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Morgan Sindall Group

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FY2009 Annual Report · Morgan Sindall Group
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Annual report and accounts 2009

Dynamic
business

Solid
basis

as
dynamic
as a
small one…

As
capable
as a large
company,

Morgan Sindall Annual report and accounts 2009
About Morgan Sindall

01

About Morgan Sindall
Find out about Morgan Sindall and how we
performed in 2009.

01//16

Group at a glance
Financial highlights

02
04

Directors’ report: business review
An in-depth look at the Group including how 
we are delivering our strategy and our targets 
for the future.

17//60

Chairman and Chief Executive’s statement
Business review

The market and Morgan Sindall
Strategy
Key risks
Financial review
Sustainability review
Fit Out
Construction
Infrastructure Services
Affordable Housing
Urban Regeneration
Investments

18
24
24
26
28
32
34
38
42
46
50
54
58

Directors’ report: governance
Information about our Board of directors and
corporate governance.

61//78

Board of directors
Corporate governance statement
Remuneration report
Other statutory information
Statement of directors’ responsibility

62
64
68
75
78

Consolidated financial statements
The Group’s consolidated financial statements 
for the financial year ended 31 December 2009.

79//116

Independent auditors’ report
Income statement
Statement of comprehensive income
Balance sheet
Cash flow statement
Statement of changes in equity
Significant accounting policies
Notes to the financial statements

80
80
81
82
83
84
85
92

Company financial statements
The Company’s financial statements for the
financial year ended 31 December 2009.

117//128

Independent auditors’ report
Balance sheet
Combined statement of movement 
in reserves and shareholders’ funds
Significant accounting policies
Notes to the financial statements

Shareholder information

118
119

120
120
123

129

About Morgan Sindall

02 Morgan Sindall Annual report and accounts 2009
Group at a glance

Morgan Sindall plc
Morgan Sindall is a construction and regeneration group. Operating through five main
divisions and one specialist unit focused on different sectors within the market, the 
Group offers clients a market leading construction service based on strong financial 
and management principles. 

Our breadth of experience and capability enables us to deliver integrated solutions 
to our clients for all sizes and complexities of construction and regeneration projects.

Our culture is one of pace, dynamism, excitement and openness.

This report details our performance in 2009, our markets, strategy and the potential 
risks that may impact our business.

The divisions
Fit Out

More detail on page 38

Construction

More detail on page 42

Infrastructure Services More detail on page 46

Morgan Sindall’s Fit Out companies refurbish 
and fit out offices, bank branches, hotels and
universities. They offer clients a high quality
national capability through a network of three
businesses operating out of eight offices:

Overbury specialises in office refurbishment 
and fit out, working with clients directly through
their professional teams;

Morgan Lovell offers a one-stop service covering
every aspect of design, project management
and fit out; and

Vivid Interiors undertakes fit out and
refurbishment projects in the retail banking,
hotel and higher education sectors. It works
both directly with clients and through appointed
professional teams.

Morgan Sindall’s Construction division comprises
Morgan Ashurst and Morgan Professional Services:

Morgan Ashurst is a national construction
business working for public and commercial
sector clients on projects valued from £50,000
to over £300m. These range from small works,
repair and maintenance services to complex
large-scale projects; and

Morgan Professional Services is a design,
engineering and project management
consultancy specialising in complex and
technically challenging construction projects.

Morgan Sindall’s Infrastructure Services division,
operating under the Morgan Est brand, is one of
the UK’s leading providers of infrastructure services
offering an integrated capability to customers. 
The division is split into four main business units,
which work together to provide integrated solutions
across the transport, water and energy sectors:

infrastructure: specialising in the design 
and delivery of complex projects in the roads,
water and energy sectors;

utilities: network solutions in water, gas 
and electricity;

capital projects: specialising in the design 
and delivery of complex projects in the air 
and rail sectors; and

tunnelling: the UK’s leading tunnelling 
contractor, with in-house piling, design 
and pre-cast capabilities.

Revenue
£291m
2008: £474m

Employees
569
2008: 655

Operating profit 
£13.8m
2008: £25.8m

Order book
£171m
2008: £124m

Revenue
£743m
2008: £813m

Employees
2,002
2008: 2,300

Operating profit 
£13.0m
2008: £9.5m

Order book
£532m
2008: £805m

Revenue
£770m
2008: £799m

Employees
3,987
2008: 4,070

Operating profit 
£17.1m
2008: £14.4m

Order book
£1.1bn
2008: £1.4bn

Operating companies

Operating companies

Operating companies

Morgan Sindall Annual report and accounts 2009
About Morgan Sindall

About Morgan Sindall
Directors’ report: business review
Directors’ report: governance
Consolidated financial statements
Company financial statements
Shareholder information

03

01//16
17//60
61//78
79//116
117//128
129

Revenue £m

09
08
07

13%

2,214

2,548

2,115

Profit before tax and amortisation £m

09
08
07

51.5

62.1

28%

71.4

Our strategy

Our vision is to create a construction and
regeneration group with market leading positions
in our chosen sectors. 

The success of the Group is underpinned by
continual investment in recruitment, development
and retention of talented people.

We endeavour to do this by: 

delivering a quality construction service in close
collaboration with our clients;

operating safely and sustainably;

growing profitable businesses;

generating cash resources to develop our
businesses and to fund acquisitions; and

producing strong shareholder returns.

Many of the Group’s divisions pursue a quality
initiative called Perfect Delivery. Perfect Delivery
sets out for each of the divisions a series of
cornerstones to shape attitudes and processes
towards exceptional delivery. These cornerstones
are widely published and measured within each
project and frequently include: delivery on time,
defect free completion, budget achievement,
provision of all technical and record information, as
well as project specific measures defined by our
clients.

Affordable Housing

More detail on page 50

Urban Regeneration

More detail on page 54

Investments

More detail on page 58

Morgan Sindall’s Affordable Housing division
operates under the Lovell brand. This business
develops, constructs, refurbishes and maintains
affordable, social and open market housing. 

The division operates in four core markets:

refurbishing existing local authority and housing
association stock under the Government’s
Decent Homes initiative;

building new housing for social rent and 
shared ownership, working in partnership with
Registered Social Landlords and local authorities;

building affordable homes for sale on the open
market as part of mixed tenure regeneration; and

responsive and emergency maintenance 
of homes for public sector residential 
property owners.

Morgan Sindall’s Urban Regeneration division
operates under the Muse Developments brand. 
It specialises in working with landowners to unlock
value from under-developed land assets and to
bring about urban renewal and regeneration.

Morgan Sindall Investments provides project
funding and investment expertise for public sector
projects. The unit’s primary function is to act as a
facilitator for projects that involve another Morgan
Sindall division as a delivery partner. 

Morgan Sindall Investments works in partnership
with other equity funders and associated
professionals to fund, deliver and operate assets
focusing in particular on health, education,
affordable housing, emergency services, defence
and infrastructure.

The division works in partnership with landowners,
local authorities and other public and private sector
partners to progress development opportunities
and maximise the contribution to urban renewal
through ‘mixed use’ projects, typically including
commercial and leisure space, residential
accommodation and community facilities. 

Muse Developments has developed a dynamic
and resilient business model offering long-term
opportunities linked to land agreements not 
land banks and offers a genuinely ‘mixed use’
development capability.

Revenue
£374m
2008: £377m

Employees
1,324
2008: 1,467

Operating profit 
£14.9m
2008: £21.0m

Order book
£1.3bn
2008: £1.3bn

Revenue
£32m
2008: £84m

Employees
49
2008: 51

Operating profit 
£0.7m
2008: £7.8m

Share of development
pipeline
£1.4bn
2008: £1.3bn

Revenue
£3m
2008: £1m

Employees
24
2008: 21

Operating profit 
£(3.0m)
2008: £(2.2m)

Order book
n/a
2008: n/a

Operating companies

Operating companies

Operating companies

Operating profit is profit from operations before amortisation.

About Morgan Sindall

04 Morgan Sindall Annual report and accounts 2009
Financial highlights

m
4
1
2
2
£

,

m
5
1.
5
£

.

m
7
4
4
£

Revenue £m

13%

Profit before tax and amortisation £m

Profit before tax £m

28%

2,214

09
08
07
Group revenue decreased against an overall
fall in the construction market of 11% in 2009.
More details on page 92.

2,115

2,548

51.5

09
08
62.1
07
Decline in higher margin activities was partly 
offset by record results from Construction and
Infrastructure Services. More details on page 92.

71.4

44.7

09
08
07
More details on page 80.

28%

62.3

57.6

Morgan Sindall Annual report and accounts 2009
About Morgan Sindall

About Morgan Sindall
Directors’ report: business review
Directors’ report: governance
Consolidated financial statements
Company financial statements
Shareholder information

05

01//16
17//60
61//78
79//116
117//128
129

p
9
3
9

.

p
9
7.
7

.

p
0
2
4

Adjusted EPS pence

93.9

09
08
104.5
07
Earnings per share have declined in line 
with profits. More details on page 95.

27%

127.8

Basic EPS pence

09
08
07
More details on page 95.

77.9

27%

106.3

93.8

Dividends pence

00%
42.0
42.0

09
08
38.0
07
Total dividend is unchanged from last year. 
More details on page 95.

06 Morgan Sindall Annual report and accounts 2009

About Morgan Sindall

Morgan Sindall Annual report and accounts 2009
About Morgan Sindall

About Morgan Sindall
Fit Out
Guardian Media group offices, London 
Directors’ report: business review
Directors’ report: governance
Consolidated financial statements
Company financial statements
Shareholder information

07

01//16

17//60
61//78
79//116
117//128
129

Cutting
edge

Busy reception area of Guardian
News and Media’s London HQ, 
a major fit out by Overbury,
accommodating nearly 2,000
staff. Established delivery
principles combined with cutting edge
environmental practices have created an
inherently green building using public transport,
local resources, strict waste management and
sustainable design.

Established
principles

08 Morgan Sindall Annual report and accounts 2009

About Morgan Sindall

Inspired
generation

Young adults, using sports and leisure facilities
at a newly constructed secondary school in
South Lanarkshire. This project was one of 
an impressive programme of 15 newly built
schools, two refurbished schools and two
special educational needs centres all of which
were handed over from Morgan Ashurst to
South Lanarkshire Council as planned in 2009.

Planned
delivery

Morgan Sindall Annual report and accounts 2009
About Morgan Sindall

About Morgan Sindall
Construction
South Lanarkshire Schools
Directors’ report: business review
Directors’ report: governance
Consolidated financial statements
Company financial statements
Shareholder information

09

01//16

17//60
61//78
79//116
117//128
129

10 Morgan Sindall Annual report and accounts 2009

About Morgan Sindall

High
speed

The town centre link-
bridge between the
Olympic retail site and
Stratford Station in
London. The bridge was
formed by the incremental launching of separate sections
just eight metres above 11 fully operational Network Rail
and London Underground lines, a UK first. Morgan Est
used intricate planning and safety management to
achieve this highly regarded implementation, which

allowed the rail operators to maintain
a normal service in an area which
provides critical transport links into
the City and east London.

Careful
progress

Morgan Sindall Annual report and accounts 2009
About Morgan Sindall

About Morgan Sindall
Infrastructure Services
Olympic bridges, Stratford
Directors’ report: business review
Directors’ report: governance
Consolidated financial statements
Company financial statements
Shareholder information

11

01//16

17//60
61//78
79//116
117//128
129

12 Morgan Sindall Annual report and accounts 2009

About Morgan Sindall

Exciting
future

Final elements of work
being completed by
Lovell during the Beswick
affordable housing
project in Manchester.
The scheme will create 550 houses for sale, rent
and shared ownership ensuring the community
has maximum access to new homes. As part 
of the wider regeneration of east Manchester,
these homes will be built to the most exacting
standards and generate the minimum
environmental impact.

Safe
haven

Morgan Sindall Annual report and accounts 2009
About Morgan Sindall

About Morgan Sindall
Affordable Housing
Beswick, Manchester
Directors’ report: business review
Directors’ report: governance
Consolidated financial statements
Company financial statements
Shareholder information

13

01//16

17//60
61//78
79//116
117//128
129

14 Morgan Sindall Annual report and accounts 2009

About Morgan Sindall

Advanced
technology

Complex steel framing,
using the latest safety
standards, taking shape
during the second
phase of a major
regeneration project at Liverpool’s new central business
district. This phase of the project will create major office
accommodation to complement the first phase of offices,

Practiced
methods

apartments and a restaurant 
all overlooking a central square.
Muse Developments utilised
advanced technology to deliver
exceptional savings in energy
consumption and costs.

Morgan Sindall Annual report and accounts 2009
About Morgan Sindall

About Morgan Sindall
Urban Regeneration
Central Liverpool regeneration
Directors’ report: business review
Directors’ report: governance
Consolidated financial statements
Company financial statements
Shareholder information

15

01//16

17//60
61//78
79//116
117//128
129

16 Morgan Sindall Annual report and accounts 2009

About Morgan Sindall

Fit Out
Overbury

Client
Location

Construction
Morgan Ashurst

Infrastructure Services
Morgan Est

Guardian News and Media
London

Client
Location

South Lanarkshire Council
Scotland

Client
Location

Westfield Shopping Towns
Stratford, East London

During the consolidation of four Guardian
newspaper offices from locations across 
London into one building, Overbury’s task at 
the new Guardian News and Media headquarters
in King’s Place, London was to carry out the fit 
out in a manner that minimised carbon emissions.
Moving all of the newspaper’s operations to one
location is a positive environmental step in itself, 
as it reduces travel and deliveries between
disparate sites, minimises energy use and
encourages an entire workforce to cooperate 
to reduce their waste.

South Lanarkshire Council PPP scheme involved 
a modernisation programme for all of the Council’s
19 secondary schools, transforming the school
estate to meet the needs of a 21st century
learning environment.

The majority of the schools were designed in 
three main parts, the community facility, the
‘street’, which is the focus for all the schools, and
the teaching wings. Several of the schools have
large scale community sports facilities for out 
of hours community use which are accessed
through the striking public frontages.

Morgan Est’s work at the Stratford City
development forms part of the supporting
infrastructure for the 2012 Olympics. The new
town centre link bridge was designed and built 
for the Westfield Group, a project worth £25m,
crossing over 11 Network Rail, London
Underground Limited and Docklands Light 
Railway rail lines at Stratford Station. In addition,
Morgan Est has also undertaken further projects
on the site which include the modification of 
two existing bridges, three new bridges and
associated works.

Affordable Housing
Lovell

Urban Regeneration
Muse Developments

Client
Location

Manchester City Council
Beswick, Manchester

Client
Location

Liverpool City Council
Liverpool

Lovell was selected by New East Manchester
following a design-led competition to develop 
550 new homes as part of the regeneration of
Beswick. The properties are predominantly for
outright sale, with homes for rent and shared
ownership being provided through its Registered
Social Landlord partners. The development, the
largest off site manufactured housing project in
Europe, offers a mixed tenure environment where
homes are indistinguishable by tenure creating 
a fully inclusive community.

The development comprises five buildings
overlooking a stunning landscaped public square.
The first phase comprised prime office space,
apartments, a restaurant and a 400 space car 
park. Phase two has provided a further 133,000
square feet of Grade A office accommodation 
in a stunning landmark building which delivers
significant savings in energy costs, whilst the third
and final stage, now under construction, will deliver
a further 109,000 square feet of ‘BREEAM excellent’
office space. When completed the development
will provide workplaces for 3,500 people.

Morgan Sindall Annual report and accounts 2009
Directors’ report: business review

17

Directors’ report: business review
Chairman and Chief Executive’s statement
Business review

The market and Morgan Sindall
Strategy
Key risks
Financial review
Sustainability review
Fit Out
Construction
Infrastructure Services
Affordable Housing
Urban Regeneration
Investments

17//60
18
24
24
26
28
32
34
38
42
46
50
54
58

Directors’ report:

business review

Cautionary statement
This business review has been prepared solely to provide
additional information to shareholders to assess the
Company’s strategies and the potential for those
strategies to succeed.

The business review contains certain forward-looking
statements. These statements are made by the directors
in good faith based on the information available to them
up to the time of their approval of this report and such
statements should be treated with caution due to the
inherent uncertainties, including both economic and
business factors, underlying any such forward-looking
information.

The directors, in preparing this business review, have
complied with s417 of the Companies Act 2006. They
have also complied with the guidance set out in the
Accounting Standards Board’s Reporting Statement:
Operating and Financial Review. 

This business review has been prepared for the Group 
as a whole and therefore gives greater emphasis to those
matters which are significant to Morgan Sindall plc and 
its subsidiary undertakings when viewed as a whole.

Directors’ report: business review

18 Morgan Sindall Annual report and accounts 2009
Chairman and
Chief Executive’s statement

“The Group produced a robust performance in 
2009 against a backdrop of very challenging
trading conditions. Although we face similar
conditions in 2010, we remain confident that 
we can continue to capitalise on the opportunities
presented by our markets.”

Paul Smith
Chief Executive

Morgan Sindall Annual report and accounts 2009
Directors’ report: business review

19

About Morgan Sindall
Directors’ report: business review
Directors’ report: governance
Consolidated financial statements
Company financial statements
Shareholder information

01//16
17//60
61//78
79//116
117//128
129

John Morgan
Executive Chairman

Directors’ report: business review

20 Morgan Sindall Annual report and accounts 2009
Chairman and
Chief Executive’s statement

“Since the beginning of 2008 we 
have realised annualised cash savings 
of £38m and we continue to focus 
on cash management, cost reduction
and supply chain improvements, 
as well as responding to market 
growth opportunities where they
present themselves.”

Morgan Sindall Annual report and accounts 2009
Directors’ report: business review

21

About Morgan Sindall
Directors’ report: business review
Directors’ report: governance
Consolidated financial statements
Company financial statements
Shareholder information

01//16
17//60
61//78
79//116
117//128
129

capability to take on larger and more complex
projects. The Construction division also benefited
from further improvements resulting from its
continuing Perfect Delivery quality programme. 

The Affordable Housing division maintained its
revenue and generated an excellent operating
profit during the year given the difficult market
conditions for open market housing. This was 
due to strong new build contracting and
refurbishment demand for social housing 
which helped to counteract reductions in
profitability from sales of open market housing.

The Urban Regeneration division delivered a
satisfactory performance in 2009 and contributed 
a small profit in a very subdued market, aided in
some part by the recovery in sales of open market
housing. The business remains ideally positioned to
take advantage of future opportunities as occupier
demand recovers.

The Investments unit secured a number of new
projects during the year and is currently at
preferred bidder stage on several high value
schemes. The directors’ valuation of the investment
portfolio held by the division increased during the
year to £38m (2008: £28m).

We report more fully on each division in the
business review that follows this statement. 

Since the beginning of 2008 we have realised
annualised savings of £38m and we continue 
to focus on working capital management, cost
reduction and supply chain improvements, as 
well as responding to market growth opportunities
where they present themselves.

Changes to the Board
We welcomed Patrick De Smedt to the Board 
as a non-executive director in December 2009. 
In addition, we are pleased to announce that 
Simon Gulliford will join the Board as a non-
executive director on 1 March 2010. Simon 
has particular experience in the area of strategic
marketing both as a consultant and in an 
executive capacity. 

Patrick and Simon’s experience will further enhance
the range of skills and abilities our non-executive
directors bring to the Board.

Jon Walden will leave the Board at the forthcoming
annual general meeting after nine years as a non-
executive director; we thank him for his valuable
contribution during his time with the Group.

Robust performance in line with
expectations
We delivered a robust performance for 2009,
despite experiencing some challenging trading
conditions across our chosen sectors. The 13%
decrease in revenue to £2,214m (2008: £2,548m)
and the 28% decrease in profit before tax and
amortisation to £51.5m (2008: £71.4m) were
principally due to a decline in higher margin
activities in the Fit Out and Affordable Housing
divisions, although this was partly offset by record
results from our Construction and Infrastructure
Services divisions. 

Earnings per share before amortisation of intangible
assets fell by 27% to 93.9p (2008: 127.8p). Profit
before tax (after amortisation of intangible assets)
fell by 28% to £44.7m (2008: £62.3m). We have
declared a second interim dividend of 30.0p
payable on 1 April 2010. This is in place of the final
dividend, which for 2008 was 30.0p and was paid
on 8 May 2009. This gives a total dividend for the
year of 42.0p (2008: 42.0p). 

Our year end cash balance was £118m (2008:
£120m) and we achieved, as expected, an average
cash balance throughout the year of £31m 
(2008: £77m). This lower level of average cash
reflects the higher levels of working capital required
as construction activity has slowed. The Group’s
financial position remains strong which, combined
with our debt facilities of £100m available 
through to mid-2012, leaves us well placed to 
take advantage of opportunities presented by 
our markets.

Long-term strategy supported 
by emphasis on robust financial
disciplines
Our long-term strategy continues to be the
achievement of leading positions in all our chosen
markets. Delivering a quality construction service 
in close collaboration with our clients is a key
component in achieving this aim.

In 2009 the Fit Out division experienced a
considerable contraction in the commercial 
office sector, resulting in reductions in revenue 
and operating profit. In challenging market
conditions the division remained focused on
securing profitable opportunities rather than
securing revenue at any cost and it is our view 
that the division performed well in maintaining 
its market leading position and healthy operating
profit margin.

The Construction and Infrastructure Services
divisions both delivered record results, increasing
operating profit and margin in 2009, based largely
on the strength of their positions in the public and
regulated sectors, combined with an increased

Directors’ report: business review

22 Morgan Sindall Annual report and accounts 2009
Chairman and
Chief Executive’s statement

£8m
Urban 
Regeneration

£1.3bn
Affordable 
Housing

£1.1bn
Infrastructure 
Services

£532m
Construction

£171m
Fit Out

£45m
Urban 
Regeneration

£1.3bn
Affordable 
Housing

£1.4bn
Infrastructure 
Services

£805m
Construction

£124m
Fit Out

Forward order book 2009

Forward order book 2008

£1.4bn
Urban 
Regeneration

£1.3bn
Urban 
Regeneration

Development pipeline 2009

Development pipeline 2008

Morgan Sindall Annual report and accounts 2009
Directors’ report: business review

23

About Morgan Sindall
Directors’ report: business review
Directors’ report: governance
Consolidated financial statements
Company financial statements
Shareholder information

01//16
17//60
61//78
79//116
117//128
129

Opportunities are presented in
continued challenging markets
Whilst we expect that our markets will remain
challenging in 2010, as many of them continue 
to be impacted by the effects of the economic
downturn, we are seeing some signs of recovery 
in demand for open market housing and demand
for fit out from the financial services sector. This,
combined with the strength of our order book 
and projects progressed to preferred bidder stage,
should help to offset some of the effect of the
expected further weakening of public sector
spending. We have taken positive and timely action
as overall construction activity has slowed and we
will continue to take the necessary steps to shape
our business as the market changes.

At the same time, however, we will continue 
to assess all new market opportunities that 
arise and use our track record, expertise and
operational and financial strength to exploit 
them where appropriate.

Fit Out is well positioned to respond to signs 
of improved demand for major projects in the
commercial office market, especially demand 
from the financial services sector, and will focus 
on growing its share of the retail banking, hotel 
and education sectors. 

Construction’s focus on sectors with growth
potential such as prisons, airports, defence and 
rail and its capability to deliver larger projects 
will help counter the effects of a subdued
commercial market and any future public 
sector spending reductions.

Infrastructure Services’ medium and longer-term
growth potential in the energy and transport
sectors, driven by investment in key infrastructure
projects, will complement the division’s strong
presence in the utilities market. 

Affordable Housing will focus on exploiting 
the improving open market housing sector 
and on the latest round of social housing 
PFI opportunities, as well as growing its new
responsive maintenance offering alongside 
its existing refurbishment expertise. 

Having secured substantial regeneration projects 
in the past few years, Urban Regeneration will
continue to progress each of its current schemes,
although we expect its market to remain subdued
in the short-term. With its quality portfolio the
division retains an excellent platform for growth 
as occupier demand returns in the medium-term.

The Investments unit has a healthy pipeline of
PPP/PFI schemes to pursue alongside the five
operating divisions. In addition to the construction
revenue to be created for the other divisions, these
schemes are expected to increase the unit’s long-
term investment income.

Our forward order book at the start of 2010 stood
at £3.2bn (2008: £3.7bn). We also started 2010 
with over £0.9bn (2008: £nil) of projects at
preferred bidder stage. This element of potential
work was created entirely during 2009 and reflects
our capability to deliver large and more complex
schemes. In addition, Urban Regeneration’s forward
development pipeline (its share of regeneration
projects in which it has an interest) was valued at
£1.4bn (2008: £1.3bn). 

The Group produced a robust performance in 
2009 against a backdrop of challenging trading
conditions. Although we face similar conditions in
2010, our breadth of capability gives us confidence
that we are well placed to capitalise on the
opportunities presented by our markets.

John Morgan
Executive Chairman
23 February 2010

Paul Smith
Chief Executive
23 February 2010

Directors’ report: business review

24 Morgan Sindall Annual report and accounts 2009
Business review
The market and Morgan Sindall1

The UK construction market fell by 
11% in 2009
In 2008 the UK construction market was valued 
at £109.7bn (2007: £111.0bn), a 1.1% reduction 
in output from the previous year. 

Estimates for 2009 indicate that the total UK
construction market is expected to be valued at
around £97.1bn, a reduction of 11% or £12.6bn
compared with 2008. This reduction is the result 
of a 13% drop in new work and a 10% fall in
spending on repairs and maintenance. The value 
of new work reduced by £8.0bn and repairs and
maintenance fell by £4.6bn.

Experian forecasts for the UK construction market
indicate a further decline of 2% in 2010, although
the market is forecast to start growing again in
2011 by around £1.1bn.

“Our vision is to create a construction
and regeneration group with market
leading positions in our chosen sectors
within the UK construction market.”

1Data reported includes the full cost of construction work
undertaken, including materials, labour, overheads and profits. 
This adds up to a total value for the UK construction market 
and provides a basis for comparison period on period.

Public expenditure increases offset significant
reductions in private work

2007

2008

Private work
Public work
Total

£bn
76.4
34.6
111.0

%
£bn
69 72.2
31 37.5
109.7

Source: ONS/Experian

2009
Estimated
%
59
41

%
£bn
66 57.1
34 40.0
97.1 

Public expenditure across the UK market has
increased over the past three years, from £34.6bn
in 2007 to a forecast £40.0bn in 2009, an increase
of £5.4bn (16%). In 2009 the public sector is
estimated to account for 41% of the market. 
By contrast, private sector spend on construction
work is forecast to have fallen 25%, from £76.4bn 
in 2007 to £57.1bn in 2009. 

Whilst we expect that our markets will remain
challenging in 2010 as many of them continue 
to be impacted by the effects of the economic
downturn, we are seeing some signs of recovery 
in demand for open market housing and demand
for fit out from the financial services sector. This,
combined with the strength of our order book 
and projects progressed to preferred bidder stage,
should help to offset some of the expected further
weakening in public sector spending. We have
taken positive and timely action as overall
construction activity has slowed and we will
continue to take the necessary steps to shape 
our business as the market changes. We remain
mindful of the potential impact of cuts in public
spending and are readying ourselves for changes 
as and when they become apparent. 

UK construction market £bn 

Morgan Sindall has a presence in all the major
sectors of the UK construction market 
The UK construction market is measured by 
the Office for National Statistics (‘ONS’). Active
contractors provide information which is collated
and circulated quarterly.

The market is presented in two main sections, 
New Work and Repairs and Maintenance, and 
each main section is further stratified to create 
ten segments for the market:

New work
1 Public housing
2 Private housing
3 Infrastructure
4 Public non-residential
5 Private industrial
6 Private commercial

Repairs and maintenance
1 Public housing
2 Private housing
3 Public non-residential
4 Private non-residential
Source: ONS 

Morgan Sindall has a diverse and balanced mix 
of private and public sector clients. The Group’s 
five operating divisions are active across the 
UK construction market, as shown in the table
opposite. These divisions often work together 
to provide the best integrated solution for each
client project. More detail on each of the divisions 
is reported on pages 38 to 60.

104.0

107.8

107.0

108.4

111.0

109.7

97.1

95.2

96.3

120

100

47.7

47.7

47.6

46.2

46.4

47.2

42.6

41.4

41.5

80

60

40

20

0

56.3

60.2

59.4

62.1

64.5

62.5

54.5

53.8

54.8

2003

2004

2005

2006

2007

2008

2009

2010
Estimates

2011

Total new work
Total repairs and maintenance

Source: ONS/Experian 

Morgan Sindall Annual report and accounts 2009
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129

Morgan Sindall
% share of UK market

2.3%

2.55

2.3%

2.22

1.9%

2.12

2.5

2.0

1.5

1.0

0.5

0

Morgan Sindall
£bn revenue 

3.0

2.5

2.0

1.5

1.1%

1.0

1.22

0.5

1.4%

1.5

1.2%

1.3

Solid positioning in expected growth sectors 
in 2010
A forecast reduction in the repairs and maintenance
segments in 2010 of £1.1bn to £41.5bn is increased
by a forecast fall in the new work segment of £0.7bn,
leading to an overall reduction of 2% (£1.9bn).
Morgan Sindall’s divisions are well positioned within
the market sectors forecast to recover strongest 
in 2010, including new work public housing,
infrastructure and public non-residential. The
expected continued decline in non-residential
repairs and maintenance may affect the Fit Out 
and Affordable Housing divisions during 2010.

Market share protected in 2009
Morgan Sindall has grown its share of the UK
construction market over the last six years. Market
share has more than doubled during this period to
2.3%, increasing from 1.1% in 2004. After a period
of largely organic growth, the Group acquired two
businesses from AMEC in 2007. 

2006

2004

2005

Market £bn
Revenue £bn
Market share % 1.1

2009
107.8 107.0 108.4 111.0 109.7 97.1
1.21 1.30 1.50 2.11 2.55 2.22
2.3

1.2

1.9

2.3

1.4

2008

2007

0

2004

2005

2006

2007

2008

2009

Morgan Sindall market share %
Morgan Sindall revenue £bn

Source: Morgan Sindall/ONS/Experian

Source: Morgan Sindall/ONS/Experian 

New work

Public housing

Private housing

Infrastructure

Public
non-residential

Private industrial

Private commercial

Repairs and
maintenance

Public housing

Private housing

Public
non-residential

Private
non-residential

Fit Out

Construction

Infrastructure Affordable

Housing

Urban
Regeneration

Investments

2009 value 
forecast
£bn

2010 value 
forecast 
£bn

Change

%

3.3
10.7
7.8
13.3
2.4
17.0

3.5
10.9
8.7
14.2
2.4
14.0

6
2
12
7
–
17

Fit Out

Construction

Infrastructure Affordable

Housing

Urban
Regeneration

Investments

2009 value 
forecast
£bn

2010 value 
forecast 
£bn

Change

%

8.0
14.0
7.5
13.1

7.8
14.0
7.2
12.5

Total

97.1

95.2

3
–
4
5

2

Source: Morgan Sindall/ONS/Experian 

Directors’ report: business review

26 Morgan Sindall Annual report and accounts 2009
Business review
Strategy

A proactive strategy that utilises 
our resources
The Group is proactive in addressing changes 
in its various chosen markets and actively shapes 
its approach to those markets and customers. 

In addition to financial resources, the Group 
draws on further tangible and intangible resources.
Principal amongst these are the Group’s talented
people and a highly capable specialist supply chain
that utilises local resources to offer a national service.
Working together, they innovate and provide new
ideas and methods to deliver client needs. Beyond
this, the Group draws further upon the strength 
of its divisions and corporate reputation. 

The Group’s aims, strategies and performance
indicators are reported fully in the table opposite.

Strategic aim

Deliver a quality 
construction service

Our strategy

Extend Perfect Delivery and Customer
Experience quality programmes

Improve Perfect Delivery performance

Improve the quality of supply chain by using
accredited subcontractors and suppliers

Attract, retain and develop talented 
employees

Operate safely and sustainably

Continue to develop Group safety culture

Develop system to meet Carbon Reduction
Commitment obligations

Grow profitable businesses

Maintain healthy pipeline of projects

Manage resources and cost base efficiently

To expand the Group’s capability

Generate cash resources to 
develop the Group’s divisions 
and fund acquisitions

Maintain tight control of working capital

Ensure the Group has sufficient committed
banking facilities available

Generate strong shareholder 
returns

Generate superior returns by developing
positions of market leadership in each 
of the Group’s divisions

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KPI measure and description

Performance in 2009

Plans for 2010

Perfect Delivery scores
Measured by the percentage of projects
achieving Perfect Delivery

Approved supply chain coverage
Measured by the percentage of the Group’s
spend that is through approved suppliers

Staff turnover/retention

Training level 
Measured by average number of training 
days per employee

84% of projects achieved Perfect Delivery
(2008: 84%)

Increase the number of projects that achieve
Perfect Delivery

Average number of training days is 5 (2008: 5)

Develop standard measures of customer 
and employee satisfaction across the Group

Developing KPIs to measure the Group’s 
spend through approved suppliers

Develop KPIs to measure staff retention

Accident Incident Rate (‘AIR’)
Measured by the number of reported incidents
expressed per 100,000 persons employed

Carbon dioxide emissions 
Calculated as tonnes equivalent CO2

The AIR for 2009 is 519 (2008: 719)

To make further progress in reducing the AIR

Carbon dioxide emissions are established 
for the first time for 2009 as 27,466 tonnes
equivalent (2008: n/a)

To reduce the Group’s carbon footprint

To establish an efficient reporting system to
meet our obligations under the CRC Energy
Efficiency Scheme

Forward order book
Measured by future revenue from legally
committed contracts plus a prudent estimate of
future revenue under framework agreements

Operating margin
Measured by profits from operations before
amortisation of intangible assets, expressed 
as a percentage of revenue 

Overheads percentage
Defined as Group overheads expressed 
as a percentage of revenue

The average cash balances at bank 
reported daily

Year end cash balance

Operating cash conversion

Adjusted earnings per share (‘EPS’)

Dividend per share

Forward order book currently stands at 
£3.2bn (2008: £3.7bn).

Operating margin of 2.0% (2008: 2.3%)

Established responsive maintenance service 
at Affordable Housing

Increased Fit Out’s proportion of activity 
outside of London to 32% (2008: 22%)

Overheads percentage is 7.7% (2008: 7.3%)

The average cash balance for the year 
was in line with our expectations at 
£31m (2008: £77m) 

Year end cash balance of £118m 
(2008: £120m)

£100m of banking facilities put in place 
through to June 2012

5 year rolling cash conversion at 94% 
(2008: 119%)

Adjusted EPS down 27% to 93.9p 
(2008: 127.8p)

Dividend per share maintained at 42.0p 
(2008: 42.0p)

Increase forward order book

Improve Group operating margin 

To maintain or reduce overheads 
as a percentage of revenue

To improve average cash balance

To improve five year operating cash 
conversion

To increase adjusted EPS over the longer–term

To maintain a progressive dividend policy

Directors’ report: business review

28 Morgan Sindall Annual report and accounts 2009
Business review
Key risks

The Group’s achievement of its strategy and 
vision is subject to a number of key risks. Risk
management processes are designed to
continually assess, identify, understand and
challenge the effectiveness of mitigating actions.
The Board considers that the most significant risks
and the main mitigating actions are:

Market and economic environment

Risks

The market sectors in which the 
Group operates are affected to varying
degrees by general macroeconomic
conditions and changes in Government
spending priorities. The Group is
particularly focused at present on
managing impacts of the challenging
economic conditions and continuing to
invest for the long-term to be prepared
for opportunities when they arise.

Shortage of opportunities caused by
macroeconomic factors 

Reliance on key customers and sectors 
and increased competition 

Projects consuming excessive capital 
inhibit growth

Inability to manage overheads during downturn

More onerous financial security such as 
bonding and other financial guarantees 
required in current market in order to qualify 
for work 

Regulatory environment

Risks

Regulatory or legislative breach, failure 
to understand regulatory environment

Failure of employees and subcontractors 
to comply with legislation

The Group operates within a 
constantly changing regulatory
environment governed by legislation
and industry specific regulation. 
Non-compliance with legislation or
regulations can damage the Group’s
reputation, market standing and ability
to secure new business and may lead
to financial penalties.

Health, safety and environmental risks

Risks

The Group’s health and safety 
and environmental performance 
affect employees, subcontractors 
and the public and, in turn, can 
affect its reputation and commercial
performance.

Environmental or safety incidents 
caused by the Group’s activities

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Impacts

Mitigation

Loss of revenue, profit effect magnified if
overheads not managed appropriately

Increased competition leads to falling margin 
on work

Excessive consumption of cash leads to inability
to carry out work

Delegated authorities in place throughout 
the Group require approval of tenders at
appropriate levels

Refusal to compete solely on price: 
Perfect Delivery quality programme seeks 
to differentiate the Group’s offering on 
service and quality

Adequacy of cash resources and facilities
available, bonding lines and insurance
programme are kept under constant review 

Sector spread and diversification offer some
protection against decline in individual sectors

Regular feedback from clients and others 
used to tailor the Group’s offering

Regular monitoring and reporting of financial
performance, work won, prospects and
pipeline of opportunities 

Regular review of resource levels against
anticipated workload

Impacts

Mitigation

Loss of reputation, market share, cost 
of investigations, fines and prosecutions

Regular communication of relevant regulation,
including changes and amendments; key
regulatory risks dealt with in Group policies 
and induction processes

Regular training and updates for those 
with responsibility for ensuring compliance

Systems of management to identify risks 
and controls, audits and reviews to ensure 
that controls are operating effectively 

Periodic reviews by external professionals 
and involvement of external experts in 
training where necessary

Regular reporting of significant measures
relevant to regulation 

Whistleblowing and ethical policies 
and procedures in place

Impacts

Mitigation

Harm to individuals and communities,
reputational damage, loss of market share, 
fines and prosecutions

Health and safety and environmental policy
frameworks are communicated and senior
managers appointed in each division

Well established safety systems, site visits,
monitoring and reporting (including near 
miss and potential hazard reporting) in place 

Investigation and root cause analysis 
of accidents and near misses

Regular health and safety and 
environmental training and updates 
including behavioural training

Certification of workforce under 
Construction Skills Certification Scheme

Directors’ report: business review

30 Morgan Sindall Annual report and accounts 2009
Business review
Key risks

Developing talent

Risks

The ability of the Group to deliver
projects successfully to clients, grow 
in profitability and develop strong,
sustained financial performance relies
on the quality of its employees. It is
critical that talented individuals are
attracted, developed and retained.

Failure to attract talented individuals 
to the construction industry

Inadequate succession planning

Failure to retain talented individuals

Contractual risks

Risks

The Group undertakes several 
hundred contracts each year and 
it is important that contractual terms
reflect risks arising from the nature 
and complexity of the works and 
the duration of the contract.

Acceptance of work outside core competences

Acceptance of unprofitable work

Poor project management leads to delays 
and cost overruns

Inability to agree valuation of additional 
work and variations

Acquisitions

Risks

The Group regularly identifies and
evaluates potential acquisitions and 
it is important that acquisitions deliver
the planned benefits.

Group fails to deliver benefits sought at time of
acquisition, through issues with due diligence,
execution, strategic assessment, alignment of
cultures or other reasons

Counterparty and liquidity risks

Risks

Insolvency of key client, subcontractor 
or supplier 

Inadequate liquidity

The terms on which the Group trades
with counterparties affect its liquidity.
Without sufficient liquidity, the Group’s
ability to meet its liabilities as they fall
due would be compromised, which
could ultimately lead to its failure to
continue as a going concern. Further
disclosure on liquidity risks and liquidity
risk management is contained in note
29 to the consolidated financial
statements on pages 113 to 116.

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Impacts

Mitigation

Group and divisions fail to develop the people
necessary to provide future growth

Talented people see better opportunities 
for reward and satisfaction in other industries 
or with competitors

Management development programmes 
in place alongside formal individual appraisal 
and development processes

Regular review of remuneration levels 
and competitive bonus structure

Long-term incentivisation through Save 
As You Earn and share option schemes

Succession and staff development is
considered in annual and longer-term 
business planning cycle

Impacts

Mitigation

Loss of profitability and reputation

Excessive resources and attention 
devoted to poorly performing projects

System of delegated authorities governs
tenders and acceptance of work

Lessons learned exercises carried out 
on projects

Work carried out under standard terms
wherever possible 

Well established systems of measuring 
and reporting project progress and 
estimated outturns

Collation and review of client feedback

Use of accredited subcontractors with
established relationships wherever possible

Staff incentivised on basis of contract
performance

Cross regional peer reviews

Impacts

Mitigation

Loss of profitability and reputation

All acquisitions approved at Board level

Excessive resources required to be 
directed towards acquisition 

Commercial and financial due diligence led 
by senior teams including executive directors,
with clear roles and responsibilities

Post acquisition integration plans prepared 
and monitored

KPIs established and monitored post
acquisition

Impacts

Mitigation

Significant financial loss due to bad 
debt, cost of replacing supplier

Work only carried out for financially sound
clients, established through credit checks 

Reputational impact

Work with approved suppliers wherever possible

Group cannot continue in business, 
or cannot grow as desired, due to 
lack of funds

Contracts with clients, subcontractors or
suppliers only entered into after review at
appropriate level of delegated authority

Work carried out under standard terms 
of contract as far as possible

Specific commercial terms, including payment
terms; escrow accounts used as appropriate

Regular monitoring of cash levels and 
forecast cash

Regular stress testing of longer-term 
cash forecasts

Regular assessment of the level of 
banking facilities available to the Group 

Regular monitoring of banking covenants

Directors’ report: business review

32 Morgan Sindall Annual report and accounts 2009
Business review
Financial review

As at 31 December 2009 the 
Group had net cash of £118m 
and committed banking facilities of
£100m extending until mid-2012.

Additional information on the Group’s financial
performance can be found elsewhere in the annual
report and accounts as follows:

divisional trading performance is covered in 
note 1 to the consolidated financial statements
on pages 92 and 93;

cash flow is analysed in detail in note 26 to the
consolidated financial statements on page 108;

this financial review addresses treasury risks and
risk management; the broader risks facing the
Group are dealt with under Key Risks above; and 

directors’ valuation of PPP/PFI investments is
included under the Investments review on 
page 59.

Difficult conditions but Construction
and Infrastructure Services deliver
record results
Where stated, operating profit is profit from
operations before amortisation. 

Although 2009 has been a difficult year for the
economy, Morgan Sindall has delivered strong
results in challenging market conditions, which 
in particular impacted the commercial fit out,
regeneration and housing markets and accounted
for the declines in revenue and profit. However,
within these results are record performances 
for the Construction and Infrastructure Services
divisions which have served to offset declines in 
Fit Out, Affordable Housing and Urban Regeneration.
Since the start of 2008, the Group has acted
decisively to address its cost base, resulting in
annualised cost savings of £38m. Further action 
will continue to be taken as necessary.

The principal factors behind the reductions in
revenue are falls of £183m (39%) in Fit Out, £70m
(9%) in Construction, £29m (4%) in Infrastructure
Services and £52m (62%) in Urban Regeneration.
Revenue in Affordable Housing has been
maintained, largely due to robust demand for
refurbishment and new build activities and, the
success of its shared equity scheme in supporting
open market house sales.

Profit before tax and amortisation has fallen from
£71.4m in 2008 (a margin of 2.8%) to £51.5m
(2.3%) in 2009. This was due largely to falls in
operating profit in Fit Out of £12.0m (47%), in
Affordable Housing of £6.1m (29%) and in Urban

Regeneration of £7.1m (91%), which have been
partly offset by an increase in Construction of
£3.5m (37%) to a record £13.0m and Infrastructure
Services of £2.7m (19%) to a record £17.1m.
Operating margin in Construction and Infrastructure
Services was a record, standing at 1.7% (2008:
1.2%) in Construction and 2.2% (2008: 1.8%) in
Infrastructure Services. These improvements reflect
the Group’s progress in its Perfect Delivery quality
programme and proactive management of its cost
base, as well as a more mature project profile at
Infrastructure Services. Finance income has fallen
from £4.3m in 2008 to £1.0m, as a result of lower
average cash balances and lower interest rates.

Robust 2009 performance

Revenue £m

09
08
07

2,214

2,548

2,115

Profit before tax and amortisation £m

09
08
07

Profit before tax £m

09
08
07

51.5

44.7

71.4

62.1

62.3

57.6

Year end cash balance £m

09
08
07

118
120

219

The Investments unit is reported separately for 
the first time this year and incurred an operating
loss of £3.0m (2008: £2.2m). 

The Group made a small acquisition of a housing
responsive maintenance business in 2009 and,
goodwill of £1.1m arose on this transaction. The
acquired business is trading as expected.

Morgan Sindall Annual report and accounts 2009
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Although the Group does not use derivatives, 
some of its joint venture businesses use interest
rate swaps to hedge floating interest rate exposures
and Retail Prices Index swaps to hedge inflation
exposure. The Group considers that its exposure 
to interest rate and inflation movements is
appropriately managed. Further information on the
Group’s use of financial instruments is explained in
note 29 to the consolidated financial statements.

Going concern
The Group’s business activities, together with 
the factors likely to affect its future development,
performance and position are set out in this
business review. The financial position of the Group,
its cash flows, liquidity position and borrowing
facilities are also described above. In addition, 
note 29 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 exposure
to credit risk and liquidity risk.

As at 31 December 2009 the Group had net 
cash of £118m and committed banking facilities 
of £100m extending until mid-2012. 

The Group’s forecasts and projections, taking
account of reasonably possible changes in trading
performance, show the Group should be able 
to operate within the level of its current 
banking facilities.

The directors have 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 in preparing 
the annual financial statements.

Tax
The Group’s tax charge of £11.8m (2008: £17.5m)
represents an effective tax rate of 26.4% (2008:
28.1%). The decrease in the effective tax rate is
largely due to the lower UK corporation tax rate 
of 28.0% (2008: 28.5%) and prior year adjustments
of £1.2m (2008: £0.7m). The Group is in discussion
with HMRC concerning the corporation tax
treatment of the fair value adjustments which arose
following the 2007 acquisition of certain businesses
and assets from Amec. As a result of these
discussions, the Group received £9.5m in provisional
corporation tax repayments from HMRC during
2009, and reduced payments by £9.2m which it
would otherwise have made to HMRC during the
year. No benefit has been recognised in the tax
charge in the income statement in respect of this
matter, as discussions are at an early stage and the
eventual outcome is unclear. Overall, the Group
received a net corporation tax repayment of £7.7m
during 2009 (2008: net payment of £18.9m). 

Earnings per share
Adjusted basic earnings per share before
amortisation has fallen by 27% from 127.8p to
93.9p, in line with the 26% fall in profit after tax
adjusted for amortisation expense to £39.7m
(2008: £53.9m).

Dividend
The Board has declared a second interim dividend
of 30.0p payable on 1 April 2010 to shareholders
on the register at the close of business on 12 March
2010. This is in place of the final dividend, which 
for 2008 was also 30.0p. This gives a total dividend
for the year of 42.0p (2008: 42.0p). This is covered
by adjusted EPS by 2.2 times (2008: 3.0 times). The
fall in cover is acceptable in the short-term as the
dividend remains covered by operating cashflows.
The Group’s long-term policy remains one of
increasing the dividend broadly in line with the
growth in earnings, aiming to cover the dividend by
earnings between two-and-a-half and three times.

Continuing balance sheet strength
Total equity increased to £209.3m (2008:
£192.3m). The number of shares in issue at
31 December 2009 was 43.2m (2008: 43.0m). 
The increase of 0.2m shares was due to the
exercise of options under employee share 
option schemes.

Group has substantial cash balances
The cash position of the Group at the year end 
was strong at £118m (2008: £120m). Average cash
during 2009 was £31m (2008: £77m), the decline
being principally due to the decline in profit and
increasing working capital as construction activity
has slowed.

The net cash inflow from operating activities was
£25.0m (2008: outflow of £65.5m), with operating
profit being offset by a higher level of working capital
employed in the business. The working capital
increase of £31.3m (2008: £115.3m) is as a result 
of a decrease in inventories of £29.1m, a decrease 
in receivables of £62.3m and a decrease in payables
of £122.7m. Additionally, the Group has £9.0m
(2008: £nil) of shared equity receivables relating 
to open market sales in the Affordable Housing
division. There were net payments of £1.1m to
acquire subsidiaries (2008: £nil), capital expenditure
was £7.5m (2008: £8.4m) and payments to increase
interests in joint ventures were £4.2m (2008:
£12.4m), all of which reflect ongoing investment 
in the business. Cash dividends of £2.2m (2008: £nil)
were received from joint ventures. After tax
payments, dividends and servicing of finance, the
net decrease in cash and cash equivalents was
£2.6m. It is anticipated that these cash resources 
will be available for the development of the Group’s
businesses, either to fund acquisitions or invest in
working capital as required.

Banking facilities of £100m
committed until 2012
The Group renewed its banking facilities during
2009 and now has £100m of committed facilities
available through to mid-2012. The banking facilities
are subject to financial covenants, all of which 
have been met during the year. These committed
facilities supplement the cash balances in providing
financial security to the Group. 

Consistent approach to treasury 
risk management 
The Group has clear treasury policies which set 
out approved counterparties and determine the
maximum period of borrowings and deposits.
Deposits are for periods of no longer than three
months. The Group has very limited exposure to
foreign exchange risk because its operations are
based almost entirely in the UK; non-UK suppliers
are used only occasionally. 

Directors’ report: business review

34 Morgan Sindall Annual report and accounts 2009
Business review
Sustainability review

Delivering today for tomorrow

The Group’s approach to sustainability
has continued to strengthen
throughout 2009. Significant progress
has been made in developing policy,
encouraging best practice at all levels
and communicating achievements 
to a wider stakeholder group that
includes employees, suppliers,
investors and regulators. 

The Group’s new sustainability statement 
Delivering today for tomorrow was launched to all
employees during the year. To give sustainability
more meaning and relevance at all levels of the
organisation, the terms People, Planet and Profit
have been adopted. These describe the three
elements of sustainable development; social,
environmental and economic. During the year, 
the Group also initiated a continuous dialogue 
with stakeholders through a dedicated sustainability
section on the Group’s website. 

The Group particularly values the engagement of its
employees. It continually keeps them informed on
matters affecting their employment and wellbeing,
as well as the various factors that affect the Group’s
performance. The main channel used for this is the
Group’s intranets which are supported by regular
divisional newsletters, as well as direct engagement
through facilitated focus groups and employee
surveys. Feedback gathered from these internal
and external communications activities is
considered and, where appropriate, acted upon.

A year of progress and recognition
for achievements
Carbon management and reduction has been 
a particular focus area in 2009, along with an
ongoing emphasis on safety, education and
training. Morgan Sindall continues to improve
sustainability at Group and divisional level as
described in this review. Reporting procedures 
have been improved during the year, providing
detailed data on key performance indicators
covering health and safety, employment,
environmental protection, procurement, supply
chain and waste and further improvements 
will continue to be made in 2010.

Recognition by clients, the media and other 
third parties of the Group’s efforts in all areas of
sustainability increased significantly during 2009.
The many completed projects recognised by
regional and national sustainability awards include
Clackmannanshire Bridge, DLR Woolwich Arsenal
extension, Longannet flue-gas desulphurisation 
and Waverley Station regeneration. The Group
continues to be a member of FTSE 4Good and 
has extended its support of social projects and
sponsorship during the year, notably by becoming
a corporate member of the Wildfowl and Wetlands
Trust (‘WWT’).

PEOPLE: the social element of
sustainability
Attracting, developing and retaining talented people
are priorities for the Group. There is an ongoing
commitment to investing resources to support,
engage and motivate employees. A policy of equal
opportunity employment is actively promoted,
helping to attract and retain the best talent in the
industry. Disabled persons have equal opportunities
when applying for vacancies, due regard being
given to their aptitudes and abilities. Procedures 
are also in place to ensure that disabled employees
are treated fairly and that their training and career
development is carefully managed.

Delivering today for tomorrow is an appropriate
description of how the Group recruits and trains
employees. It begins with an active schools
programme operating in several divisions. For
example, Morgan Est’s 100 Club helps schools 
bring construction topics into their teaching to
increase pupil understanding of civil engineering.
Morgan Sindall graduates provide curriculum
support to teaching staff throughout the year and
pupils are given the opportunity to learn about
working in the construction industry on a four-day
residential course, organised in conjunction with
the Smallpeice Engineering Trust. 

Developing skills and changing
behaviours
The Group’s divisions recognise that providing
opportunities coupled with the correct type of
training and guidance can help people to develop
more worthwhile careers. For example, Lovell
actively supports schools in delivering the
Government’s Construction and Built Environment
diploma and was one of the first companies to be
recognised by this scheme. Lovell is also an active
partner in a programme which provides adult
construction apprenticeships and additional
support and supervision for ex-offenders.

Safety is a shared responsibility
Safety continues to be emphasised at all levels
throughout the Group. Behavioural change and
education play vital roles in promoting a healthy,
safe workplace. The priority is to ensure that safe
working practices are always maintained by
employees and subcontractors. One example 
of how increased employee engagement has 
led to safety improvements is the Learning Events
programme introduced by Morgan Ashurst.

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Reporting near misses after they occur is being
replaced by employees and subcontractors
proactively alerting site safety managers of potential
hazards and safety issues prior to an incident taking
place. The result has been a marked increase in
employee feedback and a 40% reduction in
accidents across the Construction division. 

Shared ownership of the responsibilities for a safer
working environment is promoted through another
Morgan Ashurst programme, the LIFE (Looking to
an Incident Free Environment). During 2009, 48
people from within the Construction division were
trained as LIFE coaches and provided training to 
the great majority of their employees. 

Finding new ways to improve safety
further
Innovative approaches to health and safety
education play a central role in reducing accidents.
A good example is training undertaken on the 
West Midlands Gas Alliance project which included
demonstrations by a partially-sighted person to
illustrate how pedestrians with disabilities encounter
pavement obstructions. At Morgan Est, behavioural
based safety training has been taken to employees’
and subcontractors’ places of work through two
mobile training facilities. The outreach has been

impressive; over 270 members of the Heathrow
pavement repair team were briefed in a single week. 

examine the viability of similar schemes for other
development projects for Muse Developments 
and Lovell.

The Group’s commitment to safety is reflected in
the year’s accident figures and is further illustrated
by the following examples: Lovell reports a further
decrease in the number of incidents recorded in
2009, with a 23% reduction in reportable accidents
under RIDDOR (Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and
Dangerous Occurrences Regulations 1995) and 
a 34% drop in minor injuries compared with the
previous year. Zero incidents were recorded on
19 Lovell projects. There were no RIDDOR incidents
in 42 Morgan Est projects, accounting for 4.6m
hours worked. Within Morgan Ashurst, 92% 
of all projects were RIDDOR-free, including 
long-term projects. 

Social engagement aids biodiversity
The Group’s commitment to support the WWT
demonstrates how working with a charity can
deliver benefits for everyone. Practical advice
provided by the WWT is being applied by Muse
Developments through the inclusion of water 
and wetland areas in urban regeneration schemes
to improve local biodiversity as well as making
developments more appealing to residents and
visitors. This co-operation has been extended to

PLANET: the environmental
element of sustainability
As a leading construction group, Morgan Sindall 
has a major role to play in reducing emissions of
carbon and other greenhouse gases. Actions that
can be directly controlled within the Group focus
primarily on more efficient monitoring and use of
electricity, better utilisation of plant and reducing
transportation costs. In addition, the Group is able 
to offer advice to clients on design and build
projects for reducing the carbon footprint of 
a building throughout its life. 

New regulation provides business
opportunities
An independent carbon management review 
was completed during 2009. This gave a clear
understanding of where performance can be
improved, particularly in the measurement and
reporting of electricity consumption. It provides 
an excellent platform on which all divisions can
build robust carbon management programmes.

Below
Muse Developments

Changing landscapes for the better

By improving the biodiversity of urban
regeneration projects, Muse Developments is
transforming living and working environments at
Cheadle Royal Business Park, Stockport.

Directors’ report: business review

36 Morgan Sindall Annual report and accounts 2009
Business review
Sustainability review

The work undertaken has already enabled the
Group to report publicly under the Carbon
Disclosure Project in 2009. This follows a break
from reporting in 2008 to carry out the review,
having previously participated in 2006 and 2007.

The review has also ensured that all divisional
companies are properly prepared for their
obligations under the CRC Energy Efficiency
Scheme (‘CRC’). The implementation of the 
CRC in April 2010 is seen by the Board as an
opportunity, rather than a cost. A focus on the 
CRC should deliver further improvements in 
energy management and may provide new
business opportunities. The divisions will be able 
to apply their existing knowledge of low carbon
design, build, refurbishment and regeneration to
benefit clients whose own operations are covered
by the CRC. 

In preparation for implementation of the CRC, 
the Group has examined where potential energy
savings can be made. This has already led to
significant improvements in procurement, including
improved monitoring of hire fleet fuel use and
centralised purchasing of electricity. 

Below
Lovell

Delivering homes today 
for tomorrow’s population

Lovell is helping to lead the national move towards
zero carbon housing, through its involvement in
the Code Level 6 research project at Nottingham
University.

The Group is also able to use its influence externally
to deliver carbon reductions in supplier companies
and clients’ businesses. Action in these areas
includes promoting behavioural change throughout
the supply chain and providing expert help on 
low-carbon construction techniques to clients. 

Working with the supply chain to
reduce impact and improve
performance
The Group’s plant desk is a major new supply chain
initiative responsible for providing machinery and
equipment to sites throughout the UK. Sharing 
data and information with registered suppliers
through the Group’s back-office procurement
systems is helping to minimise plant hire costs 
and reduce the carbon footprint of machinery 
used on site. Multiple deliveries are now
consolidated and the nearest hire depot can 

be easily identified. The system also improves 
safety as alerts relating to faulty equipment are 
now shared with participating suppliers. 

The Group recognises the important role 
that suppliers play in improving sustainable
performance. Its procurement teams seek 
to ensure that all supply agreements are 
supported by suitable environmental policies 
and are actively involved in driving responsible
sourcing and waste minimisation through the 
entire supply chain.

The re-use of waste material is actively encouraged.
The Group participates in the Wood for Good
recycling programme and unused off-cuts of
materials, including plasterboard and ceiling tiles,
are collected by the manufacturer to be recycled.
Timber is used widely across the Group. Directly
purchased wood either Forest Stewardship Council

(‘FSC’) or the Programme for the Endorsement of
Forest Certification (‘PEFC’) accounted for 88% of
the timber used in 2009. 

Raising environmental 
performance standards
Design and build projects provide the opportunity
for the Group to deliver maximum benefit to clients
who are looking to minimise the carbon footprint 
of a factory, office, school or hospital throughout 
its life. The recently completed research and
development facility at GlaxoSmithKline’s Les Ulis
site in France is one example of a project where
sustainability was a key driver. The building was
designed and construction managed by Morgan
Professional Services to the client’s own global
standard, equivalent to the BRE Environmental
Assessment Method (‘BREEAM’) Excellent rating. 

Improvements in environmental performance 
and reductions in energy use need not be 
limited to new build, as the Fit Out division has
demonstrated repeatedly during 2009. Morgan
Lovell’s own premises in London are an example 
of what can be achieved with a carefully planned
refurbishment. A 30% reduction in energy
consumption and a BREEAM Excellent rating were
obtained. Other examples from the Fit Out division

Below
MSLI

Committed to delivering on all 
aspects of sustainability

Four new police and fire facilities were completed
in December 2009 by the Investments unit for the
Dorset Emergency Services Partnership Initiative.
Working as part of the Partnership for Fire, Morgan
Sindall Investments ensured that all aspects of
sustainability were considered. Local employees
and suppliers were used extensively during
construction. Morgan Ashurst undertook the
construction of the facilities.

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include Overbury’s delivery of RWE nPower
Renewables’ new headquarters in Swindon. It is 
one of the UK’s first projects completed to the 
new SKA rating, an environmental performance
benchmark operated by the Royal Institution of
Chartered Surveyors specifically for office fit outs.

Innovation in sustainable
construction
The Affordable Housing division has delivered 
a highly innovative low carbon project. Working 
with Tarmac Limited, Lovell completed two semi-
detached houses built to Sustainability Code 
Level 4 and the highly demanding Code Level 6 
as part of the University of Nottingham’s Creative
Energy Homes research project. Lovell’s expertise 
in low carbon construction techniques, coupled
with its willingness to work with conventional
materials, made it Tarmac’s ideal partner. The
experience gained will be applied to future social
housing projects.

PROFIT: the economic element 
of sustainability
Profit is an essential aspect of sustainability. Without
it, the Group would be unable to invest in the many
social and environmental initiatives highlighted 
in this review. The economic performance of the
Group, underpinning all its business activities, is
described in detail elsewhere in this annual report
and accounts, providing further examples of
Delivering today for tomorrow.

Environmental 

2009

2008

2007

Health and safety

Fatalities 

Major incidents (AIR)

Other over 3 day 
incidents (AIR)

Total of all reportable 
incidents (AIR)

2009
0

206

2008
1

330

2007
1

202

312

389

535

518

719

737

Accident incident Rate (‘AIR’) is per 100,000 persons employed
and is calculated as:

Number of reported incidents

Average number of persons employed 

x 100,000

People

Average number 
of employees 

Average absence 
due to sickness Days

Proportion of 
women employed %

Proportion of ethnic 
minorities employed %

Average training per 
employee Days

Apprentices at different 
stages of development

Undergraduates on year 
out or being sponsored

Graduates recruited 
during the year 

2009

2008

2007

7,977

8,585

7,209

2.0

16

7

4.5 

15

6

5.0

15

3

5.0

5.0 

6.0

138

188

188

94

50

110

37

55

47

Total waste diverted 
from landfill* Tonnes 1,411,358 938,090 505,000
Total waste 
produced* Tonnes
Percentage diverted 
from landfill* %

1,701,214 1,400,262 808,000

66.9

83.0

62.5

Percentage of directly 
purchased timber 
from F SC/PEFC 
certified sources %
Number of permanent 
buildings
Amount of electricity 
used in permanent 
buildings kWh
Amount of gas
used in permanent
buildings kWh
CO2 emissions for 
company vehicle 
fleet Tonnes
CO2 emissions per 
employee Tonnes

88

Not
77 provided
Not
Not
46 provided provided

Not
4,537,548 provided provided

Not

Not
1,442,676 provided provided

Not

Not

Not
27,466 provided provided
Not
Not
1.89 provided provided

*This data includes all materials classified as waste and that are
removed from site irrespective of whether they are disposed to
landfill or recycled/reused elsewhere. The Group’s recycling figures
relate to waste that has been identified as being reused or recycled.

Directors’ report: business review

38 Morgan Sindall Annual report and accounts 2009
Business review
Fit Out

“2009 presented a very challenging market for
the fit out and refurbishment sector. The Group’s
Fit Out division has performed well in maintaining
its market share and healthy operating profit
margin. Through the quality of its delivery and
depth of experience, Fit Out is well placed to
capitalise on the early indications of renewed
growth in its sector.”

Steve Elliott
Managing director, Fit Out

The division
Morgan Sindall’s Fit Out companies refurbish and fit
out offices, bank branches, hotels and universities.
They offer clients a high quality national capability
through a network of three businesses operating
through eight offices.

Overbury specialises in office refurbishment and 
fit out, working with clients directly through their
professional teams. It works on projects from a few
thousand pounds upwards, with a high proportion
of projects completed whilst clients occupy
sensitive workplaces.

291

Revenue £m

09
08
07

Operating profit £m

13.8

09
08
07

Operating profit %

Morgan Lovell provides office fit out and
refurbishment to clients requiring a one-stop 
design and build service. The company covers
every aspect of design, project management 
and fit out.

09
08
07

Order book £m (as at 1 January 2010)

Vivid Interiors undertakes fit out and refurbishment
projects in the retail banking, hotel and higher
education sectors. It works both directly with 
clients and through appointed professional teams. 

09
08
07

124

474

492

25.8
25.9

4.7

5.4
5.3

171

179

Operating profit is profit from operations before amortisation.

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Above
Overbury

Client
Location

BBC
Media Village, West London 

BBC staff using an informal meeting area as part 
of the major refurbishment of Media Village for 
the BBC in West London. This project was
undertaken within a framework agreement
between the BBC and Overbury to refurbish 
and fit out a number of spaces across the
corporation’s broad property estate.

Directors’ report: business review

40 Morgan Sindall Annual report and accounts 2009
Business review
Fit Out

2009 review
Sound financial performance
In 2009 the Fit Out division delivered a strong
performance given the challenging market and
generated revenue of £291m (2008: £474m) and
operating profit of £13.8m (2008: £25.8m). Margin
held up strongly for the year at 4.7% (2008: 5.4%).

Tough market conditions
Contract volumes in both the commercial office
and hotel sectors reduced significantly during
2009. This, combined with downward pressure on
tender prices, made it much more difficult to
maintain margin. However, the division remained
focused 
on securing profitable opportunities and tight 
cost control and it is our view that the division
performed well in maintaining its market leading
position and healthy operating profit margin.

Regional markets and smaller projects 
held up well
More resilient market conditions outside London
led to a proportional increase in regional revenue 
to 32% (2008: 22%). Fit Out’s longer-term strategic
aim is to generate 50% of its revenue from regional
clients. The mainstay of the business continues to
be smaller projects of under £1m in value and
revenue levels in this market have remained
broadly consistent during 2009.

Key growth sectors remain active
In contrast with the commercial sector, healthy
activity in the public sector office and educational
market during 2009 helped to insulate Fit Out’s
overall performance. The division also increased its
share of the retail banking market. These markets
are showing some signs of improving demand 
in 2010, albeit they remain highly competitive, 
and Fit Out is well placed to take advantage of
opportunities as they arise.

Fewer major projects have an impact 
on revenue
During 2009 the market for larger projects (those
valued at greater than £5m) reduced by around
40%. This sector had accounted for around half of
the division’s revenue in 2008 so the fall in demand
impacted heavily in 2009. Tendering activity in this
segment is expected to increase in value by around
a third in 2010 from 2009 levels. As Fit Out is
recognised as a market leader for delivering these
large projects, it is in a strong position to capitalise
on this growth in opportunities.

Differentiation through quality remains a key aim
Delivering leading margin over the long-term will
depend on the division’s ability to provide its clients
with a superior service. It therefore continues to
invest in industry-leading approaches to safety,
sustainability and staff development. This includes
the continued commitment to Perfect Delivery 
and providing an excellent client experience.

Outlook
2010 will continue to be challenging
An improvement in tender volumes towards the
end of 2009 supports the view that demand in the
UK fit out and refurbishment market has improved
in the short-term. However, a meaningful recovery
in the market or in tender prices is likely to be slow
to emerge.

The division continues to look for growth in more
stable markets and will therefore be targeting the
retail banking, education and public sector occupier
sectors in 2010. 

Secured work for 2010
The division started 2010 with an order book 
at £171m (2008: £124m). This supports its belief
that demand in 2010 will improve on 2009
although the market remains highly competitive
and price sensitive. 

Below
Overbury and Morgan Ashurst

Client
Location

Shire Pharmaceuticals
Basingstoke, Hampshire

Meeting and office areas being used at the
completed construction and fit out of a major
extension building for Shire at their HQ in
Basingstoke. This project was a joint venture
between Overbury, who completed the fit out, 
and Morgan Ashurst who constructed the shell 
of the building. The design was undertaken 
by Morgan Professional Services.

Right
Vivid Interiors

Client
Location

University of Surrey
Guildford, Surrey 

Staff and students in the striking and colourful
foyer of the newly refurbished lecture block at 
the Guildford campus of the University of Surrey.
As with many higher education projects this 
work was fast tracked to enable delivery during 
a recess in the faculty’s calendar.

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Below
Morgan Lovell

Client
Location

LV=
Bournemouth, Dorset

Staff using breakout and flexible working spaces 
at Liverpool Victoria’s offices in Bournemouth. 
This project completed by Morgan Lovell included
the full design and fit out of the space whilst in
occupation. It is one of several projects delivered 
to the client during the year.

Business review

42 Morgan Sindall Annual report and accounts 2009
Business review
Construction

“It was a year of improvement for the Construction
division. Robust revenue was driven by public
sector projects within the education, healthcare
and defence sectors and an increased capability
to deliver larger and more complex schemes.
The division sees future potential in the rail,
airports and prisons sectors.” 

Graham Shennan
Managing director, Construction

The division
Morgan Sindall’s Construction division comprises
Morgan Ashurst and Morgan Professional Services.

Morgan Ashurst is a leading national construction
business, with a network of local offices across 
the UK. It works for public and private sector 
clients on projects valued from £50,000 to over
£300m. These range from small works, repair 
and maintenance services, to complex large-
scale projects across the commercial, defence,
education, healthcare, industrial, leisure, retail 
and transport sectors. 

Morgan Professional Services is a design,
engineering and project management consultancy
specialising in complex and technically challenging
construction projects. It provides services to 
the science and technology, pharmaceutical,
environmental, waste-to-energy, nuclear, transport
and public sectors. 

Revenue £m

09
08
07

Operating profit £m

09
08
07

4.9

Operating profit %

621

9.5

09
08
07

1.2

0.8

Order book £m (as at 1 January 2010)

532

09
08
07

743

813

13.0

1.7

805
810

Operating profit is profit from operations before amortisation.

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Above
Morgan Ashurst

Client
Location

Taunton Linac company
Taunton, Somerset

A view of the bright atrium at the state of the art
oncology and haematology unit in Musgrove Park
Hospital. This PFI project created a cutting edge
facility for Taunton and Somerset NHS Trust. It was
named ‘The Beacon’ after the beam of light which
funnels up through the glazed roof at night.

Directors’ report: business review

44 Morgan Sindall Annual report and accounts 2009
Business review
Construction

Below
Morgan Ashurst

Client
Location

Devon County Council
Bideford, Devon

A view of the sedum roof at the new £44m
Bideford College, a 1,800 student secondary
school which Morgan Ashurst is rebuilding under
the BSF programme. The new facility, due to be
handed over in Spring 2011, is a model for
sustainability in construction and environmental
management and a demonstration project for
science teaching. It has won a BSF Award for the
Most Sustainable School Design.

2009 review
Improved financial performance 
in 2009
The Construction division performed strongly
during 2009, growing operating profit by 37% 
to £13.0m (2008: £9.5m) on revenue of £743m
(2008: £813m). The division’s operating margin 
for the year rose to 1.7% (2008: 1.2%) as a result 
of performance improvements from its continuing
Perfect Delivery quality programme.

Reputation for superior quality
The division’s growing reputation for superior
quality is helping it to secure significant volumes 
of new work, including three replacement schools
for Liverpool’s Building Schools for the Future 
(‘BSF’) framework worth £37m and a £71m 
wing assembly facility for Airbus, as well as being
appointed preferred bidder for the £200m Hull BSF
and the £100m Tayside Mental Health Hospital.

The division is also improving the way it manages 
its supply chain and is working to enhance the
quality and consistency of its delivery with a smaller
number of preferred suppliers. This initiative
improves the commitment and quality of service

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Working closely with other Morgan Sindall
companies 
The Construction division took advantage of a 
large number of opportunities to work with its sister
divisions during 2009. These included delivery of
complex projects such as the new headquarters
building for Shire Pharmaceuticals with Fit Out and
the refurbishment of Stratford and Paddington
stations with Infrastructure Services.

The division is also one of the Investments unit’s
construction partners on the re-development of
17 schools for the Hull BSF framework and the sole
construction partner on the £60m Wigan Life Centre. 

The division will continue to actively manage its
cost base throughout 2010, alongside its strategic
focus on high quality delivery.

The Construction division is well placed to continue
to take advantage of cross Group opportunities 
into 2010 and beyond. This builds on the division’s
strength in the public sector, particularly in health
and education, the latter remaining important 
due to the opportunities afforded by the BSF
programme. Higher potential sectors for the 
longer-term include rail, airports, prisons and
defence where the division has a growing track
record and expertise. 

Outlook
Secured work for 2010
The division’s forward order book at the start of
2010 stood at £532m (2008: £805m), indicating
that the tough market conditions are likely to
continue during this year. In addition, the division is
at preferred bidder stage on a further £324m of
projects which have a high likelihood of becoming
secured and provide additional visibility on revenue
for the year ahead.

Below
Morgan Ashurst

Client
Location

Wigan Metropolitan Borough
Wigan, Lancashire

An artist’s impression of a new community
swimming pool which forms part of the Wigan 
Life Centre, a pioneering public service hub. It has
been named Best Public Service Development
in the UK Property Awards. The PFI scheme will
create a state of the art leisure, health, learning 
and information complex to regenerate the 
town’s civic centre. 

from the suppliers. They are in turn rewarded
through initiatives such as not holding retention
payments. 

Education sector remained robust
Over half of Construction’s 2009 revenue came
from the education sector. This focus has helped
insulate the division from weak demand from the
private sector. The year also saw the business build
on its presence in the healthcare, prisons and
defence sectors through key NHS LIFT schemes
and projects for the Scottish Prison Service and
Defence Estates.

Appropriate management of the cost base
The combination of lower volumes of private sector
work and increased competition on costs made
market conditions particularly tough in 2009.
Construction has responded to these short-term
pressures by reducing staff numbers and managing
its overheads more tightly which, combined with
reductions in some input prices, has enabled the
division to achieve an increase in operating margin
for the year.

Below
Morgan Ashurst

Client

Location

Camden and Islington
Community Solutions
Kentish Town, London

Exterior view of the Kentish Town Health Centre
offering the local community a multi-service
centre covering general practice, dentistry,
physiotherapy, audiology and breast screening
services. The project, delivered under the NHS 
LIFT initiative, has won the National LIFT Award 
for best design.

Directors’ report: business review

46 Morgan Sindall Annual report and accounts 2009
Business review
Infrastructure Services

“The Infrastructure Services division maintained
revenue levels and increased operating margin
during 2009, despite competitive market conditions.
It secured major projects and long-term frameworks
which will provide it with some stability for the
future. The division sees long-term growth potential
from the Government’s commitment to a lower
carbon economy in many of its core markets.”

Mark Cutler
Managing director, Infrastructure Services

The division
Morgan Sindall’s Infrastructure Services division,
operating under the Morgan Est brand, is one of 
the UK’s leading providers of infrastructure services
offering an integrated capability to customers.

The division is split into four main business 
units, which work together to provide integrated
solutions across the transport, water and 
energy sectors:

infrastructure: specialising in the design and
delivery of complex projects in the roads, 
water and energy sectors;

utilities: network solutions in water, gas 
and electricity;

capital projects: specialising in the design 
and delivery of complex projects in the air 
and rail sectors; and

tunnelling: the UK’s leading tunnelling 
contractor, with in-house piling, design 
and pre-cast capabilities.

Revenue £m

09
08
07

Operating profit £m

09
08
07

Operating profit %

09
08
07

770

799

575

10.6

17.1

14.4

2.2

1.8
1.8

Order book £bn (as at 1 January 2010)

09
08
07

1.1

1.4

1.7

Operating profit is profit from operations before amortisation.

Morgan Sindall Annual report and accounts 2009
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Above
Morgan Est

Client
Location

E.ON
East and West Midlands

Expert high voltage engineers carrying out
maintenance work to overhead power lines as 
part of a continuing framework for E.ON. The
programme of works will include capital asset
replacement and reinforcement to overhead 
lines and underground cables and remedial work
programmes, which includes broken insulators
and plant, building and civil works. During 2009
Morgan Est opened a training and innovation
centre in Nottinghamshire to help address the
skills shortage for this part of the industry.

Directors’ report: business review

48 Morgan Sindall Annual report and accounts 2009
Business review
Infrastructure

2009 review
Improved financial performance 
The Infrastructure Services division continued to
perform strongly during 2009, achieving revenue 
of £770m (2008: £799m) and increasing operating
profit by 19% to £17.1m (2008: £14.4m). The
increase in operating margin to 2.2% (2008: 1.8%)
resulted from an improved mix of more profitable
contracts as a result of better contract selection
within the division.

Key sector wins continue 
Although the division saw reductions in new orders
and significant price competition during 2009, it
responded well and continued to secure high
profile frameworks and projects in its core sectors
of water, energy and transport. These significant
wins included the £250m Severn Trent AMP5
phase of water treatment upgrades, a further 
£35m of project work at Heathrow Airport and 
the upgrade to the A1 from Dishforth to Barton in
North Yorkshire (division’s share valued at £105m).
Following the year end the division also achieved

financial close on the £417m Lee Tunnel project for
Thames Water, with its share of the project valued
at £209m. In the energy sector the division was
successful with the award of preferred partner to
deliver the £500m, ten year infrastructure alliance
with E.ON Central Networks.

Progress with major projects
Infrastructure Services made significant progress 
on the £445m joint venture for the M74
Completion Project, currently Scotland’s largest
infrastructure scheme, as well as continuing to
advance the £336m improvement scheme in 
joint venture on the M1. The division also built 
on its reputation as a leading joint venture partner, 
being successful on Network Rail’s multi-asset
enhancement framework and positioning itself 
to bid for major project opportunities including
Crossrail and the second Forth Crossing in Scotland.
It also worked alongside Morgan Ashurst on a
comprehensive refurbishment of Paddington Rail
Station and the infrastructure enabling works for
the RAF Valley project in Anglesey.

High quality integrated services
Infrastructure Services’ vision is to build a
sustainable competitive advantage through
providing a high quality integrated service. 
In 2009, the division enhanced its integrated
service offering by extending its mechanical and
electrical capability on tunnelling projects such 
as the Croydon cable tunnel and the Belfast
sewerage project. In addition, the launch of the
Perfect Delivery quality programme will help it 
to further differentiate itself by focusing on
exceptional delivery across all its operations.

Outlook
Secured work for 2010
The division’s forward order book at the start of 
the year stood at £1.1bn (2008: £1.4bn). In addition,
the division is at preferred bidder stage on a further
£0.6bn of contracts. The delay in commencement
of key projects combined with new regulatory
periods in the water and electric sectors will see
revenue fall in 2010, but it is expected to recover 
in 2011 and beyond. The division has been more

Below
Morgan Est

Client

Location

Transport Scotland 
and Glasgow City Council
Glasgow, Scotland

Below
Morgan Est

Client
Location

Severn Trent Water
Birmingham, Midlands

Right
Morgan Est

Client
Location

Northern Ireland Water
Belfast, Northern Ireland

View of the largest mobile crane in Europe lifting
steel beams for the first spans of the Eastbound
link viaduct at the M74 completion project near
Glasgow. This is Scotland’s largest current
infrastructure project and is being delivered
through a joint venture. The project will deliver
greatly improved transport links through Glasgow
carrying an estimated 20,000 vehicles each day.

View of the complex piping and pumping
installation at the new Frankley Water Treatment
Plant near Birmingham. When completed the 
plant will treat and supply drinking water for
Birmingham and the surrounding area, which 
it receives from the Elan Valley in Wales. The plant
uses cutting edge filtration technology to remove
impurities from the water supply.

Ancillary services supporting the tunnel boring
machine on the Belfast Sewers Project. This
contract is part of an overall scheme to upgrade
Belfast’s outdated Victorian sewer network 
which can no longer cope with the needs of 
the expanding city. The new system will provide
one in 30-year flood protection, substantially
reducing the volume of untreated storm water
entering the River Lagan and its tributaries.

hi-res needed

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selective in its approach to the latest cycle of
bidding in the utilities sector, with a particular 
focus on its gas and electric expertise as well 
as longer-cycle frameworks in the water sector. 
It also continues to bid for significant opportunities
in civil engineering and tunnelling projects where 
it holds a market leading position.

Well placed for long-term growth
The infrastructure market offers the division
significant growth opportunities in the medium 
and long-term in its target sectors of transport,
energy and water. For example, the Government’s
determination to improve the country’s
infrastructure and to make the UK a low carbon
economy is likely to drive significant investment 
in projects such as Crossrail and in programmes 
for managed motorways, power generation, waste
and renewable projects and the electrification of
the rail network. Infrastructure Services’ integrated
service offering and depth of engineering expertise
place it in an excellent position to capitalise on
these opportunities.

Directors’ report: business review

50 Morgan Sindall Annual report and accounts 2009
Business review
Affordable Housing

“A late recovery in residential sales aided a robust
financial performance in 2009. The launch
during the year of new responsive maintenance
and rental services enables Lovell to offer a
complete service for housing development,
refurbishment and maintenance. The business
is in an excellent position for future growth.”

Stewart Davenport
Managing director, Affordable Housing

The division
The Group’s Affordable Housing division operates
under the Lovell brand. This business develops,
constructs, refurbishes and maintains affordable
social and open market housing. Operating from
seven regional centres it delivers projects in
England, Scotland and Wales.

The division operates in four core markets:

refurbishing existing local authority and housing
association stock under the Government’s
Decent Homes initiative;

building new housing for social rent and shared
ownership, working in partnership with
Registered Social Landlords and local authorities;

building affordable homes for sale on the open
market as part of mixed tenure regeneration; and

responsive and emergency maintenance of homes
for public sector residential property owners.

Lovell offers clients a full lifetime service for all
affordable housing projects and for all types 
of tenure. This specialism in mixed tenure
developments means that it delivers projects which
have homes for rent, homes for sale under shared
ownership and shared equity and affordable homes
for sale to the open market. The shared equity
scheme involves Lovell retaining a proportion of the
equity in the home for repayment within ten years.

Revenue £m

09
08
07

Operating profit £m

09
08
07

Operating profit %

09
08
07

14.9

4.0

374
377

398

21.0

25.5

5.6

6.4

Order book £bn (as at 1 January 2010)

09
08
07

1.3
1.3

1.5

Operating profit is profit from operations before amortisation.

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Above
Lovell

Client
Location

Manchester City Council
Miles Platting, Manchester

Night time view of one of the refurbished
apartment blocks in the major redevelopment 
of the Miles Platting neighbourhood in
Manchester. The five year project includes the
comprehensive refurbishment of 1,520 council
houses and flats as well as the new build of 1,080
affordable new family homes. Morgan Sindall
Investments are involved with this project as an
investment partner.

Directors’ report: business review

52 Morgan Sindall Annual report and accounts 2009
Business review
Affordable Housing

2009 review
Robust financial performance 
The Affordable Housing division performed 
robustly during 2009, maintaining revenue at
£374m (2008: £377m) and achieving an operating
profit of £14.9m (2008: £21.0m). Margin fell to 
4.0% (2008: 5.6%) due to a higher volume of 
lower margin new build and refurbishment work
undertaken to offset lower levels of volume and
profitability from the open market housing sector.

Residential sales recovery 
Residential property prices stabilised during the
second half of 2009 and this led to a tentative
recovery in open market sales of affordable 
homes. Although the availability of mortgage finance
remains tight, the division increased the number of
open market house sales by around 50% in 2009
compared with the previous year, albeit at lower
average sales prices, largely due to the success of the
shared equity scheme launched by Lovell in 2008. 

PFI success offers market opportunities
Affordable Housing’s first major PFI scheme, the
£230m Miles Platting Neighbourhood Project in
Manchester, performed strongly during 2009. The
refurbishment contract began in 2007 and is due
to run until 2011, covering houses, flats and seven
multi-storey blocks. The high levels of customer
satisfaction and operational performance being
achieved on this project provides the division with
an excellent platform for the next wave of PFI
projects coming to market in 2010 and beyond.

Strategic developments to extend service
offering
Clients are increasingly bringing responsive and
planned maintenance into a single contract. In 
early 2009 the division acquired BMS, a responsive
maintenance business, which has been rebranded
as Lovell Respond. This has allowed the division 
to offer a responsive maintenance service to 
its public sector clients and further extends its
service offering. 

Strong cash management principles
The Affordable Housing division responded to the
challenging trading conditions by strengthening 
its working capital management and taking tighter
control of overheads. Increased open market 
sales and a higher volume of contracting business
enabled the division to trade positively in 2009 
and reduce the level of work in progress. Having a
strong balance sheet, along with relevant expertise
and an established track record, are key elements
in securing mixed tenure opportunities as the
market recovers.

Below
Lovell

Client
Location

Birmingham City Council
Rea Valley, Birmingham

Completed homes with a nearby children’s 
play area at the affordable and shared 
ownership properties constructed at Rea Valley 
in Birmingham. The Rea Valley was identified 
by the City Council as needing complete
transformation and following demolition of 
the existing stock Lovell carried out the design 
and build of the two and three-storey homes 
to the EcoHomes Excellent standard.

Below
Lovell

Client
Location

Partnership Development
Nottingham

In partnership with Tarmac and the University 
of Nottingham, Lovell built two houses to Level 
6 and 4 of the Code for Sustainable Homes. 
This demonstrated that the highest level of 
the Code for Sustainable Homes can be achieved
in a cost-effective way using traditional masonry.
These homes have the potential to be built 
across the UK.

Morgan Sindall Annual report and accounts 2009
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Outlook
Well placed to deliver long-term growth
The division will benefit from the recent
improvements in the housing market and house
prices, as its expertise in mixed tenure regeneration
means it is well positioned to take advantage of
regeneration opportunities. The refurbishment
market will continue as the Government’s Decent
Homes programme extends well beyond the
original 2010 target date. New build affordable
housing remains a priority for any future
Government. Through its strong relationship with
the Homes and Communities Agency, the division
is well placed to benefit from further Government
funding that becomes available.

Secured work for 2010 and beyond
The division’s forward order book at the start of
2010 was maintained at £1.3bn (2008: £1.3bn). 

Right
Lovell

Client
Location

Sandwell Homes
West Bromwich, Midlands

Construction workers carrying out external 
work as part of the year-long refurbishment of
Mountford House in West Bromwich, part of a
major framework to modernise 44 high-rise
apartment blocks. Local residents continued to 
live in their homes during the work and were
closely involved in the programme. A specialist
Lovell resident liaison officer met regularly with
them to ensure that the impact of the work on
their day-to-day lives was kept to a minimum. 

Directors’ report: business review

54 Morgan Sindall Annual report and accounts 2009
Business review
Urban Regeneration

“2009 was a difficult market for the Urban
Regeneration division. A recovery in residential
sales contributed to a positive operating
performance during the year and the division has
also secured significant levels of new business for
2010 and beyond. It is currently involved in 24
major schemes which put it in a strong position to
capitalise on market opportunities as they arise.”

Nigel Franklin (left)
Joint managing director, Urban Regeneration

Matt Crompton (right)
Joint managing director, Urban Regeneration

Revenue £m

09
08
07

32

26

Operating profit £m

09 0.7
08
07

4.2

84

7.8

Development pipeline £bn (as at 1 January 2010)

09
08
07

1.4

1.3

1.2

Operating profit is profit from operations before amortisation.

The division
Morgan Sindall’s Urban Regeneration division
operates under the Muse Developments brand. 
It specialises in working with landowners to unlock
value from under-developed land assets and to
bring about urban renewal and regeneration.

The division works in partnership with landowners,
local authorities and other public and private sector
partners to progress development opportunities
and maximise the contribution to urban renewal
through ‘mixed use’ projects, typically including
commercial and leisure space, residential
accommodation and community facilities. 
Muse Developments has developed a dynamic 
and resilient business model, offering long-term
opportunities linked to land agreements not 
land banks, and offers a genuinely ‘mixed use’
development capability through a highly skilled
team operating from regional offices across 
the UK.

The Urban Regeneration division seeks to reduce
its exposure to fluctuating land and property values
by limiting its investments in land holdings and in
completed property, and continues to pursue and
win new opportunities in both the public and
commercial sectors.

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Above
Muse Developments

Partners

Location

Homes and Communities
Agency, Plymouth City
Council, South West of
England Regional
Development Agency
Plymouth, Devon

The main square surrounded by 130 homes 
and business units forming the first phase 
of the regeneration of the 19 acre harbour 
side at Plymouth Millbay. The project will see 
the creation of an exciting new waterfront
community including flats, houses, retail, leisure,
hotels, squares and a marina. The project is 
part of the local authority’s broader objective 
to continue the renaissance of Plymouth.

Directors’ report: business review

56 Morgan Sindall Annual report and accounts 2009
Business review
Urban Regeneration

2009 review
On target performance in subdued conditions
Despite tough trading conditions, Muse
Developments delivered a satisfactory performance
in 2009 and achieved an operating profit of £0.7m
(2008: £7.8m), on revenue of £32m (2008: £84m). 

£520m of new development projects secured 
The Urban Regeneration division secured over
£520m of long-term development partnerships
during 2009. These included a £300m project to
regenerate Doncaster town centre, the initial phase
creating Doncaster’s first public square, a world-
class performance venue and council offices.
Future phases include a library and art showcase
area, leisure facilities, office developments, housing
and car parking.

The division also signed a £220m redevelopment
agreement with Blackpool Council. This includes
high quality offices, modern town centre parking
facilities and a public transport interchange. The
plan also allows for the possibility of replacement
law courts, divisional police headquarter buildings, 
a health centre and a new library.

Below
Muse Developments

Partners
Location

English Cities Fund 
Wakefield

An image showing the impact of a substantial
mixed use regeneration of Wakefield City Centre.
The 17 acre development which links the station
to the city centre will deliver 700,000 square feet
of mixed use space including offices, a hotel, retail,
leisure and 350 new homes. The new ‘urban hub’
will contribute to the ongoing regeneration 
of Wakefield.

Morgan Sindall Annual report and accounts 2009
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Outlook
Similar trading landscape in 2010
A recovery in the development market will be
driven by a revival in occupier demand. Although
conditions are expected to remain subdued for the
next 12 months, the division is in a strong position
to capitalise on the return to growth that should
follow. In the medium-term occupier demand is
expected to recover, which will help to increase
returns from the capital invested in its high quality
development portfolio.

Secured pipeline for 2010 and beyond
The division’s future development pipeline at the
start of the year stood at £1.4bn (2008: £1.3bn).
This pipeline represents the total capital value of the
secured development portfolio and will be realised
over the next five to ten years. This level of secured
workflow gives the division confidence on its
outlook for the medium-term.

Muse Developments is currently involved in the
master planning, design or construction phases 
of 24 major schemes.

Residential success returns with a rising market
Construction of three significant residential phases
of mixed use schemes was completed during
2009. These projects at Reading, Plymouth and
Leeds released 460 units onto the open market, 
of which 60% were sold by the year end. The
tentative recovery in the housing market gives the
division increased confidence in future residential
development phases.

Innovative approach to regeneration
The Urban Regeneration division has a highly
experienced team, which applies an innovative
approach to regeneration thereby developing 
the best possible solutions for its commercial 
and public sector partners across the UK. 
A combination of lasting relationships, commercial
performance and consistent quality gives it a solid
base for future success. The division is always
looking for fresh ways to exploit new opportunities
even in difficult market conditions. 

Below
Muse Developments

Partner
Location

Doncaster Borough Council
Doncaster 

Below
Muse Developments

Partner

Location

London Borough
of Newham
Canning Town, East London

Proposed civic offices building at the Waterdale
development in Doncaster. The landmark 
25 acre scheme will create a new civic and 
cultural quarter and help regenerate the town
centre with facilities including a new performance
venue, leisure facilities, new civic buildings and
town centre homes. The project will also create
high quality public space in the town centre.

This is a radical scheme to build a new 
commercial district, new housing and a refreshed
high street near Canary Wharf. The development
of 700,000 square feet of mixed use spaces will
deliver 651 private and affordable dwellings, along
with new retail and leisure amenities and revitalise
a local market. The 5.5 acre site is within the
Thames Gateway and Olympic areas.

Directors’ report: business review

58 Morgan Sindall Annual report and accounts 2009
Business review
Investments

“2009 was a significant year for Morgan Sindall
Investments. An excellent performance in
securing new projects, combined with the
Group’s increased capability to approach larger
and more complex construction projects, sets
the unit on a very strong footing for growth.
Its investment portfolio value has grown during
the year, as has the potential to generate
construction revenue for the Group’s divisions.”

Ernie Battey
Managing director, Investments

The unit
Morgan Sindall Investments provides project
funding and investment expertise mainly for public
sector projects. The unit’s primary function is to 
act as a facilitator for projects that involve another
Morgan Sindall division as a delivery partner in 
order to secure construction as well as investment
returns. The unit generates investment returns from
income derived largely from the long-term unitary
charges paid by public sector clients on assets
constructed under Public Private Partnerships.
These assets are held and maintained over the
term of the arrangement, typically 25-30 years, 
at which point they normally pass to the client 
to own and operate.

Morgan Sindall Investments works in partnership
with other equity funders and associated
professionals to fund, deliver and operate assets
focusing in particular on health, education,
affordable housing, emergency services, defence
and infrastructure.

Revenue £m

09
08
07

1

Operating profit £m

(3.0)

(2.2)

2

09
08
07

Portfolio market value £m

09
08
07

28

23

3

0.9

38

Operating profit is profit from operations before amortisation.

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Directors’ valuation approach
At 31 December 2009 the Group had total equity
and subordinated invested and committed debt 
in its portfolio of PPP/PFI concessions of £19.2m
(2008: £13.7m). Of this total, £12.1m had been
invested and £7.1m is committed to be invested
over the next three years. This figure does not
include a further investment of around £8.5m 
of equity and subordinated debt likely to be
committed to four schemes at preferred bidder
stage or any value attributed to future schemes
likely to be awarded under exclusivity agreements. 

The Group is reporting for the first time its 
own valuation of its portfolio. This is based on
discounting expected future cash flows but does
not include potential refinancing gains or projects
at preferred bidder stage or profits made by
Investments from providing services or profit
made by other parts of the Group that perform
the construction, maintenance or facilities
management work.

At 31 December 2009 the directors’ valuation 
of the PPP/PFI concession portfolio, prior to the
application of Group tax, is £38m (2008: £28m).
The valuation is derived from the Group’s latest
detailed financial models discounted using rates
appropriate to the particular scheme’s nature 
and stage of development. These vary from 7.0%
to 9.0% (post tax). Committed, but not currently
invested, subordinated debt is added to this
discounted cash flow value to give the directors’
valuation. Investment properties are valued on 
a traditional basis using property yields that 
reflect the nature of the leases and stability 
of the tenants.

The unit also delivered its first project in partnership
with the Fit Out division in 2009, working in
Camden on the NHS LIFT programme.

In excess of £700m in development value
The Investments unit currently has interests in
development schemes with a gross development
value of over £700m. These developments are
either operational or in construction and are evenly
spread across the division’s core sectors of health
and social care, emergency services, education,
leisure, regeneration and infrastructure. The
developments are located across the UK and 
are being constructed with the Construction,
Infrastructure Services or Affordable Housing
divisions as the delivery partner.

The unit’s long-term aim is to grow the
construction revenue of Morgan Sindall by
exploiting its funding and operational expertise, 
with a special focus on public sector projects, 
with the additional benefit of delivering recurring
investment returns.

Outlook
Significant potential in preferred bidder status
The total gross development value of projects
where the Investments unit has reached preferred
bidder status currently stands at more than £500m.
These projects have a high likelihood of being
secured. They represent potential income growth
for the unit and potential construction revenue for
other Morgan Sindall divisions.

Creating long-term value
The Group’s enhanced ability to handle larger
projects and developments has expanded the
market available to the Investments unit in the
medium-term. The unit is currently pursuing early
stage opportunities in the BSF programme and PFIs
in the social housing sector. Whilst any change in
Government in 2010 may lead to a review of
specific priorities in the short-term, it is expected
that the firm demand for PPP/PFI schemes will
remain robust in the medium-term.

2009 review
Investing for the future
The Investments unit is reported as a separate
segment for the first time this year as a result of 
the disclosure requirements of IFRS 8 ‘Operating
Segments’. The unit’s results were previously
reported within Group Activities. The unit 
comprises the Group’s project finance activities
(predominantly in PFI/PPP) and includes the 
cost of bidding for investment opportunities as 
well as the management of existing investments. 
Its strategy is to target and invest in projects 
where the Group has expertise and a competitive
advantage in terms of construction delivery
through one of its operating divisions.

In 2009 Morgan Sindall Investments’ revenue 
was £3m (2008: £1m) and the operating loss 
was £3.0m (2008: £2.2m). Ongoing operating
losses reflect the significant upfront costs of 
bidding for PPP and PFI projects. 

However, the directors’ valuation of the investment
portfolio gives a clearer indication of the value
created within the unit.

Exceptionally successful investment
performance
The directors’ valuation of the unit’s portfolio of
investments is £38m (2008: £28m). This valuation
represents the value of invested equity and
subordinated debt, funding committed and the
value created from its investments. 

Key achievements in 2009 included the on-time
and on-budget completion of an integrated £60m
scheme delivering new operational stations and
new headquarters for the Dorset fire service and the
Dorset police service. In addition the unit achieved
financial close on a number of schemes including
the Basildon Sporting Village valued at £36m, the
Wigan Life Centre valued at £60m, both of which 
will also be constructed by Morgan Ashurst, and
several NHS LIFT schemes totalling £53m.

A year of improved capability 
The Group’s improved capability to deliver 
larger and more complex projects, particularly at
Morgan Est and Morgan Ashurst, has opened up
bidding opportunities for the Investments unit. 
The appointment as preferred bidder for the
Tayside Mental Health Hospital (development 
value £121m) and the framework for the Hull 
BSF programme (development value £400m) 
are landmark examples.

60 Morgan Sindall Annual report and accounts 2009

Directors’ report: business review

Below
Morgan Sindall Investments

Client

Location

Dorset Fire and 
Police Authorities
Dorset

Image shows the highly sustainable new build fire
station constructed in Poole as part of a 25 year
PFI arrangement for the Dorset Emergency
Services Partnership Initiative. The development 
of the four separate buildings across three sites
created a new divisional police headquarters, 
two new fire stations and a new county wide 
fire service headquarters. Sustainability features
included grey water recycling, passive heating 
and combined heat and power generation.

Morgan Sindall Annual report and accounts 2009
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Directors’ report:

governance

Information about our
Board of directors and
corporate governance

Directors’ report: governance

62 Morgan Sindall Annual report and accounts 2009
Governance
Board of directors

David Mulligan
Finance director

Paul Whitmore
Commercial director

Appointed finance director in April 2004 having been 
with the Group in finance roles since 1997. Prior to 
this he worked at Smiths Group plc and Ernst & Young
where he qualified as a chartered accountant.

Paul Smith
Chief executive

Appointed chief executive in March 2003. His previous
positions include managing director of Accord plc,
managing director of Cleanaway Limited and manager 
at McKinsey & Co. Inc. 

Appointed a director in April 2000. A chartered surveyor,
he has previously undertaken various roles over a 27 year
period with John Laing plc, latterly as chief executive of
Laing Construction plc. 

John Morgan
Executive chairman

Co-founded Morgan Lovell in 1977 which then reversed
into William Sindall plc in 1994 to form Morgan Sindall plc.
Chief executive from 1994 to 2000 and executive
chairman from 2000 to date.

Geraldine Gallacher
Independent non-executive

Morgan Sindall Annual report and accounts 2009
Directors’ report: governance

About Morgan Sindall
Directors’ report: business review
Directors’ report: governance
Consolidated financial statements
Company financial statements
Shareholder information

Adrian Martin
Independent non-executive

63

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Gill Barr
Independent non-executive

Appointed a director in August 2007. Geraldine is
currently managing director of The Executive Coaching
Consultancy. Previously, she was head of group
management development for The Burton Group plc
(now Arcadia plc) and with the Ford Motor Company. 
She was an independent non-executive director of 
the Company between 1995 and 2004.

Appointed a director in December 2008. Adrian 
had a 30 year career at the accountants, BDO Stoy
Hayward, the last eight years as managing partner, 
before becoming chief executive and then consultant 
at Reynolds Porter Chamberlain LLP until 2009. He now
holds a number of non-executive directorships, including
M&C Saatchi plc and Safestore Holdings plc. He was a
non-executive director of The Carphone Warehouse 
plc until July 2008.

Patrick De Smedt
Independent non-executive

Appointed a director in September 2004. Gill’s previous
executive positions include marketing director of John
Lewis plc, chief executive of Deliverance Limited and
business development director at Woolworth plc. She 
has also held various positions with Kingfisher plc, KPMG
plc and Freemans plc. 

Simon Gulliford
Independent non-executive

Appointed a director with effect from 1 March 2010. Simon has run his own marketing
consultancy since 1992, after leaving Ashridge College where he was head of the
marketing faculty. He has had marketing roles at companies including Sears plc, EMAP
plc and, until 2004, was group marketing director for Barclays plc. His previous non-
executive roles have included director of St James’s Place plc and Business Control
Solutions plc. He is currently chief marketing officer at Standard Life plc.

Appointed a director in December 2009. Patrick’s 
career includes 23 years with Microsoft, culminating 
as chairman for Europe, Middle East and Africa from 
2003. Since leaving Microsoft in 2006, Patrick has 
served on the boards of a number of European public 
and private companies and is currently a non-executive
director of Victrex plc and Option NV, a Belgian listed
technology company, and is on the advisory board 
to a division of ING Europe.

Directors’ report: governance

64 Morgan Sindall Annual report and accounts 2009
Governance
Corporate governance statement

Board complies with the Code
The Board recognises the importance of high standards of corporate
governance and is committed to managing the Group’s affairs in accordance
with the principles of good governance set out in section 1 of the Combined
Code on Corporate Governance published in June 2008 by the Financial
Reporting Council (‘the Code’). 

In accordance with the Listing Rules, the Company is required to confirm
whether it has complied with the relevant provisions of section 1 of the Code
and to report on how it has applied the main principles of section 1 of the
Code. A summary of how the Company has applied the main principles of the
Code is set out below.

The Board has complied with the provisions of section 1 of the Code
throughout the year ended 31 December 2009 and up to the date of this
report. The Board will also keep under review the proposed changes to the
Code, which are currently under consultation by the Financial Reporting
Council and will consider any changes required once the amended Code
becomes effective. 

Directors
Changes to the Board
The Board currently comprises an executive chairman, three further executive
directors and five non-executive directors. One of the non-executive directors,
Patrick De Smedt, was appointed with effect from 1 December 2009. In
addition, Simon Gulliford will join the Board as a non-executive director on
1 March 2010. Bernard Asher served during the year as a non-executive
director until the annual general meeting on 30 April 2009. All of the non-
executive directors are considered by the Board to be independent and the
Board’s structure, therefore, meets the requirements of the Code. Jon Walden
has indicated his intention not to seek re-election when he retires at the
forthcoming annual general meeting. 

Jon Walden is the senior independent director and he will be succeeded by
Adrian Martin following his retirement at the annual general meeting.

Executive chairman and chief executive have clear roles and
responsibilities
The Board has a separate chairman and chief executive. John Morgan as
executive chairman takes responsibility for the overall strategy of the Group
and for leading the Board and ensuring that it functions effectively, whilst Paul
Smith as chief executive is responsible for managing the business and critically
assessing the Group’s strategy. The Board has set out and agreed a schedule
that describes their individual roles and responsibilities.

The Board considers that the balance of relevant experience amongst its
members enables it to exercise effective leadership and control of the Group. 
It also ensures that the decision making process cannot be dominated by 
any individual or small group of individuals.

Procedure implemented for managing conflicts of interest
The Board was briefed on the Companies Act 2006 provisions relating to
conflicts of interest ahead of their implementation on 1 October 2008 and
procedures were agreed to identify and manage potential conflicts of interest.
Any potential conflicts were authorised, subject to such limitations as
considered appropriate, by the non-conflicted members of the Board under
the powers set out in the Company’s Articles of Association (‘the Articles’). In
addition to the directors’ duty to seek Board approval for any new potentially
conflicting situations or changes to existing interests, the register of potential
conflicts is circulated for review by the Board on an annual basis.

Patrick De Smedt and Simon Gulliford standing for election
The Articles require each director to submit himself or herself for election by
shareholders at the first annual general meeting after his or her appointment
and for re-election at every third annual general meeting thereafter. Patrick 
De Smedt (appointed on 1 December 2009) and Simon Gulliford (appointed
with effect from 1 March 2010) will, accordingly, be submitting themselves for
election at the forthcoming annual general meeting. Their biographies are set

out on page 63. As part of the appointment process, both Patrick and Simon
disclosed their other appointments and responsibilities and the Board was
satisfied that both would be committed to the role.

Description of Board activities
Eleven scheduled meetings of the Board were held during the year. The key
purposes of the scheduled meetings were to review all significant aspects of
the Group’s activities, to supervise the executive management, to review the
overall system of internal control and risk management and to make decisions
in relation to those matters that are specifically reserved to the Board. There is 
a formal schedule of these matters, which includes the approval of the Group’s
strategic plans, annual budget, significant capital expenditure and investment
proposals, major projects, acquisitions and disposals, internal control
arrangements and annual and half-yearly results. Other specific responsibilities
are delegated to the Board committees described below and under the
Group’s delegated authorities. 

A formal agenda for each scheduled meeting is agreed with the chairman and
is circulated in advance of the meeting to allow time for proper consideration,
together with relevant papers including key strategic, operational and financial
information.

Attendance of individual directors during 2009 at scheduled Board meetings
and meetings of the remuneration, audit and nominations committees are set
out below.

Board

Remuneration
committee

Audit
committee

Nominations
committee

Total no. of meetings

John Morgan
Paul Smith
David Mulligan
Paul Whitmore
Gill Barr
Patrick De Smedt(i)
Geraldine Gallacher
Adrian Martin
Jon Walden
Bernard Asher(ii)

11

11
11
11
11
10
1
11
10
11
3

1

–
–
–
–
1
1
–
1
1
–

3

–
–
–
–
2
–
–
3
3
1

1

1 
–
– 
– 
1 
–
1 
1
1 
–

(i) Only one Board meeting was held after Patrick De Smedt’s appointment.

(ii) Bernard Asher ceased to be a director on 30 April 2009.

Non-attendance by directors at meetings was due to conflicting commitments
and in each case was previously agreed with the chairman. In such instances,
papers were read in advance and comments passed to the chairman prior to
the meeting. 

Three of the scheduled board meetings in 2009 were held at offices of 
the Group’s divisional operations and were combined with presentations 
by divisional management. These meetings provided the non-executive
directors with the opportunity to meet the senior managers in the divisions 
and to increase their knowledge and understanding of the Group’s 
operations and thus contribute more effectively to discussions of strategic 
and operational issues.

Training, development and advice is provided
Newly appointed directors receive a full induction, including a detailed
information pack, visits to the Group’s operations and meetings with senior
divisional management. Training on the role and responsibilities of directors is
offered on appointment and subsequently as necessary. The non-executive
directors update their knowledge of and familiarity with the Group by regular
visits to its operations. There are agreed procedures by which directors are able
to take independent professional advice, at the expense of the Company, on
matters relating to their duties. The directors also have access to the advice
and services of the company secretary.

Board evaluated its performance
An evaluation was carried out of the Board’s performance, and that of its
committees, during the year. This took the form of an internally developed
assessment form, requiring each director to provide a rating and comments
against a series of statements. Particular emphasis was given to matters
highlighted as action points from last year’s evaluation process.

The statements relating to the Board as a whole required consideration of a
broad range of matters including:

the structure and composition of the Board;

the quality of information provided to the Board;

the effectiveness of its meetings;

the ability of the Board to understand the significant risks facing the Group
and to monitor corporate performance;

the Group’s management of risk; and

the allocation of time devoted to matters such as corporate governance,
sustainability, business risk and succession issues. 

In relation to the committees, the assessment form focussed on the frequency
and conduct of meetings, the quality of information provided to the committee
and of reports from the committee to the Board and the extent to which the
committees were fulfilling their terms of reference.

Evaluation of individual directors took the form of written feedback from the
other directors, which was followed by one to one meetings between the
chairman and each director and, in the case of the chairman’s evaluation,
between himself and the senior independent director.

The responses to the assessment form and the written feedback were
aggregated and circulated to the directors and discussed at a subsequent
Board meeting leading to a number of agreed actions for the forthcoming year.

Board committees
The Board has established three committees: the audit, remuneration and
nominations committees. Each committee has terms of reference, approved
by the Board, setting out its authorities and responsibilities. Copies of the terms
of reference are available on the Company’s website.

Audit committee

Members

Jon Walden (chair)
Gill Barr
Patrick De Smedt (appointed 1 December 2009)
Adrian Martin
Bernard Asher (resigned 30 April 2009)

All committee members are independent non-executive directors. Adrian
Martin has agreed to take over as chair when Jon Walden retires at the
forthcoming annual general meeting. Biographical details of each member of
the committee remaining after the annual general meeting, including financial
experience where relevant, are set out on page 63. The Board is satisfied that
the committee has, and will continue to have, the appropriate level of financial
experience to fulfil its terms of reference. 

Morgan Sindall Annual report and accounts 2009
Directors’ report: governance

About Morgan Sindall
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Responsibilities 

to ensure that the interests of shareholders are properly protected in relation
to financial reporting and internal control;

to monitor the integrity of the financial statements and related information of
the Company and, where practicable, any formal announcements relating to
the Company’s financial performance, reviewing significant financial reporting
judgments contained in them;

to review the Company’s internal financial controls;

to approve the appointment and replacement of the Group head of audit
and assurance and to monitor and review the effectiveness of the
Company’s internal audit function;

to make recommendations to the Board regarding the appointment, re-
appointment and removal of the external auditors and to approve their
remuneration and terms of engagement;

to review and monitor the external auditors’ independence and objectivity
and the effectiveness of the audit process; 

to apply the Board’s policy on the engagement of the external auditors to
supply non-audit services with the objective of ensuring that the provision of
such services does not impair their independence or objectivity; and 

to review the Company’s whistleblowing procedures.

Activities 
The committee had three scheduled meetings during the year. The first took
place prior to the announcement of the Company’s results for 2008 and
approval of the annual report, the second prior to the announcement of its
half-yearly results and the third before commencement of the audit for 2009.
Senior representatives from the independent auditors, the finance director and
the Group head of audit and assurance were invited to attend each of these
meetings. The committee also met privately with the external auditors and the
Group head of audit and assurance. 

The main purpose of the meetings was to review the scope and results of 
the audit and the effectiveness of the external audit process, to monitor the
integrity of the annual and half-yearly financial statements and to discuss 
with the external auditors their overall work plan for the forthcoming audit. 
In addition, at each meeting the committee reviewed reports from the Group
head of audit and assurance on the results of reviews carried out by the
internal audit team. Further details of the internal audit function are set out
under internal controls below.

The chairman of the audit committee reports to the full Board on matters 
of significance arising at meetings of the committee. 

External auditors

Monitoring the independence and objectivity of the external auditors
To fulfil its obligations, the committee reviewed the external auditors’
presentation of their policies and safeguards to ensure their continued
independence within the meaning of all regulatory and professional
requirements and that the objectivity of the audit engagement partner 
and audit staff had not been impaired. This included details of changes in
external audit executives in the audit plan in accordance with the external
auditors’ policy on rotating audit executives. In particular, a new lead partner
has become the senior statutory auditor in 2009 after the rotation of the
previous audit partner. Those policies and safeguards, together with the
Company’s own policy on engaging the external auditors for non-audit work,
enabled the committee to confirm that it was satisfied with Deloitte LLP’s
continued independence and objectivity. 

Directors’ report: governance

66 Morgan Sindall Annual report and accounts 2009
Governance
Corporate governance statement

Assessing the effectiveness of the external auditors
As part of its responsibility for assessing the effectiveness of the external audit,
the committee discussed the external audit plan at the audit committee
meeting held in November. At the meeting prior to the announcement of the
preliminary results, it reviewed the external auditors’ fulfilment of the agreed
audit plan and any major issues highlighted as part of the external audit.

Reviewing the use of the external auditors for non-audit work
The Company’s policy on the engagement of the external auditors for non-
audit related services provides that where the fees for such services would
exceed either an absolute limit or a specified proportion of the audit fee, they
should be referred to the committee for approval. Where fees fall below the
threshold they have to be approved by the finance director. No non-audit
services to the Company provided by Deloitte LLP in 2009 required the
approval of the committee. The fees for non-audit services during the year 
are set out in note 2 to the consolidated financial statements on page 93.
These represented approximately 11% of the audit fee and comprised taxation
services to joint ventures. The committee has reviewed the nature of the work
and level of fees for these services and concluded that this has not affected
Deloitte LLP’s objectivity or independence.

Reappointment of external auditors
The committee considers the reappointment of the external auditor each year
and makes a recommendation to the Board. The committee has satisfied itself
that Deloitte LLP, the external auditors, remain independent and effective. The
committee has recommended to the Board that Deloitte LLP be reappointed.

Whistleblowing procedures
The committee also reviewed the Group’s whistleblowing policy containing
arrangements by which employees may, in confidence, raise concerns about
possible improprieties in financial reporting or other matters. It has made
recommendations to the Board to improve the effectiveness of the
arrangements by using the services of an external call line provider and
increasing publicity of the service throughout the Group’s operations.

Remuneration committee

Members

Gill Barr (chair)
Patrick De Smedt (appointed 1 December 2009)
Geraldine Gallacher 
Adrian Martin (appointed 1 May 2009)
Jon Walden
Bernard Asher (resigned 30 April 2009)

Responsibilities 

to set all elements of remuneration and any compensation payments for
executive directors and the executive chairman;

to monitor the structure and level of remuneration for divisional managing
directors;

to ensure that the requirements for disclosure of directors’ remuneration 
are fulfilled; and

to select remuneration consultants to advise the committee.

Activities 
The activities of the committee during the year are set out in the separate
remuneration report on pages 68 to 74. 

Nominations committee

Members

John Morgan (chair)
Gill Barr
Patrick De Smedt (appointed 1 December 2009)
Geraldine Gallacher 
Adrian Martin 
Jon Walden
Bernard Asher (resigned 30 April 2009)

Responsibilities

to review the structure, size and composition of the Board;

to make recommendations to the Board for any changes considered
necessary;

to approve the description of the role and capabilities required for 
a particular appointment; and

to ensure suitable candidates are identified and recommended for
appointment to the Board. 

Activities
The nominations committee met formally during the year to review the
structure, size and composition of the Board and to recommend to the Board
the appointment of Patrick De Smedt as an additional non-executive director. 
It also met informally on several occasions to review progress on the non-
executive director selection process prior to Patrick De Smedt’s appointment.
This process involved agreeing the specific attributes and capabilities required
for the role, instructing external search consultants, arranging interviews by
individual members of the committee (and by the executive directors) with
candidates proposed by the consultants and discussing the results of the
interviews. 

As part of the selection process carried out during 2009, Simon Gulliford 
was introduced to the Company through a personal recommendation as 
an opportunity to broaden the strategic marketing expertise on the Board.
Following a careful review of his skills and experience as well as several
interviews and meetings with the committee and the executive directors, 
the committee agreed to recommend to the Board that he be appointed 
as an additional non-executive director.

Company welcomes regular dialogue with all its shareholders 
The executive directors undertake a programme of regular communication
with institutional shareholders and with analysts covering the Company’s
sectors. In particular, presentations are made to institutional investors and
analysts following the announcements of the preliminary and half-yearly
results. Written feedback from these meetings and presentations is distributed
to all members of the Board. The senior independent director meets from 
time to time with major shareholders and the other non-executive directors 
are also available to meet with them to listen to their views.

The Company encourages all shareholders to use the annual general meeting
as an opportunity for effective communication with the Company. All of the
directors attended the annual general meeting held in 2009. Details of proxy
votes submitted for each resolution at general meetings, including proxy
directions to withhold votes, are published on the Company’s website. 

Morgan Sindall Annual report and accounts 2009
Directors’ report: governance

About Morgan Sindall
Directors’ report: business review
Directors’ report: governance
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Health, safety and environmental issues
The Group has well established safety systems including site visits and regular
training and updates. Monthly monitoring and reporting to the Board includes 
a report on the Group’s performance in relation to health and safety matters
and environmental compliance.

Risk management 
The Board has reserved to itself specific responsibility for the formulation of the
risk management strategy of the Group. A formal process is in place through
which the Group identifies the significant risks attached to its strategy and
objectives, confirms the control strategy for each risk, identifies the root cause
and appropriate treatment for each, including the relevant internal control
strategy and actions required. Internal control and risk management systems
are embedded in the operations of the divisions. A consolidated report of each
of the divisional risk reviews together with risks identified at Group level are
compiled in a Group risk register, which is updated and reviewed by the Board
twice yearly. The principal risks identified as facing the Group are highlighted in
the business review on pages 28 to 31.

Internal audit 
The Group head of audit and assurance, who reports to the chief executive 
and to the audit committee, is responsible for managing the internal audit
function, overseeing the divisional heads of internal audit and assisting with 
risk management practices. Internal audit and assurance work carried out
during the year included operational, project and financial reviews across the
key business units within the Group. The results of these reviews were recorded
in audit reports and presented to the audit committee. The status of agreed
management actions to address identified operational weaknesses is actively
tracked until implementation. 

The audit and assurance team has been extended during the year across the
key operating divisions. The Group head of audit and assurance reports to the
Board monthly on a range of performance metrics including the current status
of agreed audit actions and progress against the annual audit plan.

The internal audit process is supplemented by a rolling programme of peer
group reviews within the divisions, which assist in the professional development
of the individual staff concerned whilst at the same time providing a mechanism
for the cross-fertilisation of ideas and best practice throughout the divisions.
These reviews are overseen by the divisional heads of internal audit and
tracking of agreed management actions is included within the overall internal
audit process. 

Board review of effectiveness of internal controls
The Board has conducted a review of the effectiveness of the system of
internal controls for the year ended 31 December 2009 and for the period to
the date of this report. The process included a formal review conducted by the
Board of the Group risk register, referred to under risk management above, as
well as a review of the results of internal audit work and the overall
effectiveness of the process. 

Internal controls 
The Board acknowledges that it has overall responsibility for the Group’s 
system of internal control and for reviewing its effectiveness. The internal
control system is designed to manage rather than eliminate the risk of failure 
to achieve certain business objectives due to circumstances which may
reasonably be foreseen. It can only provide reasonable, but not absolute,
assurance against material misstatement or loss. The system of internal 
control, which includes financial, operational and compliance controls, is 
based on a process of identifying, evaluating and managing risks. It accords
with the guidance in the Turnbull Report and was in place for the year under
review and up to the date of approval of this report.

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

Group structure
The Group’s operating structure comprises five operating divisions and one
specialist unit, each with its own management board which is given authority
and responsibility for managing its division or unit within a framework of
overarching Group policies, reporting lines and detailed delegated authorities,
which ensure that decisions and approvals are made at the appropriate level.
Whilst responsibility for managing each division is delegated to the individual
management team as far as practicable, responsibility for certain of the Group’s
key functions, including treasury, internal audit, pensions and insurance, is
retained at Morgan Sindall plc level. 

Robust financial reporting system
The Board recognises that an essential part of the responsibility for running 
a business is the effective safeguarding of assets, the proper recognition of
liabilities and the accurate reporting of profits. The Group has a comprehensive
budgeting and forecasting system in place which is regularly reviewed and
updated together with a management reporting system established in each
division for monthly reporting to the Board. In addition, the internal audit plan
for the year includes specific financial reviews to validate the integrity of the
divisions’ management accounts.

Scrutiny of investment and capital expenditure 
There are detailed procedures and defined levels of authority in relation 
to investment, capital expenditure, significant cost commitments and asset
disposals with approvals required from the Board, the executive directors 
or divisional boards, depending on the value or nature of the investment 
or contract. 

Detailed review of tenders and project selection
Individual tenders or projects are subject to detailed review with approvals
required at relevant levels and at various stages from commencement of 
the bidding process through to contract award. As part of this process, the
financial standing of both clients and key subcontractors is assessed.

Robust contract controls
Robust procedures exist to manage the ongoing risks associated with contracts
with monthly reviews at an appropriate level of each contract’s performance
covering both financial and operational issues.

Continual monitoring of working capital 
The Group continually monitors current and forecast cash and working capital
balances through a regime of daily and monthly reporting.

Directors’ report: governance

68 Morgan Sindall Annual report and accounts 2009
Governance
Remuneration report

The tough market conditions experienced last year 
and the continued uncertainty likely to be faced by 
the Company in the medium-term have caused the
Remuneration Committee to look carefully once more 
at its policies and the overall structure of the executive
directors’ remuneration. For the second year running
neither the chief executive nor the executive chairman 
will receive an increase in base salary, nor will the other
executive directors receive an increase this year, reflecting
the rigorous cost-conscious approach adopted for other
senior employees in the Group. The challenge for the
committee has been to set appropriate targets for both
short-term and long-term incentives in these uncertain
times. The committee carried out a careful review of the
annual bonus and long-term incentive arrangements and
believes that the awards to be granted this year will prove
sufficiently challenging whilst still realistic, relevant and
therefore valued by the recipients.

Gill Barr
Chair of the Remuneration Committee

This report has been prepared by the Remuneration Committee (‘the
committee’) on behalf of the Board in accordance with Schedule 8 to the Large
and Medium-sized Companies and Groups (Accounts and Reports) Regulations
2008. This report also meets the relevant requirements of the Listing Rules of
the Financial Services Authority and the Combined Code on Corporate
Governance (‘the Code’). A resolution to approve the report will be proposed at
the annual general meeting of the Company to be held on 6 May 2010.

The Companies Act 2006 (‘the Act’) requires the auditors to report to the
Company’s members on certain parts of the remuneration report and to state
whether in their opinion those parts of the report have been properly prepared
in accordance with the Act. The report has therefore been divided into separate
sections for unaudited and audited information.

Unaudited information

Members of the committee
The members of the committee during 2009 were Gill Barr (chair), Bernard
Asher (until 30 April 2009), Jon Walden, Geraldine Gallacher, Adrian Martin 
(from 1 May 2009) and Patrick De Smedt (from 1 December 2009). 
All members during the year were independent non-executive directors. 

Responsibilities of the committee
The committee is responsible for determining and agreeing with the Board 
the broad policy for the remuneration of the executive directors, including 
the executive chairman. It sets their salaries and remuneration packages and
monitors the structure and level of remuneration for other senior executives. 

External advice received
During the year the committee received advice from Hewitt New Bridge Street
(‘HNBS’) in relation to executive directors’ remuneration, in particular in relation
to its review of the annual bonus and long-term incentive structure referred to
below. The committee also consulted the chief executive and the executive
chairman, but in each case not in relation to their own remuneration. HNBS
provided advice to the Company on accounting for share awards and on
calculation of the total shareholder return performance condition for grants
under the 1995 executive share option scheme but provided no other material
services to the Company or the Group. 

The committee’s approach to executive directors’ remuneration
The general principles underlying the committee’s approach to developing
remuneration packages for the executive directors are:

to attract, retain and motivate the best possible person for each position,
without paying more than is necessary;

that the remuneration packages should be perceived as simple and fair and,
therefore, valued by participants;

to ensure that the fixed element of remuneration (salary, pension and other
benefits) is determined in line with market rates, taking account of individual
performance and experience, and that a significant proportion of the total
remuneration package is determined by the Company’s performance;

to recognise the importance of rewarding over-performance (but not 
under-performance) in both the short and long-term; 

to focus the performance conditions for performance linked pay on the
achievement of financial performance objectives, as this creates a clear 
line of sight for individuals between performance and reward and provides 
a focus on improving profitability (something which management can
influence) rather than rewarding directly through share price performance
(which management cannot influence directly);

Morgan Sindall Annual report and accounts 2009
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to ensure that financial performance metrics and associated sliding scale
ranges are calibrated carefully to ensure that performance is incrementally
rewarded and that executives are not incentivised inadvertently to take
inappropriate business risks;

to recognise that executives should be able to have different share-based
incentive structures depending on their appetite for individual risk;

to provide a significant proportion of performance linked pay in 
share-based form, providing an opportunity for executives to build 
significant shareholdings in the business; and

to align the interests of executives with those of the Company’s shareholders.

No increases to base salary
The base salary of individual executive directors is determined by the
committee prior to the beginning of each year and, if appropriate, in the event
of a change in an individual’s position or responsibilities. A formal benchmarking
exercise of executive directors’ remuneration is carried out periodically on
behalf of the committee to ensure that it remains aware of relevant market
data. The committee is aware, however, of the risk of an upward ratchet in
remuneration levels through the use of comparative pay surveys. 

At its meeting in December 2009, the committee determined that, in line 
with the policy adopted for other senior employees in the Group, there should
be no salary increases for 2010 for any executive director. 

The committee has reviewed its policy
During the course of 2009, the committee reviewed its policy towards the
annual bonus and long-term incentive arrangements. In particular, in light of
the continuing uncertainty in the economy and the challenges facing the
construction industry as a whole, the committee wished to consider whether
the current long-term incentive arrangements, which had been in place since
2005, were still achieving their intended aim and whether a performance
condition based solely on earnings per share remained appropriate. 

After detailed analysis the committee concluded that none of the proposed
changes that it had considered to the structure of the arrangements would
represent a material improvement to the policy. Accordingly, the committee 
is satisfied that the current policy remains appropriate for the current financial
year. It has, however, taken the opportunity to set out in greater detail above
the principles underlying its approach to the performance related element of
the executive directors’ remuneration package. 

Fixed versus performance related
A significant proportion of the package is subject to performance related
elements. The chart below shows that just under half of the value of the
package at a broadly target level of performance comprises performance
related elements, whilst at a maximum level of reward (assuming a maximum
bonus and full vesting of the Executive Remuneration Plan awards) more than
60% of the total remuneration comprises performance related elements. 

Proportionate breakdown of directors’ remuneration at target 
and maximum reward

Target

Maximum

0

20%

40%

60%

80%

100%

Percentage of maximum remuneration 

Salary
Pension

Annual bonus
Executive Remuneration Plan

Pension arrangements
The Company makes contributions equivalent to 10% of base salary, in 
the case of Paul Smith and David Mulligan, to The Morgan Sindall Retirement
Benefits Plan (‘the Plan’) and, in the case of the other executive directors, to
their individual personal pension plans. 

The Company operates a salary exchange process that allows all employees
who are members of the Plan flexibility in setting the proportion in which 
salary and bonus is distributed between cash payments and additional pension
contributions. Where additional pension contributions are made through the
salary exchange process, the Company enhances the contributions by half of
the saved employer’s National Insurance contribution. 

Other benefits 
The executive directors receive certain other benefits, principally a car
allowance, private medical insurance, permanent health insurance and life
assurance.

Challenging targets for annual bonus
The maximum potential annual cash bonus for executive directors for 
2009 was 100% of base salary. The performance criteria were based on
performance relative to the Group profit before tax and amortisation (‘PBTA’)
budget. Recognising that the maximum bonus for 2009 would be payable for
achieving a PBTA outturn lower than that required to trigger the maximum
bonus in 2008, the bonus vesting structure was tightened. The maximum
bonus for 2009 required the achievement of greater outperformance of
budget than in 2008, a smaller percentage of maximum bonus was payable 
for achieving the PBTA budget and the threshold before any bonus became
payable was set at a higher level than in 2008.

Following its review of incentives in 2009, the committee decided to retain 
the maximum potential annual bonus at 100% of base salary for the 2010
financial year and decided to retain a condition based on a PBTA target 
range set relative to Group budget, as this had the benefit of transparency 
and simplicity and would encourage the executive directors to focus on the
overall financial performance of the Group. Other performance measures 
were considered but ultimately not adopted, as most of the Company’s annual
financial performance is reflected in its PBTA and the use of non-financial
measures was considered inappropriate due to the additional complexity 
and potential lack of objectivity around target measurement.

In setting the target range for 2010, the committee has again attempted 
to balance challenge with realism and relevance given the economic
environment in which the Company is continuing to operate. Accordingly, 
the PBTA target range has been set at a similarly challenging level by reference
to Group budget to that of 2009.

Directors’ report: governance

70 Morgan Sindall Annual report and accounts 2009
Governance
Remuneration report

Long-term incentives
The Group’s current long-term incentive arrangements for senior executives is
the Morgan Sindall Executive Remuneration Plan 2005 (‘the 2005 Plan’). The
2005 Plan was approved by shareholders in April 2005. 

A summary of the 2005 Plan is set out below.

Award levels and structure remain appropriate
In normal circumstances the maximum annual award, which is subject to the
achievement of testing performance targets, is for an award of performance
shares worth (at face value as at the time of grant) 75% of base salary (100% 
of salary in exceptional circumstances). For a number of years executives have
been given the choice at the time of grant of receiving their awards either in
the form of performance shares or by electing to receive market price share
options to replace some or all of their performance shares at a rate of 4 share
options for every 1 performance share.

As part of its review during 2009, the committee considered the structure of
the 2005 Plan and how it had been operating since first introduced in 2005. 
It concluded that the normal maximum award level of performance shares 
at 75% of base salary remained appropriate and that the ability to choose
between an award of performance shares or a grant of share options catered
for individual attitudes to risk and was therefore valued by the executives. The
4:1 ratio of share options to performance shares was also considered and, in
view of the additional share price risk attached to the value of the options and
the tougher performance conditions which are imposed, the committee
determined that this ratio remained appropriate. 

Adjusted EPS remains the basis of the performance conditions 
The committee continues to believe that long-term incentives should be
structured so as to focus executives on maximising profitability by use of a
performance condition based on earnings per share before amortisation of
intangible assets (‘adjusted EPS’) measured at the end of a single three year
period, as this provides a clear linkage between performance and reward 
for senior executives and should be reflected over time in enhanced
shareholder value.

For the awards granted in 2009, given the record adjusted EPS achieved 
in 2008 and the highly challenging medium-term economic outlook, the
committee decided to move from an adjusted EPS performance condition
based on growth in excess of the Retail Prices Index (‘RPI’) to an absolute
adjusted EPS target for the financial year ended 31 December 2011. 

The committee has decided to retain an absolute EPS performance condition
for awards to be made in 2010 and the EPS target ranges required in respect
of the financial year ended 2012 are set out below. 

Targets remain challenging
Despite the fact that the lower end of the target range is lower than actual
adjusted EPS for the year ended 31 December 2009, the committee is
satisfied that the range is at least as challenging in the circumstances as 
targets that have been attached to prior years’ awards. In particular, a significant
proportion of the range is ahead of the actual adjusted EPS for the 2009
financial year and the top end of the range represents growth of circa 
7.8% over the three year period. In highly challenging and uncertain 
market conditions, these targets are considered appropriate. In addition, the
committee considers that the value of the award is considered relatively low
compared to market norms and the structure of the sliding scale (with zero
vesting at the EPS performance threshold) is tougher than market norms. 

Adjusted EPS performance for the year ending 31 December 2012:

Performance shares

Less than 68.9p

At 81.0p

Between 68.9p 
and 81.0p

101.2p or more

Between 81.0p 
and 101.2p

Share options

Less than 77.0p

At 81.0p

Between 77.0p 
and 81.0p

101.2p or more

Between 81.0p 
and 101.2p 

Vesting percentage

0%

50%

pro rata on a 
straight-line basis

100%

pro rata on a
straight-line basis

As mentioned above, in order to ensure that the condition is appropriately
challenging, the committee has carried over for this award the decision to
reduce the vesting percentage for achieving the vesting threshold point from
25% to zero. In addition, the adjusted EPS performance required for the
threshold vesting point for share options has been maintained at a more
challenging level than for performance shares. 

The committee will continue to set targets for future awards appropriate to 
the economic outlook prevailing at the time, ensuring that such targets remain
challenging in the circumstances, whilst remaining realistic enough to motivate
and incentivise management. The committee will also bear in mind the need
to avoid incentive arrangements which encourage management to take
undue risk.

Other share plans
The Company currently operates two other share plans for its employees:

the Morgan Sindall Sharesave Plan in which executive directors are 
permitted to participate on the same terms as other employees; and

the Morgan Sindall Employee Share Option Plan 2007, under which
executive directors do not receive awards.

Morgan Sindall Annual report and accounts 2009
Directors’ report: governance

About Morgan Sindall
Directors’ report: business review
Directors’ report: governance
Consolidated financial statements
Company financial statements
Shareholder information

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129

The dates of the executive directors’ contracts are:

John Morgan
Paul Smith
David Mulligan
Paul Whitmore

28 October 1994
18 February 2003
1 March 2004
21 March 2000

At the discretion of the Board, executive directors are allowed to act as non-
executive directors of other companies and retain any fees relating to those
posts. Paul Smith was a non-executive director of Young Samuel Chambers
(‘YSC’) Limited until May 2009 for which he received a fee of £12,500 during
the year.

Non-executive directors’ terms of engagement
The dates of the terms of engagement of the non-executive directors are:

Gill Barr
Patrick De Smedt 
Geraldine Gallacher
Adrian Martin 
Jon Walden

11 August 2004
26 November 2009 
16 August 2007
28 November 2008
5 April 2001

All non-executive directors have specific terms of engagement being an initial
period of three years which thereafter may be extended by mutual consent,
subject always to the requirements for re-election and the Companies Acts.
Their remuneration is determined by the Board within the limits set by the
Articles and is based on surveys together with external advice as appropriate.
Fees for non-executive directors remain constant for 2010, comprising a basic
fee of £40,000 and, to reflect their additional responsibilities and time
commitment, an additional fee of £7,500 and £5,000 to be paid to the 
chairs of the audit and remuneration committees respectively. Non-executive
directors receive no other benefits and do not participate in short-term or 
long-term reward schemes. 

Five year performance continues to outperform relevant benchmark
The graph below shows a comparison of Total Shareholder Return (‘TSR’) 
for the Company’s shares over the last five financial years against TSR for 
the companies in the FTSE 350 index excluding investment trusts. This is
considered by the committee to be the most suitable comparable broad 
index against which the Company’s performance should be measured for 
this purpose.

Total Shareholder Return
Value £ 

300

250

200

150

100

50

0

31 Dec 
2004

31 Dec 
2005

31 Dec 
2006

31 Dec 
2007

31 Dec 
2008

31 Dec 
2009

Morgan Sindall plc
FTSE 350 (excluding investment trusts) – Total Return Index

The graph shows the value to 31 December 2009, of £100 invested in Morgan Sindall plc on
31 December 2004, compared with the value of £100 invested in the FTSE350 (excluding investment
trusts) Total Return Index. The other points plotted are the values at intervening financial year ends.

Source: Thomson Reuters

Service contracts
It is the Company’s policy that executive directors’ service contracts should 
be terminable on one year’s notice. In circumstances of termination by notice
(except in cases of removal for misconduct), compensation will be determined
by the committee having regard to the particular circumstances of the case.
The committee’s guidelines will be to determine an equitable compensation
package whilst avoiding rewarding poor performance and having regard to 
the departing director’s obligations to mitigate his loss.

In ordinary circumstances, base salary and employer pension contributions 
for the full period of notice of one year would be paid together with accrued
bonus entitlements and shares or share options granted under long-term
incentive schemes where the relevant performance criteria had been satisfied.
Other employee benefits would also be maintained for the notice period
subject to the rules of the appropriate Group scheme. There are no specific
provisions for compensation on early termination or loss of office due to a
takeover bid.

Directors’ report: governance

72 Morgan Sindall Annual report and accounts 2009
Governance
Remuneration report

Audited information

Aggregate directors’ remuneration
The total amounts for directors’ remuneration were as follows:

Emoluments
Amounts vesting under long-term incentive schemes
Gains made on the exercise of share options
Money purchase pension contributions

Directors’ emoluments 

Name of director

Executive
John Morgan
Paul Smith(ii)
David Mulligan(ii)
Paul Whitmore

Non-executive
Gill Barr
Patrick De Smedt(iii)
Geraldine Gallacher
Adrian Martin
Jon Walden
Bernard Asher(iv)

Totals

2009
£’000s

2,156
201
–
163

Total
2009
£’000s

559
655
390
360

2008
£’000s

2,223
1,460
780
158

Total
2008
£’000s

600
703
384
358

1,964

2,045

45
3 
40
40
48
16

45
–
40
3
42
48

192

2,156

178

2,223

Fees/basic
salary
£’000s

Benefits
£’000s

Annual
cash
bonuses(i)
£’000s

425
500
295
270

1,490

45 
3 
40 
40
48
16

192

1,682 

20
21
16
18

75

–
–
–
–
–
–

–

114
134
79
72

399

–
–
–
–
–
–

–

75

399

(i) Group PBTA in 2009 of £51.5m resulted in the executive directors becoming entitled to 26.851% of the maximum cash bonus. The maximum cash bonus

required PBTA of £60.75m and the threshold PBTA was £48.6m.

(ii) The Company operates a salary exchange process for members of The Morgan Sindall Retirement Benefits Plan, which allows employees flexibility in setting the
proportion in which salary and bonus is distributed between pay and additional pension. The figures shown for both 2008 and 2009 represent the salary and
bonus entitlements before any salary exchange has taken place. 

(iii) Patrick De Smedt was appointed with effect from 1 December 2009.

(iv)Bernard Asher ceased to be a director on 30 April 2009.

Pension contributions
The Company contributes 10% of salary to The Morgan Sindall Retirement Benefits Plan (‘the Plan’) in the case of Paul Smith and David Mulligan and to personal
pension plans in the case of the other executive directors. 

As explained in the pension arrangements in the unaudited section of this report and under directors’ emoluments above, the Company operates a salary
exchange process for members of the Plan. Both Paul Smith and David Mulligan have participated in this process and the contributions set out below include the
additional 6.4% enhancement to any salary or bonus exchanged (representing half of the saved employer’s National Insurance contribution), but exclude any
other contributions made through the salary exchange mechanism. 

The contributions paid by the Company to these plans were as follows:

John Morgan
Paul Smith
David Mulligan
Paul Whitmore

2009
£’000s

2008
£’000s

43
61
32
27

43
61
29
25

Morgan Sindall Annual report and accounts 2009
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About Morgan Sindall
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129

The 2005 Plan 
The following long-term incentive awards have been made to executive directors under the 2005 Plan during 2009:

Performance shares awarded and vested during 2009

Paul Smith
David Mulligan
Paul Whitmore

No. of awards 
outstanding
as at 
1 Jan 2009

43,849
21,301
45,350

No. of shares

No. of dividend
equivalent
awarded shares awarded
April 2009(i)

March 2009

Total no.
of shares
vested
April 2009

Monetary No. of awards
outstanding
as at
31 Dec 2009

value of
vested shares(ii)
£’000s

32,328
19,073
34,914

1,971
788
2,169

13,885
5,554
15,275

80
32
89

64,263
35,608
67,158

(i) The rules of the 2005 Plan provide that, if the committee so determines, executives are entitled to receive the value of dividends paid on performance shares

during the three year performance period. In respect of the performance shares which vested in April 2009 this was satisfied by the transfer of additional shares.
These additional shares are included in the Total no. of shares vested column.

(ii) Based on the HMRC value on the date of vesting of £5.7975.

Awards that vested during the year were granted on 5 April 2006 when the Company’s share price was £12.38.

Details of performance shares outstanding as at 31 December 2009 

Date 
of award

No. of
shares awarded 

Paul Smith 

David Mulligan

Paul Whitmore

6 March 2007
9 April 2008
30 March 2009

6 March 2007
9 April 2008
30 March 2009

6 March 2007
9 April 2008
30 March 2009

Details of share options granted during the year ended and outstanding as at 31 December 2009 

John Morgan

Paul Smith

David Mulligan

Date
of grant

20 May 2005
5 April 2006
6 March 2007
9 April 2008
30 March 2009

20 May 2005
5 April 2006
6 March 2007
9 April 2008
30 March 2009

20 May 2005
5 April 2006
6 March 2007
9 April 2008
30 March 2009

No. of share
options granted

107,736
81,016
94,444
122,716
219,828

68,370
47,656
55,556
72,814
129,310

35,220
28,594
27,160
38,980
76,294

13,889 
18,046
32,328

6,790
9,745
19,073

14,198
18,046
34,914

Exercise
price

£7.24
£12.59
£12.15
£10.39
£5.80

£7.24
£12.59
£12.15
£10.39
£5.80

£7.24
£12.59
£12.15
£10.39
£5.80

Date 
awards vest 

6 March 2010 
9 April 2011
30 March 2012

6 March 2010
9 April 2011
30 March 2012

6 March 2010
9 April 2011
30 March 2012

Date from which
exercisable

20 May 2008
5 April 2009
6 March 2010
9 April 2011
30 March 2012

20 May 2008
5 April 2009
6 March 2010
9 April 2011
30 March 2012

20 May 2008
5 April 2009
6 March 2010
9 April 2011
30 March 2012

Notes:

no options were exercised during the year;

the share options detailed above will, if not exercised, lapse ten years from the date of grant;

the market price of a share on 20 May 2005 was £7.30, on 5 April 2006 was £12.38, on 6 March 2007 was £12.32, on 9 April 2008 was £10.34 and on
30 March 2009 was £5.61;

the awards of performance shares and share options made in 2007 and 2008 are subject to an adjusted EPS performance condition measured over a 
three year period with full vesting of awards for average adjusted EPS growth of RPI + 10% per annum, reducing on a sliding scale to 25% vesting for average
growth of RPI + 4% per annum (performance shares) or RPI + 5% per annum (share options). The awards of performance shares and share options made 
in 2009 are subject to an absolute adjusted EPS performance target with full vesting of awards for achieving adjusted EPS of 133.0p or more for the year 
ending 31 December 2011, reducing on a sliding scale to 0% vesting for achieving 103.0p (performance shares) or 115.0p (share options);

Directors’ report: governance

74 Morgan Sindall Annual report and accounts 2009
Governance
Remuneration report

average adjusted EPS growth for the three financial years ended 31 December 2007 and 31 December 2008 respectively exceeded RPI + 10% and the options
granted on 20 May 2005 and 5 April 2006 are therefore fully exercisable. Average adjusted EPS growth for the three financial years ended 31 December 2009
was equal to RPI plus 4% per annum and therefore 25% of the performance share awards awarded on 6 March 2007 will vest but all of the options granted on
that date will lapse; and

the market price of a share on 31 December 2009 was £6.00 and the range during the year was £4.60 to £7.34.

The Morgan Sindall Savings Related Share Option Scheme (‘the SAYE scheme’)
The executive directors hold the following options granted under the SAYE scheme, further details of which are given in note 24 on pages 106 to 107.

Outstanding
as at
31 Dec 2008

Granted
during
the year

Exercised
during
the year

Lapsed
during
the year

Outstanding
as at 
31 Dec 2009

Paul Smith

David Mulligan

Paul Whitmore

1,338

1,338

1,338

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

This report was approved by the Board and signed on its behalf by:

Gill Barr
Chair of the Remuneration Committee
23 February 2010

Option
exercise
price

£7.02

1,338

1,338

£7.02

1,338

£7.02

Dates within
which
exercisable

1/9/2011 
– 28/2/2012

1/9/2011 
– 28/2/2012

1/9/2011 
– 28/2/2012

Governance
Other statutory information

Morgan Sindall Annual report and accounts 2009
Directors’ report: governance

About Morgan Sindall
Directors’ report: business review
Directors’ report: governance
Consolidated financial statements
Company financial statements
Shareholder information

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Requirement for business review
The Companies Act 2006 (‘the Act’) requires the Company to set out in the
directors’ report a fair review of the business of the Group during the financial
year ended 31 December 2009 and the position of the Group at the end of
the year, including but not limited to a description of the principal risks and
uncertainties facing it and analysis using key performance indicators. The
information required to fulfil these requirements of the Act can be found in 
this governance section of the directors’ report and in the chairman and 
chief executive’s statement on pages 18 to 23 and in the business review
section of the directors’ report on pages 24 to 60. The liabilities of the 
directors in connection with this report shall be limited as provided by
applicable English law.

The Group’s principal activities
Morgan Sindall is a construction and regeneration group with five divisions: 
Fit Out, Construction, Infrastructure Services, Affordable Housing and Urban
Regeneration and one specialist unit, Investments. The principal subsidiary
companies operating within this divisional structure are listed in note 14 of 
the Company financial statements on page 128.

Results and dividends
The Group’s profit before tax for the year amounted to £44.7m (2008: £62.3m).
An interim dividend of 12.0p (2008: 12.0p) per share amounting to £5.0m
(2008: £5.1m) was paid on 18 September 2009. The directors have declared a
second interim dividend in place of a final dividend for the year of 30.0p (2008:
30p) per share amounting to £12.7m (2008: £12.7m) payable on 1 April 2010
to shareholders on the register at close of business on 12 March 2010. 

Share capital and shareholders’ rights 
As at 22 February 2009, the Company’s issued share capital comprised a single
class of ordinary shares of 5p each (‘shares’). During the year 156,561 shares
were allotted and issued on the exercise of options under the Company’s
employee share option schemes. No other shares were issued during the year.
Details of the Company’s share capital and capital structure, including the rights
attaching to the shares, are set out in note 24 of the consolidated financial
statements on pages 106 to 107. Note 24 also gives details of shares held 
by the Morgan Sindall Employee Benefit Trust, voting rights of which are
exercisable at the discretion of the trustees and dividends in respect of which
have been waived. 

The following description summarises certain provisions of the Articles and
applicable English law concerning companies. Certain amendments to the
Articles will be proposed at the annual general meeting on 6 May 2010,
primarily to deal with the implementation of the Shareholder Rights Directive in
the UK on 3 August 2009 and the implementation of the remaining provisions
of the Act on 1 October 2009. In addition, it is proposed that the maximum
number of directors which the Company may have be increased from 10 to
12. Details of these proposed changes will be set out in the circular to
shareholders accompanying this document.

Subject to applicable statutes (in this section the ‘Companies Acts’), shares may
be issued with such rights and restrictions as the Company may by ordinary
resolution decide or (if there is no such resolution or so far as it does not make
specific provision) as the Board (as defined) in the Articles may decide. Subject
to the Articles, the Companies Acts and other shareholders’ rights, unissued
shares are at the disposal of the Board.

Voting
Subject to any other provisions of the Articles, every member present in person
or by proxy at a general meeting has, upon a show of hands, one vote and,
upon a poll, one vote for every share held by him or her. In the case of joint
holders of a share, the vote of the senior who tenders a vote, whether in
person or by proxy, shall be accepted to the exclusion of the votes of the 
other joint holders and, for this purpose, seniority shall be determined by the
order in which the names stand in the register in respect of the joint holding.

No member shall be entitled to vote at any general meeting in respect of any
share held by him if any call or other sum then payable by him in respect of
that share remains unpaid or if a member has been served with a restriction
notice (as defined in the Articles) after failure to provide the Company with
information concerning interests in those shares required to be provided 
under the Companies Acts.

No person has any special rights of control over the Company’s share capital
and the directors are not aware of any agreements between holders of shares
which may result in restrictions in the transfer of shares or on voting rights.

Dividends and other distributions
The Company may by ordinary resolution from time to time declare dividends
not exceeding the amount recommended by the Board. Subject to the
Companies Acts, the Board may pay interim dividends, and also any fixed rate
dividend, whenever the financial position of the Company, in the opinion of 
the Board, justifies its payment.

The Board may withhold payment of all or any part of any dividends or other
monies payable in respect of the Company’s shares from a person with a
0.25%. interest (as defined in the Articles) if such a person has been served 
with a restriction notice (as defined in the Articles) after failure to provide the
Company with information concerning interests in those shares required to 
be provided under the Companies Acts.

Variation of rights
Subject to the Companies Acts, rights attached to any class of shares may 
be varied with the written consent of the holders of not less than three-fourths
in nominal value of the issued shares of that class (calculated excluding any
shares held as treasury shares), or with the sanction of a special resolution
passed at a separate general meeting of the holders of those shares. 

The rights conferred upon the holders of any shares shall not, unless otherwise
expressly provided in the rights attaching to those shares, be deemed to be
varied by the creation or issue of further shares ranking pari passu with them.

Restrictions on transfer of securities in the Company
There are no restrictions on the transfer of securities in the Company, except:

that certain restrictions may from time to time be imposed by laws and
regulations (for example, insider trading laws); or

pursuant to the Listing Rules of the Financial Services Authority whereby
certain employees of the Company require the approval of the Company 
to deal in the Company’s shares.

The Company is not aware of any agreements between holders of securities
that may result in restrictions on the transfer of securities.

Directors’ report: governance

76 Morgan Sindall Annual report and accounts 2009
Governance
Other statutory information

Amendment of articles of association
Any amendments to the Articles may be made in accordance with the
provisions of the Act by way of special resolution.

Appointment and replacement of directors
The directors shall be not less than two and not more than ten in number. 
The Company may by ordinary resolution vary the minimum and/or maximum
number of directors. Directors may be appointed by the Company by ordinary
resolution or by the Board. A director appointed by the Board holds office only
until the next following annual general meeting of the Company and is then
eligible for reappointment. 

At every annual general meeting of the Company any director who has been
appointed by the Board since the last annual general meeting, or who held
office at the time of the two preceding annual general meetings and who 
did not retire at either of them, shall retire from office and may offer himself 
for reappointment by the members. The Company may by special resolution
remove any director before the expiration of his period of office. The office 
of a director shall be vacated if: (i) he resigns or offers to resign and the Board
resolve to accept such offer; (ii) his resignation is requested by all of the other
directors and all of the other directors are not less than three in number; (iii) he
is or has been suffering from mental ill health and the Board resolves that his
office be vacated; (iv) he is absent without the permission of the Board from
meetings of the Board (whether or not an alternate director appointed by him
attends) for six consecutive months and the Board resolves that his office is
vacated; (v) he becomes bankrupt or compounds with his creditors generally;
(vi) he is prohibited by a law from being a director; (vii) he ceases to be a
director by virtue of the Companies Acts; or (viii) he is removed from office
pursuant to the Articles.

Powers of directors
Subject to the Articles, the Companies Acts and any directions given by the
Company by special resolution, the business of the Company will be managed
by the Board who may exercise all the powers of the Company, whether
relating to the management of the business or not. In particular, the Board 
may exercise all the powers of the Company to borrow money, to mortgage 
or charge any of its undertaking, property, assets (present and future) and
uncalled capital and to issue debentures and other securities and to give
security for any debt, liability or obligation of the Company or of any third party.

Powers in relation to the Company issuing its own shares
The directors were granted authority at the annual general meeting on 
30 April 2009 to allot relevant securities up to a nominal amount of £716,731.
That authority will apply until the conclusion of this year’s annual general
meeting and a resolution to renew the authority will be proposed at the
forthcoming annual general meeting, as explained further in the circular 
to shareholders accompanying this document.

A special resolution will also be proposed to renew the directors’ power 
to make non-pre-emptive issues for cash, as explained in the circular
accompanying this document.

Purchase of own shares
At the annual general meeting on 30 April 2009, a resolution was passed giving
the directors authority to make market purchases of its shares up to 4,300,385
shares at a maximum price based on the market price of a share at the relevant
time, as set out in the resolution. No purchases of shares were made during the
year pursuant to this authority. The authority expires on 30 April 2010 and a
resolution to renew the authority will be proposed at the forthcoming annual
general meeting, as explained further in the circular to shareholders
accompanying this document.

Significant agreements
There are no agreements between the Company and its directors or
employees providing for compensation for loss of office or employment
occurring because of a takeover bid. The Group’s banking facilities are
described in the business review on page 33; its facilities for surety bonding
provide for payment of cash collateral of outstanding bonds upon a change 
of control of the Company.

Directors
The names of the directors as at the date of this report are set out below under
Directors’ interests. All of these directors held office throughout the year except
for Patrick De Smedt, who was appointed as a non-executive director with
effect from 1 December 2009. Jon Walden will be retiring at the annual general
meeting and will not be seeking re-election. Bernard Asher retired at the annual
general meeting in April 2009 and so is not listed in the table below. 

Patrick De Smedt, having been appointed by the directors during the year, will
retire and stand for election at the annual general meeting. In addition, Simon
Gulliford, having been appointed with effect from 1 March 2010, will retire and
stand for election at the annual general meeting. Their biographical details,
including details of significant external commitments, are set out on page 63.

Directors’ interests
The interests of the directors, all of which are beneficial, in the shares of the
Company are given below:

John Morgan
Paul Smith
David Mulligan
Paul Whitmore
Jon Walden
Gill Barr
Geraldine Gallacher
Adrian Martin
Patrick De Smedt

2009
No. of shares

2008
No. of shares 

4,497,508 4,497,508
205,503
16,954
51,257
2,000
1,013
7,772
–
–

213,749
22,508
60,328
2,000
1,013
7,772
2,000
–

There have been no changes in the interests of the directors between
31 December 2009 and 22 February 2010. 

The directors’ share options and interests in shares under long-term share
incentive and other schemes are set out in the remuneration report on 
pages 68 to 74.

Directors’ indemnities
The Articles entitle the directors of the Company to be indemnified, to the
extent permitted by the Act and any other applicable legislation, out of the
assets of the Company in the event that they suffer any loss or incur any
liability in connection with the execution of their duties as directors.

In addition, and in common with many other companies, the Company had
during the year and continues to have in place directors’ and officers’ insurance
in favour of its directors and other officers in respect of certain losses or liability
to which they may be exposed due to their office.

Morgan Sindall Annual report and accounts 2009
Directors’ report: governance

About Morgan Sindall
Directors’ report: business review
Directors’ report: governance
Consolidated financial statements
Company financial statements
Shareholder information

77

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129

Disclosure of information to the external auditors
The directors who held office at the date of approval of this directors’ 
report confirm that, so far as they are each aware, there is no relevant audit
information of which the Company’s auditors are unaware; and each director
has taken all the steps that he or she ought to have taken as a director in 
order to make himself or herself aware of any relevant audit information 
and to establish that the Company’s auditors are aware of that information. 
This confirmation is given and should be interpreted in accordance with 
the provisions of section 418 of the Act.

External auditors 
Deloitte LLP has expressed its willingness to continue in office as external
auditors and a resolution to reappoint it will be proposed at the forthcoming
annual general meeting. 

Annual general meeting
The annual general meeting of the Company will be held at the offices 
of RBS Hoare Govett, 250 Bishopsgate, London EC2M 4AA on 6 May 2010 
at 12.00 noon. The formal notice convening the annual general meeting
together with explanatory notes can be found in the separate circular
accompanying this document and is available on the Company’s website 
at www.morgansindall.com. Shareholders will also find enclosed with this
document a form of proxy for use in connection with the meeting. 

The directors’ report from pages 17 to 78 inclusive was approved by the 
Board and signed on its behalf by:

Mary Nettleship
Company Secretary
23 February 2010 

Substantial shareholdings 
As at 22 February 2010, the Company had been notified of the following
interests in voting rights attaching to the Company’s shares in accordance 
with the Disclosure and Transparency Rules:

Name of holder

Aviva plc
John Morgan
Standard Life Investments Ltd
John James Clifford Lovell
Aberdeen Asset Management plc
JPMorgan Chase & Co
Barclays Global Investors

No. of 
shares

Percentage
of total

5,610,187
4,497,508
3,904,497
2,415,273
2,161,387
2,123,287
1,303,861

12.99%
10.42%
9.05%
5.60%
5.01%
4.92%
3.02%

Research and development
The Group undertakes some research and development activity in creating
innovative construction techniques and design integral to the delivery of its
projects. The direct spending incurred is not separately identifiable as the
investment is usually contained within project work performed for customers.

Employment 
The average number of employees in the Group during the year is given in
note 3 to the consolidated financial statements on page 94.

Information on the Group’s employment policies and practices, including 
its policies on equal opportunities for disabled employees and employee
involvement are included in the sustainability review on pages 34 to 37. 
Details of the Company’s share option schemes are set out in note 24 of 
the consolidated financial statements on pages 106 to 107.

Supplier payment policy 
The Company’s policy, which is also adopted by the Group, is to agree clearly
and set down terms of payment with suppliers and subcontractors when
agreeing the terms for each transaction and to make payments in accordance
with its obligations, save in cases of genuine dispute.

As at 31 December 2009 the Group’s number of creditor days outstanding 
was equivalent to 23 days’ purchases (2008: 24 days), based on the average
daily amount invoiced by suppliers during the year.

Political and charitable contributions
During the year the Group made charitable donations of £118,950 (2008:
£79,105), principally to local charities serving the communities in which it
operates. More details of the Group’s involvement in the community can 
be found in the sustainability review on pages 34 to 37. 

No contributions were made to any political parties during the current 
or preceding year. 

Fixed assets
There is no material difference between the book value and current 
market value of the Group’s interest in land and buildings. 

Directors’ report: governance

78 Morgan Sindall Annual report and accounts 2009
Governance
Statement of directors’ responsibilities

The directors are responsible for preparing the annual report and the financial
statements in accordance with applicable law and regulations.

Responsibility statement 
We confirm that to the best of our knowledge:

Company law requires the directors to prepare 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 (‘IFRS’) as adopted by the European Union and Article 4 of the IAS
Regulation and have elected to prepare the parent company financial
statements in accordance with United Kingdom Generally Accepted
Accounting Practice (United Kingdom Accounting Standards and applicable
law). Under company law the directors must not approve the accounts 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 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; and

the management report, which is incorporated into the directors’ 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.

By order of the Board

Paul Smith
Chief Executive
23 February 2010

David Mulligan
Finance Director
23 February 2010

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

select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently;

make judgments and accounting estimates that are reasonable and prudent;

state whether applicable UK Accounting Standards have 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 are 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.

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

Morgan Sindall Annual report and accounts 2009
Consolidated financial statements

About Morgan Sindall
Directors’ report: business review
Directors’ report: governance
Consolidated financial statements
Company financial statements
Shareholder information

79

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129

Consolidated

financial 
statements

The Group’s consolidated financial
statements for the financial year
ended 31 December 2009

Consolidated financial statements

80 Morgan Sindall Annual report and accounts 2009
Consolidated financial statements
Independent auditors’ report 

Matters on which we are required to report by exception
We have nothing to report in respect of the following:

Under the Companies Act 2006 we are required to report to you if, 
in our opinion:

certain disclosures of directors’ remuneration specified by law are 
not made; or

we have not received all the information and explanations we require 
for our audit.

Under the Listing Rules we are required to review:

the directors’ statement contained within the financial review in relation 
to going concern; and

the part of the corporate governance statement relating to the Company’s
compliance with the nine provisions of the June 2008 Combined Code
specified for our review.

Other matter
We have reported separately on the parent company financial statements 
of Morgan Sindall plc for the year ended and on the information in the
remuneration report that is described as having been audited.

Ian Krieger
(Senior Statutory Auditor)
for and on behalf of Deloitte LLP
Chartered Accountants and Statutory Auditors 
London, United Kingdom
23 February 2010

Independent auditors’ report to the members of Morgan Sindall plc 
We have audited the Group financial statements of Morgan Sindall plc for the
year ended 31 December 2009 which comprise the consolidated income
statement, the consolidated statement of comprehensive income, the
consolidated balance sheet, the consolidated cash flow statement, the
consolidated statement of changes in equity, the significant accounting
policies and the related notes 1 to 30. The financial reporting framework 
that has been applied in their preparation is applicable law and International
Financial Reporting Standards (‘IFRS’) as adopted by the European Union.

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 auditors’ report and for 
no other purpose. To the fullest extent permitted by law, we do not accept or
assume responsibility to anyone other than the Company and the Company’s
members as a body, for our audit work, for this report, or for the opinions we
have formed.

Respective responsibilities of directors and auditors
As explained more fully in the statement of directors’ responsibilities, the
directors are responsible for the preparation of the Group financial statements
and for being satisfied that they give a true and fair view. Our responsibility is 
to audit the Group financial statements in accordance with applicable law and
International Standards on Auditing (UK and Ireland). Those standards require
us to comply with the Auditing Practices Board’s (APB’s) Ethical Standards 
for Auditors.

Scope of the audit of the financial statements
An audit involves obtaining evidence about the amounts and disclosures 
in the financial statements sufficient to give reasonable assurance that the
financial statements are free from material misstatement, whether caused 
by fraud or error. This includes an assessment of: whether the accounting
policies are appropriate to the Group’s circumstances and have been
consistently applied and adequately disclosed; the reasonableness of 
significant accounting estimates made by the directors; and the overall
presentation of the financial statements.

Opinion on financial statements
In our opinion the Group financial statements:

give a true and fair view of the state of the Group’s affairs as at 31 December
2009 and of its profit for the year then ended;

have been properly prepared in accordance with IFRS as adopted by the
European Union; and

have been prepared in accordance with the requirements of the Companies
Act 2006 and Article 4 of the IAS Regulation.

Opinion on other matters prescribed by the Companies Act 2006
In our opinion:

the information given in the directors’ report for the financial year for which
the financial statements are prepared is consistent with the Group financial
statements; and

the information given in the corporate governance statement with respect 
to internal control and risk management systems in relation to financial
reporting processes and about share capital structures is consistent with 
the financial statements.

Consolidated financial statements
Consolidated income statement 
for the year ended 31 December 2009

Continuing operations
Revenue
Cost of sales

Gross profit

Amortisation of intangible assets
Other administrative expenses

Total administrative expenses

Share of net profit of equity accounted joint ventures

Profit from operations

Finance income
Finance costs

Net finance income

Profit before income tax expense

Income tax expense

Profit for the year

Attributable to:
Owners of the Company
Minority interests

Earnings per share
From continuing operations 
Basic
Diluted

There were no discontinued operations in either the current or comparative year.

Consolidated statement of comprehensive income
for the year ended 31 December 2009

Profit for the year

Other comprehensive income/(expense): 
Actuarial losses arising on defined benefit obligation 
Movement on cash flow hedges in equity accounted joint ventures 

Other comprehensive income/(expense) for the year, net of income tax

Total comprehensive income for the year

Attributable to: 
Owners of the Company 
Minority interests 

Morgan Sindall Annual report and accounts 2009
Consolidated financial statements

About Morgan Sindall
Directors’ report: business review
Directors’ report: governance
Consolidated financial statements
Company financial statements
Shareholder information

81

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129

Notes

2009
£m

2008
£m

1

2,213.5
(1,993.0)

2,548.1
(2,297.8)

1, 2, 9

1, 12

1

5
5

1

6

2

8
8

Notes 

19 
12 

220.5

(6.8)
(170.1)

(176.9)

0.1

43.7

3.3
(2.3)

1.0

44.7

(11.8)

32.9

33.0
(0.1)

32.9

250.3

(9.1)
(185.8)

(194.9)

2.6

58.0

9.4
(5.1)

4.3

62.3

(17.5)

44.8

44.8
–

44.8

77.9p
77.1p

106.3p
105.1p

2009 
£m 

32.9 

(0.6) 
0.6 

–

32.9 

33.0 
(0.1) 

32.9 

2008
£m

44.8

(0.2)
(0.1)

(0.3)

44.5

44.5
–

44.5

Consolidated financial statements

82 Morgan Sindall Annual report and accounts 2009
Consolidated financial statements
Consolidated balance sheet
at 31 December 2009

Non-current assets
Goodwill 
Other intangible assets 
Property, plant and equipment 
Investment property 
Investments in equity accounted joint ventures 
Investments 
Shared equity loan receivables 
Deferred tax assets 

Current assets
Inventories 
Amounts due from construction contract customers 
Trade and other receivables 
Cash and cash equivalents 

Total assets

Current liabilities
Trade and other payables 
Amounts due to construction contract customers 
Current tax liabilities 
Finance lease liabilities 

Net current liabilities

Non-current liabilities
Trade and other payables 
Finance lease liabilities 
Retirement benefit obligation 
Provisions 

Total liabilities
Net assets

Equity
Share capital 
Share premium account 
Capital redemption reserve 
Own shares 
Hedging reserve 
Retained earnings 

Equity attributable to owners of the Company
Minority interest 

Total equity

Notes 

9 
9 
10 
11 
1, 12 

13 
20 

14 
16 
15 
29 

1 

17 
16 

18 

17 
18 
19 
21 

24 

2009 
£m 

184.4 
16.6 
31.3 
1.8 
50.2 
0.1 
9.0 
3.8 

297.2 

141.2 
179.7 
155.1 
117.7 

593.7 
890.9 

(576.3) 
(49.0) 
(27.3) 
(1.8) 

(654.4) 
(60.7) 

(0.1) 
(7.1) 
(3.2) 
(16.8) 

(27.2) 
(681.6) 
209.3 

2.2 
26.7 
0.6 
(6.0) 
(1.7) 
187.6 

209.4 
(0.1) 

209.3 

2008
£m

183.3
23.4
32.7
–
53.0
0.1
–
2.7

295.2

171.3
189.2
209.0
120.3

689.8
985.0

(675.2)
(78.3)
(8.5)
(1.9)

(763.9)
(74.1)

(0.1)
(7.4)
(3.0)
(18.3)

(28.8)
(792.7)
192.3

2.2
26.6
0.6
(6.4)
(2.3)
171.6

192.3
–

192.3

The consolidated financial statements of Morgan Sindall plc (company number 00521970) were approved by the Board and authorised for issue on 23 February
2010 and signed on its behalf by:

Paul Smith
Chief Executive

David Mulligan
Finance Director

Consolidated financial statements
Consolidated cash flow statement
for the year ended 31 December 2009

Net cash inflow/(outflow) from operating activities 

Cash flows from investing activities
Interest received 
Dividend from joint ventures 
Proceeds on disposal of property, plant and equipment 
Purchases of property, plant and equipment 
Payments to acquire interests in joint ventures 
Payment for the acquisition of a subsidiary 

Net cash outflow from investing activities

Cash flows from financing activities
Net payments to acquire own shares 
Dividends paid 
Repayments of obligations under finance leases 
Proceeds on issue of share capital 

Net cash outflow from financing activities
Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents 
Cash and cash equivalents at the beginning of the year 

Cash and cash equivalents at the end of the year
Bank balances and cash 

Morgan Sindall Annual report and accounts 2009
Consolidated financial statements

About Morgan Sindall
Directors’ report: business review
Directors’ report: governance
Consolidated financial statements
Company financial statements
Shareholder information

83

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129

Notes 

26 

12 

12 
25 

2009 
£m 

25.0 

3.4 
2.2 
1.0
(7.5) 
(4.2) 
(1.1) 

(6.2) 

(0.1) 
(17.7) 
(3.7) 
0.1 

(21.4) 
(2.6) 
120.3 

2008
£m

(65.5)

9.2
–
0.8
(8.4)
(12.4)
–

(10.8)

(0.9)
(16.9)
(4.9)
0.4

(22.3)
(98.6)
218.9

117.7 

120.3

Consolidated financial statements

84 Morgan Sindall Annual report and accounts 2009
Consolidated financial statements
Consolidated statement of changes in equity
for the year ended 31 December 2009

Share
capital 
£m 

2.1 

Share
premium
account
£m 

26.3 

Attributable to owners of the Company 

Capital
redemption
reserve
£m 

Reserve for
own shares
held 
£m 

Cash flow
hedging
reserve 
£m 

0.6 

(5.5) 

(2.2) 

Balance at 1 January 2008 

Total comprehensive income for the year: 
Net profit 
Other comprehensive income: 

Actuarial losses arising on defined 
benefit obligation (note 19) 

Movement on cash flow hedges in equity 
accounted joint ventures (note 12) 

Total comprehensive income for 
the year, net of income tax 

Share-based payments 
Issue of shares at a premium 
Exercise of share options 
Movement on deferred tax asset on 

share-based payments 

Own shares acquired in the year 
Dividends paid: 

Final dividend for 2007 
Interim dividend for 2008 

Balance at 31 December 2008 

Balance at 1 January 2009 

Total comprehensive income for the year: 
Net profit 
Other comprehensive income: 

Actuarial losses arising on defined 
benefit obligation (note 19) 

Movement on cash flow hedges in equity 
accounted joint ventures (note 12) 

Total comprehensive income for 
the year, net of income tax 

Share-based payments 
Issue of shares at a premium 
Exercise of share options 
Movement on deferred tax asset 
on share-based payments 
Own shares acquired in the year 
Dividends paid: 

Final dividend for 2008 
Interim dividend for 2009 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 
– 
0.1 

– 
– 

– 
– 

2.2 

2.2 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 
– 
– 

– 
– 

– 
– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 
0.3 
– 

– 
– 

– 
– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 
– 
– 

– 
– 

– 
– 

26.6 

26.6 

0.6 

0.6 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 
0.1 
– 

– 
– 

– 
– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 
– 
– 

– 
– 

– 
– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 
– 
1.9 

– 
(2.8) 

– 
– 

(6.4) 

(6.4) 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 
– 
0.5 

– 
(0.1) 

– 
– 

(0.1) 

44.6 

Retained
earnings 
£m 

144.4 

Total 
£m 

165.7 

44.8 

44.8 

(0.2) 

– 

2.3 
– 
(1.9) 

(0.8) 
– 

(11.9) 
(5.1) 

171.6 

171.6 

(0.2) 

(0.1) 

44.5 

2.3 
0.3 
0.1 

(0.8) 
(2.8) 

(11.9) 
(5.1) 

192.3 

192.3 

Minority
interests 
£m 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 
– 
– 

– 
– 

– 
– 

– 

– 

Total
equity
£m 

165.7 

44.8 

(0.2)

(0.1)

44.5 

2.3 
0.3 
0.1 

(0.8)
(2.8)

(11.9)
(5.1) 

192.3 

192.3 

33.0 

33.0 

(0.1) 

32.9 

(0.6) 

– 

32.4 

1.0 
– 
(0.5) 

0.8 
– 

(12.7) 
(5.0) 

(0.6) 

0.6 

– 

– 

(0.6)

0.6 

33.0 

(0.1) 

32.9 

1.0 
0.1 
– 

0.8 
(0.1) 

(12.7) 
(5.0) 

– 
– 
– 

– 
– 

– 
– 

1.0 
0.1 
– 

0.8 
(0.1)

(12.7)
(5.0)

– 

– 

(0.1) 

– 
– 
– 

– 
– 

– 
– 

(2.3) 

(2.3) 

– 

– 

0.6 

0.6 

– 
– 
– 

– 
– 

– 
– 

Balance at 31 December 2009 

2.2 

26.7 

0.6 

(6.0) 

(1.7) 

187.6 

209.4 

(0.1) 

209.3

Share premium account 
The share premium account represents the difference between the fair value of consideration received and the nominal value of the shares issued.

Capital redemption reserve 
The capital redemption reserve was created on the redemption of preference shares in 2003.

Reserve for own shares held 
The shares are held as ‘treasury shares’ and represent the cost to Morgan Sindall plc of shares purchased in the market and held by the Trust to satisfy options
under the Group’s share incentive schemes (note 24).

The number of shares held by the Trust at 31 December 2009 was 797,034 (2008: 840,864). 

Cash flow hedging reserve 
Under cash flow hedge accounting, movements on the effective portion of hedges are recognised through the hedging reserve, whilst any ineffectiveness is
taken to the income statement.

Consolidated financial statements
Significant accounting policies

Morgan Sindall Annual report and accounts 2009
Consolidated financial statements

About Morgan Sindall
Directors’ report: business review
Directors’ report: governance
Consolidated financial statements
Company financial statements
Shareholder information

85

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129

Reporting entity
Morgan Sindall plc (‘the Company’), is a company domiciled and incorporated
in the UK. The nature of the Group’s operations and its principal activities are 
set out in note 1 and in the business review on pages 17 to 60. The report and
accounts includes the consolidated financial statements of the Company and
its subsidiaries (collectively referred to as the ‘Group’) and the Group’s interest 
in joint ventures and separate financial statements for the Company.

Basis of preparation 
(a) Statement of compliance
The consolidated financial statements have been prepared on a going concern
basis as discussed in the business review on page 33 and in accordance with
International Financial Reporting Standards (‘IFRS’) adopted by the European
Union and therefore comply with Article 4 of the EU IAS Regulation. The
consolidated financial statements are prepared in accordance with those parts
of the Companies Act 2006 applicable to companies reporting under IFRS.

(b) Basis of measurement
The consolidated financial statements have been prepared on the historical
cost basis, except where otherwise indicated. 

(c) Functional and presentation currency
These consolidated financial statements are presented in pounds sterling,
which is the Group’s functional currency. All financial information, unless
otherwise stated, has been rounded to the nearest £0.1m.

(d) Changes in accounting policy and disclosures
(i) New and revised accounting standards adopted by the Group
The Group has adopted the following new, amended and revised standards
and interpretations from 1 January 2009:

IFRS 2 (amendment) ‘Share-based Payment’: clarifies that vesting conditions
of a share-based payment are service and performance conditions only.
Other features are non-vesting conditions, which must be taken into account
when determining the fair value at the grant date and a failure to meet such
conditions is treated as a cancellation. Adoption of this amendment has not
had a material impact on the Group’s consolidated financial statements.

IFRS 7 (amendment) ‘Financial Instruments Disclosures’: expands disclosures
required in respect of fair value measurement and liquidity risk. The
amendment specifically requires fair value disclosures to be made by 
each class of financial instrument with an increasing level of fair value
measurement disclosure depending on the instrument’s position in 
the prescribed fair value hierarchy.

IFRS 8 ‘Operating Segments’: requires disclosure of operating segment
information on the same basis as that used to present information internally
to the Chief Operating Decision Maker. Adoption of this standard has only
impacted disclosure and presentation with the Investments segment being
disclosed for the first time separately.

IAS 1 (revised) ‘Presentation of Financial Statements’: requires certain
classification and presentational changes to the Group’s primary
consolidated financial statements. There has been no impact on the 
Group’s consolidated financial statements.

IAS 23 (revised) ‘Borrowing Costs’: requires the capitalisation of borrowing
costs attributable to the acquisition, construction or production of a
qualifying asset as part of the cost of that asset. The previously available
option to immediately expense these borrowing costs has been removed.
Adoption of this revision is prospective (from 1 January 2009) and there has
been no material impact on the Group’s consolidated financial statements.

International Financial Reporting Interpretations Committee (‘IFRIC’) 15
‘Agreements for the Construction of Real Estate’: as the Group already
accounts for the construction of real estate in accordance with this IFRIC,
there has been no impact on the Group’s consolidated financial statements.

IFRIC 14 – IAS 19 ‘The Limit on a Defined Benefit Asset, Minimum Funding
Requirements and their Interaction’: provides guidance on how to assess the
limit of IAS 19 ‘Employee Benefits’ on the amount of a surplus that can be
recognised as an asset. As the Group’s defined benefit plan is currently in 
a deficit position, adoption of this interpretation has had no impact on the
Group’s consolidated financial statements.

Part 1 of the improvements to IFRS project: required a number of smaller
amendments to existing IFRS that had implementation dates throughout
2009. None of these have had an impact on the Group’s consolidated
financial statements.

(ii) Accounting standards, amendments and interpretations to existing
standards not yet effective and not adopted early by the Group
The following have been published and, when approved by the EU, will be
mandatory for periods beginning on or after 1 January 2010 and have not
been adopted early by the Group:

IFRS 2 (amendment) ‘Group cash-settled and share-based payment
transactions’: expands guidance issued as part of IFRIC 11 on group share-
based payment arrangements with the aim of addressing the classification of
group arrangements not covered in that interpretation. This is not expected
to have a material impact on the Group’s consolidated financial statements.

IFRS 3 (revised) ‘Business Combinations’: requires the expensing of 
all acquisition related transaction costs (previously certain costs could 
be capitalised) and the recognition and measurement of contingent
consideration at fair value, with subsequent changes in fair value usually
taken through the income statement. The revision also provides the option
of measuring non-controlling interests at fair value. The revised standard 
is prospective and will only affect business combinations effected from
1 January 2010.

IAS 27 (revised) ‘Consolidated and Separate Financial Statements’: primarily
relates to the accounting for non-controlling interests (partial and step-
acquisitions) and the loss of control. Similar to the revised IFRS 3, this revised
standard will only impact transactions in the Group’s consolidated financial
statements from 1 January 2010.

IAS 38 (amendment) ‘Intangible Assets’: the amendment is part of the 
annual improvements project and will apply from 1 January 2010 when 
IFRS 3 (revised) is adopted. The amendment clarifies guidance in relation 
to measuring the fair value of an intangible asset acquired in a business
combination and permits the grouping of intangible assets as a single asset 
if the assets have similar economic lives. This is not expected to have a
material impact on the Group’s consolidated financial statements.

IFRIC 12 ‘Service Concession Arrangements’: the Group currently classifies
financial assets arising from its service concession arrangements as available
for sale financial assets. However, under IFRIC 12, where a concession
conveys to the operator a right to charge users for the public sector asset 
it has constructed or upgraded, that intangible asset must be bifurcated 
and recognised separately from the finance debtor component. The
intangible asset will then need to be amortised and assessed for impairment.
Adoption of this IFRIC is not expected to have a material impact on the
Group’s consolidated financial statements although additional disclosures 
will be required.

Consolidated financial statements

86 Morgan Sindall Annual report and accounts 2009
Consolidated financial statements
Significant accounting policies

IFRIC 18 ‘Transfers of Assets from Customers’: clarifies the treatment where
an item of property, plant or equipment is received from a customer to
connect to an ongoing supply of goods and services. This is not expected 
to have a material impact on the Group’s consolidated financial statements.

International Accounting Standards Board (‘IASB’) annual improvements
2008 – 2009: requires a number of smaller amendments to existing
International Financial Reporting Standards with implementation dates 
at various points throughout 2010. The impact of these amendments is
currently being assessed.

IFRS 9 ‘Classification and Measurement’: aims to simplify the classification 
and measurement of financial instruments according to a business model
approach, which requires recognition and measurement according to how
an entity manages its financial instruments and the contractual cash flow
characteristics of the financial assets. Although approved by the IASB, this 
has not been endorsed by the EU and endorsement is not expected until 
the complete IAS 39 replacement programme is complete. 

IAS 24 (revised) ‘Related Party Transactions’: simplifies the disclosure
requirements for government-related entities and clarifies the definition 
of a related party. This is not expected to have a material impact on the
Group’s financial statement disclosures.

Amendment to IFRIC 9 ‘Reassessment of Embedded Derivatives’ and IAS 39
‘Financial Instruments: Recognition and Disclosure’: clarifies that where an
entity has taken advantage of the reclassification amendment issued by the
IASB in late 2008 (allowing certain financial instruments to be reclassified
from fair value through profit or loss to amortised cost), an assessment has 
to be made for embedded derivatives with separate accounting if necessary
in the financial statements. This amendment has no impact on the Group
consolidated financial statements as the 2008 amendment was not applied.

(e) Restatement of comparative balances
Certain comparatives have been reclassified to conform to the current year’s
presentation.

(f) Critical accounting judgments and key sources of estimation uncertainty
The preparation of financial statements under International Financial 
Reporting Standards requires management to make judgments, estimates 
and assumptions that affect the application of accounting policies and the
reported amounts of assets, liabilities, income and expense. Actual results 
may differ from these estimates.

Estimates and assumptions are reviewed on an ongoing basis and any revision
to estimates or assumptions are recognised in the period in which they are
revised.

(i) Critical accounting judgments
The following are critical judgments, apart from those involving estimations
(which are dealt with separately below), that the directors have made in the
process of applying the Group’s accounting policies and that have the most
significant effect on the amounts recognised in the consolidated financial
statements.

Accounting for tax in relation to the Amec acquisition fair value adjustments 
The Group is in discussion with HMRC concerning the corporation tax
treatment of the fair value adjustments which arose following the 2007
acquisition from Amec. As a result of these discussions, the Group received
£9.5m in provisional corporation tax repayments from HMRC during 2009,
and reduced payments which it would otherwise have made to HMRC
during the year by £9.2m. No benefit has been recognised in the tax charge
in the income statement in respect of this matter, as discussions are at an
early stage and the eventual outcome is unclear. In total the Group received
a net corporation tax repayment of £7.7m during 2009 (2008: net payment
of £18.9m).

(ii) Key sources of estimation uncertainty
The key assumptions concerning the future, and other key sources of
estimation at the balance sheet date, that have a significant risk of causing 
a material adjustment to the carrying value of assets and liabilities within the
next financial year are discussed below.

Accounting for construction and service contracts 
Recognition of revenue and margin is based on judgments made in respect
of the ultimate profitability of a contract. Such judgments are arrived at
through the use of estimates in relation to the costs and value of work
performed to date and to be performed in bringing contracts to completion,
including satisfaction of maintenance responsibilities. These estimates are
made by reference to recovery of pre-contract costs, surveys of progress
against the construction programme, changes in work scope, the contractual
terms under which the work is being performed, costs incurred, and external
certification of the work performed. The Group has appropriate control
procedures to ensure all estimates are determined on a consistent basis 
and subject to appropriate review and authorisation.

Recognition and measurement of intangible assets
The Group recognises certain intangible assets in respect of secured
customer contracts, other contracts and related relationships, software, a
non-compete agreement and goodwill. The recognition and subsequent
measurement of these intangible assets requires management to make
certain assumptions and estimates, particularly in respect of the future
potential benefits to be derived and the estimated useful lives over which 
the future economic benefits are expected to flow to the Group. To assist in
making these judgments, the directors engaged an independent expert to
assist in the determination of the fair values and the estimated useful lives 
of these assets. 

Impairment of goodwill and other intangible assets
Goodwill and other intangible assets are subject to an impairment test 
on an annual basis or earlier where any event or change in circumstance 
is identified that indicates that the carrying value may not be recoverable.
Testing for impairment requires a comparison of the carrying amount of
goodwill and other intangible assets against the recoverable amount, which is
the value-in-use of the cash-generating unit to which the goodwill and other
intangible assets are allocated.

Value-in-use requires estimation of the future cash flows expected from the
cash-generating unit as well as an appropriate growth factor and discount
rate to calculate the present value of the cash flows. 

Impairment of work in progress
In assessing whether work in progress is impaired, estimates are made of
future sales revenue, timing and build costs. The Group has controls in place
to ensure that estimates of sales revenue are consistent, and external
valuations are used where appropriate.

Accounting for the Group’s defined benefit plan
The directors engage an independent and qualified actuary to calculate the
Group’s liability in respect of the defined benefit plan. In order to arrive at this
valuation, certain assumptions in respect of discount rates, salary escalations,
expected return on the plan’s assets and future pension increases have been
made. Estimates and judgments regarding future mortality are derived using
published statistics and mortality tables. As the actual rates of increase and
mortality may differ from those assumed, the actual pension liability may
differ from that recognised in these consolidated financial statements. 

Insurance provisions
In valuing the provision for the Group’s retained insurance risks, estimates 
are made of the rate of occurrence and severity of events for which the
Group will bear liability and external valuations are used where appropriate.

Morgan Sindall Annual report and accounts 2009
Consolidated financial statements

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87

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is recorded as goodwill. If the cost of the acquisition is less than the fair value 
of the net assets of the subsidiary acquired, the difference is immediately
recognised in the income statement. Minority interests in the net assets of
consolidated subsidiaries are identified separately from the Group’s equity
therein. Minority interests consist of the amount of those interests at the date
of the original business combination (see below) and the minority’s share 
of the changes in equity since the date of the combination.

(a) Subsidiaries
Subsidiaries are entities that are controlled by the Group. Control is exerted
where the Group has the power to govern, directly or indirectly, the financial
and operating policies of the entity so as to obtain economic benefits from 
its activities. Typically a shareholding of more than 50% of the voting rights is
indicative of control. However, the impact of potential voting rights currently
exercisable is taken into consideration.

The financial statements of subsidiaries are included in the consolidated
financial statements of the Group from the date that control commences 
to the date that control ceases. The accounting policies of new subsidiaries
have been changed where necessary to align them with those of the Group.

The interest of minority shareholders in the acquiree is initially measured 
at the minorities’ proportion of the net fair value of the assets and liabilities
recognised.

(b) Joint ventures
A joint venture is a contractual arrangement whereby two or more parties
undertake an economic activity that is subject to joint control, which requires
unanimous consent for strategic financial and operating decisions. 

(i) Jointly controlled entities
A jointly controlled entity is a joint venture that involves the establishment of a
corporation, partnership or other entity in which each venturer has an interest.
The results, assets and liabilities of jointly controlled entities are incorporated in
the financial statements using the equity method of accounting.

Goodwill relating to a joint venture which is acquired directly is included in the
carrying amount of the investment and is not amortised. After application of
the equity method, the Group’s investments in joint ventures are reviewed to
determine whether any additional impairment loss in relation to the net
investment in the joint venture is required. When there is a change recognised
directly in the equity of the joint venture, the Group recognises its share of any
change and discloses this, where applicable, in the statement of recognised
income and expense.

Where the Group’s share of losses exceeds its equity accounted investment 
in a joint venture, the carrying amount of the equity is reduced to nil and the
recognition of further losses is discontinued except to the extent that the
Group has incurred legal or constructive obligations. Appropriate adjustment is
made to the results of joint ventures where material differences exist between
the joint ventures’ accounting policies and those of the Group.

Dividend income from investments is recognised when the shareholders’ rights
to receive payment have been established.

Private Finance Initiative (‘PFI’)/Private Public Partnership (‘PPP’) derivative
financial instruments
Certain Group joint ventures use swaps to hedge interest rate and Retail Price
Index (inflation) risk to which PFI/PPP concessions are exposed. These are
initially recognised, and subsequently re-measured at each year end, at fair
value derived from current market rates. 

Financial receivables
In assessing the fair value of certain financial receivables, including trade
receivables and those held by joint ventures, estimates are made of future
cash flows and the appropriate discount rate to be used.

Tax
Judgments are required in establishing the Group’s liability to pay taxes 
where tax positions are uncertain. 

Share-based payments
Recognition and measurement of share-based payments requires estimation
of the fair value of awards at the date of grant and, for cash-settled awards,
re-measurement at each reporting date. Judgment is exercised when
estimating the number of awards that will ultimately vest and these
estimates have a significant impact on the amounts recognised in the
income statement and the balance sheet. To assist in determining each
award’s fair value, the directors engage a qualified and independent valuation
expert. Assumptions in relation to the number of awards that will ultimately
vest is based on estimates at the reporting date of the extent to which
performance conditions are anticipated to be satisfied, anticipated future
lapses by leavers and the current intrinsic value of those awards. 

Recognition and measurement of embedded derivatives contained 
in shared equity loans
The Group’s balance sheet includes loans that arise on the sale of properties
under shared equity home ownership schemes which are recognised and
measured at fair value through profit or loss (as discussed in the Group’s
accounting policies). Because it is impracticable to obtain regular market
valuations on a property-by-property basis, except as required at repayment,
the Group makes judgments on the fair value of the loans on a portfolio
basis. This approach requires judgment on inputs used to determine fair
value and which include property price indices, the discount rate, the
anticipated loan duration and the expected rate of debtor default.
Assumptions made in relation to these inputs have a material impact 
on the carrying value of the loan portfolio recognised on the balance 
sheet and the fair value movement recognised in the income statement.

The accounting policies as set out below have been applied consistently 
to all periods presented in these consolidated financial statements. 

Basis of consolidation
The consolidated financial statements incorporate the financial statements 
of the Company and the entities controlled by the Company (its subsidiaries),
together with the Group’s share of the results of joint ventures made up to
31 December each year. The acquisition of subsidiaries is accounted for using
the purchase method. The cost of the acquisition is measured at the fair value,
at the date of acquisition, of assets given, liabilities incurred or assumed, and
equity instruments issued by the Group in exchange for control of the acquiree,
plus any costs directly attributable to the business combination. The acquiree’s
identifiable assets (including previously unrecognised intangible assets),
liabilities and contingent liabilities that meet the conditions for recognition are
recognised at their fair value at the acquisition date. The excess of the cost of
acquisition over the fair value of the Group’s share of the identifiable net assets

Consolidated financial statements

88 Morgan Sindall Annual report and accounts 2009
Consolidated financial statements
Significant accounting policies

(ii) Jointly controlled operations
Construction contracts carried out in joint venture without the establishment 
of a legal entity are jointly controlled operations. The Group’s share of the
results and net assets of these jointly controlled operations are included under
each relevant heading in the income statement and balance sheet.

(e) Government grants
Funding received in respect of developer grants, where funding is awarded to
encourage the building and renovation of affordable housing, is recognised as
revenue on a stage of completion basis over the life of the project to which the
funding relates.

(c) Transactions eliminated on consolidation
Intra-group balances and transactions, and any unrealised income and expense
arising from intra-group transactions, are eliminated in preparing the
consolidated financial statements. Unrealised gains arising from transactions
with equity accounted investments are eliminated to the extent of the Group’s
interest in that investment. Unrealised losses are eliminated in the same way as
unrealised gains, but only to the extent that there is no evidence of impairment.

Revenue and margin recognition
Revenue and margin are recognised as follows:

(a) Construction contracts
Revenue comprises the fair value of construction carried out in the year based
on an internal assessment of work carried out. This assessment is carried out
by reference to the construction programme, the construction contract, costs
incurred, and external certification of the work performed. Once the outcome
of a construction contract can be estimated reliably, margin is recognised in 
the income statement on a stage of contract completion basis by reference 
to costs incurred to date and total forecast costs on the contract as a whole.
Losses expected in bringing a contract to completion are recognised
immediately in the income statement as soon as they are forecast.

Where houses for open market sale are included in a construction contract 
as part of a mixed tenure development, revenue on open market sales is
recognised on sale completion and margin is recognised using the same
principle as for the construction contract element of the development.

(b) Service contracts
Revenue comprises the fair value of work performed in the year based on 
an internal assessment of work carried out. This assessment is carried out by
reference to the service contract, costs incurred, surveys of work performed
and external certification of work performed.

(c) Sale of development properties 
Revenue from the sale of development properties is measured at the fair value
of the consideration received or receivable. Revenue is recognised when the
significant risks and rewards of ownership have been transferred to the buyer,
there is no continuing management involvement with the properties and the
amount of revenue can be estimated reliably.

The transfer of risks and rewards vary depending on the individual terms of the
contract of sale. For properties, transfer usually occurs when the ownership has
been legally transferred to the purchaser. Revenue from the sale of properties
taken in part exchange is not included in revenue.

(d) Pre-contract costs
Pre-contract costs incurred prior to the appointment as preferred bidder 
for a contract are expensed. 

Funding received to support the construction of housing where current market
prices would otherwise make a scheme financially unviable is recognised as
revenue on a legal completion basis when the properties to which it relates 
are sold.

Finance income and expense
Finance income comprises interest income on funds invested and other
interest. Interest income is recognised as it accrues in the income statement
using the effective interest rate method. 

Finance expense comprises interest on bank overdrafts, unwinding of the
discounts on provisions, impairment losses recognised on financial assets and
losses on hedging instruments recognised through the income statement. The
finance charge component of minimum lease payments made under finance
leases is also recognised as a finance expense using the effective interest rate
method.

Borrowing costs are recognised in the income statement on an effective
interest rate method in the period in which they are incurred except where
such costs relate to qualifying assets for which the commencement date 
for capitalisation was on or after 1 January 2009. Borrowing costs directly
attributable to the acquisition, construction or production of a qualifying 
asset are included as part of the cost of that asset.

Income tax
The income tax expense represents the current and deferred tax charges.
Income tax is recognised in the income statement except to the extent that 
it relates to items recognised directly in equity.

Current tax is the Group’s expected tax liability on taxable profit for the year
using tax rates enacted, or substantively enacted at the reporting date and 
any adjustments to tax payable in respect of previous years. 

Taxable profit differs from that reported in the income statement because it is
adjusted for items of income or expense that are assessable or deductible in
other years and is adjusted for items that are never assessable or deductible.

Deferred tax is recognised using the balance sheet method, providing for
temporary differences between the carrying amount of assets and liabilities 
for financial reporting purposes and the corresponding tax bases used in tax
computations. Deferred tax is not recognised for the initial recognition of assets
or liabilities in a transaction that is not a business combination and affects
neither accounting nor taxable profit, or differences relating to investments in
subsidiaries and joint ventures to the extent that it is probable that they will not
reverse in the foreseeable future. Deferred tax is not recognised for taxable
temporary differences arising on the initial recognition of goodwill.

Deferred tax is recognised on temporary differences which result in an
obligation at the balance sheet date to pay more tax, or a right to pay less tax,
at a future date, at the tax rates expected to apply when they reverse based on
the laws that have been enacted or substantively enacted at the reporting
date. Deferred tax assets are recognised to the extent that it is regarded as
more likely than not that they will be recovered. Deferred tax assets and
liabilities are not discounted and are only offset where there is a legally
enforceable right to offset current tax assets and liabilities.

Intangible assets
(a) Goodwill 
(i) Initial recognition
Goodwill arises on the acquisition of subsidiaries, associates, joint ventures and
other business assets and liabilities. Goodwill represents the excess of the cost
of acquisition over the Group’s interest in the net fair value of identifiable assets,
liabilities and contingent liabilities of the acquiree. Where that excess is negative
(i.e. negative goodwill), it is immediately recognised in the income statement.

Goodwill arising on acquisitions before the date of transition to IFRS has been
retained at the previous UK GAAP amounts subject to being tested for
impairment at that date. Goodwill written off to reserves under UK GAAP prior
to 1998 has not been reinstated and is not included in determining any
subsequent profit or loss on disposal.

(ii) Subsequent measurement
Goodwill is measured at cost less accumulated impairment losses. In respect 
of equity accounted investments, goodwill is included in the carrying amount
of the investment.

(iii) Impairment
Goodwill is subject to an impairment review on an annual basis or earlier 
where a factor or change in circumstance has been identified which may
indicate impairment. For the purpose of impairment testing, goodwill is
allocated to each of the cash-generating units of the Group at acquisition. 
The cash-generating units to which the goodwill has been allocated is 
the lowest level within the Group at which the goodwill is monitored for 
internal management purposes.

If the recoverable amount of the cash-generating unit is lower than the carrying
amount of the unit, then the impairment loss is first applied to the goodwill
allocated to the cash-generating unit and then to the other assets of the unit
on a pro-rata basis based on the carrying amount of each asset in the unit. Any
such impairment loss is recognised immediately in the income statement and
is not subsequently reversed.

(b) Other intangible assets
Other intangible assets, such as those identified on acquisition by the Group
that have finite useful lives, are recognised at fair value and measured at cost
less accumulated amortisation and impairment losses. 

The Group has the following significant classes of finite life intangible assets:

(i) Secured customer contracts
On acquisition, value is attributable to customer contracts to the extent that
future economic benefits are expected to flow from the contracts. The fair
value of customer contracts recognised in the Group financial statements 
has been determined with the assistance of an independent expert. Secured
customer contracts are amortised over their expected useful lives at a rate 
to match the expected future economic benefits.

(ii) Other contracts and related relationships
On acquisition, value is attributed to non-contractual relationships and other
contracts with long-standing or valued clients to the extent that future
economic benefits are expected to flow from the relationships. The fair value 
of other contracts and related relationships recognised in the Group financial
statements has been determined with the assistance of an independent
expert. Other contracts and related relationships are amortised over their
expected useful lives at a rate to match the expected future economic benefits.

Morgan Sindall Annual report and accounts 2009
Consolidated financial statements

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(iii) Software
Software acquired on acquisition is valued on a replacement cost basis and is
amortised over its expected useful life on a straight-line basis.

(iv) Non-compete agreements
Value is attributable to contractual non-compete agreements acquired through
acquisition to the extent that they ensure that the value paid for a business is
not diminished by the previous owner or its employees taking away revenue
through competition. Non-compete agreements are amortised over their
useful lives on a straight-line basis.

The estimated useful lives for the Group’s finite life intangible assets are:

secured customer contracts 

1–3 years

other contracts and related relationships

1–16 years

software

non-compete agreements

1–3 years

3 years.

Property, plant and equipment 
Freehold and leasehold properties, plant, machinery and equipment are stated
at cost less accumulated depreciation and any recognised impairment loss.
Depreciation is charged so as to write off the cost or valuation of assets, other
than land, over their estimated useful lives using the straight-line method on
the following bases:

plant, machinery and equipment

between 8.3% and 33% per annum

freehold property

leasehold property

2% per annum

over the period of the lease.

Assets held under finance leases are depreciated over their expected useful
lives on the same basis as owned assets or, where shorter, over the term of the
relevant lease. Residual values of property, plant and equipment are reviewed
and updated annually. Assets under construction are not depreciated until they
become available for productive use.

Gains and losses on disposal are determined by comparing the proceeds from
disposal against the carrying amount and are recognised in the income
statement.

The cost of replacing part of an item of property, plant and equipment is
recognised in the carrying amount only where it is probable that the future
economic benefits embodied within the part will flow to the Group and its 
cost can be measured reliably. The carrying amount of the replaced part is
derecognised.

Investment property 
Investment property, which is property held to earn rentals and/or capital
appreciation is stated at its fair value at the balance sheet date. Gains or losses
arising from changes in the fair value of investment property are included in 
the income statement for the period in which they arise.

Shared equity scheme receivables
The Group offers shared equity home ownership schemes under which
qualifying home buyers can defer payment of part of the agreed sales price up
to a maximum of 25% until the earlier of 10 years, remortgage or resale of the
property. On occurrence of one of these events, the Group will receive a
repayment based on its contributed equity percentage and the applicable
market value of the property as determined by a member of the Royal Institute
of Chartered Surveyors. Early or part repayment is allowable under the scheme
and amounts are secured by way of a second charge over the property.

Consolidated financial statements

90 Morgan Sindall Annual report and accounts 2009
Consolidated financial statements
Significant accounting policies

The shared equity loans receivable are a hybrid financial instrument consisting
of an initial principal component and an embedded derivative whose fair value
varies in accordance with movements in the specific property prices to which
the loan relates. The loans are non-interest bearing.

The Group has elected to designate the financial assets resulting from the
shared equity schemes as fair value through profit or loss. This election can
only be made at initial recognition and is irrevocable. As it is not practicable 
to obtain current market valuations on a property-by-property basis at each
reporting date, the fair value of the loans is calculated on a portfolio basis 
using region specific property price indices, a discount rate which reflects 
the prevailing interest rate and a suitable risk premium for the borrowers, an
anticipated loan duration and the expected rate of debtor default. Fair value
movements are recognised in operating profit and the resulting financial asset
is presented as a non-current receivable.

At each reporting date the accuracy of each of these assumptions is reviewed
and, where appropriate, adjusted to reflect changes in market conditions and
the Group’s experience with the debtors.

Revenue resulting from the sale of properties under the shared equity scheme
is recognised at the fair value of the consideration received or receivable. 

Inventories 
Inventories are stated at the lower of cost and net realisable value. The cost 
of work in progress comprises raw materials, direct labour, other direct costs
and related overheads. Net realisable value is the estimated selling price less
applicable costs.

(b) Operating leases
Rentals payable under operating leases are charged to income on a straight-
line basis over the term of the relevant lease.

Retirement benefit schemes
(a) Defined contribution plan
A defined contribution plan is a post-retirement benefit plan under which the
Group pays fixed contributions to a separate entity and has no legal or
constructive obligation to pay further amounts. The Group recognises payments
to defined contribution pension plans as staff costs in the income statement 
as and when they fall due. Prepaid contributions are recognised as an asset to 
the extent that a cash refund or reduction on future payments is available.

(b) Defined benefit plan
A defined benefit plan is a post-retirement plan other than a defined
contribution plan. The Group’s net liability is recognised in the balance sheet
and is calculated by estimating the amount of future benefit that employees
have earned in return for their service in the current and prior periods and
discounting this to its present value. Any unrecognised past service costs 
and the fair value of the plan’s assets are deducted.

The calculation of the net liability is performed by a qualified actuary on an
annual basis using the projected unit credit method. The cost of the plan is
charged to the income statement based on actuarial assumptions at the
beginning of the financial year. Where the calculation results in a benefit to 
the Group, the asset recognised is limited to the net of the total unrecognised
past service costs and the present value of any future refunds from the plan 
or reductions in future contributions to the plan.

Trade receivables
Trade receivables are initially recognised at fair value and are subsequently
measured at amortised cost using the effective interest rate method with an
appropriate allowance for estimated irrecoverable amounts recognised in the
income statement when there is objective evidence that the asset is impaired.

When the benefits of the plan are improved, the portion of increased benefit
relating to past service by employees is recognised in the income statement
on a straight-line basis over the average period until the benefits become
vested. Where the benefits vest immediately, the expense is recognised in the
income statement immediately.

Cash and cash equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents comprise cash in hand, demand deposits and other
short-term highly liquid investments that are readily convertible to a known
amount of cash and are subject to an insignificant risk of change in value.

Actuarial gains and losses are recognised in full in the statement of recognised
income and expense in the period in which they occur. Net pension obligations
are included in the balance sheet at the present value of the plan liabilities, less
the fair value of the plan assets.

Trade payables 
Trade payables are recognised initially at fair value and are subsequently
measured at amortised cost using the effective interest rate method.

Leased assets
(a) Finance leases
Leases in which the Group assumes substantially all the risks and rewards
incidental to ownership are classified as finance leases. Finance lease assets are
recognised as assets of the Group at an amount equal to the lower of their fair
value and the present value of the minimum lease payments, each determined
at the inception of the lease. Subsequent to recognition, finance lease assets
are measured at cost less accumulated depreciation and impairment losses. 

The lease liability is included in the balance sheet as a finance lease liability.
Lease payments are apportioned between finance charges and the reduction
of lease liabilities so as to achieve a constant rate of interest on the remaining
balance of the liability. Finance charges are charged directly against income.

Provisions
Provisions are recognised when the Group has a present legal or constructive
obligation as a result of a past event, it is probable that an outflow of resources
will be required to settle the obligation and the amount of the obligation can 
be estimated reliably.

Impairment of financial assets
Financial assets are assessed for indicators of impairment at each balance
sheet date. Financial assets are impaired where there is objective evidence that
as a result of one or more events that occurred after the initial recognition of
the financial asset the estimated future cash flows of the investment have
been reduced. For loans and receivables the amount of the impairment is the
difference between the asset’s carrying amount and the present value of
estimated future cash flows, discounted at the original effective interest rate.

The carrying amount of financial assets are reduced by the impairment loss
directly for all financial assets with the exception of trade receivables where 
the carrying amount is reduced through the use of a provision for impairment
losses. When a trade receivable is uncollectible, it is written off against the
provision. Subsequent recoveries of amounts previously written off are credited
against the provision. Changes in the carrying amount of the allowance are
recognised in the income statement.

Morgan Sindall Annual report and accounts 2009
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With the exception of available for sale financial assets, if, in a subsequent
period, the amount of the impairment loss previously recognised decreases
and this decrease can be objectively related to an event that occurred after 
the impairment was recognised, the previously recognised impairment loss 
is reversed through the income statement.

Where financial instruments are designated as cash flow hedges and are
deemed to be effective, gains and losses on re-measurement relating to 
the effective portion are recognised in equity and gains and losses on the
ineffective portion are recognised in the income statement, both to the 
extent of the Group’s equity accounted investment. 

Embedded derivatives are separated from the underlying host contract 
where the economic characteristics and risks of the host contract and 
the embedded derivative are not closely related except, as is the case with 
the Group’s shared equity loan receivables, an election has been made to
designate the financial asset which contains an embedded derivative as 
fair value through profit or loss as permitted by IAS 39. This designation 
can only be made at initial recognition and is irrevocable but can be made 
on a transaction-by-transaction basis.

Dividends
Dividends to the Company’s shareholders are recognised as a liability in the
Group financial statements in the period in which the dividends are approved
by the Company’s shareholders.

Government grants
Government grants are initially recognised as deferred income at fair value
when there is reasonable assurance that the Group will comply with the
conditions attached and the grants will be received.

Revenue arising from Government grants is recognised on either a stage 
of completion or legal completion basis. 

Share-based payments
The Group issues equity-settled and cash-settled share-based payments to
certain employees. Equity-settled share-based payments are measured at fair
value at the date of grant and are recognised as an employee expense, with a
corresponding increase in equity, over the period from the date of grant to the
date on which the employees become unconditionally entitled to the options.

Cash-settled share-based payments are measured at fair value at each balance
sheet date and recognised as an expense, with a corresponding increase in
liabilities, over the period from the date of grant to the date on which the
employees become unconditionally entitled to the payment. Any changes in
the fair value of the liability are recognised as an employee expense in the
income statement. Fair value is measured by use of a modified Black-Scholes
model. None of these awards when granted was subject to a share price
related performance condition.

The Group has applied the requirements of IFRS 2 ‘Share-based Payments’
(‘IFRS 2’). In accordance with the transitional provisions, IFRS 2 has been applied
to all grants of equity instruments after 7 November 2002 that were unvested
as of 1 January 2005.

Financial receivables
Certain joint ventures’ financial receivables are measured at fair value at the
balance sheet date. The fair value is determined by discounting the future 
cash flows directly associated with the financial receivables at a risk-adjusted
discount rate. The change in fair value is recognised in equity to the extent 
of the Group’s equity accounted investment.

Derivative financial instruments and hedge accounting
Derivative financial instruments are used in joint ventures to hedge long-term
floating interest rate and Retail Prices Index (‘RPI’) exposures. 

Under IAS 39 ‘Financial Instruments: Recognition and Measurement’ (‘IAS 39’),
interest rate and RPI swaps are stated in the balance sheet at fair value. At the
inception of the hedge relationship the entity 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 instruments that are used 
in hedging transactions are highly effective in offsetting changes in fair values
or cash flows of hedged items. 

Consolidated financial statements

92 Morgan Sindall Annual report and accounts 2009
Consolidated financial statements
Notes to the financial statements

1 Business segments 

For management purposes, the Group is organised into five operating divisions: Fit Out, Construction, Infrastructure Services, Affordable Housing, Urban
Regeneration and one specialist unit, Investments. Group Activities includes activities of the parent Company, Morgan Sindall plc. The divisions and the specialist
unit are the basis on which the Group reports its primary segment information. Segment information about the Group’s continuing operations is presented below:

2009

Revenue: external 
Revenue: internal 
Operating profit/(loss) 
before amortisation 

Share of results of associates
and joint ventures after tax 

Profit/(loss) from operations 

before amortisation 

Amortisation of intangible assets 

Profit/(loss) from operations 

Net finance income 

Profit before income tax expense 

2008 

Fit Out  Construction
£m 

£m 

Infrastructure 
Services 
£m 

Affordable

Urban
Housing  Regeneration 
£m 

£m 

291.2 
2.0 

743.3 
20.5 

769.9 
31.2 

373.8 
1.8 

13.8 

13.0 

17.1 

14.9 

– 

– 

– 

– 

13.8 
– 

13.8 

13.0 
(1.1) 

11.9 

17.1 
(0.4) 

16.7 

14.9 
– 

14.9 

31.9 
– 

0.6 

0.1 

0.7 
(5.3) 

(4.6) 

Fit Out 
£m 

Construction
£m 

Infrastructure 
Services 
£m 

Affordable

Urban
Housing  Regeneration 
£m 

£m 

Investments 
£m 

Group
Activities 
£m 

Eliminations 
£m 

£m 

Total 
£m

3.4 
6.1 

– 
– 

2,213.5 
61.6 

– 
(61.6) 

2,213.5 
– 

(3.0) 

(6.0) 

50.4 

– 

– 

0.1 

(3.0) 
– 

(3.0) 

(6.0) 
– 

(6.0) 

50.5 
(6.8) 

43.7 

1.0 

44.7 

– 

– 

– 
– 

– 

50.4 

0.1 

50.5 
(6.8)

43.7

1.0 

44.7

Investments 
£m 

Group
Activities 
£m 

£m 

Eliminations 
£m 

Total 
£m

Revenue: external 
Revenue: internal 
Operating profit/(loss) 
before amortisation 

Share of results of associates 
and joint ventures after tax 

Profit/(loss) from operations 

before amortisation 

Amortisation of intangible assets 

Profit/(loss) from operations 

Net finance income 

Profit before income tax expense 

473.7 
0.6 

25.8 

– 

25.8 
– 

25.8 

Balance sheet analysis of business segments: 

2009

Goodwill 
Other intangible assets 
Equity accounted joint ventures 
Other assets 

Total assets 
Total liabilities 
Other information:
Amortisation of intangible fixed assets 
Depreciation 
Property, plant and equipment additions 

813.1 
13.1 

799.2 
28.8 

377.2 
5.1 

9.5 

– 

9.5 
(2.1) 

7.4 

14.4 

21.0 

– 

– 

14.4 
(0.8) 

13.6 

21.0 
– 

21.0 

83.6 
– 

6.5 

1.3 

7.8 
(6.2) 

1.6 

1.3 
– 

(3.5) 

1.3 

(2.2) 
– 

(2.2) 

– 
– 

2,548.1 
47.6 

– 
(47.6) 

2,548.1 
– 

(9.2) 

64.5 

– 

2.6 

(9.2) 
– 

(9.2) 

67.1 
(9.1) 

58.0 

4.3 

62.3 

– 

– 

– 
– 

– 

Fit Out  Construction 
£m 

£m 

Infrastructure
Services 
£m 

Affordable

Urban
Housing Regeneration
£m 

£m 

Investments 
£m 

Group 
Activities
£m 

– 
– 
– 
73.1 

73.1 
(44.0) 

– 
1.1 
0.1 

68.8 
0.3 
– 
196.5 

265.6 
(143.3) 

1.1 
1.6 
1.8 

82.4 
0.2 
– 
175.9 

258.5 
(178.6) 

0.4 
5.6 
6.1 

16.5 
– 
0.1 
168.7 

185.3 
(131.0) 

– 
0.2 
0.1 

16.7 
16.1 
35.2 
14.7 

82.7 
(39.8) 

5.3 
0.3 
0.2 

– 
– 
14.9 
3.8 

18.7 
(18.4) 

– 
0.2 
– 

– 
– 
– 
7.0 

7.0 
(126.5) 

890.9 
(681.6) 

– 
0.3 
0.2 

6.8 
9.3 
8.5 

64.5 

2.6 

67.1 
(9.1) 

58.0 

4.3 

62.3 

Total 
£m 

184.4
16.6
50.2
639.7

Morgan Sindall Annual report and accounts 2009
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1 Business segments continued

2008 

Goodwill 
Other intangible assets 
Equity accounted joint ventures 
Other assets 

Total assets 
Total liabilities 
Other information: 
Amortisation of intangible fixed assets 
Depreciation 
Property, plant and equipment additions 

Fit Out 
£m 

Construction 
£m 

Infrastructure
Services 
£m 

Affordable
Housing
£m 

Urban
Regeneration
£m 

Investments 
£m 

Group 
Activities
£m 

– 
– 
– 
115.7 

115.7 
(103.5) 

– 
1.3 
1.5 

68.8 
1.5 
– 
224.3 

294.6 
(282.8) 

2.1 
1.3 
3.0 

82.4 
0.6 
– 
188.7 

271.7 
(209.5) 

0.8 
4.7 
12.1 

15.4 
– 
0.1 
161.6 

177.1 
(134.6) 

– 
0.3 
0.3 

16.7 
21.3 
41.5 
24.3 

103.8 
(35.6) 

6.2 
0.2 
0.1 

– 
– 
11.4 
2.7 

14.1 
(2.3) 

– 
0.2 
– 

Significantly all the Group’s operations are carried out in the UK. 

2 Profit for the year

Profit for the year is stated after charging/(crediting): 

Depreciation of property, plant and equipment (note 10) 
Gain on disposal of property, plant and equipment 
Staff costs (note 4) 
Amortisation of intangible assets (note 9) 
Write downs in work in progress recognised as an expense 
Impairment of trade receivables (note 29) 
Auditors’ remuneration for audit and other services (see below)

A more detailed analysis of auditors’ remuneration is provided below: 

Fees payable to the Company’s auditors for the audit of the Company’s annual report and accounts

Fees payable to the Company’s auditors and their associates for other services to the Group 
The audit of the Company’s subsidiaries and joint ventures pursuant to legislation 

Total audit fees

Services to joint ventures relating to tax

Total non-audit fees

Total auditors’ remuneration

Total 
£m 

183.3 
23.4 
53.0 
725.3 

– 
– 
– 
8.0 

8.0 
(24.4) 

985.0 
(792.7) 

– 
0.1 
0.6 

9.1 
8.1 
17.6 

2009 
£m 

9.3 
(0.4) 
389.8 
6.8 
1.0 
0.6 
1.0 

2009 
£m 

0.1 

0.8 

0.9 

0.1 

0.1 

1.0 

2008
£m

8.1
(0.2)
403.5
9.1
–
–
1.1

2008
£m

0.1

0.8

0.9

0.2

0.2

1.1 

Consolidated financial statements

94 Morgan Sindall Annual report and accounts 2009
Consolidated financial statements
Notes to the financial statements

3 Employees 

The average monthly number of people employed by the Group during the year was: 

Fit Out 
Construction 
Infrastructure Services 
Affordable Housing 
Urban Regeneration 
Investments 
Group Activities 

4 Staff costs 

Wages and salaries 
Social security costs 
Other pension costs 

5 Finance income and costs 

Interest income on bank deposits 
Other interest income 
Interest receivable from joint ventures 

Finance income 

Interest payable on bank overdrafts and borrowings 
Interest payable on finance leases 
Interest payable to joint ventures 
Other interest payable 

Finance costs 

Net finance income

6 Income tax expense 

Current tax expense: 

UK corporation tax 
Adjustment in respect of prior years 

Deferred tax expense: 

Current year 
Adjustment in respect of prior years 

Income tax expense for the year

2009 
No. 

569 
2,002 
3,987 
1,324 
49 
24 
22 

7,977 

2009 
£m 

342.8 
37.6 
9.4 

389.8 

2009 
£m 

1.8 
0.2 
1.3 

3.3 

(1.7) 
(0.5) 
–
(0.1) 

(2.3) 

1.0 

2009 
£m 

12.2 
(1.1) 

11.1 

0.8 
(0.1) 

0.7 

11.8 

2008
No.

655
2,300
4,070
1,467
51
21
21

8,585

2008
£m

356.3
38.4
8.8

403.5

2008
£m

6.8
1.1
1.5

9.4

(4.4)
(0.4)
(0.2)
(0.1)

(5.1)

4.3

2008
£m

18.1 
(1.3)

16.8

0.1
0.6

0.7

17.5

Corporation tax is calculated at 28.0% (2008: 28.5%) of the estimated assessable profit for the year. The corporation tax rate has changed due to rates reducing
from 30% to 28%, effective from 1 April 2008.

Morgan Sindall Annual report and accounts 2009
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6 Income tax expense continued

The total tax charge for the year of £11.8m is lower (2008: lower) than the standard rate of corporation tax in the UK of 28.0% (2008: 28.5%). The difference can
be reconciled as follows: 

Current tax expense:
Profit before tax 
Income tax expense at UK corporation tax rate 
Tax effect of: 
Share of net profit of equity accounted joint ventures 
Expenses that are not deductible in determining taxable profits
Adjustments in respect of prior years 
Other 

Income tax expense for the year

Effective tax rate for the year 
Effective tax rate for the year ignoring prior year adjustments

7 Dividends 

Amounts recognised as distributions to equity holders in the period: 

Final dividend for the year ended 31 December 2008 of 30.0p (2007: 28.0p) per share 
Interim dividend for the year ended 31 December 2009 of 12.0p (2008: 12.0p) per share 

Interim dividend in place of a final dividend for the year ended 31 December 2009 

of 30.0p (2008: final dividend of 30.0p) per share 

2009 
£m 

44.7 
12.5 

–
0.8 
(1.2) 
(0.3) 

11.8 

26.4% 
29.1% 

2008
£m

62.3 
17.7 

(0.7)
1.2 
(0.7)
– 

17.5

28.1%
29.2%

2009 
£m 

12.7 
5.0 

17.7 

2008
£m

11.9
5.1

17.0

12.7 

12.7 

The second interim dividend has been declared, subject to the 2009 financial statements becoming relevant accounts for the purpose of the Companies Act
2006 and, subject as aforesaid, will be paid on 1 April 2010 to shareholders on the register at 12 March 2010. The ex-dividend date will be 10 March 2010. It has
not been included as a liability in these financial statements. 

8 Earnings per share 

There are no discontinued operations in either the current or prior year. 

The calculation of the basic and diluted earnings per share is based on the following data: 

Earnings 

Earnings before tax 
Deduct tax expense per the income statement 
Minority interests 

Earnings for the purposes of basic and dilutive earnings per share being net profit attributable 

to equity holders of the parent company 

Add back current year’s amortisation expense pre tax (see notes 2 and 9) 

Earnings for the purposes of basic and dilutive earnings per share adjusted for amortisation

expense being attributable to equity holders of the parent company 

2009 
£m 

44.7 
(11.8) 
0.1 

33.0 
6.8 

2008 
£m

62.3
(17.5)
– 

44.8
9.1

39.8 

53.9 

Consolidated financial statements

96 Morgan Sindall Annual report and accounts 2009
Consolidated financial statements
Notes to the financial statements

8 Earnings per share continued

Number of shares 

Weighted average number of ordinary shares for the purposes

of basic earnings per share 

Effect of dilutive potential ordinary shares: 
Share options 
Conditional shares not vested 

Weighted average number of ordinary shares for the purposes

of diluted earnings per share 

2009 
No. 000’s 

2008 
No. 000’s

42,281 

42,108

92 
332 

268 
196 

42,705 

42,572

The average market value of the Company’s shares for the purpose of calculating the dilutive effect of share options and long-term incentive plan shares was
based on quoted market prices for the period that the options were outstanding. The weighted average share price for the period was £6.11 (2008: £7.36). 

Earnings per share as calculated in accordance with IAS 33, ‘Earnings per Share’ are disclosed below: 

Basic earnings per share 
Diluted earnings per share 

Earnings per share before amortisation are disclosed below: 

Basic earnings per share before amortisation expense 
Diluted earnings per share before amortisation expense 

2009 

77.9p 
77.1p 

2008

106.3p 
105.1p 

2009 

93.9p 
93.0p 

2008 

127.8p 
126.4p 

A total of 2,820,160 share options that could potentially dilute earnings per share in the future were excluded from the above calculations because they were anti-
dilutive at 31 December 2009 (2008: 1,171,003). 

9 Goodwill and other intangible assets 

Cost or valuation
Balance at 1 January 2008 

Balance at 31 December 2008 

Balance at 1 January 2009
Additions in the year (note 25) 

Balance at 31 December 2009 

Accumulated amortisation
Balance at 1 January 2008 
Amortisation charge for the year 

Balance at 31 December 2008 

Balance at 1 January 2009
Amortisation charge for the year 

Balance at 31 December 2009 

Carrying amount 
Carrying amount at 31 December 2009
Carrying amount at 31 December 2008 

Other intangible assets 

Secured
customer 
contracts 
£m 

Other 
contracts 
and related 
relationships 
£m 

Software
£m 

Non-compete
agreement 
£m 

Total other
intangible
assets 
£m 

4.2 

4.2 

4.2 
– 

4.2 

(0.8) 
(2.1) 

(2.9) 

(2.9) 
(1.0) 

(3.9) 

0.3 
1.3 

26.9 

26.9 

26.9 
– 

26.9 

(2.8) 
(4.8) 

(7.6) 

(7.6) 
(3.9) 

(11.5) 

15.4 
19.3 

0.9 

0.9 

0.9 
– 

0.9 

(0.2) 
(0.5) 

(0.7) 

(0.7) 
(0.2) 

(0.9) 

– 
0.2 

5.0 

5.0 

5.0 
– 

5.0 

(0.7) 
(1.7) 

(2.4) 

(2.4) 
(1.7) 

(4.1) 

0.9 
2.6 

Goodwill
£m

192.3

192.3

192.3
1.1

193.4

(9.0)
–

(9.0)

(9.0)
–

(9.0)

37.0 

37.0 

37.0 
– 

37.0 

(4.5) 
(9.1) 

(13.6) 

(13.6) 
(6.8) 

(20.4) 

16.6 
23.4 

184.4
183.3

Secured customer contracts and other contracts and related relationships arise from valuing the relationship with a number of clients where there is a secured
pipeline of work or historic experience of a relationship and the real prospective opportunity of repeat work. Secured customer contracts will be fully amortised by
December 2010 and other contracts and related relationships by 2023. 

Morgan Sindall Annual report and accounts 2009
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9 Goodwill and other intangible assets continued

Software was fully amortised by 31 December 2009. 

The non-compete agreement is of a three year duration and will expire in July 2010. 

Goodwill represents the value of people, track record and expertise acquired within acquisitions that are not capable of being individually identified and separately
recognised. 

Segmentation of goodwill and other intangible assets is disclosed in note 1. 

Note 25 provides further details in respect of the fair value of intangible assets identified on acquisition and for the determination of goodwill arising on acquisition.
Amortisation charges in respect of intangible assets with a finite life are recorded within administration expenses in the income statement. The amortisation rates
are given in the significant accounting policies. 

In testing goodwill and other intangible assets for impairment the carrying value of goodwill and other intangible assets in each cash-generating unit has been
compared against value in use. Value in use has been determined by using forecast pre-tax cash flows from Board approved budgets for the next three years and
extrapolating future growth and applying risk-adjusted discount rates that are specific to the cash-generating unit in question. 

Cash flows beyond three years have been extrapolated using an estimated growth rate of 2.25% (2008: 2.25%), which is equal to the estimated nominal long-
term growth in construction sector GDP. The risk-adjusted nominal discount rates used are 12% (2008: 12%) for Construction and Infrastructure Services, 13%
(2008: 13%) for Affordable Housing and 15% (2008: 15%) for Urban Regeneration. The directors have reviewed the rates used and believe they are still
appropriate. 

The key assumptions in forecasting pre-tax cash flows relate to future budgeted revenue, margin likely to be achieved, and likely rates of long-term growth by
market sector. Budgeted revenue and margin are based on views on past performance, secured workload and workload likely to be achievable in the short to
medium-term given trends in the relevant market sector as well as macroeconomic factors. In carrying out this exercise, no impairment of goodwill or other
intangible assets has been identified. 

10 Property, plant and equipment 

Cost or valuation
Balance at 1 January 2008 
Additions in the year 
Transfers 
Disposals during the year 

Balance at 31 December 2008 

Balance at 1 January 2009 
Additions in the year 
Transfers 
Disposals during the year 

Balance at 31 December 2009 

Accumulated depreciation
Balance at 1 January 2008 
Depreciation charge for the year 
Transfers 
Disposals during the year 

Balance at 31 December 2008 

Balance at 1 January 2009
Depreciation charge for the year 
Transfers 
Disposals during the year 

Balance at 31 December 2009 

Net book value 
Net book value at 31 December 2009 
Net book value at 31 December 2008 

Owned plant,

Leased plant,
machinery and machinery and
equipment 
£m 

equipment 
£m 

Freehold 
property
and land 
£m 

Leased
property 
£m 

0.5 
2.3 
– 
– 

2.8 

2.8 
– 
– 
(0.4) 

2.4 

– 
– 
– 
– 

– 

– 
– 
– 
– 

– 

35.4 
6.1 
2.4 
(5.2) 

38.7 

38.7 
5.7 
1.2 
(1.6) 

44.0 

(21.0) 
(5.4) 
(1.2) 
4.8 

(22.8) 

(22.8) 
(6.4) 
(1.1) 
1.5 

(28.8) 

15.2 
15.9 

9.9 
6.3 
(2.4) 
(0.3) 

13.5 

13.5 
2.0 
(1.2) 
(1.1) 

13.2 

(3.7) 
(1.6) 
1.2 
0.2 

(3.9) 

(3.9) 
(1.7) 
1.1 
1.0 

(3.5) 

9.7 
9.6 

Total
£m

51.1
17.6
–
(5.9)

62.8

62.8
8.5
–
(3.1)

68.2

(27.3)
(8.1)
–
5.3

(30.1)

(30.1)
(9.3)
–
2.5

5.3 
2.9 
– 
(0.4) 

7.8 

7.8 
0.8 
– 
– 

8.6 

(2.6) 
(1.1) 
– 
0.3 

(3.4) 

(3.4) 
(1.2) 
– 
– 

(4.6) 

(36.9)

2.4 
2.8 

4.0 
4.4 

31.3
32.7

Within the carrying value of property, plant and equipment there are no assets under construction (2008: nil). 

Contractual commitments for the acquisition of property, plant and equipment are £0.8m (2008: £2.4m). 

Consolidated financial statements

98 Morgan Sindall Annual report and accounts 2009
Consolidated financial statements
Notes to the financial statements

11 Investment property 

Valuation 

At 1 January 
Additions in the year 

At 31 December

2009 
£m 

– 
1.8 

1.8 

2008
£m 

– 
– 

– 

Investment properties comprise certain residential properties constructed by the Group as part of larger mixed tenure projects for rental to social or private
residential clients. 

The fair value of the Group’s investment property at 31 December 2009 has been arrived at on the basis of a valuation carried out at that date by the directors.
The valuation, which conforms to International Valuation Standards, was arrived at by reference to market evidence of transaction proceeds for similar properties. 

The property rental income earned by the Group from its investment property, which is leased out under operating leases, amounted to £nil (2008: £nil). Direct
operating expenses arising on the investment property in the period amounted to £nil (2008: £nil). 

Properties were transferred from inventories to investment properties late in 2009 and hence there was no material rental income or direct operating expense
during the year.

12 Investments in equity accounted joint ventures

The Group has the following interests in significant joint ventures: 

Access for Wigan (Holdings) Limited 50% share 
Access for Wigan (Holdings) Limited is developing the Wigan Life Centre.

Ashton Moss Developments Limited 50% share 
Ashton Moss Developments Limited has developed a mixed use site in Manchester.

Blue Light Holdings Limited 50% share 
Blue Light Holdings Limited is a joint venture with Barclays Capital set up to hold the investment in a joint venture with Carden Croft for the Dorset Emergency
Services PFI scheme.

Bromley Park Limited 50% share 
Bromley Park Limited has developed a site for housing in Kent acquired from the Ministry of Defence.

Chatham Place (Building 1) Limited 50% share 
Chatham Place (Building 1) Limited is developing residential apartments and commercial units at Chatham Place, Reading.

Claymore Roads (Holdings) Limited 50% share 
Claymore Roads (Holdings) Limited is responsible for the upgrade and operation of the A92 between Dundee and Arbroath in Scotland.

Community Solutions for Primary Care (Holdings) Limited 50% share 
Community Solutions for Primary Care (Holdings) Limited carries out strategic development and regeneration projects in the health sector.

English Cities Fund 12.5% equity participation 
ECf is a limited partnership with English Partnerships and Legal & General to develop mixed use regeneration schemes in assisted areas. Joint control is exercised
through the board of the general partner at which each partner is represented by two directors and no decision can be taken without the agreement of a director
representing each partner.

Eurocentral Partnership Limited 50% share 
Eurocentral Partnership Limited is developing a large industrial site in Scotland comprising commercial premises adjacent to Scotland’s Channel Tunnel rail freight
terminal.

Ician Developments Limited 50% share 
Ician Developments Limited has developed a mixed use regeneration scheme in the Smithfield area of Manchester.

ISIS Waterside Regeneration 25% equity participation 
ISIS Waterside Regeneration is a limited partnership between British Waterways and Warp 4 Limited Partnership (itself a joint venture between Morley Fund
Management and Muse Developments) to undertake regeneration of waterside sites. Joint control is exercised through the board of the general partner at which
each of British Waterways and Warp 4 Limited Partnership is represented by three directors and no decision can be taken without the agreement of a director
representing each partner.

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12 Investments in equity accounted joint ventures continued

Lewisham Gateway Developments Limited 50% share 
Lewisham Gateway Developments Limited is redeveloping a mixed use site comprising retail, office, hotel, residential, education, health and leisure space.

Lingley Mere Business Park Development Company Limited 50% share 
Lingley Mere Business Park Development Company Limited is developing new office space and ancillary facilities at Warrington in Cheshire.

Morgan-Vinci Limited 50% share 
Morgan-Vinci Limited is responsible for the construction and operation of the Newport Southern Distributor Road.

North Shore Development Partnership Limited 50% share 
North Shore Development Partnership Limited is creating a high quality extension to Stockton-on-Tees’ town centre in partnership with Tees Valley Regeneration,
Stockton Council and English Partnerships.

Renaissance Miles Platting Limited 331/3% share 
Renaissance Miles Platting Limited is a joint venture with IIC Miles Platting Equity Limited and Adactus Housing Association to refurbish existing homes and build
new homes on a mixed tenure development under a PFI arrangement for Manchester City Council.

The Compendium Group Limited 50% share 
The Compendium Group Limited is a company formed to carry out strategic development and regeneration projects of a primarily residential nature.

Investments in equity accounted joint ventures are as follows: 

At 1 January 
Equity accounted share of net profits for the year 
Increase in investment 
Dividends received 
Movement on cash flow hedges 

At 31 December 

2009 
£m 

53.0 
0.1 
4.2 
(7.7) 
0.6 

50.2 

2008 
£m 

38.1
2.6 
12.4
– 
(0.1)

53.0 

The increase in investments in joint ventures during the year was mainly due to loan investment in Access For Wigan (Holdings) Limited and Blue Light Holdings
Limited.

Of the dividends received in the year, £2.2m were paid in cash and £5.5m through settlement of amounts owing to joint ventures.

Financial information related to equity accounted joint ventures: 

Non-current assets (100%) 
Current assets (100%) 
Current liabilities (100%) 
Non-current liabilities (100%) 

Net assets reported by equity accounted joint ventures (100%)

Revenue (100%) 
Expenses (100%) 

Net profit (100%) 

Results of equity accounted joint ventures: 

Group share of profits before tax 
Group share of income tax expense 

Group share of profits after tax 

2009 
£m 

340.7 
306.3 
(100.6) 
(436.6) 

109.8 

104.4 
(106.6) 

(2.2) 

2009 
£m 

0.2 
(0.1) 

0.1 

2008
£m

289.2 
310.0 
(86.3)
(354.5)

158.4

184.8
(177.9)

6.9 

2008
£m

3.6 
(1.0) 

2.6 

Within non-current assets are financial receivables of £157.7m (2008: £123.1m) which are carried at fair value. The fair values have been determined on the basis
of discounting underlying future cash flows using a risk-adjusted discount rate of 7.3%, considered by the directors to reflect the risks attaching to the future cash
flows. 

Consolidated financial statements

100 Morgan Sindall Annual report and accounts 2009
Consolidated financial statements
Notes to the financial statements

12 Investments in equity accounted joint ventures continued

Commitments in respect of interests in joint ventures: 

Commitment to provide further equity to Urban Regeneration joint ventures
Commitment to provide further equity and subordinated debt to PFI/PPP joint ventures

13 Shared equity loan receivables 

Balance at 1 January
Additions arising from the sale of properties 
Movement in fair value 

Balance at 31 December

2009 
£m 

1.6 
7.1 

8.7 

2009 
£m 

–
8.9 
0.1 

9.0 

2008 
£m

4.1
4.4

8.5 

2008
£m

–
–
–

–

Shared equity loan receivables arise on the sale of properties under which certain qualifying home buyers have elected to participate in the Group’s shared equity
scheme. Under the scheme home buyers can borrow up to 25% of the selling price of the property by way of a non-interest bearing loan contributed by the
Group. The loan is repayable over a period of up to 10 years and the Group participates in any gain or loss on the market value of the property at repayment in
accordance with the Group’s initial equity contribution. Further details of the scheme are discussed in the Group’s significant accounting policies on pages 85 to
91 of the consolidated financial statements.

The Group has elected to recognise the shared equity loan receivables at fair value through profit or loss under IAS 39. This is an irrevocable election and results in
all movements in the fair value of the loans being recognised in profit or loss.

All of the shared equity loan receivables are secured by way of a second charge over the property. During the year, there were no defaults on any of the shared
equity loans (2008: nil) and there were no voluntary part or full repayments of shared equity loan receivables (2008: nil).

The Group’s maximum credit exposure is limited to the carrying value of the shared equity loan receivables granted.

Basis of valuation and assumptions made 
Because it is impracticable to obtain regular market valuations on a property-by-property basis and there is no directly observable fair value for individual loans
arising from the sale of specific properties under the scheme, the Group has developed a model for determining the fair value of the portfolio of loans based on
region specific property prices, expected property price increases, expected loan defaults and a discount factor which reflects the interest rate expected on an
instrument of similar risk and duration in the market. Details of the key assumptions made in this valuation are as follows:

Assumption 

Period over which shared equity loan receivables are discounted 
Weighted average annual property price increase assumed 
Nominal discount rate applied to initial shared equity receivable 
Rate of default assumed in valuation of shared equity loan portfolio

2009 

7 years 
3.8% 
6.6% 
0.0% 

2008

n/a
n/a
n/a
n/a

At 31 December, a total of 302 (2008: nil) properties had been sold under the shared equity scheme for which a loan was outstanding at the year end.

At 31 December, the weighted average shared equity loan contribution (being the Group’s weighted average loan as a proportion of the selling price of a
property) was 25% (2008: n/a). The maximum loan contribution by the Group under the shared equity scheme is 25%.

14 Inventories 

Raw materials 
Work in progress 

Work in progress comprises land and housing, commercial and mixed developments in the course of construction. 

2009 
£m 

3.5 
137.7 

141.2 

2008 
£m 

3.9
167.4 

171.3 

15 Trade and other receivables 

Trade receivables (note 29) 
Provision for impairment losses (note 29) 

Amounts owed by joint ventures (note 28) 
Deferred tax asset (note 20) 
Prepayments and accrued income 
Other receivables 

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2009 
£m 

135.8 
(2.9) 

132.9 
3.1 
–
8.2 
10.9 

155.1 

2008 
£m 

196.9 
(2.7) 

194.2 
4.2 
1.0 
6.0 
3.6 

209.0 

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

The average credit period on revenue is 19 days (2008: 24 days). No interest is charged on the trade receivables outstanding balance. Trade receivables overdue
are provided for based on estimated irrecoverable amounts. 

Included in the Group’s trade receivable balance are debtors with a carrying amount of £32.7m (2008: £51.2m) which are past due at the reporting date for 
which the Group has not provided as there has not been a significant change in credit quality and the Group considers that the amounts are still recoverable. 
The average age of these receivables is 98 days (2008: 96 days). 

The Group’s exposure to credit risks and impairment losses related to trade and other receivables are disclosed in note 29, Financial Instruments. 

In determining the recoverability of trade receivables, the Group considers any change in the credit quality of the trade receivable from the date credit was 
initially granted up to the reporting date. The concentration of credit risk is limited due to the customer base being large and spread across the Group’s operating
segments. Accordingly, the directors believe that there is no further credit provision required in excess of the provision for impairment losses. No collateral is held
by the Group as security. 

Within the provision for impairment losses there are no specific trade receivables (2008: £nil) from debtors which have been placed into liquidation or
administration. 

At the reporting date there were no trade and other receivables which have had renegotiated terms that would otherwise have been past due. 

16 Construction contracts 

Amounts due from construction contract customers 
Amounts due to construction contract customers 

Carrying amount at the end of the year

Contract costs incurred plus recognised profits less recognised losses to date 
Less: progress billings 

2009 
£m 

179.7 
(49.0) 

130.7 

2008 
£m 

189.2 
(78.3) 

110.9 

9,607.7 
(9,477.0) 

5,158.5 
(5,047.6) 

130.7 

110.9 

Contract costs incurred plus recognised profits less recognised losses to date and progress billings include contract activity which the Group has not recognised 
in the income statement as it occurred prior to acquisition. 

Amounts recoverable on construction contracts are stated at cost plus the profit attributable to that contract, less any impairment losses. Progress payments for
construction contracts are deducted from amounts recoverable. Amounts due to construction contract customers represent amounts received in excess of
revenue recognised on construction contracts. 

At 31 December 2009 retentions held by customers for contract work amounted to £62.0m (2008: £59.6m). 

None of the Group’s amounts due from construction contract customers’ balances are past due at the reporting date (2008: £nil). The Group does not hold any
collateral over these balances. 

Consolidated financial statements

102 Morgan Sindall Annual report and accounts 2009
Consolidated financial statements
Notes to the financial statements

17 Trade and other payables 

Trade payables (note 29) 
Amounts owed to joint ventures (note 28) 
Other tax and social security 
Accruals and deferred income 
Other payables 

2009 
£m 

145.9 
0.8 
21.2 
396.2 
12.2 

576.3 

2008 
£m 

173.4 
9.8 
25.6 
446.1 
20.3 

675.2 

Trade payables are initially measured at fair value and are subsequently measured at amortised cost using the effective interest rate method.

The directors consider that the carrying amount of trade payables approximates to their fair value. The average credit period taken for trade purchases is 23 days
(2008: 24 days). No interest was incurred on outstanding balances. The Group has financial risk management policies in place to ensure that all payables are paid
when due except in cases of genuine dispute. 

In addition, non-current liabilities include trade and other payables of £0.1m (2008: £0.1m) that fall due between two and five years. 

18 Finance lease liabilities

Amounts payable under finance leases: 
Within one year 
In the second to fifth years inclusive 
After five years 

Less: future finance charges 

Present value of lease obligations 

Current lease liability 
Non-current lease liability 

Minimum lease 
payments 

Capital element
of lease payments

2009 
£m 

2.2 
5.5 
2.8 

10.5 
(1.6) 

8.9 

2008 
£m 

2.4 
5.6 
3.1 

11.1 
(1.8) 

9.3 

2009 
£m 

1.8 
4.6 
2.5 

8.9 
n/a 

8.9 

1.8 
7.1 

8.9 

2008
£m

1.9
4.6
2.8

9.3
n/a

9.3

1.9
7.4

9.3

It is the Group’s policy to lease certain of its property, plant and equipment under finance leases. The average lease term is five years (2008: five years). For the 
year ended 31 December 2009, the average effective borrowing rate was 6% (2008: 6%). Interest rates are fixed at the contract date. All leases are on a fixed
repayment basis and no arrangements have been entered into for contingent rental payments. 

All lease obligations are denominated in sterling. The fair value of the Group’s lease obligations approximates to their carrying amount. The Group’s obligations
under finance leases are secured on the asset to which the leases relate. 

19 Retirement benefit schemes 

Defined contribution plan 
The Morgan Sindall Retirement Benefits Plan (‘the Plan’) was established on 31 May 1995 and currently operates on defined contribution principles for employees
of the Group. The assets of the Plan are held separately from those of the Group in funds under the control of the Trustees of the Plan. The total cost charged to
the income statement of £9.2m (2008: £8.5m) represents contributions payable to the defined contribution section of the Plan by the Group.

As at 31 December 2009, contributions of £0.7m (2008: £0.7m) were due in respect of December’s contribution not paid over to the Plan. The Company, with
the consent of the Trustees, can decide how to use monies held in a defined contribution general account. 

Defined benefit plan 
The Plan includes a defined benefit section compromising liabilities and transfers of funds representing the accrued benefit rights of active and deferred members
and pensioners of pension plans of companies which are now part of the Group. These include salary related benefits for members in respect of benefits accrued
before 31 May 1995 (and benefits transferred in from The Snape Group Limited Retirement Benefits Scheme include accruals up to 1 August 1997). No further
defined benefit membership rights can accrue after those dates. 

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19 Retirement benefit schemes continued

The most recent valuation of the Plan assets and the present value of the defined benefit liabilities was prepared at 31 December 2009. The present value of the
defined benefit liabilities, the related current service cost and past service cost were measured using the projected unit credit method. 

Key assumptions used: 

Discount rate 
Expected return on the Plan assets 
Expected rate of salary increases 
Future pension increases(i)
Inflation increases 

2009 
%

5.6 
4.9 
4.8 
3.5 
3.8 

2008
%

6.1
4.8
4.0
3.5
3.0

(i) depending on their date of joining, members receive fixed pension increases of 3.0% or 3.5%.

Life expectancy 
There is uncertainty around life expectancy of the UK population. Assumptions regarding future mortality experience are set based on advice in accordance 
with published statistics and experience in the UK. The value of current and future pension benefits will depend on how long they are assumed to be in payment.
For the disclosures as at 31 December 2009 and 31 December 2008, the PXA92 series of tables from the Continuous Mortality Investigation was adopted
appropriate to members’ actual years of birth and with a medium cohort projection for future improvements in life expectancy. 

The average life expectancy in years of a pensioner retiring at age 65 on the balance sheet date is as follows: 

Male 
Female 

The average life expectancy in years of a pensioner retiring at age 65, twenty years after the balance sheet date is as follows: 

Male 
Female 

2009 

87.0 
89.9 

2009 

88.1 
90.9 

2008

87.0 
89.8 

2008

88.1
90.9

An increase of one year to the average life expectancy at 65 would increase the present value of the Plan liabilities by around 3.0%. If such an assumption had
been adopted as at 31 December 2009, the present value of the Plan liabilities would have increased to £9.2m (2008: increase of 3.0% with the present value 
of the Plan liabilities increasing from £8.0m to £8.2m). 

The amount included in the balance sheet arising from the Group’s liabilities in respect of the Plan is as follows: 

Present value of the Plan liabilities 
Fair value of the Plan assets 

Deficit in the Plan liability recognised in the balance sheet 

Amounts recognised in the income statement in respect of the Plan are as follows:

Interest cost 
Expected return on the Plan assets 

Net periodic cost 

2009 
£m 

(8.9) 
5.7 

(3.2) 

2009 
£m 

(0.5) 
0.3 

(0.2) 

2008 
£m 

(8.0)
5.0

(3.0)

2008
£m 

(0.5)
0.3

(0.2)

The charge for the year has been included in administrative expenses. Actuarial gains and losses have been reported in the statement of comprehensive income.
The actual return on the Plan assets was a gain of £0.4m (2008: loss of £0.1m). 

Movements in the present value of the Plan liabilities were as follows:

Liabilities at 1 January 
Interest cost 
Actuarial (losses)/gains 
Benefits paid 

Liabilities at 31 December 

2009 
£m 

(8.0) 
(0.5) 
(0.8) 
0.4 

(8.9) 

2008 
£m

(8.0)
(0.5) 
0.2 
0.3 

(8.0) 

The liabilities in respect of pensions in payment account for around 32% of the total liabilities (2008: 16%). The average term to retirement is five years for active
members (i.e. members who are still employed by the Group and whose past service benefits are linked to their final salary but are no longer accruing final salary
benefits) (2008: six years) and three years (2008: three years) for deferred members. 

Consolidated financial statements

104 Morgan Sindall Annual report and accounts 2009
Consolidated financial statements
Notes to the financial statements

19 Retirement benefit schemes continued

Movements in the value of the Plan assets were as follows: 

Assets at 1 January 
Expected return on the Plan assets 
Actuarial gains/(losses) 
Contributions from sponsoring company 
Benefits paid 

Assets at 31 December 

The effect of a 1% movement in the key financial assumptions is set out below: 

Discount rate
Effect on interest cost
Effect on the defined benefit obligation 

Inflation rate
Effect on interest cost
Effect on the defined benefit obligation 

Expected rate of return on assets 
Effect on the expected return on the Plan assets 

2009 
£m 

5.0 
0.2 
0.2 
0.7 
(0.4) 

5.7 

2008
£m 

4.7 
0.3 
(0.4) 
0.7
(0.3)

5.0

Increase 
of 1% 
£m 

Decrease
of 1%
£m 

–
(1.2) 

–
0.3 

0.1 

–
1.4

–
(0.3) 

(0.1) 

The sensitivities to the interest cost and expected return on assets shown above relate to the calendar year ending 31 December 2010. The sensitivities to the
defined benefit obligation relate to the liability as at 31 December 2009. 

Actuarial losses recognised in the statement of comprehensive income 
Cumulative actuarial losses recognised in the statement of comprehensive income 

The Plan assets and the expected rate of return at the balance sheet date were as follows: 

Fixed interest gilts 
Corporate bonds 

2009 
£m 

0.6 
3.8 

Fair value of assets 

Expected return

2009 
£m 

3.2 
2.5 

5.7 

2008 
£m 

2.8 
2.2 

5.0 

2009 
% 

4.4 
5.6 

2008 
£m 

0.2 
3.2

2008
%

3.8 
6.1 

The expected return on the Plan assets is determined by considering the expected returns available on the assets underlying the current investment policy.
Expected yields on fixed interest investments are based on gross redemption yields as at the balance sheet date. Expected returns on equity reflect long-term 
real rates of return expected in the respective markets. 

The history of experience adjustments is as follows: 

Present value of the Plan liabilities 
Fair value of the Plan assets 

Deficit in the Plan 

Experience adjustments on the Plan liabilities: 
Amount 
Percentage of the Plan liabilities 
Experience adjustments on the Plan assets: 
Amount 
Percentage of the Plan assets 

The amount of contributions expected to be paid to the Plan during 2010 is £0.7m (2009: £0.7m). 

2009 
£m 

(8.9) 
5.7 

(3.2) 

(0.8) 
8.9% 

0.2 
2.6% 

2008 
£m 

(8.0) 
5.0 

(3.0) 

0.2 
(1.9%) 

(0.3) 
(6.6%) 

2007 
£m 

(8.0) 
4.7 

(3.3) 

(0.4) 
4.4% 

(0.5) 
(11.0%) 

2006 
£m 

(7.3) 
4.8 

(2.5) 

0.7 
(9.2%) 

– 
0.4% 

2005
£m

(7.7)
4.4

(3.3)

(1.5)
18.7%

0.2
3.8%

Morgan Sindall Annual report and accounts 2009
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Non-current 
asset 
amortisation 
£m 

Short-term
timing
differences 
£m 

Retirement
benefit
obligation 
£m 

Share-based
payments 
£m 

1.3 
0.2 
– 

1.5 

1.5 
0.2 
– 

1.7 

1.8 
(0.8) 
– 

1.0 

1.0 
(0.4) 
– 

0.6 

0.9 
(0.1) 
– 

0.8 

0.8 
0.1 
– 

0.9 

1.3 
– 
(0.9) 

0.4 

0.4 
(0.6) 
0.8 

0.6 

Total
£m

5.3
(0.7)
(0.9)

3.7

3.7
(0.7)
0.8

3.8

20 Deferred tax 

At 1 January 2008 
Credit/(charge) to income 
Credit/(charge) to equity 

At 31 December 2008 

At 1 January 2009 
Credit/(charge) to income 
Credit/(charge) to equity 

At 31 December 2009 

Certain deferred tax assets and liabilities have been offset. The following is the analysis of the deferred tax balances (after offset) for financial reporting purposes:

Deferred tax within trade and other receivables 
Deferred tax within non-current assets 

2009 
£m 

– 
3.8 

2008
£m 

1.0 
2.7 

At 31 December 2009, the Group had unused tax losses of £0.6m (2008: £0.6m) available for offset against future profits. No deferred tax asset has been
recognised in respect of such losses due to the unpredictability of future profit streams against which these losses may be utilised. Losses may be carried 
forward indefinitely.

21 Provisions 

At 1 January 2008 
Utilised 
Additions 

At 31 December 2008 

At 1 January 2009 
Utilised 
Additions 

At 31 December 2009 

Employee 
provisions 
£m 

Insurance
provisions 
£m 

1.1 
(0.1) 
0.8 

1.8 

1.8 
(0.1) 
– 

1.7 

10.2 
(1.6) 
0.2 

8.8 

8.8 
(2.4) 
3.6 

10.0 

Other 
£m 

8.0 
(0.7) 
0.4 

7.7 

7.7 
(2.6) 
– 

5.1 

Total
£m

19.3
(2.4)
1.4

18.3

18.3
(5.1)
3.6

16.8

Employee provisions comprise obligations to former employees other than retirement or post-retirement obligations. Insurance provisions include £1.8m 
(2008: £1.3m) held in the Group’s captive insurance company and comprise the Group’s self insurance of certain risks. Other provisions include onerous lease
commitments and legal claims.

The majority of the provisions are expected to be utilised within five years.

Consolidated financial statements

106 Morgan Sindall Annual report and accounts 2009
Consolidated financial statements
Notes to the financial statements

22 Operating lease commitments 

Minimum lease payments under operating leases recognised as an expense for the year 

2009 
£m 

17.5 

2008
£m

20.7 

At 31 December, the Group had outstanding commitments for minimum lease payments under non-cancellable operating leases which fall due as follows: 

Within one year 
Within two to five years 
After five years 

At 31 December 2009 

2009

2008

Land and 
buildings 
£m 

8.1 
18.3 
4.6 

31.0 

Other 
£m 

3.7 
4.9 
– 

8.6 

Total 
£m 

11.8 
23.2 
4.6 

39.6 

Land and
buildings 
£m 

8.2 
21.9 
7.8 

37.9 

Other 
£m 

1.7 
5.1 
5.7 

12.5 

Total
£m

9.9
27.0
13.5

50.4

Operating lease payments represent rentals payable by the Group for certain properties and other items. Leases are negotiated for an average term of five years
(2008: five years) and rentals are fixed for an average of four years (2008: three years). 

23 Contingent liabilities 

Group banking facilities and surety bond facilities are supported by cross guarantees given by the Company and participating companies in the Group. There are
contingent liabilities in respect of surety bond facilities, guarantees and claims under contracting and other arrangements, including joint arrangements and joint
ventures entered into in the normal course of business.

24 Share capital

Authorised: 
Ordinary shares of 5p each 

Issued and fully paid: 
At the beginning of the year 
Exercise of share options 

At the end of the year 

2009 

2008

No. ’000s 

£’000s 

No. ’000s 

£’000s

60,000 

3,000 

60,000 

3,000

43,004 
156 

43,160 

2,150 
8 

2,158 

42,802 
202 

43,004 

2,140
10

2,150

The Company has one class of ordinary shares of 5p each (‘shares’) which carries no rights to fixed income. All ordinary shares are entitled to receive dividends as
declared from time to time and are entitled to one vote per share at meetings of the Company. All shares rank equally with regard to the Company’s residual
assets.

No member shall however be entitled to vote at any general meeting in respect of any share held by him if any call or other sum then payable by him in respect
of that share remains unpaid or if a member has been served with a restriction notice (as defined in the Articles) after failure to provide the Company with
information concerning interests in those shares required to be provided under the Companies Act 2006.

Shares 
The shares of the Company issued during the year are shown below. Details of employee share option schemes referred to are given below and in note 27.

156,561 shares were issued in respect of options exercised under the Company’s 1995 Scheme for a total consideration of £74,078 (2008: 202,007 shares 
for a total consideration of £249,200). Some options exercised under the 1995 Scheme were settled on a net basis.

No shares were issued in respect of the ESOP 2007, the Save As You Earn scheme or the 2005 Plan (2008: nil).

Morgan Sindall Annual report and accounts 2009
Consolidated financial statements

About Morgan Sindall
Directors’ report: business review
Directors’ report: governance
Consolidated financial statements
Company financial statements
Shareholder information

107

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24 Share capital continued

Share options 
The Company has four share option schemes:

The Morgan Sindall plc 1995 Executive Share Option Scheme (‘the 1995 Scheme’) which received shareholders’ approval on 24 May 1995. The period for the
granting of options under the 1995 Scheme expired in May 2005. Options under the 1995 Scheme are exercisable between five and seven years from the date 
of grant of the options.

The Morgan Sindall Employee Share Option Plan 2007 (‘the ESOP 2007’) received approval from the Board on 7 June 2007. The ESOP 2007 did not require
shareholder approval because all options granted and to be granted under it will be settled with market purchased shares. Options granted under the ESOP 
2007 are exercisable between three and ten years from the date of grant. The period for granting options under the ESOP 2007 expires on 6 June 2017.

The Morgan Sindall Executive Remuneration Plan 2005 (‘the 2005 Plan’), details of which are disclosed in the directors’ remuneration report on pages 68 to 74.

The Morgan Sindall Savings Related Share Option scheme (‘the SAYE scheme’). The SAYE scheme was approved by shareholders on 22 April 2008 and by HMRC
on 9 May 2008. No options were granted during the year (2008: 1,674,119 options granted on 1 July 2008). The options are exercisable after three years (for six
months) from the date of grant. The period for granting options under the SAYE scheme expires on 21 April 2018. Further details of the SAYE scheme are given 
in note 27.

Own shares 
Own shares at cost represent 797,034 (2008: 840,864) shares in the Company held in the Morgan Sindall Employee Benefit Trust (‘the Trust’) in connection with
the ESOP 2007 and certain share incentive schemes as detailed in the remuneration report on pages 68 to 74. The trustees of the Trust purchase the Company’s
shares in the open market with financing provided by the Company on the basis of regular reviews of the share liabilities of the relevant schemes. A total of
797,034 (2008: 840,864) shares were unallocated at the year end and dividends on these shares have been waived. The cost of shares expected to be awarded 
is charged over the three year period to which the award relates. Based on the Company’s share price at 31 December 2009 of £6.00 (2008: £5.42), the market
value of the shares was £4,782,204 (2008: £4,557,483).

25 Acquisitions 

On 31 March 2009 the Group acquired 100% of the share capital of BMS Property Care Limited. The company subsequently changed its name to Lovell Respond
Limited. Details of the net assets acquired and goodwill arising are as follows:

Purchase consideration:
Cash paid 
Costs directly attributable to the acquisition 

Total purchase consideration 
Net assets acquired 

Goodwill (note 9) 

£m 

0.9
0.2

1.1
– 

1.1

Goodwill represents the value of people, track record and expertise acquired within acquisitions that are not capable of being individually identified and separately
recognised.

Fixed assets 
Working capital 

Net assets acquired 

Purchase consideration settled in cash 
Directly attributable acquisition costs 
Cash and cash equivalents acquired 

Cash outflow on acquisition 

Acquiree’s 
carrying 
amount
£m 

Fair value
adjustments 
£m 

Fair value 
£m 

0.1 
0.3 

0.4 

(0.1) 
(0.3) 

(0.4) 

– 
–

– 

0.9 
0.2 
– 

1.1 

The acquired business contributed £4.0m of revenue and an operating loss of £0.1m before tax in the period from 1 April 2009 to 31 December 2009. If the
acquisition had been completed on 1 January 2009, the total revenue from the acquired company for the year would have been £5.2m, and the loss for the 
year would have been £0.8m. 

Consolidated financial statements

108 Morgan Sindall Annual report and accounts 2009
Consolidated financial statements
Notes to the financial statements

26 Cash flows from operating activities 

Profit from operations for the year 
Adjusted for: 
Amortisation of fixed life intangible assets 
Share of net profit of equity accounted joint ventures 
Depreciation of property, plant and equipment 
Expense in respect of share options 
Defined benefit plan payment 
Defined benefit plan charge 
Gain on disposal of property, plant and equipment 
Increase in shared equity loan receivables 
Write downs in work in progress recognised as an expense 
Decrease in provisions 

Operating cash flows before movements in working capital

Decrease/(increase) in inventories 
Decrease in receivables 
Decrease in payables 

Movements in working capital

Cash generated/(utilised) from operations 

Income taxes received/(paid) 
Interest paid 

Net cash inflow/(outflow) from operating activities 

2009 
£m 

43.7 

6.8 
(0.1) 
9.3 
1.0 
(0.7) 
0.3 
(0.4) 
(9.0) 
1.0 
(1.5) 

50.4 

29.1 
62.3 
(122.7) 

(31.3) 

19.1 

7.7 
(1.8)

25.0 

2008
£m 

58.0 

9.1 
(2.6) 
8.1 
2.3 
(0.7) 
0.2 
(0.2) 
–
– 
(1.0) 

73.2 

(41.2) 
48.8 
(122.9) 

(115.3) 

(42.1)

(18.9)
(4.5)

(65.5)

Additions to leased property, plant and equipment during the year amounting to £2.0m (2008: £6.3m) and additions to leasehold property amounting to £0.2m
(2008: £nil) were financed by new finance leases. Cash and cash equivalents (which are presented as a single class of assets on the face of the balance sheet)
comprise cash at bank and other short-term highly liquid investments with a maturity of three months or less.

27 Share-based payments

The Company’s 2005 Plan and the ESOP 2007 provide for a grant price equal to the average of the middle market price of the Company’s shares at close 
of business on the five dealing days preceding the date of grant. The Company’s 1995 Scheme provides for the average quoted middle market price of the
Company’s shares on the three dealing days preceding the date of grant. Details of the 1995 Scheme and the ESOP 2007 option vesting periods are given 
in note 24 and the vesting periods for options and share awards granted under the 2005 Plan are given in the remuneration report on pages 68 to 74. 

Under the SAYE scheme, employees are granted an option to purchase shares at up to 20% less than the market price at grant in three years’ time, depending 
on their entering into a contract to make monthly contributions into a savings account over the relevant period. These funds are used to fund the option exercise
price. The scheme is open to all employees with six months’ continuous service at the invitation date. No performance criteria are applied to the exercise of 
SAYE options. 

The weighted average share price at the date of exercise for share options exercised during the year was £5.82 (2008: £9.87). The options outstanding at 31
December 2009 had a weighted average exercise price of £7.76 (2008: £6.04), and a weighted average remaining contractual life of 1.6 years (2008: 2.1 years). 
In 2009 options under the ESOP 2007 were granted on 3 March and 28 May and the estimated fair value of the options granted on those dates was £0.2m
(2008: £0.3m). Options and share awards under the 2005 Plan were granted on 30 March 2009. The estimated fair value of the options granted on those dates
was £0.5m (2008: £1.0m) and the estimated fair value of the share awards granted on those dates was £1.1m (2008: £0.8m). There were no options granted
under the SAYE scheme in 2009 (2008: fair value of £1.2m). 

Morgan Sindall Annual report and accounts 2009
Consolidated financial statements

About Morgan Sindall
Directors’ report: business review
Directors’ report: governance
Consolidated financial statements
Company financial statements
Shareholder information

109

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129

27 Share-based payments continued

A modified Black-Scholes model has been used to value the options and awards set out below. None of the options or awards granted was subject to a share
price related performance condition. 

2007 ESOP options

Number of options/shares granted 
Weighted average fair value at date of grant (per option) 
Weighted average share price at date of grant 
Weighted average exercise price 
Expected term (from date of grant)(ii)
Expected volatility(iii)
Expected dividend yield(iv)
Risk-free rate 

2005 plan shares and options
Number of options/shares granted(i)
Weighted average fair value at date of grant (per option/share) 
Weighted average share price at date of grant 
Weighted average exercise price 
Expected term (from date of grant)(ii)
Expected volatility(iii)
Expected dividend yield(iv)
Risk-free rate 

Mar 09 

May 09 

94,000 
£0.90 
£5.40 
£5.35 
6 years 
38.00% 
7.80% 
2.60% 

Options 
Mar 09 

503,018 
£0.93 
£5.61 
£5.80 
6 years 
38.00% 
7.50% 
2.50% 

90,000 
£1.33 
£6.52 
£6.36 
6 years 
38.00%
6.50% 
2.80% 

Share
awards 
Mar 09(v)

198,402
£5.61
£5.61
n/a
3 years
48.00%
0.00%
1.60%

(i) In March 2009, 503,018 options and 198,402 share awards were granted to executives of the Group under the 2005 Plan. 

(ii) Adjusted from maximum term, based on management’s best estimate, for the effects of non-transferability, exercise restrictions, vesting conditions and

behavioural considerations. 

(iii) Assumed to be equal to historic volatility of the Company’s share price over the period prior to grant equal in length to the expected term.

(iv)Set as equal to dividend yield prevailing at date of grant with the exception of share awards granted to executives of the Group, which are subject to

performance conditions. 

(v) At the end of the vesting period, award holders may receive the value of any dividends paid during the vesting period in respect of their vested shares.

Consequently, the fair value is not discounted for value lost in respect of dividends. 

The Group recognised total remuneration expenses of £1.0m and £2.3m related to equity-settled share-based payment transactions in 2009 and 2008
respectively. 

Consolidated financial statements

110 Morgan Sindall Annual report and accounts 2009
Consolidated financial statements
Notes to the financial statements

27 Share-based payments continued

The following tables provide a summary of the options granted under the Group’s employee share option schemes during the current and comparative year. 

2009

1995 Scheme 

2007 Scheme 

2005 Plan 

2008 
SAYE Scheme 

Total 

Grant
date

Exercise
date on
or after

Expiry
date

Exercise
price
£

Balance
at the
beginning 
of year 
No.

Options
granted 
No.

Options
lapsed 
No.

Options
forfeited
No.

Options
exercised
No.

In issue Exercisable

No.

Proceeds
received £
(net of 
No. settlements) 

Balance at end of year

29 Oct 07  28 Oct 09 
29 Oct 02
25 Feb 04  25 Feb 09 
24 Feb 11 
14 Sep 04  14 Sep 09  13 Sep 11 

2.70  246,000 
4.20  100,000 
60,000 
4.38 

– 
– 
– 

93,354 
6,085 
– 

–  152,646 
3,915 
– 
– 
– 

– 
90,000 
60,000 

– 
90,000 
60,000 

73,882
196 
–

13 Aug 07  13 Aug 10  12 Aug 17 
24 Sep 07  24 Sep 10  23 Sep 17 
20 Dec 07  20 Dec 10  19 Dec 17 
15 Apr 08 
20 Apr 11  19 Apr 18 
27 May 08  27 May 11  26 May 18 
28 Oct 08 
28 Oct 11  27 Oct 18 
26 Nov 08  26 Nov 11  25 Nov 18 
2 Mar 19 
3 Mar 12 
28 May 09  28 May 12  27 May 19 

3 Mar 09 

23,000 
16.76 
15.81 
41,000 
10.51  100,000 
55,000 
10.03 
55,000 
9.92 
42,500 
4.36 
25,000 
4.75 
– 
5.35 
– 
6.36 

– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
94,000 
90,000 

20 May 05  20 May 08  20 May 15 
5 Apr 16 
5 Apr 09 
5 Apr 06 
6 Mar 17 
6 Mar 10 
6 Mar 07 
8 Apr 18 
9 Apr 11 
9 Apr 08 
15 Jun 18 
16 Jun 08 
16 Jun 11 
29 Jun 18 
30 Mar 09  30 Mar 12 

7.24  318,024 
12.59  258,532 
12.15  271,357 
10.39  342,066 
25,048 

– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
–  503,018 

7.42 
5.80 

– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 

– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 

– 
4,000 
– 
5,000 
5,000 
– 
– 
– 
– 

– 
11,914 
13,333 
– 
– 
– 

23,000 
– 
– 
37,000 
–  100,000 
50,000 
– 
50,000 
– 
42,500 
– 
25,000 
– 
94,000 
– 
90,000 
– 

– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 

–  318,024  318,024 
–  246,618  246,624 
– 
–  258,024 
– 
–  342,066 
– 
– 
25,048 
– 
–  503,018 

1 Jul 08 

1 Sep 11  28 Feb 12 

7.02 1,549,831 

– 

–  269,451 

– 1,280,380 

20,726 

–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–

–
–
–
–
–
–

–

3,512,358  687,018 

99,439  308,698  156,561 3,634,678  735,374 

74,078

Morgan Sindall Annual report and accounts 2009
Consolidated financial statements

About Morgan Sindall
Directors’ report: business review
Directors’ report: governance
Consolidated financial statements
Company financial statements
Shareholder information

111

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27 Share-based payments continued

2008

Grant
date

Exercise
date on
or after

Expiry
date

Exercise
price
£

Balance
at the 
beginning 
of year 
No.

Options
granted 
No.

Options
lapsed 
No.

Options
forfeited
No.

Options
exercised
No.

In issue
No.

Exercisable
No.

Proceeds
received £
(net of 
settlements) 

Balance at end of year

1995 Scheme 

2007 Scheme 

2005 Plan 

2008 
SAYE Scheme 

Total

29 Oct 02 
10 Mar 03 
25 Feb 04 
14 Sep 04 

29 Oct 07 
10 Mar 08 
25 Feb 09 
14 Sep 09 

28 Oct 09 
9 Mar 10 
24 Feb 11 
13 Sep 11 

2.70  380,000 
2.07  100,000 
4.20  100,000 
60,000 
4.38 

– 
– 
– 
– 

31,993 
– 
– 
– 

–  102,007  246,000  246,000 
–  100,000 
– 
– 

– 
–  100,000 
60,000 
– 

42,200
–  207,000
–
– 
–
– 

12 Aug 17 
13 Aug 07  13 Aug 10 
23 Sep 17 
24 Sep 07 
24 Sep 10 
19 Dec 17 
20 Dec 07  20 Dec 10 
20 Apr 11 
15 Apr 08 
19 Apr 18 
27 May 11  26 May 18 
27 May 08 
27 Oct 18 
28 Oct 11 
28 Oct 08 
26 Nov 11  25 Nov 18 
26 Nov 08 

23,000 
16.76 
15.81 
41,000 
10.51  100,000 
– 
10.03 
– 
9.92 
– 
4.36 
– 
4.75 

– 
– 
– 
55,000 
55,000 
42,500 
25,000 

20 May 05  20 May 08  20 May 15 
5 Apr 16 
5 Apr 09 
6 Mar 17 
6 Mar 10 
8 Apr 18 
9 Apr 11 
15 Jun 18 
16 Jun 11 

5 Apr 06 
6 Mar 07 
9 Apr 08 
16 Jun 08 

7.24  318,024 
12.59  258,532 
12.15  271,357 
10.39 
7.42 

– 
– 
– 
–  342,066 
25,048 
– 

– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 

– 
– 
– 
– 
– 

– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 

– 
– 
– 
– 
– 

23,000 
– 
– 
41,000 
–  100,000 
55,000 
– 
55,000 
– 
42,500 
– 
25,000 
– 

– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 

–  318,024  318,024 
– 
–  258,532 
– 
–  271,357 
– 
–  342,066 
– 
25,048 
– 

1 Jul 08 

1 Sep 11 

28 Feb 12 

7.02 

–  1,674,119 

–  124,288 

–  1,549,831 

11,339 

–
– 
–
–
–
–
–

–
– 
–
– 
–

– 

1,651,913  2,218,733 

31,993  124,288  202,007  3,512,358  575,363  249,200

Cash-settled share-based payments 
The Group grants to certain employees share appreciation rights (‘phantoms’) that require the Group to pay the intrinsic value of the phantoms to the employee 
at the date of exercise. As cash-settled share-based payment awards, the phantoms are revalued at the end of each reporting year. There were no phantoms
granted during the year (2008: nil). Phantoms are exercisable between three and eight years from the date of grant of the phantom. The total intrinsic value at
31 December 2009 was £nil (2008: £0.2m). The Group had recorded liabilities of £0.1m at 31 December 2009 in respect of phantoms (2008: £0.2m).

At the reporting date, the fair value and number of phantom awards outstanding was:

Date of grant 

17 Aug 2005 
11 Oct 2005 
5 Dec 2005 
5 Apr 2006 
5 April 2006(i)
18 May 2006 
10 Aug 2006 

Exercise 
price 
£ 

6.65 
8.49 
8.31 
12.59 
12.59 
11.09 
10.86 
9.67(ii)

Balance at
beginning of
the year 
No. 

Phantom 
options
lapsed 
No. 

Phantom
options
exercised 
No. 

68,000 
51,000 
60,000 
50,000 
50,000 
30,000 
10,000 

319,000 

– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 

– 

– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 

– 

Balance at
end of
the year 
No. 

68,000 
51,000 
60,000 
50,000 
50,000 
30,000 
10,000 

319,000 

Fair value
per award 
£

0.79
0.52 
0.54
0.25 
0.25 
0.33
0.35
0.48(ii)

(i) This grant is subject to a performance condition. To the extent that this condition is not expected to be satisfied and the options are expected to lapse, the

income statement charge is adjusted. Similar adjustment is made in the event of a bad leaver.

(ii) Weighted average.

The market price of a share on 31 December 2009 was £6.00 (2008: £5.42).

Consolidated financial statements

112 Morgan Sindall Annual report and accounts 2009
Consolidated financial statements
Notes to the financial statements

27 Share-based payments continued

The fair value of the phantoms was determined by the use of a modified Black-Scholes model using the assumptions noted in the table below: 

Expected term (from date of grant)(i)
Share price at valuation date 
Expected volatility of return(ii)
Expected dividend yield(iii)
Risk-free rate 

31 Dec 2009 

31 Dec 2008

4.6–5.6 years  4.6–5.6 years
£5.42
38%–41%
7.4%
2.5%

£6.00 
43%–60% 
7.0% 
2.2% 

(i) Adjusted from maximum term, based on management’s best estimate, for the effects of non-transferability, exercise restrictions, vesting conditions and

behavioural considerations.

(ii) Assumed to be equal to historic volatility of the Company’s share price over the year prior to grant equal in length to the expected term.

(iii) Set as equal to dividend yield prevailing at date of grant. 

The Group recorded a credit to profit of £nil during the year in respect of phantoms (2008: £0.6m credit).

28 Related parties

Transactions between the Company and its subsidiaries, which are related parties, have been eliminated on consolidation and are not disclosed in this note.
Transactions between the Group and its jointly controlled entities are disclosed below. 

Trading transactions 
During the year, Group companies entered into transactions to provide construction and property development services with related parties, all of which were
joint ventures, not members of the Group. Transactions and amounts owed at the year end are as follows: 

Provision of goods 
and services 

Amounts owed by/(to)
related parties

Claymore Roads (Holdings) Limited 
Morgan-Vinci Limited 
Community Solutions for Primary Care (Holdings) Limited 
Renaissance Miles Platting Limited 
Blue Light Holdings Limited 
Ashton Moss Developments Limited 
Bromley Park Limited 
Chatham Place (Building 1) Limited 
ECf (General Partner) Limited 
Eurocentral Partnership Limited 
Lewisham Gateway Developments Limited 
Lingley Mere Business Park Development Company Limited
North Shore Development Partnership Limited 
Ician Developments Limited 
The Compendium Group Limited 

Amounts owed by related parties 
Amounts owed to related parties 

All transactions with related parties were made on an arm’s length basis.

2009
£m 

– 
0.1 
12.9 
0.1 
15.0 
– 
– 
0.4 
1.4 
– 
– 
0.3 
– 
– 
1.4 

31.6 

2008
£m 

0.1 
– 
41.0 
– 
20.3 
– 
– 
0.3 
1.5 
1.4 
– 
2.3 
– 
– 
2.2 

69.1 

2009
£m 

– 
– 
1.4 
– 
0.2 
(0.2) 
(0.6) 
– 
0.6 
0.2 
0.2 
– 
0.1 
0.4 
– 

2.3 

2008
£m

0.1
0.1
2.2
–
1.3
(0.2)
(6.1)
0.1
–
0.2
0.1
(3.5)
0.1
–
–

(5.6)

Amounts owed by/(to)
related parties

2009
£m 

3.1 
(0.8) 

2.3 

2008
£m

4.2 
(9.8) 

(5.6) 

Morgan Sindall Annual report and accounts 2009
Consolidated financial statements

About Morgan Sindall
Directors’ report: business review
Directors’ report: governance
Consolidated financial statements
Company financial statements
Shareholder information

113

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129

28 Related parties continued

The amounts outstanding are unsecured and will be settled in cash. Other than construction related performance guarantees given in the ordinary course of
business, no guarantees have been given or received. No provisions have been made for doubtful debts in respect of amounts owed by related parties. All
amounts owed or owing by related parties are non-interest bearing.

Remuneration of key management personnel
The remuneration of the directors, who are key management personnel of the Group, is set out below in aggregate for each of the categories specified in IAS 24
‘Related Party Disclosures’. Further information about the remuneration of individual directors is provided in the audited part of the remuneration report on pages
72 to 74.

Short-term employee benefits 
Other long-term benefits 
Share option exercises 
Post-employment benefits 

2009 
£m 

2.2 
0.2 
– 
0.4 

2.8 

2008 
£m

2.2 
1.5 
0.8 
0.1 

4.6 

Directors’ transactions 
There were no transactions between the Group and the directors during the year or in the subsequent period to 22 February 2010 beyond those disclosed 
in the remuneration report.

There have been no other related party transactions with any director either during the year or in the subsequent period to 22 February 2010.

Directors’ material interests in contracts with the Company
No director held any material interest in any contract with the Company or any Group company in the year or in the subsequent period to 22 February 2010.

29 Financial instruments 

Cash and cash equivalents 
Cash and cash equivalents comprise cash in hand, demand deposits and other short-term highly liquid investments that are readily convertible to a known
amount of cash and are subject to an insignificant risk of changes in value. The carrying amount of these assets approximates to their fair value. 

Included within cash and cash equivalents is £23.8m (2008: £18.5m) which is the Group’s share of cash held within jointly controlled operations. 

General risk management principles 
The Board has overall responsibility for the establishment and oversight of the Group’s risk management framework. A formal risk assessment and management
framework for assessing, monitoring and managing the strategic operational and financial risks of the Group is in place to ensure appropriate risk management 
of its operations. Internal control and risk management systems are embedded in the operations of the divisions. 

The key business risks identified are discussed in detail in the business review on pages 28 to 31 and the corporate governance statement on page 67. 

Financial risks and management 
The Group has exposure to a variety of financial risks through the conduct of its operations. Risk management is governed by the Group’s operational policies,
which are subject to periodic review by the Group’s internal audit team and twice yearly review by management. The policies include written principles for the
Group’s risk management as well as specific policies, guidelines and authorisation procedures in respect of specific risk mitigation techniques such as the use of
derivative financial instruments. The Group does not enter into derivative financial instruments for speculative purposes. 

The following represent the key financial risks resulting from the Group’s use of financial instruments: 

credit risk

liquidity risk

market risk.

Consolidated financial statements

114 Morgan Sindall Annual report and accounts 2009
Consolidated financial statements
Notes to the financial statements

29 Financial instruments continued

(a) Credit risk 
Credit risk is the risk of financial loss to the Group if a customer or counterparty to a financial instrument fails to meet its contractual obligations and results
primarily from the Group’s trade receivables and amounts due from construction contract customers. 

Amounts due from construction contract customers and trade receivables 
The Group’s primary exposure to credit risk arises from the potential for non-payment or default from construction contract debtors and trade receivables. The
degree to which the Group is exposed to this credit risk depends on the individual characteristics of the contract counterparty and the nature of the project. The
Group’s credit risk is also influenced by general macroeconomic conditions. The Group primarily operates in one geographical segment, being the UK. The Group
does not have any significant concentration risk in respect of amounts due from construction contract customers or trade receivable balances at the reporting
date with receivables spread across a wide range of customers. Due to the nature of the Group’s operations, it is normal practice for customers to hold retentions
in respect of contracts completed. Retentions held by customers at 31 December 2009 were £62.0m (2008: £59.6m). 

The Group manages its exposure to credit risk through the application of its credit risk management policies which specify the minimum requirements in respect
of the credit worthiness of potential customers, assessed through reports from credit agencies, and the timing and extent of progress payments in respect of
contracts. 

The risk management policies of the Group also specify procedures in respect of obtaining parent company guarantees or, in certain circumstances, use of
escrow accounts, which in the event of default means that the Group may have a secure claim. The Group does not require collateral in respect of amounts 
due from construction contract customers or trade receivables. 

The Group manages the collection of retentions through its post-completion project monitoring procedures and ongoing contact with customers to ensure that
potential issues that could lead to the non-payment of retentions are identified and addressed promptly. The Group assesses amounts due from construction
contract customers and trade receivable balances for impairment and establishes a provision for impairment losses that represents its estimate of incurred losses. 

The ageing of trade receivables at the reporting date was as follows: 

Not past due 
Past due 1 to 30 days 
Past due 31 to 120 days 
Past due 121 to 365 days 
Greater than one year 

The movement in the provision for impairment losses on trade receivables during the year was as follows:

Balance at beginning of the year 
Amounts written off during the year 
Amounts recovered during the year 
Increase in provision recognised in the income statement 

Balance at 31 December 

2009 

2008

Gross trade 
receivables
£m 

Provision for
impairment
losses
£m 

Gross trade
receivables
£m 

Provision for
impairment
losses
£m 

101.7 
13.1 
10.4 
4.4 
6.2 

135.8 

1.5 
– 
– 
0.2 
1.2 

2.9 

143.6 
24.7 
12.2 
14.5 
1.9 

196.9 

2009 
£m 

2.7 
(0.2) 
(0.2) 
0.6 

2.9 

0.6 
0.1 
– 
0.3 
1.7 

2.7 

2008
£m 

4.9 
(1.9)
(0.3)
–

2.7

Morgan Sindall Annual report and accounts 2009
Consolidated financial statements

About Morgan Sindall
Directors’ report: business review
Directors’ report: governance
Consolidated financial statements
Company financial statements
Shareholder information

115

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129

29 Financial instruments continued

(b) Liquidity risk 
Liquidity risk is the risk that the Group will not be able to meet its financial obligations as and when they fall due. The ultimate responsibility for liquidity risk rests
with the Board. 

The Group aims to manage liquidity by ensuring that it will always have sufficient liquidity to meet its liabilities when due, under both normal and stress conditions,
without incurring unacceptable losses or risking damage to the Group’s reputation. 

The Group actively manages its liquidity profile whilst ensuring that the return achieved on cash and investments is maximised. The Group had no drawn down
debt facilities as at 31 December 2009 (2008: £nil). 

As discussed below under capital management, the Group does not have any derivative or non-derivative financial liabilities with the exception of finance lease
liabilities, trade and other payables, current tax liabilities and retirement benefit obligations. Current tax liabilities and trade and other payables are non-interest
bearing and therefore have no weighted average effective interest rates. Retirement benefit obligations are measured at the net of the present value of retirement
benefit obligations and the fair value of the Plan assets. Finance lease liabilities are carried at the present value of the minimum lease payments. An analysis of 
the maturity profile for finance lease liabilities is contained in note 18. 

The Group reports cash balances daily, and invests surplus cash to maximise income whilst preserving credit quality. The Group prepares weekly short-term and
monthly long-term cash forecasts, which are used to assess the Group’s expected cash performance, and compare with the facilities available to the Group and
the Group’s covenants. 

In addition to its cash balances, the Group has £100m of committed loan facilities available until mid-2012. 

Key risks to liquidity and cash balances are a downturn in contracting volumes, a decrease in the value of open market sales, deterioration in credit terms
obtainable in the market from suppliers and subcontractors, a downturn in the profitability of work, delayed receipt of cash from customers and the risk that 
major clients or suppliers suffer financial distress leading to non-payment of debts or costly and time consuming reallocation and rescheduling of work. 
Certain measures and KPIs are continually monitored throughout the Group and used to quickly identify issues as they arise, enabling the Group to address 
them promptly. 

Key amongst these are continual monitoring of the forward order book, including the status of orders and likely timescales for realisation so that contracting
volumes are well understood, monitoring of overhead levels to ensure they remain appropriate to contracting volumes, weekly monitoring of open market house
sales volumes and prices, continual monitoring of working capital exceptions (overdue debts and conversion of work performed into certificates and invoices),
continual review of levels of current and forecast profitability on contracts, review of client and supplier credit references, approval of credit terms with clients and
suppliers to ensure they are appropriate. 

The ageing of trade payables at the reporting date was as follows: 

Not past due 
Past due 1 to 30 days 
Past due 31 to 120 days 
Past due 121 to 365 days 
Greater than one year 

2009 
£m 

128.4 
6.6 
7.5 
3.4 
0.1 

146.0 

2008
£m 

109.9 
32.8 
17.9 
12.8 
0.1 

173.5

(c) Market risk 
Market risk is the risk that changes in market prices, such as foreign exchange rates, interest rates or equity prices, will affect the Group’s income or the carrying
amount of its holdings of financial instruments. The objective of market risk management is to achieve a level of market risk that is within acceptable parameters
as set out in the Group risk management framework. 

Interest rate risk 
The Group is not exposed to significant interest rate risk as it does not have significant interest bearing liabilities and its only interest bearing asset is cash invested
on a short-term basis. 

Certain of the Group’s equity accounted joint ventures enter into interest rate swaps to manage their exposure to interest rate risk arising on floating rate bank
borrowings. 

The Group’s share of joint ventures’ interest rate and Retail Prices Index swap contracts with nominal values of £80.8m (2008: £75.6m) have fixed interest
payments at an average rate of 5.01% (2008: 5.11%) for periods up until 2040. 

The Group’s share of the fair value of swaps entered into at 31 December 2009 by joint ventures is estimated at a £1.7m liability (2008: £2.3m liability). These
amounts are based on market values of equivalent instruments at the balance sheet date. All interest rate swaps are designated as hedging instruments and are
effective as cash flow hedges. The fair value thereof has been taken to the hedging reserve. 

Consolidated financial statements

116 Morgan Sindall Annual report and accounts 2009
Consolidated financial statements
Notes to the financial statements

29 Financial instruments continued

Currency risk 
The majority of the Group’s operations are carried out in the UK and the Group has an insignificant level of exposure to currency risk on sales and purchases. 
Given the insignificant exposure to foreign currency movements, the Group’s policy is not to hedge foreign currency transactions unless they are material, at
which point derivative financial instruments are entered into so as to hedge forecast or actual foreign currency exposures. 

Capital management 
The Board aims to maintain a strong capital base so as to maintain investor, creditor and market confidence and to sustain the future development of the
business. 

The capital structure of the Group consists of cash and cash equivalents and equity attributable to equity holders of the Company, comprising issued capital,
reserves and retained earnings as disclosed in note 24 and the consolidated statement of changes in equity. The cash and cash equivalents are supplemented 
by the £100m of bank facilities which are committed until mid-2012. 

The Group dividend policy is stated in the business review on page 33. 

The Board aims to achieve a suitable balance between higher returns that may be possible through borrowing and the stability afforded by a sound capital
position. 

There were no changes in the Group’s approach to capital management during the year and the Group is not subject to any capital requirements imposed by
regulatory authorities. 

30 Subsequent events 

There were no subsequent events that affected the financial statements of the Group.

Morgan Sindall Annual report and accounts 2009
Consolidated financial statements

117

About Morgan Sindall
Directors’ report: business review
Directors’ report: governance
Consolidated financial statements
Company financial statements
Shareholder information

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129

Company

financial 
statements

The Company’s financial
statements for the financial year
ended 31 December 2009

Matters on which we are required to report by exception
We have nothing to report in respect of the following matters where the
Companies Act 2006 requires us to report to you if, in our opinion:

adequate accounting records have not been kept by the parent company, 
or returns adequate for our audit have not been received from branches 
not visited by us; or

the parent company financial statements and the part of the remuneration
report to be audited are not in agreement with the accounting records 
and returns; or

certain disclosures of directors’ remuneration specified by law are not 
made; or

we have not received all the information and explanations we require 
for our audit.

Other matter
We have reported separately on the Group financial statements of Morgan
Sindall plc for the year ended 31 December 2009.

Ian Krieger
(Senior Statutory Auditor)
for and on behalf of Deloitte LLP
Chartered Accountants and Statutory Auditors 
London, United Kingdom
23 February 2010

Company financial statements

118 Morgan Sindall Annual report and accounts 2009
Company financial statements
Independent auditors’ report 

Independent auditors’ report to the members of Morgan Sindall plc 
We have audited the parent company financial statements of Morgan Sindall
plc for the year ended 31 December 2009 which comprise the balance sheet,
the combined statement of movements in reserves and shareholders’ funds,
the statement of significant accounting policies and related notes 1 to 14. 
The financial reporting framework that has been applied in their preparation is
applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards (United Kingdom
Generally Accepted Accounting Practice).

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 auditors’ report and for 
no other purpose. To the fullest extent permitted by law, we do not accept or
assume responsibility to anyone other than the Company and the Company’s
members as a body, for our audit work, for this report, or for the opinions we
have formed.

Respective responsibilities of directors and auditors
As explained more fully in the statement of directors’ responsibilities, the
directors are responsible for the preparation of the parent company financial
statements and for being satisfied that they give a true and fair view. Our
responsibility is to audit the parent company financial statements in
accordance with applicable law and International Standards on Auditing (UK
and Ireland). Those standards require us to comply with the Auditing Practices
Board’s (‘APB’s’) Ethical Standards for Auditors.

Scope of the audit of the financial statements
An audit involves obtaining evidence about the amounts and disclosures in 
the financial statements sufficient to give reasonable assurance that the
financial statements are free from material misstatement, whether caused by
fraud or error. This includes an assessment of: whether the accounting policies
are appropriate to the parent company’s circumstances and have been
consistently applied and adequately disclosed; the reasonableness of significant
accounting estimates made by the directors; and the overall presentation of
the financial statements.

Opinion on financial statements
In our opinion the parent company financial statements:

give a true and fair view of the state of the parent company’s affairs as 
at 31 December 2009 and of its profit for the year then ended;

have been properly prepared in accordance with United Kingdom 
Generally Accepted Accounting Practice; and

have been prepared in accordance with the requirements of the 
Companies Act 2006.

Opinion on other matters prescribed by the Companies Act 2006
In our opinion:

the part of the remuneration report to be audited has been properly
prepared in accordance with the Companies Act 2006; and

the information given in the directors’ report for the financial year for 
which the financial statements are prepared is consistent with the parent
company financial statements.

Company financial statements
Company balance sheet
at 31 December 2009

Fixed assets 
Tangible assets 
Investments 

Current assets 
Trade debtors 
Amounts owed by subsidiary undertakings 
Other debtors 
Prepayments and accrued income 
Corporation tax recoverable 
Deferred tax asset 
Cash at bank and in hand 

Creditors: amounts falling due within one year
Bank overdraft 
Trade creditors 
Amounts owed to subsidiary undertakings 
Other tax and social security 
Corporation tax payable 
Other creditors 
Accruals and deferred income 

Net current liabilities 

Total assets less current liabilities 
Provisions for liabilities 

Net assets excluding retirement benefit obligation 
Retirement benefit obligation 

Net assets including retirement benefit obligation 

Shareholders’ funds 
Share capital 
Share premium account 
Capital redemption reserve 
Own shares 
Special reserve 
Retained earnings 

Total shareholders’ funds 

Morgan Sindall Annual report and accounts 2009
Company financial statements

119

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Company financial statements
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Notes 

4 
5 

6 

10 

7 

8 

2009 
£m 

2008
£m

1.2 
322.2 

323.4 

0.1 
88.6 
0.1 
1.6 
–
1.0 
85.2 

1.2
282.7

283.9 

0.1
81.3
0.3
0.5
0.9
1.2
76.5

176.6 

160.8

(122.3) 
(2.6) 
(170.4) 
(0.2) 
(19.1) 
(0.8) 
(3.5) 

(318.9) 
(142.3) 

181.1 
(10.0) 

171.1 
(2.3) 

168.8 

2.2 
26.7 
0.6 
(6.0) 
13.7 
131.6 

168.8 

(107.8)
(2.7)
(153.5)
(0.7)
–
(0.7)
(3.7)

(269.1)
(108.3)

175.6
(9.2)

166.4
(2.2)

164.2

2.2 
26.6
0.6
(6.4)
13.6 
127.6

164.2

The financial statements of the Company (company number 00521970) were approved by the Board and authorised for issue on 23 February 2010 and signed
on its behalf by: 

Paul Smith
Chief Executive

David Mulligan
Finance Director

Company financial statements

120 Morgan Sindall Annual report and accounts 2009
Company financial statements
Company combined statement of movements 
in reserves and shareholders’ funds
for the year ended 31 December 2009

Balance at 1 January 2009 
Profit for the year 
Recognition of share based payments 
2009 interim dividend declared and paid 
2008 final dividend declared and paid 
Own shares acquired in the period 
Own shares vested 
Arising on striking-off of dormant subsidiaries 
Options exercised 
Deferred tax arising on recognition of share-based payments 
Actuarial loss on defined benefit obligation 

Balance at 31 December 2009 

Share 
capital 
£m 

Share
premium
account 
£m 

Investment
in own
shares 
£m 

Capital
redemption
reserve 
£m 

Special
reserve
£m 

Retained
earnings
£m 

2.2 
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–

2.2 

26.6 
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
0.1 
–
–

26.7 

(6.4) 
–
–
–
–
(0.1) 
0.5 
–
–
–
–

(6.0) 

0.6 
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–

0.6 

13.6 
–
–
–
–
–
–
0.1 
–
–
–

127.6 
21.0 
1.0 
(5.0) 
(12.7) 
–
(0.5) 
–
–
0.8 
(0.6) 

13.7 

131.6 

Total
equity
£m

164.2
21.0
1.0
(5.0)
(12.7)
(0.1)
–
0.1
0.1
0.8
(0.6)

168.8 

Company financial statements
Significant accounting policies

Basis of accounting
These financial statements have been prepared on a going concern basis 
as discussed in the business review on page 33, under the historic cost
convention except as modified by the revaluation of pension assets and
liabilities and share-based payments and are in accordance with the
Companies Act 2006 and applicable United Kingdom accounting standards.
The financial statements are presented in pounds sterling, which is the
Company’s functional currency, and unless otherwise stated have been
rounded to the nearest £0.1m.

Under Financial Reporting Standard (‘FRS’) 1 ‘Cash Flow Statements’, the
Company is exempt from the requirement to prepare a cash flow statement 
on the basis that its consolidated financial statements, which include 
the Company and present a consolidated statement of cash flows, are 
publicly available.

Under FRS 8 ‘Related Party Disclosures’, the Company is exempt from the
requirement to disclose related party transactions with entities within the
Group where the Company’s interest is greater than 90%. 

The Company’s accounting policies have been applied on a consistent basis
throughout the year. Certain comparatives have been reclassified to conform
to the current year’s presentation which has had the effect of increasing
investments by £1.0m and decreasing amounts owed by subsidiary
undertakings by £1.0m. This has had no impact on net assets or earnings.

Significant estimates and judgments
The preparation of financial statements requires management to make
judgments, estimates and assumptions that affect the application of
accounting policies and the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, income 
and expense. Actual results may differ from these estimates.

Estimates and assumptions are reviewed on an ongoing basis and any revisions
to estimates or assumptions are recognised in the period in which revised and
in any future periods affected. 

The estimates and judgments concerning the future at 31 December 2009
and that have a significant risk of causing a material adjustment to the carrying
value of assets and liabilities within the next financial year are as follows: 

(a) Tax
Judgments are required in establishing the Company’s liability to pay taxes
where tax positions are uncertain. Details of deferred tax assets and liabilities 
are set out in note 6.

(b) Accounting for the Company’s defined benefit plan
The directors engage an independent and qualified actuary to calculate 
the Company’s liability in respect of the defined benefit plan. In order to 
arrive at this valuation, certain assumptions in respect of discount rates, salary
escalations, expected return on the plan’s assets and future pension increases
have been made. Assumptions regarding future mortality are based on
published statistics and mortality tables. As the actual rates of increase and
mortality may differ from those assumed, the actual pension liability may differ
from that recognised in these financial statements. Assumptions used and full
details of the Company’s liability are set out in full in note 7.

(c) Share-based payments
Recognition and measurement of share-based payments requires estimation
of the fair value of awards at the date of grant and for cash-settled awards, 
re-measurement at each reporting date. Judgment is also exercised when
estimating the number of awards that will ultimately vest. Both of these
judgments have a significant impact on the amounts recognised in the profit 
or loss and in the balance sheet. To assist in determining each award’s fair
value, the directors engage a qualified and independent valuation expert.
Estimation of the number of awards that will ultimately vest is based on historic
vesting trends for similar awards, taking into consideration specific features of
the awards and the current intrinsic value of those awards.

Morgan Sindall Annual report and accounts 2009
Company financial statements

121

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Directors’ report: governance
Consolidated financial statements
Company financial statements
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Fixed asset investments
Investments held as fixed assets are stated at cost less provision for any
impairment in value. Investments are reviewed for impairment at the earlier of
the Company’s reporting date or where an indicator of impairment is identified.

Amounts owed by subsidiary undertakings
Included within amounts owed by subsidiary undertakings of £88.6m 
(2008: £81.3m) is £20.0m (2008: £nil) which is not repayable within one year.

Fixed assets and depreciation
No depreciation is provided on freehold land. On other assets, depreciation is
provided at rates calculated to write off the cost or valuation of fixed assets
over their estimated useful lives as follows:

Freehold property

2% per annum

Plant, machinery and equipment

Between 10% and 33% per annum

Tax
The tax expense represents the current tax and deferred tax charges. Tax is
recognised in the profit and loss account except to the extent that it relates 
to items recognised directly in equity.

(a) Current tax
Current tax is the Company’s expected tax liability on taxable profit for the year
using tax rates enacted, or substantively enacted at the reporting date and any
adjustments to tax payable in respect of previous years. Taxable profit differs
from that reported in the profit and loss account because it is adjusted for
items of income or expense that are assessable or deductible in other years
and is adjusted for items that are never assessable or deductible.

(b) Deferred tax
Deferred tax is provided in full on timing differences which result in an
obligation at the balance sheet date to pay more tax, or a right to pay less tax,
at a future date, at rates expected to apply when they crystallise based on
current tax rates and laws. Timing differences arise from the inclusion of items
of income and expenditure in tax computations in periods different from those
in which they are included in the financial statements. Deferred tax is not
provided on timing differences arising from the revaluation of fixed assets
where there is no commitment to sell the asset, or on unremitted earnings 
of subsidiaries and associates where there is no commitment to remit these
earnings. Deferred tax assets are recognised to the extent that it is regarded 
as more likely than not that there will be future taxable profits against which 
to recover carried forward future tax losses and from which the reversal of
underlying timing differences can be deducted. Deferred tax assets and
liabilities are not discounted.

Retirement benefit schemes
The Company has two retirement benefit plans.

(a) Defined contribution plan
A defined contribution plan is a post-retirement benefit plan under which the
Company pays fixed contributions to a separate entity and has no legal or
constructive obligation to pay further amounts. The Company recognises
payments to defined contribution pension plans as an employee expense in
the profit and loss account as and when they are due. 

(b) Defined benefit plan
A defined benefit plan is a post-retirement plan other than a defined
contribution plan. The Company’s net liability is recognised in the balance sheet
and is calculated by estimating the amount of future benefit that employees
have earned in return for their service in the current and prior periods and
discounting this to its present value. Any unrecognised past service costs and
the fair value of the plan’s assets are deducted.

Company financial statements

122 Morgan Sindall Annual report and accounts 2009
Company financial statements
Significant accounting policies

The calculation is performed by a qualified actuary on an annual basis using the
projected unit credit method. The cost of the plan is charged to the profit and
loss account based on actuarial assumptions at the beginning of the financial
year. Where the calculation results in a benefit to the Company, the asset
recognised is limited to the net of the total unrecognised past service costs 
and the present value of any future refunds from the plan or reductions in
future contributions to the plan.

Finance income and expense
Finance income comprises bank and other interest. Interest income is
recognised in the profit and loss account using the effective interest rate
method. Finance expense comprises interest on bank overdrafts.

Borrowing costs are recognised in the profit and loss account on an effective
interest method in the period in which they are incurred.

When the benefits of the plan are improved, the portion of increased benefit
relating to past service by employees is recognised in the profit and loss
account on a straight-line basis over the average period until the benefits
become vested. Where the benefits vest immediately, the expense is
recognised in the profit and loss account immediately.

Financial guarantees
The Company provides certain guarantees in respect of the indebtedness of its
subsidiary undertakings and in respect of bonds and claims under contracting
and other arrangements which include joint arrangements and joint ventures
entered into in the ordinary course of business.

The Company considers such agreements to be indemnity arrangements and
as such, accounts for them as contingent liabilities unless it becomes probable
that the Company will be required to make a payment under the guarantee.

Dividends
The Company has adopted FRS 21 ‘Events after the Balance Sheet Date’ and
accordingly only recognises a liability once there is an obligation to pay. As a
result a dividend will only be recognised once the shareholders approve it.

Actuarial gains and losses are recognised in full in the combined statement of
movements in reserves and shareholders’ funds in the period in which they
occur. Net pension obligations are included in the balance sheet at the present
value of the plan liabilities, less the fair value of the plan assets and any related
deferred tax asset.

Provisions
Provisions are recognised when the Company has a present legal or
constructive obligation as a result of a past event, it is probable that an outflow
of resources will be required to settle the obligation, and the amount of the
obligation can be estimated reliably.

Share-based payments 
The Company has applied the requirements of FRS 20 ‘Share-Based Payment’.
In accordance with the transitional provisions, FRS 20 has been applied to all
grants of equity instruments after 7 November 2002 that were unvested as 
of 1 January 2005.

The Company grants equity-settled and cash-settled share-based awards to
certain employees. Equity-settled share-based payments are measured at fair
value at the date of grant and are recognised as an employee expense, with 
a corresponding increase in equity, over the period from date of grant to the
date on which the employees become unconditionally entitled to the options.

Cash-settled share-based payments are measured at fair value at each 
balance sheet date and recognised as an expense, with a corresponding
increase in liabilities, over the period from date of grant to the date on which
the employees become unconditionally entitled to the payment. Any changes
in the fair value of the liability are recognised as an employee expense or
income in the profit and loss account. Fair value is measured by use of a
modified Black-Scholes model. 

None of these awards when granted were subject to a share price related
performance condition.

Related National Insurance Contributions are accrued on the basis of the
intrinsic value of outstanding share-based payments and are re-measured 
at each reporting date.

Leased assets
Rentals payable under operating leases are charged to income on a straight-
line basis over the term of the relevant lease. 

Company financial statements
Notes to the financial statements

Morgan Sindall Annual report and accounts 2009
Company financial statements

123

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Company financial statements
Shareholder information

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1 Employees

The average number of people employed by the Company including directors during the year was 22 (2008: 21).

2 Staff costs 

Wages and salaries 
Social security costs(i)
Pension costs 

2009 
£m 

3.8 
0.6 
0.6 

5.0 

2008
£m

4.9
0.2 
0.5

5.6

(i) Included within this amount is £nil (2008: credit of £0.6m) relating to the release of the National Insurance accrual recognised on share-based payments. The

accrual is remeasured at each reporting period on the basis of the intrinsic value of share-based payments.

3 Profit of the parent company 

The Company has taken advantage of section 408 of the Companies Act 2006 and consequently the profit and loss account of the parent company is not
presented as part of these accounts. The profit of the parent company for the financial year amounted to £21.0m (2008: £50.5m).

4 Tangible assets 

Cost or valuation 
Balance at 1 January 2009 
Additions in the year 

Balance at 31 December 2009 

Accumulated depreciation
Balance at 1 January 2009 
Depreciation charge for the year 

Balance at 31 December 2009 

Net book value
Net book value at 31 December 2009
Net book value at 31 December 2008 

5 Investments 

Cost
Balance at 1 January 2009 
Additions in the year 
Disposals during the year 

Balance at 31 December 2009 

Provisions
Balance at 1 January 2009 
Disposals during the year 

Balance at 31 December 2009 

Net book value
Net book value at 31 December 2009 
Net book value at 31 December 2008 

Owned plant,
machinery and
equipment 
£m 

Freehold
property 
£m 

2.8 
0.4 

3.2 

(1.7) 
(0.4) 

(2.1) 

1.1
1.1 

0.1 
– 

0.1 

– 
– 

– 

0.1
0.1 

Total
£m 

2.9
0.4

3.3 

(1.7)
(0.4) 

(2.1) 

1.2
1.2 

Subsidiary undertakings

Shares 
£m 

Loans 
£m 

Total 
£m

287.0 
39.5 
(0.8) 

325.7 

(4.3) 
0.8 

(3.5) 

322.2 
282.7 

1.0 
– 
(1.0) 

– 

(1.0) 
1.0 

– 

– 
– 

288.0
39.5
(1.8)

325.7 

(5.3)
1.8

(3.5)

322.2
282.7 

On 17 December 2009, the Company increased its investment in its wholly owned subsidiary, Morgan Ashurst plc, by £14.0m through the purchase of 14.0m
fully paid ordinary shares of £1.00 each. 

On 17 December 2009, the Company increased its investment in its wholly owned subsidiary, Lovell Partnerships Limited, by £20.0m through the purchase of
20.0m fully paid ordinary shares of £1.00 each. 

Company financial statements

124 Morgan Sindall Annual report and accounts 2009
Company financial statements
Notes to the financial statements

5 Investments continued

On 17 December 2009, the Company increased its investment in its wholly owned subsidiary, Morgan Professional Services Limited, by £1.0m through the
purchase of 1.0m fully paid ordinary shares of £1.00 each. 

On 17 December 2009, the Company increased its investment in its wholly owned subsidiary, Morgan Sindall Investments Limited, by £4.5m through the
purchase of 4.5m fully paid ordinary shares of £1.00 each. 

The disposals during the year relate to a dissolution pursuant to section 625A of the Companies Act 1985 of two dormant companies, Sindall Joinery Limited 
(in which the Company had an investment of £0.3m and a loan receivable of £1.0m (which was fully provided against)) and Noel Street Properties Limited 
(in which the Company had an investment of £0.5m). A loss of £0.1m was recognised on the dissolution of these two companies. 

6 Deferred tax

The major deferred tax liabilities and assets recognised by the Company and movements thereon are as follows: 

Balance at 1 January 2009 
(Debit)/credit to the profit and loss account 
Credit to equity 

Balance at 31 December 2009 

Accelerated capital 
allowance and 
other short-term 
timing differences 
£m 

Retirement
benefit
obligations 
£m 

Share-based
payments 
£m 

0.8 
(0.4) 
– 

0.4 

0.8 
0.1 
– 

0.9 

0.4 
(0.6) 
0.8 

0.6 

Certain deferred tax assets and liabilities have been offset. The analysis of the deferred tax balances (after offset) for financial reporting purposes is as follows: 

Current assets 
Retirement benefit obligations 

2009 
£m 

1.0 
0.9 

1.9 

Total
£m

2.0
(0.9)
0.8

1.9

2008
£m

1.2
0.8 

2.0

At the balance sheet date, the Company has unused tax losses of £0.6m (2008: £0.6m) available for offset against future profits. No deferred tax asset has been
recognised in respect of £0.2m (2008: £0.2m) of such losses due to the unpredictability of future profit streams. 

7 Retirement benefit schemes

Defined contribution plan
The Morgan Sindall Retirement Benefits Plan (‘the Plan’) was established on 31 May 1995 and operates on defined contribution principles for employees of the
Group. The assets of the Plan are held separately from those of the Group in funds under the control of the Trustees of the Plan. The total cost charged to income
of £0.4m (2008: £0.3m) represents contributions payable to the defined contribution section of the Plan by the Company at rates specified in the Plan rules. As at
31 December 2009, contributions of £0.1m (2008: £0.1m) were due in respect of December’s contribution which had not been paid over to the Plan. The
Company, with the consent of the Trustees, can decide how to use monies held in a defined contribution general account. During the year, the Company made
contributions of £0.7m (2008: £0.7m) in respect of the Plan.

Defined benefit plan
The Plan includes some defined benefit liabilities and transfers of funds representing the accrued benefit rights of former active and deferred members and
pensioners of pension plans of companies which are now part of the Group. These include final salary related benefits for members in respect of benefits accrued
before 31 May 1995 (and benefits transferred in from The Snape Group Limited Retirement Benefits Scheme include accruals up to 1 August 1997). No further
defined benefit membership rights can accrue after that date.

Under the Plan, employees are entitled to retirement benefits at a retirement age of 65. No other retirement benefits are provided. The Plan is currently being
funded by the Company.

The last triennial valuation of the Plan was undertaken on 5 April 2007 and was prepared using assumptions of a rate of investment return of 6.0% per annum, a
rate of earnings escalation of 4.5% per annum and rate of inflation of 3.5% per annum. The ongoing liabilities of the Plan were assessed using the projected unit
method whereas the assets were taken at realisable market value. The actuarial valuation referred to showed that the defined benefit liabilities were partly funded
and, on an ongoing basis, the value of the assets of £4.7m represented 59% of the value of these liabilities. The actuarial valuation also showed that the realisable
market value of the Plan’s assets was 81% of its minimum liabilities when assessed on the Minimum Funding Requirement basis (as defined in the Pensions Act
1995). The next triennial valuation will be carried out as at 5 April 2010 when the funding position will be reappraised.

Morgan Sindall Annual report and accounts 2009
Company financial statements

125

About Morgan Sindall
Directors’ report: business review
Directors’ report: governance
Consolidated financial statements
Company financial statements
Shareholder information

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129

7 Retirement benefit schemes continued

The most recent valuation of the Plan assets and the present value of the defined benefit liabilities was prepared as at 31 December 2009. The present value of
the defined benefit liabilities, the related current service cost and past service cost were measured using the projected unit method.

Key assumptions used: 

Discount rate 
Expected rate of salary increases 
Expected return on plan assets 
Future pension increases – members who left before 1 June 1995(i)
Future pension increases – members who left after 31 May 1995 
Future pension increases – non-guaranteed deferred pensions 

The amount included in the balance sheet arising from the Company’s liabilities in respect of the Plan is as follows: 

Present value of the Plan liabilities(ii)
Fair value of the Plan assets (ii)

Deficit in the Plan 
Related deferred taxation at 28% 

Liability recognised in the balance sheet 

The total pension costs of the Company in respect of: 

Defined benefit section of the Plan(iii)
Defined contribution section of the Plan(iii)

2009 
% 

5.6 
4.8 
4.9 
3.5 
3.0 
3.5 

2009 
£m 

(8.9) 
5.7 

(3.2) 
0.9 

(2.3) 

2009 
£m 

0.4 
0.4 

2008 
% 

6.1 
4.0 
4.8 
3.5 
3.0 
3.5 

2008 
£m 

(8.0) 
5.0 

(3.0) 
0.8 

(2.2) 

2008 
£m 

0.2 
0.3 

2007
%

6.0
4.5
5.3
3.5
3.0
3.5

2007
£m

(8.0)
4.7

(3.3)
0.9

(2.4)

2007
£m

0.2
0.3

There are no amounts to be included within the operating profit for current or past service costs in 2009, 2008 or 2007.

Notes:

(i) Any pension which accrues in respect of service after 6 April 1997 will increase in line with inflation, subject to a maximum of 5% per annum.

(ii) Represents the ongoing value of assets invested in managed funds operated by Scottish Equitable at the valuation date. The assets and liabilities relating to

defined contribution members are in addition to these figures.

(iii) In view of the funding position of the defined benefit section of the Plan there is a requirement for an employer’s contribution in 2010 of £0.7m and the

position will be reviewed following the next triennial valuation as at 5 April 2010. Employer’s contributions for defined contribution benefits remain unchanged
at agreed standard rates.

Amounts recognised in administrative expenses in respect of the Plan:

Interest cost 
Expected return on the Plan assets 

Net periodic cost 

Analysis of the movement in the Plan deficit during the year:

Deficit at 1 January 
Interest cost 
Actuarial losses 
Expected return on the Plan assets 
Contributions from sponsoring Company 

Deficit at 31 December 

2009 
£m 

(0.5) 
0.2 

(0.3) 

2009 
£m 

(3.0) 
(0.5) 
(0.6) 
0.2 
0.7 

(3.2) 

2008 
£m 

(0.5) 
0.3 

(0.2) 

2008 
£m 

(3.3) 
(0.5) 
(0.2) 
0.3 
0.7 

(3.0) 

2007
£m

(0.4)
0.3

(0.1)

2007
£m

(2.5)
(0.4) 
(0.9)
0.3
0.2

(3.3)

Company financial statements

126 Morgan Sindall Annual report and accounts 2009
Company financial statements
Notes to the financial statements

7 Retirement benefit schemes continued

The Plan assets and the expected rate of return at the balance sheet date were as follows: 

Equity instruments 
Fixed interest gilts 
Corporate bonds 
Other assets 

History of experience adjustments is as follows: 

Fair value of assets 

Expected return

2009 
£m 

– 
3.2 
2.5 
– 

5.7 

2008 
£m 

– 
2.8 
2.2 
– 

5.0 

2007 
£m 

0.5 
2.4 
1.8 
– 

4.7

2009 
% 

n/a 
4.4 
5.6 
2.0 

2008 
%

n/a
3.8
6.1
2.0

2007
%

7.4
4.4
6.0
5.5

Difference between the 

expected and actual return 
on the Plan assets 

Experience (loss)/gain arising 

on the Plan liabilities 

Total actuarial (loss)/gain 

8 Share capital

Authorised: 
Ordinary shares of 5p each 

Issued and fully paid:
At the beginning of the year 
Exercise of share options 

At the end of the year 

2009 

2008

2007

2006

2005

% asset 
or liability 
value 

3.5 

(9.0)

£m

0.2 

(0.8) 

(0.6) 

% asset
or liability
value 

(6.6) 

1.9 

£m

(0.4) 

0.2 

(0.2) 

% asset
or liability 
value 

(11.0) 

(4.4) 

£m

(0.5)

(0.4)

(0.9) 

% asset
or liability
value 

0.4 

9.2 

£m

– 

0.7 

0.7 

% asset
or liability
value

3.8

(18.6)

£m

0.2 

(1.5) 

(1.3)

2009 

2008

No. ’000s 

£’000s 

No. ’000s 

£’000s

60,000 

3,000 

60,000 

3,000

43,004 
156 

43,160 

2,150 
8 

2,158 

42,802 
202 

43,004 

2,140
10 

2,150

The Company has one class of ordinary share of 5p each (‘shares’) which carries no rights to fixed income. All shares are entitled to receive dividends as declared
from time to time and are entitled to one vote per share at meetings of the Company. All shares rank equally with regard to the Company’s residual assets.

No member shall however be entitled to vote at any general meeting in respect of any share held by him if any call or other sum then payable by him in respect
of that share remains unpaid or if a member has been served with a restriction notice (as defined in the Articles) after failure to provide the Company with
information concerning interests in those shares required to be provided under the Companies Act 2006.

Shares 
The shares of the Company issued during the year are shown below. Details of employee share option schemes referred to are given below and in note 24 of the
consolidated financial statements. 

156,561 shares were issued in respect of options exercised under the Company’s 1995 Scheme for a total consideration of £74,078 (2008: 202,007 shares for a
total consideration of £249,200). Some options exercised under the 1995 Scheme were settled on a net basis. 

No shares were issued in respect of the ESOP 2007, the SAYE scheme or the 2005 Plan (2008: nil).

Morgan Sindall Annual report and accounts 2009
Company financial statements

127

About Morgan Sindall
Directors’ report: business review
Directors’ report: governance
Consolidated financial statements
Company financial statements
Shareholder information

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79//116
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129

8 Share capital continued

Share options 
The weighted average share price at the date of exercise for share options exercised during the year was £5.82 (2008: £9.87). The options outstanding at 31
December 2009 had a weighted average exercise price of £7.76 (2008: £6.04) and a weighted average remaining contractual life of 1.6 years (2008: 2.1 years).
The total equity-settled share-based payments expense recognised by the Company during the year was £1.0m (2008: £2.3m) and the expense recognised for
cash-settled share-based payments was a credit of £nil (2008: credit of £0.3m).

Own shares
Own shares at cost represent 797,034 (2008: 840,864) shares in the Company held in the Morgan Sindall Employee Benefit Trust (‘the Trust’) in connection with
the ESOP 2007 and certain share incentive schemes as detailed in the remuneration report on pages 68 to 74. The trustees of the Trust purchase the Company’s
shares in the open market with financing provided by the Company on the basis of regular reviews of the share liabilities of the relevant schemes. A total of
797,034 (2008: 840,864) shares were unallocated at the year end and dividends on these shares have been waived. The cost of shares expected to be awarded is
charged over the three year period to which the award relates. Based on the Company’s share price at 31 December 2009 of £6.00 (2008: £5.42), the market
value of the shares was £4,782,204 (2008: £4,557,483).

9 Dividends

For details of dividends paid during the year and proposed but not approved by shareholders at the balance sheet date, refer to note 7 of the consolidated
financial statements.

10 Provisions

At 1 January 2009 
Utilised 
Additions 

At 31 December 2009 

Employee 
provisions 
£m 

Insurance
provisions 
£m 

1.7 
(0.1) 
– 

1.6 

7.5 
(2.3) 
3.2 

8.4 

Total
£m 

9.2 
(2.4) 
3.2 

10.0 

The Company has provisions for self-insurance in respect of claims incurred but not yet received and employee provisions which comprise obligations to former
employees that are not related to retirement or post-retirement obligations. The majority of the provisions are expected to be utilised within five years.

11 Operating lease commitments 

The Company has an operating lease commitment in respect of land and buildings for between two and five years for £0.2m (2008: £0.2m). Lease payments
recognised as an expense in the year amounted to £0.2m (2008: £0.2m).

12 Contingent liabilities 

Group banking facilities and surety bond facilities are supported by cross guarantees given by the Company and participating companies in the Group. There are
contingent liabilities in respect of surety bond facilities, guarantees and claims under contracting and other arrangements, including joint arrangements and joint
ventures entered into in the normal course of business.

13 Subsequent events 

Following the balance sheet date, the Company agreed to purchase investments in dormant companies held by its subsidiary, Morgan Ashurst plc, at their net
book value of £21.9m.

Company financial statements

128 Morgan Sindall Annual report and accounts 2009
Company financial statements
Notes to the financial statements

14 Additional information on subsidiary undertakings and joint ventures

The Company acts as a holding company for the Group and has the following principal subsidiary undertakings and significant interests in joint ventures which
affected the Group’s results or net assets:

Subsidiary undertakings 
Lovell Partnerships Limited 
Magnor Plant Hire Limited 
Morgan Ashurst plc 
Morgan Est plc 
Morgan Lovell plc 
Morgan Professional Services Limited 
Morgan Sindall Investments Limited 
Muse Developments Limited 
Newman Insurance Company Limited 
Overbury plc 
Underground Professional Services Limited 
Vivid Interiors Limited 

Joint Ventures 
Access for Wigan (Holdings) Limited (50%)*
Ashton Moss Developments Limited (50%)*
Blue Light Holdings Limited (50%)*
Bromley Park Limited (50%)*
Chatham Place (Building 1) Limited (50%)*
Claymore Roads (Holdings) Limited (50%)*
Community Solutions for Primary Care (Holdings) Limited (50%)*
English Cities Fund (12.5%)*
Eurocentral Partnership Limited (50%)*
Ician Developments Limited (50%)*
ISIS Waterside Regeneration (25%)*
Lewisham Gateway Developments Limited (50%)*
Lingley Mere Business Park Development Company Limited (50%)*
Morgan-Vinci Limited (50%)*
North Shore Development Partnership Limited (50%)*
Renaissance Miles Platting Limited (331/3%)*
The Compendium Group Limited (50%)*

Activity
Affordable housing
Construction plant hire
Construction
Infrastructure services
Office transformation services
Design services
Project investments
Urban regeneration
Insurance
Fitting out and refurbishment specialists 
Infrastructure services
Retail and leisure fit out specialist

Investment in public services centre
Inner city regeneration
Investment in the development of emergency services facilities
Residential development
Residential and commercial property development
Infrastructure services
Investment in the development of primary care facilities
Inner city regeneration
Commercial premises and rail freight terminal development
Mixed use regeneration
Waterside regeneration
Mixed use regeneration 
New commercial office space development
Infrastructure services
Mixed use regeneration
Mixed tenure development
Investment in affordable housing

All subsidiary undertakings are wholly owned unless shown otherwise and with the exception of companies marked * all shareholdings are in the name of Morgan
Sindall plc. The proportion of ownership interest is the same as the proportion of voting power held except for English Cities Fund and ISIS Waterside Regeneration,
details of which are shown in the consolidated financial statements note 12. With the exception of Newman Insurance Company Limited registered and operating
in Guernsey, all undertakings are registered in England and Wales and the principal place of business is the UK. Newman Insurance Company Limited has a year
end of 30 November coterminous with the renewal date for the insurance arrangements in which it participates.

Designed and produced by Bostock and Pollitt Limited, London.
This brochure is printed on HannoArt Silk and Skye Uncoated Brilliant
White, comprising of fibres sourced from well managed sustainable
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the use of chlorine. The production mill for this paper operates to 
EMAS, ISO 14001 environmental and ISO 9001 quality standards.
This report was printed by Granite Colour. An FSC certified 
printer who through their environmental standards and working 
to ISO 14001 policies minimise the impact of printing on the
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solvent waste associated with this production have been recycled.

Shareholder information

Morgan Sindall Annual report and accounts 2009
Shareholder information

About Morgan Sindall
Directors’ report: business review
Directors’ report: governance
Consolidated financial statements
Company financial statements
Shareholder information

129

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61//78
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129

Financial calendar 2010

Financial year end
Preliminary results announcement
Annual general meeting
Interim management statement
Second interim dividend:
Ex-dividend date
Record date
Payment date
Half-yearly results announcement
Interim dividend payable
Interim management statement

31 December 2009
23 February 2010
6 May 2010
6 May 2010

10 March 2010
12 March 2010
1 April 2010
August 2010
September 2010
November 2010

Registrar
All administrative enquiries relating to shareholdings, such as lost certificates,
changes of address, change of ownership or dividend payments and 
requests to receive corporate documents by email should, in the first 
instance, be directed to the Company’s Registrars (‘Registrars’) and clearly 
state the shareholder’s registered address and, if available, the full shareholder
reference number:

By post
Capita Registrars, Northern House, Woodsome Park, Fenay Bridge, 
Huddersfield, West Yorkshire HD8 0GA.

By telephone
0871 664 0300 (calls cost 10p per minute plus network extras). Lines are 
open Monday to Friday 8am to 5.30pm. If calling from overseas please call 
+44 20 8639 3399. 

By email
ssd@capitaregistrars.com

Registering on the Registrar’s website enables you to view your shareholding 
in Morgan Sindall plc including an indicative share price and valuation, a
transaction audit trail and dividend payment history. If you wish to view your
shareholding, please log on to www.capitaregistrars.com and click on the link
‘shareholder services’, then follow the instructions.

Dividend mandates
Shareholders who do not currently have their dividends paid directly to 
a bank or building society account and wish to do so should complete 
a mandate instruction available from the Registrars on request or at
www.capitaregistrars.com/shareholders/information.

Multiple accounts
Shareholders who receive more than one copy of communications from the
Company may have more than one account in their name on the Company’s
register of members. Any shareholder wishing to amalgamate such holdings
should write to the Registrars giving details of the accounts concerned and
instructions on how they should be amalgamated.

The Company’s share price (15 minutes delay) is displayed on the 
Company’s website.

Shareholder documents are now, following changes in Company law and
shareholder approval, primarily made available via the Company’s website 
at www.morgansindall.com/investors unless a shareholder has requested 
to continue to receive hard copies of such documents. If a shareholder has
registered their up-to-date email address an email will be sent to that address
when such documents are available on the website. If shareholders have 
not provided an up-to-date email address and have not elected to receive
documents in hard copy, a letter will be posted to their address on the register
notifying them that the documents are available on the website. Shareholders
can continue to receive hard copies of shareholder documents by contacting
the Registrars.

If you have not already registered your current email address, you can do 
so at www.capitashareportal.com.

Investors who hold their shares via an intermediary should contact the
intermediary regarding the receipt of shareholder documents from the
Company.

Unsolicited mail
The Company is obliged by law to make its share register publicly available and
as a consequence some shareholders may receive unsolicited mail, including
from unauthorised investment firms. For more information on unauthorised
investment firms targeting UK investors, visit the website of the Financial
Services Authority at www.moneymadeclear.fsa.gov.uk. If you wish to limit the
amount of unsolicited mail you receive, contact The Mailing Preference Service,
FREEPOST 29 (LON20771), London W1E 0ZT or visit the website at
www.mpsonline.org.uk.

Analysis of shareholdings at 31 December 2009

Holding of shares
Up to 1,000
1,001 to 5,000
5,001 to 100,000
100,001 to 1,000,000
Over 1,000,000

No. of 
accounts

% of total
accounts

No. of shares

% of total
shares

835
428
253
68
7

1,591

52.5
26.9
15.9
4.3
0.4

100

407,727
1,042,859
6,592,433
20,201,080
14,916,317

43,160,416

0.9
2.4
15.3
46.8
34.6

100

Shareholder communication
Email: 
Telephone: 020 7307 9200

enquiries@morgansindall.com

Registered office
Kent House, 14–17 Market Place, London W1W 8AJ 

Registered in England and Wales, No: 00521970

Telephone share dealing service
A telephone dealing service has been arranged with Stocktrade which provides
a simple way for buying or selling Morgan Sindall plc shares. Basic commission
is 0.5% up to £10,000, reducing to 0.2% thereafter (subject to a minimum
commission of £15). Sales are carried out on a ten day settlement basis 
with purchases on a five day basis. When purchasing shares payment must 
be made by debit card at the time of dealing. For further information please 
call 0845 601 0995 and quote reference Low Co140.

Advisers
Brokers

Solicitors

Bankers 

RBS Hoare Govett Limited

Slaughter and May 
Wragge & Co LLP

Lloyds TSB Bank plc
The Royal Bank of Scotland plc
Yorkshire Bank 

Website and electronic communications
The 2009 annual report and other information about the Company are
available on its website, www.morgansindall.com. The Company operates 
a service whereby you can register to receive notice by email of all
announcements released by the Company.

Independent auditors Deloitte LLP

Morgan Sindall plc
Kent House 14–17 Market Place
London W1W 8AJ
020 7307 9200
www.morgansindall.com