INDEPENDENT AUDITOR’S REPORT TO THE MEMBERS 
OF MITCHELLS & BUTLERS PLC CONTINUED

KEY AUDIT MATTERS
Key	audit	matters	are	those	matters	that,	in	our	professional	judgement,	were	of	most	significance	in	our	audit	of	the	financial	statements	of	the	current	period	
and	include	the	most	significant	assessed	risks	of	material	misstatement	(whether	or	not	due	to	fraud)	that	we	identified.	These	matters	included	those	which	
had	the	greatest	effect	on:	the	overall	audit	strategy,	the	allocation	of	resources	in	the	audit;	and	directing	the	efforts	of	the	engagement	team.

These	matters	were	addressed	in	the	context	of	our	audit	of	the	financial	statements	as	a	whole,	and	in	forming	our	opinion	thereon,	and	we	do	not	provide	
a	separate	opinion	on	these	matters.

Key audit matter description
Onerous lease provisions 
As	set	out	in	section	3.3,	property	provisions	are	
£36m	(2018	£43m)	of	which	£34.7m	(2018	£41.9m)	
relates	to	onerous	lease	provisions.	The	accounting	
policy	and	the	critical	accounting	judgement	in	
relation	to	property	provisions	are	set	out	in	
section	3.3.	

The	Audit	Committee’s	discussion	of	this	key	audit	
matter	is	set	out	on	page	74.

Loss-making	short	leasehold	properties	are	
reviewed	by	management	to	determine	whether	an	
onerous	lease	provision	is	required.	Judgements	in	
relation	to	expected	trading	levels,	the	appropriate	
lease	term	over	which	to	provide,	the	impact	of	
expansionary	capital,	the	potential	opportunity	to	
exit	the	leases	early	and	the	appropriate	discount	
rate	to	use	are	applied	when	assessing	the	level	of	
onerous	lease	provision	required.	Therefore,	we	
have	identified	a	potential	risk	of	fraud	in	this	key	
audit	matter.

Focus areas
Given	the	size	of	the	leasehold	estate	there	is	a	risk	
that	where	a	site	is	underperforming,	the	cash	flows	
generated	may	not	be	adequate	to	cover	future	
lease	obligations,	resulting	in	the	requirement	for	
an	onerous	lease	provision	for	the	unavoidable	cash	
outflows	on	loss	making	properties.	We	focused	on	
the	valuation	and	completeness	of	the	onerous	
lease	provision	by	assessing	the	judgements	used	
in	arriving	at	the	level	of	the	provision	for	each	site.	
Furthermore,	we	also	focused	on	sites	where	
a	turnaround	or	exit	plan	is	in	place.

How the scope of our audit responded to the key audit matter

Key observations

We	consider	that	the	onerous	
lease	provision	is	within	a	
reasonable	range	and	that	the	
presentation	of	the	movements	
in	the	onerous	lease	provision	
is	in	accordance	with	IAS	1.

We	performed	the	following	procedures	to	respond	to	the	key	
audit	matter:

• we	assessed	the	appropriateness	of	the	classification	of	property	

provisions	provided	in	the	period	as	a	before	separately	
disclosed	item	in	accordance	with	IAS	1	Presentation	of	
Financial	Statements;

• we	checked	that	all	leasehold	sites	were	considered	in	

management’s	process	to	identify	sites	which	were	potentially	
subject	to	onerous	lease	provisions;

• where	onerous	lease	provisions	have	not	been	recognised,	
despite	historical	results	indicating	that	a	provision	may	be	
required,	we	obtained	evidence	to	support	management’s	
assertion	that	properties	can	be	successfully	turned	around.	
This	included	assessing	the	success	of	previous	actions	
undertaken	by	management	to	turnaround	similar	sites;
• we	tested	a	sample	of	loss	making	short	leasehold	and	

unlicensed	properties	to	challenge	management’s	estimate	of	
the	unavoidable	cash	outflows	on	loss	making	properties	that	are	
forecast	to	arise	from	these	properties	over	the	remaining	term	
of	the	lease;

• we	assessed	the	appropriateness	of	forecast	EBITDAs	taking	into	
consideration	the	cost	saving	and	sales	opportunities	identified	
by	management	following	a	benchmarking	exercise.	This	
included	performing	a	retrospective	review	of	forecasting	
accuracy	for	those	properties	included	in	the	2018	
benchmarking	exercise;

• we	tested	the	integrity	of	the	information	used	within	the	

onerous	lease	provision	calculation	by	agreeing	inputs	back	to	
source	data	including	historical	results,	and	rental	commitments;	
and

• we	assessed	the	appropriateness	of	the	risk	free	discount	rate	
used	through	comparison	to	appropriate	external	benchmarks.	

Additionally,	we	tested	the	controls	in	relation	to	the	calculation	of	
the	onerous	lease	provision	for	properties	where	current	period	
EBITDA	is	used	as	a	proxy	for	future	cash	flows	arising	from	
properties.	The	controls	tested	covered	management’s	review	of:

• the	completeness	and	accuracy	of	the	inputs	into	the	onerous	

lease	provision	model;	and	

• the	key	assumptions	used	in	determining	the	provision	to	

be	recognised.	

100

ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2019MITCHELLS & BUTLERS PLCHow the scope of our audit responded to the key audit matter

Key observations

We	are	in	agreement	with	
the	methodology	chosen	and	
the	assumptions	adopted	to	
revalue	the	pub	estate.	We	
consider	the	determination	of	
fair	maintainable	trading	levels	
to	be	at	the	conservative	end	
of	the	range.	We	concur	that	
the	valuations	are	suitable	for	
inclusion	in	the	financial	
statements.

We	worked	with	our	property	valuation	specialists	and	
management’s	external	advisers	to	challenge	the	methodology	and	
underlying	assumptions	used	in	the	freehold	and	long	leasehold	
pub	estate	valuation.	This	included:	

• confirming	the	appropriateness	of	the	estimated	fair	maintainable	

trading	levels	being	used	to	value	the	properties;

• obtaining	evidence	to	support	the	appropriateness	of	the	
valuations	of	the	inspected	estate	when	benchmarked	to	
transaction	activity	in	the	licensed	retail	property	market.	In	
particular	we	considered	the	agreed	terms	of	the	sales	of	Greene	
King	plc	and	Ei	Group	plc	during	2019	and	the	associated	impact	
on	the	valuation	of	the	Group’s	properties;

• testing	the	application	of	the	multiple	derived	from	the	valuation	

of	inspected	properties	to	the	rest	of	the	estate;	

• obtaining	evidence	to	support	the	future	projected	income	used	
in	the	impairment	reviews	for	freehold	and	long	leasehold	sites	
which	have	been	impacted	by	expansionary	capital	investment	
in	the	preceding	twelve	months.	This	included	performing	a	
retrospective	review	of	forecasting	accuracy	for	those	properties	
impacted	by	expansionary	capital	investment	in	the	past	three	
years;	and

• reviewing	the	appropriateness	and	completeness	of	any	spot	

valuations	made.

Additionally,	we	tested	controls	in	relation	to	the	valuation	of	the	
freehold	and	long	leasehold	estate.	The	controls	tested	covered	
management’s	review	of:	

• the	completeness	and	accuracy	of	the	key	inputs	into	the	

revaluation	model;

• the	key	judgements	made	in	relation	to	fair	maintainable	trading	

levels	and	multiples;	and	

• the	completeness	of	spot	valuations.

Key audit matter description
Valuation of the pub estate
As	set	out	in	section	3.1	the	value	of	the	estate	is	
£4,528m	(2018	£4,426m).

Freehold and long leasehold
The	accounting	policy	adopted,	critical	accounting	
judgements	applied	and	key	sources	of	estimation	
uncertainty	are	described	in	section	3.1	to	the	
financial	statements.

The	Audit	Committee’s	discussion	of	this	key	audit	
matter	is	set	out	on	page	74.

This	is	considered	to	be	a	key	audit	matter	due	
to	the	judgements	inherent	within	the	valuation	
exercise	and	the	range	of	acceptable	judgements.	
The	total	net	book	value	of	revalued	properties	as	
at	28	September	2019	is	£4,343m	(2018	£4,230m).	
The	revaluation	exercise	performed	in	the	year	has	
resulted	in	a	net	increase	of	£87m	versus	carrying	
value	(2018	£33m	decrease),	which	includes	an	
impairment	charge	of	£4m	(2018	£28m)	recognised	
in	the	income	statement.	The	Group’s	accounting	
policy	sets	out	that	the	market	value	is	determined	
using	factors	such	as	estimated	fair	maintainable	
trading	levels	and	estimated	multiples	which	
are	derived	for	each	of	the	Group’s	trading	brands.	
Approximately	20%	of	the	freehold	and	long	
leasehold	estate	has	been	inspected	by	the	
Group’s	external	valuers,	with	the	result	of	the	
inspection	informing	the	brand	standard	multiples	
which	are	then	extrapolated	across	the	remainder	
of	the	estate.	

In	specific	circumstances	where	this	approach	does	
not	fairly	represent	the	underlying	value	of	the	
property,	for	example	if	a	site	is	loss	making,	a	spot	
valuation	is	applied.	

Where	sites	have	been	impacted	by	expansionary	
capital	investment	in	the	preceding	12	months,	fair	
maintainable	trade	is	taken	as	the	post	investment	
forecast.	Sites	that	have	been	open	for	more	than	
three	periods	(2018	three	periods)	are	reviewed	
for	impairment.

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ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2019MITCHELLS & BUTLERS PLCSTRATEGIC REPORTGOVERNANCEFINANCIAL STATEMENTSOTHER INFORMATIONINDEPENDENT AUDITOR’S REPORT TO THE MEMBERS 
OF MITCHELLS & BUTLERS PLC CONTINUED

Key audit matter description
Valuation of the pub estate continued
Short leasehold
The	accounting	policy	adopted	and	judgements	
used	are	described	in	section	3.1	to	the	financial	
statements.	

The	total	value	of	short	leasehold	properties	as	at	
28	September	2019	is	£157m	(2018	£156m).	
Judgements	in	relation	to	expected	trading	levels,	
whether	the	site	has	the	potential	to	be	turned	
around	and	discount	rates	are	applied	when	
calculating	short	leasehold	property	impairments.	
The	Group	recorded	an	impairment	charge	of	£7m	
(2018	£15m)	in	the	year,	offset	by	reversal	of	past	
impairments	of	£2m	(2018	£nil).

Focus areas
Given	the	amounts	capitalised	and	the	risk	
associated	across	the	freehold,	long	leasehold	and	
short	leasehold	sites	we	have	focused	our	
procedures	on	the	assessment	made	by	
management	of:

• the	appropriateness	of	the	fair	maintainable	

trading	levels	and	brand	multiple	assumptions	
applied	to	the	freehold	and	long	leasehold	estate	
on	a	site	by	site	basis;

• the	valuation	of	freehold	and	long	leasehold	sites	
impacted	by	expansionary	capital,	challenging	
the	need	for	any	impairment	of	property,	plant	
and	equipment	required	at	an	individual	outlet	
level;	and

• the	requirement	for	any	impairment	in	respect	
of	the	property,	plant	and	equipment	held	in	
the	short	leasehold	estate	at	an	individual	
outlet	level.

In	addition,	due	to	the	level	of	subjective	
judgements	involved	in	respect	of	multiple	and	
fair	maintainable	trade	assumptions	which	are	
inherently	uncertain,	we	have	identified	a	potential	
risk	of	fraud	in	this	key	audit	matter.

How the scope of our audit responded to the key audit matter

Key observations

We	challenged	the	assumptions	used	by	management	within	the	
impairment	reviews	performed	for	the	short	leasehold	estate.	
This	included:

• obtaining	evidence	to	support	management’s	assertion	that	

short	leasehold	properties	can	be	successfully	turned	around	
where	properties	have	not	been	impaired	due	to	management’s	
expectation	that	the	performance	of	the	properties	will	improve.	
This	included	obtaining	evidence	to	support	management’s	
turnaround	plans	and	performance	of	a	retrospective	review	
considering	the	success	of	historic	turnaround	plans;

• we	tested	a	sample	of	loss	making	short	leasehold	properties	to	
challenge	management’s	estimate	of	the	cash	flows	that	are	
forecast	to	arise	from	these	properties	over	the	remaining	term	
of	the	lease;

• we	assessed	the	appropriateness	of	forecast	EBITDAs	taking	into	
consideration	the	cost	saving	and	sales	opportunities	identified	
by	management	following	a	benchmarking	exercise.	This	
included	performing	a	retrospective	review	of	forecasting	
accuracy	for	those	properties	included	in	the	2018	
benchmarking	exercise;

• testing	the	integrity	of	the	information	used	within	the	model	by	
agreeing	inputs	back	to	source	data	including	historical	results	
and	lease	terms;	and

• assessing	the	appropriateness	of	the	discount	rate	through	

recalculation	and	performing	sensitivity	analysis.	

Additionally,	we	tested	controls	in	relation	to	the	short	leasehold	
impairment	review.	The	controls	tested	covered	management’s	
reviews	of:

• the	completeness	and	accuracy	of	the	inputs	into	the	short	

leasehold	impairment	model;	and

• the	key	assumptions	used	in	determining	the	impairment	

to	recognise.	

102

ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2019MITCHELLS & BUTLERS PLCKey audit matter description
Compliance with debt covenants 
The	primary	source	of	borrowing	for	the	Group	is	
secured	loan	notes	of	£1,752m	at	28	September	
2019	(2018	£1,830m).	This	debt	is	secured	on	the	
majority	of	the	properties	owned	by	the	Group	
(properties	held	within	a	subsidiary	company,	
Mitchells	&	Butlers	Retail	Limited).	The	Group	also	
has	£150m	of	unsecured	credit	facilities.	There	are	
covenants	attached	to	both	the	secured	loan	notes	
and	the	unsecured	revolving	credit	facilities.

The	industry	continues	to	face	inflationary	cost	
pressures.	In	addition,	there	is	uncertainty	around	
the	terms	and	timing	of	the	United	Kingdom’s	exit	
from	the	European	Union,	and	the	outcome	of	the	
general	election	on	12	December	2019.	We	
therefore	identified	that	the	forecasting	of	EBITDA	
during	the	going	concern	period	is	subject	to	
significant	judgements	and	estimates.	

The	key	risk	identified	is	the	Group’s	ability	to	meet	
the	forecasted	EBITDA	over	the	going	concern	
period	for	the	financial	covenants	attached	to	the	
secured	loan	notes.	This	test	is	measured	at	each	
quarter	end	date,	in	respect	of	the	previous	two	
quarters	and	the	previous	year,	for	Mitchells	&	
Butlers	Retail	Limited.

Debt	covenants	are	further	disclosed	within	Note	
4.2	of	the	Group	financial	statements,	as	well	as	
being	disclosed	on	page	48.

The	Audit	Committee’s	discussion	of	this	key	audit	
matter	is	set	out	on	page	74.

How the scope of our audit responded to the key audit matter

Key observations

We	concur	with	management’s	
assumptions	in	relation	to	the	
going	concern	status	of	the	
Group	and	the	resulting	going	
concern	disclosures.

We	performed	the	following	procedures	to	respond	to	the	key	
audit	matter:

• obtained	an	understanding	of	controls	in	relation	to	the	

management	review	of	the	budget	and	forecast	covenant	
compliance;

• reviewed	management’s	going	concern	assessment,	by	

challenging	management	to	understand	the	key	drivers	forming	
the	basis	of	the	EBITDA	forecasts	and	challenging	the	
assumptions	used	in	the	base	case	scenario	using	industry	
forecasts,	historical	performance	and	our	understanding	of	
the	business;	

• challenged	the	appropriateness	of	the	reasonably	possible	

sensitivities	used	in	management’s	downside	scenario	over	the	
going	concern	period;

• reviewed	and	challenged	management’s	key	assumptions	
by	reference	to	independent	industry	sources	and	relevant	
supporting	evidence	and	sensitising	the	impact	these	have	on	
management’s	assessment	of	profitability;

• considered	the	feasibility	of	the	mitigating	actions	that	
management	have	at	their	disposal	should	the	financial	
covenants	be	close	to	being	breached;	and	

• reviewed	the	disclosures	on	going	concern	to	confirm	that	they	
are	consistent	with	the	knowledge	we	have	acquired	during	
the	course	of	our	audit	and	to	confirm	that	the	disclosures	are	
consistent	with	the	overall	requirement	for	the	Annual	Report	
to	be	fair,	balanced	and	understandable.

OUR APPLICATION OF MATERIALITY
We	define	materiality	as	the	magnitude	of	misstatement	in	the	financial	statements	that	makes	it	probable	that	the	economic	decisions	of	a	reasonably	
knowledgeable	person	would	be	changed	or	influenced.	We	use	materiality	both	in	planning	the	scope	of	our	audit	work	and	in	evaluating	the	results	of
our	work.	

Based	on	our	professional	judgement,	we	determined	materiality	for	the	financial	statements	as	a	whole	as	follows:

Materiality

Basis for determining 
materiality

Group financial statements
£9.65m	(2018	£8.8m)

Approximately	5%	(2018	5%)	of	profit	before	tax	adjusted	for	net	profit	arising	on	
property	disposals,	movements	in	the	valuation	of	the	property	portfolio	and	past	
service	cost	in	relation	to	the	defined	benefit	pension	scheme	obligation.	Adjusted	
items	relate	to	separately	disclosed	items	in	note	2.2	(2018	profit	before	tax	
adjusted	for	net	profit	arising	on	property	disposals,	movements	in	the	valuation	
of	the	property	portfolio	and	separately	disclosed	pension	legal	costs).

Company financial statements
£9.3m	(2018	£8.5m)

Parent	company	materiality	equates	to	
0.5%	of	net	assets	(2018	0.4%),	which	
is	capped	at	96%	of	Group	materiality	
(2018	97%).

Rationale for the 
benchmark applied

Profit	before	tax	before	separately	disclosed	items	is	a	key	measure	used	by	the	
Group	in	reporting	its	results	to	allow	a	better	understanding	of	the	adjusted	trading	
of	the	Group	and	is	also	a	key	measure	considered	by	users	of	the	accounts.

The	parent	company	does	not	trade	so	
materiality	has	been	determined	using	
net	assets.

Adjusted PBT £197m

1

2

2. Group 
  materiality 
  £9.65m

1. Profit before tax 
  before separately 
  disclosed items

103

Statutory materiality 
range £9.30m to 
£0.10m

Audit Committee 
reporting threshold 
£0.465m

ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2019MITCHELLS & BUTLERS PLCSTRATEGIC REPORTGOVERNANCEFINANCIAL STATEMENTSOTHER INFORMATION	
INDEPENDENT AUDITOR’S REPORT TO THE MEMBERS 
OF MITCHELLS & BUTLERS PLC CONTINUED

We	set	performance	materiality	at	a	level	lower	
than	materiality	to	reduce	the	probability	that,	
in	aggregate,	uncorrected	and	undetected	
misstatements	exceed	the	materiality	for	the	
financial	statements	as	a	whole.	Group	
performance	materiality	was	set	at	70%	of	
Group	materiality	for	the	2019	audit	(2018	70%).	
In	determining	performance	materiality,	
we	considered	factors	including:

• our	risk	assessment,	including	our	assessment	
of	the	Group’s	overall	control	environment	and	
that	we	consider	it	appropriate	to	rely	on	
controls	over	key	business	processes;	and
• our	past	experience	of	the	audit,	which	has	
indicated	a	low	number	of	corrected	and	
uncorrected	misstatements	identified	in	
prior	periods.

We	agreed	with	the	Audit	Committee	that	we	
would	report	to	the	Committee	all	audit	
differences	in	excess	of	£465,000	(2018	
£440,000),	as	well	as	differences	below	that	
threshold	that,	in	our	view,	warranted	reporting	
on	qualitative	grounds.	We	also	report	to	the	
Audit	Committee	on	disclosure	matters	that	we	
identified	when	assessing	the	overall	presentation	
of	the	financial	statements.

AN OVERVIEW OF THE SCOPE OF 
OUR AUDIT
Our	Group	audit	was	scoped	by	obtaining	an	
understanding	of	the	Group	and	its	environment,	
including	Group-wide	controls,	and	assessing	the	
risks	of	material	misstatement	at	the	Group	level.	
Based	on	that	assessment,	we	performed	a	full	
scope	audit	in	respect	of	the	UK	retail	operating	
business	which	accounts	for	99%	(2018	99%)	of	
the	Group’s	total	assets,	96%	(2018	96%)	of	
revenue	and	96%	(2018	96%)	of	operating	profit.	
This	audit	work	was	performed	directly	by	the	
Group	audit	engagement	team,	who	also	tested	
the	consolidation	process.	Given	the	relative	size	
of	the	German	business	(‘ALEX’)	we	consider	the	
UK	business	provides	sufficient	audit	assurance	
over	the	Group	balances.	This	approach	is	
consistent	with	2018.	At	the	parent	entity	level	
we	also	tested	the	consolidation	process,	as	well	
as	the	Company	balance	sheet	to	parent	
company	materiality.

Our	audit	work	on	the	UK	business	was	executed	
at	levels	of	materiality	applicable	to	each	individual	
entity	which	were	lower	than	Group	materiality	
and	ranged	from	£0.1m	to	£9.3m	(2018	£1	
to	£8.5m).

Revenue
Profit	before	tax
Net	assets

Full audit 
scope
96%
96%
99%

Review at 
Group level
4%
4%
1%

Our consideration of the control 
environment
The	Group	uses	JDE	Enterprise	for	financial	
reporting	in	all	of	its	legal	entities.	We	utilised	our	
IT	specialists	to	assess	key	controls	over	the	JDE	
Enterprise	system,	plus	other	key	IT	systems	
relevant	to	our	audit	including	Stock	Wastage	
System,	STEP,	Aztec,	Data	Warehouses,	Robot	
Scheduler,	Sterling	and	Biztalk	and	the	supporting	
infrastructure	for	these	applications.

Over	the	course	of	the	year,	management	have	
undertaken	an	exercise	to	further	strengthen	the	
IT	environment,	which	resulted	in	a	number	of	
new	controls	being	implemented	during	the	year.	
We	performed	additional	procedures,	through	
a	combination	of	review	of	mitigating	controls	in	
place	and	exposure	testing,	to	mitigate	IT	audit	
risks	where	new	controls	had	not	been	in	place	
for	the	full	year,	or	are	due	to	be	implemented	
post	year-end,	for	example,	reviewing	system	
logs	to	determine	whether	there	had	been	any	
inappropriate	access	during	the	year.	We	were	
able	to	mitigate	all	identified	IT	audit	risks	
relevant	to	our	audit	through	a	combination	of	
operating	effectiveness	testing	of	controls	and	
additional	procedures.

In	responding	to	the	assessed	risks	of	material	
misstatement,	the	audit	engagement	team	placed	
reliance	on	the	operating	effectiveness	of	the	
Group’s	controls	in	relation	to	revenue,	food	and	
drink	expenditure,	property,	plant	and	equipment	
return	generating	capital	expenditure,	depreciation,	
onerous	lease	provisions	and	the	valuation	of	the	
pub	estate.	

OTHER INFORMATION
The	Directors	are	responsible	for	the	other	
information.	The	other	information	comprises	the	
information	included	in	the	Annual	Report,	other	
than	the	financial	statements	and	our	auditor’s	
report	thereon.

Our	opinion	on	the	financial	statements	does	not	
cover	the	other	information	and,	except	to	the	
extent	otherwise	explicitly	stated	in	our	report,	
we	do	not	express	any	form	of	assurance	
conclusion	thereon.

In	connection	with	our	audit	of	the	financial	
statements,	our	responsibility	is	to	read	the	other	
information	and,	in	doing	so,	consider	whether	
the	other	information	is	materially	inconsistent	
with	the	financial	statements	or	our	knowledge	
obtained	in	the	audit	or	otherwise	appears	to	be	
materially	misstated.

If	we	identify	such	material	inconsistencies	or	
apparent	material	misstatements,	we	are	required	
to	determine	whether	there	is	a	material	
misstatement	in	the	financial	statements	or	a	
material	misstatement	of	the	other	information.	
If,	based	on	the	work	we	have	performed,	we	
conclude	that	there	is	a	material	misstatement	of	
this	other	information,	we	are	required	to	report	
that	fact.

In	this	context,	matters	that	we	are	specifically	
required	to	report	to	you	as	uncorrected	material	
misstatements	of	the	other	information	include	
where	we	conclude	that:

• Fair, balanced and understandable	–	the	
statement	given	by	the	Directors	that	they	
consider	the	Annual	Report	and	financial	
statements	taken	as	a	whole	is	fair,	balanced	
and	understandable	and	provides	the	
information	necessary	for	shareholders	to	
assess	the	Group’s	position	and	performance,	
business	model	and	strategy,	is	materially	
inconsistent	with	our	knowledge	obtained	
in	the	audit;	or

• Audit Committee reporting	–	the	section	

describing	the	work	of	the	Audit	Committee	
does	not	appropriately	address	matters	
communicated	by	us	to	the	Audit	Committee;	
or

• Directors’ statement of compliance with the 
UK Corporate Governance Code	–	the	parts	
of	the	Directors’	statement	required	under	
the	Listing	Rules	relating	to	the	Company’s	
compliance	with	the	UK	Corporate	
Governance	Code	containing	provisions	
specified	for	review	by	the	auditor	in	
accordance	with	Listing	Rule	9.8.10R(2)	do	
not	properly	disclose	a	departure	from	
a	relevant	provision	of	the	UK	Corporate	
Governance	Code.

We have nothing to report in respect 
of these matters.

RESPONSIBILITIES OF DIRECTORS
As	explained	more	fully	in	the	Directors’	
responsibilities	statement,	the	Directors	are	
responsible	for	the	preparation	of	the	financial	
statements	and	for	being	satisfied	that	they	give	
a	true	and	fair	view,	and	for	such	internal	control	
as	the	Directors	determine	is	necessary	to	enable	
the	preparation	of	financial	statements	that	are	
free	from	material	misstatement,	whether	due	to	
fraud	or	error.

In	preparing	the	financial	statements,	the	
Directors	are	responsible	for	assessing	the	
Group’s	and	the	Company’s	ability	to	continue	as	
a	going	concern,	disclosing	as	applicable,	matters	
related	to	going	concern	and	using	the	going	
concern	basis	of	accounting	unless	the	Directors	
either	intend	to	liquidate	the	Group	or	the	
Company	or	to	cease	operations,	or	have	no	
realistic	alternative	but	to	do	so.

AUDITOR’S RESPONSIBILITIES FOR THE 
AUDIT OF THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Our	objectives	are	to	obtain	reasonable	assurance	
about	whether	the	financial	statements	as	a	whole	
are	free	from	material	misstatement,	whether	due	
to	fraud	or	error,	and	to	issue	an	auditor’s	report	
that	includes	our	opinion.	Reasonable	assurance	
is	a	high	level	of	assurance,	but	is	not	a	guarantee	
that	an	audit	conducted	in	accordance	with	ISAs	
(UK)	will	always	detect	a	material	misstatement	
when	it	exists.	Misstatements	can	arise	from	
fraud	or	error	and	are	considered	material	if,	
individually	or	in	the	aggregate,	they	could	
reasonably	be	expected	to	influence	the	
economic	decisions	of	users	taken	on	the	basis	
of	these	financial	statements.

104

ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2019MITCHELLS & BUTLERS PLCDetails	of	the	extent	to	which	the	audit	was	
considered	capable	of	detecting	irregularities,	
including	fraud,	are	set	out	below.

A	further	description	of	our	responsibilities	for	
the	audit	of	the	financial	statements	is	located	
on	the	FRC’s	website	at:	www.frc.org.uk/
auditorsresponsibilities.	This	description	forms	
part	of	our	auditor’s	report.

EXTENT TO WHICH THE AUDIT WAS 
CONSIDERED CAPABLE OF DETECTING 
IRREGULARITIES, INCLUDING FRAUD
We	identify	and	assess	the	risks	of	material	
misstatement	of	the	financial	statements,	whether	
due	to	fraud	or	error,	and	then	design	and	
perform	audit	procedures	responsive	to	those	
risks,	including	obtaining	audit	evidence	that	is	
sufficient	and	appropriate	to	provide	a	basis	for	
our	opinion.

Identifying and assessing potential risks 
related to irregularities
In	identifying	and	assessing	risks	of	material	
misstatement	in	respect	of	irregularities,	
including	fraud	and	non-compliance	with	laws	
and	regulations,	our	procedures	included	
the	following:

• enquiring	of	management,	Group	Assurance,	
in-house	legal	counsel	including	the	Company	
Secretary	and	General	Counsel,	and	the	Audit	
Committee,	including	obtaining	and	reviewing	
supporting	documentation,	concerning	the	
Group’s	policies	and	procedures	relating	to:
	− identifying,	evaluating	and	complying	with	

laws	and	regulations	and	whether	they	were	
aware	of	any	instances	of	non-compliance;

	− detecting	and	responding	to	the	risks	of	

fraud	and	whether	they	have	knowledge	of	
any	actual,	suspected	or	alleged	fraud;
	− the	internal	controls	established	to	mitigate	

risks	related	to	fraud	or	non-compliance	with	
laws	and	regulations;

• discussing	among	the	engagement	team	and	

involving	relevant	internal	specialists,	including	
property,	tax,	pensions,	IT	and	financial	
instruments	specialists	regarding	how	and	
where	fraud	might	occur	in	the	financial	
statements	and	any	potential	indicators	of	
fraud.	As	part	of	this	discussion,	we	identified	
potential	for	fraud	in	the	following	areas:	
valuation	of	pub	estate,	onerous	lease	
provisions	and	compliance	with	debt	
covenants;	and

• obtaining	an	understanding	of	the	legal	and	

regulatory	framework	that	the	Group	operates	
in,	focusing	on	those	laws	and	regulations	that	
had	a	direct	effect	on	the	financial	statements	
or	that	had	a	fundamental	effect	on	the	
operations	of	the	Group.	The	key	laws	and	
regulations	we	considered	in	this	context	
included	the	UK	Companies	Act,	Listing	Rules,	
pensions	legislation,	tax	legislation,	data	
protection	regulations,	licensing	regulations,	
occupational	health	and	safety	regulations,	
responsible	drinking	regulations,	planning	and	
building	legislation	and	employment	legislation.

Audit response to risks identified
As	a	result	of	performing	the	above,	we	identified	
onerous	lease	provisions,	valuation	of	the	pub	
estate	and	compliance	with	debt	covenants	as	key	
audit	matters.	The	key	audit	matters	section	of	our	
report	explains	the	matters	in	more	detail	and	also	
describes	the	specific	procedures	we	performed	
in	response	to	those	key	audit	matters.

In	addition	to	the	above,	our	procedures	to	
respond	to	risks	identified	included	the	following:

• reviewing	the	financial	statement	disclosures	
and	testing	to	supporting	documentation	to	
assess	compliance	with	relevant	laws	and	
regulations	discussed	above;

• enquiring	of	management,	the	Audit	

Committee	and	in-house	legal	counsel	
concerning	actual	and	potential	litigation	
and	claims;

• performing	analytical	procedures	to	identify	
any	unusual	or	unexpected	relationships	that	
may	indicate	risks	of	material	misstatement	due	
to	fraud;

• reading	minutes	of	meetings	of	those	charged	
with	governance,	reviewing	Group	Assurance	
reports;	and

• in	addressing	the	risk	of	fraud	through	

management	override	of	controls,	testing	the	
appropriateness	of	journal	entries	and	other	
adjustments;	assessing	whether	the	
judgements	made	in	making	accounting	
estimates	are	indicative	of	a	potential	bias;	
and	evaluating	the	business	rationale	of	any	
significant	transactions	that	are	unusual	or	
outside	the	normal	course	of	business.

We	also	communicated	relevant	identified	laws	
and	regulations	and	potential	fraud	risks	to	all	
engagement	team	members,	including	internal	
specialists,	and	remained	alert	to	any	indications	
of	fraud	or	non-compliance	with	laws	and	
regulations	throughout	the	audit.

REPORT ON OTHER LEGAL AND 
REGULATORY REQUIREMENTS
Opinions 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.

In	our	opinion,	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.

In	the	light	of	the	knowledge	and	understanding	
of	the	Group	and	of	the	Company	and	their	
environment	obtained	in	the	course	of	the	audit,	
we	have	not	identified	any	material	misstatements	
in	the	Strategic	report	or	the	Directors’	report.

Matters on which we are required to 
report by exception
Adequacy of explanations received and 
accounting records
Under	the	Companies	Act	2006	we	are	required	
to	report	to	you	if,	in	our	opinion:

• we	have	not	received	all	the	information	and	
explanations	we	require	for	our	audit;	or
• adequate	accounting	records	have	not	been	
kept	by	the	Company,	or	returns	adequate	
for	our	audit	have	not	been	received	from	
branches	not	visited	by	us;	or

• the	Company	financial	statements	are	not	
in	agreement	with	the	accounting	records	
and	returns.

We have nothing to report in respect 
of these matters.

Directors’ remuneration
Under	the	Companies	Act	2006	we	are	also	
required	to	report	if	in	our	opinion	certain	
disclosures	of	Directors’	remuneration	have	
not	been	made	or	the	part	of	the	Directors’	
remuneration	report	to	be	audited	is	not	in	
agreement	with	the	accounting	records	
and	returns.

We have nothing to report in respect 
of these matters.

Other matters
Auditor tenure
Following	the	recommendation	of	the	Audit	
Committee,	we	were	appointed	by	the	Board	on	
10	February	2011	to	audit	the	financial	statements	
for	the	52	weeks	ending	24	September	2011	and	
subsequent	financial	periods.	The	period	of	total	
uninterrupted	engagement	including	previous	
renewals	and	reappointments	of	the	firm	is	nine	
years,	covering	the	years	ending	24	September	
2011	to	28	September	2019.

Consistency of the audit report with the 
additional report to the Audit Committee
Our	audit	opinion	is	consistent	with	the	additional	
report	to	the	Audit	Committee	we	are	required	to	
provide	in	accordance	with	ISAs	(UK).

USE OF OUR REPORT
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.

JOHN CHARLTON FCA 
(Senior	statutory	auditor)

For	and	on	behalf	of	Deloitte	LLP
Statutory	Auditor
London,	United	Kingdom

19	November	2019

105

ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2019MITCHELLS & BUTLERS PLCSTRATEGIC REPORTGOVERNANCEFINANCIAL STATEMENTSOTHER INFORMATIONGROUP INCOME STATEMENT 
FOR THE 52 WEEKS ENDED 28 SEPTEMBER 2019

Revenue
Operating costs before depreciation, 
amortisation and movements in the valuation 
of the property portfolio
Net profit arising on property disposals
EBITDAb
Depreciation, amortisation and movements 
in the valuation of the property portfolio
Operating profit
Finance costs
Finance revenue
Net pensions finance charge
Profit before tax

2019
52 weeks

Separately 
disclosed
itemsa
£m
–

Before 
separately 
disclosed
items 
£m
2,237 

(1,801)
– 
436 

(119)
317 
(114)
1 
(7)
197 

(19)
1
(18)

(2)
(20)
– 
– 
– 
(20)

Notes
2.1, 2.3

2.2, 2.3
2.2, 2.3

2.2, 2.3

4.3
4.3
4.3, 4.5

Total
£m
2,237 

(1,820)
1 
418

(121)
297 
(114)
1 
(7)
177 

Tax (charge)/credit

2.2, 2.4

(38)

4

(34)

Profit/(loss) for the period
Earnings per ordinary share
  – Basic
  – Diluted

159

(16)

143

2.5
2.5

37.2p
37.1p

33.5p
33.3p

34.1p
34.0p

2018
52 weeks

Separately 
disclosed
itemsa
£m
– 

(6) 
1 
(5) 

(43)
(48)
– 
– 
– 
(48)

7 

(41)

Before 
separately 
disclosed
items
£m
2,152

(1,730)
– 
422 

(119)
303 
(119)
1 
(7)
178 

(33)

145

Total
£m
2,152

(1,736)
1 
417

(162)
255 
(119)
1 
(7)
130 

(26)

104

24.5p
24.4p

a.  Separately disclosed items are explained and analysed in note 2.2.
b.  Earnings before interest, tax, depreciation, amortisation and movements in the valuation of the property portfolio.

The notes on pages 111 to 150 form an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

All results relate to continuing operations.

106

ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2019MITCHELLS & BUTLERS PLC 
 
GROUP STATEMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME 
FOR	THE	52	WEEKS	ENDED	28	SEPTEMBER	2019

Profit for the period
Items that will not be reclassified subsequently to profit or loss:
Unrealised	gain/(loss)	on	revaluation	of	the	property	portfolio
Remeasurement	of	pension	liability
Tax	relating	to	items	not	reclassified

Items that may be reclassified subsequently to profit or loss:
Cash	flow	hedges:
	 –	(Losses)/gains	arising	during	the	period
	 –	Reclassification	adjustments	for	items	included	in	profit	or	loss
Tax	relating	to	items	that	may	be	reclassified

Other comprehensive income after tax
Total comprehensive income for the period

The	notes	on	pages	111	to	150	form	an	integral	part	of	these	consolidated	financial	statements.

Notes

3.1
4.5
2.4

4.4
4.4
2.4

2019
52 weeks
£m
143

2018
52 weeks
£m
104	

84 
15 
(18)
81 

(81)
23 
10 
(48)
33 
176 

	(5)
5
–
–	

16	
34	
(8)
42	
42	
146	

107

ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2019MITCHELLS & BUTLERS PLCSTRATEGIC REPORTGOVERNANCEFINANCIAL STATEMENTSOTHER INFORMATIONNotes

3.4
3.1

3.5
2.4
4.4

3.2
3.2
4.1
4.1
4.4

4.5
3.2

4.2
4.4

4.5
4.2
4.4
2.4
3.3

4.7
4.7
4.7
4.7
4.7
4.7
4.7

2019
£m

14 
4,528 
1 
5 
66 
53 
4,667 
26 
63 
– 
133 
3 
225 
4,892

(50)
(327)
(12)
(95)
(36)
(520)
(165)
(1,657)
(266)
(301)
(36)
(2,425)
(2,945)
1,947

37 
26 
3 
1,267 
(4)
(250)
14 
854 
1,947

2018
£m

11	
4,426	
1	
5	
63	
44	
4,550	
26	
56	
120	
122	
4	
328	
4,878	

(49)
(302)
(9)
(233)
(37)
(630)
(200)
(1,744)
(207)
(285)
(43)
(2,479)
(3,109)
1,769	

37	
26	
3	
1,197	
(1)
(202)
14	
695	
1,769	

GROUP BALANCE SHEET 
28	SEPTEMBER	2019

Assets
Goodwill	and	other	intangible	assets
Property,	plant	and	equipment
Lease	premiums
Interests	in	associates
Deferred	tax	asset
Derivative	financial	instruments
Total non-current assets
Inventories
Trade	and	other	receivables
Other	cash	deposits
Cash	and	cash	equivalents
Derivative	financial	instruments
Total current assets
Total assets
Liabilities
Pension	liabilities
Trade	and	other	payables
Current	tax	liabilities
Borrowings
Derivative	financial	instruments
Total current liabilities
Pension	liabilities
Borrowings
Derivative	financial	instruments
Deferred	tax	liabilities
Provisions
Total non-current liabilities
Total liabilities
Net assets

Equity
Called	up	share	capital
Share	premium	account
Capital	redemption	reserve
Revaluation	reserve
Own	shares	held
Hedging	reserve
Translation	reserve
Retained	earnings
Total equity

The	notes	on	pages	111	to	150	form	an	integral	part	of	these	consolidated	financial	statements.

The	consolidated	financial	statements	were	approved	by	the	Board	and	authorised	for	issue	on	19	November	2019.

They	were	signed	on	its	behalf	by:

TIM JONES
Chief	Financial	Officer

108

ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2019MITCHELLS & BUTLERS PLCGROUP STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN EQUITY 
FOR	THE	52	WEEKS	ENDED	28	SEPTEMBER	2019

At 30 September 2017
Profit	for	the	period
Other	comprehensive	(expense)/income
Total comprehensive (expense)/
income
Share	capital	issued
Credit	in	respect	of	share-based	payments
Dividends	paid	
Revaluation	reserve	realised	on	disposal	
of	properties
Scrip	dividend	related	share	issue
At 29 September 2018
Profit	for	the	period
Other	comprehensive	income/(expense)
Total comprehensive income/
(expense)
Purchase	of	own	shares
Credit	in	respect	of	share-based	payments
Tax	on	share-based	payments
At 28 September 2019

Called
up share
capital
£m
36	
–	
–	

Share
premium
account
£m
26	
–	
–	

Capital
redemption
reserve
£m
3	
–	
–	

Revaluation
reserve
£m
1,202	
–	
(4)	

Own
shares
held
£m
(1)	
–	
–	

Hedging
reserve
£m
(244)
–	
42	

Translation
reserve
£m
14	
–	
–	

Retained
earnings
£m
590	
104	
4	

–	
–	
–	
–	

–	
1	
37	
–	
–	

–	
–	
–	
–	
37 

–	
1	
–	
–	

–	
(1)
26	
–	
–	

–	
–	
–	
–	
26 

–	
–	
–	
–	

–	
–	
3	
–	
–	

–	
–	
–	
–	
3 

(4)
–	
–	
–	

(1)
–	
1,197	
–	
70	

70	
–	
–	
–	
1,267 

–	
–	
–	
–	

–	
–	
(1)
–	
–	

–	
(3)
–	
–	
(4)

42	
–	
–	
–	

–	
–	
(202)
–	
(48)	

(48)	
–	
–	
–	
(250)

–	
–	
–	
–	

–	
–	
14	
–	
–	

–
–	
–	
–	
14 

108	
–	
3	
(7)

1	
–	
695	
143	
11	

154
–	
3	
2	
854 

Total
equity
£m
1,626	
104	
42	

146	
1	
3	
(7)

–	
–	
1,769	
143	
33	

176
(3)
3	
2	
1,947 

109

ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2019MITCHELLS & BUTLERS PLCSTRATEGIC REPORTGOVERNANCEFINANCIAL STATEMENTSOTHER INFORMATIONGROUP CASH FLOW STATEMENT 
FOR	THE	52	WEEKS	ENDED	28	SEPTEMBER	2019

Cash flow from operations
Operating	profit
Add	back:	adjusted	items	
Operating	profit	before	adjusted	items
Add	back:
Depreciation	of	property,	plant	and	equipment
Amortisation	of	intangibles
Cost	charged	in	respect	of	share-based	payments
Administrative	pension	costs	
Operating cash flow before adjusted items, movements  
in working capital and additional pension contributions
Increase	in	inventories
Increase	in	trade	and	other	receivables
Increase	in	trade	and	other	payables
Decrease	in	provisions
Additional	pension	contributions
Cash flow from operations before adjusted items
Cash	flow	from	adjusted	items
Interest	paid
Interest	received
Tax	paid
Net cash from operating activities
Investing activities
Purchases	of	property,	plant	and	equipment
Purchases	of	intangible	assets
Proceeds	from	sale	of	property,	plant	and	equipment
Acquisition	of	investment	in	associates
Transfers	from	other	cash	deposits
Net cash used in investing activities
Financing activities
Issue	of	ordinary	share	capital
Purchase	of	own	shares
Dividends	paid	(net	of	scrip	dividend)
Repayment	of	principal	in	respect	of	securitised	debt
Repayment	of	liquidity	facility
Net	movement	on	unsecured	revolving	credit	facilities
Net cash used in financing activities
Net increase/(decrease) in cash and cash equivalents
Cash	and	cash	equivalents	at	the	beginning	of	the	period
Cash and cash equivalents at the end of the period

The	notes	on	pages	111	to	150	form	an	integral	part	of	these	consolidated	financial	statements.

2019
52 weeks
£m

2018
52 weeks
£m

Notes

2.2

2.3
2.3
4.6
4.5

4.5

3.5

4.7
4.1
4.1
4.1

4.1

297 
20 
317 

116 
3 
3 
3 

442 
–
(9)
25 
(7)
(49)
402 
–
(113)
2 
(25)
266 

(147)
(5)
14 
– 
120
(18)

– 
(3)
– 
(87)
(147)
– 
(237)
11 
122
133 

255	
48
303	

116	
3	
3	
2	

427	
(1)	
(1)
4	
–
(48)
381	
(2)
(120)
1	
(20)
240	

(167)
(4)
5	
(5)
–	
(171)

1	
–
(7)
(82)
–
(6)
(94)
(25)
147	
122

110

ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2019MITCHELLS & BUTLERS PLCNOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
SECTION	1	–	BASIS	OF	PREPARATION

GENERAL INFORMATION
Mitchells	&	Butlers	plc	(the	Company)	is	a	public	
limited	company	limited	by	shares	and	is	
registered	in	England	and	Wales.	The	Company’s	
shares	are	listed	on	the	London	Stock	Exchange.	
The	address	of	the	Company’s	registered	office	is	
shown	on	page	149.

The	principal	activities	of	the	Company	and	its	
subsidiaries	(the	Group)	and	the	nature	of	the	
Group’s	operations	are	set	out	in	the	Strategic	
report	on	pages	10	to	49.	

The	Group	is	required	to	prepare	its	consolidated	
financial	statements	in	accordance	with	
International	Financial	Reporting	Standards	
(IFRSs)	as	adopted	by	the	European	Union	and	
in	accordance	with	the	Companies	Act	2006.

The	Group’s	accounting	reference	date	is	
30	September.	The	Group	draws	up	its	
consolidated	financial	statements	to	the	Saturday	
directly	before	or	following	the	accounting	
reference	date,	as	permitted	by	section	390	(3)	
of	the	Companies	Act	2006.	The	period	ended	
28	September	2019	and	the	comparative	period	
ended	29	September	2018	both	include	52	
trading	weeks.

The	consolidated	financial	statements	have	been	
prepared	on	the	historical	cost	basis	as	modified	
by	the	revaluation	of	properties,	pension	
obligations	and	financial	instruments.

The	Group’s	accounting	policies	have	been	
applied	consistently.

BASIS OF CONSOLIDATION
The	consolidated	financial	statements	incorporate	
the	financial	statements	of	Mitchells	&	Butlers	plc	
(‘the	Company’)	and	entities	controlled	by	the	
Company	(its	subsidiaries).	

Control	is	achieved	when	the	Company:

• has	the	power	over	the	investee;
• is	exposed,	or	has	rights,	to	variable	return	from	

its	involvement	with	the	investee;	and
• has	the	ability	to	use	its	power	to	affect	

its	returns.

The	Company	reassesses	whether	or	not	it	
controls	an	investee	if	facts	and	circumstances	
indicate	that	there	are	changes	to	one	or	more	of	
the	three	elements	of	control	listed	above.

When	the	Company	has	less	than	a	majority	of	
voting	rights	of	an	investee,	it	considers	that	it	has	
power	over	the	investee	when	the	voting	rights	
are	sufficient	to	give	it	the	practical	ability	to	direct	
the	relevant	activities	of	the	investee	unilaterally.	
The	Company	considers	all	relevant	facts	and	
circumstances	in	assessing	whether	or	not	the	
Company’s	voting	rights	in	an	investee	are	
sufficient	to	give	it	power,	including:

• the	size	of	the	Company’s	holding	of	voting	
rights	relative	to	the	size	and	dispersion	of	
holdings	of	the	other	vote	holders;

• potential	voting	rights	held	by	the	Company,	

other	vote	holders	or	parties;

• rights	arising	from	other	contractual	

arrangements;	and

• any	additional	facts	and	circumstances	that	
indicate	that	the	Company	has,	or	does	not	
have,	the	current	ability	to	direct	the	relevant	
activities	at	the	time	that	decisions	need	to	be	
made,	including	voting	patterns	at	the	previous	
shareholders’	meetings.

Consolidation	of	a	subsidiary	begins	when	the	
Company	obtains	control	over	the	subsidiary	
and	ceases	when	the	Company	loses	control	of	
the	subsidiary.	Specifically,	the	results	of	the	
subsidiaries	acquired	or	disposed	of	during	the	
year	are	included	in	the	Group	income	statement	
from	the	date	the	Company	gains	control	until	
the	date	when	the	Company	ceases	to	control	
the	subsidiary.	

The	financial	statements	of	the	subsidiaries	are	
prepared	for	the	same	financial	reporting	period	
as	the	Company.	Intercompany	transactions,	
balances	and	unrealised	gains	and	losses	on	
transactions	between	Group	companies	are	
eliminated	on	consolidation.

GOING CONCERN
The	Group’s	business	activities,	together	with	
the	factors	likely	to	affect	its	future	development,	
performance	and	position	are	set	out	in	the	
Strategic	report	on	pages	10	to	49.	The	financial	
position	of	the	Group,	its	cash	flows,	liquidity	
position	and	borrowing	facilities	are	also	
described	within	the	Finance	review.

Note	4.4	to	the	consolidated	financial	statements	
includes	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	
exposures	to	credit	risk	and	liquidity	risk.	
As	highlighted	in	note	4.2	to	the	consolidated	
financial	statements,	the	Group’s	financing	is	
based	upon	securitised	debt	and	unsecured	
borrowing	facilities.	

The	Directors	have,	at	the	time	of	approving	the	
consolidated	financial	statements,	a	reasonable	
expectation	that	the	Company	and	the	Group	
have	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	consolidated	
financial	statements.	In	addition,	the	Directors	
have	provided	a	review	of	long-term	viability	on	
page	45,	which	assesses	the	Group’s	ability	to	
continue	in	operation	and	meet	its	liabilities	as	
they	fall	due	over	a	three	year	period.

FOREIGN CURRENCIES
Transactions	in	foreign	currencies	are	recorded	
at	the	exchange	rates	ruling	on	the	dates	of	the	
transactions.	Monetary	assets	and	liabilities	
denominated	in	foreign	currencies	are	translated	
into	the	functional	currency	at	the	relevant	rates	of	
exchange	ruling	at	the	balance	sheet	date.	Foreign	
exchange	differences	arising	on	translation	are	
recognised	in	the	Group	income	statement.	
Non-monetary	assets	and	liabilities	are	measured	
at	cost	using	the	exchange	rate	on	the	date	of	the	
initial	transaction.

The	consolidated	financial	statements	are	
presented	in	pounds	sterling	(rounded	to	the	
nearest	million),	being	the	functional	currency	
of	the	primary	economic	environment	in	which	
the	parent	and	most	subsidiaries	operate.	On	
consolidation,	the	assets	and	liabilities	of	the	
Group’s	overseas	operations	are	translated	into	
sterling	at	the	relevant	rates	of	exchange	ruling	at	
the	balance	sheet	date.	The	results	of	overseas	
operations	are	translated	into	sterling	at	average	
rates	of	exchange	for	the	period.	Exchange	
differences	arising	from	the	translation	of	the	
results	and	the	retranslation	of	opening	net	assets	
denominated	in	foreign	currencies	are	taken	
directly	to	the	Group’s	translation	reserve.	When	
an	overseas	operation	is	sold,	such	exchange	
differences	are	recognised	in	the	Group	income	
statement	as	part	of	the	gain	or	loss	on	sale.

The	results	of	overseas	operations	have	been	
translated	into	sterling	at	the	weighted	average	
euro	rate	of	exchange	for	the	period	of	£1	=	€1.13	
(2018	£1	=	€1.13),	where	this	is	a	reasonable	
approximation	to	the	rate	at	the	dates	of	the	
transactions.	Euro	and	US	dollar	denominated	
assets	and	liabilities	have	been	translated	at	the	
relevant	rate	of	exchange	at	the	balance	sheet	
date	of	£1	=	€1.12	(2018	£1	=	€1.12)	and	
£1	=	$1.23	(2018	£1	=	$1.30)	respectively.

111

ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2019MITCHELLS & BUTLERS PLCSTRATEGIC REPORTGOVERNANCEFINANCIAL STATEMENTSOTHER INFORMATIONGeneral hedge accounting
The	new	general	hedge	accounting	requirements	
retain	the	three	types	of	hedge	accounting.	
However,	greater	flexibility	has	been	introduced	
to	the	types	of	transactions	eligible	for	hedge	
accounting,	specifically	broadening	the	types	of	
instruments	that	qualify	for	hedging	instruments	
and	the	types	of	risk	components	of	non-financial	
items	that	are	eligible	for	hedge	accounting.	In	
addition,	the	effectiveness	test	has	been	replaced	
with	the	principle	of	an	‘economic	relationship’.	
Retrospective	assessment	of	hedge	effectiveness	
is	no	longer	required.	Enhanced	disclosure	
requirements	about	the	Group’s	risk	management	
activities	have	also	been	introduced.

In	accordance	with	IFRS	9’s	transition	provisions	
for	hedge	accounting,	the	Group	has	applied	the	
IFRS	9	hedge	accounting	requirements	
prospectively	from	the	date	of	initial	application	
on	30	September	2018.	The	Group’s	qualifying	
hedging	relationships	in	place	as	at	this	date	also	
qualify	for	hedge	accounting	in	accordance	with	
IFRS	9	and	were	therefore	regarded	as	continuing	
hedging	relationships.	No	rebalancing	of	any	of	
the	hedging	relationships	was	necessary	on	initial	
application.	As	the	critical	terms	of	the	hedging	
instruments	match	those	of	their	corresponding	
hedged	items,	all	hedging	relationships	meet	
IFRS	9’s	effectiveness	assessment	requirements.	
The	Group	has	not	designated	any	hedging	
relationships	under	IFRS	9	that	would	not	have	
met	the	qualifying	hedge	accounting	criteria	
under	IAS	39.

IFRS	9	requires	hedging	gains	and	losses	to	be	
recognised	as	an	adjustment	to	the	initial	carrying	
amount	of	non-financial	hedged	items	(basis	
adjustment).	IFRS	9	clarifies	that	transfers	from	
the	hedging	reserve	to	the	initial	carrying	amount	
of	the	hedged	item	are	not	reclassification	
adjustments	under	IAS	1	Presentation	of	Financial	
Statements	and	hence	they	do	not	affect	other	
comprehensive	income.	Hedging	gains	and	losses	
subject	to	basis	adjustments	are	categorised	as	
amounts	that	will	not	be	subsequently	reclassified	
to	profit	or	loss	in	other	comprehensive	income.	
This	is	consistent	with	the	Group’s	practice	prior	
to	the	adoption	of	IFRS	9.

The	application	of	the	IFRS	9	hedge	accounting	
requirements	has	had	no	impact	on	the	results	
and	financial	position	of	the	Group	for	the	current	
and/or	prior	years.	Please	refer	to	note	4.4	for	
detailed	disclosures	regarding	the	Group’s	risk	
management	activities.

Overall IFRS 9 impact
The	application	of	IFRS	9	has	had	no	impact	on	
the	Group	balance	sheet,	the	Group	income	
statement,	the	Group	statement	of	comprehensive	
income	or	the	Group	cash	flow	statement.

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
SECTION	1	–	BASIS	OF	PREPARATION	CONTINUED

contractual	cash	flows	and	these	cash	flows	
consist	solely	of	payments	of	principal	and	interest	
on	the	principal	amount	outstanding.	Additionally,	
there	is	no	change	to	the	classification	or	
measurement	of	the	derivative	financial	instrument	
assets	designated	in	effective	hedge	relationships.

The	disclosure	in	note	4.4	has	been	amended	to	
describe	these	financial	assets	as	financial	assets	
at	amortised	cost	from	loans	and	receivables.

Impairment of financial assets
In	relation	to	the	impairment	of	financial	assets,	
IFRS	9	requires	an	expected	credit	loss	model	as	
opposed	to	an	incurred	credit	loss	model	under	
IAS	39.

The	expected	credit	loss	model	requires	the	
Group	to	account	for	expected	credit	losses	and	
changes	in	those	expected	credit	losses	at	each	
reporting	date	to	reflect	changes	in	credit	risk	
since	initial	recognition	of	the	financial	assets	i.e.	
it	is	no	longer	necessary	for	a	credit	event	to	have	
occurred	before	credit	losses	are	recognised.

Specifically,	IFRS	9	requires	the	Group	to	
recognise	a	loss	allowance	for	expected	credit	
losses	on:

(i)		

	debt	investments	measured	subsequently	at	
amortised	cost	or	at	FVTOCI;

(ii)		 	lease	receivables;
(iii)			trade	receivables	and	contract	assets;	
(iv)			financial	guarantee	contracts	to	which	the	
impairment	requirements	of	IFRS	9	apply;	
and

(v)		 	cash	and	cash	equivalents.

In	particular,	IFRS	9	requires	the	Group	to	measure	
the	loss	allowance	for	a	financial	instrument	at	an	
amount	equal	to	the	lifetime	expected	credit	
losses	(ECL)	if	the	credit	risk	on	that	financial	
instrument	has	increased	significantly	since	initial	
recognition,	or	if	the	financial	instrument	is	a	
purchased	or	originated	credit-impaired	financial	
asset.	However,	if	the	credit	risk	on	a	financial	
instrument	has	not	increased	significantly	since	
initial	recognition	(except	for	a	purchased	or	
originated	credit-impaired	financial	asset),	the	
Group	is	required	to	measure	the	loss	allowance	
for	that	financial	instrument	at	an	amount	equal	to	
12-months’	ECL.	IFRS	9	also	requires	a	simplified	
approach	for	measuring	the	loss	allowance	at	an	
amount	equal	to	lifetime	ECL	for	trade	receivables,	
contract	assets	and	lease	receivables	in	certain	
circumstances.

The	Directors	have	assessed	the	impact	of	lifetime	
expected	credit	losses	for	the	relevant	financial	
assets	of	the	Group.	For	cash	and	cash	equivalents,	
all	bank	balances	are	assessed	to	have	low	credit	
risk	as	they	are	held	with	reputable	international	
banking	institutions.	For	trade	and	other	
receivables	the	Group	has	adopted	the	simplified	
approach	under	IFRS	9.	The	lifetime	expected	
credit	loss	calculated	has	not	resulted	in	an	
additional	credit	loss	allowance	being	recognised	
in	the	current	period.	

The	consequential	amendments	to	IFRS	7	have	
also	resulted	in	more	extensive	disclosures	about	
the	Group’s	exposure	to	credit	risk	(see	note	4.4).

NEW AND AMENDED IFRS STANDARDS 
THAT ARE EFFECTIVE FOR THE 
CURRENT PERIOD
The	International	Accounting	Standards	Board	
(IASB)	and	International	Financial	Reporting	
Interpretations	Committee	(IFRIC)	have	issued	the	
following	standards	and	interpretations	which	
have	been	adopted	by	the	Group	in	these	
consolidated	financial	statements	for	the	first	time,	
with	no	material	impact:

IFRS 9 Financial Instruments
In	the	current	period,	the	Group	has	adopted	
IFRS	9	and	the	related	consequential	amendments	
to	other	IFRS	Standards	that	are	effective	for	
financial	periods	starting	on	or	after	1	January	
2018.	The	date	of	initial	application	for	the	Group	
is	30	September	2018.

IFRS	9	introduced	new	requirements	for:

(i)		

	classification	and	measurement	of	financial	
assets	and	financial	liabilities;
(ii)		 	impairment	of	financial	assets;	and
(iii)			general	hedge	accounting.

Details	of	these	new	requirements	as	well	as	their	
impact	on	the	consolidated	financial	statements	
are	described	below:

Classification and measurement of 
financial assets
All	recognised	financial	assets	that	are	within	the	
scope	of	IFRS	9	are	required	to	be	measured	
subsequently	at	amortised	cost	or	fair	value	on	the	
basis	of	the	entity’s	business	model	for	managing	
the	financial	assets	and	the	contractual	cash	flow	
characteristics	of	those	financial	assets.

Specifically:

• debt	instruments	that	are	held	within	a	business	

model	whose	objective	is	to	collect	the	
contractual	cash	flows,	and	that	have	
contractual	cash	flows	that	are	solely	payments	
of	principal	and	interest	on	the	principal	
amount	outstanding,	are	measured	
subsequently	at	amortised	cost;

• debt	instruments	that	are	held	within	a	business	
model	whose	objective	is	both	to	collect	the	
contractual	cash	flows	and	to	sell	the	debt	
instruments,	and	that	have	contractual	cash	
flows	that	are	solely	payments	of	principal	and	
interest	on	the	principal	amount	outstanding,	
are	measured	subsequently	at	fair	value	
through	other	comprehensive	income	
(FVTOCI);

• all	other	debt	investments	and	equity	

investments	are	measured	subsequently	at	fair	
value	through	profit	or	loss	(FVTPL).

The	Directors	of	the	Company	reviewed	and	
assessed	the	Group’s	existing	financial	assets	as	
at	30	September	2018	based	on	the	facts	and	
circumstances	that	existed	at	that	date	and	
concluded	that	the	initial	application	of	IFRS	9	has	
had	no	significant	impact	on	the	classification	and	
measurement	of	financial	assets	in	the	
consolidated	financial	statements.	The	only	
financial	assets	of	the	Group	related	to	those	
classified	as	loans	and	receivables	under	IAS	39	
that	were	measured	at	amortised	cost	continue	to	
be	measured	at	amortised	cost	under	IFRS	9	as	
they	are	held	within	a	business	model	to	collect	

112

ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2019MITCHELLS & BUTLERS PLCIFRS 15 Revenue from Contracts with 
Customers
In	the	current	period,	the	Group	has	adopted	
IFRS	15	which	is	effective	for	financial	periods	
beginning	on	or	after	1	January	2018.	The	core	
principle	of	IFRS	15	is	that	an	entity	should	
recognise	revenue	to	depict	the	transfer	of	goods	
or	services	to	customers	in	an	amount	that	reflects	
the	consideration	to	which	the	entity	expects	to	
be	entitled	in	exchange	for	those	goods	or	
services.	Specifically,	the	standard	introduces	
a	five-step	approach	to	revenue	recognition:

Step	1:		Identify	the	contract	with	a	customer
Step	2:		Identify	the	performance	obligations	

in	the	contract

Step	3:		Determine	the	transaction	price
Step	4:		Allocate	the	transaction	price	to	the	

performance	obligations	in	the	contract

Step	5:		Recognise	revenue	when	the	entity	

satisfies	a	performance	obligation

As	the	majority	of	the	Group’s	revenue	is	in	
relation	to	the	sale	of	food	and	drink	within	pubs	
and	restaurants,	for	which	the	consideration	is	
known	and	the	performance	obligations	are	
satisfied	at	the	point	of	sale,	the	application	of	
IFRS	15	has	had	no	impact	on	the	financial	
position	or	performance	of	the	Group.

IFRS 2 (amendments) Classification and 
Measurement of Share-based Payment 
Transactions
The	Group	has	adopted	the	amendments	to	
IFRS	2	for	the	first	time	in	the	current	period.	
The	amendments	clarify	the	following:

(i)		

(ii)	

	In	estimating	the	fair	value	of	a	cash-settled	
share-based	payment,	the	accounting	for	the	
effects	of	vesting	and	non-vesting	conditions	
should	follow	the	same	approach	as	for	equity	
settled	share-based	payments.
	Where	tax	law	or	regulation	requires	an	entity	
to	withhold	a	specified	number	of	equity	
instruments	equal	to	the	monetary	value	of	
the	employee’s	tax	obligation	to	meet	the	
employee’s	tax	liability,	such	an	arrangement	
should	be	classified	as	equity-settled	in	its	
entirety,	provided	that	the	share-based	
payment	would	have	been	classified	as	
equity-settled	had	it	not	included	the	net	
settlement	feature.

(iii)	 	A	modification	of	a	share-based	payment	that	
changes	the	transaction	from	cash-settled	to	
equity-settled	should	be	accounted	for	as	
follows:	the	original	liability	is	derecognised;	
the	equity-settled	share-based	payment	is	
recognised	at	the	modification	date	fair	value	
of	the	equity	instrument	granted	to	the	extent	
that	services	have	been	rendered	up	to	the	
modification	date;	and	any	difference	
between	the	carrying	amount	of	the	liability	
at	the	modification	date	and	the	amount	
recognised	in	equity	should	be	recognised	in	
profit	or	loss	immediately.

These	amendments	have	had	no	impact	on	the	
consolidated	financial	statements.

Annual improvements to IFRSs: 2014 
to 2016 Cycle
The	Group	has	adopted	the	amendments	to	
IAS	28	included	in	the	Annual	Improvements	to	
IFRS	Standards	2014–2016	Cycle	for	the	first	time	
in	the	current	year.	The	amendments	clarify	that	
the	option	for	a	venture	capital	organisation	and	
other	similar	entities	to	measure	investments	in	
associates	and	joint	ventures	at	FVTPL	is	available	
separately	for	each	associate	or	joint	venture,	and	
that	election	should	be	made	at	initial	recognition.	
These	amendments	have	had	no	impact	on	the	
consolidated	financial	statements.

IFRIC 22 Foreign Currency Transactions 
and Advance Consideration
IFRIC	22	addresses	how	to	determine	the	‘date	of	
transaction’	for	the	purpose	of	determining	the	
exchange	rate	to	use	on	initial	recognition	of	an	
asset,	expense	or	income,	when	consideration	for	
that	item	has	been	paid	or	received	in	advance	in	a	
foreign	currency	which	resulted	in	the	recognition	
of	a	non-monetary	asset	or	non-monetary	liability	
(for	example,	a	non-refundable	deposit	or	
deferred	revenue).

The	Interpretation	specifies	that	the	date	of	
transaction	is	the	date	on	which	the	entity	initially	
recognises	the	non-monetary	asset	or	non-
monetary	liability	arising	from	the	payment	or	
receipt	of	advance	consideration.	If	there	are	
multiple	payments	or	receipts	in	advance,	the	
Interpretation	requires	an	entity	to	determine	the	
date	of	transaction	for	each	payment	or	receipt	of	
advance	consideration.

These	amendments	have	had	no	impact	on	the	
consolidated	financial	statements.

NEW AND REVISED IFRS STANDARDS 
IN ISSUE BUT NOT YET EFFECTIVE
The	IASB	and	IFRIC	have	issued	the	following	
standards	and	interpretations	which	could	
impact	the	Group,	with	an	effective	date	for	
financial	periods	beginning	on	or	after	the	dates	
disclosed	below:

Accounting standard
IFRIC 23 Uncertainty over 
Income Tax Treatments
Amendments to IAS 28 
Long- term Interest in 
Associates and Joint 
Ventures
Annual Improvements to 
IFRSs 2015–2017 Cycle
Amendments to IAS 19 
Employee Benefits: Plan 
Amendment, Curtailment 
or Settlement 

Effective date

1	January	2019

1	January	2019	

1	January	2019

1	January	2019

The	Directors	do	not	expect	that	the	adoption	of	
the	standards	listed	above	will	have	a	material	
impact	on	the	consolidated	financial	statements	
in	future	periods.

IMPACT OF ADOPTION OF IFRS 16 
LEASES
General impact of application of IFRS 16
IFRS	16,	which	was	endorsed	by	the	EU	on	
9	November	2017,	provides	a	comprehensive	
model	for	the	identification	of	lease	arrangements	
and	their	treatment	in	the	consolidated	financial	
statements	for	both	lessors	and	lessees.	IFRS	16	
will	supersede	the	current	lease	guidance	
including	IAS	17	Leases	and	the	related	
Interpretations	when	it	becomes	effective	for	
accounting	periods	beginning	on	or	after	
1	January	2019.	The	date	of	initial	application	of	
IFRS	16	for	the	Group	is	29	September	2019.

Given	the	number	of	leases	and	historical	data	
requirements	to	adopt	the	fully	retrospective	
approach,	the	Group	intends	to	apply	the	modified	
retrospective	approach,	with	assets	equal	to	
liabilities,	at	transition.	This	approach	will	not	
require	restatement	of	comparative	information.

In	contrast	to	lessee	accounting,	IFRS	16	
substantially	carries	forward	the	lessor	accounting	
requirements	in	IAS	17.

Impact on the new definition of a lease 
The	Group	will	make	use	of	the	practical	expedient	
available	on	transition	to	IFRS	16	not	to	reassess	
whether	a	contract	is	or	contains	a	lease.	
Accordingly,	the	definition	of	a	lease	in	accordance	
with	IAS	17	and	IFRIC	4	will	continue	to	apply	to	
those	leases	entered	into	or	modified	before	
29	September	2019.

The	change	in	definition	of	a	lease	mainly	relates	
to	the	concept	of	control.	IFRS	16	distinguishes	
between	leases	and	service	contracts	on	the	basis	
of	whether	the	use	of	an	identified	asset	is	
controlled	by	the	customer.	Control	is	considered	
to	exist	if	the	customer	has:

• the	right	to	obtain	substantially	all	of	the	

economic	benefits	from	the	use	of	an	identified	
asset;	and

• the	right	to	direct	the	use	of	that	asset.

The	Group	will	apply	the	definition	of	a	lease	and	
related	guidance	set	out	in	IFRS	16	to	all	lease	
contracts	entered	into	or	modified	on	or	after	
29	September	2019	(whether	it	is	a	lessor	or	a	
lessee	in	the	lease	contract).	In	preparation	for	the	
first-time	application	of	IFRS	16,	the	Group	has	
carried	out	an	implementation	project.	The	
project	has	shown	that	the	new	definition	in	IFRS	
16	will	not	change	significantly	the	scope	of	
contracts	that	meet	the	definition	of	a	lease	for	
the	Group.

113

ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2019MITCHELLS & BUTLERS PLCSTRATEGIC REPORTGOVERNANCEFINANCIAL STATEMENTSOTHER INFORMATIONNOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
SECTION	1	–	BASIS	OF	PREPARATION	CONTINUED

Impact on lessee accounting 
IFRS	16	will	change	how	the	Group	accounts	for	
leases	previously	classified	as	operating	leases	
under	IAS	17,	which	were	off-balance	sheet.

On	initial	application	of	IFRS	16,	for	all	leases	
(except	as	noted	below),	the	Group	will:

(i)	

(ii)	

	recognise	right-of-use	assets	and	lease	
liabilities	in	the	Group	balance	sheet,	initially	
measured	at	the	present	value	of	the	future	
lease	payments;
	recognise	depreciation	of	right-of-use	assets	
and	interest	on	lease	liabilities	in	the	Group	
income	statement;	and

(iii)	 	separate	the	total	amount	of	cash	paid	into	a	
principal	portion	(presented	within	financing	
activities)	and	interest	(presented	within	
operating	activities)	in	the	Group	cash	
flow	statement.

For	short-term	leases	(lease	term	of	12	months	
or	less)	and	leases	of	low-value	assets	(such	as	
personal	computers	and	office	furniture),	the	
Group	will	opt	to	recognise	a	lease	expense	on	
a	straight-line	basis	as	permitted	by	IFRS	16.

The	Group	will	recognise	total	lease	liabilities	of	
£546m	in	respect	of	all	its	leases.	The	weighted	
average	incremental	borrowing	rate	used	to	
calculate	the	opening	lease	liabilities	was	3.5%.

The	following	is	a	reconciliation	of	total	operating	
lease	commitments	at	28	September	2019,	as	
disclosed	in	note	2.3,	to	the	lease	liabilities	
recognised	at	29	September	2019:

Total	operating	lease	commitments	at	
28	September	2019	(note	2.3)
Reconciling	items:
	 –	Short	term	leases
	 –		Lease	commitments	for	periods	post	

break	clauses

	 –	Assumed	lease	extensions
Operating	lease	liabilities	before	
discounting
Impact	of	discounting	using	incremental	
borrowing	rate
Total	lease	liabilities	recognised	under	
IFRS	16	at	29	September	2019

£m

678	

(1)

120	
5	

802	

(256)

546	

The	Group	will	recognise	a	corresponding	
right-of-use	asset	of	£500m	in	respect	of	all	of	
its	leases.

Lease	incentives	(e.g.	rent-free	periods)	will	be	
recognised	as	part	of	the	measurement	of	the	
right-of-use	assets	and	lease	liabilities	whereas	
under	IAS	17	they	resulted	in	the	recognition	of	a	
lease	liability	incentive,	amortised	as	a	reduction	
of	rental	costs	on	a	straight-line	basis.

Lease	premiums	will	be	recognised	as	part	of	the	
measurement	of	the	right-of-use	assets	whereas	
under	IAS	17	they	resulted	in	the	recognition	of	
a	prepayment	and	were	depreciated	on	a	
straight-line	basis.

Under	IFRS	16,	right-of-use	assets	will	be	tested	
for	impairment	in	accordance	with	IAS	36	
Impairment	of	Assets.	This	will	replace	the	
previous	requirement	to	recognise	a	provision	for	
onerous	lease	contracts.	The	Group	will	apply	the	
practical	expedient	to	rely	on	its	assessment	of	
onerous	lease	contracts	under	IAS	37	as	an	
alternative	to	performing	an	impairment	review	at	
the	transition	date.	The	right	of	use	asset	will	be	
adjusted	for	the	value	of	the	onerous	lease	
provision	immediately	before	the	transition	date.	
The	onerous	lease	provision	at	28	September	
2019	is	£35m.	An	amount	of	£31m	will	be	
recognised	as	impairment	at	transition,	with	an	
amount	of	£2m	recognised	in	opening	retained	
earnings,	representing	the	excess	onerous	lease	
provision	as	a	result	of	a	lower	discount	rate	being	
used	for	the	onerous	lease	provision	compared	to	
lease	liabilities	under	IFRS	16.	The	remaining	
provision	of	£2m	will	continue	to	be	held	as	a	
provision	as	it	relates	to	service	charge,	which	is	
a	variable	lease	commitment.	

Impact on lessor accounting
Under	IFRS	16,	a	lessor	continues	to	classify	leases	
as	either	finance	leases	or	operating	leases	and	
account	for	those	two	types	of	leases	differently.	
However,	IFRS	16	has	changed	and	expanded	the	
disclosures	required,	in	particular	regarding	how	a	
lessor	manages	the	risks	arising	from	its	residual	
interest	in	leased	assets.

Under	IFRS	16,	an	intermediate	lessor	accounts	
for	the	head	lease	and	the	sublease	as	two	
separate	contracts.	The	intermediate	lessor	is	
required	to	classify	the	sublease	as	a	finance	or	
operating	lease	by	reference	to	the	right-of-use	
asset	arising	from	the	head	lease	(and	not	by	
reference	to	the	underlying	asset	as	was	the	case	
under	IAS	17).

Because	of	this	change	the	Group	will	reclassify	
certain	of	its	sublease	agreements	as	finance	
leases.	As	required	by	IFRS	9,	an	allowance	for	
expected	credit	losses	will	be	recognised	on	the	
finance	lease	receivables.	The	leased	assets	will	
be	derecognised	and	finance	lease	asset	
receivables	recognised.	This	change	in	accounting	
will	change	the	timing	of	recognition	of	the	related	
revenue	(recognised	in	finance	income).	An	
amount	of	£19m	will	be	derecognised	from	the	
opening	right-of-use	asset	and	recognised	as	
a	finance	lease	receivable	at	transition.	The	
expected	credit	loss	at	transition	is	£nil.

The	following	is	a	reconciliation	of	the	opening	
lease	liabilities	to	the	opening	right-of-use	assets:

Total	lease	liabilities	recognised	under	
IFRS	16	at	29	September	2019
Reconciling	items:
	 –	Lease	premiums
	 –		Lease	incentives
	 –	Lease	prepayments
	 –	Dilapidations	costs
	 –	Impairment	recognised
	 –		Subleases	derecognised	and	
recognised	as	finance	lease	
receivables

Total	right-of-use	assets	recognised	
under	IFRS	16	at	29	September	2019

£m

546	

1	
(9)
11	
1	
(31)

(19)

500	

CRITICAL ACCOUNTING JUDGEMENTS 
AND KEY SOURCES OF ESTIMATION 
UNCERTAINTY
The	preparation	of	the	consolidated	financial	
statements	requires	management	to	make	
judgements,	estimates	and	assumptions	in	the	
application	of	accounting	policies	that	affect	
reported	amounts	of	assets,	liabilities,	income	
and	expense.

Estimates	and	judgements	are	periodically	
reviewed	and	are	based	on	historical	experience	
and	other	factors	including	expectations	of	future	
events	that	are	believed	to	be	reasonable	under	
the	circumstances.	Actual	results	may	differ	from	
these	estimates.	Details	of	the	Group’s	critical	
accounting	judgements	and	estimates	are	
described	within	the	relevant	accounting	policy	
section	in	each	of	the	notes	to	the	consolidated	
financial	statements.

Critical	judgements	are	described	in	each	section	
listed	below:

• Note	2.2	Separately	disclosed	items	
• Note	3.1	Property,	plant	and	equipment
• Note	3.3	Provisions
• Note	4.5	Pensions	

Key	sources	of	estimation	uncertainty	are	
described	in:

• Note	3.1	Property,	plant	and	equipment

114

ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2019MITCHELLS & BUTLERS PLCNOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
SECTION	2	–	RESULTS	FOR	THE	YEAR

2.1 SEGMENTAL ANALYSIS

Accounting policies
Operating segments
IFRS	8	Operating	Segments	requires	operating	segments	to	be	based	on	the	Group’s	internal	reporting	to	its	Chief	Operating	Decision	Maker	(CODM).	
The	CODM	is	regarded	as	the	Chief	Executive	together	with	other	Board	members.	The	Group	trades	in	one	business	segment	(that	of	operating	pubs	and	
restaurants)	and	the	Group’s	brands	meet	the	aggregation	criteria	set	out	in	Paragraph	12	of	IFRS	8.	Economic	indicators	assessed	in	determining	that	the	
aggregated	operating	segments	share	similar	economic	characteristics	include	expected	future	financial	performance;	operating	and	competitive	risks;	and	
return	on	invested	capital.	As	such,	the	Group	reports	the	business	as	one	reportable	business	segment.

The	CODM	uses	EBITDA	and	profit	before	interest	and	adjusted	items	(operating	profit	pre-adjustments)	as	the	key	measures	of	the	Group’s	results	on	an	
aggregated	basis.	

Geographical segments
Substantially	all	of	the	Group’s	business	is	conducted	in	the	United	Kingdom.	In	presenting	information	by	geographical	segment,	segment	revenue	and	
non-current	assets	are	based	on	the	geographical	location	of	customers	and	assets.

Geographical segments

Revenue	–	sales	to	third	parties
Segment	non-current	assetsa

UK

Germany

Total

2019
52 weeks
£m
2,147
4,531

2018
52 weeks
£m
2,071
4,428

2019
52 weeks
£m
90 
12 

2018
52 weeks
£m
81	
10	

2019
52 weeks
£m
2,237
4,543

2018
52 weeks
£m
2,152
4,438

a.	

Includes	balances	relating	to	intangibles,	property,	plant	and	equipment	and	non-current	lease	premiums.

2.2 SEPARATELY DISCLOSED ITEMS 

Accounting policy
In	addition	to	presenting	information	on	an	IFRS	basis,	the	Group	also	presents	adjusted	profit	and	earnings	per	share	information	that	excludes	separately	
disclosed	items	and	the	impact	of	any	associated	tax.	Adjusted	profitability	measures	are	presented	excluding	separately	disclosed	items	as	we	believe	this	
provides	both	management	and	investors	with	useful	additional	information	about	the	Group’s	performance	and	supports	a	more	effective	comparison	of	
the	Group’s	trading	performance	from	one	period	to	the	next.	Adjusted	profit	and	earnings	per	share	information	is	used	by	management	to	monitor	
business	performance	against	both	shorter	term	budgets	and	forecasts	but	also	against	the	Group’s	longer	term	strategic	plans.

Separately	disclosed	items	are	those	which	are	separately	identified	by	virtue	of	their	size	or	incidence	and	include	movements	in	the	valuation	of	the	
property	portfolio	as	a	result	of	the	annual	revaluation	exercise,	impairment	review	of	short	leasehold	and	unlicensed	properties,	revaluation	of	assets	held	
for	sale,	legal	costs	associated	with	the	dispute	in	relation	to	the	defined	benefit	pension	scheme	and	past	service	cost	in	relation	to	the	defined	benefit
pension	obligation.	

Critical accounting judgements 
Judgement	is	used	to	determine	those	items	which	should	be	separately	disclosed	to	allow	a	better	understanding	of	the	adjusted	trading	performance	of
the	Group.	This	judgement	includes	assessment	of	whether	an	item	is	of	sufficient	size	or	of	a	nature	that	is	not	consistent	with	normal	trading	activities.

Separately	disclosed	items	are	identified	as	follows:

• One-off	legal	costs	associated	with	the	ongoing	court	case	between	the	Company	and	the	Trustee	of	the	Defined	Benefit	Pension	scheme	in	relation	to	
the	rate	of	inflation	applied	to	pension	increases	for	certain	sections	of	the	membership.	These	costs	would	prevent	year	on	year	comparability	of	the	
Group’s	trading	if	not	separately	disclosed.

• Past	service	cost	in	relation	to	the	defined	benefit	pension	obligation	as	a	result	of	the	High	Court	ruling	on	guaranteed	minimum	pensions	(GMPs)	

equalisations.	This	has	been	disclosed	separately	as	it	is	not	considered	part	of	the	adjusted	trade	performance	of	the	Group	and	would	prevent	year	on	
year	comparability	of	the	Group’s	trading	if	not	separately	disclosed.

• Profit/(loss)	arising	on	property	disposals	–	property	disposals	are	disclosed	separately	as	they	are	not	considered	to	be	part	of	adjusted	trade	

performance	and	there	is	volatility	in	the	size	of	the	profit/(loss)	in	each	accounting	period.

• Movement	in	the	valuation	of	the	property	portfolio	–	this	is	disclosed	separately,	due	to	the	size	and	volatility	of	the	movement	in	property	valuation	
each	period,	which	can	be	partly	driven	by	movements	in	the	property	market.	This	movement	is	also	not	considered	to	be	part	of	the	adjusted	trade	
performance	of	the	Group	and	would	prevent	year	on	year	comparability	of	the	Group’s	trading	performance	if	not	separately	disclosed.

115

ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2019MITCHELLS & BUTLERS PLCSTRATEGIC REPORTGOVERNANCEFINANCIAL STATEMENTSOTHER INFORMATION	
	
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
SECTION	2	–	RESULTS	FOR	THE	YEAR	CONTINUED

2.2 SEPARATELY DISCLOSED ITEMS CONTINUED
The	items	identified	in	the	current	period	are	as	follows:

Adjusted items
Legal	costs	associated	with	the	defined	benefit	pension	scheme
Past	service	cost	in	relation	to	the	defined	benefit	obligation
Total	adjusted	items	recognised	within	operating	costs
Net	profit	arising	on	property	disposals
Movement	in	the	valuation	of	the	property	portfolio	(see	note	3.1):
	 –	Impairment	arising	from	the	revaluation
	 –	Impairment	of	short	leasehold	and	unlicensed	properties
	 –	Reversal	of	past	impairment	on	transfer	to	assets	held	for	sale
Net	movement	in	the	valuation	of	the	property	portfolio	
Total adjusted items before tax
Tax	credit	relating	to	above	items
Total adjusted items after tax

2019
52 weeks
£m

2018
52 weeks
£m

Notes

a
b

c
d
e

–
(19)
(19)
1 

(4)
(5)
7 
(2)
(20)
4 
(16)

(6)
–	
(6)
1	

(28)
(15)
–	
(43)
(48)
7
(41)

a.	 As	previously	disclosed	in	the	prior	period,	there	are	ongoing	legal	proceedings	between	the	Company	(as	principal	employer)	and	Mitchells	&	Butlers	Pensions	Limited	(as	Trustee)

for	which	costs	have	been	incurred	both	by	the	Company	and	by	the	Trustee,	but	which	the	Company	has	agreed	to	pay.	The	legal	proceedings	are	in	relation	to	the	Mitchells	&	Butlers
Pension	Plan	(MABPP),	whereby	the	Trust	Deed	and	Rules	provide	that	it	is	a	matter	for	the	Company	to	determine	the	rate	of	inflation	which	should	be	applied	to	pension	increases	for
certain	sections	of	the	membership	in	excess	of	guaranteed	minimum	pensions.	The	Company	has	instructed	the	Trustee	to	apply	CPI	(subject	to	certain	caps)	in	respect	of	such	
increases.	The	Trustee	believes	that	this	power	was	incorrectly	vested	in	the	Company	in	the	Trust	Deed	and	Rules	of	the	MABPP	in	1996	and,	despite	it	being	reflected	in	further
versions	of	the	Trust	Deed	and	Rules,	has	made	an	application	to	court	for	those	various	Trust	Deed	and	Rules	to	be	rectified.	It	is	the	Board’s	belief	that	the	Company	holds	the	power
to	fix	such	an	inflation	index	and	the	Company	is	therefore	contesting	that	application.	The	hearing	is	expected	to	be	heard	in	mid-2020.

b.	 On	26	October	2018	the	High	Court	provided	a	ruling	regarding	guaranteed	minimum	pensions	(GMPs)	equalisation.	The	court	ruled	that	pensions	provided	to	members	who	had	

contracted-out	of	their	scheme	must	be	recalculated	to	ensure	payments	reflect	the	equalisation	of	state	pension	ages	in	the	1990s.	The	ruling	provided	pension	trustees	with	a	range	of
acceptable	methods	for	calculating	the	GMP	equalisation.	The	court	also	ruled	that	trustees	are	obliged	to	make	arrears	payments	to	members	and	simple	interest	on	the	arrears	should	
be	paid	at	1%	above	the	base	rate.	The	estimated	increase	in	pension	liabilities	required	to	equalise	for	GMPs	is	£19m.	

c.	 The	impairment	arising	from	the	Group’s	revaluation	of	its	freehold	and	long	leasehold	pub	estate	comprises	an	impairment	charge,	where	the	carrying	values	of	the	properties	exceed	

their	recoverable	amount,	net	of	a	revaluation	surplus	that	reverses	past	impairments.	See	note	3.1	for	further	details.

d.	 The	impairment	of	short	leasehold	and	unlicensed	properties	comprises	an	impairment	charge,	where	their	carrying	values	exceed	their	recoverable	amount,	net	of	an	impairment

reversal	where	carrying	values	have	been	increased	to	the	recoverable	amounts.	See	note	3.1	for	further	details.

e.	 A	revaluation	uplift,	which	reverses	a	previous	impairment,	has	been	recognised	on	reclassification	of	property,	plant	and	equipment	to	assets	held	for	sale	at	the	interim	date.

These	assets	have	been	disposed	of	during	the	second	half	of	the	financial	period.

116

ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2019MITCHELLS & BUTLERS PLC	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
2.3 REVENUE AND OPERATING COSTS

Accounting policy
Revenue recognition
Revenue	is	measured	based	on	the	consideration	to	which	the	Group	expects	to	be	entitled	in	a	contract	with	a	customer	and	excludes	amounts	collected	
on	behalf	of	third	parties.	The	Group	recognises	revenue	when	it	transfers	control	of	a	product	or	service	to	a	customer.

Revenue – food and drink
The	majority	of	revenue	comprises	food	and	drinks	sold	in	the	Group’s	outlets.	Revenue	is	recognised	when	control	of	the	goods	has	transferred,	being	at
the	point	the	customer	purchases	the	goods	at	the	outlet.	Payment	of	the	transaction	price	is	due	immediately	at	the	point	the	customer	makes	a	purchase.
Revenue	excludes	sales-based	taxes,	coupons	and	discounts.

Revenue – services
Revenue	for	services	mainly	represents	income	from	gaming	machines,	hotel	accommodation	and	rent	receivable	from	unlicensed	and	leased	operations.	
Revenue	for	gaming	machines	and	hotel	accommodation	is	recognised	at	the	point	the	service	is	provided	and	excludes	sales-based	taxes	and	discounts.	

Rental	income	is	received	from	operating	leases	where	the	Group	acts	as	lessor	for	a	number	of	unlicensed	and	leased	operations.	Income	from	these	
leases	is	recognised	on	a	straight-line	basis	over	the	term	of	the	lease.

Operating profit
Operating	profit	is	stated	after	charging	adjusted	items	but	before	investment	income	and	finance	costs.

Supplier incentives
Supplier	incentives	and	rebates	are	recognised	within	operating	costs	as	they	are	earned.	The	accrued	value	at	the	reporting	date	is	included	in	other	receivables.

Operating leases – Group as lessee
Leases	in	which	substantially	all	the	risks	and	rewards	of	ownership	are	retained	by	the	lessor	are	classified	as	operating	leases.	Payments	made	under	
operating	leases	and	sub-leases	are	charged	to	the	income	statement	on	a	straight-line	basis	over	the	period	of	the	lease.	Lease	incentives	are	recognised	
as	a	liability	and	a	subsequent	reduction	in	the	rental	expense	over	the	lease	term	on	a	straight-line	basis.

Premiums	paid	on	acquiring	a	new	lease	are	spread	on	a	straight-line	basis	over	the	lease	term.	Such	premiums	are	classified	in	the	balance	sheet	as	current
or	non-current	lease	premiums,	with	the	current	portion	being	the	element	which	relates	to	the	following	period.

The	Group’s	policy	is	to	account	for	land	held	under	both	long	and	short	leasehold	contracts	as	operating	leases,	since	it	has	no	expectation	that	title	will
pass	on	expiry	of	the	lease	contracts.

Revenue	is	analysed	as	follows:

Food	
Drink
Services

Revenue	from	services	includes	rent	receivable	from	unlicensed	properties	and	leased	operations	of	£10m	(2018	£9m).

Operating	costs	are	analysed	as	follows:

Raw	materials	and	consumables	recognised	as	an	expensea
Changes	in	inventory	of	finished	goods	and	work	in	progress
Employee	costs
Hire	of	plant	and	machinery
Property	operating	lease	costs
Other	costs
Operating	costs	before	depreciation,	amortisation	and	movements	in	the	valuation	of	the	property	portfolio	before	
separately	disclosed	items
Other	adjusted	items	(note	2.2)

Net	profit	arising	on	property	disposals

Depreciation	of	property,	plant	and	equipment	(note	3.1)
Amortisation	of	intangible	assets	(note	3.4)
Net	movement	in	the	valuation	of	the	property	portfolio	(note	3.1)
Depreciation,	amortisation	and	movements	in	the	valuation	of	the	property	portfolio	
Total operating costs

2019
52 weeks
£m
1,137
1,025
75
2,237

2019
52 weeks
£m
574 
–
721 
23 
59 
424 

1,801 
 19 
1,820 
 (1)

116 
3 
2 
121 
1,940 

2018
52 weeks
£m
1,092
991
69
2,152

2018
52 weeks
£m
564	
(1)
676	
23	
63	
405	

1,730	
6
1,736	
	(1)

116	
3	
43	
162	
1,897	

a.	 Supplier	incentives	are	included	as	a	reduction	to	the	raw	materials	and	consumables	expense.	These	are	not	disclosed	separately	as	the	value	is	immaterial.

117

ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2019MITCHELLS & BUTLERS PLCSTRATEGIC REPORTGOVERNANCEFINANCIAL STATEMENTSOTHER INFORMATION	
	
	
	
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
SECTION	2	–	RESULTS	FOR	THE	YEAR	CONTINUED

2.3 REVENUE AND OPERATING COSTS CONTINUED
Employee costs

Wages	and	salaries
Share-based	payments	(note	4.6)
Total	wages	and	salaries
Social	security	costs
Pensions	(note	4.5)
Total	employee	costs

2019
52 weeks
£m
656 
3 
659 
50 
12 
721

2018
52 weeks
£m
620	
3	
623	
45	
8	
676	

The	average	number	of	employees	including	part-time	employees	was	44,521	retail	employees	(2018	43,777)	and	1,039	support	employees	(2018	1,025).

Information	regarding	key	management	personnel	is	included	in	note	5.1.	Detailed	information	regarding	Directors’	emoluments,	pensions,	long-term	
incentive	scheme	entitlements	and	their	interests	in	share	options	is	given	in	the	Report	on	Directors’	remuneration	on	pages	76	to	97.

Operating leases
Operating lease commitments – Group as lessee
The	vast	majority	of	the	Group’s	leases	are	industry	standard	UK	pub	or	commercial	property	leases	which	provide	for	periodic	rent	reviews	to	open	market
value	and	enjoy	statutory	rights	to	renewal	on	expiry.	Generally	they	do	not	contain	conditions	relating	to	rent	escalation,	rights	to	purchase,	concessions,
residual	values	or	other	material	provisions	of	an	unusual	nature.

Total	future	minimum	lease	rental	payments	under	non-cancellable	operating	leases	are	as	follows:

Due	within	one	year
Between	one	and	five	years
After	five	years

2019
£m
47
198
433
678

2018
£m
55
196
419
670

Operating lease receivables – Group as lessor
The	Group	leases	a	small	proportion	of	its	unlicensed	properties	to	tenants.	The	majority	of	lease	agreements	have	terms	of	50	years	or	less	and	are	classified	
as	operating	leases.	Where	sublet	arrangements	are	in	place,	future	minimum	lease	payments	and	receipts	are	presented	gross.	

Total	future	minimum	lease	rental	receipts	under	non-cancellable	operating	leases	are	as	follows:

Due	within	one	year
Between	one	and	five	years
After	five	years

2019
£m
9
27
52
88

2018
£m
8
26
45
79

The	total	value	of	future	minimum	sublease	rental	receipts	included	above	is	£39m.	£3m	of	sublease	income	has	been	derecognised	as	rental	income	in	the	
Group	income	statement	in	the	period.

Auditor remuneration

Fees	payable	to	the	Group’s	auditor	for	the:
	 –	audit	of	the	consolidated	financial	statements
	 –	audit	of	the	Company’s	subsidiaries’	financial	statements
Total	audit	fees
Other	fees	to	auditor:
	 –	audit	related	assurance	services
Total	non-audit	fees

Auditor’s	remuneration	of	£0.4m	(2018	£0.3m)	was	paid	in	the	UK	and	£0.1m	(2018	£0.1m)	was	paid	in	Germany.

2019
52 weeks
£m

2018
52 weeks
£m

0.2
0.3
0.5

0.1
0.1

0.1
0.3
0.4

0.1
0.1

118

ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2019MITCHELLS & BUTLERS PLC	
	
2.4 TAXATION

Accounting policies
Current tax
The	income	tax	expense	represents	both	the	income	tax	payable,	based	on	profits	for	the	period,	and	deferred	tax	and	is	calculated	using	tax	rates	
enacted	or	substantively	enacted	at	the	balance	sheet	date.	Taxable	profit	differs	from	net	profit	as	reported	in	the	income	statement	because	it	excludes	
items	of	income	or	expense	which	are	not	taxable.	Income	tax	is	recognised	in	the	income	statement	except	when	it	relates	to	items	that	are	charged	or
credited	in	other	comprehensive	income	or	directly	in	equity,	in	which	case	the	income	tax	is	also	charged	or	credited	in	other	comprehensive	income	or
directly	in	equity.

Deferred tax
Deferred	tax	is	the	tax	expected	to	be	payable	or	recoverable	on	differences	between	the	carrying	amount	of	assets	and	liabilities	in	the	financial
statements	and	the	corresponding	tax	bases	used	in	the	computation	of	taxable	profits	and	is	accounted	for	using	the	balance	sheet	liability	method.
Deferred	tax	liabilities	are	generally	recognised	for	all	taxable	temporary	differences	and	deferred	tax	assets	are	recognised	to	the	extent	that	it	is	probable	
that	taxable	profits	will	be	available	against	which	deductible	temporary	differences	can	be	utilised.

Deferred	tax	liabilities	are	recognised	for	taxable	temporary	differences	arising	on	investments	in	subsidiaries	and	associates,	except	where	the	Group	is	
able	to	control	the	reversal	of	the	temporary	difference	and	it	is	probable	that	the	temporary	difference	will	not	reverse	in	the	foreseeable	future.	Deferred	
tax	assets	arising	from	deductible	temporary	differences	associated	with	such	investments	and	interests	are	only	recognised	to	the	extent	that	it	is	probable	
that	there	will	be	sufficient	taxable	profits	against	which	to	utilise	the	benefits	of	the	temporary	differences	and	they	are	expected	to	reverse	in	the	
foreseeable	future.

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

Deferred	tax	is	calculated	at	the	tax	rates	that	are	expected	to	apply	in	the	period	when	the	liability	is	settled	or	the	asset	realised	based	on	tax	laws	and	
rates	that	have	been	substantively	enacted	at	the	balance	sheet	date.	The	amount	of	deferred	tax	recognised	is	based	on	the	expected	manner	of
realisation	or	settlement	of	the	carrying	amount	of	assets	and	liabilities.	

Taxation – Group income statement

Current	tax:
	 –	UK	corporation	tax
	 –	Amounts	over	provided	in	prior	periods
Total	current	tax	charge
Deferred	tax:
	 –	Origination	and	reversal	of	temporary	differences
	 –	Adjustments	in	respect	of	prior	periods
Total	deferred	tax	charge
Total	tax	charged	in	the	Group	income	statement
Further	analysed	as	tax	relating	to:
Profit	before	adjusted	items
Adjusted	items

2019
52 weeks
£m

2018
52 weeks
£m

(31)
3 
(28)

(5)
(1)
(6)
(34)

(38)
4 
(34)

(28)
2	
(26)

–
–	
–
(26)

(33)
7
(26)

The	standard	rate	of	corporation	tax	applied	to	the	reported	profit	is	19.0%	(2018	19.0%).	

The	tax	charge	in	the	Group	income	statement	for	the	period	is	equal	to	(2018	higher	than)	the	standard	rate	of	corporation	tax	in	the	UK.	The	differences	are	
reconciled	below:

Profit	before	tax
Taxation	charge	at	the	UK	standard	rate	of	corporation	tax	of	19.0%	(2018	19.0%)
Expenses	not	deductible	
Income	not	taxable	
Adjustments	in	respect	of	prior	periods
Effect	of	different	tax	rates	of	subsidiaries	operating	in	other	jurisdictions
Total	tax	charge	in	the	Group	income	statement

Taxation	for	other	jurisdictions	is	calculated	at	the	rates	prevailing	in	those	jurisdictions.

2019
52 weeks
£m
177 
(34)
(2)
1 
2 
(1) 
(34)

2018
52 weeks
£m
130
(25)
(4)
2	
2	
(1)	
(26)

119

ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2019MITCHELLS & BUTLERS PLCSTRATEGIC REPORTGOVERNANCEFINANCIAL STATEMENTSOTHER INFORMATION	
	
	
	
	
	
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
SECTION	2	–	RESULTS	FOR	THE	YEAR	CONTINUED

2.4 TAXATION CONTINUED

Deferred tax in the Group income statement:
Accelerated	capital	allowances
Retirement	benefit	obligations
Depreciated	non-qualifying	assets
Unrealised	gains	on	revaluations
Tax	losses	–	UK
Tax	losses	–	overseas
Share-based	payments
Total	deferred	tax	charge	in	the	Group	income	statement

Taxation – other comprehensive income

Deferred	tax:
Items	that	will	not	be	reclassified	subsequently	to	profit	or	loss:
	 –	Unrealised	(gains)/losses	due	to	revaluations	–	revaluation	reserve
	 –	Unrealised	gains	due	to	revaluations	–	retained	earnings
	 –	Remeasurement	of	pension	liability

Items	that	may	be	reclassified	subsequently	to	profit	or	loss:
	 –	Cash	flow	hedges:

	 –	(Losses)/gains	arising	during	the	period
	 –	Reclassification	adjustments	for	items	included	in	profit	or	loss

Total	tax	charge	recognised	in	other	comprehensive	income

Tax relating to items recognised directly in equity

Deferred	tax:
	 –	Tax	credit	related	to	share-based	payments

Taxation – Group balance sheet 
The	deferred	tax	assets	and	liabilities	recognised	in	the	Group	balance	sheet	are	shown	below:

Deferred tax asset:
Retirement	benefit	obligations	(note	4.5)
Derivative	financial	instruments
Tax	losses	–	UK
Tax	losses	–	overseas
Share-based	payments
Total	deferred	tax	asset
Deferred tax liability:
Accelerated	capital	allowances
Rolled	over	and	held	over	gains
Unrealised	gains	on	revaluations
Depreciated	non-qualifying	assets
Total	deferred	tax	liability
Total

120

2019
52 weeks
£m

2018
52 weeks
£m

1 
(4)
– 
(1)
(2)
(1)
1 
 (6)

1	
(6)
1	
5	
(2)
1	
–	
–	

2019
52 weeks
£m

2018
52 weeks
£m

(14)
(1)
(3)
(18)

14 
(4)
10 
(8)

1	
–	
(1)	
–	

(3)
(5)
(8)
(8)	

2019
52 weeks
£m

2018
52 weeks
£m

2

–	

2019
£m

2018
£m

36 
52 
4 
– 
4 
96 

(30)
(112)
(186)
(3)
(331)
(235)

43	
42	
6	
1	
2	
94	

(31)
(112)
(170)
(3)
(316)
(222)

ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2019MITCHELLS & BUTLERS PLC	
	
Deferred	tax	assets	and	liabilities	are	offset	when	there	is	a	legally	enforceable	right	to	offset	income	tax	assets	and	income	tax	liabilities	and	when	it	is	the	
intention	to	settle	the	balances	on	a	net	basis.	Deferred	tax	assets	and	liabilities	have	been	offset	and	disclosed	in	the	Group	balance	sheet	as	follows:

Deferred	tax	asset
Deferred	tax	liability
Net	deferred	tax	liability

2019
£m
66 
(301)
(235)

2018
£m
63
(285)
(222)

Unrecognised tax allowances
At	the	balance	sheet	date	the	Group	had	unused	tax	allowances	of	£87m	in	respect	of	unclaimed	capital	allowances	(2018	£87m)	available	for	offset	against
future	profits.

A	deferred	tax	asset	has	not	been	recognised	on	tax	allowances	with	a	value	of	£15m	(2018	£15m)	because	it	is	not	certain	that	future	taxable	profits	will
be	available	in	the	company	where	these	tax	allowances	arose	against	which	the	Group	can	utilise	these	benefits.	These	tax	credits	can	be	carried	
forward	indefinitely.

Factors which may affect future tax charges
The	Finance	Act	2016	was	substantively	enacted	on	15	September	2016	and	reduced	the	main	rate	of	corporation	tax	from	19%	to	17%	from	1	April	2020.
The	effect	of	these	changes	has	been	reflected	in	the	closing	deferred	tax	balances	at	28	September	2019	and	29	September	2018.

2.5 EARNINGS PER SHARE
Basic	earnings	per	share	(EPS)	has	been	calculated	by	dividing	the	profit	or	loss	for	the	period	by	the	weighted	average	number	of	ordinary	shares	in	issue	
during	the	period,	excluding	own	shares	held	by	employee	share	trusts.

For	diluted	earnings	per	share,	the	weighted	average	number	of	ordinary	shares	is	adjusted	to	assume	conversion	of	all	dilutive	potential	ordinary	shares.

Adjusted	earnings	per	ordinary	share	amounts	are	presented	before	adjusted	items	(see	note	2.2)	in	order	to	allow	a	better	understanding	of	the	adjusted	
trading	performance	of	the	Group.

52 weeks ended 28 September 2019:
Profit/EPS
Adjusted	items,	net	of	tax
Adjusted	profit/EPSa	

52 weeks ended 29 September 2018:
Profit/EPS
Adjusted	items,	net	of	tax
Adjusted	profit/EPSa

Basic
EPS
pence per
ordinary
share

Diluted
EPS
pence per
ordinary
share

33.5p
3.7p
37.2p

24.5p
9.6p
34.1p

33.3p
3.8p
37.1p

24.4p
9.6p
34.0p

Profit
£m

143 
16 
159 

104	
41
145	

a.	 Adjusted	profit	and	adjusted	EPS	are	alternative	performance	measures	(APMs)	and	are	considered	critical	to	aid	understanding	of	the	Group’s	performance.	These	measures	are	

explained	on	pages	156	to	158	of	this	report.

The	weighted	average	number	of	ordinary	shares	used	in	the	calculations	above	are	as	follows:

For	basic	EPS	calculations
Effect	of	dilutive	potential	ordinary	shares:
	 –	Contingently	issuable	shares
	 –	Other	share	options
For	diluted	EPS	calculations

2019
52 weeks
£m
427

1
1
429

2018
52 weeks
£m
425

2
–
427

At	28	September	2019,	782,078	(2018	2,746,844)	other	share	options	were	outstanding	that	could	potentially	dilute	basic	EPS	in	the	future	but	were	not
included	in	the	calculation	of	diluted	EPS	as	they	are	anti-dilutive	for	the	periods	presented.

121

ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2019MITCHELLS & BUTLERS PLCSTRATEGIC REPORTGOVERNANCEFINANCIAL STATEMENTSOTHER INFORMATION	
	
	
	
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
SECTION	3	–	OPERATING	ASSETS	AND	LIABILITIES

3.1 PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT

Accounting policies
Property, plant and equipment
The	majority	of	the	Group’s	freehold	and	long	leasehold	licensed	land	and	buildings	are	revalued	annually	and	are	therefore	held	at	fair	value	
less	depreciation.	

Short	leasehold	buildings	(leases	with	an	unexpired	lease	term	of	less	than	50	years),	unlicensed	land	and	buildings	and	fixtures,	fittings	and	equipment
are	held	at	cost	less	depreciation	and	impairment.	

All	land	and	buildings	are	disclosed	as	a	single	class	of	asset	within	the	property,	plant	and	equipment	table,	as	we	do	not	consider	the	short	leasehold	and	
unlicensed	buildings	to	be	material	for	separate	disclosure.

Non-current	assets	held	for	sale	are	held	at	their	carrying	value	or	their	fair	value	less	costs	to	sell	where	this	is	lower.

Depreciation
Depreciation	is	charged	to	the	income	statement	on	a	straight-line	basis	to	write	off	the	cost	less	residual	value	over	the	estimated	useful	life	of	an	asset	and	
commences	when	an	asset	is	ready	for	its	intended	use.	Expected	useful	lives	and	residual	values	are	reviewed	each	year	and	adjusted	if	appropriate.

Freehold	land	is	not	depreciated.	

Freehold	and	long	leasehold	buildings	are	depreciated	so	that	the	difference	between	their	carrying	value	and	estimated	residual	value	is	written	off	over	
50	years	from	the	date	of	acquisition.	The	residual	value	of	freehold	and	long	leasehold	buildings	is	reassessed	each	year	and	is	estimated	to	be	equal	to	the	
fair	value	determined	in	the	annual	valuation	and	therefore	no	depreciation	charge	is	recognised.

Short	leasehold	buildings,	and	associated	fixtures,	fittings	and	equipment,	are	depreciated	over	the	shorter	of	the	estimated	useful	life	and	the	unexpired	
term	of	the	lease.

Fixtures,	fittings	and	equipment	have	the	following	estimated	useful	lives:

Information	technology	equipment	
Fixtures	and	fittings	

3	to	7	years
3	to	20	years

At	the	point	of	transfer	to	non-current	assets	held	for	sale,	depreciation	ceases.	Should	an	asset	be	subsequently	reclassified	to	property,	plant	and	
equipment,	the	depreciation	charge	is	calculated	to	reflect	the	cumulative	charge	had	the	asset	not	been	reclassified.

Disposals
Profits	and	losses	on	disposal	of	property,	plant	and	equipment	are	calculated	as	the	difference	between	the	net	sales	proceeds	and	the	carrying	amount
of	the	asset	at	the	date	of	disposal.

Revaluation
The	revaluation	utilises	valuation	multiples,	which	are	determined	via	third-party	inspection	of	20%	of	the	sites	such	that	all	sites	are	individually	valued	
approximately	every	five	years;	estimates	of	fair	maintainable	trade	(FMT);	and	estimated	resale	value	of	tenant’s	fixtures	and	fittings.	Properties	are	valued	
as	fully	operational	entities,	to	include	fixtures	and	fittings	but	excluding	stock	and	personal	goodwill.	The	value	of	tenant’s	fixtures	and	fittings	is	then	
removed	from	this	valuation	via	reference	to	its	associated	resale	value.	Where	sites	have	been	impacted	by	expansionary	capital	investment	in	the	
preceding	12	months,	FMT	is	taken	as	the	post	investment	forecast,	as	the	current	year	trading	performance	includes	a	period	of	closure.

Valuation	multiples	derived	via	third-party	inspections	determine	brand	standard	multiples	which	are	then	used	to	value	the	remainder	of	the	non-
inspected	estate	via	an	extrapolation	exercise,	with	the	output	of	this	exercise	reviewed	at	a	high	level	by	the	Directors	and	the	third-party	valuer.

Where	the	value	of	land	and	buildings	derived	purely	from	a	multiple	applied	to	the	fair	maintainable	trade	misrepresents	the	underlying	asset	value,	for	
example,	due	to	low	levels	of	income	or	location	characteristics,	a	spot	valuation	is	applied.

Surpluses	which	arise	from	the	revaluation	exercise	are	included	within	other	comprehensive	income	(in	the	revaluation	reserve)	unless	they	are	reversing	
a	revaluation	deficit	which	has	been	recognised	in	the	income	statement	previously;	in	which	case	an	amount	equal	to	a	maximum	of	that	recognised	in	
the	income	statement	previously	is	recognised	in	the	income	statement.	Where	the	revaluation	exercise	gives	rise	to	a	deficit,	this	is	reflected	directly	within	
the	income	statement,	unless	it	is	reversing	a	previous	revaluation	surplus	against	the	same	asset;	in	which	case	an	amount	equal	to	the	maximum	of	the	
revaluation	surplus	is	recognised	within	other	comprehensive	income	(in	the	revaluation	reserve).

Impairment
Short	leasehold	and	unlicensed	properties	are	reviewed	on	an	outlet	basis	for	impairment	if	events	or	changes	in	circumstances	indicate	that	the	carrying	
amount	may	not	be	recoverable.	An	impairment	loss	is	recognised	whenever	the	carrying	amount	of	an	outlet	exceeds	its	recoverable	amount.	The	
recoverable	amount	is	the	higher	of	an	outlet’s	fair	value	less	costs	to	sell	and	value	in	use.	Any	changes	in	outlet	earnings,	or	cash	flows,	the	discount	rate	
applied	to	those	cash	flows,	or	the	estimate	of	sales	proceeds	could	give	rise	to	an	additional	impairment	loss.

Where	an	impairment	loss	subsequently	reverses,	the	carrying	amount	of	the	asset	is	increased	to	the	revised	estimate	of	its	recoverable	amount,	but	only	
so	that	the	increased	carrying	amount	does	not	exceed	the	carrying	amount	that	would	have	been	determined	had	no	impairment	loss	been	recognised	for	
the	asset	in	prior	periods.	A	reversal	of	an	impairment	loss	is	recognised	in	the	income	statement	immediately.	An	impairment	reversal	is	only	recognised	
where	there	is	a	change	in	the	estimates	used	to	determine	recoverable	amounts,	not	where	it	results	from	the	passage	of	time.

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Critical accounting judgements
The	revaluation	methodology	is	determined	using	management	judgement,	with	advice	from	third-party	valuers.	The	application	of	a	valuation	multiple	to	
the	fair	maintainable	trade	of	each	site	is	considered	the	most	appropriate	method	for	the	Group	to	determine	the	fair	value	of	licensed	land	and	buildings.
Where	sites	have	been	impacted	by	expansionary	capital	investment	in	the	preceding	12	months,	management	judgement	is	used	to	determine	the	most	
appropriate	FMT.	The	FMT	is	taken	as	the	post	investment	forecast,	as	the	current	year	trading	performance	includes	a	period	of	closure.

Key sources of estimation uncertainty
The	application	of	the	valuation	methodology	requires	two	key	sources	of	estimation	uncertainty;	the	estimation	of	valuation	multiples,	which	are	
determined	via	third-party	inspections;	and	an	estimate	of	fair	maintainable	trade,	including	reference	to	historic	and	future	projected	income	levels.	
A	sensitivity	analysis	of	changes	in	valuation	multiples	and	FMT,	in	relation	to	the	properties	to	which	these	estimates	apply,	is	provided	on	page	124.
The	carrying	value	of	properties	to	which	these	estimates	apply	is	£4,343m	(2018	£4,230m).

Property, plant and equipment
Property,	plant	and	equipment	can	be	analysed	as	follows:

Cost or valuation
At	30	September	2017
Additions
Disposalsa
Revaluation/(impairment)
At	29	September	2018
Additions
Transfer	to	assets	held	for	sale
Disposalsa
Revaluation/(impairment)
At 28 September 2019

Accumulated depreciation
At	30	September	2017
Provided	during	the	period
Disposalsa
At	29	September	2018
Provided	during	the	period
Transfer	to	assets	held	for	sale
Disposalsa
At 28 September 2019

Net book value
At 28 September 2019
At	29	September	2018
At	30	September	2017

Land and 
buildings
£m

Fixtures, fittings 
and equipment
£m

3,953	
39	
(12)
(41)
3,939	
37	
(12)
(2)
86	
4,048 

78	
6	
(10)
74	
7	
–	
(2)
79 

3,969 
3,865	
3,875	

1,118	
125	
(123)
(7)
1,113	
114	
(2)
(158)
(4)
1,063 

564	
110	
(122)
552	
109	
(1)
(156)
504 

559 
561	
554	

Total
£m

5,071	
164	
(135)
(48)
5,052	
151	
(14)
(160)
82	
5,111 

642	
116	
(132)
626	
116	
(1)
(158)
583 

4,528 
4,426	
4,429	

a.	

Includes	assets	which	are	fully	depreciated	and	have	been	removed	from	the	fixed	asset	register.

Certain	assets	with	a	net	book	value	of	£41m	(2018	£43m)	owned	by	the	Group	are	subject	to	a	fixed	charge	in	respect	of	liabilities	held	by	the	Mitchells	&	
Butlers	Executive	Top-Up	Scheme	(MABETUS).

Included	within	property,	plant	and	equipment	are	assets	with	a	net	book	value	of	£3,881m	(2018	£3,788m),	which	are	pledged	as	security	for	the	
securitisation	debt	and	over	which	there	are	certain	restrictions	on	title.

Cost	at	28	September	2019	includes	£7m	(2018	£18m)	of	assets	in	the	course	of	construction.

Assets held for sale
During	the	first	half	of	the	financial	period,	a	group	of	properties	were	classified	as	held	for	sale.	At	the	interim	date,	13	April	2019,	the	net	book	value	of	these	
properties	was	£13m.	A	revaluation	uplift	of	£7m	was	recognised	to	increase	the	carrying	value	of	these	assets	to	the	fair	value	less	costs	to	sell.	The	
revaluation	uplift	has	been	recognised	in	the	Group	income	statement	as	it	reverses	a	previously	recognised	impairment.	The	properties	were	sold	during	the	
second	half	of	the	financial	period	and	therefore	the	value	of	assets	held	for	sale	remaining	at	28	September	2019	is	£nil.

123

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NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
SECTION	3	–	OPERATING	ASSETS	AND	LIABILITIES	CONTINUED

3.1 PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT CONTINUED
Revaluation of freehold and long leasehold properties
The	freehold	and	long	leasehold	properties	have	been	valued	at	fair	value,	as	at	28	September	2019,	using	information	provided	by	CBRE,	independent
chartered	surveyors.	The	valuation	was	carried	out	in	accordance	with	the	RICS	Valuation	–	Global	Standards	2017	which	incorporate	the	International
Valuation	Standards	and	the	RICS	Valuation	–	Professional	Standards	UK	January	2014	(revised	April	2015)	(the	‘Red	Book’)	assuming	each	asset	is	sold	as	
a	fully	operational	trading	entity.	The	fair	value	has	been	determined	having	regard	to	factors	such	as	current	and	future	projected	income	levels,	taking	
account	of	location,	quality	of	the	pub	restaurant	and	recent	market	transactions	in	the	sector.

Sensitivity analysis
Changes	in	either	the	FMT	or	the	multiple	could	materially	impact	the	valuation	of	the	freehold	and	long	leasehold	properties.	The	average	movement	in	FMT	
of	revalued	properties	in	the	past	three	years	is	1.0%.	It	is	estimated	that,	given	the	multiplier	effect,	a	1.0%	change	in	the	FMT	of	the	freehold	or	long	leasehold	
properties	would	generate	an	approximate	£37m	movement	in	their	valuation.

Multiples	are	determined	at	an	individual	brand	level.	Over	the	last	three	years,	the	weighted	average	of	all	brand	multiples	has	moved	by	an	average	of	0.1.
It	is	estimated	that	a	0.1	change	in	the	multiple,	would	generate	an	approximate	£43m	movement	in	valuation.

Impairment review of short leasehold and unlicensed properties
Short	leasehold	and	unlicensed	properties	(comprising	land	and	buildings	and	fixtures,	fittings	and	equipment)	which	are	not	revalued	to	fair	market	value,
are	reviewed	for	impairment	by	comparing	site	value	in	use	calculations	to	their	carrying	values.	The	value	in	use	calculation	uses	forecast	trading	performance	
cash	flows,	which	are	discounted	by	applying	a	pre-tax	discount	rate	of	7.7%	(2018	7.5%).	Any	resulting	impairment	relates	to	sites	with	poor	trading	
performance,	where	the	output	of	the	value	in	use	calculation	is	insufficient	to	justify	their	current	net	book	value.

Current	year	valuations	have	been	incorporated	into	the	consolidated	financial	statements	and	the	resulting	revaluation	adjustments	have	been	taken	to	the	
revaluation	reserve	or	Group	income	statement	as	appropriate.	The	impact	of	the	revaluations/impairments	described	above	is	as	follows:

Group income statement
Revaluation	deficit	charged	as	an	impairment
Reversal	of	past	revaluation	deficits
Total	impairment	arising	from	the	revaluation
Impairment	of	short	leasehold	and	unlicensed	properties
Reversal	of	past	impairments	of	short	leasehold	and	unlicensed	properties
Total	impairment	of	short	leasehold	and	unlicensed	properties	
Reversal	of	past	impairment	on	transfer	to	assets	held	for	sale

Revaluation reserve
Unrealised	revaluation	surplus
Reversal	of	past	revaluation	surplus

Net increase/(decrease) in property, plant and equipment

2019
52 weeks
£m

2018
52 weeks
£m

(76)
72 
(4)
(7)
2 
 (5)
7 
(2)

199 
(115)
84 
82 

(89)
61	
(28)
(15)
–	
	(15)
–	
(43)

171	
(176)
(5)
(48)

The	valuation	techniques	are	consistent	with	the	principles	in	IFRS	13	and	use	significant	unobservable	inputs	such	that	the	fair	value	measurement	of	each	
property	within	the	portfolio	has	been	classified	as	Level	3	in	the	fair	value	hierarchy.	

The	number	of	pubs	included	in	the	revaluation	and	the	resulting	valuation	of	these	properties	is	reconciled	to	the	total	value	of	property,	plant	and	
equipment	below.

Number 
of pubs
1,331
96
1,427

Land and 
buildings
£m
3,603 
270 
3,873 
77 
15 
1 
3 
3,969 

Fixtures, 
fittings and 
equipment
£m
433 
37 
470 
80 
2 
3 
4 
559 

Net book 
valuea
£m
4,036 
307 
4,343 
157 
17 
4 
7 
4,528 

28 September 2019
Freehold	properties
Long	leasehold	properties
Total	revalued	properties
Short	leasehold	properties
Unlicensed	properties
Other	non-pub	assets
Assets	under	construction
Total	property,	plant	and	equipment

124

ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2019MITCHELLS & BUTLERS PLC	
	
	
	
29	September	2018
Freehold	properties
Long	leasehold	properties
Total	revalued	properties
Short	leasehold	properties
Unlicensed	properties
Other	non-pub	assets
Assets	under	construction
Total	property,	plant	and	equipment

Number 
of pubs
1,336
95
1,431

Land and 
buildings
£m
3,507	
259	
3,766	
77	
14	
3	
5	
3,865	

Fixtures, fittings 
and equipment
£m
428	
36	
464	
79	
2	
3	
13	
561	

Net book 
valuea
£m
3,935	
295	
4,230	
156	
16	
6	
18	
4,426	

a.	 The	carrying	value	of	freehold	and	long	leasehold	properties	based	on	their	historical	cost	(or	deemed	cost	at	transition	to	IFRS)	is	£2,657m	and	£190m	respectively	(2018	£2,635m	

and	£186m).

The	tables	below	show,	by	class	of	asset,	the	number	of	properties	that	have	been	valued	within	each	FMT	and	multiple	banding:

28 September 2019
Number	of	pubs	in	each	FMT	income	banding:
<	£200k	pa
£200k	to	£360k	pa
>	£360k	pa

29	September	2018
Number	of	pubs	in	each	FMT	income	banding:
<	£200k	pa
£200k	to	£360k	pa
>	£360k	pa

Valuation multiple applied to FMT

Over 12  
times

10 to 12  
times

8 to 10  
times

6 to 8  
times

Under 6  
times

56
1
1
58

9
14
59
82

163
302
430
895

158
133
61
352

Valuation multiple applied to FMT

6
18
16
40

Over 12  
times

10 to 12  
times

8 to 10  
times

6 to 8  
times

Under 6  
times

48
–
3
51

6
12
54
72

166
311
414
891

170
138
65
373

10
15
19
44

Total

392 
468 
567 
1,427 

Total

400
476
555
1,431

Year-on-year	movements	in	valuation	multiples	are	the	result	of	changes	in	property	market	conditions.	The	average	weighted	multiple	is	8.6	(2018	8.6).

In	addition	to	the	above,	premiums	paid	on	acquiring	a	new	lease	are	classified	separately	in	the	Group	balance	sheet.	At	28	September	2019	an	amount	of
£1m	(2018	£1m)	was	included	in	the	Group	balance	sheet.

Capital commitments

Contracts	placed	for	expenditure	on	property,	plant	and	equipment	not	provided	for	in	the	financial	statements

2019
£m
19

2018
£m
24

125

ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2019MITCHELLS & BUTLERS PLCSTRATEGIC REPORTGOVERNANCEFINANCIAL STATEMENTSOTHER INFORMATION	
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
SECTION	3	–	OPERATING	ASSETS	AND	LIABILITIES	CONTINUED

3.2 WORKING CAPITAL
Inventories

Accounting policy
Inventories	are	stated	at	the	lower	of	cost	and	net	realisable	value.	Cost	is	calculated	using	the	weighted	average	method.	

Inventories	can	be	analysed	as	follows:

Goods	held	for	resale

Trade and other receivables

2019
£m
26

2018
£m
26

Accounting policy
Trade	receivables	and	other	receivables	are	initially	recognised	at	fair	value.	Items	are	subsequently	carried	at	amortised	cost	less	an	allowance	for	any	
lifetime	expected	credit	losses	(see	financial	assets	impairment	policy	in	note	4.4).

Trade	and	other	receivables	can	be	analysed	as	follows:

Trade	receivables
Other	receivables
Prepayments
Total	trade	and	other	receivables

All	amounts	fall	due	within	one	year.

2019
£m
7 
15
41
63

2018
£m
7	
14
35
56

Trade	receivables	and	other	receivables	are	non-interest	bearing.	The	Directors	consider	that	the	carrying	amount	of	trade	receivables	and	other	receivables	
approximately	equates	to	their	fair	value.	A	lifetime	expected	credit	loss	of	£2m	has	been	recognised	against	trade	receivables	and	other	receivables.

Credit	risk	is	considered	in	note	4.4.

Trade and other payables

Accounting policy
Trade	and	other	payables	are	initially	recognised	at	fair	value	and	recognised	subsequently	at	amortised	cost.

Trade	and	other	payables	can	be	analysed	as	follows:

Trade	payables
Other	taxation	and	social	security
Accrued	charges
Other	payables
Total	trade	and	other	payables

2019
£m
88
78
104
57
327

2018
£m
83
64
103
52
302

Current	trade	and	other	payables	are	non-interest	bearing.	The	Directors	consider	that	the	carrying	amount	of	trade	and	other	payables	approximately	
equates	to	their	fair	value.

126

ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2019MITCHELLS & BUTLERS PLC3.3 PROVISIONS 

Accounting policy
Provisions	are	recognised	when	the	Group	has	a	present	legal	or	constructive	obligation	as	a	result	of	past	events;	it	is	more	likely	than	not	that	an	outflow	
of	resources	will	be	required	to	settle	the	obligation;	and	the	amount	can	be	reliably	estimated.	Provisions	are	measured	using	the	Directors’	best	estimate	
of	the	expenditure	required	to	settle	the	obligation	at	the	balance	sheet	date	and	are	discounted	to	present	value	where	the	effect	is	material.

Onerous	property	provisions	represent	the	expected	unavoidable	losses	on	onerous	and	vacant	property	leases	and	comprise	the	lower	of	the	net	lease	
commitments	(including	rental	costs	and	service	charge)	or	the	operating	loss	after	rental	costs	and	service	charge.	The	provision	is	calculated	on	a	site	by	
site	basis	with	a	provision	being	made	for	the	remaining	committed	lease	term,	where	a	lease	is	considered	to	be	onerous.	Other	contractual	dilapidations	
costs	are	also	recorded	as	provisions	as	appropriate.

Critical accounting judgements
Determination	of	whether	a	loss	is	unavoidable	requires	areas	of	judgement	such	as	consideration	of	potential	future	investment	decisions	or	local
conditions	which	may	be	impacting	on	current	performance.	

Provisions
The	provision	for	unavoidable	losses	on	onerous	property	leases	has	been	set	up	to	cover	rental	payments	and	service	charge	of	vacant	or	loss-making	
properties.	Payments	are	expected	to	continue	on	these	properties	for	periods	of	1	to	24	years.

Provisions	can	be	analysed	as	follows:

At	30	September	2017
Released	in	the	perioda
Provided	in	the	period
Unwinding	of	discount
Utilised	in	the	period
At	29	September	2018
Released	in	the	perioda
Provided	in	the	period
Unwinding	of	discount
Utilised	in	the	period
At 28 September 2019

a.	

	Releases	in	the	current	and	prior	period	primarily	relate	to	improvement	in	performance	of	managed	properties.

Onerous 
property 
provisions
£m
42	
(6)
10	
1	
(5)
42	
(9)
8	
1	
(7)
35 

Dilapidation 
provisions
£m
–	
–	
1	
–	
–	
1	
(1)	
1	
–	
–	
1 

Total property 
provisions
£m
42	
(6)
11	
1	
(5)
43	
(10)
9	
1	
(7)
36 

127

ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2019MITCHELLS & BUTLERS PLCSTRATEGIC REPORTGOVERNANCEFINANCIAL STATEMENTSOTHER INFORMATION	
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
SECTION	3	–	OPERATING	ASSETS	AND	LIABILITIES	CONTINUED

3.4 GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS

Accounting policies
Business combinations and goodwill
Acquisitions	of	subsidiaries	and	businesses	are	accounted	for	using	the	acquisition	method.	The	consideration	for	each	acquisition	is	measured	at	the	
aggregate	of	the	fair	values	of	assets	given	and	liabilities	incurred	or	assumed	by	the	Group	in	exchange	for	control	of	the	acquiree.	Acquisition-related	
costs	are	recognised	in	the	income	statement	as	incurred.	

At	the	acquisition	date,	the	identifiable	assets	acquired	and	the	liabilities	assumed	are	recognised	at	their	fair	value	at	the	acquisition	date,	except	that:

• deferred	tax	assets	or	liabilities	and	liabilities	or	assets	related	to	employee	benefit	arrangements	are	recognised	and	measured	in	accordance	with	

IAS	12	Income	Taxes	and	IAS	19	Employee	Benefits	(revised)	respectively;	and

• assets	(or	disposal	groups)	that	are	classified	as	held	for	sale	in	accordance	with	IFRS	5	Non-Current	Assets	Held	for	Sale	and	Discontinued	Operations	

are	measured	in	accordance	with	that	standard.

Intangible	assets	acquired	in	a	business	combination	and	recognised	separately	from	goodwill	are	initially	recognised	at	their	fair	value	at	the	
acquisition	date.

Goodwill	is	measured	as	the	excess	of	the	sum	of	the	consideration	transferred,	the	amount	of	any	non-controlling	interests	in	the	acquiree,	and	the	fair
value	of	the	acquirer’s	previously	held	equity	interest	in	the	acquiree	over	the	net	of	the	identifiable	assets	acquired	and	the	liabilities	assumed	at	the	
acquisition	date.	If,	after	reassessment,	the	net	of	the	identifiable	assets	acquired	and	liabilities	assumed	at	the	acquisition	date	exceeds	the	sum	of	the	
consideration	transferred,	the	amount	of	any	non-controlling	interests	in	the	acquiree	and	the	fair	value	of	the	acquirer’s	previously	held	interest	in	the	
acquiree,	the	excess	is	recognised	immediately	in	the	income	statement	as	a	bargain	purchase.

When	the	consideration	transferred	by	the	Group	in	a	business	combination	includes	assets	or	liabilities	resulting	from	a	contingent	consideration	
arrangement,	the	contingent	consideration	is	measured	at	its	acquisition	date	fair	value	and	included	as	part	of	the	contingent	consideration	transferred	in	
a	business	combination.	Changes	in	fair	value	of	the	contingent	consideration	that	qualify	as	measurement	period	adjustments	are	adjusted	retrospectively,	
with	corresponding	adjustments	against	goodwill.	Measurement	period	adjustments	are	adjustments	that	arise	from	additional	information	obtained	during	
the	‘measurement	period’	(which	cannot	exceed	one	year	from	the	acquisition	date)	about	facts	and	circumstances	that	existed	at	the	acquisition	date.

The	subsequent	accounting	for	changes	in	the	fair	value	of	contingent	consideration	that	do	not	qualify	as	measurement	period	adjustments	depends	on	
how	the	contingent	consideration	is	classified.	Contingent	consideration	that	is	classified	as	equity	is	not	re-measured	at	subsequent	reporting	dates	and	its	
subsequent	settlement	is	accounted	for	within	equity.	Contingent	consideration	that	is	classified	as	an	asset	or	a	liability	is	re-measured	at	subsequent	
reporting	dates,	at	fair	value,	with	the	corresponding	gain	or	loss	being	recognised	in	the	income	statement.

When	a	business	combination	is	achieved	in	stages,	the	Group’s	previously-held	interests	in	the	acquired	entity	is	re-measured	to	its	acquisition	date	fair	
value	and	the	resulting	gain	or	loss,	if	any,	is	recognised	in	the	income	statement.	Amounts	arising	from	interests	in	the	acquiree	prior	to	the	acquisition	date	
that	have	previously	been	recognised	in	other	comprehensive	income	are	reclassified	to	profit	or	loss,	where	such	treatment	would	be	appropriate	if	that
interest	were	disposed	of.

If	the	initial	accounting	for	a	business	combination	is	incomplete	by	the	end	of	the	reporting	period	in	which	the	combination	occurs,	the	Group	reports	
provisional	amounts	for	the	items	for	which	the	accounting	is	incomplete.	Those	provisional	amounts	are	adjusted	during	the	measurement	period,	or	
additional	assets	or	liabilities	are	recognised,	to	reflect	new	information	obtained	about	facts	and	circumstances	that	existed	as	of	the	acquisition	date	that,
if	known,	would	have	affected	the	amounts	recognised	as	of	that	date.	

Goodwill	is	not	amortised,	but	is	reviewed	for	impairment	annually	or	more	frequently	if	events	or	changes	in	circumstances	indicate	that	the	carrying	
value	may	be	impaired.	For	the	purpose	of	impairment	testing,	goodwill	is	allocated	to	each	of	the	Group’s	cash-generating	units	expected	to	benefit	from	
the	synergies	of	the	combination.	The	impairment	review	requires	management	to	consider	the	recoverable	value	of	the	business	to	which	the	goodwill
relates,	based	on	either	the	fair	value	less	costs	to	sell	or	the	value	in	use.	Value	in	use	calculations	require	management	to	consider	the	net	present	value	
of	future	cash	flows	generated	by	the	business	to	which	the	goodwill	relates.	Fair	value	less	costs	to	sell	is	based	on	management’s	estimate	of	the	net
proceeds	which	could	be	generated	through	disposing	of	that	business.	If	the	recoverable	amount	of	the	cash-generating	unit	is	less	than	the	carrying	
amount	of	the	unit,	the	impairment	loss	is	allocated	first	to	reduce	the	carrying	amount	of	any	goodwill	allocated	to	the	unit	and	then	to	the	other	assets	of
the	unit	pro-rata	on	the	basis	of	the	carrying	amount	of	each	asset	in	the	unit.	An	impairment	loss	is	recognised	immediately	in	the	income	statement	and	
is	not	subsequently	reversed.	

On	disposal	of	a	subsidiary,	the	attributable	amount	of	goodwill	is	included	in	the	determination	of	the	profit	or	loss	on	disposal.

Computer software
Computer	software	and	associated	development	costs,	which	are	not	an	integral	part	of	a	related	item	of	hardware,	are	capitalised	as	an	intangible	asset
and	amortised	on	a	straight-line	basis	over	their	useful	life.	The	period	of	amortisation	ranges	between	three	and	seven	years	with	the	majority	being	
five	years.

128

ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2019MITCHELLS & BUTLERS PLC	
	
	
	
	
	
	
Intangible assets
Intangible	assets	can	be	analysed	as	follows:

Cost
At	30	September	2017
Additions
Disposals
At	29	September	2018
Additions
Disposals
At 28 September 2019

Accumulated amortisation and impairment
At	30	September	2017
Provided	during	the	period
Disposals
At	29	September	2018
Provided	during	the	period
Disposals
At 28 September 2019

Net book value
At 28 September 2019
At	29	September	2018
At	30	September	2017

Goodwill
£m

Computer 
software
£m

7	
–	
–	
7	
–	
–	
7 

5	
–	
–	
5	
–	
–	
5 

2 
2	
2	

14	
4	
(2)
16	
6	
(6)
16 

6	
3	
(2)
7	
3	
(6)
4 

12 
9	
8	

Total
£m

21	
4	
(2)
23	
6	
(6)
23 

11	
3	
(2)
12	
3	
(6)
9 

14 
11	
10	

There	are	no	intangible	assets	with	indefinite	useful	lives.	All	amortisation	charges	have	been	expensed	through	operating	costs.

Goodwill	has	been	tested	for	impairment	within	each	cash-generating-unit,	on	a	site-by-site	basis	using	forecast	cash	flows,	discounted	by	applying	a	pre-tax	
discount	rate	of	7.7%	(2018	7.5%).	For	the	purposes	of	the	calculation	of	the	recoverable	amount,	the	cash	flow	projections	beyond	the	two-year	period	include	
0.0%	(2018	0.0%)	growth	per	annum.

129

ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2019MITCHELLS & BUTLERS PLCSTRATEGIC REPORTGOVERNANCEFINANCIAL STATEMENTSOTHER INFORMATIONNOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
SECTION	3	–	OPERATING	ASSETS	AND	LIABILITIES	CONTINUED

3.5 ASSOCIATES

Accounting policies
An	associate	is	an	entity	over	which	the	Group	has	significant	influence	and	that	is	neither	a	subsidiary	nor	an	interest	in	a	joint	venture.	Significant	influence	
is	the	power	to	participate	in	the	financial	and	operating	policy	decisions	of	the	investee	but	is	not	control	or	joint	control	over	those	policies.

The	results,	assets	and	liabilities	of	associates	are	incorporated	in	these	financial	statements	using	the	equity	method	of	accounting,	except	when	the	
investment	is	classified	as	held	for	sale,	in	which	case	it	is	accounted	for	in	accordance	with	IFRS	5	Non-current	Assets	Held	for	Sale	and	Discontinued	
Operations.

Under	the	equity	method,	an	investment	in	an	associate	is	accounted	for	using	the	equity	method	from	the	date	on	which	the	investee	becomes	an	
associate.	On	acquisition	of	the	investment	in	an	associate,	any	excess	of	the	cost	of	the	investment	over	the	Group’s	share	of	the	net	fair	value	of	the	
identifiable	assets	and	liabilities	of	the	investee	is	recognised	as	goodwill,	which	is	included	within	the	carrying	amount	of	the	investment.	If	after	
reassessment	the	Group’s	share	of	the	net	fair	value	of	the	identifiable	assets	and	liabilities	are	in	excess	of	the	cost	of	the	investment,	this	is	recognised	
immediately	in	profit	or	loss	in	the	period	in	which	the	investment	is	acquired.

The	requirements	of	IAS	36	Impairment	of	Assets	are	applied	to	determine	whether	it	is	necessary	to	recognise	any	impairment	loss	with	respect	to	the	
Group’s	investment	in	an	associate.	When	necessary,	the	entire	carrying	amount	of	the	investment	(including	goodwill)	is	tested	for	impairment	in	
accordance	with	IAS	36	as	a	single	asset	by	comparing	its	recoverable	amount	(higher	of	value	in	use	and	fair	value	less	costs	of	disposal)	with	its	carrying	
amount.	Any	impairment	loss	recognised	forms	part	of	the	carrying	amount	of	the	investment.	Any	reversal	of	that	impairment	loss	is	recognised	in	
accordance	with	IAS	36	to	the	extent	that	the	recoverable	amount	of	the	investment	subsequently	increases.

The	Group	discontinues	the	use	of	the	equity	method	from	the	date	when	the	investment	ceases	to	be	an	associate,	or	when	the	investment	is	classified	
as	held	for	sale.	When	the	Group	retains	an	interest	in	the	former	associate	and	the	retained	interest	is	a	financial	asset,	the	Group	measures	the	retained	
interest	at	fair	value	at	that	date	and	the	fair	value	is	regarded	as	its	fair	value	on	initial	recognition	in	accordance	with	IFRS	9.	The	difference	between	the	
carrying	amount	of	the	associate	at	the	date	the	equity	method	was	discontinued,	and	the	fair	value	of	any	retained	interest	and	any	proceeds	from	
disposing	of	a	part	interest	in	the	associate	is	included	in	the	determination	of	the	gain	or	loss	on	disposal	of	the	associate.	In	addition,	the	Group	accounts	
for	all	amounts	previously	recognised	in	other	comprehensive	income	in	relation	to	that	associate	on	the	same	basis	as	would	be	required	if	that	associate	
had	directly	disposed	of	the	related	assets	or	liabilities.	Therefore,	if	a	gain	or	loss	previously	recognised	in	other	comprehensive	income	by	that	associate	
would	be	reclassified	to	profit	or	loss	on	the	disposal	of	the	related	assets	or	liabilities,	the	Group	reclassifies	the	gain	or	loss	from	equity	to	profit	or	loss
when	the	equity	method	is	discontinued.

When	the	Group	reduces	its	ownership	interest	in	an	associate	but	the	Group	continues	to	use	the	equity	method,	the	Group	reclassifies	to	profit	or	loss	
the	proportion	of	the	gain	or	loss	that	had	previously	been	recognised	in	other	comprehensive	income	relating	to	that	reduction	in	ownership	interest	if	that
gain	or	loss	would	be	reclassified	to	profit	or	loss	on	the	disposal	of	the	related	assets	or	liabilities.

When	a	Group	entity	transacts	with	an	associate	of	the	Group,	profits	and	losses	resulting	from	the	transactions	with	the	associate	are	recognised	in	the	
consolidated	financial	statements	only	to	the	extent	of	interests	in	the	associate	that	are	not	related	to	the	Group.

The	nature	of	the	activities	of	all	of	the	Group’s	associates	is	trading	in	pubs	and	restaurants,	which	are	seen	as	complementing	the	Group’s	operations	and	
contributing	to	the	Group’s	overall	strategy.

Associates	can	be	analysed	as	follows:

Cost
At	30	September	2017
Additions
At	29	September	2018
Additions
At 28 September 2019

£m

–	
5	
5	
–	
5	

Associates	relate	to	shareholdings	in	3Sixty	Restaurants	Limited	and	Fatboy	Pub	Company	Limited	that	were	acquired	in	the	prior	period.	Details	of	these	
associates	are	provided	in	note	5.2.

There	have	been	no	events	or	changes	in	circumstance	during	the	current	period	to	indicate	that	the	carrying	amount	of	the	investments	in	associates	may	
not	be	recoverable.	As	such,	no	impairment	has	been	recognised.

During	the	prior	period,	a	put	and	call	option	agreement	was	entered	into,	which	allows	the	Company	to	acquire	the	remaining	60%	share	capital	of	the	
associate,	3Sixty	Restaurants	Limited,	at	any	point	in	time	after	three	years	from	the	initial	purchase	date.	The	initial	40%	investment	was	purchased	on	
1	August	2018	for	£4m.	The	current	shareholders	also	have	the	ability	under	the	option	to	sell	the	remaining	60%	to	the	Company,	subject	to	a	number	of
conditions.	The	fair	value	of	this	option	at	28	September	2019	is	£1m	(2018	£nil).	This	has	been	recognised	as	a	financial	asset	at	FVTPL	(see	note	4.4)	and	
the	gain	deferred	and	recognised	over	the	three	year	option	life.

130

ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2019MITCHELLS & BUTLERS PLC	
	
	
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
SECTION	4	–	CAPITAL	STRUCTURE	AND	FINANCING	COSTS

4.1 NET DEBT

Accounting policy
Cash and cash equivalents
Cash	and	cash	equivalents	comprise	cash	at	bank	and	in	hand	and	other	short-term	highly	liquid	deposits	with	an	original	maturity	at	acquisition	of	three	
months	or	less.	Cash	held	on	deposit	with	an	original	maturity	at	acquisition	of	more	than	three	months	is	disclosed	as	other	cash	deposits.	In	the	cash	flow	
statement,	cash	and	cash	equivalents	are	shown	net	of	bank	overdrafts	that	are	repayable	on	demand.

Net debt
Net	debt	comprises	cash	and	cash	equivalents	and	cash	deposits,	net	of	borrowings.	Borrowings	(as	defined	in	note	4.2)	are	included	in	net	debt	on	
a	constant	currency	basis	including	the	fixed	exchange	rate	component	of	the	cross	currency	swap	(as	described	in	note	4.4).	Cash	flows	on	the	interest
rate	and	cross	currency	swaps	are	shown	within	interest	paid	in	the	Group	cash	flow	statement.	

Net debt

Cash	and	cash	equivalents	
Other	cash	deposits	
Securitised	debt	(note	4.2)
Liquidity	facility	(note	4.2)
Derivatives	hedging	securitised	debta	(note	4.2)

2019
£m
133 
– 
(1,752)
– 
55 
(1,564)

2018
£m
122
120	
(1,830)
(147)
47	
(1,688)

a.	 Represents	the	element	of	the	fair	value	of	currency	swaps	hedging	the	balance	sheet	value	of	the	Group’s	US$	denominated	A3N	loan	notes.	This	amount	is	disclosed	separately	to	

remove	the	impact	of	exchange	movements	which	are	included	in	the	securitised	debt	amount.

Movement in net debt

Net increase/(decrease) in cash and cash equivalents
Add	back	cash	flows	in	respect	of	other	components	of	net	debt:
Transfers	from	other	cash	deposits
Repayment	of	principal	in	respect	of	securitised	debt
Repayment	of	liquidity	facility
Net	movement	on	unsecured	revolving	facilities
Decrease in net debt arising from cash flows
Movement	in	capitalised	debt	issue	costs	net	of	accrued	interest
Decrease in net debt
Opening	net	debt
Closing net debt

The	net	debt	movement	for	the	52	weeks	ended	28	September	2019	is	represented	by:

Securitised	debt
Liquidity	facility
Derivatives	hedging	securitised	debt
Total	liabilities	arising	from	financing	activities
Cash	and	cash	equivalents
Other	cash	deposits
Net debt

At 
29 September 
2018 
£m
(1,830)
(147)
47	
(1,930)
122	
120	
(1,688)

The	net	debt	movement	for	the	52	weeks	ended	29	September	2018	is	represented	by:

At 
30 September 
2017
£m
(1,909)
(147)
(6)
45	
(2,017)
147	
120	
(1,750)

Securitised	debt
Liquidity	facility
Revolving	credit	facilities
Derivatives	hedging	securitised	debt
Total	liabilities	arising	from	financing	activities
Cash	and	cash	equivalents
Other	cash	deposits
Net debt

131

2019
52 weeks
£m
 11 

2018
52 weeks
£m
	(25)

(120)
87
147 
– 
125 
 (1)
 124 
(1,688)
(1,564)

–
	82
–	
6	
63	
(1)
	62	
(1,750)
(1,688)

Foreign 
currency 
movements 
£m
(8)
–	
8	
–	
–	
–	
–	

At 
28 September 
2019 
£m
(1,752)
– 
55 
(1,697)
133 
– 
(1,564)

Foreign 
currency 
movements 
£m
(2)
–	
–	
2	
–	
–	
–	
–	

At 
29 September 
2018 
£m
(1,830)
(147)
–	
47	
(1,930)
122	
120	
(1,688)

Cash flow 
movements 
in the period 
£m
87	
147	
–	
234	
11	
(120)
125	

Cash flow 
movements 
in the period 
£m
82	
–	
6	
–	
88	
(25)
–	
63	

Non-cash 
movements 
in the period 
£m
(1)
–	
–	
(1)
–	
–	
(1)

Non-cash 
movements 
in the period 
£m
(1)
–	
–	
–	
(1)
–	
–	
(1)

ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2019MITCHELLS & BUTLERS PLCSTRATEGIC REPORTGOVERNANCEFINANCIAL STATEMENTSOTHER INFORMATION	
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
SECTION	4	–	CAPITAL	STRUCTURE	AND	FINANCING	COSTS	
CONTINUED

4.2 BORROWINGS

Accounting policy 
Borrowings,	which	include	the	Group’s	secured	loan	notes,	are	stated	initially	at	fair	value	(normally	the	amount	of	the	proceeds)	net	of	issue	costs.
Thereafter	they	are	stated	at	amortised	cost	using	an	effective	interest	basis.	Finance	costs,	which	are	the	difference	between	the	net	proceeds	and	the	
total	amount	of	payments	to	be	made	in	respect	of	the	instruments,	are	allocated	over	the	term	of	the	debt	using	the	effective	interest	method.	Borrowing	
costs	are	not	attributed	to	the	acquisition	or	construction	of	assets	and	therefore	no	costs	are	capitalised	within	property,	plant	and	equipment.

Borrowings	can	be	analysed	as	follows:

Current
Securitised	debta,b
Liquidity	facility	
Total	current
Non-current 
Securitised	debta,b
Total	borrowings

a.	 Further	details	of	the	assets	pledged	as	security	against	the	securitised	debt	are	given	on	page	123.
b.	 Stated	net	of	deferred	issue	costs.

Analysis by year of repayment
Due	within	one	year	or	on	demand
Due	between	one	and	two	years
Due	between	two	and	five	years
Due	after	five	years
Total	borrowings

2019
£m

95 
– 
95 

1,657 
1,752 

2019
£m

95 
158 
347 
1,152 
1,752 

2018
£m

86
147
233

1,744
1,977

2018
£m

233
142
328
1,274
1,977

Securitised debt
On	13	November	2003,	the	Group	refinanced	its	debt	by	raising	£1,900m	through	a	securitisation	of	the	majority	of	its	UK	pubs	and	restaurants	owned	by	
Mitchells	&	Butlers	Retail	Limited	(‘MAB	Retail’).	On	15	September	2006	the	Group	completed	a	further	debt	(‘tap’)	issue	to	borrow	an	additional	£655m	and	
refinance	£450m	of	existing	debt	at	lower	cost.

The	loan	notes	consist	of	10	tranches	as	follows:

Tranche
A1N
A2
A3N
A4
AB
B1
B2
C1
C2
D1

Initial 
principal 
borrowed
£m
200	
550	
250	
170	
325	
350	
350	
200	
50	
110	
2,555	

Principal
repayment
period
(all by instalments)
2011	to	2028
2003	to	2028
2011	to	2028
2016	to	2028
2020	to	2032
2003	to	2023
2015	to	2028
2029	to	2030
2033	to	2034
2034	to	2036

Interest
Floating
Fixed–5.57%
Floating
Floating
Floating
Fixed–5.97%
Fixed–6.01%
Fixed–6.47%
Floating
Floating

Principal outstanding

Effective
interest
rate
%
6.21b	
6.01	
6.29b	
5.97b	
6.28b	
6.12	
6.12	
6.56	
6.47b	
6.68b	

28 September
2019
£m
121 
220 
152c
139 
325 
84 
297 
200 
50 
110 
1,698 

29 September
2018
£m
131	
240	
165c
150	
325	
102	
312	
200	
50	
110	
1,785	

Expected
WALa
5	years
5	years
5	years
5	years
9	years
2	years
6	years
10	years
14	years
16	years

a.	 Expected	weighted	average	life	(WAL)	assumes	no	early	redemption	in	respect	of	any	loan	notes.
b.	 After	the	effect	of	interest	rate	swaps.
c.	 A3N	notes	are	US$	notes	which	are	shown	as	translated	to	sterling	at	the	hedged	swap	rate.	Values	at	the	period	end	spot	rate	are	£207m	(2018	£212m).	Therefore	the	exchange	

difference	on	the	A3N	notes	is	£55m	(2018	£47m).

132

ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2019MITCHELLS & BUTLERS PLC	
The	notes	are	secured	on	the	majority	of	the	Group’s	property	and	future	income	streams	therefrom.	All	of	the	floating	rate	notes	are	hedged	using	interest
rate	swaps	which	fix	the	interest	rate	payable.

Interest	and	margin	is	payable	on	the	floating	rate	notes	as	follows:

Tranche
A1N
A3N
A4
AB
C2
D1

Interest
3	month	LIBOR
3	month	US$	LIBOR
3	month	LIBOR
3	month	LIBOR
3	month	LIBOR
3	month	LIBOR

Margin
0.45%
0.45%
0.58%
0.60%
1.88%
2.13%

The	overall	cash	interest	rate	payable	on	the	loan	notes	is	6.2%	(2018	6.2%)	after	taking	account	of	interest	rate	hedging	and	the	cost	of	the	provision	of
a	financial	guarantee	provided	by	Ambac	in	respect	of	the	Class	A	and	AB	notes.

The	securitisation	is	governed	by	various	covenants,	warranties	and	events	of	default,	many	of	which	apply	to	Mitchells	&	Butlers	Retail	Limited,	the	Group’s	
main	operating	subsidiary.	These	include	covenants	regarding	the	maintenance	and	disposal	of	securitised	properties	and	restrictions	on	its	ability	to	move	
cash,	by	way	of	dividends	for	example,	to	other	Group	companies.	At	28	September	2019,	Mitchells	&	Butlers	Retail	Limited	had	cash	and	cash	equivalents	
of	£61m	(2018	£54m).	Of	this	amount	£1m	(2018	£1m),	representing	disposal	proceeds,	was	held	on	deposit	in	an	account	over	which	there	are	a	number	of
restrictions.	The	use	of	this	cash	requires	the	approval	of	the	securitisation	trustee	and	may	only	be	used	for	certain	specified	purposes	such	as	capital
enhancement	expenditure	and	business	acquisitions.

The	carrying	value	of	the	securitised	debt	in	the	Group	balance	sheet	is	analysed	as	follows:

Principal	outstanding	at	beginning	of	period
Principal	repaid	during	the	period
Exchange	on	translation	of	dollar	loan	notes
Principal	outstanding	at	end	of	period
Deferred	issue	costs
Accrued	interest
Carrying	value	at	end	of	period

2019
£m
1,832 
(87)
8 
1,753 
(4)
3 
1,752 

2018
£m
1,911
(82)
3
1,832
(5)
3
1,830

Liquidity facility
Under	the	terms	of	the	securitisation,	the	Group	holds	a	liquidity	facility	of	£295m	provided	by	two	counterparties.	As	a	result	of	the	decrease	in	credit	rating	of
one	of	the	counterparties,	the	Group	was	obliged	to	draw	that	counterparty’s	portion	of	the	facility	during	the	52	weeks	ended	27	September	2014.	During	
the	period	the	Group	novated	part	of	the	facility	to	a	higher	rated	counterparty	and	repaid	the	amount	drawn.	The	amount	drawn	at	28	September	2019	is	£nil
(2018	£147m).

The	facility,	which	is	not	available	for	any	other	purpose,	is	sized	to	cover	18	months	debt	service.

Unsecured revolving credit facilities
The	Group	holds	three	unsecured	committed	revolving	credit	facilities	of	£50m	each,	and	uncommitted	revolving	credit	facilities	of	£15m,	available	for	general
corporate	purposes.	The	amount	drawn	at	28	September	2019	is	£nil	(2018	£nil).	All	committed	facilities	expire	on	31	December	2020.

2019
52 weeks
£m

2018
52 weeks
£m

(109)
(4)
(1)
(114)

1 
(7)

(114)
(4)
(1)
(119)

1
(7)

4.3 FINANCE COSTS AND REVENUE

Finance costs
Interest	on	securitised	debt
Interest	on	other	borrowings
Unwinding	of	discount	on	provisions	(note	3.3)
Total	finance	costs
Finance revenue
Interest	receivable	–	cash
Net pensions finance charge (note 4.5)

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NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
SECTION	4	–	CAPITAL	STRUCTURE	AND	FINANCING	COSTS	
CONTINUED

4.4 FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS

Accounting policies
Financial	assets	and	financial	liabilities	are	recognised	in	the	Group’s	balance	sheet	when	the	Group	becomes	a	party	to	the	contractual	provisions	of
the	instrument.

Financial assets
All	financial	assets	are	recognised	or	derecognised	on	a	trade	date	where	the	purchase	or	sale	of	a	financial	asset	is	under	a	contract	whose	terms	require	
delivery	of	the	financial	asset	within	the	timeframe	established	by	the	market	concerned.	Financial	assets	are	initially	measured	at	fair	value,	plus	
transaction	costs,	except	for	those	financial	assets	classified	as	at	fair	value	through	profit	or	loss,	which	are	initially	measured	at	fair	value.

Debt	instruments	that	meet	the	following	conditions	are	measured	subsequently	at	amortised	cost:

• the	financial	asset	is	held	within	a	business	model	whose	objective	is	to	hold	financial	assets	in	order	to	collect	contractual	cash	flows;	and
• the	contractual	terms	of	the	financial	asset	give	rise	on	specified	dates	to	cash	flows	that	are	solely	payments	of	principal	and	interest	on	the	principal

amount	outstanding.

Debt	instruments	that	meet	the	following	conditions	are	measured	subsequently	at	fair	value	through	other	comprehensive	income	(FVTOCI):

• the	financial	asset	is	held	within	a	business	model	whose	objective	is	achieved	by	both	collecting	contractual	cash	flows	and	selling	the	financial

assets;	and

• the	contractual	terms	of	the	financial	asset	give	rise	on	specified	dates	to	cash	flows	that	are	solely	payments	of	principal	and	interest	on	the	principal

amount	outstanding.

By	default,	all	other	financial	assets	are	measured	subsequently	at	fair	value	through	profit	or	loss	(FVTPL).

The	classification	depends	on	the	nature	and	purpose	of	the	financial	assets	and	is	determined	at	the	time	of	initial	recognition.

Impairment of financial assets
The	Group	recognises	a	loss	allowance	for	expected	credit	losses	on	financial	assets,	where	applicable.	The	amount	of	expected	credit	losses	is	updated	
at	each	reporting	date	to	reflect	changes	in	credit	risk	since	initial	recognition	of	the	respective	financial	asset.

The	Group	adopts	the	simplified	approach	detailed	in	IFRS	9	for	trade	receivables	and	other	receivables	and	therefore	recognises	lifetime	ECL	on	these	
assets.	The	expected	credit	losses	on	these	financial	assets	are	estimated	using	a	provision	matrix	based	on	the	Group’s	historical	credit	loss	experience,
adjusted	for	factors	that	are	specific	to	the	debtors,	general	economic	conditions	and	an	assessment	of	both	the	current	as	well	as	the	forecast	direction	
of	conditions	at	the	reporting	date,	including	time	value	of	money	where	appropriate.

For	all	other	financial	assets,	the	Group	recognises	lifetime	ECL	when	there	has	been	a	significant	increase	in	credit	risk	since	initial	recognition.	However,
if	the	credit	risk	on	the	financial	asset	has	not	increased	significantly	since	initial	recognition,	the	Group	measures	the	loss	allowance	for	that	financial
instrument	at	an	amount	equal	to	12-month	ECL.

Lifetime	ECL	represents	the	expected	credit	losses	that	will	result	from	all	possible	default	events	over	the	expected	life	of	a	financial	instrument.	In	
contrast,	12-month	ECL	represents	the	portion	of	lifetime	ECL	that	is	expected	to	result	from	default	events	on	a	financial	instrument	that	are	possible	
within	12	months	after	the	reporting	date.

Definition of default
The	Group	considers	the	following	as	constituting	an	event	of	default	for	internal	credit	risk	management	purposes	as	historical	experience	indicates	that	
financial	assets	that	meet	either	of	the	following	criteria	are	generally	not	recoverable	when	information	developed	internally	or	obtained	from	external
sources	indicates	that	the	debtor	is	unlikely	to	pay	its	creditors,	including	the	Group,	in	full	(without	taking	into	account	any	collateral	held	by	the	Group).

Credit-impaired financial assets
A	financial	asset	is	credit-impaired	when	one	or	more	events	that	have	a	detrimental	impact	on	the	estimated	future	cash	flows	of	that	financial	asset	have	
occurred.	Evidence	that	a	financial	asset	is	credit-impaired	includes	observable	data	about	the	following	events:

(a)	 significant	financial	difficulty	of	the	issuer	or	the	borrower;
(b)	 	a	breach	of	contract,	such	as	a	default	or	past	due	event;	
(c)	

	the	lender	of	the	borrower,	for	economic	or	contractual	reasons	relating	to	the	borrower’s	financial	difficulty,	having	granted	to	the	borrower	
a	concession	that	the	lender(s)	would	not	otherwise	consider;

(d)	 it	is	becoming	probable	that	the	borrower	will	enter	bankruptcy	or	other	financial	reorganisation;	or
(e)	 the	disappearance	of	an	active	market	for	that	financial	asset	because	of	financial	difficulties.

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Write-off policy
The	Group	writes	off	a	financial	asset	when	there	is	information	indicating	that	the	debtor	is	in	severe	financial	difficulty	and	there	is	no	realistic	prospect	of
recovery.	Financial	assets	written	off	may	still	be	subject	to	enforcement	activities	under	the	Group’s	recovery	procedures,	taking	into	account	legal	advice	
where	appropriate.	Any	recoveries	made	are	recognised	in	profit	or	loss.

Measurement and recognition of expected credit losses
The	measurement	of	expected	credit	losses	is	a	function	of	the	probability	of	default,	loss	given	default	(i.e.	the	magnitude	of	the	loss	if	there	is	a	default)
and	the	exposure	at	default.	The	assessment	of	the	probability	of	default	and	loss	given	default	is	based	on	historical	data	adjusted	by	forward-looking	
information.	As	for	the	exposure	at	default,	for	financial	assets,	this	is	represented	by	the	assets’	gross	carrying	amount	at	the	reporting	date.

For	financial	assets,	the	expected	credit	loss	is	estimated	as	the	difference	between	all	contractual	cash	flows	that	are	due	to	the	Group	in	accordance	with	
the	contract	and	all	the	cash	flows	that	the	Group	expects	to	receive,	discounted	at	the	original	effective	interest	rate.

If	the	Group	has	measured	the	loss	allowance	for	a	financial	asset	at	an	amount	equal	to	lifetime	ECL	in	the	previous	reporting	period,	but	determines	at	the	
current	reporting	date	that	the	conditions	for	lifetime	ECL	are	no	longer	met,	the	Group	measures	the	loss	allowance	at	an	amount	equal	to	12-month	ECL	
at	the	current	reporting	date,	except	for	assets	for	which	the	simplified	approach	was	used.

The	Group	recognises	an	impairment	gain	or	loss	in	profit	or	loss	for	all	financial	assets	with	a	corresponding	adjustment	to	their	carrying	amount	through	
a	loss	allowance	account.

Derecognition of financial assets
The	Group	derecognises	a	financial	asset	only	when	the	contractual	rights	to	the	cash	flows	from	the	asset	expire,	or	when	it	transfers	the	financial	asset
and	substantially	all	the	risks	and	rewards	of	ownership	of	the	asset	to	another	entity.	If	the	Group	does	not	retain	substantially	all	the	risks	and	rewards	of
ownership	but	continues	to	control	a	transferred	asset,	the	Group	recognises	its	retained	interest	in	the	asset	and	an	associated	liability	for	amounts	it	may	
have	to	pay.	If	the	Group	retains	substantially	all	the	risks	and	rewards	of	ownership	of	a	transferred	financial	asset,	the	Group	continues	to	recognise	the	
financial	asset	and	also	recognises	a	collateralised	borrowing	for	the	proceeds	received.

On	derecognition	of	a	financial	asset	measured	at	amortised	cost,	the	difference	between	the	asset’s	carrying	amount	and	the	sum	of	the	consideration	
received	and	receivable	is	recognised	in	profit	or	loss.

Financial liabilities
The	Group	has	financial	liabilities	relating	to	borrowings,	for	which	the	accounting	policy	is	provided	in	note	4.2.	Other	financial	liabilities	are	initially	
measured	at	fair	value,	net	of	transaction	costs.

All	financial	liabilities	are	measured	subsequently	at	amortised	cost	using	the	effective	interest	method	or	at	FVTPL.	

Derecognition of financial liabilities
The	Group	derecognises	financial	liabilities	when,	and	only	when,	the	Group’s	obligations	are	discharged,	cancelled	or	expired.	The	difference	between	
the	carrying	amount	of	the	financial	liability	discharged	and	the	consideration	paid	and	payable	is	recognised	in	profit	or	loss.

Effective interest method
The	effective	interest	method	is	a	method	of	calculating	the	amortised	cost	of	a	debt	instrument	and	of	allocating	finance	charges	over	the	relevant	period.
The	effective	interest	rate	is	the	rate	that	exactly	discounts	estimated	future	cash	flows	(including	all	fees	and	points	paid	or	received	that	form	an	integral
part	of	the	effective	interest	rate,	transaction	costs	and	other	premiums	or	discounts)	over	the	expected	life	of	the	debt	instrument,	or	where	appropriate,
a	shorter	period,	to	the	amortised	cost	of	a	financial	liability.	Finance	charges	are	recognised	on	an	effective	interest	basis	for	all	debt	instruments.

Derivative financial instruments
The	Group	enters	into	a	variety	of	derivative	financial	instruments	to	manage	its	exposure	to	interest	rate	and	foreign	exchange	rate	risks,	including	interest
rate	and	currency	swaps.

Derivative	financial	instruments	are	initially	measured	at	fair	value	on	the	contract	date	and	are	remeasured	to	fair	value	at	each	reporting	date.	The	
resulting	gain	or	loss	is	recognised	in	profit	or	loss	immediately	unless	the	derivative	is	designated	and	effective	as	a	hedging	instrument,	in	which	event	the	
timing	of	the	recognition	in	profit	or	loss	depends	on	the	nature	of	the	hedge	relationship.

A	derivative	with	a	positive	fair	value	is	recognised	as	a	financial	asset	whereas	a	derivative	with	a	negative	fair	value	is	recognised	as	a	financial	liability.
Derivatives	are	not	offset	in	the	financial	statements	unless	the	Group	has	both	the	current	legal	right	to	offset	and	intention	to	settle	on	a	net	basis	or
realise	simultaneously.	A	derivative	is	presented	as	a	non-current	asset	or	a	non-current	liability	if	the	remaining	maturity	of	the	instrument	is	more	than	
12	months	and	it	is	not	expected	to	be	realised	or	settled	within	12	months.	Other	derivatives	are	presented	as	current	assets	or	current	liabilities.

135

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NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
SECTION	4	–	CAPITAL	STRUCTURE	AND	FINANCING	COSTS	
CONTINUED

4.4 FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS CONTINUED

Hedge accounting
The	Group	designates	its	derivative	financial	instruments,	i.e.	interest	rate	and	currency	swaps,	as	cash	flow	hedges.	

At	the	inception	of	the	hedge	relationship,	the	Group	documents	the	relationship	between	the	hedging	instrument	and	the	hedged	item,	along	with	its	risk	
management	objectives	and	its	strategy	for	undertaking	various	hedge	transactions.	Furthermore,	at	the	inception	of	the	hedge	and	on	an	ongoing	basis,
the	Group	documents	whether	the	hedging	instrument	is	highly	effective	in	offsetting	changes	in	cash	flows	of	the	hedged	item	attributable	to	the	hedged	
risk,	which	is	when	the	hedging	relationships	meet	all	of	the	following	hedge	effectiveness	requirements:

• there	is	an	economic	relationship	between	the	hedged	item	and	the	hedging	instrument;
• the	effect	of	credit	risk	does	not	dominate	the	value	changes	that	result	from	that	economic	relationship;	and
• the	hedge	ratio	of	the	hedging	relationship	is	the	same	as	that	resulting	from	the	quantity	of	the	hedged	item	that	the	Group	actually	hedges	and	the	

quantity	of	the	hedging	instrument	that	the	Group	actually	uses	to	hedge	that	quantity	of	hedged	item.

If	a	hedging	relationship	ceases	to	meet	the	hedge	effectiveness	requirement	relating	to	the	hedge	ratio	but	the	risk	management	objective	for	that
designated	hedging	relationship	remains	the	same,	the	Group	adjusts	the	hedge	ratio	of	the	hedging	relationship	(i.e.	rebalances	the	hedge)	so	that	it	meets	
the	qualifying	criteria	again.	

Cash flow hedges
The	effective	portion	of	changes	in	the	fair	value	of	derivatives	that	are	designated	and	qualify	as	cash	flow	hedges	is	recognised	in	other	comprehensive	
income	and	accumulated	under	the	heading	of	hedging	reserve,	limited	to	the	cumulative	change	in	fair	value	of	the	hedged	item	from	inception	of	the	
hedge.

Amounts	previously	recognised	in	other	comprehensive	income	and	accumulated	in	equity	are	reclassified	to	profit	or	loss	in	the	periods	when	the	hedged	
item	affects	profit	or	loss,	in	the	same	line	as	the	recognised	hedged	item.	However,	when	the	hedged	forecast	transaction	results	in	the	recognition	of	a	
non-financial	asset	or	a	non-financial	liability,	the	gains	and	losses	previously	recognised	in	other	comprehensive	income	and	accumulated	in	equity	are	
removed	from	equity	and	included	in	the	initial	measurement	of	the	cost	of	the	non-financial	asset	or	non-financial	liability.	This	transfer	does	not	affect
other	comprehensive	income.	Furthermore,	if	the	Group	expects	that	some	or	all	of	the	loss	accumulated	in	the	hedging	reserve	will	not	be	recovered	in	
the	future,	that	amount	is	immediately	reclassified	to	profit	or	loss.

Hedge	accounting	is	discontinued	only	when	the	hedging	relationship	ceases	to	meet	the	qualifying	criteria	(after	rebalancing,	if	applicable).	This	includes	
instances	when	the	hedging	instrument	expires	or	is	sold	or	terminated.	The	discontinuation	is	accounted	for	prospectively.	Any	gain	or	loss	recognised	in	
other	comprehensive	income	and	accumulated	in	the	hedging	reserve	at	that	time	remains	in	equity	and	is	reclassified	to	profit	or	loss	when	the	forecast
transaction	occurs.	When	a	forecast	transaction	is	no	longer	expected	to	occur,	the	gain	or	loss	accumulated	in	the	hedging	reserve	is	reclassified	
immediately	to	profit	or	loss.

Financial risk management
Financial	risk	is	managed	by	the	Group’s	Treasury	function.	The	Group’s	Treasury	function	is	governed	by	a	Board	Approved	Treasury	Policy	Statement	which	
details	the	key	objectives	and	policies	for	the	Group’s	treasury	management.	The	Treasury	Committee	ensures	that	the	Treasury	Policy	is	adhered	to,	monitors	
its	operation	and	agrees	appropriate	strategies	for	recommendation	to	the	Board.	The	Treasury	Policy	Statement	is	reviewed	annually,	with	recommendations	
for	change	made	to	the	Board,	as	appropriate.	The	Group	Treasury	function	is	operated	as	a	cost	centre	and	is	the	only	area	of	the	business	permitted	to	
transact	treasury	deals.	It	must	also	be	consulted	on	other	related	matters	such	as	the	provision	of	guarantees	or	the	financial	implications	of	contract	terms.

An	explanation	of	the	Group’s	financial	instrument	risk	management	objectives	and	strategies	is	set	out	below.

The	main	financial	risks	which	impact	the	Group	result	from	funding	and	liquidity	risk,	credit	risk,	capital	risk	and	market	risk,	principally	as	a	result	of	changes	
in	interest	and	currency	rates.	Derivative	financial	instruments,	principally	interest	rate	and	foreign	currency	swaps,	are	used	to	manage	market	risk.	Derivative	
financial	instruments	are	not	used	for	trading	or	speculative	purposes.

Funding and liquidity risk
In	order	to	ensure	that	the	Group’s	long-term	funding	strategy	is	aligned	with	its	strategic	objectives,	the	Treasury	Committee	regularly	assesses	the	
maturity	profile	of	the	Group’s	debt,	alongside	the	prevailing	financial	projections.	This	enables	it	to	ensure	that	funding	levels	are	appropriate	to	support
the	Group’s	plans.

The	current	funding	arrangements	of	the	Group	consist	of	the	securitised	notes	issued	by	Mitchells	&	Butlers	Finance	plc	(and	associated	liquidity	facility)	
along	with	three	committed	unsecured	revolving	credit	facilities	of	£50m	each.	The	terms	of	the	securitisation	and	the	revolving	credit	facilities	contain	various	
financial	covenants.	Compliance	with	these	covenants	is	monitored	by	Group	Treasury.	The	Group	also	has	uncommitted	credit	facilities	of	£15m.

The	Group	prepares	a	rolling	daily	cash	forecast	covering	a	six	week	period	and	an	annual	cash	forecast	by	period.	These	forecasts	are	reviewed	on	a	daily	
basis	and	are	used	to	manage	the	investment	and	borrowing	requirements	of	the	Group.	A	combination	of	cash	pooling	and	zero	balancing	agreements	are	in	
place	to	ensure	the	optimum	liquidity	position	is	maintained.	The	Group	maintains	sufficient	cash	balances	or	committed	facilities	outside	the	securitisation	to	
ensure	that	it	can	meet	its	medium-term	anticipated	cash	flow	requirements.

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ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2019MITCHELLS & BUTLERS PLC	
	
	
	
	
The	maturity	table	below	details	the	contractual	undiscounted	cash	flows	(both	principal	and	interest),	based	on	the	prevailing	period	end	interest	and	
exchange	rates,	for	the	Group’s	financial	liabilities,	after	taking	into	account	the	effect	of	interest	rate	and	currency	swaps	and	assumes	no	early	redemption	in	
respect	of	any	loan	notes.

28 September 2019
Securitised	debt	–	loan	notes
Cash	flow	hedges
Fixed	rate:	Securitised	debt
Trade	and	other	payables

29 September 2018
Securitised	debt	–	loan	notes
Cash	flow	hedges
Fixed	rate:	Securitised	debt
Floating	rate:	Liquidity	facility
Trade	and	other	payables

Within
one year
£m

One to 
two years
£m

Two to 
three years
£m

Three to 
four years
£m

Four to 
five years
£m

More than 
five years
£m

(171)
(27)
(198)
(327)

(165)
(30)
(195)
(147)
(302)

(175)
(26)
(201)
–

(170)
(28)
(198)
–
–

(177)
(24)
(201)
–

(174)
(27)
(201)
–
–

(179)
(21)
(200)
–

(176)
(25)
(201)
–
–

(180)
(20)
(200)
–

(177)
(23)
(200)
–
–

(1,381)
(106)
(1,487)
–

(1,554)
(133)
(1,687)
–
–

Total
£m

(2,263)
(224)
(2,487)
(327)

(2,416)
(266)
(2,682)
(147)
(302)

Credit risk
The	Group	Treasury	function	enters	into	contracts	with	third	parties	in	respect	of	derivative	financial	instruments	for	risk	management	purposes	and	the	
investment	of	surplus	funds.	These	activities	expose	the	Group	to	credit	risk	against	the	counterparties.	To	mitigate	this	exposure,	Group	Treasury	operates	
policies	that	restrict	the	investment	of	surplus	funds	and	the	entering	into	of	derivative	transactions	to	counterparties	that	have	a	minimum	credit	rating	of	‘A’
(long-term)	and	‘A1’/‘P1’/‘F1’	(short-term).	Counterparties	may	also	be	required	to	post	collateral	with	the	Group,	where	their	credit	rating	falls	below	a	
predetermined	level.	The	amount	that	can	be	invested	or	transacted	at	various	ratings	levels	is	restricted	under	the	policy.	To	minimise	credit	risk	exposure	
against	individual	counterparties,	investments	and	derivative	transactions	are	entered	into	with	a	range	of	counterparties.	The	Group	Treasury	function	
reviews	credit	ratings,	as	published	by	Moody’s,	Standard	&	Poor’s	and	Fitch	Ratings,	current	exposure	levels	and	the	maximum	permitted	exposure	at	given	
credit	ratings,	for	each	counterparty	on	a	daily	basis.	Any	exceptions	are	required	to	be	formally	reported	to	the	Treasury	Committee	on	a	four-weekly	basis.

Credit	risk	is	on	trade	receivables	and	other	receivables	is	considered	to	be	a	low-level	risk.	Trade	receivables	and	other	receivables	mainly	represent	amounts	
due	from	tenants	of	unlicensed	properties,	amounts	due	from	Group	suppliers	and	cash	collateral	deposits	held	by	third	parties.	

Credit	exposure	relating	to	tenants	is	considered	to	be	low	risk,	with	an	expected	lifetime	credit	loss	calculated	at	the	period	end	to	reflect	the	risk	of
irrecoverable	amounts.	To	minimise	credit	risk	new	tenants	are	assessed	using	an	external	credit	rating	system	before	they	are	approved	for	tenancy.	Credit
exposure	is	reduced	for	the	amounts	due	from	Group	suppliers	as	the	Group	holds	offsetting	amounts	in	trade	and	other	payables	that	are	due	to	some	of
these	suppliers.	Credit	risk	on	cash	collateral	deposits	held	by	third	parties	are	considered	to	be	low	credit	risk	as	they	are	held	with	reputable	banking	
institutions	by	third	parties.

The	Group’s	credit	exposure	at	the	balance	sheet	date	was:

Cash	and	cash	equivalents
Other	cash	deposits
Trade	receivables
Other	receivables
Derivatives

FVTPL 
2019
£m
–
–
–
–
56

12 month ECL
2019
£m
133
–
–
–
–

Lifetime ECL
2019
£m
–
–
7
15
–

Total
2019
£m
133
–
7
15
56

Total
2018
£m
122
120
7
14
48

Capital management
The	Group’s	capital	base	is	comprised	of	its	net	debt	(analysed	in	note	4.1)	plus	total	equity	(disclosed	on	the	face	of	the	Group	balance	sheet).	The	objective	is
to	maintain	a	capital	base	which	is	sufficiently	strong	to	support	the	ongoing	development	of	the	business	as	a	going	concern,	including	the	amenity,	and	cash	
flow	generation	of	the	pub	estate.	By	keeping	debt	and	headroom	against	its	debt	facilities	at	an	appropriate	level,	the	Group	ensures	that	it	maintains	a	strong	
credit	position,	whilst	maximising	value	for	shareholders	and	adhering	to	its	covenants	and	other	restrictions	associated	with	its	debt	(see	note	4.2).	In	
managing	its	capital	structure,	from	time	to	time	the	Group	may	realise	value	from	non-core	assets,	buy	back	or	issue	new	shares,	initiate	and	vary	its	dividend	
payments	and	seek	to	vary	or	accelerate	debt	repayments.	The	Group’s	policy	is	to	ensure	that	the	maturity	of	its	debt	profile	supports	its	strategic	objectives.
The	Board	considers	the	latest	covenant	compliance,	headroom	projections	and	projected	balance	sheet	positions	periodically	throughout	the	year,	based	on	
the	advice	of	the	Treasury	Committee	which	meets	on	a	four-weekly	basis.	The	Treasury	Committee	is	chaired	by	the	Group	Treasurer	and	monitors	Treasury	
performance	and	compliance	with	Board-approved	policies.	The	Group	Chief	Financial	Officer	is	also	a	member	of	the	Committee.

Total	capital	at	the	balance	sheet	date	is	as	follows:

Net	debt	(note	4.1)
Total	equity
Total	capital

137

2019
£m
1,564
1,947
3,511

2018
£m
1,688
1,769
3,457

ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2019MITCHELLS & BUTLERS PLCSTRATEGIC REPORTGOVERNANCEFINANCIAL STATEMENTSOTHER INFORMATION	
	
	
	
	
	
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
SECTION	4	–	CAPITAL	STRUCTURE	AND	FINANCING	COSTS	
CONTINUED

4.4 FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS CONTINUED
Market risk
The	Group	is	exposed	to	the	risk	that	the	fair	value	of	future	cash	flows	of	its	financial	instruments	will	fluctuate	because	of	changes	in	market	prices.	Market
risk	comprises	foreign	currency	and	interest	rate	risk.

Foreign currency risk
The	most	significant	currency	risk	the	Group	faces	is	in	relation	to	the	class	A3N	floating	rate	notes.	At	issuance	of	these	notes,	the	Group	entered	into	a	cross
currency	interest	rate	swap	to	manage	the	foreign	currency	exposure	resulting	from	both	the	US$	principal	and	initial	interest	elements	of	the	notes.	The	A3N	
notes	have	a	carrying	value	of	£207m	(2018	£212m)	and	form	part	of	the	securitised	debt	(see	note	4.2).

Sensitivity analysis 
Further	to	the	step-up	on	the	A3N	notes	on	15	December	2010,	the	Group	has	additional	foreign	currency	exposure	as	a	result	of	the	increase	in	US$	finance	
costs.	A	movement	of	10%	in	the	US$	exchange	rate	would	have	£nil	(2018	£nil)	impact	on	the	reported	Group	profit	and	£21m	(2018	£21m)	impact	on	the	
reported	Group	equity.

The	Group	has	no	significant	profit	and	loss	exposure	as	a	result	of	retranslating	monetary	assets	and	liabilities	at	different	exchange	rates.	As	the	Group	is	
predominantly	UK	based	and	acquires	the	majority	of	its	supplies	in	sterling,	it	has	no	significant	direct	currency	exposure	from	its	operations.

Interest rate risk
The	Group	has	a	mixture	of	fixed	and	floating	interest	rate	debt	instruments	and	manages	the	variability	in	cash	flows	resulting	from	changes	in	interest	rates	
by	using	derivative	financial	instruments.	Where	the	necessary	criteria	are	met,	the	Group	minimises	the	volatility	in	its	consolidated	financial	statements	
through	the	adoption	of	the	hedge	accounting	provisions	permitted	under	IFRS	9.	The	interest	rate	exposure	resulting	from	the	Group’s	£1.8bn	securitisation	
is	largely	fixed,	either	as	a	result	of	the	notes	themselves	being	issued	at	fixed	interest	rates,	or	through	a	combination	of	floating	rate	notes	against	which	
effective	interest	rate	swaps	are	held,	which	are	eligible	for	hedge	accounting.	

Sensitivity analysis
The	sensitivity	analysis	below	has	been	calculated	based	on	the	Group’s	exposure	to	interest	rates	for	both	derivative	and	non-derivative	instruments	as	at	the	
balance	sheet	date.	A	1%	movement	is	used	when	reporting	interest	rate	risk	internally	to	key	management	personnel	and	represents	management’s	
assessment	of	this	reasonably	possible	change	in	interest	rates.	

For	floating	rate	liabilities,	which	are	not	hedged	by	derivative	instruments,	the	analysis	has	been	prepared	assuming	that	the	liability	outstanding	at	the	
balance	sheet	date	was	outstanding	for	the	whole	period.	For	interest	income	the	analysis	assumes	that	cash	and	cash	equivalents	and	other	cash	deposits	
that	were	held	in	interest	bearing	accounts	at	the	balance	sheet	date	were	held	for	the	whole	period.	

The	Group’s	sensitivity	to	a	1%	increase	in	interest	rates	is	detailed	below:

Interest	incomea
Interest	expenseb
Profit	impact
Derivative	financial	instruments	(fair	values)c
Total	equity

2019
£m
1 
– 
1 
72
73

2018
£m
2	
(1)	
1	
76	
77	

a.	 Represents	interest	income	earned	on	cash	and	cash	equivalents	and	other	cash	deposits	(these	are	defined	in	note	4.1).
b.	 The	element	of	interest	expense	which	is	not	matched	by	payments	and	receipts	under	cash	flow	hedges	which	would	otherwise	offset	the	interest	rate	exposure	of	the	Group.
c.	 The	impact	on	total	equity	from	movements	in	the	fair	value	of	cash	flow	hedges.

Derivative financial instruments
Cash flow hedges
Changes	in	cash	flow	hedge	fair	values	are	recognised	in	the	hedging	reserve	in	equity	to	the	extent	that	the	hedges	are	effective.	The	cash	flow	hedges	
detailed	below	have	been	assessed	as	being	highly	effective	during	the	period	and	are	expected	to	remain	highly	effective	over	the	remaining	contract	lives.
The	following	amounts	have	been	recognised	during	the	period:

2019
£m
(81)
23 
(58)

2018
£m
16	
34	
50

(Losses)/gains	arising	during	the	period
Reclassification	adjustments	for	losses	included	in	profit	or	loss

138

ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2019MITCHELLS & BUTLERS PLC	
	
	
Cash flow hedges – securitised borrowings
At	28	September	2019,	the	Group	held	ten	(2018	ten)	interest	rate	swap	contracts	with	a	nominal	value	of	£897m	(2018	£931m),	designated	as	a	hedge	of	the	
cash	flow	interest	rate	risk	of	£897m	(2018	£931m)	of	the	Group’s	floating	rate	borrowings,	comprising	the	A1N,	A3N,	A4,	AB,	C2	and	D1	loan	notes.

The	cash	flows	on	these	contracts	occur	quarterly,	receiving	a	floating	rate	of	interest	based	on	LIBOR	and	paying	a	fixed	rate	of	4.8399%	(2018	4.8483%).
The	contract	maturity	dates	match	those	of	the	hedged	item.	The	ten	interest	rate	swaps	are	held	on	the	Group	balance	sheet	at	fair	market	value,	which	is	
a	liability	of	£302m	(2018	£244m).

At	28	September	2019	the	Group	held	one	(2018	one)	cross	currency	interest	rate	swap	contract,	with	a	nominal	value	of	£152m	(2018	£165m),	designated	as	
a	hedge	of	the	cash	flow	interest	rate	and	currency	risk	of	the	Group’s	US$	denominated	A3N	floating	rate	$254m	(2018	$276m)	notes.	The	cross	currency	
interest	rate	swap	is	held	on	the	Group	balance	sheet	at	a	fair	value	asset	of	£55m	(2018	£48m).

The	cash	flows	on	this	contract	occur	quarterly,	receiving	a	floating	rate	of	interest	based	on	US$	LIBOR	and	paying	a	floating	rate	of	interest	at	LIBOR	
in	sterling.

The	cash	flows	arising	from	interest	rate	swap	positions	on	the	same	counterparty	may	be	settled	as	a	net	position.	The	cross	currency	interest	rate	swap	
is	held	under	a	separate	agreement	and	cash	movements	for	this	instrument	are	settled	individually.

Share options
During	the	prior	period,	a	put	and	call	option	agreement	was	entered	into,	which	allows	the	Company	to	acquire	the	remaining	60%	share	capital	of	the	
associate,	3Sixty	Restaurants	Limited,	at	any	point	in	time	after	three	years	from	the	initial	purchase	date.	The	initial	40%	investment	was	purchased	on	
1	August	2018	for	£4m	(see	note	3.5).	The	current	shareholders	also	have	the	ability	under	the	option	to	sell	the	remaining	60%	to	the	company,	subject	to	
a	number	of	conditions.	The	fair	value	of	this	option	at	28	September	2019	is	£1m	(2018	£nil).	This	has	been	recognised	as	a	financial	asset	and	the	gain	
deferred	and	recognised	over	the	three	year	option	life.

Fair values of derivative financial instruments
The	fair	values	of	the	derivative	financial	instruments	were	measured	at	28	September	2019	and	may	be	subject	to	material	movements	in	the	period	
subsequent	to	the	balance	sheet	date.	The	fair	values	of	the	derivative	financial	instruments	are	reflected	on	the	balance	sheet	as	follows:

Cash flow hedges at FVTOCI:
	 –	Interest	rate	swaps
	 –	Cross	currency	swap
Share	options	at	FVTPL
28 September 2019
29	September	2018	

Derivative financial instruments – fair value

Non-current
assets
£m

Current
assets
£m

Current
liabilities
£m

Non-current
liabilities
£m

– 
52 
1
53
44	

– 
3
–
3
4

(36)
– 
–
(36)
(37)

(266)
– 
–
(266)
(207)

Total
£m

(302)
 55 
1
(246)
(196)

Reconciliation of movements in derivative values
The	tables	below	details	changes	in	the	Group’s	derivatives,	including	both	cash	and	non-cash	changes	where	appropriate.	Changes	in	the	Group’s	
borrowings	are	disclosed	in	the	net	debt	reconciliation	in	note	4.1.

Movements	in	derivative	values	for	the	52	weeks	ended	28	September	2019	are	represented	by:

Cash	flow	hedges
Share	options
Total derivatives

At 
29 September 
2018
£m
(196)
–	
(196)

Cash movements
£m
31	
–	
31

Fair value 
adjustments
£m
(82)	
1	
(81)

At 
28 September 
2019 
£m
(247)
1 
(246)

Movements	in	derivative	values	for	the	52	weeks	ended	29	September	2018	are	represented	by:

At 
30 September 
2017
£m
(249)
(249)

Cash movements
£m
37
37

Fair value 
adjustments
£m
16
(16)

At 
29 September 
2018
£m
(196)
(196)

Cash	flow	hedges
Total derivatives

139

ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2019MITCHELLS & BUTLERS PLCSTRATEGIC REPORTGOVERNANCEFINANCIAL STATEMENTSOTHER INFORMATION	
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
SECTION	4	–	CAPITAL	STRUCTURE	AND	FINANCING	COSTS	
CONTINUED

4.4 FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS CONTINUED
Fair value of financial assets and liabilities
The	fair	value	and	carrying	value	of	financial	assets	and	liabilities	by	category	is	as	follows:

Financial	assets	at	amortised	cost:
	 –	Cash	and	cash	equivalents
	 –	Other	cash	deposits
	 –	Trade	and	other	receivables
	 –	Other	receivables
Financial	assets	–	derivatives:
	 –	Derivative	instruments	in	designated	hedge	accounting	relationships
	 –	Share	options
Financial	liabilities	at	amortised	cost:
	 –	Borrowings	(note	4.2)
	 –	Trade	and	other	payables
	 –	Other	taxation	and	social	security
	 –	Other	payables
	 –	Accrued	charges
Financial	liabilities	–	derivatives:
	 –	Derivative	instruments	in	designated	hedge	accounting	relationships

2019

Book
value
£m

133 
–
7 
15 

55
1

(1,752)
(88)
(78)
(57)
(104)

(302)
(2,170)

Fair
value
£m

133 
–
7 
15 

55
1

(1,695)
(88)
(78)
(57)
(104)

(302)
(2,113)

2018

Book
value
£m

122	
120	
7
14

48	
–

(1,977)
(83)
(64)
(52)
(103)

(244)
(2,212)

Fair
value
£m

122	
120	
7
14

48	
–

(1,939)
(83)
(64)
(52)
(103)

(244)
(2,174)

Borrowings	have	been	valued	as	level	1	financial	instruments,	as	the	various	tranches	of	the	securitised	debt	have	been	valued	using	period	end	quoted	offer
prices.	As	the	securitised	debt	is	traded	on	an	active	market,	the	market	value	represents	the	fair	value	of	this	debt.	The	fair	value	of	interest	rate	and	currency	
swaps	is	the	estimated	amount	which	the	Group	could	expect	to	pay	or	receive	on	termination	of	the	agreements.	These	amounts	are	based	on	quotations	
from	counterparties	which	approximate	to	their	fair	market	value	and	take	into	consideration	interest	and	exchange	rates	prevailing	at	the	balance	sheet	date.
Other	financial	assets	and	liabilities	are	either	short-term	in	nature	or	their	book	values	approximate	to	fair	values.

Fair value of derivative financial instruments
The	fair	value	of	the	Group’s	derivative	financial	instruments	is	calculated	by	discounting	the	expected	future	cash	flows	of	each	instrument	at	an	appropriate	
discount	rate	to	a	‘mark	to	market’	position	and	then	adjusting	this	to	reflect	any	non-performance	risk	associated	with	the	counterparties	to	the	instrument.

IFRS	13	Financial	Instruments	requires	the	Group’s	derivative	financial	instruments	to	be	disclosed	at	fair	value	and	categorised	in	three	levels	according	to	the	
inputs	used	in	the	calculation	of	their	fair	value:

• Level	1	instruments	use	quoted	prices	as	the	input	to	fair	value	calculations;
• Level	2	instruments	use	inputs,	other	than	quoted	prices,	that	are	observable	either	directly	or	indirectly;
• Level	3	instruments	use	inputs	that	are	unobservable.

The	table	below	sets	out	the	valuation	basis	of	derivative	financial	instruments	held	at	fair	value	by	the	Group:

Level 1
£m

Level 2
£m

Level 3
£m

– 
– 

– 
– 

Level 1
£m

–

–
–

55 
– 

(302)
(247)

Level 2
£m

48

(244)
(196)

– 
1 

– 
1 

Level 3
£m

–

–
–

Total
£m

55 
1 

(302)
(246)

Total
£m

48

(244)
(196)

Fair value at 28 September 2019
Financial assets:
Currency	swaps
Share	options
Financial liabilities:
Interest	rate	swaps

Fair value at 29 September 2018
Financial assets:
Currency	swaps
Financial liabilities:
Interest	rate	swaps

140

ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2019MITCHELLS & BUTLERS PLC	
	
4.5 PENSIONS

Accounting policy
Retirement	and	death	benefits	are	provided	for	eligible	employees	in	the	United	Kingdom	principally	by	the	Mitchells	&	Butlers	Pension	Plan	(MABPP)	
and	the	Mitchells	&	Butlers	Executive	Pension	Plan	(MABEPP).	These	plans	are	funded,	HMRC	approved,	occupational	pension	schemes	with	defined	
contribution	and	defined	benefit	sections.	The	defined	benefit	section	of	the	plans	is	now	closed	to	future	service	accrual.	The	defined	benefit	liability	
relates	to	these	funded	plans,	together	with	an	unfunded	unapproved	pension	arrangement	(the	Executive	Top-Up	Scheme,	or	MABETUS)	in	respect	
of	certain	MABEPP	members.	The	assets	of	the	plans	are	held	in	self-administered	trust	funds	separate	from	the	Company’s	assets.

In	addition,	Mitchells	&	Butlers	plc	also	provides	a	workplace	pension	plan	in	line	with	the	Workplace	Pensions	Reform	Regulations.	This	automatically	
enrols	all	eligible	workers	into	a	Qualifying	Workplace	Pension	Plan.

As	the	Company	does	not	have	an	unconditional	right	to	recover	any	surplus	from	the	pension	plans,	IFRIC	14	requires	the	minimum	funding	liability	to	be	
recognised,	where	it	is	in	excess	of	the	actuarial	liability.	As	such,	the	total	pension	liability	recognised	in	the	balance	sheet	in	respect	of	the	Group’s	defined	
benefit	arrangements	is	the	greater	of	the	minimum	funding	requirements,	calculated	as	the	present	value	of	the	agreed	schedule	of	contributions,	and	
the	actuarial	calculated	liability.	The	actuarial	liability	is	the	present	value	of	the	defined	benefit	obligation,	less	the	fair	value	of	the	scheme	assets.	The	cost
of	providing	benefits	is	determined	using	the	projected	unit	credit	method	as	determined	annually	by	qualified	actuaries.	This	is	based	on	a	number	of
financial	assumptions	and	estimates,	the	determination	of	which	may	be	significant	to	the	balance	sheet	valuation	in	the	event	that	this	reflects	a	greater	
deficit	than	that	suggested	by	the	schedule	of	minimum	contributions.	

There	is	no	current	service	cost	as	all	defined	benefit	schemes	are	closed	to	future	accrual.	The	net	pension	finance	charge,	calculated	by	applying	the	
discount	rate	to	the	pension	deficit	or	surplus	at	the	beginning	of	the	period,	is	shown	within	finance	income	or	expense.	The	administration	costs	of	the	
scheme	are	recognised	within	operating	costs	in	the	income	statement.

Re-measurement	comprising	actuarial	gains	and	losses,	the	effect	of	minimum	funding	requirements,	and	the	return	on	scheme	assets	are	recognised	
immediately	in	the	balance	sheet	with	a	charge	or	credit	to	the	statement	of	comprehensive	income	in	the	period	in	which	they	occur.

Curtailments	and	settlements	relating	to	the	Group’s	defined	benefit	plan	are	recognised	in	the	income	statement	in	the	period	in	which	the	curtailment
or	settlement	occurs.

For	the	defined	contribution	arrangements,	the	charge	against	profit	is	equal	to	the	amount	of	contributions	payable	for	that	period.

Critical accounting judgements 
The	calculation	of	the	defined	benefit	liability	requires	management	judgement	to	select	an	appropriate	high-quality	corporate	bond	to	determine	the	
discount	rate.	The	most	significant	criteria	considered	for	the	selection	of	bonds	include	the	rating	of	the	bonds	and	the	currency	and	estimated	term	of	the	
retirement	benefit	liabilities.

In	addition,	management	have	used	judgement	to	determine	the	applicable	rate	of	inflation	to	apply	to	pension	increases	in	calculating	the	defined	benefit
obligation.	Details	of	this	are	given	below.

Measurement of scheme assets and liabilities
Actuarial valuation
The	actuarial	valuations	used	for	IAS	19	(revised)	purposes	are	based	on	the	results	of	the	latest	full	actuarial	valuation	carried	out	at	31	March	2019	and	
updated	by	the	schemes’	independent	qualified	actuaries	to	28	September	2019.	Scheme	assets	are	stated	at	market	value	at	28	September	2019	and	the	
liabilities	of	the	schemes	have	been	assessed	as	at	the	same	date	using	the	projected	unit	method.	IAS	19	(revised)	requires	that	the	scheme	liabilities	are	
discounted	using	market	yields	at	the	end	of	the	period	on	high-quality	corporate	bonds.

In	relation	to	the	MABPP,	the	Trust	Deed	and	Rules	provide	that	it	is	a	matter	for	the	Company	to	determine	the	rate	of	inflation	which	should	be	applied	to	
pension	increases	for	certain	sections	of	the	membership	in	excess	of	guaranteed	minimum	pensions	and	the	Company	has	instructed	the	Trustee	to	apply	CPI	
(subject	to	certain	caps)	in	respect	of	such	increases.	The	Trustee	believes	that	this	power	was	incorrectly	vested	in	the	Company	in	the	Trust	Deed	and	Rules	
of	the	MABPP	in	1996	and,	despite	it	being	reflected	in	further	versions,	has	made	an	application	to	court	for	those	various	Trust	Deeds	and	Rules	to	be	
rectified.	It	is	the	Board’s	belief	that	the	Company	holds	the	power	to	fix	such	an	inflation	index	and	the	Company	is	therefore	contesting	that	application.	The	
hearing	is	expected	to	be	held	in	mid-2020.	The	actuarial	surplus	as	determined	under	IAS	19	(revised)	has	continued	to	be	calculated	using	RPI,	pending	final
resolution	of	the	matter.	The	applicable	rate	of	CPI	at	28	September	2019	is	2.1%.	Leaving	all	other	principal	financial	assumptions	constant,	the	impact	of	this	
change	on	the	defined	benefit	obligation	as	measured	under	IAS	19	(revised)	is	estimated	to	be	a	reduction	of	£165m.	However	(under	IFRIC	14)	an	additional
liability	is	recognised	such	that	the	total	balance	sheet	position	reflects	the	schedule	of	contributions	agreed	by	the	Company,	extending	to	2023.	As	such	
should	the	Company	be	successful	in	contesting	the	application	there	will	be	no	necessary	movement	in	the	total	balance	sheet	position.

The	principal	financial	assumptions	have	been	updated	to	reflect	changes	in	market	conditions	in	the	period	and	are	as	follows:

Discount	ratea
Pensions	increases	–	RPI	max	5%
Inflation	rate	–	RPI

2019

2018

Main plan
1.8%
3.0%
3.1%

Executive  

plan
1.8%
3.0%
3.1%

Main plan
2.9%
3.0%
3.2%

Executive  
plan
2.9%
3.0%
3.2%

a.	 The	discount	rate	is	based	on	a	yield	curve	for	AA	corporate	rated	bonds	which	are	consistent	with	the	currency	and	estimated	term	of	retirement	benefit	liabilities.

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NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
SECTION	4	–	CAPITAL	STRUCTURE	AND	FINANCING	COSTS	
CONTINUED

4.5 PENSIONS CONTINUED
The	mortality	assumptions	were	reviewed	following	the	2019	actuarial	valuation.	A	summary	of	the	average	life	expectancies	assumed	is	as	follows:

Male	member	aged	65	(current	life	expectancy)
Male	member	aged	45	(life	expectancy	at	65)
Female	member	aged	65	(current	life	expectancy)
Female	member	aged	45	(life	expectancy	at	65)

2019

2018

Main plan
years
20.9
22.7
23.2
25.3

Executive  

plan
years
23.4
24.5
24.3
26.3

Main plan
years
21.2
23.0
23.6
25.5

Executive  
plan
years
23.9
25.6
26.0
27.9

Minimum funding requirements
The	results	of	the	2019	actuarial	valuation	showed	a	funding	deficit	of	£293m,	using	a	more	prudent	basis	to	discount	the	scheme	liabilities	than	is	required	by	
IAS	19	(revised).	As	a	result	of	the	2019	actuarial	valuation,	the	Company	has	subsequently	agreed	recovery	plans	for	both	the	Executive	and	Main	schemes	in	
order	to	close	the	funding	deficit	in	respect	of	its	pension	liabilities.	The	recovery	plans	show	an	unchanged	level	of	cash	contributions	with	no	extension	to	the	
agreed	payment	term	(£45m	per	annum	indexed	with	RPI	from	1	April	2016	subject	to	a	minimum	increase	of	0%	and	maximum	of	5%,	until	31	March	2023).
Under	IFRIC	14,	an	additional	liability	is	recognised,	such	that	the	overall	pension	liability	at	the	period	end	reflects	the	schedule	of	contributions	in	relation	to	
a	minimum	funding	requirement,	should	this	be	higher	than	the	actuarial	deficit.

The	employer	contributions	expected	to	be	paid	during	the	financial	period	ending	27	September	2020	amount	to	£50m.

In	2024,	an	additional	payment	of	£13m	will	be	made	into	escrow,	should	such	further	funding	be	required	at	that	time.	This	is	a	contingent	liability	and	is	not
reflected	in	the	pensions	liability	as	it	is	not	committed.	

Sensitivity to changes in actuarial assumptions 
The	sensitivities	regarding	principal	actuarial	assumptions,	assessed	in	isolation,	that	have	been	used	to	measure	the	scheme	liabilities	are	set	out	below.

2019
0.5%	increase	in	discount	ratea
0.1%	increase	in	inflation	rate
Additional	one-year	decrease	to	life	expectancy

2018
0.5%	increase	in	discount	ratea
0.1%	increase	in	inflation	rate
Additional	one-year	decrease	to	life	expectancy

Increase or 
(decrease) 
in actuarial 
surplus 
2019
£m
207 
(41)
 90 

Increase or 
(decrease) 
in actuarial 
surplus 
2018
£m
37	
(34)
	72	

Decrease or 
(increase) 
in total 
pension 
liability 
2019
£m
5 
(1)
2 

Decrease or 
(increase) 
in total 
pension 
liability 
2018
£m
1	
(1)
1	

a.	 The	discount	rate	sensitivity	disclosed	for	2019	is	a	higher	sensitivity	of	0.5%,	compared	to	0.1%	in	2018.	This	has	increased	to	reflect	a	reasonably	possible	change	in	discount	rate	

as	a	result	of	volatility	in	the	discount	rate	in	recent	years.

The	sensitivity	analysis	presented	above	may	not	be	representative	of	the	actual	change	in	the	defined	benefit	obligation	as	it	is	unlikely	that	the	changes	in	
assumptions	would	occur	in	isolation	of	one	another	as	some	of	the	assumptions	may	be	correlated.	In	presenting	the	above	sensitivity	analysis,	the	present
value	of	the	defined	benefit	obligation	has	been	calculated	using	the	projected	unit	credit	method	at	the	end	of	the	reporting	period,	which	is	the	same	as	that
applied	in	calculating	the	defined	benefit	obligation	liability	recognised	in	the	statement	of	financial	position.

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ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2019MITCHELLS & BUTLERS PLC	
	
	
	
Principal risks and assumptions
The	defined	benefit	schemes	are	not	exposed	to	any	unusual,	entity	specific	or	scheme	specific	risks	but	there	are	general	risks:

Inflation	–	the	majority	of	the	plans’	obligations	are	linked	to	inflation.	Higher	inflation	will	lead	to	increased	liabilities	which	is	partially	offset	by	the	plans	
holding	inflation	linked	gilts	and	other	inflation	linked	assets.

Interest rate	–	The	plans’	liabilities	are	determined	using	discount	rates	derived	from	yields	on	AA-rated	corporate	bonds.	A	decrease	in	corporate	bond	yields	
will	increase	plan	liabilities	though	this	will	be	partially	offset	by	an	increase	in	the	value	of	the	bonds	held	by	the	plans.

Mortality	–	The	majority	of	the	obligations	are	to	provide	benefits	for	the	life	of	the	members	and	their	partners,	so	any	increase	in	life	expectancy	will	result	in	
an	increase	in	the	plans’	liabilities.

Asset returns	–	Assets	held	by	the	pension	plans	are	invested	in	a	diversified	portfolio	of	equities,	bonds	and	other	assets.	Volatility	in	asset	values	will	lead	to	
movements	in	the	net	deficit/surplus	reported	in	the	Group	balance	sheet	for	the	plans	which	in	addition	will	also	impact	the	pension	finance	charge	in	the	
Group	income	statement.

Amounts recognised in respect of defined benefit schemes
The	following	amounts	relating	to	the	Group’s	defined	benefit	and	defined	contribution	arrangements	have	been	recognised	in	the	Group	income	statement	
and	Group	statement	of	comprehensive	income:

Group income statement

Operating	profit:
Employer	contributions	(defined	contribution	plans)
Administrative	costs	(defined	benefit	plans)
Charge	to	operating	profit	before	adjusted	items
Past	service	cost	(see	note	2.2)
Charge	to	operating	profit
Finance	costs:
Net	pensions	finance	income	on	actuarial	surplus
Additional	pensions	finance	charge	due	to	minimum	funding
Net	finance	charge	in	respect	of	pensions
Total	charge

Group statement of comprehensive income

Return	on	scheme	assets	and	effects	of	changes	in	assumptions
Movement	in	pension	liability	recognised	due	to	minimum	funding	
Remeasurement	of	pension	liability

Group balance sheet

Fair	value	of	scheme	assets
Present	value	of	scheme	liabilities
Actuarial	surplus	in	the	schemes
Additional	liability	recognised	due	to	minimum	funding
Total	pension	liabilitya
Associated	deferred	tax	asset

2019
52 weeks
£m

2018
52 weeks
£m

(12)
(3)
(15)
(19)
(34)

10 
(17)
(7)
(41)

2019
52 weeks
£m
(77)
92 
15

2019
£m
2,739 
(2,443) 
296 
(511) 
(215)
36

(8)
(2)
(10)
–	
(10)

5	
(12)
(7)
(17)

2018
52 weeks
£m
114	
(109)
5	

2018
£m
2,404	
(2,068)
336	
(585)
(249)
43	

a.	 The	total	pension	liability	of	£215m	(2018	£249m)	is	presented	as	a	£50m	current	liability	(2018	£49m)	and	a	£165m	non-current	liability	(2018	£200m).

143

ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2019MITCHELLS & BUTLERS PLCSTRATEGIC REPORTGOVERNANCEFINANCIAL STATEMENTSOTHER INFORMATIONScheme assets

2019
£m
2,404 
69 

312 
49 
(92)
(3)
2,739 

2018
£m
2,390	
63	

23	
48	
(118)
(2)
2,404	

Defined benefit obligation

2019
£m
(2,068)
(59)
(19)
92 

26 
(420)
5 
(2,443)

2018
£m
(2,219)
(58)
–
118	

–	
100	
(9)
(2,068)

2018
£m
111	
626	

1,513	
76	
95	
80	
202	
(303)
8	
(4)
2,404	

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
SECTION	4	–	CAPITAL	STRUCTURE	AND	FINANCING	COSTS	
CONTINUED

4.5 PENSIONS CONTINUED
The	movement	in	the	fair	value	of	the	schemes’	assets	in	the	period	is	as	follows:

Fair	value	of	scheme	assets	at	beginning	of	period
Interest	income
Remeasurement	gain:
	 –	Return	on	scheme	assets	(excluding	amounts	included	in	net	finance	charge)
Additional	employer	contributions
Benefits	paid
Administration	costs
At	end	of	period

Changes	in	the	present	value	of	defined	benefit	obligations	are	as	follows:

Present	value	of	defined	benefit	obligation	at	beginning	of	period
Interest	cost
Past	service	cost
Benefits	paid
Remeasurement	losses:
	 –	Effect	of	changes	in	demographic	assumptions
	 –	Effect	of	changes	in	financial	assumptions
	 –	Effect	of	experience	adjustments
At	end	of	perioda

a.	

	The	defined	benefit	obligation	comprises	£38m	(2018	£33m)	relating	to	the	MABETUS	unfunded	plan	and	£2,405m	(2018	£2,035m)	relating	to	the	funded	plans.

The	weighted	average	duration	of	the	defined	benefit	obligation	is	19	years	(2018	20	years).

The	major	categories	and	fair	values	of	assets	of	the	MABPP	and	MABEPP	schemes	at	the	end	of	the	reporting	period	are	as	follows:

Cash	and	equivalents
Equity	instruments
Debt	instruments:
	 –	Bonds
	 –	Real	estate	debt
	 –	Infrastructure	debt
	 –	Secured	income	debt
	 –	Absolute	return	bond	funds
	 –	Gilt	repurchase	transactions
Gold
Forward	foreign	exchange	contracts
Fair	value	of	assets

2019
£m
109 
502 

2,481 
75 
118 
158 
233 
(950)
8 
5 
2,739 

The	actual	investment	return	achieved	on	the	scheme	assets	over	the	period	was	16.0%	(2018	4.3%),	which	represented	a	gain	of	£381m	(2018	£86m).

Virtually	all	equity	instruments,	bonds	and	gold	have	quoted	prices	in	active	markets	and	are	classified	as	Level	1	instruments.	Absolute	return	bond	funds,	gilt
repurchase	transactions	and	forward	foreign	exchange	contracts	are	classified	as	Level	2	instruments.	Real	estate	debt	and	infrastructure	debt	are	classified	as	
Level	3	instruments.	

In	the	52	weeks	ended	28	September	2019	the	Group	paid	£11m	(2018	£7m)	in	respect	of	the	defined	contribution	arrangements,	with	an	additional	£3m	
(2018	£2m)	outstanding	as	at	the	period	end.

At	28	September	2019	the	MABPP	owed	£1m	(2018	£1m)	to	the	Group	in	respect	of	expenses	paid	on	its	behalf.	This	amount	is	included	in	other	receivables	
in	note	3.2.

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ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2019MITCHELLS & BUTLERS PLC	
4.6 SHARE-BASED PAYMENTS

Accounting policy
The	Group	operates	a	number	of	equity-settled	share-based	compensation	plans,	whereby,	subject	to	meeting	any	relevant	conditions,	employees	are	
awarded	shares	or	rights	over	shares.	The	cost	of	such	awards	is	measured	at	fair	value,	excluding	the	effect	of	non	market-based	vesting	conditions,	on	
the	date	of	grant.	The	expense	is	recognised	on	a	straight-line	basis	over	the	vesting	period	and	is	adjusted	for	the	estimated	effect	of	non	market-based	
vesting	conditions	and	forfeitures,	on	the	number	of	shares	that	will	eventually	vest	due	to	employees	leaving	the	employment	of	the	Group.	Fair	values	are	
calculated	using	either	the	Black-Scholes,	Binomial	or	Monte	Carlo	simulation	models	depending	on	the	conditions	attached	to	the	particular	share	scheme.

SAYE	share	options	granted	to	employees	are	treated	as	cancelled	when	employees	cease	to	contribute	to	the	scheme.	This	results	in	an	accelerated	
recognition	of	the	expense	that	would	have	arisen	over	the	remainder	of	the	original	vesting	period.

Schemes in operation 
The	net	charge	recognised	for	share-based	payments	in	the	period	was	£3m	(2018	£3m).

The	Group	had	four	equity-settled	share	schemes	(2018	four)	in	operation	during	the	period;	the	Performance	Restricted	Share	Plan	(PRSP);	Sharesave	Plan;
Share	Incentive	Plan	(SIP)	and	Short	Term	Deferred	Incentive	Plan	(STDIP).	

The	vesting	of	all	awards	or	options	is	generally	dependent	upon	participants	remaining	in	the	employment	of	a	participating	company	during	the	vesting	
period.	Further	details	on	each	scheme	are	provided	in	the	Report	on	Directors’	remuneration	on	pages	76	to	97.

The	following	tables	set	out	weighted	average	information	about	how	the	fair	value	of	each	option	grant	was	calculated:

Valuation	model

Weighted	average	share	price
Exercise	pricea
Expected	dividend	yieldb
Risk-free	interest	rate
Volatilityc
Expected	life	(years)d
Weighted	average	fair	value	of	grants	during	the	period

2019

2018

Performance 
Restricted
Share Plan
Monte Carlo 
and Binomial
272.4p
– 
– 
 0.79%
31.4%
3.0 
240.3p 

Sharesave
Plan
Black-Scholes

281.5p
242.0p
0%
0.59%
30.49%
4.0 
87.0p 

Performance 
Restricted
Share Plan
Monte	Carlo	
and	Binomial
259.2p
–	
–	
	0.68%
32.5%
2.4	
224.2p

Sharesave
Plan
Black-Scholes

264.2p
246.0p
1.97%
0.86%
31.0%
4.0	
61.3p

a.	 The	exercise	price	for	the	Performance	Restricted	Share	Plan	is	£1	per	participating	employee.
b.	 The	expected	dividend	yield	for	the	Sharesave	Plan	has	used	historical	dividend	information.	For	details	on	the	Group’s	current	dividend	policy	refer	to	the	Financial	review	on	page	48.
The	expected	dividend	yield	for	the	Performance	Restricted	Share	Plan	options	is	zero	as	participants	are	entitled	to	Dividend	Accrued	Shares	to	the	value	of	ordinary	dividends	paid	or
payable	during	the	vesting	period.

c.	 The	expected	volatility	is	determined	by	calculating	the	historical	volatility	of	the	Company’s	share	price	commensurate	with	the	expected	term	of	the	options	and	share	awards.
d.	 The	expected	life	of	the	options	represents	the	average	length	of	time	between	grant	date	and	exercise	date.

The	fair	value	of	awards	under	the	Short	Term	Deferred	Incentive	Plan	and	the	Share	Incentive	Plan	are	equal	to	the	share	price	on	the	date	of	award	as	there	is
no	price	to	be	paid	and	employees	are	entitled	to	Dividend	Accrued	Shares	to	the	value	of	ordinary	dividends	paid	or	payable	during	the	vesting	period.	The	
assumptions	set	out	above	are	therefore	not	relevant	to	these	schemes.	The	fair	value	of	options	granted	under	the	Share	Incentive	Plan	during	the	period	was	
281.5p	(2018	264.2p).	The	fair	value	of	options	granted	under	the	Short	Term	Deferred	Incentive	Plan	during	the	period	was	272.4p	(2018	260.6p).

The	tables	below	summarise	the	movements	in	outstanding	options	during	the	period.

Sharesave plan
Outstanding	at	the	beginning	of	the	period
Granted
Exercised
Forfeited
Expired
Outstanding	at	the	end	of	the	period
Exercisable	at	the	end	of	the	period

Number of shares

Weighted average
exercise price

2019
m

 4.1 
 2.0 
–
(0.7)
(0.4)
5.0 
–

2018
m

4.1	
	1.3	
(0.1)
(0.8)
(0.4)
4.1	
–	

2019
p

256.0 
242.0 
230.9 
246.2 
348.0 
244.0
–

2018
p

264.1	
246.0	
182.2	
257.3	
323.5	
256.0	
–

The	outstanding	options	for	the	SAYE	scheme	had	an	exercise	price	of	between	221.0p	and	362.0p	(2018	between	221.0p	and	362.0p)	and	the	weighted	
average	remaining	contract	life	was	2.8	years	(2018	2.8	years).	The	number	of	forfeited	shares	in	the	period	includes	400,999	(2018	545,646)	cancellations.

SAYE	options	were	exercised	on	a	range	of	dates.	The	average	share	price	through	the	period	was	284.4p	(2018	258.4p).

145

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NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
SECTION	4	–	CAPITAL	STRUCTURE	AND	FINANCING	COSTS	
CONTINUED

4.6 SHARE-BASED PAYMENTS CONTINUED

Share Incentive Plan
Outstanding	at	the	beginning	of	the	period
Granted
Exercised
Forfeited
Outstanding	at	the	end	of	the	period
Exercisable	at	the	end	of	the	period

Number of shares

2019
m

 1.8 
 0.4 
(0.2)
(0.1)
1.9
0.9

Options	under	the	Share	Incentive	Plan	are	capable	of	remaining	within	the	SIP	trust	indefinitely	while	participants	continue	to	be	employed.

Performance Restricted Share Plan
Outstanding	at	the	beginning	of	the	period
Granted
Forfeited
Expired
Outstanding	at	the	end	of	the	period
Exercisable	at	the	end	of	the	period

Number of shares

2019
m

 6.1 
 2.1 
(0.1)
(1.9)
6.2 
–

2018
m

1.7	
0.4	
(0.2)
(0.1)
1.8	
0.8	

2018
m

5.2	
2.2	
(0.2)
(1.1)
6.1	
–	

The	exercise	price	for	the	Performance	Restricted	Share	Plan	is	£1	per	participating	employee,	therefore	the	weighted	average	exercise	price	for	these	options	
is	£nil	(2018	£nil).

Options	outstanding	at	28	September	2019	had	an	exercise	price	of	£nil	and	a	weighted	average	remaining	contractual	life	of	3.2	years	(2018	3.2	years).

4.7 EQUITY

Accounting policies
Own shares
The	cost	of	own	shares	held	in	employee	share	trusts	and	in	treasury	are	deducted	from	shareholders’	equity	until	the	shares	are	cancelled,	reissued	or
disposed	of.	Where	such	shares	are	subsequently	sold	or	reissued,	the	fair	value	of	any	consideration	received	is	also	included	in	shareholders’	equity.

Dividends
Dividends	proposed	by	the	Board	but	unpaid	at	the	period	end	are	not	recognised	in	the	financial	statements	until	they	have	been	approved	by	
shareholders	at	the	Annual	General	Meeting.	Interim	dividends	are	recognised	when	paid.

Scrip	dividends	are	fully	paid	up	from	the	share	premium	account.	They	are	accounted	for	as	an	increase	in	share	capital	for	the	nominal	value	of	the	shares	
issued,	and	a	resulting	reduction	in	share	premium.

Called up share capital

Allotted, called up and fully paid
Ordinary	shares	of	813⁄24p	each
At	start	of	period
Share	capital	issueda
At end of period

2019
Number of shares

428,310,823
266,937
428,577,760

£m

37
–
37

2018
Number of shares

422,548,604
5,762,219
428,310,823

£m

36
1
37

a.	 The	Company	issued	266,937	(2018	407,602)	shares	during	the	period	under	share	option	schemes	for	a	consideration	of	£nil	(2018	£nil).	In	addition,	under	the	terms	of	the	Company’s
scrip	dividend	scheme,	shareholders	are	able	to	elect	to	receive	ordinary	shares	in	place	of	both	interim	and	final	dividends.	In	the	prior	period,	this	resulted	in	the	issue	of	5,354,617	new	
fully	paid	ordinary	shares	in	relation	to	the	final	dividend	for	the	53	weeks	ended	30	September	2017.	There	were	no	dividends	declared	in	the	current	period.

All	of	the	ordinary	shares	rank	equally	with	respect	to	voting	rights	and	rights	to	receive	ordinary	and	special	dividends.	There	are	no	restrictions	on	the	rights	
to	transfer	shares.

Details	of	options	granted	under	the	Group’s	share	schemes,	are	contained	in	note	4.6.

146

ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2019MITCHELLS & BUTLERS PLC	
	
	
Dividends
Declared and paid in the period
There	were	no	dividends	declared	or	paid	during	the	current	period.	Dividends	declared	and	paid	in	the	prior	period	are	as	follows:

Final	dividend	of	5.0p	per	share	
–	53	weeks	ended	30	September	2017

Cash  
dividend
£m

7
7

2018

Settled 
via scrip
£m

14
14

Total  
dividend 
£m

21
21

The	final	dividend	of	5.0p	per	ordinary	share	declared	in	relation	to	the	53	weeks	ended	30	September	2017	was	approved	at	the	Annual	General	Meeting	on	
23	January	2018	and	was	paid	to	shareholders	on	6	February	2018.	Shareholders	were	able	to	elect	to	receive	ordinary	shares	credited	as	fully	paid	instead	of
the	cash	dividend	under	the	terms	of	the	Company’s	scrip	dividend	scheme.	Of	the	£21m	final	dividend,	£14m	was	in	the	form	of	the	issue	of	ordinary	shares	
to	shareholders	opting	in	to	the	scrip	alternative.	The	market	value	per	share	at	the	date	of	payment	was	264.4p	per	share,	resulting	in	the	issue	of	5	million	new	
shares,	fully	paid	up	from	the	share	premium	account.	The	nominal	value	of	the	5	million	shares	issued	in	relation	to	the	final	scrip	dividends	is	£1m.

Share premium account
The	share	premium	account	represents	amounts	received	in	excess	of	the	nominal	value	of	shares	on	issue	of	new	shares.	Share	premium	of	£nil	has	been	
recognised	on	shares	issued	in	the	period	(2018	£1m).

Capital redemption reserve
The	capital	redemption	reserve	movement	arose	on	the	repurchase	and	cancellation	by	the	Company	of	ordinary	shares	during	prior	periods.

Revaluation reserve
The	revaluation	reserve	represents	the	unrealised	gain	generated	on	revaluation	of	the	property	estate	with	effect	from	29	September	2007.	It	comprises	the	
excess	of	the	fair	value	of	the	estate	over	deemed	cost,	net	of	related	deferred	taxation.

Own shares held
Own	shares	held	by	the	Group	represent	the	shares	in	the	Company	held	by	the	employee	share	trusts.

During	the	period,	the	employee	share	trusts	acquired	900,000	shares	(2018	nil)	and	subscribed	for	257,587	(2018	296,144)	shares	at	a	cost	of	£3m	(2018	£nil)
and	released	226,936	(2018	159,956)	shares	to	employees	on	the	exercise	of	options	and	other	share	awards	for	a	total	consideration	of	£nil	(2018	£nil).	The	
2,815,781	shares	held	by	the	trusts	at	28	September	2019	had	a	market	value	of	£11m	(2018	1,885,130	shares	held	had	a	market	value	of	£5m).

The	Company	has	established	two	employee	share	trusts:

Share Incentive Plan (SIP) Trust
The	SIP	Trust	was	established	in	2003	to	purchase	shares	on	behalf	of	employees	participating	in	the	Company’s	Share	Incentive	Plan.	Under	this	scheme,
eligible	employees	are	awarded	free	shares	which	are	normally	held	in	trust	for	a	holding	period	of	at	least	three	years.	After	five	years	the	shares	may	be	
transferred	to	or	sold	by	the	employee	free	of	income	tax	and	National	Insurance	contributions.	The	SIP	Trust	buys	the	shares	in	the	market	or	subscribes	
for	newly	issued	shares	with	funds	provided	by	the	Company.	During	the	holding	period,	dividends	are	paid	directly	to	the	participating	employees.	At
28	September	2019,	the	trustees,	Equiniti	Share	Plan	Trustees	Limited,	held	1,904,568	(2018	1,847,623)	shares	in	the	Company.	Of	these	shares,	577,636	
(2018	583,410)	shares	are	unconditionally	available	to	employees,	315,333	(2018	245,415)	shares	have	been	conditionally	awarded	to	employees,	987,565	
(2018	982,143)	shares	have	been	awarded	to	employees	but	are	still	required	to	be	held	within	the	SIP	Trust	and	the	remaining	24,034	(2018	36,655)	shares	
are	unallocated.

Employee Benefit Trust (EBT)
The	EBT	was	established	in	2003	in	order	to	satisfy	the	exercise	or	vesting	of	existing	and	future	share	options	and	awards	under	the	Performance	Restricted	
Share	Plan,	Short	Term	Deferred	Incentive	Plan	and	the	Sharesave	Plan.	The	EBT	purchases	shares	in	the	market	or	subscribes	for	newly	issued	shares,	using	
funds	provided	by	the	Company,	based	on	expectations	of	future	requirements.	Dividends	are	waived	by	the	EBT.	At	28	September	2019,	the	trustees,	Sanne	
Fiduciary	Services	Limited,	were	holding	911,213	(2018	37,507)	shares	in	the	Company.

Hedging reserve
The	hedging	reserve	comprises	the	effective	portion	of	the	cumulative	net	change	in	the	fair	value	of	cash	flow	hedging	instruments	related	to	hedged	future	
cash	flows.

Translation reserve
The	translation	reserve	is	used	to	record	exchange	differences	arising	from	the	translation	of	the	consolidated	financial	statements	of	foreign	subsidiaries.

Retained earnings
The	Group’s	main	operating	subsidiary,	Mitchells	&	Butlers	Retail	Limited,	had	retained	earnings	under	FRS	101	of	£2,313m	at	28	September	2019	(2018	
£2,199m).	Its	ability	to	distribute	these	reserves	by	way	of	dividends	is	restricted	by	the	securitisation	covenants	(see	note	4.2).

147

ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2019MITCHELLS & BUTLERS PLCSTRATEGIC REPORTGOVERNANCEFINANCIAL STATEMENTSOTHER INFORMATION	
	
	
	
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
SECTION	5	–	OTHER	NOTES

5.1 RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
Key management personnel
Employees	of	the	Mitchells	&	Butlers	plc	Group	who	are	members	of	the	Board	of	Directors	or	the	Executive	Committee	of	Mitchells	&	Butlers	plc	are	deemed	
to	be	key	management	personnel.	It	is	the	Board	who	have	responsibility	for	planning,	directing	and	controlling	the	activities	of	the	Group.

Compensation	of	key	management	personnel	of	the	Group:

Short-term	employee	benefits

2019
52 weeks
£m
5

2018
52 weeks
£m
4

Movements	in	share	options	held	by	the	Directors	of	Mitchells	&	Butlers	plc	are	summarised	in	the	Report	on	Directors’	remuneration.

Associate companies
During	the	period,	the	Group	has	held	a	number	of	property	lease	agreements	with	its	associate	companies,	3Sixty	Restaurants	Limited	and	Fatboy	Pub	
Company	Limited.

Since	becoming	associates	of	the	Group,	the	Group	has	entered	into	the	following	transactions	with	the	associates:

Rent	charged
Sales	of	goods	and	services
Loans

3Sixty Restaurants Limited

Fatboy Pub Company Limited

2019
52 weeks
£000
372
646
–
1,018

2018
52 weeks
£000
29
48
–	
77

2019
52 weeks
£000
75
4
175
254

2018
52 weeks
£000
–	
48
–	
48

The	balance	due	from	3Sixty	Restaurants	Limited	at	28	September	2019	was	£102,000	(2018	£35,000).

The	balance	due	from	Fatboy	Pub	Company	at	28	September	2019	was	£186,000	(2018	£nil).

148

ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2019MITCHELLS & BUTLERS PLC5.2 SUBSIDIARIES AND ASSOCIATES
Subsidiaries
Transactions	between	the	Company	and	its	subsidiaries,	which	are	related	parties,	have	been	eliminated	on	consolidation.	

Mitchells	&	Butlers	plc	is	the	ultimate	controlling	party	and	the	beneficial	owner	of	all	of	the	equity	share	capital,	either	itself	or	through	subsidiary	
undertakings,	of	the	following	companies:

Name of subsidiary
Principal operating subsidiaries
Mitchells	&	Butlers	Retail	Limited
Mitchells	&	Butlers	Retail	(No.	2)	Limited
Ha	Ha	Bar	&	Grill	Limited
Orchid	Pubs	&	Dining	Limited
ALEX	Gaststätten	Gesellschaft	mbH	&	Co	KG
Midco	1	Limited
Mitchells	&	Butlers	Leisure	Retail	Limited
Mitchells	&	Butlers	Germany	GmbHa
Mitchells	&	Butlers	Finance	plc
Other subsidiaries
Mitchells	&	Butlers	(Property)	Limitedc
Standard	Commercial	Property	Developments	Limitedb
Mitchells	&	Butlers	Holdings	(No.2)	Limiteda,b
Mitchells	&	Butlers	Holdings	Limitedb	
Mitchells	&	Butlers	Leisure	Holdings	Limitedb	
Mitchells	&	Butlers	Retail	Holdings	Limited	
Old	Kentucky	Restaurants	Limited	
Bede	Retail	Investments	Limited
Lastbrew	Limited
Mitchells	&	Butlers	(IP)	Limitedb
Mitchells	&	Butlers	Acquisition	Company
Mitchells	&	Butlers	Retail	Property	Limiteda,b
Mitchells	and	Butlers	Healthcare	Trustee	Limitedb
Standard	Commercial	Property	Investments	Limited
Standard	Commercial	Property	Securities	Limited
Temple	Circus	Developments	Limited
ALEX	Gaststätten	Immobiliengesellschaft	mbH	
ALL	BAR	ONE	Gaststätten	Betriebsgesellschaft	mbH	
ALEX	Alsterpavillon	Immobilien	GmbH	&	Co	KG	
ALEX	Alsterpavillon	Management	GmbH	
ALEX	Gaststätten	Management	GmbH
PLAN-BAR	Gastronomie	Einrichtungs	GmbH
Browns	Restaurant	(Brighton)	Limited
Browns	Restaurant	(Bristol)	Limited
Browns	Restaurant	(Cambridge)	Limited
Browns	Restaurant	(London)	Limited
Browns	Restaurant	(Oxford)	Limited
Browns	Restaurants	Limited
Intertain	(Dining)	Limited
Lander	&	Cook	Limited

Country of incorporation 

Registration number 

Nature of business

England	and	Wales
England	and	Wales
England	and	Wales
England	and	Wales
Germany
England	and	Wales
England	and	Wales
Germany
England	and	Wales

England	and	Wales
England	and	Wales
England	and	Wales
England	and	Wales
England	and	Wales
England	and	Wales
England	and	Wales
England	and	Wales
England	and	Wales
England	and	Wales
England	and	Wales
England	and	Wales
England	and	Wales
England	and	Wales
England	and	Wales
England	and	Wales
Germany
Germany
Germany
Germany
Germany
Germany
England	and	Wales
England	and	Wales
England	and	Wales
England	and	Wales
England	and	Wales
England	and	Wales
England	and	Wales
England	and	Wales

00024542
03959664
06295359
06754332

05835640
01001181

04778667

01299745
00056525
06475790
03420338
02608173
04887979
00465905
04125272
00075597
04885717
05879733
06301758
04659443
01954096
01689558
06595222

01564302
02351724
01237917
00291996
01730727
01001320
07035107
11160005

Leisure	retailing
Leisure	retailing
Leisure	retailing
Leisure	retailing
Leisure	retailing
Property	leasing	company
Service	company
Service	company	
Finance	company

Property	management
Property	development
Holding	company
Holding	company
Holding	company
Holding	company
Trademark	ownership
Dormant
Dormant
Dormant
Dormant
Non-trading
Healthcare	trustee
Dormant
Dormant
Dormant
Property	management	
Leisure	retailing
Property	management	
Management	company
Management	company
Non-trading	
Dormant
Dormant
Dormant
Dormant
Dormant
Dormant
Dormant
Dormant

a.	 Shares	held	directly	by	Mitchells	&	Butlers	plc.
b.	 These	companies	are	exempt	from	the	requirement	to	prepare	individual	audited	financial	statements	in	respect	of	the	52	week	period	ended	28	September	2019	by	virtue	of	sections	

479A	and	479C	of	the	Companies	Act	2006.

All	companies	registered	in	England	and	Wales	operate	within	the	United	Kingdom.	The	registered	office	for	these	companies	is	27	Fleet	Street,
Birmingham,	B3	1JP.	

All	companies	registered	in	Germany	operate	solely	within	Germany.	The	registered	office	for	these	companies	is	Adolfstrasse	16,	65185	Wiesbaden.

149

ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2019MITCHELLS & BUTLERS PLCSTRATEGIC REPORTGOVERNANCEFINANCIAL STATEMENTSOTHER INFORMATION	
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
SECTION	5	–	OTHER	NOTES	CONTINUED

Associates
Details	of	the	Company’s	associates,	held	indirectly,	are	as	follows.	Shares	in	these	associates	were	acquired	in	the	prior	period.

Name of associate
3Sixty	Restaurants	
Limited
Fatboy	Pub	Company	
Limited	

Registered office
1st	Floor	St	Georges	House,	
St	Georges	Road,	Bolton,	BL1	2DD
Ampney	House,	Falcon	Close,	
Quedgeley,	Gloucester,	GL2	4LS

5.3 FIVE YEAR REVIEW

Revenue
Operating profit before adjusted items
Adjusted	items
Operating profit
Finance	costs
Finance	revenue
Net	pensions	finance	charge
Profit before taxation
Tax	expense
Profit for the period
Earnings per share
Basic
Diluted
Adjusted	(Basic)a

Country of 
incorporation and 
operation

Country of 
operation

Nature of business

Proportion of 
ownership 
interest %

Proportion of 
voting power 
interest %

England	and	Wales

United	Kingdom

Leisure	retailing

England	and	Wales

United	Kingdom

Leisure	retailing

2019
52 weeks
£m
2,237
317
(20)
297
(114)
1 
(7)
177
(34)
143

33.5p
33.3p
37.2p

2018
52 weeks
£m
2,152	
303	
(48)
255	
(119)
1	
(7)
130
(26)
104	

24.5p
24.4p
34.1p

2017
53 weeks
£m
2,180
314	
(106)
	208
(125)
1	
(7)
77	
(14)
	63	

15.1p
15.0p
34.9p

40

25

2016
52 weeks
£m
2,086
318	
(87)
231
(126)
1	
(12)
94	
(5)
89	

21.6p	
21.6p	
34.9p	

40

25

2015
52 weeks
£m
2,101
328	
(58)
270	
(130)
1	
(15)
126	
(23)
103	

25.0p
24.9p
35.7p

a.	 Adjusted	earnings	per	share	is	stated	after	removing	the	impact	of	adjusted	items	as	explained	in	note	2.2.

150

ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2019MITCHELLS & BUTLERS PLCMITCHELLS	&	BUTLERS	PLC	COMPANY	FINANCIAL	STATEMENTS
COMPANY BALANCE SHEET 
28	SEPTEMBER	2019

Non-current assets
Investments	in	subsidiaries
Deferred	tax	asset

Current assets
Trade	and	other	receivables
Cash	and	cash	equivalents

Current liabilities
Pension	liabilities
Borrowings
Trade	and	other	payables

Non-current liabilities
Pension	liabilities
Net assets

Equity
Called	up	share	capital
Share	premium	account
Capital	redemption	reserve
Own	shares	held
Retained	earnings
Total equity

Notes

5
9

6

4
8
7

4

10

2019
£m

1,474 
41 
1,515

673 
36 
709

(50)
(8)
(284)
(342)

(165)
1,717

37 
26 
3 
(4)
1,655 
1,717

2018
£m

1,474	
48	
1,522	

739	
14	
753	

(49)
(28)
(288)
(365)

(200)
1,710	

37	
26	
3	
(1)
1,645	
1,710	

The	Company	reported	a	loss	for	the	52	weeks	ended	28	September	2019	of	£6m	(52	weeks	ended	29	September	2018	profit	of	£89m).

The	Company	financial	statements	were	approved	by	the	Board	and	authorised	for	issue	on	19	November	2019.

They	were	signed	on	its	behalf	by:

TIM JONES 
Chief	Financial	Officer

The	accounting	policies	and	the	notes	on	pages	153	to	155	form	an	integral	part	of	these	Company	financial	statements.

Registered	Number:	04551498

151

ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2019MITCHELLS & BUTLERS PLCSTRATEGIC REPORTGOVERNANCEFINANCIAL STATEMENTSOTHER INFORMATIONCOMPANY STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN EQUITY 
FOR	THE	52	WEEKS	ENDED	28	SEPTEMBER	2019

At 30 September 2017
Profit	after	taxation
Remeasurement	of	pension	liability
Deferred	tax	on	remeasurement	of	pension	liability
Total	comprehensive	income	
Share	capital	issued
Credit	in	respect	of	employee	share	schemes
Dividends	paid	
Scrip	dividend	related	share	issue
At 29 September 2018
Loss	after	taxation
Remeasurement	of	pension	liability
Deferred	tax	on	remeasurement	of	pension	liability
Total	comprehensive	income	
Purchase	of	own	shares
Credit	in	respect	of	employee	share	schemes
Tax	on	share-based	payments
At 28 September 2019

Share
capital
£m
36	
–	
–	
–	
–	
–
–
–
1	
37	
–
–	
–
–
–
–
–
37

Share
premium
£m
26	
–	
–	
–	
–	
1
–
–
(1)
26	
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
26

Capital
redemption
reserve
£m
3	
–	
–	
–	
–	
–
–	
–	
–	
3	
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
3

Own
shares
held
£m
(1)
–	
–	
–	
–	
–
–	
–	
–	
(1)
–
–
–
–
(3)
–
–
(4)

Retained
earnings
£m
1,556	
89	
5	
	(1)	
93	
–	
3	
(7)
–	
1,645	
(6)	
15	
(3)	
6	
–	
3	
1	
1,655 

Total
equity
£m
1,620	
89	
	5	
(1)	
93	
1
3	
(7)	
–	
1,710	
(6)	
15	
(3)	
6	
(3)	
3	
1	
1,717 

The	retained	earnings	account	is	wholly	distributable	after	the	deduction	for	own	shares	held.

152

ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2019MITCHELLS & BUTLERS PLCNOTES TO THE MITCHELLS & BUTLERS PLC 
COMPANY FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

1. BASIS OF PREPARATION
Basis of accounting
These	Company	financial	statements	were	prepared	in	accordance	with	Financial	Reporting	Standard	101	‘Reduced	Disclosure	Framework’	as	issued	by	
the	FRC.

As	permitted	by	FRS	101,	the	Company	has	taken	advantage	of	the	disclosure	exemptions	available	under	that	standard	in	relation	to	share-based	payments,
financial	instruments,	presentation	of	a	cash	flow	statement,	standards	not	yet	effective,	impairment	of	assets	and	related	party	transactions.	Where	required,
equivalent	disclosures	are	given	in	the	consolidated	financial	statements.

The	Company	financial	statements	have	been	prepared	under	the	historical	cost	convention.	The	Company’s	accounting	policies	have	been	applied	on	
a	consistent	basis	to	those	set	out	in	the	relevant	notes	to	the	consolidated	financial	statements.	In	the	current	period,	the	Company	has	applied	a	number	of
amendments	to	IFRS	Standards	issued	by	the	International	Accounting	Standards	Board	(the	Board)	that	are	mandatorily	effective	for	an	accounting	period	
that	begins	on	or	after	1	January	2018,	as	described	in	section	1	of	the	consolidated	financial	statements.	Other	than	IFRS	9	Financial	Instruments,	their
adoption	has	not	had	any	material	impact	on	the	disclosures	or	on	the	amounts	reported	in	these	Company	financial	statements.

Impact of initial application of IFRS 9 Financial Instruments
(a) Classification and measurement of financial instruments
The	Directors	of	the	Company	reviewed	and	assessed	the	Company’s	existing	financial	instruments	as	at	30	September	2018,	based	on	the	facts	and	
circumstances	that	existed	at	that	date	and	concluded	that	the	initial	application	of	IFRS	9	has	had	no	impact	on	the	Company’s	financial	instruments	as	regards	
their	classification	and	measurement.	Details	on	the	expected	credit	loss	and	impact	on	loss	allowances	are	provided	in	(b)	below.	

(b) Impairment of financial assets
In	relation	to	the	impairment	of	financial	assets,	IFRS	9	requires	an	expected	credit	loss	model	as	opposed	to	an	incurred	credit	loss	model	under	IAS	39.	The	
expected	credit	loss	model	requires	the	Company	to	account	for	expected	credit	losses	and	changes	in	those	expected	credit	losses	at	each	reporting	date	to	
reflect	changes	in	credit	risk	since	initial	recognition	of	the	financial	assets.	In	other	words,	it	is	no	longer	necessary	for	a	credit	event	to	have	occurred	before	
credit	losses	are	recognised.

In	particular,	IFRS	9	requires	the	Company	to	measure	the	loss	allowance	for	a	financial	instrument	at	an	amount	equal	to	the	lifetime	expected	credit	losses	
(ECL)	if	the	credit	risk	on	that	financial	instrument	has	increased	significantly	since	initial	recognition,	or	if	the	financial	instrument	is	a	purchased	or	originated	
credit-impaired	financial	asset.	However,	if	the	credit	risk	on	a	financial	instrument	has	not	increased	significantly	since	initial	recognition	(except	for	a	
purchased	or	originated	credit-impaired	financial	asset),	the	Company	is	required	to	measure	the	loss	allowance	for	that	financial	instrument	at	an	amount	
equal	to	12-months’	ECL.	IFRS	9	also	provides	a	simplified	approach	for	measuring	the	loss	allowance	at	an	amount	equal	to	lifetime	ECL	for	trade	receivables	
in	certain	circumstances.

The	Company	has	a	trade	and	other	receivables	balance	that	relates	to	amounts	owed	by	subsidiary	undertakings	(see	note	6).	The	Directors	have	reviewed	
these	balances	and	calculated	that	there	is	no	expected	credit	loss	for	any	of	the	individual	balances	at	29	September	2018.	As	such	there	has	been	no	impact
on	the	Company	financial	statements	and	therefore	no	prior	year	restatement	required.

Critical accounting judgements and key sources of estimation uncertainty
The	critical	judgements	and	estimates	of	the	Company	are	considered	alongside	those	of	the	Group.	The	key	critical	judgement	of	the	Company	is	related	to	
the	selection	of	the	discount	rate	and	inflation	rate	assumptions	used	in	the	calculation	of	the	defined	benefit	pension	liability	described	in	note	4.5	of	the	
consolidated	financial	statements.	There	are	no	key	sources	of	estimation	uncertainty	in	the	current	period.

Foreign currencies
Transactions	in	foreign	currencies	are	recorded	at	the	exchange	rates	ruling	on	the	dates	of	the	transactions.	Monetary	assets	and	liabilities	denominated	in	
foreign	currencies	are	translated	into	sterling	at	the	relevant	rates	of	exchange	ruling	at	the	balance	sheet	date.

2. PROFIT AND LOSS ACCOUNT
Profit and loss account
The	Company	has	not	presented	its	own	profit	and	loss	account,	as	permitted	by	Section	408	of	the	Companies	Act	2006.

The	Company	recorded	a	loss	after	tax	of	£6m	(2018	profit	of	£89m),	less	dividends	of	£nil	(2018	£7m).	Dividends	are	disclosed	in	note	4.7	of	the	consolidated	
financial	statements.

Audit remuneration
Auditor’s	remuneration	for	audit	services	to	the	Company	was	£30,000	(2018	£22,000).	This	is	borne	by	another	Group	company,	as	are	any	other	costs	
relating	to	non-audit	services	(see	note	2.3	to	the	consolidated	financial	statements).

3. EMPLOYEES AND DIRECTORS

Average	number	of	employees,	including	part-time	employees

2019
52 weeks
2

2018
52 weeks
2

Employees	of	Mitchells	&	Butlers	plc	consist	of	Executive	Directors	who	are	considered	to	be	the	key	management	personnel	of	the	Company.

Details	of	employee	benefits	and	post-employment	benefits,	including	share-based	payments	are	included	within	the	Report	on	Directors’	remuneration	on	
pages	76	to	97.	The	charge	recognised	for	share-based	payments	in	the	period	is	£1m	(2018	£nil).

153

ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2019MITCHELLS & BUTLERS PLCSTRATEGIC REPORTGOVERNANCEFINANCIAL STATEMENTSOTHER INFORMATION	
	
	
	
	
NOTES TO THE MITCHELLS & BUTLERS PLC 
COMPANY FINANCIAL STATEMENTS CONTINUED

4. PENSIONS

Accounting policy
The	accounting	policy	for	pensions	is	disclosed	in	the	consolidated	financial	statements	in	note	4.5.

Pension liability
At	28	September	2019	the	Company’s	pension	liability	was	£215m	(2018	£249m).	Of	this	amount,	£50m	(2018	£49m)	is	a	current	liability	and	£165m	
(2018	£200m)	is	a	non-current	liability.	

The	Company	is	the	sponsoring	employer	of	the	Group’s	pension	plans.	Information	concerning	the	pension	scheme	arrangements	operated	by	the	Company	
and	associated	current	and	future	contributions	is	contained	within	note	4.5	to	the	consolidated	financial	statements	on	pages	141	to	144.

The	pension	amounts	and	disclosures	included	in	note	4.5	to	the	consolidated	financial	statements	are	equivalent	to	those	applicable	for	the	Company.

5. INVESTMENTS IN SUBSIDIARIES

Accounting policy
The	Company’s	investments	in	Group	undertakings	are	held	at	cost	less	provision	for	impairment,	except	for	those	amounts	designated	as	being	in	a	fair	
value	hedge.	

Cost
At	30	September	2017
Additions
At 29 September 2018
Additions
At 28 September 2019

Provision
At	30	September	2017
Impairment
At 29 September 2018
Impairment
At 28 September 2019

Net book value
At 28 September 2019

At	29	September	2018

At	30	September	2017

Investments in 
subsidiary 
undertakings
£m

3,353	
–	
3,353	
–	
3,353 

1,879	
–	
1,879	
–	
1,879

1,474

1,474	

1,474	

Mitchells	&	Butlers	plc	is	the	beneficial	owner	of	all	of	the	equity	share	capital	of	companies	within	the	Group,	either	itself	or	through	subsidiary	undertakings.
In	addition,	the	Company	has	indirect	investments	in	associate	companies	through	subsidiary	undertakings.	See	note	5.2	of	the	consolidated	financial
statements	for	a	full	list	of	subsidiaries	and	associates.	

Investments	have	been	tested	for	impairment	using	forecast	cash	flows,	discounted	by	applying	a	pre-tax	discount	rate	of	7.3%	(2018	7.7%).	For	the	purposes	
of	the	calculation	of	the	recoverable	amount,	the	cash	flow	projections	include	0.0%	(2018	0.0%)	of	growth	per	annum.	

6. TRADE AND OTHER RECEIVABLES

Amounts	owed	by	subsidiary	undertakingsa

2019
£m
673

2018
£m
739	

a.	 Amounts	owed	by	subsidiary	undertakings	are	repayable	on	demand.	Interest	is	not	charged	on	all	balances.	Where	interest	is	charged,	it	is	charged	at	market	rate,	based	on	what	can	be	

achieved	on	corporate	deposits.

The	Directors	consider	that	the	carrying	amount	of	amounts	owed	by	subsidiary	undertakings	approximately	equates	to	their	fair	value.	An	assessment	of	the	
lifetime	ECL	has	now	been	performed	with	£nil	recognised	at	the	period	end.

154

ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2019MITCHELLS & BUTLERS PLC	
	
7. TRADE AND OTHER PAYABLES

Amounts	owed	to	subsidiary	undertakingsa
Accrued	charges
Other	payables

2019
£m
282
2
–
284

2018
£m
283
4
1
288

a.	

	Amounts	owed	to	subsidiary	undertakings	are	repayable	on	demand.	Interest	is	not	charged	on	all	balances.	Where	interest	is	charged,	it	is	charged	at	market	rate,	based	on	what	can	be	
achieved	on	corporate	deposits.

8. BORROWINGS

Accounting policy
The	accounting	policy	for	borrowings	is	disclosed	in	the	consolidated	financial	statements	in	note	4.2.

Borrowings	can	be	analysed	as	follows:

Current
Bank	overdraft
Total	borrowings

Unsecured revolving credit facility
The	Company	holds	uncommitted	credit	facilities	of	£15m.	The	amount	drawn	at	28	September	2019	is	£nil	(2018	£nil).

9. TAXATION

Accounting policy
The	accounting	policy	for	taxation	is	disclosed	in	the	consolidated	financial	statements	in	note	2.4.

Deferred tax asset
Movements	in	the	deferred	tax	asset	can	be	analysed	as	follows:

At	30	September	2017
Charged	to	income	statement	–	pensions
Charged	to	income	statement	–	tax	losses
Credited	to	other	comprehensive	income	–	pensions
At	29	September	2018
Charged	to	income	statement	–	pensions
Charged	to	income	statement	–	tax	losses
Charged	to	other	comprehensive	income	–	pensions
Credited	to	equity	–	share	based	payments
At 28 September 2019

Analysed	as	tax	timing	differences	related	to:

Pensions
Tax	lossesa
Share	based	payments

2019
£m

8
8

2018
£m

28
28

£m
56	
(6)
(1)
(1)
48	
(4)
(1)
(3)
1	
41

2018
£m
43
5
–
48

2019
£m
36
4
1
41

a.	 Tax	losses	arising	in	2008	which	are	now	recoverable	by	offset	against	other	income.

Further	information	on	the	changes	to	tax	legislation	are	provided	in	note	2.4	to	the	consolidated	financial	statements.

10. EQUITY
Called up share capital
Details	of	the	amount	and	nominal	value	of	allotted,	called	up	and	fully	paid	share	capital	are	contained	in	note	4.7	to	the	consolidated	financial	statements.

Dividends
Details	of	the	dividends	declared	and	paid	by	the	Company	are	contained	in	note	4.7	to	the	consolidated	financial	statements.

155

ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2019MITCHELLS & BUTLERS PLCSTRATEGIC REPORTGOVERNANCEFINANCIAL STATEMENTSOTHER INFORMATIONALTERNATIVE PERFORMANCE MEASURES

The	performance	of	the	Group	is	assessed	using	a	number	of	Alternative	Performance	Measures	(APMs).

The	Group’s	results	are	presented	both	before	and	after	separately	disclosed	items.	Adjusted	profitability	measures	are	presented	excluding	separately	
disclosed	items	as	we	believe	this	provides	both	management	and	investors	with	useful	additional	information	about	the	Group’s	performance	and	supports	
a	more	effective	comparison	of	the	Group’s	trading	performance	from	one	period	to	the	next.	Adjusted	profitability	measures	are	reconciled	to	unadjusted	
IFRS	results	on	the	face	of	the	income	statement	with	details	of	separately	disclosed	items	provided	in	note	2.2.

The	Group’s	results	are	also	described	using	other	measures	that	are	not	defined	under	IFRS	and	are	therefore	considered	to	be	APMs.	These	APMs	are	used	
by	management	to	monitor	business	performance	against	both	shorter	term	budgets	and	forecasts	but	also	against	the	Group’s	longer	term	strategic	plans.

APMs	used	to	explain	and	monitor	Group	performance	include:

APM
EBITDA
Adjusted	EBITDA

EBITDA	before	adjusted	items
Operating	profit	
Adjusted	operating	profit
Like-for-like	sales	growth

Adjusted	earnings	per	share	(EPS)
Net	debt	:	Adjusted	EBITDA

Free	cash	flow

Return	on	capital

Definition
Earnings	before	interest,	tax,	depreciation	and	amortisation.	
Annualised	EBITDA	on	a	52	week	basis	before	separately	disclosed	items	is	used	to	
calculate	net	debt	to	EBITDA.
EBITDA	before	separately	disclosed	items.
Earnings	before	interest	and	tax.
Operating	profit	before	separately	disclosed	items.
Like-for-like	sales	growth	reflects	the	sales	performance	against	the	comparable	period	
in	the	prior	year	of	UK	managed	pubs,	bars	and	restaurants	that	were	trading	in	the	two	
periods	being	compared,	unless	marketed	for	disposal.	
Earnings	per	share	using	profit	before	separately	disclosed	items.
The	multiple	of	net	debt	as	per	the	balance	sheet	compared	against	52	week	EBITDA	
before	separately	disclosed	items	which	is	a	widely	used	leverage	measure	in	the	
industry.
Calculated	as	net	movement	in	cash	and	cash	equivalents	before	the	movement	on	
unsecured	revolving	credit	facilities.
Return	generating	capital	includes	investments	made	in	new	sites	and	investment	in	
existing	assets	that	materially	changes	the	guest	offer.	Return	on	investment	is	measured	
by	incremental	site	EBITDA	following	investment	expressed	as	a	percentage	of	return	
generating	capital.	Return	on	investment	is	measured	for	four	years	following	
investment.	Measurement	commences	three	periods	following	the	opening	of	the	site.	

Source
Group	income	statement
Group	income	statement

Group	income	statement
Group	income	statement
Group	income	statement
Group	income	statement

Note	2.5
Note	4.1
Group	income	statement

Cash	flow	statement

A. LIKE-FOR-LIKE SALES
The	sales	this	year	compared	to	the	sales	in	the	previous	year	of	all	UK	managed	sites	that	were	trading	in	the	two	periods	being	compared,	expressed	as	
a	percentage.	This	widely	used	industry	measure	provides	better	insight	into	the	trading	performance	than	total	revenue	which	is	impacted	by	acquisitions	
and	disposals.

Reported	revenue
Less	non	like-for-like	sales
Like-for-like sales

Drink and food sales growth FY 2019

Drink	like-for-like	sales
Food	like-for-like	sales
Other	like-for-like	sales
Total like-for-like sales

Source
Income	statement

Source

Like-for-like sales for first seven weeks of FY 2020

Source

Revenue
Less	non	like-for-like	sales
Like-for-like sales

2019
52 weeks
£m
2,237
(184)
2,053

2019
52 weeks
£m
951
1,048
54
2,053

2020
7 weeks
£m
279.6
(23.0)
256.6

2018
52 weeks
£m
2,152	
(168)
1,984	

2018
52 weeks
£m
921
1,013
49
1,984

2019
7 weeks
£m
275.8
(22.8)
253.0

Year-on-year
%
3.95

3.49

Year-on-year
%
3.21
3.39
	10.82
3.49

Year-on-year
%
1.4

1.4

156

ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2019MITCHELLS & BUTLERS PLCB. ADJUSTED OPERATING PROFIT
Operating profit before separately disclosed items as set out in the Group income statement. Separately disclosed items are those which are separately 
identified by virtue of their size or incidence (see note 2.2). Excluding these items allows a better understanding of the trading of the Group.

Operating profit
Add back separately disclosed items
Adjusted operating profit
Reported revenue 52 weeks
Adjusted operating margin

Source
Income statement
Note 2.2

2019
52 weeks
£m
297
20
317
2,237
14.2%

2018
52 weeks
£m
255 
48 
303 
2,152 
14.1%

Year-on-year
%
16.47

4.2 
3.95
0.1ppts

C. ADJUSTED EARNINGS PER SHARE
Earnings per share using profit before separately disclosed items. Separately disclosed items are those which are separately identified by virtue of their size 
or incidence. Excluding these items allows a better understanding of the trading of the Group.

Profit for the period
Add back separately disclosed items
Adjusted profit
Weighted average number of shares
Adjusted earnings per share

Source
Income statement
Income statement

Note 2.5

2019
52 weeks
£m
143 
16 
159 
427 
 37.2p

2018
52 weeks
£m
104 
41 
145 
425 
 34.1p

Year-on-year
%
37.50 

9.66 

 9.14 

D. NET DEBT: ADJUSTED EBITDA
The multiple of net debt as per the balance sheet compared against 52 week EBITDA before separately disclosed items which is a widely used leverage 
measure in the industry. Adjusted EBITDA is used for this measure to prevent distortions in performance resulting from separately disclosed items.

Net debt 
EBITDA
Less separately disclosed items
Adjusted 52 week EBITDA
Net debt: Adjusted EBITDA

Source
Note 4.1
Income statement
Income statement

2019
52 weeks
£m
1,564
418
18 
436
3.6

2018
52 weeks
£m
1,688
417
5 
422
4.0

E. FREE CASH FLOW
Free cash flow excludes the cash movement on unsecured revolving credit facilities and is presented to allow understanding of the cash movements excluding 
short term debt. 

Net increase/(decrease) in cash and cash equivalents
Net movement on unsecured revolving credit facilities

Source
Cash flow statement
Cash flow statement

2019
52 weeks
£m
11
– 
11

2018
52 weeks
£m
(25)
6 
(19)

F. SECOND HALF ADJUSTED OPERATING PROFIT
Last year we reconciled second half adjusted operating profit as the understanding of the second half growth was material to trading performance for the year. 
This year we do not view the second half split as material to the understanding of performance therefore no reconciliation is provided. 

157

ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2019MITCHELLS & BUTLERS PLCSTRATEGIC REPORTGOVERNANCEFINANCIAL STATEMENTSOTHER INFORMATION 
 
ALTERNATIVE PERFORMANCE MEASURES CONTINUED

G. RETURN ON CAPITAL
Return	generating	capital	includes	investments	made	in	new	sites	and	investment	in	existing	assets	that	materially	changes	the	guest	offer.	Return	on	
investment	is	measured	by	incremental	site	EBITDA	following	investment	expressed	as	a	percentage	of	return	generating	capital.	Return	on	investment	
is	measured	for	four	years	following	investment.	Measurement	of	return	commences	three	periods	following	the	opening	of	the	site.	

Return on expansionary capital

Maintenance	and	infrastructure
Remodel	–	refurbishment
Non-expansionary	capital
Remodel	expansionary
Conversions	and	acquisitions*
Expansionary capital for return calculation
Expansionary	capital	open	<	3	periods	pre	year	end	
Total	capital
Adjusted	EBITDA
Non-incremental	EBITDA
Incremental	EBITDA
Return	on	expansionary	capital

Source

Cash	flow
Income	statement

2018 
FY 2015–18 
£m
286
170
456
34
166
200
13
669
1,714
(1,682)
32
16%

2019 
FY 2016–18
£m
204
136
340
34
125
159
8
507
1,275
(1,242)
33
21%

2019 
FY 2019 
£m
60
65
125
5
16
21
6
152
436
(430)
6
27%

*	 Conversion	and	acquisition	capital	is	net	of	capex	incurred	for	projects	which	have	been	open	for	less	than	three	periods	pre	year	end.

Return on remodel capital

Capital	investment
Non-remodel	–	refurbishment
Remodel	capital	investment
Adjusted	EBITDA
Non-incremental	EBITDA
Incremental	EBITDA
ROI

Source
Cash	flow

Income	statement

2019 
Total 
£m
264
201
465
39
141
180
14
659
1,711
(1,672)
39
21%

FY 2019
£m
152
(87)
65
436
(414)
22
34%

158

ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2019MITCHELLS & BUTLERS PLCSHAREHOLDER INFORMATION

CONTACTS
Registered office
27	Fleet	Street
Birmingham	B3	1JP
Telephone	0121	498	4000

REGISTRAR
Equiniti
Aspect	House
Spencer	Road
Lancing
West	Sussex	BN99	6DA

From	the	UK:	
Telephone	0371	384	2065*

From	non-UK	jurisdictions:	
Telephone	+44	121	415	7088*

For	those	with	hearing	loss,	a	textphone	is	available	on	0371	384	2255*	
for	UK	callers	with	compatible	equipment.

http://www.mbplc.com/investors/contacts/

*	

	Lines	are	open	8.30am	to	5.30pm	(UK	time),	Monday	to	Friday,	excluding	public	
holidays	in	England	&	Wales.

KEY DATES

These dates are indicative only and may be subject to change. For the current status visit the 
financial calendar on our website at www.mbplc.com/investors
Annual	General	Meeting
Announcement	of	interim	results
Pre-close	trading	update
2020	final	results	announcement

21	January	2020
May	2020
September	2020
November	2020

159

ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2019MITCHELLS & BUTLERS PLCSTRATEGIC REPORTGOVERNANCEFINANCIAL STATEMENTSOTHER INFORMATIONOUR BRANDS

MITCHELLS & BUTLERS ONLINE

Mitchells & Butlers’ comprehensive website gives you fast, 
direct access to a wide range of Company information.
• Downloadable	Annual	Report	and	Accounts
• Latest	investor	news	and	press	releases
• Brand	news	and	offers
• Responsibility	policies
• Find	a	local	restaurant	or	pub
• Sign	up	for	latest	news

To find out more go to www.mbplc.com

All	of	our	popular	brands	have	their	own	websites,	helping	our	customers	to	
find	the	information	they	need	straight	away.	Latest	food	and	drink	menus,	
news	and	offers,	email	newsletters,	online	bookings	and	details	of	new	
openings	are	all	available.

Alex
www.dein-alex.de

All Bar One
www.allbarone.co.uk	
@allbarone

Browns
www.browns-restaurants.co.uk	
@BrownsBrasserie

Castle
www.mbplc.com/findapub

Ember Inns
www.emberinns.co.uk	
@EmberInns

Harvester
www.harvester.co.uk	
@HarvesterUK

Innkeeper’s Lodge
www.innkeeperslodge.com

Miller & Carter
www.millerandcarter.co.uk	
@MillerandCarter

Nicholson’s
www.nicholsonspubs.co.uk	
@Nicholsonspubs

O’Neill’s
www.oneills.co.uk	
@ONeillsPubs

Premium Country Pubs
www.mbplc.com/findapub

Sizzling Pubs
www.sizzlingpubs.co.uk	
@SizzlingPubs

Stonehouse Pizza & Carvery
www.stonehouserestaurants.co.uk	
@stonehousepizza

Toby Carvery
www.tobycarvery.co.uk	
@tobycarvery

Vintage Inns
www.vintageinn.co.uk	
@Vintage_Inns

160

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with The Carbon Neutral Protocol.

Mitchells & Butlers plc
27 Fleet Street 
Birmingham B3 1JP 
Tel: +44 (0)121 498 4000