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Picton Property Income Limited

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FY2022 Annual Report · Picton Property Income Limited
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Occupier focused, 
Opportunity led.

Picton Property Income Limited
Annual Report 2022

Welcome  
  to our 2022 
     Annual Report

Strategic Report
Highlights
2 
Sustainability and Net Zero Carbon
4 
Chair’s Statement
6 
8 
Chief Executive’s Review
12  Business Model
14  Our Marketplace
20  Our Strategy 
22  Our Strategy in Action
28  Key Performance Indicators
32  Portfolio Review
44  Financial Review
48  Principal Risks
53 
TCFD Statement
58  Section 172 Statement
60  Being Responsible

Our purpose
To be a responsible owner of 
commercial real estate, helping our 
occupiers succeed and being valued 
by all our stakeholders.

Visit our website picton.co.uk

Leadership and Purpose

Governance 
68  Chair’s Introduction
70  Board of Directors 
72  Our Team
74 
80  Division of Responsibilities 
82  Composition, Succession and Evaluation 
85  Audit, Risks and Internal Controls 
91 
109  Directors’ Report

Remuneration Report

Independent Auditor’s Report

Financial Statements 
113 
117  Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income
118  Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity
119  Consolidated Balance Sheet
120  Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows
121  Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

Additional Information
139  Supplementary Disclosures
143  Property Portfolio
144  Five Year Financial Summary
145  Glossary
146  Financial Calendar
147  Shareholder Information

Occupier focused, 
Opportunity led.

Through our occupier focused, opportunity led 
approach, we aim to be one of the consistently 
best performing diversified UK REITs. 

Sustainable thinking, responsible business

A responsible and ethical approach to business is essential 
for	the	benefit	of	all	our	stakeholders	and	understanding	
the	long-term	impact	of	our	decisions	will	help	us	to	
manage risk and continue to generate value.

Our occupier focused, opportunity led approach ensures 
we actively manage our assets, which helps to maintain 
high occupancy and create space for our occupiers 
to succeed.	

We believe that sustainability must be fully embedded 
into all	of	our	business	activities.	

Our	sustainability	policy	guides	our	long-term	sustainability	
priorities, including tackling environmental challenges, 
providing sustainable buildings for our occupiers and 
engaging with our stakeholders.

We are a member of the Better Buildings Partnership  
and a	signatory	to	the	Better	Buildings	Partnership	
Climate Commitment.	

Our strategy 
In order to deliver on our purpose, we have in place 
three distinct	strategic	pillars:	Portfolio	Performance,	
Operational Excellence and Acting Responsibly. These 
pillars include a range of strategic priorities which guide 
the direction of our business and are regularly reviewed. 

Read more on pages 20–21

  Picton Property Income Limited  Annual Report 2022

01

Our business 
We	acquire,	create	and	manage	buildings	for	around	
400 occupiers	across	a	wide	range	of	businesses.	
By applying	insight,	agility,	and	a	personalised	service,	
we provide	attractive,	well-located	spaces	to	help	our	
occupiers’ businesses succeed.

We	have	a	long-term	track	record,	outperforming	the	
MSCI UK	Quarterly	Property	Index,	over	one,	three,	five	
and ten years,	and	since	inception.	

Our	diversified	portfolio	consists	of	47	assets,	valued	at	
£849 million	as	at	31	March	2022.

60%
Industrial

30%
Office

10%
Retail and Leisure

Read more on pages 12–13

Strategic ReportGovernanceFinancial StatementsAdditional InformationHighlights

Financial highlights

Record results demonstrate success  
of strategy and business model.

Read	more	on	the	following	pages: 
Portfolio Review on pages 32 to 43    
Financial Review on pages 44 to 47 

Strong financial performance

Outperforming property portfolio

Profit after tax

£147m

2022
2021
2020

34

23

Net assets

£657m

Property valuation

£849m

Total property return

24.3%

147

2022
2021
2020

657

528

509

2022
2021
2020

849

682

665

2022
2021
2020

7.3

5.3

24.3

Highest	profit	recorded	 
since launch in 2005

An increase of 24.4%

Like-for-like	valuation	increase	
of 21%

Outperforming	MSCI	UK	Quarterly	
Property Index of 19.6%

Earning per share

27.0p

2022
2021
2020

6.2

4.1

Total return

28.3%

2022
2021
2020

6.6

4.5

NAV per share

120p

Like-for-like increase  
in passing rent 

Like-for-like increase in 
estimated rental value 

2.1%

5.4%

27.0

2022
2021
2020

120

97

93

2022
2021
2020

2.1

1.9

2022
2021
2020

1.1

1.3

1.2

5.4

Total shareholder return

 ‒ Outperformed	MSCI	UK	Quarterly	Property	Index	

18.7%

for ninth	consecutive	year

 ‒ Upper	quartile	outperformance	against	MSCI	over	

three,	five	and	ten	years,	and	since	inception

28.3

2022
2021
2020

0.0

3.6

18.7

 ‒ Selective	investment	activity:

 ‒ Two	industrial	assets	acquired	for	£25.0	million	
 ‒ One retail asset disposal for £0.7 million, 
16% ahead of	March	2021	valuation
 ‒ Rent	collection	back	to	pre-pandemic	levels

 ‒ Increased dividends paid of £18.4 million, 

with dividend	cover	of	115%

 ‒ Loan to value ratio maintained at 21% with 

significant headroom	against	loan	covenants

 ‒ Refinanced	existing	debt	facility	increasing	
borrowings by £49 million while reducing 
the cost of debt	and	extending	the	term

02

Picton Property Income Limited Annual Report 2022

EPRA measures

120p

EPRA NTA 
per share 
(2021:	97p,	2020:	93p)

119p

EPRA NDV 
per share 
(2021:	93p,	2020:	88p)

131p

EPRA NRV 
per share 
(2021:	105p,	2020:	102p)

£21.2m

EPRA earnings 
(2021:	£20.1m,	2020:	£19.9m)

3.9p

EPRA earnings 
per share 
(2021:	3.7p,	2020:	3.7p)

4.1%

EPRA net 
initial yield 
(2021:	4.8%,	2020:	4.8%)

4.8%

EPRA ‘topped-up’ 
net initial yield
(2021:	5.5%,	2020:	5.4%)

7.2%

EPRA 
vacancy rate 
(2021:	8.8%,	2020:	11.5%)

26.0%

EPRA cost ratio1
(2021:	26.9%,	2020:	28.3%)

19.9%

EPRA cost ratio2
(2021:	20.8%,	2020:	20.2%)

1  Including direct vacancy costs
2  Excluding direct vacancy costs

Occupier focused asset management  Responsible stewardship 

Occupancy

93%

2022
2021
2020

93

91

89

EPC rating 

71%

2022
2021
2020

71

64

55

Net zero carbon

2040

Target date

Increased occupancy 

Improved	EPC	ratings	A-C

Asset management 
transactions completed 

76

Signatory to Better Buildings Partnership 
Climate Commitment
 ‒ Pathway to net zero carbon published 
 ‒ This covers both operational and 

embodied emissions

 ‒ 34 lettings or agreements to lease, 8% ahead of ERV
 ‒ 21 lease renewals or regears, 3% ahead of ERV
 ‒ 12 rent reviews, 7% ahead of ERV
 ‒ 9 other asset management transactions

Invested into asset refurbishment, 
upgrades and repositioning projects

£10m

  Picton Property Income Limited  Annual Report 2022

03

Strategic ReportGovernanceFinancial StatementsAdditional Information 
Sustainability and Net Zero Carbon 

London
Stanford Building 

04

Picton Property Income Limited

Annual Report 2022

wSustainable thinking, 
    responsible business

This year we published our 
net zero carbon pathway and 
became a signatory to the 
Better Buildings Partnership 
Climate Commitment. 

2040

Net zero carbon   
for operational and 
embodied emissions

300kgCO2e/m2 

Embodied carbon target 
for major refurbishments 
by 2040

Visit our website  
picton.co.uk/sustainability

Read more in Being Responsible 
section on pages 60–66

Our net zero carbon pathway 
Our pathway sets out our approach to tackling 
climate change and priority actions towards 
decarbonising our portfolio. 

We have committed to achieving net zero carbon 
for our	operational	and	embodied	emissions	by	
2040,	which	is	ten	years	ahead	of	the	UK	
Government target. 

Our pathway sets out our plan to achieve net 
zero carbon	for	both	our	own	and	our	occupiers’	
emissions by 2040 and our strategy for achieving 
this. Our target covers the whole life carbon of our 
assets, including the energy use of our occupiers. 

To ensure credibility and transparency in our 
approach, our net zero carbon pathway aligns with 
the	Better	Buildings	Partnership’s	(BBP)	Net	Zero	
Carbon	Pathway	Framework	and	the	UK	Green	
Building	Council’s	(UKGBC)	net	zero	carbon	hierarchy.

To meet our commitment, we have set targets 
for whole	building	energy	efficiency	for	each	
asset type and	embodied	carbon	related	to	
major refurbishments.	

By 2040, all operational emissions will be reduced 
as much	as	possible	through	energy	efficiency	
measures and renewable energy, with any residual 
emissions offset.

From 2040 onwards, all completed refurbishment 
projects will have reduced their embodied and 
operational carbon as much as possible, with any 
residual emissions offset upon practical completion.

We	value	collaboration	in	driving	industry-wide	
change	and	facilitating	knowledge-sharing	on	
best practice.	To	ensure	our	continued	alignment	with	
the	BBP	requirements,	we	will	continuously	monitor	
our performance and report annually on our progress.

  Picton Property Income Limited  Annual Report 2022
  Picton Property Income Limited  Annual Report 2022

05
05

wStrategic ReportGovernanceFinancial StatementsAdditional InformationChair’s Statement

A record year 
  for Picton

Our well-positioned portfolio 
continues to deliver on our 
longer-term track record  
of outperformance.

I am delighted to 
report that Picton has 
delivered a total profit 
of £147 million, resulting 
in the most successful 
year since our launch 
in 2005. 

Lena Wilson CBE
Chair

06

Picton Property Income Limited Annual Report 2022

I am delighted to report that Picton has delivered a total 
profit	of	£147	million,	resulting	in	the	most	successful	year	
since our launch in 2005.

As lockdown restrictions were lifted, the economy 
rebounded. Driven by improving income and marked 
capital growth, our portfolio was well positioned. The 
majority	of	our	assets	saw	a	significant	improvement	
in value.

Almost all our key performance indicators have improved 
from last year. Further details on these are set out later in 
this Report.

Performance
We have delivered a total return of 28.3% alongside a 
5.5% increase in EPRA earnings, which has enabled us 
to increase	dividends	accordingly.	

Our total shareholder return was 18.7% and whilst it saw 
a healthy	improvement	during	the year,	like	many	listed	
real estate companies, our share price currently remains 
below our net asset value. 

We have delivered property performance ahead of the 
MSCI	UK	Quarterly	Property	Index.	This	continues	to	
reinforce	our	strong	longer-term	track	record,	achieving	
upper	quartile	property	performance	against	this	Index	
over	three,	five	and	ten	years,	and	since	inception.

Property portfolio 
Our outperformance at a property level has principally 
been driven by our high exposure to the industrial, 
warehouse and logistics sector, but we have also 
benefitted	this	year	from	a	recovery	in	the	value	
of our retail	warehouse	assets.	Performance	in	the	
office sector	has	been	more	muted,	but	our	focus	
on asset	management	has	helped	to	offset	a	wider	
market slowdown.

Encouragingly we have had leasing success across all 
three sectors, and grown occupancy to 93% from 91% 
a year	ago.	This	has	had	a	positive	impact	in	terms	of	
void holding	costs,	which	will	flow	into	future	years.

In	separate	transactions,	we	acquired	two	multi-let	
industrial assets and disposed of one small high street 
retail asset. Although at the early stage of our asset 
management	plans,	our	acquisitions	have	already	
delivered valuation and income growth.

Capital structure
During the year we have extended and increased  
our	longer-term	borrowings	by	£49	million,	insulating	 
the business from further rising borrowing costs.  
Our	new	debt	facility	is	at a	lower	cost	than	our	 
existing	borrowings	and	we	incurred	one-off	 
costs in resetting the facility to a lower overall rate.  
By substantially repaying our revolving credit facility, 
we have	future	operational	flexibility	and	firepower.	 
At	the	year-end	borrowings	totalled	£219	million,	with	the	
loan to value ratio broadly constant over the year at 21%. 

Dividends 
On the back of strong leasing activity and improving rent 
collection, we have increased the dividend twice during 
the period. We have restored our distributions back to 
their	pre-pandemic	level	and	we	can	report	a	healthy	
dividend cover of 115% over the period. 

Our aim is to continue to grow dividends on a progressive 
basis,	which	in	the	short-term	will	be	driven by	further	
improvement in occupancy and rental growth, 
predominantly coming from our industrial assets.

Sustainability 
We	have	made	significant	progress	on	our	sustainability	
priorities,	recently	publishing	our	plan to	become	net	
zero carbon by 2040. 

Our net zero carbon pathway ambition of 2040 is ten 
years ahead of the Government target and although our 
initial focus will be on reducing Scope 1 and 2 emissions, 
we intend to work with our occupiers to reduce the 
most significant	part	of	the	portfolio’s	emissions,	which	
come under Scope 3. We will report regularly on 
our progress.

I am grateful to Maria Bentley who has agreed to act 
as Board	champion	and	oversee	the	work	with	the	
Executive Committee on sustainability.

Outlook
We are acutely aware of the new challenges emerging 
both	directly	and	indirectly	from	the	conflict	in Ukraine.	
Rising energy, food and commodity prices, along with 
supply chain disruptions and labour market shortages 
are becoming	increasingly	visible	and	will	impact	
economic growth. 

We are already seeing rising interest rates and gilt yields 
have	risen	this	year.	Real	estate	has both	an	income	and	
capital	element	and	can offer	inflation	protection	as	
evidenced by our performance this year, particularly in 
areas	where	supply is	constrained,	and	demand	enables	
rents to continue to rise. 

As	a	UK	diversified	REIT	we	have	greater	flexibility	with	
regard to asset selection giving us the ability to position 
the	portfolio	for	the	long-term.	We	will	continue	to	explore	
opportunities	for	growth,	but this	must	be	on	terms	that	
are attractive to our shareholders and with the right 
quality	of	asset.	We	remain	disciplined	in	our	approach.	

As in previous years we have invested in our assets and 
upgraded	the	quality	of	accommodation.	This	approach	
is increasingly relevant to a discerning occupier base, and 
will enable us to grow income.

Whilst returns in 2022 are likely to soften from those seen 
over	this	reporting	period,	we	can	be	confident	that we	
have	a	portfolio	that	will	continue	to	see	further growth.	

Lena Wilson CBE
Chair
25 May 2022

  Picton Property Income Limited  Annual Report 2022

07

Strategic ReportGovernanceFinancial StatementsAdditional InformationChief Executive’s Review

Strong operational 
  performance

A successful year of record profit 
delivered against a backdrop of 
reduced pandemic-related disruption.

08

Picton Property Income Limited Annual Report 2022

Growing occupancy and income profile 
We have improved occupancy this year, which has led to 
increased income. Our rent collection over the period has 
averaged 98% and was close to 100% for the December 
2021	and	March	2022	quarters.	This	higher	level	of	
income has enabled us to increase the dividend twice 
during the year, which we cover in more detail in the 
Financial Review.

Enhancing asset quality 
During the year, we have invested £10 million in 
upgrading our assets. The impact of some of this activity 
is very obvious, such as the creation of Rum Runner 
Works, at Regency Wharf, in Birmingham where we have 
converted	leisure	space	into	offices;	however,	some	of	
the less	visible	work	is	equally	important	as	it	aligns	to	
our sustainability targets. For example, the complete 
upgrade	and	removal	of	our	gas-fired	air-conditioning	
system at 50 Farringdon Road, London, will help with 
our net	zero	commitments	and	improve	energy	
efficiency	for	our	occupiers.

In our refurbishments at Angel Gate, London, 180 West 
George Street, Glasgow and Longcross, Cardiff, we have 
also focused	on	improving	occupier	amenities,	creating	
more communal and informal space with outside areas 
where possible.

Outperforming MSCI
We	have	outperformed	the	MSCI	UK	Quarterly	Property	
Index for the ninth consecutive year. This year, across 
the Index,	the	range	between	lower	quartile	and	upper	
quartile	returns	was	the	widest	on	record	at	10.7%.	
We delivered	a	portfolio	return	of	24.3%	compared	to	
the Index	of	19.6%	and	upper	quartile	of	24.9%.	Whilst	
we are	just	below	upper	quartile	for	the	year,	we	have	 
still	delivered	upper	quartile	returns	against	the	Index	
over	three,	five	and	ten	years,	and	since	inception.

Of note, our industrial assets delivered a total property 
return of 38.2%, our retail assets delivered 25.6%, which 
comprised retail warehousing delivering 33.4%, and our 
office	assets	delivered	4.4%.

120p

Net asset value per share

27p

Earnings per share

We have outperformed 
the MSCI UK Quarterly 
Property Index for the 
ninth consecutive year.

Michael Morris
Chief Executive

We have had a very successful year, delivering a record 
profit	against	a	backdrop	of	reduced	pandemic-related	
disruption. Our clear purpose and strategic priorities 
have enabled	us	to	focus	on	what	matters.	

To	reflect	the	closer	integration	of	sustainability	into	
our business	model	and	our	commitment	to	achieving	
net	zero	carbon,	we	have	redefined	our	Purpose,	which	
now	states:	

‘To be a responsible owner of commercial real estate, 
helping our occupiers succeed and being valued by all 
our stakeholders.’ 

We	have	also	added	two	strategic	priorities,	specifically	
relating to the work we are doing to reduce our impact 
on	climate	change:

 ‒ Adapting to and mitigating the impact of climate 

change; and,

 ‒ reducing emissions to become carbon net zero in 

or before	2040.

This makes it clear that the focus of our sustainability 
strategy is aligned with our occupiers and other 
stakeholders.

Our strategic priorities are detailed on pages	20-21, 
and a summary	of	our	progress	is	detailed	below.	

Portfolio performance
Income and capital growth 
We have seen exceptionally strong portfolio growth over 
the period. This has been predominantly driven by our 
industrial, warehouse and logistics assets where both 
rental and capital values have continued to move higher. 
Our retail portfolio, which now comprises 65% retail 
warehouse assets, has also seen strong valuation growth, 
with a reversal of some of the writedowns seen during the 
pandemic.	Our	office	assets	have	not	seen	the	valuation	
growth	we	might	have expected,	especially	recognising	
the	leasing	success in	this	sector.	This	in	part	reflects	
perceived changes in working habits and costs associated 
with improving sustainability credentials. 

We will seek to offset increasing cost pressures where 
we can	attract	premium	rents,	either	due	to	limited	
supply	or	by	providing	high	quality	space.	

  Picton Property Income Limited  Annual Report 2022

09

Strategic ReportGovernanceFinancial StatementsAdditional InformationChief Executive’s Review continued

One of the advantages of our 
diversified approach is our ability 
to position the portfolio as market 
conditions dictate.

Michael Morris
Chief Executive

Operational excellence
Efficient platform 
We	continue	to	run	the	business	as	efficiently	as	possible	
and have maintained our cost ratio at 1.0%. We have a 
small but very dedicated team and use external resource 
as appropriate. We are not immune from rising costs and 
it is	clear	that	sustainability	focused	measures	will	add	to	
both our workload and costs. We expect to recruit further 
this year to support our transition to net zero carbon. 

Adaptable business model 
One	of	the	advantages	of	our	diversified	approach	is	our	
ability to position the portfolio as market conditions  
dictate. As returns become more convergent we are 
looking more widely across sectors. During the year we 
acquired	two	adjoining	city	centre	industrial	estates,	off	
attractive	pricing.	Our	most	recent	acquisition	post	period	
end	was	an	office	and	retail	asset	in	London.	

This	year	we	introduced	SwiftSpace,	our	flexible	lease	
offering, in response to changes in occupier demand, 
particularly as we face increased competition from  
serviced	office	providers.	Our	solution	provides	fast,	 
flexible,	inclusive	leases,	which	we	are	offering	in	our	
smaller	multi-let	offices.

Earnings growth 
Our	earnings	per	share	of	27.0p	are	significantly	higher	 
than	the	preceding	year,	reflecting	the	growth	in	the	
portfolio value. Our EPRA earnings are 5.5% higher 
reflecting	the	enhanced	income	position.

10

Picton Property Income Limited Annual Report 2022

Capital structure 
We	have	recently	completed	the	refinancing	of	one	of	
our long-term	debt	facilities,	which	not	only	increases	the	
maturity by four years until 2031, but also reduces the 
overall interest rate. As part of the same transaction, we 
increased our borrowings by £49 million, which has allowed 
us to repay most of our revolving credit facility and gives 
us future	financial	flexibility.	Recognising	the	asset	value	
growth over the period, the loan to value ratio remained 
stable	at	the	year-end	at	21%.

Growth and economies of scale 
We	have	seen	growth	this	year	in	two	forms:	firstly,	the	
valuation growth from the portfolio, which with the use 
of gearing	has	increased	net	assets	and	secondly,	through	
acquisitions.	We	have	made	£25	million	of	acquisitions,	
which are earnings accretive, although during the period 
we have been impacted by stamp duty and other 
transaction costs.

Within our Interim results, we expressed a desire to grow 
and highlighted the wide discounts across the listed REIT 
sector,	as	well	as	some	of	the	challenges	in	the	UK	real	
estate open ended sector, which are still prevalent. While 
we have not yet concluded any transactions, we have been 
proactive in our dialogue with suitable prospects. We will 
continue to advocate for change, but remain selective to 
ensure enhanced future performance. 

Acting responsibly
Values and alignment
Ultimately,	the	performance	of	the	business	is	delivered	
by those	who	work	here.	Having	a	small	team	means	
that we	are	able	to	operate	quickly	and	efficiently	with	
clear objectives that are aligned to remuneration. Our 
values of being principled, progressive and perceptive 
have guided	us	through	the	challenges	of	this	year.	
We have	broadened	our	team	objectives	and	asked	
everyone, irrespective of their role, to help to reduce 
our impact	on	the	environment.

Working closely with our occupiers
We have spent much of this year focused on a return to 
normal working practices, as have our occupiers. We have 
worked with many occupiers to help them rightsize their 
business.	This	has	enabled	us	to	retain	income	and	de-risk	
future lease events. We have undertaken 12 transactions 
where we have extended leases or enabled occupiers to 
remain in our buildings. 

24.3%

Total property return

28.3%

Total return

The team is aligned with the need to continue to 
enhance the portfolio and mitigate any risks from 
changing occupier habits or climate change. Our future 
engagement with occupiers and communication 
of our plan will be crucial moving forwards.

Macroeconomic events are likely to dampen a further 
recovery in property values, but despite this we believe 
that the right assets will remain attractive to occupiers 
and	investors	alike.	We	have	created	a	quality	portfolio,	
that is well managed and offers scope to continue 
to grow both the income and capital position.

Michael Morris 
Chief Executive
25 May 2022 

Sustainability
We	have	devoted	significant	resource	this	year	to	further	
integrating sustainability within our business model. 
Specifically,	much	of	the	year	was	spent	considering	
climate-related	risks	and	creating	a	plan	to	mitigate	these.	
In addition, we have been preparing our net zero carbon 
pathway, which is now published, and sets out a clear 
direction for the business as we aim to meet our 2040 
target.	The	majority	of	the	team	have	benefitted	from	
specific	training	in	this	area	and	contributed	to	the	
formulation of our net zero carbon pathway. We have held 
externally facilitated workshops on relevant sustainability 
issues, alongside an internal workshop to ensure that the 
team is appropriately briefed on our future plans.

Outlook
We are positive about our future. Although we have had 
considerable letting success during the year, we can still 
increase income by improving occupancy. Most of the 
assets are now seeing stabilised or increasing values. 
In the industrial sector, we are generally seeing rental 
growth	that	is	ahead	of	inflation	and	believe	it	is	likely	
that growth will continue, especially if construction 
costs continue to rise and this impacts supply. 

  Picton Property Income Limited  Annual Report 2022

11

Strategic ReportGovernanceFinancial StatementsAdditional InformationBusiness Model

Our business model

Our business model creates value 
through owning a portfolio that 
generates a diversified and stable 
income stream. We have the flexibility 
to adapt to changing market conditions 
and so deliver value to our stakeholders 
through the property cycle. 

What makes us different

Our long-term track record 
of outperformance
We	have	outperformed	the	MSCI	UK	Quarterly	
Property	Index	over	one,	three,	five	and	ten	
years, and since inception. 

Read more on pages 32–33

Our diversified exposure to the UK 
commercial property market, with flexibility 
to adapt to changing market conditions
Our	diversified	property	portfolio	generates	
income from around 400 occupiers across a 
wide range of businesses, providing the 
opportunity for income and capital growth.

Read more on pages 32–43

Our occupier focused and 
responsible approach to business
Our occupier focused approach ensures we 
actively manage	our	assets,	maintain	high	
occupancy and create space for our occupiers 
to succeed. Sustainability is integrated within 
our business model and corporate strategy and 
in the way we and our occupiers operate.

Read more on pages 60–66

12

Picton Property Income Limited Annual Report 2022

How we create value

01

Our business model is driven by knowledge, 
expertise and research led decision making

Our	in-depth	understanding	of	the	UK	
commercial property market enables us to 
identify and source value across different 
sectors and reposition the portfolio through 
the property cycle.

02 Stock selection and acquisition – buying 

into growth assets, locations or sectors

We	have	established	a	diversified	UK	property	
portfolio	and	while	income	focused, we	will	
consider	opportunities	where we	can	enhance	
value and/or income.

03 Creating value through proactive 

asset management

Our diverse occupier base generates a 
stable income stream, which we aim 
to grow through active management 
and capturing market rental uplifts. Our 
occupier focused, opportunity led approach 
ensures we create space that meets our 
occupiers’ needs in order to maintain high 
levels of occupancy across the portfolio.

04 Selling assets to recycle into 

better opportunities

We identify assets for disposal to 
maximise value creation. Proceeds are 
invested into new opportunities, or 
used elsewhere within the Group.

nities 

Selling assets to recycle 
into better opportu

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01

04

Our business model  
is driven by knowledge,  
expertise and research  
led decision making 

03

Creating value through
proactive asset management

This is underpinned by:

Stakeholder 
value

Shareholders

£147m

Profit	after	tax	

Occupiers

93%

Occupancy 

Communities 

15

Charities supported

Our people

82%

Employee satisfaction score

The environment

71%

EPC	ratings	A-C

Risk management

Responsible stewardship

Our diverse portfolio and occupier 
base spreads risk and generates a 
stable income stream throughout the 
property cycle. We adapt our capital 
structure and use debt effectively 
to achieve enhanced returns. We 
maintain a covered dividend policy, 
to generate surplus cash and allow 
us to invest back into the portfolio.

We have a responsible and 
ethical approach to business and 
sustainability is embedded within our 
corporate strategy. We understand 
the impact of our business on the 
environment and are committed 
to creating and delivering value for 
the	benefit	of	all	our	stakeholders.	

For more detailed 
information on our 
stakeholders, see our 
Section 172 statement 
on pages 58-59

  Picton Property Income Limited  Annual Report 2022

13

Strategic ReportGovernanceFinancial StatementsAdditional Information 
  
 
 
Our Marketplace

Our marketplace

Inflationary pressures likely to subdue 
post-pandemic recovery.

Economic backdrop
As	Covid-19	concerns	began	to	dissipate,	the	war	in	
Ukraine	has	become	a	fresh	source	of	uncertainty.	
The consequences	of	the	sanctions	on	Russia	and	
embargo on Russian oil and gas are multifaceted. In the 
UK,	we	are	fortunately	less	reliant	on	Russian	imports	
than our neighbours in Europe but the added pressure 
on household incomes as a result of commodity price 
increases	and	persistent	inflation	will	still	be	considerable.

UK	GDP	saw	an	annual	rise	of	7.4%	in	2021	following	a	
-9.3%	fall	in	2020	and	at	the	end	of	March	2022	was	0.7%	
above	its	pre-pandemic	level	in	December	2019.	In	the	
short-term,	the	rate	of	economic	recovery	is	expected	to	
be impacted on the supply side by disrupted supply chains 
and shortages of goods and labour and on the demand 
side by the cut in household incomes. Forecasters have 
revised down their GDP growth expectations for 2022 to 
reflect	the	impact	of	the	crisis,	which	are	now	3.8%	for	
2022	according	to	the	Office	for	Budget	Responsibility.

14

Picton Property Income Limited Annual Report 2022

Quantitative	easing	and	Government	stimulus	during	the	
pandemic	supported	households	and	injected	significant	
capital into the economy. As lockdowns ended and more 
and more businesses were able to reopen, consumer 
demand increased but this was not always matched with 
increases in supply, putting upward pressure on prices. 
The	12-month	CPI	inflation	rate	hit	a	new	40-year	high	
of	9.0%	in	April	2022.	The	increase	reflects	the	change	
in Ofgem’s energy price cap in April causing a jump in 
utility prices, alongside the rise in fuel and food prices as 
the agriculture sector faced increasing cost pressures.

The	Bank	of	England’s	response	to	rising	inflation	has	
been a series of base rate increases from a historic low 
of 0.1% to 1.0% in May 2022, the highest level since 
2009. Further rate increases are expected, together 
with	a	programme	of	quantitative	tightening.	

Growth	in	average	total	pay	(including	bonuses)	was	
7.0%	and	growth	in	regular	pay	(excluding	bonuses)	
was 4.2% among employees in January to March 
2022. In real terms, total pay increased on the year 
by	1.4%	and	regular	pay	fell	on	the	year	by	-1.2%.

In terms of demand, there is still momentum from the 
reopening of the economy, particularly for the travel 
industry which is one of the last to see restrictions 
lifted.	As	workers	have	returned	to	the	office,	albeit	
in	a	more	flexible	capacity,	this	will	hopefully	create	
an increase in the consumption associated with 
business travel, city centre retail and leisure activity.

Retail sales volumes are 4.1% above their level in February 
2020,	however	did	fall	by	-0.3%	in	the	three	months	to	April	
2022, fuelling concerns that consumers are being hit by 
affordability pressures. The proportion of online retail sales 
stood	at	27.0%	in	April	2022,	remaining	significantly	higher	
than the 19.9% level in February 2020 before the pandemic.

The end of the furlough scheme in September 2021 did 
not	have	a	significant	impact	on	unemployment.	The	
unemployment	rate	has	fallen	below	pre-pandemic	
levels and job vacancies are at a record high. The 
number of job vacancies in February 2022 to April 
2022 rose to a new record of 1.3 million, an increase 
of 0.5 million from its January to March 2020 level.

UK	ten-year	gilt	yields	have	been	on	a	generally	upward	
trajectory since December 2021, but remain relatively low 
by historic standards. 

House prices accelerated during the pandemic as changes 
to the tax paid on property purchases were announced. 
UK	average	house	prices	increased	by	10.9%	over	the	year	
to February 2022. Rising interest rates are likely to dampen 
the	housing	market	to	some	extent	in	the	short-term.	

Despite	the	now	more	muted	outlook	for	the	UK	economy	
and	the	current	inflationary	environment,	there	are	reasons	
for	cautious	optimism.	The	Covid-19	pandemic	has	moved	
into	the	rear-view	mirror.	With	the	vast	majority	of	adults	in	
the	UK	fully	vaccinated,	restrictions	have	been	lifted	and	
normality	has	largely	resumed.	In	a	global	context	the	UK	
remains a safe haven for international capital and posted 
the strongest GDP growth of all the G7 economies in 2021. 

UK property market
The speed and strength of the property market’s recovery 
from the pandemic was better than expected. Although 
the average returns are positive, there is still polarisation 
between sectors and within subsectors, particularly retail. 

According	to	the	MSCI	UK	Quarterly	Property	Index,	
commercial property delivered a total return of 19.6% for 
the year ended March 2022, which compares to 1.1% for 
the year	ending	March	2021.	The	stellar	performance	
was largely	attributable	to	the	continued	growth	in	the	
industrial sector and a recovery in values in the retail 
warehouse subsector. All Property capital growth was 
14.9%	in	the	year	to	March	2022,	significantly	better	than	
the	-3.2%	recorded	for	the	previous	year.	The	income	return	
was 4.2%, slightly lower than the 4.5% recorded for the 
preceding year.

The industrial sector had an extraordinarily strong year. 
The industrial	total	return	for	the	year	ending	March	
2022 was 40.7%, with annual capital growth reaching 
an	all	time high	of	35.9%	and	an	income	return	of	3.6%.	
Industrial ERV growth for the period was 11.2%, with a 
subsector range of 15.8% to 8.2%. Capital growth ranged 
from	47.7%	to	28.2%	within	subsectors.	Equivalent	yields	for	
industrial	property	now	stand	at	4.1%	(March	2021:	5.0%).

The	office	sector	continued	to	face	a	degree	of	
uncertainty over future demand levels and suffered an 
additional setback in December 2021 as people were 
once again advised to work from home in the face of 
the	Omicron	wave.	The	office	sector	produced	a	total	
return of 6.9% for the year to March 2022, comprising 
3.2% capital growth and 3.7% income return. All 
Office	annual	rental	growth	was	1.4%	ranging	from	
2.4%	to	0.9%	within	subsectors.	Office	capital	growth	
ranged	from	6.5%	to	-0.6%.	Equivalent	yields	for	office	
property	now	stand	at	5.5%	(March	2021:	5.8%).

The elevated rate of online sales over bricks and mortar 
retail and oversupply of retail units continues to hamper 
the retail sector as a whole, albeit some segments have 
recently seen a return to positive capital growth. The retail 
sector produced a total return of 14.9% for the year to 
March 2022. This comprised capital growth of 8.9% and 
income	return	of	5.6%.	Rental	values	fell	-2.0%	over	the	
period,	ranging	from	0.6%	to	-7.0%.	Retail	subsector	capital	
growth	ranged	from	22.9%	to	-5.8%.	The	retail	warehouse	
subsector was the driver of growth, with increased demand 
from	investors	pushing	down	yields.	Equivalent	yields	for	
all	retail	property	now	stand	at	5.9%	(March	2021:	6.7%).

According to Property Data, the total investment volume 
for the year to March 2022 was £70.5 billion, a 66.5% 
increase on the year to March 2021. The volume of 
investment by overseas investors in the year to March 2022 
was £33.0 billion, accounting for 46.8% of all transactions.

As the disruptive threat of the pandemic recedes, new 
challenges for the property market are emerging from 
the macroeconomic and geopolitical environment. 
In	times	of	uncertainty,	UK	property	is	often	seen	as	a	
safe haven for investment. During periods of increased 
inflationary	pressure	property	can	provide	a	hedge	in	the	
form of an opportunity to grow income through rental 
growth and in turn generate capital growth. Certain 
property	types	are	more	akin	to	acting	as	an	inflation	
hedge. At the current time, assets where demand is 
strong and supply limited are likely to offer protection 
through	rising	rental	values,	equally	leases	with	fixed	
or	inflation	linked	leases	will	also	provide	support.	

  Picton Property Income Limited  Annual Report 2022

15

Strategic ReportGovernanceFinancial StatementsAdditional InformationOur Marketplace continued

Market drivers 
and impacts

The drivers of commercial property markets are complex 
and can vary between sectors. The relationships between 
the drivers described below are often interconnected, with 
certain themes or trends spanning multiple drivers and 
creating multifaceted impacts. For example, the systemic 
shifts	created	by	the	Covid-19	pandemic,	political	unrest, 
environmental	degradation,	social	inequality,	inflation,	
and	economic	conditions	have	cross-dimensional	
impacts on our operational environment.

Market driver

Socio-political

Impact

There is no doubt we are operating in a tumultuous period. With the 
Covid-19 pandemic subsiding, the conflict and humanitarian crisis in 
Ukraine and plight of refugees around the world are front and centre 
of political agendas. 

With	the	pandemic	amplifying	social	injustices	and	inequalities,	societal	
value has	moved	up	the	corporate	agenda.	Companies	are	increasingly	held	
accountable	for	creating	long-term	positive	impact	to	local	communities	and	
the environment.

In	the	wake	of	the	Covid-19	pandemic,	global	vaccine	equality	is	vital	
to help	control	the	severity	of	future	outbreaks	and	variants.	In	terms	
of economic	recovery,	the	pandemic	amplified	many	social	injustices,	
from unemployment to access to affordable childcare, education and 
health	inequalities.	There	is	growing	recognition	that	we	need	to	
transition to a fairer and greener economy.

Inflationary	pressures	and	the	rising	cost	of	living	are	being	felt	by	many.	
Rising	oil	and	energy	prices	have	been	amplified	by	the	war	in	Ukraine	
and sanctions on Russia. 

The	UK	Government’s	levelling	up	agenda	involving	investment	in	
infrastructure and creation of freeports will affect market drivers in 
certain	areas	through	tax	benefits	relating	to	property	and	business	
rates, planning permission and tariffs. 

Longer-term	trends	that	impact	the	commercial	property	market	
include but are not limited to; shifting global economic power, the 
slowdown in economic growth in China and the impact on supply 
chains of China’s zero Covid policy, the shifting demographics towards 
an ageing	population,	the	ongoing	trend	towards	urbanisation	and	
the increasing	population	of	cities.

Economic

The pandemic has changed the way in which we live, work and consume. 
Certain trends, for example increased online retail spending and remote 
working,	are	not	expected	to	fully	revert	to	pre-pandemic	levels.	

Remote working is evolving into a hybrid model, with many employers 
wanting	to	stay	flexible	post-pandemic.	This	means	not	only	working	
from home,	but	flexitime,	compressed	hours,	and	other	dynamic	working	
practices.	For	office	occupiers	this	could	mean	changing	requirements	for	
location,	fit	out,	configuration	and	quality	of	space.	The	‘new	normal’	is	still	
being	figured	out	and	will	depend	on	many	factors,	for	example	sector,	
industry, workforce age/seniority level, company size and location. 

In terms of demographics, the impacts of an ageing population are complex. 
There	are	implications	for	the	economy,	labour	force,	fiscal	balance	and	
real estate.	

Urbanisation	and	population	growth	in	cities	brings	a	general	increase	in	
demand for goods and services and for property from which to manufacture, 
distribute and sell them. 

The war in Ukraine poses multiple threats to the UK economy, from 
trade links with Russia to a reduction in business and consumer 
confidence, investment sensitivity to uncertainty and links to 
inflation through rising energy costs and commodity prices. 

The	annual	rate	of	inflation	recently	reached	a	40-year	high.	The	rising	
price of gas and electricity following the increase in the cap on energy 
prices	and	the	rising	price	of	motor	fuel	were	significant	contributors.	

Any form of uncertainty has the potential to adversely impact economic growth. 

The global pandemic is not over and there is the potential for further variants 
to	reduce	vaccine	efficacy	and	threaten	public	safety.	In	addition,	some	
aspects	of	the	Brexit	transition	have	not	been	finalised,	the	cost	of	living	has	
dramatically accelerated and heightened geopolitical tensions are not 
conducive	to	improving	business	and	consumer	confidence.	In	times	of	
uncertainty, investors often turn to ‘real assets’ as a less volatile haven. 

In	addition,	there	was	a	transitory	element	to	inflation,	as	it	was	anchored	
to the pandemic years and the reopening of the economy following 
lockdowns. Pay increases are not expected to keep pace, resulting in a 
fall in real incomes. Property provides a hedge but for some sectors 
more than others.

Despite the Omicron variant causing prolonged uncertainty in the winter 
of	2021/22,	GDP	is	now	ahead	of	pre-pandemic	levels.	In	the	short-term,	
it is expected that GDP growth will be dampened by heightened 
inflation.	There	are	also	concerns	on	the	supply	side	as	bottlenecks	due	
to	Covid-19,	labour	shortages	and	wider	geopolitical	issues	affect	the	
global supply chain. 

The	degree	to	which	real	estate	acts	as	an	inflation	hedge	is	a	topic	of	debate.	
Factors to consider are the length of investment period and point of 
investment. 

The speed at which rents keep pace varies across property sectors. For 
example, recently, industrial rental growth has comfortably outpaced CPI 
inflation.	There	is	also	a	link	with	property	values	through	rental	and	income	
growth.	The	gap	between	property	yields	and	risk-free	gilt	yields	is	a	crucial	
measure in the attractiveness of property investment. 

The	Bank	of	England	has	responded	to	rising	inflation	by	increasing	interest	
rates,	with	further	rises	expected	in	the	short-term.	Despite	the	increases,	
interest rates remain low by historic standards, leaving investors to search for 
income	in	a	low-rate	environment.

16

Picton Property Income Limited Annual Report 2022

Market driver

Impact

Occupational and investor demand

The property market is cyclical, with performance linked to economic 
growth. The balance of supply and demand in the investment and 
occupier markets impact pricing and rental growth respectively.

Historically, all property sectors have moved through cycles broadly in 
unison; however, more recently there is a greater divergence between 
sectors	brought	about	by	structural	drivers.	The	Covid-19	pandemic	
accelerated trends that affect the use of commercial property, for 
example remote working and online retail. 

Sustainability and climate change

Sustainability, climate change, extreme weather, biodiversity loss 
and other environmental issues are amongst the largest risks we 
are facing on a global scale. Time for change is limited and the real 
estate industry has a significant part to play. 

There is a need to transition to a low carbon economy. The Government 
has	set	a	target	of	bringing	all	UK	greenhouse	gas	emissions	to	net	zero	
by 2050. Declaring a pathway to achieving net zero carbon, involving 
reducing carbon emissions as much as possible and then offsetting any 
residual emissions, is becoming common corporate practice. 

The	Task	Force	on	Climate-related	Financial	Disclosures	(TCFD)	provides	
a framework	for	reporting	the	physical	and	transition	risks	to	companies	
associated with climate change and provides transparency to 
stakeholders. 

Specific	to	the	property	industry,	the	legislation	on	minimum	energy	
efficiency	standards	(MEES)	is	changing.	Landlords	must	understand	
the new	requirements	and	adapt	where	necessary	to	avoid	stranded	
asset risk. 

There is growing recognition that the linear economy – take, make, waste; 
is not sustainable and a more regenerative and restorative economy is 
needed. Circular economy principles and systems aim to tackle waste 
and pollution, reuse products and materials and regenerate nature.

Technology

In	2021	the	MSCI	Quarterly	Property	Index	reported	a	huge	increase	in	industrial	
capital values, with robust occupier and investor demand and limited supply 
resulting	in	surging	rents	and	yield	compression.	Although	it is not	expected	
that this pace will be maintained, demand from a wide range of occupiers is 
likely to underpin this sector’s performance going forwards. 

The	role	of	the	office	is	evolving.	Although	the	Government	advice	to	work	
from	home	where	possible	has	now	been	reversed,	many	office-based	
businesses are still establishing a new normal and incorporating an element 
of	flexible	working.	The	office	as	a	place	for	collaboration	and	face-to-face	
communication	requires	an	adjusted	fit	out,	incorporating	more	meeting	
rooms	and	breakout	space.	Enticing	office	workers	back	to	the	office	is	
achieved	through	offering	quality	space	in	the	best	locations.	

The various subsectors within the retail sector are at different stages of recovery. 
Retail warehouses saw very robust performance in 2021, with capital growth 
almost keeping pace with industrial. Other retail subsectors have not yet seen 
a	significant	turn	in	fate.	

It is expected that 2022 will begin to see a rebalancing of total returns and 
more convergence of the main sectors. 

The social and human cost of achieving success is increasingly considered. 
Society is holding Governments and corporations accountable for the wider 
impact of investment decisions.

Sustainability is becoming widely and fully embedded into corporate strategy, 
business models and asset business plans.

TCFD	is	promoting	the	improvement	and	increased	reporting	of	climate-
related	financial	information	and	enabling	progress	to	be	measured	against	
science-based	targets.	Complacency	brings	increased	physical	and	
transitional risks and potentially stranded assets. 

Measures to reduce the carbon emissions of a property portfolio, lift the EPC 
profile	and	improve	other	sustainability	credentials	like	biodiversity	and	
wellness	bring	both	costs	and	opportunities	to	enhance value.	

Collaboration is key. Engaging with industry stakeholders to share knowledge, 
data and best practices accelerates progress. Engaging with occupiers on 
Scope	3	emissions	is	vital	to	achieve	a	meaningful	reduction	in portfolio	
emissions and progress along a pathway to net zero. 

Applying circular economy principles to real estate helps to reduce embodied 
carbon emissions through extending the lifecycle of a building, promoting 
repurposing	over	demolition	and	reuse	of	materials	over	landfill.	

The digitisation of real estate, increased use of data, advanced 
analytics and automation are drivers of change in the built 
environment. 

The technology trends set to directly impact the property sector in the 
short	to	medium-term	are	wide	ranging,	from	smart	building	technology,	
the	5G	network,	increased	adoption	of	electric	vehicles,	Artificial	
Intelligence, robotics, Big Data and cloud computing.

Competitiveness	in	a	post-pandemic	world	will	depend	on	a	company’s	
ability to thrive in the digital environment. The use of analytics to make 
data-backed	decisions	provides	confidence	to	investors.	

Technology	plays	a	significant	role	in	driving	positive	change	towards	
sustainable buildings during each stage of a building’s life cycle. 
Technological advances in construction, manufacture of materials, 
energy usage and circular economy principles are all essential to 
progress towards a low carbon economy. 

Property	sectors	are	all	uniquely	impacted	by	technological	advances	
in multiple	areas,	with	each	facing	its	own	benefits	and	challenges.

Common problems in the industry include a reliance on legacy 
systems, fragmented	software	solutions,	lack	of	standardisation	and	
decentralised data platforms.

Remote	working,	flexible	working	and	reduced	business	travel	are	facilitated	
by the advancement of online communications platforms. Although 
accelerated by the pandemic, these working patterns will continue in a 
hybrid model.

Flexible	workspaces	require	technology	to	be	marketed	and	managed,	to	
remain competitive and provide an effective solution for businesses. 

The	UK	Government’s	agenda	to	ban	sales	of	new	combustion	engines	by	
2030	will	shape	requirements	for	electric	vehicle	charging	where	we	live,	
work and	shop,	with	implications	for	buildings,	power	supply	and	parking	
arrangements.	A	longer-term	consideration	is	the	roll	out	of	the	5G	network,	
enabling driverless vehicles.

There is a heightened need for data storage and datacentres. Big Data, 
Artificial	Intelligence,	Machine	Learning	and	cloud	computing	are	shaping	the	
future	of	the	workforce	and	the	requirements	for	buildings	in	which	they	
operate. Bolstering cyber security and secure data storage is high on 
corporate agendas.

For	retailers,	investment	in	online	platforms	and	fulfilment	is	paramount.	
The proportion	of	online	spending	has	not	reverted	to	pre-pandemic	levels.	
Longer-term,	the	increased	use	of	robotics,	electric	industrial	vehicles	and	
drones	has	the	potential	to	impact	the	way	online	orders	are	fulfilled	and	
industrial property is occupied.

  Picton Property Income Limited  Annual Report 2022

17

Strategic ReportGovernanceFinancial StatementsAdditional InformationOur Marketplace continued

Throughout the year, 
structural changes that were 
accelerated by the pandemic 
continued to create a 
divergence in performance 
between property sectors.

The	industrial	sector	has	benefitted	from	the	increase	in	
online consumer spending to the detriment of traditional 
retail, whilst enforced working from home during the 
pandemic	is	likely	to	lead	to	a	longer-term	shift	towards	a	
more	hybrid	model	of	home	and	office-based	working.	

18

Picton Property Income Limited Annual Report 2022

Industrial  
market trends

The	12	months	to	March	2022	was	a	record-breaking	
year for the industrial sector, which saw capital values 
increase by 35.9% – the highest annual growth recorded 
for	any	sector	across	any	year	in	the	MSCI	UK	Quarterly	
Property Index. Annual rental growth was also a record 
for	the	sector	at	11.2%,	significantly	higher	than	the	
12-month	CPI	inflation	rate	of	7.0%	for	the	same	period.	

The industrial sector has witnessed exceptional levels of 
take-up	for	the	last	two	years	as	it	continues	to	benefit	
from the accelerated shift to online spending, as well 
as global supply chain disruptions which have created 
a need for greater stock holding to maintain supply 
chain resilience. On the supply side, development has 
struggled to keep pace with demand, with the rising 
cost of materials and labour shortages increasing 
lead times and in turn supporting rental growth. 

However, now more closely tied to levels of consumer 
spending, like the retail sector, industrial may also be 
adversely impacted if activity falls because of persistently 
high	levels	of	inflation.	Industrial	occupiers	are	also	faced	
with rising fuel and energy prices coupled with increasing 
rents and the impending business rates revaluation in 
2023,	potentially	putting	pressure	on	profit	margins.	

The sector is experiencing strong investor demand 
which has driven down yields. For the year to March 
2022, the industrial sector accounted for 27% of total 
investment volumes at a value of £19.2 billion. Standard 
industrial units, particularly in London and the South East 
are forecast to outperform the All Property average.

What this means for Picton

 ‒ We	are	primarily	invested	in	multi-let	industrial	assets,	

for which	there	continues	to	be	healthy	demand	across	
a wide	range	of	occupiers.	The	portfolio	remains	well	
positioned with limited exposure to large and online 
driven distribution units.

 ‒ Our occupier focused approach has enabled us to 

capitalise on strong demand for industrial property 
and grow	ERVs	through	new	lettings,	renewals	and	
rent reviews.

Our response to these trends

 ‒ We will continue to capture rental growth through 
new lettings	and	proactive	portfolio	management.

 ‒ We will strategically maintain our overweight position 

to the	sector.	

 ‒ We	will	continue	to	acquire	complementary	assets	

where possible,	whilst	remaining	selective	given	the	
increase in pricing.

 ‒ We envisage only limited and selective disposals.

Office  
market trends

Retail and Leisure 
market trends

The success of home working during the pandemic 
has	not	led	to	the	mass	exodus	of	office	occupiers	that	
was	feared	by	some.	Office	employees	continue	to	
make incremental returns to the workplace and the 
sector is gaining momentum. If the majority of the 
workforce	is	in	the	office	for	at	least	part	of	the	week	
then	significant	downsizing	is	often	not	viable.	

According	to	the	MSCI	UK	Quarterly	Property	Index,	 
office	capital	values	increased	by	3.2%	in	the	year	to	 
March 2022 and rents grew by 1.4%.

Office	take-up	has	been	recovering	steadily,	particularly	
in large city centres and central London markets. There 
is	a	flight	to	quality	and	a	shortage	of	Grade	A	space,	
which is supporting rental growth at the top end of the 
market. In addition, sustainability credentials are becoming 
increasingly	important	to	office	occupiers,	where	the	
property element of their operations is accountable for 
a	significant	proportion	of	overall	carbon	emissions.	

For	the	year	to	March	2022	the	office	sector	accounted	
for 30% of total investment volumes at a value of 
£21.2	billion.	Central	London	offices	are	forecast	to	
perform at around the All Property average whereas 
provincial and out of town markets rank lower. 

It has been a polarised year for the retail sector, with 
retail warehouses at a different stage of recovery to 
other subsectors. High streets and shopping centres 
are still faced with a demand/supply imbalance and are 
not	forecast	to	see	positive	rental	growth	in	the	short-
term. The vacancy rate of retail warehouses is much 
lower	and	rental	decline	has	started	to	flatten	out.

According	to	the	MSCI	UK	Quarterly	Property	Index,	retail	
capital values increased by 8.9% in the year to March 2022 
and	rents	fell	by	-2.0%.	However,	drilling	down	into	the	
retail warehouse subsector, here capital values increased 
by	22.4%.	Rents	fell,	albeit	by	a	lower	amount	of	-0.3%.	

Retail occupiers are likely to bear the brunt of a reduction 
in consumer spending as a result of cost of living increases. 
Retail sales began to recover in early 2022 but have since 
experienced a drop in volumes. The step change in the 
percentage of retail sales occurring online has declined 
from its early pandemic peak but not fully reverted to 2019 
levels. On a positive note, the wave of CVAs that have been 
so prevalent over the last few years seems to have receded. 

Given	the	level	of	price	and	rental	value	correction that	has	
occurred	across	the	retail	sector,	for	investors searching	for	 
income, high yielding retail assets in selective locations are  
looking more attractive. 

For the year to March 2022 the retail sector accounted for 
only 12% of total investment volumes at a value of £8.3 billion. 
Of this, 44% of investment activity was for retail warehouses, 
where there has been increasingly strong investor sentiment.

What this means for Picton

What this means for Picton

 ‒ Our	offices	must	continue	to	provide	high	quality	space	in	

 ‒ Our occupier focused approach has enabled us to 

the best locations. 

 ‒ As	the	office	sector	continues	to	gain	momentum,	we	
must continue to engage with our occupiers to ensure 
their needs are met. 

 ‒ We	will	need	to	provide	more	flexible	leasing	

arrangements	reflecting	current	working	practices.

 ‒ We must continue to address the need for sustainable 
buildings	and	wellbeing	within	the	office	environment.

proactively manage our retail and leisure portfolio to 
maximise occupancy. 

 ‒ Where appropriate we have been able to reposition retail 

space through change of use refurbishments. 

Our response to these trends

Our response to these trends

 ‒ We	will	continue	to	actively	manage	the	office	portfolio	

and engage with existing and potential occupiers to grow 
occupancy and income.

 ‒ With revised pricing, we are cautiously optimistic with 
regard	to	acquisitions	in	selective	retail	subsectors	
and locations.	

 ‒ We	will	promote	our	new	flexible	office	leasing	solution,	

SwiftSpace, where appropriate. 

 ‒ We will continue to upgrade space, focusing on amenities 

and	making	improvements	in	energy	efficiency.

 ‒ Due	diligence	and	research	will	ensure	that	the	office	
portfolio is positioned in the most accessible and 
desirable locations.

 ‒ We will be increasingly selective when considering 

office acquisitions.

 ‒ With healthy demand for retail warehouse space, we 
will strive	to	maintain	occupancy	and	grow	rents	in	
this subsector.	

  Picton Property Income Limited  Annual Report 2022

19

Strategic ReportGovernanceFinancial StatementsAdditional InformationOur Strategy

Occupier focused, 
Opportunity led. 

Purpose
To be a responsible owner of commercial real estate, 
helping our occupiers succeed and being valued by 
all our stakeholders.	

Strategy 
Through our occupier focused, opportunity led 
approach, we aim to be one of the consistently best 
performing	diversified	UK	REITs.	In	order	to	deliver	
on our purpose, we have in place three distinct 
strategic	pillars:	Portfolio	Performance,	Operational	
Excellence and Acting Responsibly. These pillars 
include a range of strategic priorities which guide the 
direction of our business and are regularly reviewed. 

This year we have added two further priorities within 
Acting Responsibly. Progress against our strategic 
priorities is set out in the Chief Executive’s Review. 

Sustainable thinking, responsible business
Sustainability is embedded into all of our activities. A 
responsible and ethical approach to business is essential 
for	the	benefit	of	all	our	stakeholders	and	understanding	
the	long-term	impact	of	our	decisions	will	help	us	
to manage risk and continue to generate value.

Read more on pages 22–27

Read more about our KPIs on pages 28–31 
and our Risks on pages 48–52

Portfolio  
  Performance

3

1

2

portfolio which provides 
income and	capital	growth

and	income	profile

1 Creating and owning a 
2 Growing occupancy  
3 	Enhancing	asset	quality,	
4 Outperforming the  

MSCI	UK	Quarterly	 
Property Index 

providing space	that	exceeds	
occupier expectations 

Associated Risks

1   2   4   5   6   7   8  

Connected KPIs

A   C   D   G  

I

  J  

20

Picton Property Income Limited Annual Report 2022

 
1

2

3

business model, adaptable 
to market trends 

platform, utilising technology 
as appropriate	

Operational  
  Excellence
1 Maintaining	an	efficient	operating	
2 Having	an	agile	and	flexible	
3  Delivering 
4 Having an appropriate  
5 Growing to deliver  

capital structure for the  
market cycle 

economies of scale

earnings growth

 Acting  
  Responsibly

3

1

2

occupiers, shareholders  
and other stakeholders

our company values, positive 
working culture and  
alignment of the team 

1 Ensuring we maintain  
2  Working closely with our 
3   Ensuring sustainability is 
4 Adapting to and mitigating the 
5 Reducing our emissions to 

integrated within our business 
model and how we and our 
occupiers operate

impact of climate change

become carbon net zero by 2040

Associated Risks

1   3   4   10   11  

Connected KPIs

E   F   H  

Associated Risks

4   6   7   9  

Connected KPIs

B  

 K   L

  Picton Property Income Limited  Annual Report 2022

21

Strategic ReportGovernanceFinancial StatementsAdditional Information 
 
Our Strategy in Action

22

Picton Property Income Limited Annual Report 2022

Madleaze and Mill Place Trading Estates 

Industrial 
acquisitions

In Gloucester, we acquired two 
adjoining city centre industrial estates, 
in separate transactions.

Madleaze	Trading	Estate	was	acquired	in	September	2021	
and	the	adjacent	Mill	Place	Trading	Estate	was acquired	in	
February 2022 for a combined £23.5 million plus costs. 
This	reflects	a	low	capital	value	of	£35	per	sq	ft.

Our combined ownership totals over 29 acres, with 
670,000	sq	ft	of	warehouse	and	ancillary	accommodation	
and a site coverage of 52%. The average rent on 
acquisition	was	only	£2.76	per	sq	ft.	

On	purchase	there	was	100,000	sq	ft	of	vacant	
accommodation to be upgraded or redeveloped across 
both	estates.	We	have	already	leased	22,000	sq	ft	of	space	
with very	limited	capital	expenditure	and	have	interest	in	
a	further	21,000	sq	ft.

Occupational demand is robust and there are 
13 lease events in 2022, although we expect the majority 
of occupiers to remain. There are numerous asset 
management opportunities, noting the short weighted 
average lease length. The central location of the site does 
open	the	possibility	of	a	larger	mixed-use	development	
in the	longer-term.	We	are	exploring	this	whilst	seeking	
to increase	the	income	and	value	through	proactive	
management	and improving	the	appeal	of	the	estates	
to new	and	existing	occupiers.

£23.5m

Purchase price 

£1.4m

Passing rent at acquisition

3

1

2

Portfolio Performance 
   See more information on pages 20-21

  Picton Property Income Limited  Annual Report 2022

23

Strategic ReportGovernanceFinancial StatementsAdditional InformationOur Strategy in Action continued

Rum Runner Works, Regency Wharf

Repositioning
assets

In Birmingham we have converted 
vacant restaurants into Grade A 
canalside office space.

We secured planning permission for change of use 
for	the	building	from	leisure	to	offices	and	during	the	year	
completed the project renaming it Rum Runner Works, as 
it was once home to the historic Rum Runner nightclub. 
We relocated an existing occupier which allowed us to 
convert	the	canalside	block	into	offices.	

The building maintains a mix of period features and 
modern	design	over	16,200	sq	ft.	Excellent	floor-to-ceiling	
heights, feature lighting, and exposed services give the 
glass	and	steel	construction	an	industrial	feel	reflective	
of its	manufacturing	past.	Terraces	offer	private	outdoor	
space with a view and the central courtyard makes it ideal 
for events and functions.

The refurbishment was carried out in line with our 
refurbishment guidelines, which have the aim of ensuring 
sustainability is at the heart of the design process. The 
building’s EPC rating was improved from an E to a B. 
Natural gas was removed from the building and solar 
panels	were installed	along	with	heat	recovery	systems.	

The works were completed in late 2021 and the building 
was	shortlisted	for	the	British	Council	for	Offices	Awards	
2022. The estimated rental value has increased from £0.2 
million	per	annum	as	leisure	to	£0.4 million	per	annum	as	
an	office.	We	expect	strong	demand	for	a	self-contained	
Grade	A	building	which	offers	unique	space	and	good	
sustainability credentials.

112%

Improvement in ERV

E to B

Upgraded minimum EPC rating 

3

1

2

Portfolio Performance 
   and Acting Responsibly

  See more information on pages 20-21

24

Picton Property Income Limited Annual Report 2022

 
  Picton Property Income Limited  Annual Report 2022

25

Strategic ReportGovernanceFinancial StatementsAdditional InformationOur Strategy in Action continued

26

Picton Property Income Limited Annual Report 2022

Lyon Business Park, Barking 

Growing occupancy 
and income

Our industrial estate in Barking 
has benefitted from strong occupational 
demand despite three units becoming 
vacant during the Covid-19 pandemic.

This estate was the most severely impacted property in 
the portfolio	in	terms	of	loss	of	income	through	occupier	
failures over the past two years.

During	the	year	we	refurbished	and	pre-let	the	largest	unit	
of 45,000	sq	ft	to	a	well-established	catering	company.	
The unit	was	leased	for	a	15-year	term	certain	at	£0.6	million	
per annum, 46% ahead of the previous passing rent and 
5% ahead	of	the	March	2021	ERV.	The	lease	included	our	
standard green lease provisions.

A smaller unit became vacant in October and was leased, 
with nominal	expenditure,	to	an	existing	occupier	on	a	
new five-year	lease	at	£0.1	million	per	annum,	38%	ahead	
of the	previous	passing	rent	and	25%	ahead	of	ERV.	The	
lease included	our	standard	green	lease	provisions.	The	
occupier also extended their current lease, which expired 
in two	years,	to	five	years	with	a	rental	uplift	in	2024.

A	further	unit	of	26,000	sq	ft	became	vacant	in	November	
and	is currently	being	refurbished	in	line	with	our	sustainable	
refurbishment	guidelines.	We	are	targeting	a	B-rated	EPC.	
The previous	occupier	was	paying	a	rent	of	£0.3	million	per	
annum and we believe we will achieve a new rent 25% 
ahead of	this	on	a	new	letting.

Three further leases were renewed securing £0.1 million 
per annum,	a	23%	uplift	on	the	previous	passing	rent	 
and in	line	with	ERV.

45%

Increase in contracted rent on lettings 

3

1

2

Portfolio Performance
  See more information on pages 20-21

  Picton Property Income Limited  Annual Report 2022

27

Strategic ReportGovernanceFinancial StatementsAdditional InformationKey Performance Indicators

Measuring 
the success of 
the business

We have a range of key 
performance indicators that we 
use to measure the performance 
and success of the business.

We consider that industry standard measures, such 
as those	calculated	by	MSCI,	are	appropriate	to	use	
alongside certain EPRA measures and others that are 
relevant to us. In this regard, we consider that the EPRA 
NTA per share, earnings per share and vacancy rate are 
the most appropriate measures to use in assessing 
our performance.

Key performance indicators are also used to determine 
variable remuneration rewards for the Executive Directors 
and the rest of the Picton team. The indicators used are 
total return, total shareholder return, total property return 
and EPRA earnings per share. This is set out more fully in 
the Remuneration Report.

We	are	now	reporting	EPCs	rated	A-C	and	as	with	
occupancy this is expressed as a percentage of ERV. 
We have	amended	the	methodology	to	better	reflect	
the risks	in	relation	to	MEES.	

For more information on EPRA Best Practices 
Recommendations see pages 139–141

Remuneration Link

Strategic pillars

1

1

1

3

3

3

2

2

2

Portfolio Performance

Operational Excellence

Acting Responsibly

28

Picton Property Income Limited Annual Report 2022

Financial KPIs

Total return (%)

2022

2021

6.6

2020

4.5

A

28.3

Why we use this indicator
The total return is the key measure of the overall 
performance of the Group. It is the change in the 
Group’s net asset value, calculated in accordance 
with IFRS, over the year, plus dividends paid.

The Group’s total return is used to assess 
whether our	aim	to	be	one	of	the	consistently	
best performing	diversified	UK	REITs	is	being	
achieved, and is a measure used to determine 
the annual	bonus.

Our performance in 2022
Our total return this year was driven by strong 
valuation gains and increased dividends.

3

1

2

Total shareholder return (%)

2022

2021

0.0

2020

3.6

B

18.7

Why we use this indicator
The total shareholder return measures 
the change	in	our	share	price	over	the	year	
plus dividends	paid.	We	use	this	indicator	
because	it is the	return	seen	by	investors	on	
their shareholdings.

Our total shareholder return relative to a 
comparator group is a performance metric 
used in	the	Long-term	Incentive	Plan.

Our performance in 2022
An increase in the share price over the year, 
as the impacts of the pandemic receded, 
together with increased dividends, 
contributed to a return of 18.7%

3

1

2

Total property return (%)

2022

2021

2020

7.3

5.3

C

00.0
24.3

Loan to value ratio (%)

E

2022

2021

2020

21.2

20.9

21.7

Why we use this indicator
The total property return is the combined income 
and capital return from our property portfolio for 
the year, as calculated by MSCI. We use this 
indicator because it shows the success of the 
portfolio strategy without the impact of gearing 
and corporate costs.

Our	total	property	return	relative	to	the	MSCI	UK	
Quarterly	Property	Index	is	a	performance	
condition for both the annual bonus and the 
Long-term	Incentive	Plan.

Why we use this indicator
The loan to value ratio is total Group borrowings, 
net of cash, as a percentage of the total portfolio 
value. This is a recognised measure of the 
Company’s level of borrowings and is a measure 
of	financing	risk.	See	the	Supplementary	
Disclosures section for further details.

Our performance in 2022
We have outperformed the MSCI UK Quarterly 
Property Index for the ninth consecutive year, 
delivering a return of 24.3% compared to the 
Index return of 19.6% for the year. We have 
also delivered upper quartile outperformance 
against MSCI over three, five and ten years, 
and since inception.

3

1

2

Our performance in 2022
The loan to value ratio has marginally 
increased this year with the additional 
borrowings drawn during the year offset 
by the increase in the portfolio value.

Property income return (%)

D

Cost ratio (%)

2022

2021

2020

4.5

4.7

4.8

2022

2021

2020

1.0

1.0

1.1

Why we use this indicator
The property income return, as calculated 
by MSCI,	is	the	income	return	of	the	portfolio.	
Income is an important component of total 
return and our portfolio is biased towards 
income generation.

Why we use this indicator
The cost ratio, recurring administration expenses 
as a proportion of the average net asset value, 
shows	how	efficiently	the	business	is	being	run,	
and the extent to which economies of scale are 
being achieved. See the Supplementary 
Disclosures section for further details.

3

1

2

F

Our performance in 2022
The income return for the year of 4.5% 
was ahead of the MSCI UK Quarterly 
Property Index of 4.2%, and we have also 
outperformed over one, three, five and ten 
years, and since inception.

3

1

2

Our performance in 2022
The cost ratio has been maintained at 1.0% 
this year.

3

1

2

  Picton Property Income Limited  Annual Report 2022

29

Strategic ReportGovernanceFinancial StatementsAdditional InformationKey Performance Indicators continued

EPRA KPIs

EPRA NTA per share (pence)

G

EPRA vacancy rate (%)

I

2022

2021

2020

120

97

93

2022

2021

2020

7.2

8.8

11.5

Why we use this indicator
The	EPRA	net	tangible	assets	(NTA)	per	share,	
calculated in accordance with EPRA, measures 
the	value	of	shareholders’	equity	in	the	business.	
We use this to measure the growth of the 
business over time and regard this as the most 
relevant net asset metric for the business.

Why we use this indicator
The vacancy rate measures the amount of 
vacant space	in	the	portfolio	at	the	end	of	each	
financial	period,	and	over	the	long-term,	is	an	
indication of the success of asset management 
initiatives undertaken.

Our performance in 2022
The EPRA NTA per share has increased by 
24.4% this year, due to valuation gains, 
particularly in the industrial portfolio.

3

1

2

Our performance in 2022
Recently refurbished space has been let over 
the year as Covid-19 restrictions were lifted 
and occupiers seek best in class space.

3

1

2

EPRA earnings per share (pence)

H

2022

2021

2020

3.9

3.7

3.7

Why we use this indicator
The earnings per share, calculated in accordance 
with EPRA, represents the earnings from core 
operational activities and excludes investment 
property revaluations, gains/losses on asset disposals 
and any exceptional items. We use this because it 
measures	the	operating	profit	generated	by	the	
business from the core property rental business.

The growth in EPRA earnings per share is also a 
performance measure used for the annual bonus 
and	the	Long-term	Incentive	Plan.

Our performance in 2022
EPRA earnings per share has increased 
to 3.9 pence as a consequence of higher 
occupancy, reduced provisions against 
income receivable and additional income 
from property acquisitions.

3

1

2

30

Picton Property Income Limited Annual Report 2022

Non-financial KPIs

Retention rate (%)

J

Employee satisfaction (%)

L

2022

2021

2020

37

53

88

2022

2021

2020

82

85

83

Why we use this indicator
This provides a measure of income at risk and the 
retention of that income during the year. This is 
achieved through lease extensions or removal of 
break options. 

Why we use this indicator
We use this indicator to assess our performance 
against one of our strategic objectives, to 
nurture a	positive	culture	reflecting	the	values	
and alignment of the Picton team. The indicator 
is based on the employee survey carried out 
during the year.

Our performance in 2022
The lower retention rate principally reflects 
pandemic-related voids. 

Total ERV at risk due to lease expiries or break 
options totalled £5.5 million, £1.2 million lower 
than last year. Of the ERV at risk that was not 
retained, 29% or £1.6 million of ERV was re-let to 
a different occupier during the year. 

3

1

2

Our performance in 2022
Although slightly lower this year, the 
employee satisfaction score remains 
very high.

3

1

2

EPC rating A-C (%)

K

2022

2021

2020

71

64

55

Why we use this indicator
Energy	Performance	Certificates	(EPCs)	indicate	
how	energy	efficient	a	building	could	be	by	
assigning	a rating	from	‘A’	(very	efficient)	to	‘G’	
(very	inefficient).	

From 2023 MEES regulations prohibit leasing 
space that is F or G rated. It is proposed that from 
2027	an	EPC	of	at	least	a	C	rating	will	be	required.

Our performance in 2022
The proportion of EPC ratings between A to C 
has increased against the prior year and 
makes up 71% of the portfolio. The remaining 
29% is rated D or E.

3

1

2

  Picton Property Income Limited  Annual Report 2022

31

Strategic ReportGovernanceFinancial StatementsAdditional InformationPortfolio Review

Portfolio overview

We are a diversified Real Estate Investment Trust 
(REIT) investing in UK commercial property. 
Our property portfolio consists of 47 assets with 
currently 60% invested in the industrial sector.

Industrial 
weighting

Office 
weighting

Retail and Leisure 
weighting

60%

South East

Rest	of	UK

30%

Central London

Rest	of	UK

South East

10%

Retail Warehouse

High	Street	Rest	of	UK

Leisure

11%

10%

9%

44%

16%

7%

2%

1%

Read more 
on pages 38–39

Read more 
on pages 40–41

Read more 
on pages 42–43

Annualised total property return (%)

 Picton        MSCI UK Quarterly 
                           Property Index 

30

25

20

15

10

0

1 year

3 year 

5 year 

10 year 

Since inception

32

Picton Property Income Limited Annual Report 2022

Portfolio summary

47

£849m

Number of assets

Value

93%

Occupancy

4.0%

Net initial yield

5.4% 

4.7m sq ft

Reversionary yield 

Area

Top ten occupiers
The	largest	occupiers,	based	as	a	percentage	of	contracted	rent,	as	at	31	March	2022,	are	as	follows:

Occupier

Public sector

Whistl	UK	Limited

B&Q	Plc

The Random House Group Limited

Snorkel Europe Limited

XMA Limited

Portal Chatham LLP

DHL Supply Chain Limited

Hi-Speed	Services	Limited

Canterbury	Christ	Church	University

Total

Contracted rent (£m)

2.3

1.6

1.2

1.2

1.2

1.0

0.9

0.8

0.7

0.7

11.6

%

5.0

3.6

2.8

2.6

2.6

2.2

2.1

1.7

1.5

1.5

25.6

Top ten assets
The largest assets, as at 31 March 2022, ranked by capital value, represent 55% of the total portfolio valuation and are 
detailed	below:

Assets

Acquisition 
date

Property  
type

Tenure

Approximate 
area (sq ft)

Capital 
value (£m)

No. of 
occupiers

Occupancy 
rate (%)

Parkbury Industrial Estate, Radlett, Herts.

03/2014 

Industrial

Freehold 

River Way Industrial Estate, Harlow, Essex

12/2006 

Industrial

Freehold 

Datapoint, Cody Road, London E16

05/2010 

Industrial

Leasehold 

Lyon Business Park, Barking

09/2013 

Industrial

Freehold 

Stanford Building, London WC2

05/2010 

Office

Freehold 

343,800 

454,800 

55,100 

99,400 

19,600 

Shipton Way, Rushden

07/2014 

Industrial

Freehold 

312,900 

Angel Gate, City Road, London EC1

Tower Wharf, Cheese Lane, Bristol

50 Farringdon Road, London EC1

10/2005 

08/2017 

10/2005

Office

Office

Freehold 

Freehold 

Office

 Leasehold*

64,600 

70,600 

31,300 

Sundon Business Park, Dencora Way, Luton

10/2005 Industrial

Freehold

127,800

>100

50-75

30-50

30-50

30-50

30-50

30-50

20-30

20-30

20-30

21 

10

6 

8 

4 

1 

18 

6 

4 

11

100 

100 

100 

77 

100 

100 

61 

90 

100

91

*Denotes leasehold interest in excess of 950 years.

  Picton Property Income Limited  Annual Report 2022

33

Strategic ReportGovernanceFinancial StatementsAdditional InformationPortfolio Review continued

Proactive 
  management

Throughout the year we have 
continued to engage with our 
occupiers, invested into our assets 
and driven forward our sustainability 
priorities, which is at the forefront 
of our thinking as we actively manage 
the portfolio. 

Driven	by	significant	investor	and	occupier	demand	in	
the industrial sector, combined with a rebound in the 
retail warehousing sector, we have seen strong valuation 
gains.	We	have	had	like-for-like	increases	in	passing	rent	
and	estimated	rental	value	(ERV).

It has been another busy year in terms of the portfolio, 
with 76 asset management transactions completed. 
Our repositioning	programme	has	especially	helped	us	
secure	new	office	occupiers	seeking	best	in	class	space,	
and this has resulted in an increase in occupancy over 
the period to 93%, up from 91% in the prior year.

Our occupier focused approach has always been key to 
enabling	us to	actively	manage	the	portfolio.	We	are	
guided by our Picton Promise of Action, Community, 
Technology, Support and Sustainability. This philosophy 
of working	in	collaboration	with	our	occupiers	is	a	
significant	contributor	to	our	long-term	track	record	
of outperformance.	

During the year we have launched SwiftSpace at several 
of	our	office	buildings,	this	initiative	recognises	that	
flexibility	and	ease	of	occupation	are	particularly	
important for some smaller businesses, and we are 
offering	bespoke	leasing	solutions	to	include	fitted	
space,	inclusive	rents	and	flexibility.

Performance
Our portfolio comprises 47 assets, with around 400 
occupiers, and is valued at £849 million with a net initial 
yield of 4.0% and a reversionary yield of 5.4%. 

Our	asset	allocation,	with	60%	in	industrial,	30%	in	office	
and 10% in retail and leisure, combined with increasing 
occupancy and transactional activity, has enabled us to 
outperform	the	MSCI	UK	Quarterly	Property	Index	over	
the year.

Overall,	the	like-for-like	valuation	was	up	21%,	with	the	
industrial	sector	up	34%,	offices	up	by	2%	and	retail	
and leisure	up	by	17%.	This	compares	with	the	MSCI	
UK Quarterly	Property	Index	recording	a	capital	value	
increase of 15% over the period.

The overall portfolio passing rent is £38.7 million, an 
increase	from	the	prior	year	of	£2.2	million.	On	a	like-for-
like basis the passing rent increased by 2% and the 
contracted rent, which is the gross rent receivable after 
lease incentives, increased by £2.7 million or 7%.

The March 2022 ERV of the portfolio is £49.8 million, an 
increase	from	the	prior	year	of	5%	on	a	like-for-like	basis.	
We had positive growth in all three sectors, with the 
industrial sector increasing 11% and the other two 
sectors both up 1%.

We have set out below the principal activity in each of 
the sectors in which we are invested and believe our 
sector strategy and proactive occupier engagement 
has delivered	positive	performance	this	year.	

The industrial sector has had a very strong year, with 
considerable investment demand, with multiple buyers 
for	well-located	assets,	resulting	in	further	price	growth.	
A	lack	of	supply,	especially	of	multi-let	estates,	coupled	
with increasing build costs, means that occupiers have 
restricted choice when looking for a unit, which in turn 
has driven strong rental growth across the country 
and especially in London and the South East where 
73% of our portfolio is located. As examples, the ERV 
at Datapoint, London increased by 26%, Lyon Business 
Park, Barking by 15% and River Way, Harlow by 11%.

The	office	sector	is	returning	to	a	‘new	normal’	with	
building occupancy improving, albeit on a more 
flexible basis.	Increasingly	businesses	are	focused	
on providing	best	in	class	space	for	their	employees	
with good	sustainability	characteristics.	There	is	good	
demand	for	Grade	A	space	with	take-up	almost	at	
pre-pandemic	levels,	but	poorer	quality	buildings	are	
struggling to attract occupiers. 

34

Picton Property Income Limited Annual Report 2022

400

Occupiers

21%

Like-for-like valuation 
increase 

£38.7m 

Passing rent

£49.8m 

Estimated rental value

  Picton Property Income Limited  Annual Report 2022

35

Strategic ReportGovernanceFinancial StatementsAdditional InformationPortfolio Review continued

Many	companies	are	revising	working	patterns,	with	offices	
being used two or three days a week and staff working 
from home the rest of the time. We have invested 
substantially	into	our	office	portfolio	over	the	last	few	years,	
which has meant we have best in class assets which we 
have been able to lease during the year as well as retaining 
existing occupiers.

Retail warehouse parks have performed strongly, and our 
parks are busy with occupiers trading well. Investment 
demand has resulted in price growth in 2021 and early 
2022,	however	we	have	not	yet	seen	significant	rental	
growth. This investor demand has not translated to the 
high street, but there is activity at the prime end with the 
indication	that	pricing	has	reached	a	floor	for	best	in	class	
assets. The leisure market is returning to normal, with pubs 
and restaurants reporting brisk trading. 

We believe the portfolio remains well placed in respect of 
our	sector	allocations.	Combined	with	the	quality	of	our	
assets, we will be able to continue to drive performance 
going forward.

Over the year we have invested £10 million into the 
portfolio principally across eight key projects. These have 
all been	aimed	at	enhancing	space	to	attract	occupiers,	
improve sustainability credentials and grow income. 

A major renovation project was recently completed 
at Rum Runner	Works,	Regency	Wharf,	Birmingham,	
where we	have	converted	leisure	space	to	offices	with	
the development	being	shortlisted	for	the	British	Council	
of Offices	Awards	2022.	

The air conditioning plant was replaced at 50 Farringdon 
Road, while the building was fully leased. The system 
has now	been	converted	from	gas	to	electric,	reducing	
carbon emissions and improving the EPC from a D to a B.

Our	largest	void	is	Angel	Gate	Office	Village,	London.	
The property	offers	space	for	smaller	businesses	and	
this market	is	beginning	to	pick	up.	We	have	upgraded	
the common	parts,	installed	an	occupier	lounge,	
which is already	very	popular,	and	fitted	out	office	
suites for immediate	occupation	in	line	with	our	
SwiftSpace concept.

Activity
We have had another good year in respect of asset 
management transactions. We completed 12 rent reviews, 
7% ahead of ERV, 21 lease renewals or regears, 3% ahead 
of ERV	and	34	lettings	or	agreements	to	lease,	8%	ahead	
of ERV.	Two	industrial	assets	were	acquired	for	£23.5	million	
plus costs and one retail asset disposed of for £0.7 million, 
16% ahead of March 2021 valuation. 

We	are	continually	focused	on	futureproofing	assets	
from a sustainability	perspective,	which	has	resulted	in	
an improvement	in	our	EPCs	with	71%	now	rated	C	and	
above. The average lot size of the portfolio is £18.1 million, 
22% ahead of last year. 

Our total void is £3.6 million per annum by ERV. By sector, 
70%	is	in	offices,	16%	is	in	industrial	and	14%	is	in	retail	
and leisure.

Retention rates and occupancy
Over the year, total ERV at risk due to lease expiries or break 
options totalled £5.5 million, a reduction on the £6.6 million 
in the year to March 2021.

We	retained	37%	of	total	ERV at risk	in	the	year	to	March	
2022. Of the ERV that was not retained, a further 29% or 
£1.6 million	was	re-let	to	a	different	occupier	during	the	year.

In addition, a further £2.1 million of ERV was retained by 
either removing future breaks or extending future lease 
expiries ahead of the lease event.

Occupancy has increased during the year from 91% to 93%, 
which	is	ahead	of	the	MSCI	UK	Quarterly	Property	Index	of	
92%	at	March	2022.	The	increase	primarily	reflects	the	
success	of	the	refurbishment	programmes	in	the	office	
sector, with occupiers seeking best in class space. In 
addition, we have seen strong demand for our industrial 
units and the retail portfolio remains well let. Industrial 
occupancy	is	98%	(2021:	100%),	office	occupancy	is	
87% (2021:	82%)	and	retail	and	leisure	occupancy	is	93%	
(2021: 92%).

At the year end, over half of our vacant buildings were 
being refurbished, with the remainder available to let 
and being	actively	marketed.

36

Picton Property Income Limited Annual Report 2022

Occupancy has increased during 
the year from 91% to 93%, 
reflecting the success of our 
refurbishment programmes in 
the office sector. 

Jay Cable
Senior Director and Head of Asset Management

£18m

Average lot size of the portfolio

£10m

Invested into the portfolio

Outlook
As	the	UK	opened	up	we	saw	a	bounce	in	consumer	
confidence	and	spending.

Subsequently,	the	war	in	Ukraine	has	caused	a	more	
uncertain	outlook	with	inflationary	pressure	and	supply	
chain issues being the immediate result. The war has not 
had any direct repercussions on the property market to 
date, however we are mindful of the fact that there could 
be secondary impacts going forward.

Our net zero carbon pathway is in place, and we continue 
to focus	on	sustainability	and	upgrading	our	buildings	to	
ensure they are attractive to occupiers. 

We have had success in securing occupiers in all sectors, 
with industrial demand remaining very strong. Our occupiers 
remain	key	and	we	have	long-standing	relationships	in	place	
with many of them, which enable us to work with and assist 
businesses as they grow and contract.

As at 31 March 2022 the portfolio had £11.1 million of 
reversionary income potential, £3.6 million from letting 
the vacant	space,	£4.5	million	from	expiring	rent	free	
periods and	£3.0	million	where	the	passing	rent	is	below	
market level.

Demand for our industrial properties continues to be 
robust as proven by our high occupancy and growing ERVs. 
With this sector accounting for 60% of the total portfolio by 
value, we believe it will continue to contribute strongly to 
our performance, with supply constraints likely to lead to 
further rental growth.

The	majority	of	office	occupiers	are	now	working	on	a	
flexible	basis,	with	staff	coming	into	the	office	two	or	three	
days	a	week.	The	longer-term	implications	differ	from	
business	to	business	but	we	are	not	seeing	a	significant	
reduction	in	overall	floorspace.	As	we	predicted,	there	
has been	a	flight	to	quality,	with	companies	wanting	to	
upgrade their space to retain and attract staff. There is now 
a limited supply of Grade A space, as the development 
pipeline has slowed over the last two years, and this should 
result	in	rental	growth.	Poor	quality	buildings	are	less	in	
demand,	with	many	requiring	significant	expenditure	to	
incorporate	sustainability	requirements	and	make	them	
appealing	to	occupiers.	We	expect	a	significant	proportion	
of these	buildings	to	be	repurposed	in	due	course.	

Longevity of income
As at 31 March 2022, expressed as a percentage of 
contracted rent, the average length of the leases to 
the	first	termination	was	4.8	years	(2021:	4.9	years).	This	
is	summarised	as	follows:

Retail warehousing, which makes up 65% of our retail 
allocation, has seen a valuation rebound, with retailers 
preferring out of town units to the high street. We have 
succeeded in letting all of our vacant retail warehouse 
units during	the	year	and	our	parks	are	now	fully	leased.	

0 to 1 year
1 to 2 years
2 to 3 years
3 to 4 years
4 to 5 years
5 to 10 years
10 to 15 years
15 to 25 years
25 years and over

Total

%

11.4
12.9
15.4
20.8
9.3
23.2
5.7
0.1
1.2

100.0

We remain in a strong position with advantageous portfolio 
weightings,	good	quality	assets	and	a	proven	occupier	
focused approach. Looking forward, we will continue to 
grow	occupancy	and	income,	acquire	value	accretive	
assets, engage with our occupiers, and invest further into 
our properties.

Jay Cable
Senior Director and Head
of Asset Management
25 May 2022

  Picton Property Income Limited  Annual Report 2022

37

Strategic ReportGovernanceFinancial StatementsAdditional InformationPortfolio Review continued

Industrial 

The industrial sector accounts for 60% 
of the portfolio and had the strongest 
sector performance of the year.

Key metrics
£509.7m

Valuation
(2021:	£360.7m)

£23.4m

Estimated rental value 
(2021:	£19.3m)

17

3.2m sq ft 

Internal area 
(2021:	2.6m	sq	ft)

98%

Occupancy 
(2021:	100%)

£17.6m

Annual passing rent
(2021:	£16.9m)

18

Number of assets 
(2021:	16)

Locations

10

14

12

11 15

9

13

5

6

1

7

2

3

4

8

18
16

1

Parkbury Industrial Estate
Radlett 
343,800	sq	ft	–	Freehold

6

Sundon Business Park
Luton 
127,800	sq	ft	–	Freehold

11 Madleaze Trading Estate

Gloucester 
303,100	sq	ft	–	Freehold

16 Downmill Road
Bracknell 
41,200	sq	ft	–	Freehold

2 River Way Industrial Estate

Harlow 
454,800	sq	ft	–	Freehold

7 Nonsuch Industrial Estate

Epsom 
41,400	sq	ft	–	Leasehold

12 Easter Court
Warrington 
81,800	sq	ft	–	Freehold

3 Datapoint
London E16 
55,100	sq	ft	–	Leasehold

4

5

Lyon Business Park
Barking 
99,400	sq	ft	–	Freehold

Shipton Way
Rushden  
312,900	sq	ft	–	Freehold

8

9

The Business Centre
Wokingham  
101,000	sq	ft	–	Freehold

13 Swiftbox
Rugby 
99,500	sq	ft	–	Freehold

Trent Road
Grantham  
336,100	sq	ft	–	Leasehold

14 1&2 Kettlestring Lane

York 
157,800	sq	ft	–	Freehold

10 Vigo 250 

Washington  
246,800	sq	ft	–	Freehold

15 Mill Place Trading Estate

Gloucester 
366,200	sq	ft	–	Leasehold

17 Abbey Business Park

Belfast  
61,500	sq	ft	–	Freehold

18 Magnet Trade Centre

Reading  
13,700	sq	ft	–	Freehold

38

Picton Property Income Limited Annual Report 2022

Continued strength in the investment market, driven 
by strong	occupational	fundamentals,	has	resulted	
in another	very	positive	year	for	this	sector.	Strong	
occupational demand, combined with active 
management extending income and securing rental 
uplifts,	have	all	contributed	to performance.

On	a	like-for-like	basis,	the	value	of	our	industrial	assets	
increased by £123.4 million or 34%. The passing rent was 
£17.6 million at year end, with an ERV of £23.4 million. 
Due to	eight	occupiers	being	in	rent-free	periods	the	
passing	rent	decreased	by	-5%	on	a	like-for-like	basis,	
but on	a	contracted	rent	basis	the	rent	increased	by	8%.	
The portfolio has an average weighted lease length of 
4.2 years	and	£5.8	million	of	reversionary	potential.	

We have seen ERV growth of 11% across the 
industrial portfolio,	reflecting	a	supply	constrained	
market. Occupancy is 98%, with all of the vacant 
units being refurbished.	

Portfolio activity 
Madleaze and Mill Place Trading Estates, located in 
Gloucester	city	centre,	were	acquired	in	two	separate	
transactions, for a combined purchase price of £23.5 
million	or	£35	per	sq	ft,	considerably	below	replacement	
cost. Our combined ownership now totals over 29 acres, 
with	670,000	sq	ft	of warehouse	and	ancillary	
accommodation,	with	a	site coverage	of	52%.	The	
average	rent	on	acquisition	was	only	£2.76	per	sq	ft	with	a	
further	100,000	sq	ft	of	vacant	accommodation	available	
to upgrade or redevelop, subject to occupational 
demand.	We	have	already	leased	22,000	sq	ft	without	
any capital expenditure and are in discussions with a 
number of occupiers in respect of either expansion 
or relocation.

At	Rugby,	we	let	a	99,500	sq	ft	unit	to	a	logistics	operator	
for ten years, subject to break. The lease commenced the 
day after the existing occupier vacated, meaning there 
were no void costs or capital expenditure. The new rent 
agreed at £0.7 million per annum is 11% ahead of both 
the previous passing rent and the ERV. 

At Lyon Business Park, Barking we had an occupier 
severely affected by the pandemic. We actioned a 
landlord	break	option	on	the	45,000	sq	ft	unit,	which	
was	subsequently	refurbished	and	leased	to	a catering	
company	on	a	15-year	lease.	The	new	rent	of	£0.6	million	
per annum is 46% ahead of the previous passing rent 
and 5% ahead of ERV. We renewed and extended three 
further leases on the estate securing £0.1 million per 
annum, 23% ahead of the previous passing rent and in 
line with ERV. We recently had another pandemic related 
void	at	the	estate	and	have	a	26,000	sq	ft	unit	to	lease,	
which is currently being refurbished.

At The Business Centre, Wokingham, we have driven 
income growth through agreeing two rent reviews, 
increasing	the passing	rent	by	26%	to	£0.4	million	per	
annum and leasing two units for a combined £0.1 million 
per annum, 2% ahead of ERV. The estate is fully leased.

Lyon Business Park
Barking

At Dencora Way, Luton, we increased income through 
settling a rent review, increasing the passing rent by 43%, 
1% ahead of ERV and renewing two leases at a rent 30% 
ahead of the previous passing rent. We leased one unit 
for £0.1 million per annum, 9% ahead of ERV.

At Easter Court, Warrington, following the completion of 
a rent review, we achieved a 47% uplift in rent, 3% ahead 
of ERV. A further lease was renewed, increasing the 
passing rent by 31% to £0.1 million per annum, 7% ahead 
of ERV. 

Outlook 
The industrial sector has performed exceptionally well 
this year, with continued strong demand, low vacancy 
rates and rental growth. Where units have come back 
due to occupiers relocating or insolvencies, we have 
been able	to	promptly	re-let	them	at	higher	rents,	
post refurbishment.	

We do not anticipate a material slowdown in 
occupational demand, and combined with limited 
availability and development pipeline, especially for 
multi-let	estates,	we	expect	continued	rental	growth.	

The focus going forward is to maintain high occupancy, 
continue to capture rental growth, and work proactively 
with our occupiers to unlock asset management 
opportunities. We have 41 lease events forecast for the 
coming year, and the overall ERV for these units is 
10% higher	than	the	current	passing	rent	of	£2.7	million.	
This provides	us	with	the	opportunity	to	grow	income	
and value further.

  Picton Property Income Limited  Annual Report 2022

39

Strategic ReportGovernanceFinancial StatementsAdditional InformationPortfolio Review continued

Office

The office sector accounts for 30% 
of the portfolio and delivered positive 
performance driven by leasing 
activity and active management.

Key metrics 
£251.1m

Valuation
(2021:	£245.4m)

£19.3m

Estimated rental value 
(2021:	£19.0m)

0.8m sq ft 

Internal area 
(2021:	0.8m	sq	ft)

87%

Occupancy 
(2021:	82%)

£14.0m

Annual passing rent
(2021:	£13.1m)

15

Number of assets 
(2021:	15)

8
12

15

7

11

3

9

10

13

1

14

2
4

6

5

Locations

1

Stanford Building
London WC2 
19,600	sq	ft	–	Freehold

2 Angel Gate
London EC1 
64,600	sq	ft	–	Freehold

3

4

Tower Wharf
Bristol 
70,600	sq	ft	–	Freehold

50 Farringdon Road
London, EC1  
31,300	sq	ft	–	Leasehold

5

30 & 50 Pembroke Court
Chatham  
86,000	sq	ft	–	Leasehold

9

401 Grafton Gate 
Milton Keynes 
57,400	sq	ft	–	Freehold

6 Colchester Business Park

Colchester 
150,500	sq	ft	–	Leasehold

10 Trident House
St Albans 
19,000	sq	ft	–	Freehold

7 Metro

Manchester 
71,000	sq	ft	–	Freehold

11

Longcross
Cardiff 
69,700	sq	ft	–	Freehold

8

180 West George Street
Glasgow 
52,200	sq	ft	–	Freehold

12 Queens House
Glasgow  
49,400	sq	ft	–	Freehold

13 Atlas House
Marlow 
24,800	sq	ft	–	Freehold

14 Sentinel House

Fleet 
33,500	sq	ft	–	Freehold

15 Waterside House

Leeds 
25,200	sq	ft	–	Freehold

40

Picton Property Income Limited Annual Report 2022

The	value	of	the	office	portfolio	has	increased	on	a	
like-for-like	basis	by	£5.7	million	or	2%	to	£251.1	million	
and the annual rental income increased by £0.8 million 
or 6%	to	£14.0	million.

Occupancy	within	the	office	sector	has	increased	from	
82%	to	87%.	We have	secured	£2.9	million	per	annum	
from	lettings	and have	worked	with	our	occupiers	to	
extend	income elsewhere.

The	office	portfolio	has	an	average	weighted	lease	length	
of 4.0 years and £5.3 million of reversionary potential. The 
ERV has increased slightly over the year, which is mainly 
due	to	regional	offices	with	London	being	stable.	

The impact of the global pandemic on working practices 
continues to be felt, however this varies dramatically from 
business to business. Occupational demand has picked 
up,	especially	for	better	quality	space	as	businesses	
return	to	the	office	and	review	their	requirements.	

We have launched our SwiftSpace offering in order to 
meet	the	need	for	more	flexible	space	requirements	
in a post-Covid-19	environment.	From	a	regulatory	
standpoint, the Welsh Government retained their work 
from	home	policy	until	the	end	of	our	financial	year,	and	
this had an impact on demand for our Cardiff building.

We	invested	£6.2	million	into	our	office	assets	during	
the period.	Key	projects	were	completed	at	Angel	Gate,	
London, 50 Farringdon Road, London, 180 West George 
Street, Glasgow and Longcross, Cardiff.

Portfolio activity 
At 50 Farringdon Road, London, we extended a lease, 
due for expiry later this year. This was our largest lease 
event	in	the	office	sector	retaining	£0.6	million	per	
annum, which is 2% ahead of ERV. The transaction 
follows an upgrade of the heating and cooling system 
last year, transitioning from gas to electric, reducing 
carbon emissions from the building and upgrading the 
EPC from a D to a B.

At 180 West George Street, Glasgow, following a 
comprehensive	refurbishment	of	the	first,	fifth	and	sixth	
floors	to	include	new	external	roof	terraces,	we	leased	all	
three	floors	to	separate	occupiers,	securing	a	combined	
rent of £0.6 million per annum, 19% ahead of ERV. This is 
a good example of occupiers seeking best in class space 
for their employees.

In Chatham, we completed the letting of all the remaining 
space at 50 Pembroke Court to NatWest at £0.3 million 
per	annum,	8%	ahead	of	ERV,	for	a	term	of	five	years,	
subject to break. In line with the occupier’s sustainability 
policy	the	refurbished	floor	achieved	a	B-rated	EPC.

Following the completion of the refurbishment of 
Stanford Building, London, we leased the remaining two 
office	floors	to	a	recruitment	company,	securing	a	rent	of	
£0.5	million	per	annum,	3%	below	ERV	but	reflecting	a	
longer	ten-year	lease	commitment.	We	also	leased	the	
flagship	retail	unit,	which	is	covered	in	the	Retail	and	
Leisure section.

At Colchester Business Park, we renewed three leases 
securing a combined rent of £0.4 million per annum, an 11% 
increase on the previous passing rent and 1% ahead of ERV. 

Two large occupiers vacated towards year end, and we are 
therefore refurbishing this space. We expect good levels of 
demand on completion of the works.

At Grafton Gate, Milton Keynes, we retained an occupier 
on lease expiry and removed two break options in return 
for taking back one suite this summer. The combined 
rent secured was £0.4 million per annum, 5% ahead 
of ERV.	One	rent	review	was	agreed,	securing	a	33%	
increase to £0.2 million per annum, 4% ahead of ERV. 

Our	largest	office	void	is	Angel	Gate,	London,	which	has	
suffered from smaller businesses choosing to work from 
home during the pandemic and only now beginning to 
look	to	return	to	the	office.	The	common	areas	have	been	
redesigned	and	we	have	converted	a	ground	floor	office	
suite into an occupier lounge that has proved attractive 
to occupiers. We renewed two leases during the year for 
a combined £0.2 million per annum, 19% ahead of ERV 
and relocated four occupiers, all of whom upgraded 
their space	and	we	let	one	fully	fitted	suite,	securing	a	
combined £0.4 million per annum, 5% ahead of ERV. 
We are	beginning	to	see	enquiries	rise	and	believe	our	
SwiftSpace option is attractive to occupiers looking for 
this	type	of	flexible	space.

Outlook 
As	we	predicted,	we	are	seeing	a	flight	to	quality	with	
businesses looking for best in class space to attract their 
employees	back	to	the	office.	

The	majority	of	businesses	have	moved	to	a	flexible	
working pattern, with employees working from home 
one	or	two	days	a	week.	This	means	they	still	require	
office	space	for	all	of	their	staff,	and	we	have	not	seen	
a lot	of	second	hand	space	being	put	on	the	market.	

Sustainability	is	an	ever-increasing	factor	in	choosing	a	
building and older stock, where the capital expenditure 
required	to	upgrade	is	prohibitive,	will	be	converted	to	
other	uses.	We	have	invested	£15.2	million	into	our	office	
portfolio	over	the	last	three	years,	creating	high	quality	
contemporary space with occupier amenities that offer 
flexibility	in	workspace	planning,	meaning	our	buildings	
are attractive to occupiers as demonstrated by our 
leasing success.

We have 33 lease events forecast for the coming year, 
with the current ERV for these units being 4% higher 
than the current passing rent of £2.6 million and a 13% 
void, with an ERV of £2.5 million, providing us with the 
opportunity	to	significantly	grow	income	and	value.

Angel Gate
Refurbished	offices

  Picton Property Income Limited  Annual Report 2022

41

Strategic ReportGovernanceFinancial StatementsAdditional Information 
	
Portfolio Review continued

Retail and Leisure 

The retail and leisure sector accounts for 
10% of the portfolio and delivered a marked 
improvement in performance over the year.

Key metrics 
£88.5m

Valuation
(2021:	£76.3m)

£7.1m

Estimated rental value
(2021:	£7.1m)

0.7m sq ft 

Internal area 
(2021:	0.7m	sq	ft)

93%

Occupancy 
(2021:	92%)

£7.1m

14

Annual passing rent 
(2021:	£6.4m)

Number of assets 
(2021:	15)

Locations

12

8

11

10

1

4
13

14

5

7

2

3

9

6

1 Queens Road
Sheffield	 
105,600	sq	ft	–	Freehold

5 Regency Wharf
Birmingham 
42,200	sq	ft	–	Leasehold

9

53-57 Broadmead
Bristol 
13,200	sq	ft	–	Leasehold

13 7-9 Warren Street

Stockport 
8,700	sq	ft	–	Freehold

2 Parc Tawe North Retail Park

Swansea 
116,700	sq	ft	–	Leasehold

3 Gloucester Retail Park

Gloucester  
113,900	sq	ft	–	Freehold

6

7

Thistle Express
Luton 
81,600	sq	ft	–	Leasehold

Scots Corner
Birmingham 
25,500	sq	ft	–	Freehold

10 78-80 Briggate

Leeds 
7,700	sq	ft	–	Freehold

11

17-19 Fishergate
Preston 
52,300	sq	ft	–	Freehold

4 Angouleme Retail Park

Bury 
76,200	sq	ft	–	Leasehold

8 Crown & Mitre Building

Carlisle 
25,200	sq	ft	–	Freehold

12 72-78 Murraygate

Dundee 
9,700	sq	ft	–	Freehold

14 6-12 Parliament Row

Hanley 
17,300	sq	ft	–	Freehold

42

Picton Property Income Limited Annual Report 2022

The value of the retail and leisure sector increased on a 
like-for-like	basis	by	£12.8	million	or	17%	with	the	majority	
of the increase relating to our retail parks, which account 
for 65% of this element of the portfolio. The annual rental 
income	increased	by	£0.8 million	or	14%	to	£7.1	million.	
The portfolio has an average weighted lease length of 
8.1 years	with	the	ERV	being	£7.1	million.

Investor demand for retail warehouse parks has 
increased substantially over the last six months, resulting 
in valuation increases on the back of yield movement. 
While the sector remains more attractive to retailers 
seeking	accommodation,	we	have	yet	to	see	significant	
rental growth coming through.

The high street is still struggling following the pandemic 
with an oversupply in most markets. Shoppers are 
however returning to city centres and local shopping is 
still performing well, with signs of occupational demand 
returning off rebased rents.

We have seen positive ERV growth of 1% across this 
element of the portfolio and pleasingly we have been 
able to increase occupancy during this period to 93%. 
Our	largest	retail	void	is	the	office	element	of	Regency	
Wharf, Birmingham and we only have three vacant high 
street shops, one is under offer, and we have interest in 
the other two. 

£2.5	million	was	invested	into	the	retail	portfolio	during the	
period, the majority into the Regency Wharf conversion.

Portfolio activity 
At	Stanford	Building,	London,	we	let	the	flagship	retail	
unit to Scotch & Soda, an international fashion retailer, for 
ten years,	subject	to	break.	The	rent	of	£0.5	million	per	
annum is 22% ahead of ERV. The lease starts in May 2022 
and the incentive package was less than one year’s rent.

We had success at our retail parks, with a letting to the 
UK	Government	in	Swansea	for	a	Job	Centre,	which	
worked well in this end of terrace unit. We secured a 
five-year	lease,	subject	to	break,	at	a	rent	of	£0.1	million	
per annum, in line with ERV. The park is fully leased with 
occupiers including Lidl, FarmFoods, JD Gyms, and Pets 
at Home.

At	Angouleme	Way	Retail	Park,	Bury	we	leased	the	final	
vacant	unit	to	JD	Gyms.	We	secured	a	ten-year	term	
certain at a rent of £0.2 million per annum, in line with 
ERV. The park is fully leased with occupiers including 
TK Maxx,	Argos	and	JYSK.

At Scots Corner, Birmingham, where we have a parade of 
local high street retail units with a Job Centre above, we 
extended two leases for a combined rent of £0.1 million 
per annum, which was 5% ahead of ERV. At the same 
property we leased a unit securing a rent 23% ahead of 
ERV. We have one unit to lease, and we have interest.

Stanford Building
London

Victoria	Lane,	Huddersfield,	was	sold	in	September.	The	
property consisted of three small retail units, with short 
income to Argos, Savers, and Peacocks, but with Argos 
vacating. The property was sold for £0.7 million, 16% 
ahead of valuation, to the local council.

Outlook 
The retail and leisure sector is stabilising following the 
pandemic. Retail warehouse parks are trading well 
and are	in	demand	from	investors.	Although	there	
remains	an	oversupply	of	floorspace	in	the	high	street	
and shopping centre subsectors, there are signs that 
yields	have	reached	a	floor	and	there	could	be	
opportunities in carefully selected prime assets. 

Our portfolio is well leased, provides an attractive income 
return and with 65% in the retail warehouse sector we 
are strategically well placed. We have been successful in 
securing new occupiers over the year and our parks have 
remained busy. High street valuations, which have moved 
down over the past few years, are now stabilising. 

The	inflationary	pressures	currently	being	felt	may	result	
in a drop in consumer spending. Therefore, we remain 
cautious within the sector and will be selective when 
considering potential investments.

  Picton Property Income Limited  Annual Report 2022

43

Strategic ReportGovernanceFinancial StatementsAdditional InformationFinancial Review

Strong valuation and
   earnings growth

This financial year we are reporting 
a record profit of £147 million and 
an increase in the net assets of over 
24% to £657 million. 

£147m

Profit for the year

£657m

Net Assets

44

Picton Property Income Limited Annual Report 2022

This	financial	year	has	seen	a	significant	rebound	in	the	
economy,	with	UK	GDP	returning	above	pre-pandemic	
levels	by	the	end	of	March	2022.	However	the	conflict	 
in	Ukraine	has	tempered	the	outlook,	with	rising	inflation	
expected	to	restrain	growth	in	the	short-term.

The	total	profit	for	the	year	was	£147.4	million,	up	from	
£33.8 million in 2021. Both income and capital elements 
were ahead of the previous year’s position.

On the capital side, we saw very strong growth in our 
industrial and retail warehouse assets, with the overall 
valuation movement of £130 million for the year. The 
like-for-like	gain	in	the	valuation	of	the	property	portfolio	
was 21%.

Our EPRA earnings, comprising the operating results and 
net interest expense, increased to £21.2 million for the 
year, an increase of 5.5%. As discussed below, property 
revenue rose by over £3 million compared to 2021, or over 
7%.	With	the	new	acquisitions	made	in	the	year,	plus	the	
one	recently	announced	post	year-end,	we	expect	
revenue to move forward again next year. 

We have raised the level of dividend twice in the year, 
and	this	is	now	back	to	the	pre-pandemic	level.

The	total	return	for	the	year	was	28%,	significantly	
improving upon the 6.6% recorded last year.

Net asset value
The net assets of the Group increased to £657.1 million,  
or 120 pence per share, which was a rise of 24.4% over 
the year.	The	chart	below	shows	the	components	of	 
this increase.

March 2021 net asset value

Income	profit

Valuation movement

Debt prepayment fees

Share-based	awards

Purchase of shares

Dividends paid

March 2022 net asset value

£m

528.2

21.2

130.2

(4.0)

0.6

(0.7)

(18.4)

657.1

We have raised the level of 
dividend twice in the year. 

Andrew Dewhirst
Finance Director

The following table reconciles the net asset value 
calculated in accordance with International Financial 
Reporting	Standards	(IFRS)	with	that	of	the	European	
Public	Real	Estate	Association	(EPRA).	

2022 
£m

2021 
£m

2020 
£m

Net asset value – IFRS and 
EPRA NTA

657.1

528.2

509.3

Fair value of debt

(6.7)

(21.0)

(29.6)

EPRA NDV asset value

650.4

507.2

479.7

Net asset value per share 
(pence)

EPRA net tangible asset 
value	per	share	(pence)

EPRA net disposal value 
per	share	(pence)

120

120

119

97

97

93

93

93

88

Income statement
As noted above our results for the year are very strong. 
Valuation gains are at a record level, but there has also 
been growth in EPRA earnings, with an increase in 
property income.

Total revenue from the property portfolio for the year 
was £46.5	million,	up	from	£43.3	million	last	year.	Rental	
income has increased by 9.8% compared to 2021, as a 
result	of	the	new	acquisitions	made	during	the	year,	
as well	as	the	increased	occupancy	and	reduced	bad	
debt provisions.	On	a	like-for-like	basis,	rental	income	
increased by 9.5% compared to the previous year, on 
an EPRA	basis.

Rent	collection	has	largely	returned	to	pre-pandemic	levels.

Property operating and void costs are slightly higher 
than the	previous	year,	at	£4.9	million	compared	
to £4.6 million.	Although	occupancy	has	increased,	
following a number of lettings towards the end of 
the year,	void	holding	costs	are	higher	this	year,	
impacted by	general	inflationary	pressure.	

Administrative expenses for the year were £5.8 million, 
compared to £5.4 million in 2021. Staff costs are some 
6% higher	compared	to	the	previous	year,	reflecting	
higher variable remuneration provisions as well as the 
new fee and salary rates agreed for 2021/22. There 
have been	other	additional	costs	this	year	relating	to	
developing the net zero carbon pathway and other 
sustainability related issues.

Interest costs for this year are £8.5 million. This includes 
the additional amortisation this year of costs associated 
with the original Canada Life facility from 2012, which, 
as set	out	below,	has	been	extended	this	year.	We	have	
also made drawdowns under our revolving credit facility, 
although these were largely repaid within the year. As a 
result of resetting the interest rate on our Canada Life 
facility	our	cost	of	debt	will	be	lower	going forward.

  Picton Property Income Limited  Annual Report 2022

45

Strategic ReportGovernanceFinancial StatementsAdditional InformationFinancial Review continued

Capital gains on the portfolio were £130.2 million for the 
year,	including	the	gains	on	owner-occupied	property.	
There were strong valuation gains across the portfolio, 
with the	industrial	and	retail	warehouse	assets	performing	
particularly well. One disposal of a retail asset was made 
during the year, realising a small gain compared to the 
March 2021 valuation.

The	total	profit	for	the	year	was	£147.4	million,	up	by	over	
300% compared to 2021.

Dividends 
As the restrictions caused by the pandemic have eased 
and our rent collection rate has risen, we have been able 
to increase	the	quarterly	dividend	twice	over	the	course	
of the	year,	and	have	now	returned	to	the	pre-pandemic	
rate of 0.875 pence per share. The full dividend for the year 
was 3.375 pence per share, with total dividends paid out 
of £18.4 million,	compared	to	£15.0	million	last	year,	an	
increase of 23%. Dividend cover for the full year was 115%.

Our senior loan facility with Aviva reduced by the regular 
amortisation, £1.3 million in the year.

The Group remained fully compliant with its loan 
covenants throughout the year. During the year we utilised 
our	revolving	credit	facility	to	acquire	the	two	industrial	
assets mentioned above. Much of this has been repaid 
using	the	proceeds	from	the	new Canada	Life	borrowings.	
At	31	March	2022	we	had	£4.9 million	drawn	under	the	
revolving credit facility, which had been used to fund 
capital expenditure projects. The revolving credit facility, 
originally for an initial term of three years, was extended by 
a	further	year	in	2021/22,	and	a	further	one-year	extension	
has now been granted, taking the maturity to 2025.

The fair value of our borrowings at 31 March 2022 was 
£225.6 million, higher than the book amount. Lending 
margins have fallen slightly compared to the previous year, 
but	gilt	rates	have	risen	more	significantly.

A	summary	of	our	borrowings	is	set	out	below:

Investment properties 
The appraised value of our investment property portfolio 
was £849.3 million at 31 March 2022, up from £682.4 million 
a	year	previously.	We	have	made	two	acquisitions	this	year,	
for a total consideration of £25.0 million, as well as a 
disposal of one small retail property, for net proceeds of 
£0.7	million.	The	two	industrial	acquisitions	are	discussed	
in more	detail	in	the	Portfolio	Review	section.	This	year	we	
have invested £9.6 million of capital expenditure in the 
portfolio. There have been a number of key refurbishment 
projects undertaken this year, principally at Regency Wharf, 
Birmingham, Longcross, Cardiff and at 50 Farringdon Road, 
London.	There	were	significant	portfolio	valuation	gains	
totalling £130.2 million this year, principally in the industrial 
and retail warehouse sectors.

As	last	year,	the	value	of	the	floor	that	we	occupy	at	
Stanford Building, London, has been excluded from the 
value of Investment Properties and included separately 
with	Property,	Plant	and	Equipment.	Any	gains	arising	from	
the revaluation of this element of the property are shown 
within Other Comprehensive Income. 

At 31 March 2022 the portfolio comprised 47 assets, with an 
average lot size of £18.1 million.

A further analysis of capital expenditure, in accordance with 
EPRA Best Practices Recommendations, is set out in the 
Supplementary Disclosures section.

Borrowings 
Total borrowings are now £218.8 million at 31 March 2022, 
with the loan to value ratio at 21.2%. The weighted average 
interest rate on our borrowings has reduced to 3.7%, while 
the average loan duration is now 9.6 years. 

In March, we extended and amended our Canada Life 
facility. Previously the outstanding £80 million loan had a 
maturity date of July 2027, which we have moved out to 
July 2031. We have also borrowed an additional £49 million 
under this facility, increasing the principal to £129 million, 
and at the same time reducing the interest rate payable on 
the full amount to 3.25%. As a result of resetting the rate on 
the	original	principal	we	have	incurred	one-off	prepayment	
fees of £4.0 million.

Fixed	rate	loans	(£m)

Drawn revolving facility 
(£m)

Total	borrowings	(£m)

Borrowings net of cash 
(£m)

Undrawn	facilities	(£m)

Loan	to	value	ratio	(%)

Weighted average interest 
rate	(%)

Average	duration	(years)

2022

213.9

4.9

218.8

2021

2020

166.2

167.5

–

–

166.2

167.5

180.3

142.8

143.9

45.1

21.2

3.7

9.6

50.0

20.9

4.2

8.9

49.0

21.7

4.2

9.9

Cash flow and liquidity 
Our overall cash position increased by £15.1 million over 
the year.	This	was	partly	due	to	the	additional	borrowings	
that were received in March 2022, but additionally the 
cash flow	from	operating	activities	was	higher	this	year	
at £20.0	million.	Cash	outflows	from	investing	activities	
was £33.8	million	for	the	year,	being	the	consideration	
paid for the	two	new	assets,	plus	£9.6	million	of	capital	
expenditure. Dividends paid increased to £18.4 million. 
Our cash	balance	at	the	year-end	stood	at	£38.5	million,	
compared to the previous year’s balance of £23.4 million.

Share capital
No new ordinary shares were issued during the year.

The	Company’s	Employee	Benefit	Trust	acquired	a	further	
750,000 shares, at a cost of £0.7 million, or 97 pence per 
share, during the year. This was to satisfy the future vesting 
of	awards	made	under	the	Long-term	Incentive	Plan	and	
Deferred Bonus Plan, and now holds a total of 1,974,253 
shares. As the Trust is consolidated into the Group’s results 
these shares are effectively held in treasury and therefore 
have been excluded from the net asset value and earnings 
per share calculations, from the date of purchase.

Andrew Dewhirst
Finance Director
25 May 2022

46

Picton Property Income Limited Annual Report 2022

120p

NAV per share
(2021:	97p,	2020:	93p)

3.4p

Dividends per share
(2021:	2.8p,	2020:	3.5p)

115%

Dividend cover
(2021:	134%,	2020:	105%)

3.9p

EPRA earnings per share
(2021:	3.7p,	2020:	3.7p)

20.8%

Like-for-like valuation 
gain
(2021:	3.2%,	2020:	1.4%)

EPRA Best Practices Recommendations
The EPRA key performance measures for the 
year are set out on page 3 of the Report, with 
more detail provided in the Supplementary 
Disclosures section which starts on page 139.

Alternative performance measures
We use a number of alternative performance 
measures	(APMs)	when	reporting	on	the	performance	
of	the	business	and	its	financial	position.	These	
do not always have a standard meaning and 
may not be comparable to those used by other 
entities. However, we use industry standard 
measures and terminology where possible.

In common with many other listed property 
companies we report the EPRA performance 
measures. We have reported these for a 
number of years in order to provide a consistent 
comparison	with similar	companies.	In	the	
Additional Information section of this Report 
we provide more detailed information and 
reconciliations to IFRS where appropriate.

Our key performance indicators include three 
of	the key	EPRA	measures	but	also	total	return,	
total property return, property income return, 
total shareholder return, loan to value ratio, 
cost ratio, occupier retention rate, employee 
satisfaction	and	EPC	ratings.	The	definition	of	these	
measures, and the rationale for their use, is set 
out in the Key Performance Indicators section.

EPRA’s mission
The European Public Real Estate Association’s 
(EPRA)	mission	is	to	promote,	develop	and	
represent the European public real estate sector. 
As an EPRA member, we fully support the 
EPRA Best Practices Recommendations which 
recognise the key performance measures, as 
detailed	above.	Specific	EPRA	metrics	can	be	
found within the KPIs and Financial Review 
sections of this Report with further disclosures 
and supporting calculations on pages 139 to 141. 

  Picton Property Income Limited  Annual Report 2022

47

Strategic ReportGovernanceFinancial StatementsAdditional InformationPrincipal Risks

Managing risks

The Board recognises that there are 
risks and uncertainties that could have 
a material impact on the Group’s results.

Risk management provides a structured approach to 
the	decision	making	process	such	that	the	identified	
risks can be mitigated and the uncertainty surrounding 
expected	outcomes	can	be	reduced.	The Board	has	
developed a risk management policy which it reviews 
on a regular basis. The Audit and Risk Committee 
carries out a detailed assessment of all risks, whether 
investment or operational, and considers the 
effectiveness of the risk management and internal 
control processes. The Executive Committee is 
responsible for implementing strategy within the 
agreed risk management policy, as well as identifying 
and	assessing	risk	in	day-to-day	operational	matters.	
The management committees support the Executive 
Committee in these matters. The small number of 
employees	and	relatively	flat	management	structure	

allow	risks	to	be	quickly	identified	and	assessed.	
The Group’s	risk	appetite	will	vary	over	time and	
during the course	of	the	property	cycle.	The principal	
risks	–	those with	potential	to	have	a	material	impact	
on performance	and	results	–	are	set out	below,	
together with mitigating controls.

The	UK	Corporate	Governance	Code	requires	the	
Board to	make	a	Viability	Statement.	This	considers	
the Company’s	current	position	and	principal	and	
emerging risks and uncertainties combined with an 
assessment of the future prospects for the Company, 
in order	that	the	Board	can	state	that	the	Company	
will be	able	to	continue	its	operations	over	the	
period of their	assessment.	The	statement	is	set	in	
the Director’s	Report.

Principal risks and trends

Increasing

No change/stable

Decreasing

1   Political and economic

2   Market cycle

3   Regulatory and tax

4   Climate change resilience

5   Portfolio strategy

6   Investment

7   Asset management

8   Valuation

9   People

10   Finance strategy

11   Capital structure

48

Picton Property Income Limited Annual Report 2022

Covid-19 impacts

Risk management framework

The	impacts	of	the	Covid-19	pandemic	have	lessened	over	
the	past	year	as	restrictions	have	been	lifted	and	the UK	
economy	has	largely	recovered,	with	GDP	above pre-
pandemic	levels.	However,	the	longer-term	implications	
may be felt for some time. Government borrowing has 
increased	significantly	during	the	pandemic	which	could	
lead	to	higher	taxes	and	lower	growth.	Other	consequences	
of	the	pandemic,	such	as	flexible	working	and	increased	
online retailing, are unlikely to reverse.

Climate-related risks
The Board has carried out an assessment of the physical 
and transition risks most relevant to the business, and 
undertaken a review of its procedures for identifying 
and managing	those	risks.	This	review	made	a	number	
of recommendations	which	will	be	implemented	during	
the coming year. More detail on the risk assessment and 
scenario	modelling	is	set	out	in	the	Task	Force	for	Climate-
related Financial Disclosures section of the Report.

Emerging risks
During the year the Board has considered themes 
where emerging	risks	or	disrupting	events	may	impact	
the business.	These	may	arise	from	behavioural	changes,	
political or regulatory changes, advances in technology, 
environmental factors, economic conditions or 
demographic changes. All emerging risks are reviewed 
as part	of	the	ongoing	risk	management	process.

The	principal	emerging	risks	have	been	identified	to	be:

 ‒ rising	inflation	in	the	UK	economy,	caused	by	higher	

energy, food and commodity prices;

 ‒ the legacy effects of the pandemic, which has 

heightened awareness of social injustice and global 
inequality,	and	the	pressure	on	businesses	to	create	
positive societal value;

 ‒ cyber security, heightened by the disruption during 

the pandemic	and	greater	home	working;

 ‒ the increasing importance of sustainability issues to 

all stakeholders;

 ‒ office	working	is	evolving	into	a	more	flexible	model,	

making	businesses	reassess	their	space	requirements;

 ‒ online retailing continues to reduce the demand for 

physical space in the retail market;

 ‒ advances in technology are impacting both the real 

estate sector, in areas such as smart building systems 
and electric vehicle charging, and also occupiers’ 
businesses,	changing	their	space	requirements;
 ‒ changes in regulations are increasing environmental 
standards and property owners must keep pace to 
avoid the risk of stranded assets.

These emerging risks are covered in more detail in the 
Marketplace section of the Report.

Read more on pages 16-17

Board

–  Has overall responsibility for risk management
–  Determines business model
–  Considers risk appetite

Executive Committee

–  Implements strategy 

Audit and Risk 
Committee

and risk policy
–  Identifies and 
assesses risks

–  Carries out 

risk mitigation

–  Recommends risk 

management policy
–  Reviews internal controls
–  Reviews detailed 

risk matrix

–  Considers principal 
and emerging risks

Management Committees

–  Review specific transaction risks
–  Consider forthcoming legislation
–  Review operational risk

The matrix below illustrates the assessment of the impact 
and likelihood of each of the principal risks.

Corporate Strategy

Property

6

5

3

2

1

4

11

10

8

7

9

Financial

Operational

Principal risk likelihood

High  Medium  Low 

Estimated risk  
of occurrence within  
next five years

0% to 10% 

10% to 33% 

Greater than 33% 

Read more on pages 50-52

  Picton Property Income Limited  Annual Report 2022

49

Strategic ReportGovernanceFinancial StatementsAdditional InformationPrincipal Risks continued

Corporate Strategy

1

Political and economic

Risk trend 

Risk

Mitigation

Commentary

Connected KPIs

Strategic pillar

The Board considers economic 
conditions and market uncertainty 
when setting strategy, considering 
the	financial	strategy	of	the	business	
and in making investment decisions.

The	recent	and	continuing	conflict	
in	Ukraine	has	brought	further	
uncertainty to global markets. 
Although	UK	GDP	has	recovered	
to above	pre-pandemic	levels	
there are	still	risks	to	the	economy,	
with	inflation	rising,	higher	energy	
and commodity prices and supply 
chain issues.

A   G

H

B

C

Uncertainty in the UK economy, 
whether arising from political 
events or otherwise, brings risks 
to the property market and to 
occupiers’ businesses. This can 
result in lower shareholder 
returns, lower asset liquidity 
and increased occupier failure.

2

Market cycle

3

1

2

Risk trend 

Risk

Mitigation

Commentary

Connected KPIs

Strategic pillar

The Board reviews the Group’s 
strategy and business objectives 
on a	regular	basis	and	considers	
whether any change is needed, 
in light	of	current	and	forecast	
market conditions.

Uncertainty	in	the	property	market	
has declined with the easing of 
restrictions. There is still a marked 
divergence in performance 
across the	market	sectors,	due	
to structural	differences.

C

D

The property market is cyclical 
and returns can be volatile. 
There is an ongoing risk that 
the Company fails to react 
appropriately to changing 
market conditions, resulting 
in an adverse impact on 
shareholder returns.

3

Regulatory and tax

3

1

2

Risk trend 

Risk

Mitigation

Commentary

Connected KPIs

Strategic pillar

The Group could fail to comply 
with legal, fiscal, health and safety 
or regulatory matters which could 
lead to financial loss, reputational 
damage or loss of REIT status.

The Board and senior management 
receive regular updates on relevant 
laws and regulations.

The Group is a member of the BPF 
and EPRA, and management 
attend	industry	briefings.

4

There	are	no	significant	changes	
expected to the regulatory 
environment in which the 
Group operates.

C

D

3

1

2

Climate change resilience

Risk trend 

Risk

Mitigation

Commentary

Connected KPIs

Strategic pillar

Failure to react to climate change 
could lead to reputational 
damage, loss of income and value 
and being unable to attract 
occupiers. Rising materials and 
energy costs as a result of climate 
change could give rise to asset 
obsolescence.

Sustainability is embedded within 
the Group’s business model 
and strategy.

Climate change and other 
sustainability issues are increasingly 
important	to all	stakeholders.	

We	have	published	our	pathway	to 	
net zero carbon with a commitment 
to become carbon net zero by 2040.

We have carried out an assessment 
of the physical and transition 
risks to	the	business	under	two	
climate scenarios.

We have developed a refurbishment 
checklist	to	apply	to projects	
ensuring environmental factors are 
fully considered at all stages.

The	UK	Government	has	set	a	
net zero	target	of	2050	and	has	
implemented other regulations, 
such as the Minimum Energy 
Efficiency	Standards,	which	are	
relevant	to	the real	estate	industry.

Occupiers are developing their own 
net zero strategies and demanding 
energy	efficient	buildings	as	well	as	
more staff amenities.

A   J

C

K

3

1

2

50

Picton Property Income Limited Annual Report 2022

 
 
Property

5

Portfolio strategy

Risk trend 

Risk

Mitigation

Commentary

Connected KPIs

Strategic pillar

The Group has an inappropriate 
portfolio strategy, as a result of 
poor sector or geographical 
allocations, or holding obsolete 
assets, leading to lower 
shareholder returns.

6

Investment

Risk
Investment decisions may be 
flawed as a result of incorrect 
assumptions, poor research or 
incomplete due diligence, 
leading to financial loss.

The	Group	maintains	a	diversified	
portfolio in order to minimise 
exposure to any one geographical 
area or market sector.

As stated above there is a 
continued divergence across 
sectors.	The	role	of	the	office	is	
changing, and the retail sector 
has longer-term	structural	issues	
to address.

A

C

3

1

2

Mitigation
The Executive Committee must 
approve all investment transactions 
over	a	threshold	level,	and	significant	
transactions	require	Board	approval.

Commentary
Environmental factors and 
climate-related	risks	are	becoming	
increasingly important in 
investment decisions.

Risk trend 

Connected KPIs

Strategic pillar

A

C

3

1

2

A formal appraisal and due 
diligence process	is	carried	out	for	
all potential	purchases	including	
environmental assessments.

A	review	of	each	acquisition	is	
performed within two years 
of completion.

Commentary
Occupier engagement will remain 
important to successful asset 
management, particularly through 
the transition to net zero.

Risk trend 

Connected KPIs

Strategic pillar

C   I   J

3

1

K

2

Mitigation
Management prepare business 
plans for	each	asset	which	are	
reviewed regularly.

The Executive Committee must 
approve all investment transactions 
over	a	threshold	level,	and	significant	
transactions	require	Board	approval.

Management maintain close contact 
with occupiers and have oversight of 
the Group’s Property Manager.

7

Asset management

Risk

Failure to properly execute asset 
business plans or poor asset 
management could lead to 
longer void periods, higher 
occupier defaults, higher arrears 
and low occupier retention, all 
having an adverse impact on 
earnings and cash flow.

8

Valuation

Risk
A fall in the valuation of the 
Group’s property assets could 
lead to lower investment returns 
and a breach of loan covenants.

Commentary
Investment markets have 
returned to	more	normal	
conditions as restrictions 
have eased.

Mitigation
The Group’s property assets are valued 
quarterly	by	an	independent	valuer	
with oversight by the Property 
Valuation Committee. Market 
commentary is provided regularly 
by the	independent	valuer.

The	Board	reviews	financial	forecasts	
for the Group on a regular basis, 
including	sensitivity	and	adequate	
headroom	against	financial	covenants.

Risk trend 

Connected KPIs

Strategic pillar

3

1

2

A

C

E

  Picton Property Income Limited  Annual Report 2022

51

Strategic ReportGovernanceFinancial StatementsAdditional InformationPrincipal Risks continued

Operational

9

People

Risk

Mitigation

Commentary

Connected KPIs

Strategic Pillar

Risk trend 

The Group relies on a small 
team to implement the 
strategy and run the day-to-day 
operations. Failure to retain 
or recruit key individuals with 
the right blend of skills and 
experience may result in poor 
decision making and 
underperformance.

The Board has a remuneration 
policy in place which incentivises 
performance and is aligned with 
shareholders’ interests. 

There	is	a	Non-Executive	Director	
responsible for employee 
engagement who provides regular 
feedback to the Board.

The team has remained stable 
throughout the year. The results 
of the	employee	engagement	
survey were again positive. 
Flexible working	arrangements	
have been	introduced	following	
employee feedback.

F

H   L

3

1

2

Financial

10

Finance strategy

Risk trend 

Risk

Mitigation

Commentary

Connected KPIs

Strategic Pillar

The Group has a number of loan 
facilities to finance its activities. 
Failure to comply with 
covenants or to manage 
refinancing events could lead 
to a funding shortfall for 
operational activities.

11

Capital structure

The Group’s property assets are 
valued	quarterly	by	an	independent	
valuer with oversight by the Property 
Valuation Committee. Market 
commentary is provided regularly 
by the	independent	valuer.

The Group has increased its 
borrowings during the year but 
still has	good	headroom	under	its	
lending covenants. The revolving 
credit facility has been extended 
for a	further	year.

C

D

E

3

1

2

The	Board	reviews	financial	
forecasts for	the	Group	on	a	regular	
basis, including sensitivity against 
financial	covenants.

The Audit and Risk Committee 
considers the going concern status 
of the Group biannually.

Risk trend 

Risk

Mitigation

Commentary

Connected KPIs

Strategic Pillar

The Group operates a geared 
capital structure, which 
magnifies returns from the 
portfolio, both positive and 
negative. An inappropriate level 
of gearing relative to the 
property cycle could lead to 
lower investment returns.

The Board regularly reviews its 
gearing strategy and debt maturity 
profile,	at	least	annually,	in	light	of	
changing market conditions.

Although borrowings have increased 
the	Group’s	loan	to	value ratio	has	
remained low.

A   G

C   H

E

3

1

2

52

Picton Property Income Limited Annual Report 2022

 
TCFD Statement

This	year,	in	order	to	fully	comply	with	the	requirements	of	the	Task	Force	on	
Climate-related	Financial	Disclosures	(TCFD),	we	have	carried	out	a	review	of	
climate	risk	governance	and	a	detailed	assessment	of	the	climate-related	risks	
relevant to the business under two distinct climate change scenarios. The risks 
identified	may	be	physical	risks,	caused	by	acute	weather	events	or	shifts	in	climate	
patterns, or transition risks, resulting from the change to a lower carbon economy.

Recommendation

Commentary

Governance

The Board’s oversight of 
climate-related risks and 
opportunities

Responsibility	for	climate-related	risk	management	ultimately	lies	with	the	Board.	This	encompasses	
consideration	of	climate-related	risks	and	extends	to	setting	the	Group’s	risk	appetite	which	defines	the	limits	
of the	Group’s	activities.	Climate	risk	and	wider	sustainability	matters	are	overseen	by	the	Audit	and	Risk	
Committee which, in adopting the Risk Management Policy, is responsible for identifying and managing 
climate-related	risks	to	the	Group.	The	Audit	and	Risk	Committee	ensures	that	the	Risk	Management	Policy	is	
reviewed at least annually and revised as necessary to support our agile risk management approach.

The Audit and Risk Committee meets at least twice a year and the Chair is responsible for reporting the 
Committee’s	findings	and	recommendations	to	the	Board	after	each	meeting,	including	updates	on	the	Group’s	
overall	risk	appetite,	risk	profile	and	risks	strategy,	accounting	for	the	current	and	prospective	macroeconomic	
and	financial	environment.	This	process	led	the	Board	to	approve	the	implementation	of	our	net	zero	carbon	
target this year, in response to our growing recognition of potential transition risks, including our exposure to 
higher energy prices and increasingly stringent building standards. This year we updated our Audit and Risk 
Committee’s	terms	of	reference	to	include	climate-related	responsibilities,	such	as	using	qualitative	and	
quantitative	metrics	as	appropriate	to	identify,	manage,	monitor	and	oversee	climate-related	risks.	

Management’s role in 
assessing and managing 
climate-related risks and 
opportunities

The Responsibility Committee meets regularly to consider all aspects of sustainability and is responsible for 
identifying	and	reporting	any	emerging	climate-related	risks	and	opportunities.	This	year	we	updated	the	
Committee’s	Terms	of	Reference	to	reflect	this.	The	Committee	ensures	compliance	with	all	relevant	ESG	
standards and legislation, and provides regular updates to the Executive Committee. 

A detailed overview 
of our Governance 
structure can be 
found on page 80

The	Executive	Committee	is	responsible	for	identifying	and	evaluating	risks,	including	climate-related	risks,	
arising	from	the	implementation	of	the	day-to-day	operational	activities	of	the	Group.	The	Committee	ensures	
that physical and transition climate risks are evaluated and recorded in the Risk Matrix and Emerging Risks 
Dashboard on a regular basis, and as appropriate, risks are escalated to the Board and Audit and Risk 
Committee. Within the Risk Matrix, responsibility for oversight is assigned to an appropriate Committee or 
individual.	The	Executive	Committee	maintains	management	and	oversight	of	all	risks	identified	and	their	
mitigating activities, and reports recommendations to the Board or the Audit and Risk Committee. The Terms of 
Reference	have	been	updated	accordingly	to	reflect	the	Executive	Committee’s	enhanced	responsibility	for	
oversight	of	climate-related	risks.	

As part of our climate risks assessment outlined below in Risk Management, we conducted a detailed climate 
risk governance gap analysis, aligned with the TCFD recommendations, to understand the governance 
structures	we	should	install	to	govern,	oversee	and	manage	climate-related	risks	across	all	levels	of	the	business.

  Picton Property Income Limited  Annual Report 2022

53

Strategic ReportGovernanceFinancial StatementsAdditional InformationTCFD Statement continued

Recommendation

Commentary

Strategy

Climate-related risks and 
opportunities identified over 
the short, medium and 
long-term

Through conducting a rigorous climate risk assessment, outlined under Risk Management below, we have 
accurately	identified	the	potential	climate	risks	and	opportunities	facing	our	business.	The	table	below	outlines	
the key	physical	and	transition	risks	we	have	identified	over	the	short-term	(2020-2029),	medium-term	(2030-3039)	
and	long-term	(>2040).	Our	heightened	understanding	of	our	climate	risks	has	enabled	us	to	employ	a	robust	risk	
management process to address possible impacts and we will be working to improve this process further over 
the next year.

Time 
horizon

Risk

Risk 
description

Risk 
impacts

Changes in 
occupier/market 
demand

Increased building 
standards/ 
requirements

Short- 
term: 
2020-
2029

Financial 
market impacts

Decarbonisation 
and increased 
energy demand/ 
cost

Flooding

Heat stress

Medium- 
term: 
2030-
2039

Extreme weather 
events

Drought and water 
stress 

Long- 
term: 
2040-
2049

As markets shift towards low carbon 
alternatives, climate resilient assets could 
achieve a ‘green premium’ by outperforming 
buildings that do not meet a higher 
sustainability standard. Failure to adapt 
could create competitive risk and tenant 
default risk.

Policy mandates buildings and 
developments to adhere to higher 
standards,	to	improve	efficiencies	and	
operational practice, and to embed climate 
resilience	on-site.	Non-compliant	assets	
could experience reputational risk and 
reduced occupier demand.

Financial market impacts could transpire 
as market preferences shift towards low 
carbon solutions and climate resilience, 
or as a result of physical climate risks causing 
macroeconomic impacts. Market shifts 
could	affect	our	ability	to	secure	financial	
capital,	acquisition	activities	and	asset	values.

Increasing the share of renewable energy 
sources	and	decarbonising	energy-intensive	
industries could intensify other transition 
risks associated with reputation damage, 
financial	impacts	and	litigation	risk.

Some	of	our	assets	are	exposed	to	fluvial	and	
pluvial	flooding	risk,	while	our	susceptibility	
to	coastal	flooding	is	limited.	This	
encompasses risks associated with 
disruption and damage that could lead to 
high repair costs or stranded asset risk.

Rising temperatures and extreme 
temperature highs puts pressure on both 
our assets and people. Our concentration of 
assets in Southern England increases our 
susceptibility to this risk and to associated 
costs, including premature material 
replacement and increased cooling costs.

Extreme weather events, including storms, 
heavy winds, heavy precipitation, drought 
and	snow	could	become	more	frequent	and	
severe, generating risks associated with asset 
damage, regional infrastructure disruption, 
stranded asset risk and high capital 
expenditure costs to reinforce building 
design.

Water becomes increasingly scarce, with 
supply unable to meet demand. As 
temperatures rise, average drought lengths 
could increase, with implications on water 
costs, supply chains and public health. 

 ‒ Reduced asset values, ‘green 

premium’ vs ‘brown 
discount’

 ‒ Increased cost of  
financial	capital

 ‒ Occupier default risk causing 

loss of income

 ‒ Increased capital 

expenditure	and	retrofit	
costs 

 ‒ Increased operational costs, 
including impacts from 
increased cost of carbon

 ‒ Physical damage causing 

costly	repairs	and	clean-up

 ‒ Cost of mitigation measures

 ‒ Migration away from 

vulnerable areas

 ‒ Decline in asset values or 

stranded asset risk

 ‒ Litigation or reputational 

risks if perceived to 
inadequately	prepare	for	
physical risks

 ‒ Supply chain, distribution 

and regional infrastructure 
disruption

Additionally,	key	opportunities	we	have	identified	include:

 ‒ The opportunity to secure occupiers, increase asset values and enhance our reputation by investing in 

renewables,	harnessing	low	carbon	technologies	and	providing	energy	efficient	buildings.	This	includes	the	
opportunities we expect to realise as we implement our net zero carbon pathway. 

 ‒ Embedding	resilience	in	our	assets	and	business	strategy	by	proactively	assessing	and	managing	identified	
climate-related	risks,	gaining	a	competitive	advantage	and	securing	our	long-term	sustainability	as	a	result.

54

Picton Property Income Limited Annual Report 2022

Recommendation

Commentary

Strategy continued

Impact of climate-related 
risks and opportunities on 
the organisation’s businesses, 
strategy and financial 
planning

The	Board	recognises	that	climate	change	will	have	an	impact	on	our	business	and	consequently	we	have	
enhanced	our	business	strategy	and	financial	planning	to	account	for	climate-related	considerations,	including	
the	impact	of	climate-related	risks	on	the	Group’s	current	and	future	capital	position.	Having	identified	a	broad	
range	of	climate-related	risks	and	opportunities,	we	have	integrated	climate-related	considerations	into	our	
business strategy in a number of ways. 

A	core	strategic	focus	is	enhancing	and	adapting	our	assets	through	refurbishment	and	energy	efficiency	
upgrades,	and	we	consider	a	range	of	climate-related	risks	across	each	stage	of	the	property	lifecycle	to	
continue	to	strive	towards	futureproofing	our	assets.	For	example,	at	the	acquisition	due	diligence	stage,	we	
undertake	on-site	environmental	assessments	to	identify	risks	associated	with	flooding	and	energy	efficiency,	
and	we	use	these	findings	to	inform	our	investment	decisions.

We have strategies in place to take advantage of opportunities linked to the shift to a low carbon economy, 
including assessments as part of our Sustainability Action Plan that establish the feasibility to roll out in use 
certifications	at	our	relevant	assets	and	assessments	as	part	of	our	Sustainable	Refurbishment	Guidelines	to	
assess	net	zero	(operational	and	embodied)	capacity.	

Having conducted a rigorous climate risk assessment in early 2022 and developed our net zero carbon pathway, 
we are informed of a breadth of opportunities to further embed strong sustainability performance into our 
overall strategy. Throughout 2022 and beyond, we will begin implementing both climate resilience planning 
and our net zero carbon pathway. Both of these will create fundamental shifts in our business.

Resilience of the organisation’s 
strategy, taking into 
consideration different 
climate-related scenarios, 
including a 2°C or lower 
scenario

The thorough climate risk assessment we undertook enabled us to understand and analyse our key material 
climate-related	risks	against	the	time	horizons	described	above.	Obtaining	this	information	allowed	us	to	
understand	a	variety	of	mitigation	measures	to	reduce	our	vulnerability	and	exposure	to	climate-related	risks,	
which	will	enable	us	to	proactively	manage	them	and	improve	our	resilience.	Moreover,	a	number	of	climate-
related	risks	(transition	climate	risks	as	well	as	physical	risks	associated	with	heat	stress)	will	be	effectively	
managed as we implement our net zero carbon pathway. Our net zero carbon pathway is aligned with targets 
for a 1.5°C scenario. 

The	scenarios	we	selected	for	our	analysis	were	the	Intergovernmental	Panel	on	Climate	Change	(IPCC)	
Representative Concentration Pathways RCP4.5 and RCP8.5, aligning with industry best practice and covering 
the most likely range of average global temperature rises in the coming decades. Analysing these distinct 
climate	scenarios	has	enabled	us	to	understand	the	wide	scope	of	climate-related	risks	and	opportunities	for	
the business and inform actions to support our resilience.

The	RCP4.5	scenario	models	average	temperature	rise	by	2100	of	1.7-3.2°C	and	describes	increased	policy	action	
over the coming decades aiming to meet the Paris Agreement. It therefore is characterised by transition risks, 
although physical risks are still substantial with this level of warming. RCP8.5 represents a ‘no additional policy’ 
scenario	and	models	average	temperature	rise	by	2100	of	3.2-5.4°C.	This	scenario	is	characterised	by	very	severe	
physical climate risks. 

  Picton Property Income Limited  Annual Report 2022

55

Strategic ReportGovernanceFinancial StatementsAdditional InformationTCFD Statement continued

Recommendation

Commentary

Risk management

Describe the organisation’s 
processes for identifying and 
assessing climate-related risks

Describe the organisation’s 
processes for managing 
climate-related risks

Describe how processes for 
identifying, assessing and 
managing climate-related 
risks are integrated into the 
organisation’s overall risk 
management

We are acutely aware that climate change poses a threat to not only our business and sector but to the global 
economy. In recognition, in early 2022 we conducted two parallel, rigorous climate scenario analysis exercises, 
the	first	to	model	climate	risks	to	our	portfolio	and	the	second	to	qualitatively	assess	the	resilience	of	our	overall	
business strategy. 

This assessment used two distinct, plausible scenarios established by the IPCC, one which considers a transition 
to	a	lower	carbon	economy	consistent	with	a	2°C	or	lower	scenario	(RCP4.5)	and	one	which	aligns	with	
heightened	physical	climate-related	risks	(RCP8.5).	The	scenarios	were	selected	to	test	a	range	of	likely	
outcomes	and	identify	material	climate-related	risks	over	the	short,	medium	and	long-term.

The	first	climate	assessment	considered	our	portfolio’s	susceptibility	to	a	range	of	climate-related	risks,	including	
physical	risks	(for	example	flooding,	heat	stress	and	extreme	weather	events)	and	transition	risks	(for	example	
market	risk	and	technology).	Via	this	quantitative	modelling	assessment,	we	have	been	able	to	determine	the	
geographical	distribution	of	our	climate-related	risks	and	opportunities	and	the	potential	financial	losses	and	
gains	to	our	portfolio,	respectively,	allowing	us	to	focus	on	mitigation	strategies	at	our	most	at-risk	assets	and	
harness the available opportunities. 

The	second	climate	assessment	involved	in-depth	analysis	of	the	most	up-to-date,	peer-reviewed	scientific	
literature.	Using	this	knowledge	to	determine	the	frequency,	duration,	velocity	and	financial	impacts	of	a	range	
of	climate-related	risks,	an	overall	likelihood	and	impact	score	was	assigned	to	our	business’	most	material	
climate risks, including an indication of when we can expect them to materialise. High impact opportunities 
were	also	identified	in	relation	to	our	business	strategy.

We	brought	these	together	to	identify	our	top	climate-related	risks	and	opportunities	that	then	informed	
detailed risk management recommendations. 

Our risk matrix and emerging risk dashboard are updated annually and biannually, respectively, by the Executive 
Committee	to	ensure	that	we	remain	attentive	to	the	changing	nature	of	these	risks	and	to	reflect	evolving	
stakeholder	requirements	and	the	wider	macroeconomic	and	geopolitical	landscape.	The	risk	matrix	identifies	
individual	climate-related	risks	and	comprehensively	outlines	specific	mitigation	strategies	to	manage	these	
risks. Each risk is scored for its probability, risk impact and residual risk, and responsibility for oversight is detailed. 
Based on materiality, risks are communicated across relevant levels of our business. The emerging risk 
dashboard	lists	the	most	material	risks	we	have	identified	and	places	risks	against	a	timeline	to	highlight	the	
relative	urgency	of	identified	risks.	We	will	be	updating	this	to	reflect	the	findings	of	the	climate	risk	assessments	
we undertook.

Rigorous risk management processes are present at each stage of the property lifecycle, with all activities taking 
place	within	our	defined	risk	appetite.	During	pre-acquisition	due	diligence,	we	conduct	environmental	
assessments	to	assess	environmental	risks	and	energy	efficiency.	These	guide	our	investment	decisions	and	
inform	asset	management	planning.	After	acquisition,	our	Sustainability	Refurbishment	Guidelines	integrate	a	
range	of	climate-related	factors,	including	specifications	around	EPCs	and	net	zero	carbon	readiness.	

To	enhance	our	ability	to	manage	climate-related	risks	in	occupier-controlled	spaces,	we	have	introduced	green	
lease	clauses	and	are	engaging	with	occupiers	around	their	operational	behaviour,	energy	efficiency	and	data	
sharing. We will continue to undertake asset level ESG audits to identify opportunities to reduce energy 
consumption	and	improve	efficiencies.	Together,	these	strategies	inform	our	investment	and	capital	allocation	
activities,	as	well	as	acquisition	and	divestment	decisions	to	maximise	the	overall	performance	and	resilience	of	
our portfolio’s assets. 

This year, we have committed to achieving net zero carbon by 2040 – a key step towards building our resilience 
to transition risk impacts, including increased carbon costs and shifting market demand towards low carbon 
buildings. Our net zero carbon pathway, published on our website, has full details. We are determined to 
establish	ambitious	business	strategies	and	processes	to	achieve	this	goal	and	we	are	allocating	significant	
investment to secure success.

The climate risk assessment process we have undertaken in 2021/22, described above, has informed detailed risk 
management	recommendations	that	we	are	reviewing	and	beginning	to	implement.	We	have	a	three-year	
roadmap	for	implementing	key	actions	that	will	set	the	foundations	for	prudent	climate-related	risk	
management	for	the	medium	to	long-term.

Climate-related	risks	and	opportunities	are	fully	integrated	into	our	risk	management	processes.	Over	the	course	
of 2022, we will be integrating the outputs of the climate risk assessments into our risk management framework 
and will be integrating key risks within the risk matrix and emerging risk dashboard owned by the Executive 
Committee which is overseen by the Audit and Risk Committee and the Board.

56

Picton Property Income Limited Annual Report 2022

Recommendation

Commentary

Metrics and targets

Disclose the metrics used by 
the organisation to assess 
climate-related risks and 
opportunities in line with its 
strategy and risk management 
process

We report in line with EPRA Sustainability Best Practices Recommendations for sustainability reporting and 
issue our EPRA tables within our Sustainability Report. We provide information to our stakeholders on our 
climate-related	performance	and	activities	by	reporting	on	a	range	of	metrics	for	resource	consumption,	energy	
and carbon emissions across our portfolio.

These	include:

 ‒ Total	and	like-for-like	Scope	1	and	2	emissions	and	total	Scope	3	emissions.	Scope	3	emissions	are	reported	
voluntarily	and	are	calculated	using	internal	expense	reports	alongside	the	emissions	factors	from	the	UK	
Government’s GHG Conversion Factors for Company Reporting 2020;

 ‒ Total	and	like-for-like	electricity	consumed	in	kWh,	including	energy	intensity	in	kWh/m2. We aim to have 
automatic meter reads across the whole portfolio to enhance reliability of data and reporting accuracy;

 ‒ Energy intensities for Scope 1 and 2 emissions using the metric tCO2e/m2. We use the most widely applied 

industry intensity ratios to aid transparency and comparability within the sector;

 ‒ Total	and	like-for-like	water	consumption,	including	occupier	water	consumption	in	absolute	terms,	for	

each asset type; and

 ‒ Total	and	like-for-like	waste	disposal	in	tonnes,	split	into	recycling,	composting,	recovery,	incineration	

and landfill.

To	supplement	our	quantitative	measures,	we	also	assess	key	qualitative	measures,	including	EPC	ratings	and	
building	certifications	to	build	a	holistic	view	of	our	portfolio’s	performance.	

As	part	of	our	net	zero	carbon	pathway	we	will	be	implementing	metrics,	including:

 ‒ Portfolio	on-site	renewable	energy	capacity	(MW)

 ‒ Renewable energy procurement %

 ‒ High	quality	renewable	energy	procurement	%	

 ‒ Major refurbishment embodied carbon intensity (tCO2e/m2	GIA)

 ‒ Minor	development	and	fit	out	embodied	carbon	intensity	(tCO2e/m2	GIA)

 ‒ Total portfolio embodied carbon development (tCO2e)

 ‒ Total carbon emissions offset (tCO2e)

Disclose Scope 1, Scope 2 and, 
if appropriate, Scope 3 
greenhouse gas (GHG) 
emissions, and the 
related risks

Describe the targets used by 
the organisation to manage 
climate-related risks and 
opportunities and 
performance against targets

We disclose Scope 1, 2 and 3 greenhouse gas emissions in our Annual Report and Sustainability Report. 
We have provided trend analysis since 2019 to show progress and historical performance.

We have calculated and reported our emissions in line with the GHG Protocol Corporate Accounting and 
Reporting Standard.

In recognition of the escalating concerns around climate change and our awareness that the real estate industry 
is a major contributor to global GHG emissions, to target meaningful carbon reduction, we have developed a net 
zero carbon pathway with the ambition to achieve net zero carbon by 2040. 

As part of this strategy, since most of our emissions are attributed to landlord and occupier energy consumption, 
we	will	be	formulating	energy	efficiency	measures	and	targets	per	asset	type	based	on	the	UK	Green	Building	
Council’s	targets	for	offices	and	the	Carbon	Risk	Real	Estate	Monitor	(CRREM)	1.5°C	Global	Pathways’	aligned	
targets for all other asset types. Additionally, we are pursuing an embodied carbon target of 300 kgCO2e/m2 by 
2040 for major refurbishments. As best practice and further guidance emerges surrounding targets, we will 
review our target to ensure its effectiveness for achieving our net zero carbon goal. 

Having	identified	our	key	material	climate-related	risks	and	opportunities	by	conducting	rigorous	climate	
risk assessments,	we	will	develop	additional	appropriate	metrics	and	targets	against	which	to	measure	
our performance.	

  Picton Property Income Limited  Annual Report 2022

57

Strategic ReportGovernanceFinancial StatementsAdditional InformationSection 172 Statement

Section 172
As the Company is registered in Guernsey, the 
UK Companies Act 2006 has no legal effect. 
However, in accordance with the UK Corporate 
Governance Code 2018 and as a matter of good 
governance, the Directors, individually and 
collectively as the Board, act as they consider most 
likely to promote the success of the Company for 
the benefit of shareholders as a whole.

Consideration of these factors and other relevant matters 
is embedded	into	all	Board	decision	making,	strategy	
development and risk assessment throughout the year. 
We consider	our	key	stakeholders	to	be	our	occupiers,	
our people,	our	communities,	our	suppliers	and	our	
shareholders. Working closely with our stakeholders falls 
within one of our three strategic pillars set out within our 
business model and strategy. The primary ways in which 
the Board engages directly or delegates responsibility for 
engagement to management are set out below. 

Board engagement with stakeholders
Our shareholders
As owners of the business we rely on the support of our 
shareholders and their views are important to us. The 
long-term	success	of	the	business	will	deliver	value	for	
shareholders. Senior management hold regular meetings 
with shareholders and feedback from these meetings is 
reported back to the Board. This feedback may be on 
operational	matters,	financing	strategy	or	dividend	policy,	
as examples. The Directors normally attend the Annual 
General Meeting to meet with shareholders and to answer 
any	questions	they	may	have.

Our occupiers
One of our key priorities is to work with our occupiers, so 
that we can understand their needs and aim to meet their 
current	and	future	requirements.	The	Board	has	delegated	
responsibility for engaging with occupiers to the asset 
management team, who have ongoing communication 
with occupiers, and use this information when making 
proposals to the Board on investment transactions, such 
as refurbishment	projects	or	leasing	events.	

The Directors have regard to:
The	likely	long-term	consequences	of	decisions

Read more on pages 74–79

The interests of its employees

Read more on page 65

The Company’s relationships with its suppliers, 
customers and others

Read more on pages 64–65 

The impact of the Company’s operations on the 
community and the environment

Read more on pages 60–65

The Company’s reputation and maintaining a reputation 
for high standards of business conduct

Read more on pages 68–82

The need to act fairly towards shareholders

Read more on pages 76–79

58

Picton Property Income Limited Annual Report 2022

Our people
Our people are key to our success and we want them to 
succeed both as individuals and as a team. One of our 
Non-Executive	Directors,	Maria	Bentley,	has	responsibility	
for employee engagement. As well as carrying out a further 
employee survey this year, Maria held a virtual meeting 
with the team without the Executive Directors present. 
A number	of	topics	were	discussed	and	the	employees’	
views were reported directly back to the rest of the Board. 

Local communities and environment
We are committed to improving the impact of our 
buildings on local communities, whether providing space 
to local businesses, improving local areas or minimising 
the environmental	impact	of	buildings	themselves.	The	
Board has established a Responsibility Committee, which 
is chaired	by	one	of	the	Executive	Directors,	to	deal	with	
sustainability policy and initiatives on its behalf. The Board 
reviews progress on sustainability matters and has 
attended relevant workshops during the year. 

Suppliers
We have in place a framework for conducting business 
across the Group in a way that makes a positive 
contribution to society, while minimising any negative 
impact on people and the environment. The Board has 
agreed the overall business framework and delegated its 
implementation to the management team.

Considering stakeholders in key Board decision making
Set out below are examples of important decisions taken 
during the year. These are decisions that are material to the 
Group	but	also	significant	to	any	of	our	key	stakeholders.	
In its	decision	making	the	Board	considered	the	feedback	
from stakeholder engagement as well as the need to act 
fairly between shareholders and to maintain high 
standards of business conduct.

Actions

Publication of net zero 
carbon pathway

The Board has been focused on sustainability issues throughout the year including 
the	development	of	the	net	zero	carbon	pathway	and	assessment	of	climate-related	
risks to the business. The pathway has now been published with a target date of 
becoming net zero carbon by 2040. The Board also agreed that Picton would 
become a signatory to the Better Buildings Partnership Climate Commitment.

Review and increase of 
dividend

The Board is aware of the value of regular dividend payments to shareholders and 
reviews	the	level	of	dividend	each	quarter.	As	the	level	of	rent	collection	has	increased	
during the year and returned to normal levels the Board has approved two increases 
in	dividend,	restoring	it	to	its	pre-pandemic	level.

Support given to 
occupiers during the 
pandemic

Flexible working

Although the impacts of the pandemic were receding the Board maintained a policy 
of	considering	financial	support	to	occupiers	on	a	case-by-case	basis.

Following last year’s employee engagement the Board agreed that the team would 
be	able	to	return	to	the	office	on	a	flexible	basis,	with	some	home	working.

Consultation on 
Remuneration Policy

Subsequent	to	the	Annual	General	Meeting	the	Board	has	engaged	further	with	
shareholders regarding the implementation of the Directors’ Remuneration Policy to 
understand their views.

  Picton Property Income Limited  Annual Report 2022

59

Strategic ReportGovernanceFinancial StatementsAdditional InformationBeing Responsible

Our responsible 
and ethical approach

We believe that sustainability has to be fully 
embedded into all of our activities.

Our sustainability framework
This	year	we	have	re-focused	our	sustainability	priorities	as	
we have developed our approach and understanding of 
our	material	issues.	We	have	three	core	segments:	
Governance and Advocacy, Environmental Focus and 
Stakeholder Engagement. In this section we set out our key 
achievements under each of these areas, but more detail 
will be provided in our Sustainability Report.

This year we have published both our new sustainability 
policy and our net zero carbon pathway.

Sustainable thinking, responsible business
Our	sustainability	policy	guides	our	long-term	sustainability	
priorities, including tackling environmental challenges, 
providing sustainable buildings for our occupiers and 
engaging with our stakeholders.

E n v i r onmental focus

Net zero 
carbon

Biodiversity

Sustainable 
buildings

Water 
consumption

Energy 
efficiency

Materials 
& waste

Leadership

Data

Sustainable thinking, 
responsible business

G
o

v

e

r

n

a

n

c

e

&

a

d

v

o

c

a

c

y

Transparency 
& reporting 

Supplier & contractor 
responsibility

Policies

Community 
& social value

Health 
& Safety

Employees 
& skills

Occupier 
satisfaction & 
wellbeing

t
n
e
m
e
g
a
g
n

Stakeholder e

60

Picton Property Income Limited Annual Report 2022

 
 
What we have achieved this year
 ‒ Developed and published our net zero 

carbon pathway

 ‒ Became a signatory to the Better Buildings 

Partnership Climate Commitment

 ‒ Improved portfolio EPC ratings
 ‒ Removed gas supplies from three assets 
 ‒ Increased the number of green leases completed
 ‒ Introduced further biodiversity measures 
 ‒ Reduced GHG emissions compared to 2019 baseline 
 ‒ Undertook	two	energy	efficiency	audits	at	

office assets

What we will do next year 
 ‒ Address the initial priorities in our net zero 

carbon pathway

 ‒ Continue to improve data capture and increase 

coverage across our portfolio

 ‒ Undertake	five	net	zero	carbon	audits	across	

our portfolio

 ‒ Integrate	findings	from	energy	audits	into	longer-

term asset business plans

Environmental focus 

This year we have been focused on two key projects to 
help us address the issue of climate change adaptation 
and mitigation. Firstly we have developed and published 
our net zero carbon pathway, as discussed below, and we 
have also carried out an assessment of climate-related 
risks relevant to our business, and how we identify 
and manage these. This is covered in the Managing 
Risks section.

Net zero carbon pathway

We have committed to be net zero carbon for our 
operational and embodied emissions by 2040. 

We have developed our pathway so that it aligns with the 
Better Buildings Partnership Net Zero Pathway Framework 
and	the	UK	Green	Buildings	Council’s	net	zero	carbon	
hierarchy. By 2040 all operational emissions arising from 
our portfolio will be reduced as much as possible through 
energy	efficiency	measures	and	the	use	of	renewable	
energy, with any residual emissions offset. From 2040 
onwards, all completed refurbishment projects will have 
reduced their embodied carbon as much as possible, with 
any residual emissions offset upon practical completion. 

We	have	defined	our	portfolio’s	baseline	carbon	footprint,	
using 2019 as the most representative recent year, to map 
the	emissions	reductions	required	to	meet	our	2040	target.	
As with similar property companies, the majority of our 
emissions	(76%)	relate	to	the	energy	consumption	of	our	
occupiers. Although not included in the baseline year 
assessment, embodied carbon associated with 
refurbishment activity has been projected for future years 
and is a key part of our commitment. 

We	will	continue	to	implement	energy	efficiency	measures	
across the portfolio in order to meet energy intensity 
targets.	We	will	also	investigate	on-site	renewable	energy	
opportunities	and	procure	remaining	energy	requirements	
from	high-quality	renewable	sources.	For	refurbishment	
projects we will employ circular economy principles, so 
reducing waste and demand for raw materials by keeping 
resources in the value chain for as long as possible. Our 
target is to reduce emissions on major refurbishments to 
300 kgCO2e/m2.	Finally	we	will	source	high	quality	carbon	
offsets, aligned with the Oxford Principles for Net Zero 
Aligned Offsetting. We have also become a signatory to the 
Better Buildings Partnership Climate Commitment.

  Picton Property Income Limited  Annual Report 2022

61

Strategic ReportGovernanceFinancial StatementsAdditional InformationBeing Responsible continued

Emission source

Combustion of fuel and operation of facilities
Electricity, heat, steam and cooling purchased for 
own use

Total Scope 1 and 2

Business travel
Occupier data
Office	premises
Landlord water and treatment
Landlord waste

Total Scope 3 

Total all Scopes

2021

2020

2019

Absolute 
GHG 
emissions 
(tCO2e)

GHG
intensity 
(tCO2e/m2)

Absolute
GHG
emissions 
(tCO2e)

GHG
intensity 
(tCO2e/m2)

Absolute
GHG 
emissions 
(tCO2e)

GHG
intensity 
(tCO2e/m2)

GHG  

Scope

1

2

3
3
3
3
3

1,020

0.019

940

0.017

1,137

0.005

1,457

 2,477

 2
 3,099
 5
 6 
 8 

3,120

 5,597

0.028

0.042

N/A
0.034
0.018
0.000
0.000

0.021

0.038

1,499

	2,439

1
2,278
8
28
7

2,322

	4,761

0.028

0.040

N/A
0.024
N/A
0.001
0.000

0.011

0.023

2,295

	3,432

4
3,672
9
53
13

3,751

0.010

N/A

N/A
0.033
N/A
0.001
0.000

N/A

7,183	

0.017

Greenhouse gas emissions
Scope 1
Our absolute Scope 1 emissions rose by 9% compared to the 
previous year to 1,020 tCO2e. Similarly, our Scope 1 intensity 
rose	by	11%.	This	rise	was	to	be	expected	as lockdown	
restrictions	eased	further	during	2021,	with small increases	
seen	in	many	of	our	office	assets.	Compared	to	2019	
emissions, the last full reporting year prior to the pandemic 
impacts	on	occupation,	we	have	seen	a	-10% reduction.	
We	continue	to	explore	energy	efficiency	measures	
across our portfolio, with current studies being 
undertaken at Colchester Business Park, Colchester, on 
replacing the gas boilers with low carbon alternatives. 

Scope 2
Our	absolute	Scope	2	emissions	have	decreased	by	-3%	
this year, to 1,457 tCO2e, with our emission intensity staying 
level.	Energy	efficiency	projects	at	Stanford	Building,	
London,	50 Farringdon	Road,	London	and	Regency	Wharf,	
Birmingham, have helped reduce our Scope 2 emissions 
despite the increasing occupancy levels following the 
easing of lockdown restrictions. Compared to 2019, we 
have	seen	a	-37%	reduction	in	emissions.	This	year	we	
are looking to continue refurbishing our properties, with 
LED upgrade works at Parkbury Industrial Estate, Radlett, 
a building management system upgrade at Metro, 
Manchester	and	the	continued	roll	out	of	Asset	IQ	across	
suitable	assets.	For	the	first	year,	we	have	represented	our	
head	office	emission	intensity	due	to	occupying	a	floor	
within the newly refurbished Stanford Building, London. 

Scope 3
By far, the largest element of our Scope 3 emissions is 
that of our occupiers. Data collection for the Annual 
Report	is	presented	at	the	time	of	writing,	with	final	
data	collection	figures	presented	in	our	Sustainability	
Report. We are targeting an increase in occupier data 
collection compared to 2020 following the end of 
lockdown restrictions. To help assist our engagement 
with occupiers, we have installed a CBRE Host app at 
Colchester Business Park, Colchester. In 2022 we will be 
implementing the app at further sites, including Stanford 
Building, London. We will also be starting an occupier 
engagement workshop programme to encourage 
collaboration opportunities with all of our occupiers.

62

Picton Property Income Limited Annual Report 2022

We have also seen a small increase in business travel 
emissions as our team have begun travelling more regularly 
to our assets. We expect this to increase further in 2022 
but continue to encourage sustainable forms of travel and 
virtual	meetings	where	possible.	We	have	seen	a	-77%	
reduction in water emissions, largely due to an improved 
emission factor for 2021 reporting. We are investigating 
the roll out of automatic meter readers to improve the 
accuracy and reliability of water supplies we control. 

Methodology 
We	have	reported	on	all	the	emission	sources	required	
under	the	core	requirements	of	the	EPRA	Best	Practices	
Recommendations and have voluntarily disclosed business 
travel, occupier, and own premises consumption (Scope 
3)	emissions.	An	operational	control	approach	has	been	
adopted and all our properties are included. Figures 
presented are absolute for utility and waste consumption 
and relate only to utilities and waste removal we control. 
Occupier-obtained	consumption	is	included	where	
possible. We have calculated and reported our emissions 
in line with the GHG Protocol Corporate Accounting and 
Reporting	Standard	(revised	edition)	and	used	emission	
factors	from	the	UK	Government’s	GHG	Conversion	Factors	
for Company Reporting 2021. We have changed from 
financial	year	to	calendar	year	reporting	to	ensure	we	
have more time to collect occupier consumption data. 

This	is	the	first	year	we	have	calculated	our	intensity	
measurements based on the area served by each meter, for 
example	whole	site,	common	area	or	a	specific	floor	within	
an asset. External supplies have been excluded from the 
intensity calculations. In order for an accurate comparison to 
be made between reporting years, this approach has been 
backdated	to	2020	figures.	We	have	continued	to	voluntarily	
report on Scope 3 vehicle emissions. Vehicle emissions 
were calculated using our vehicle expenses reports and 
the	vehicle	emission	factors	from	the	UK	Government	
GHG Conversion Factors for Company Reporting 2021. We 
have included occupier and own premises consumption 
within the Scope 3 emissions, using emission factors from 
UK	Government’s	GHG	Conversion	Factors	for	Company	
Reporting	2021.	Year-on-year,	we	will	continue	to	update	
previous	reported	figures	if	applicable	to	remove	estimates	
and ensure actual data is captured and reported.

Sustainable buildings 
We are committed to monitoring and enhancing the 
environmental performance of our buildings and ensuring 
they are resilient to changes in both climate and the 
regulatory environment. Over the year we undertook 
energy audits at two buildings in order to identify 
improvement measures and continue to develop our 
strategy for onsite solar power and the introduction of 
electric vehicle charging facilities. We will be undertaking 
specific	net	zero	carbon	audits	of	four	buildings	over	
the coming year. We have also been implementing our 
refurbishment guidelines which were introduced in 2021, 
utilising refurbishment opportunities to remove fossil 
fuels from buildings at Regency Wharf, Birmingham, 
Angel Gate, London and 50 Farringdon Road, London. 

EPCs 
This year we have amended the basis for reporting 
our	EPCs	to	better	reflect	risks	and	recognising	the	
diversified	nature	of	the	portfolio.	Looking	at	the	
percentage of EPC ratings by estimated rental value 
(ERV)	of	our	portfolio,	71%	have	an	EPC	rating	of	A-C,	
29% are rated D or E and only 0.2% is rated F or G. 

We continue to use lease events, common area works 
and EPC renewals to implement improvement works 
with the overall aim of continually improving our 
EPC score and ensuring compliance with MEES.

Energy audits 
During 2021 we undertook energy audits at 401 Grafton 
Gate, Milton Keynes, and Atlas House, Marlow. Our planned 
audits at 50 Farringdon Road, London and Longcross, 
Cardiff have been postponed because of the works which 
were being undertaken at these buildings to improve the 
heating and cooling systems and remove their gas supplies.

Adjustments to systems recommended in these reports 
have been undertaken. Whilst the impact of the pandemic 
on building occupancy and systems operation makes 
like-for-like	comparison	of	energy	consumption	more	
difficult,	by	comparing	consumption	figures	in	early	2022	
(when	office	occupancy	at	our	buildings	was	returning	
to	more	normal	levels)	with	levels	in	2019,	we	can	see	
that consumption has fallen by as much as 35% at the 
buildings, as a result of the audit recommendations.

In addition to the energy audits, over the year we 
have also prepared high level sustainability action 
plans	at	all	our	multi-let	assets.	These	plans	cover	
areas including biodiversity and social amenities 
as	well	as	energy	efficiency.	Over	2022	we	will	
implement	the	improvement	measures	identified.

We will be undertaking net zero carbon audits 
to establish a strategy for reducing carbon at a 
representative sample of our building types at 
Parkbury Industrial Estate, Radlett, Sundon Business 
Park, Luton, Angouleme Way, Bury, 401 Grafton Gate, 
Milton Keynes and 50 Pembroke Court, Chatham.

Green leases 
We have continued to incorporate sustainability clauses 
into our leases. During the year we have completed 
another 42 green leases, bringing the total to over 30% 
of all	current	leases	in	place.

Biodiversity 
Biodiversity measures were rolled out across more 
of our industrial estates during this year and we have 
made this a topic for discussion at our occupier 
meetings. Through doing this we have been able to 
adjust our landscaping procedures for example at 
Easter Court, Warrington where some grassed areas 
have	been	turned	over	to	wildflower	growth.

The refurbishment at Regency Wharf, Birmingham, 
included the installation of a green wall in the reception 
area. We also expanded our beehive numbers with 
a further installation at Metro, Manchester.

We have started to embrace the biodiversity measures 
in the	Better	Buildings	Partnership	Responsible	Property	
Management Toolkit, for example by commissioning 
more biodiversity	surveys	at	locations	such	as	Angel	
Gate, London.

Water and waste
Carbon emissions associated with the purchase and 
disposal of water are a low materiality issue for us in 
comparison to our other emission sources such as 
landlord and occupier energy consumption. We aim to 
implement	water-saving	measures	such	as	water	sub-
metering,	target-setting,	new	water-saving	technology,	
and recycled water use across the portfolio.

  Picton Property Income Limited  Annual Report 2022

63

Strategic ReportGovernanceFinancial StatementsAdditional InformationBeing Responsible continued

Stakeholder engagement 

We have in place a framework for conducting business in 
a way that makes a positive contribution to society, while 
minimising the impact on people and the environment. 
We are committed to engaging with our occupiers, 
shareholders, suppliers and wider community and the 
Board acts to promote the long-term success of the 
business for the benefit of all our stakeholders.

Occupier engagement 
We are always seeking to improve our occupiers’ experience, 
which	is	why	we	created	the	Picton	Promise:	five	key	
commitments including Action, Community, Technology, 
Support and Sustainability. Each commitment underpins 
every aspect of the occupier experience we provide.

During 2021 we continued to maintain regular contact with 
our occupiers through measures such as our occupier 
meetings and ensured our buildings remained fully 
accessible	on	a	Covid-19	compliant	basis.

We	issued	information	packs	to	our	office	occupiers,	
which helped	them	plan	for	their	staff	to	return	to	the	
workplace	following	the	UK	Government’s	work	from	
home advice ending.

The completion of our new business hubs at Angel Gate, 
London and Longcross, Cardiff, have allowed us to provide 
more	flexible	services	to	occupiers	at	these	locations.

We have recently launched our two new occupier 
engagement apps at Colchester Business Park and Angel 
Gate, which will help us to improve the effectiveness of 
our communication	at	these	locations.

Occupier and employee health and safety 
Our health and safety record continued to be strong over 
the year with no reportable accidents or health and safety 
related incidents. We were 99% compliant in critical and 
secondary documentation. 

Our Health and Safety Committee meets every month to 
ensure that compliance and performance is measured 
appropriately for all our stakeholders, our employees, 
occupiers, contractors, and other visitors to our buildings.

Our incident response and business continuity strategies 
have been updated and we have reviewed the current 
policies for all our managing agents.

What we have achieved this year
 ‒ Introduced new occupier amenities and improved 

communication methods 

 ‒ Introduced new supplier clauses and a due 
diligence	questionnaire	to	address	modern	
slavery risks

 ‒ Helped develop the BBP Responsible 

Management Toolkit

 ‒ Made charitable donations of £16,000 to 15 charities
 ‒ Carried out an annual employee 

engagement survey

 ‒ Returned	to	working	in	the	office	on	a	flexible	basis
 ‒ Provided further sustainability training for the team
 ‒ Held two employee offsite days  

What we will do next year 
 ‒ Host occupier sustainability workshops
 ‒ Maintain a high level of Health and 

Safety compliance

During	the	year,	our	team	received	training	sessions	on	fire	
safety as well as general health and safety updates.

 ‒ Continue the roll out of supplier modern slavery 

clauses	and	due	diligence	questionnaires

Occupier wellbeing and satisfaction
Occupancy levels during much of 2021, particularly at our 
offices,	continued	to	be	affected	by	the	pandemic.	As	a	
result, for much of this period our focus has been on 
reassuring our occupiers that our buildings remain safe to 
use and we have used our information packs and regular 
occupier meetings to reinforce this.

The launch of our new occupier apps at Colchester 
Business Park and Angel Gate, London were timed to 
coincide with occupancy levels beginning to return to 
normal levels. We have used these to promote a wide 
range of occupier focused events structured around 

64

Picton Property Income Limited Annual Report 2022

 ‒ Continue to roll out our occupier engagement plan

wellness	for	employees.	Utilising	the	facilities	at	these	
locations such as the communal space outside the Village 
at Colchester and the business hub at Angel Gate, London 
we have hosted many events. A wide ranging programme 
is planned for 2022.

We plan to roll out more occupier apps at other locations 
during 2022, using the experience which we gained from 
the projects noted above.

 
Employees 
We have a strong and open company culture with shared 
values	co-created	by	our	employees.	We	value	the	
contributions made by the whole team and aim to nurture 
a positive working environment.

Employee engagement
For the third year we have carried out an employee 
engagement survey across the whole team, excluding the 
Directors. Overall the scores were very positive, with over 
half	of	the	questions	receiving	Agree	or	Strongly	Agree	
responses.	Issues	that	were	raised	by	the	team	included:

 ‒ Training, particularly on sustainability, was well received 

and considered to be relevant;

 ‒ Flexible working arrangements were valued, with a split 

between	working	from	home	and	in	the	office;

 ‒ Resourcing within the team given increasing demands 

particularly around sustainability;

 ‒ Communication between the Board and team to be 

reviewed; and

 ‒ Progress made against sustainability, and how this would 
be resourced in the light of our net zero carbon pathway.

This	year	we	held	two	offsite	days	for	the	team.	The	first	
looked at how we could make improvements in the way 
each team worked, while the second focused entirely on 
sustainability priorities, including how the net zero carbon 
pathway would be implemented and embedded into the 
way we worked.

Diversity and inclusion 
We value the contributions made by all of our team and 
believe that a diverse workforce is key to maximising 
business effectiveness. We aim to select, recruit, develop 
and promote the very best people and are committed to 
creating a workplace where everyone is treated with dignity 
and respect, and where individual difference is valued. 

We aim to maintain the right blend of skills, experience and 
knowledge within the Board and the team. At the date of 
this Report, the number of men and women employed by 
the	Group	were:

Board
Rest of team

Total

Men

Women

4
4

8

2
3

5

Training and development
We want to encourage our employees to realise their 
full potential	by	giving	them	access	to	development	
and training	opportunities.	

This year the amount of training carried out by employees 
was 1.6% on a time spent basis, in line with last year.

Employee development is based on the following 
key principles:

 ‒ Development should be continuous; employees should 
always be actively seeking to improve performance;
 ‒ Regular investment of time in learning is seen as an 

essential part of working life; and

 ‒ Development needs are met by a mix of activities, 

which include internal and external training courses, 
structured ‘on the job’ experience and through 
interaction with professional colleagues.

All of the Group’s employees have a formal performance 
appraisal	on	an	annual	basis,	together	with	a	mid-year	
review of their progress against objectives set at the start 
of the	year.

Community and social value 

We are committed to supporting the local communities 
where we own buildings. We aim to continually improve 
the impact of our buildings within local communities 
through not only providing space to local businesses and 
charities, but also through the improvement of local areas 
and minimising the environmental impact of buildings 
themselves. Further details can be found in our community 
and social value and charitable giving policies available on 
our website. 

We continue to support a variety of charities, and this year 
made donations of over £16,000. We have a longstanding 
relationship with children’s charity Coram and have recently 
entered into a charity partnership with them, which will 
increase our level of support through both donations and 
volunteering opportunities. In October 2021 Tim Hamlin, 
our Director of Asset Management, ran the London 
Marathon with all donations going to Coram. Other 
charities that we have supported this year include The 
Funding Network and LandAid, and we have made 
donations to current humanitarian crises.

We have maintained our occupier matched giving policy, 
and also offer matched giving for employees who are 
raising money for charity.

Suppliers and contractors 
We expect high standards within our business and from 
our suppliers.
This year we have reviewed our supplier base and assessed 
the level of risk within our supply chain of exposure to 
modern	slavery	and	human	trafficking.	Almost	all	of	our	
suppliers	are	based	in	the	UK	and	the	majority	are	assessed	
as low risk. We have developed a number of clauses and 
these are being introduced into new contractual 
arrangements. We have implemented a supplier due 
diligence	questionnaire	which	we	are	applying	to	all	new	
suppliers, and will roll this out across existing suppliers.

  Picton Property Income Limited  Annual Report 2022

65

Strategic ReportGovernanceFinancial StatementsAdditional InformationBeing Responsible continued

Governance 

We are committed to transparent reporting so that 
our stakeholders can make informed decisions. 
We are a member of the Better Buildings Partnership 
and continue to report annually to GRESB and EPRA. 

Transparency and reporting 
Our	GRESB	score	for	2021	reduced	from	65 to	61,	and	
to one	green	star	from	two.	This	was	due	to	a	number	
of factors,	including	a	fall	in	data	coverage	during	the	
pandemic. These issues have been addressed with 
our sustainability	advisers	and	we	expect	our	score	to	
improve in 2022. 

This	year	we	have	appointed	JLL	Upstream	to	carry	out	
data assurance on our published environmental data and 
GRESB submission. This will provide greater validation of 
our reported sustainability data.

Following the publication of our net zero carbon pathway 
we have become a signatory to the Better Buildings 
Partnership Climate Commitment. 

What we have achieved this year
 ‒ Became a signatory to the Better Buildings 

Partnership Climate Commitment

 ‒ Completed	assessment	of	climate-related	risks	to	

the business

 ‒ Achieved EPRA Gold awards for both Annual and 

Sustainability Reports

 ‒ Appointed a third party to carry out data assurance 

on our 2022 reporting

 ‒ Published our sustainability policy

What we will do next year 
 ‒ Implementation	of	recommendations	from	climate-

risk assessment

 ‒ Complete data assurance on all 2022 sustainability 

reporting

 ‒ Contribute to the Better Buildings Partnership 

Real Estate	Environmental	Benchmark	in	respect	
of our	portfolio

We have maintained our Gold awards from EPRA for 
both our	2021	Annual	and	Sustainability	Reports.

 ‒ Ensure	the	issues	identified	with	the	2021	GRESB	
score are incorporated into the 2022 submission

Read more on Governance on pages 67-111

66

Picton Property Income Limited Annual Report 2022

We have a  strategy focused

on delivering our purpose

Welcome to 
    Governance

The UK Corporate Governance 
Code 2018 (the Code) applied for the 
financial year ended 31 March 2022. 
Our Statement of Compliance is 
set out in the Directors’ Report on 
page 109. A summary of the system 
of governance adopted by the 
Company and how we have applied 
the principles of the Code are set out 
in this section of the Annual Report. 

Chair’s Introduction

68 

 An overview of our governance activities over the year

Board and Team

70  Board of Directors
72  Our Team

Leadership and Purpose

74 
The Company’s purpose and values
75  Board and Committee attendance
75	 Conflicts	of	interest
76 
78 

The Board’s activities during the year
 How the Board has engaged with its stakeholders this year

Division of Responsibilities 

80  The role of the Board and its Committees
81 

The roles of each Director

Composition, Succession and Evaluation 

82  Board composition and diversity
83  Nomination Committee Report
84  Board evaluation

Audit, Risks and Internal Controls

85  Overview of controls and risk management
86  Audit and Risk Committee Report
89  Property Valuation Committee Report

Remuneration Report

 Introduction from the Chair of the Remuneration Committee

91 
96  Remuneration at a glance
98  Directors’ Remuneration Policy
101  Annual Report on Remuneration

Directors’ Report

109  Directors’ Report

Picton Property Income Limited  Annual Report 2022

67

Strategic ReportGovernanceFinancial StatementsAdditional InformationChair’s Introduction

Introduction to the Corporate 
Governance Report

On behalf of the Board, I am pleased 
to introduce our 2022 Corporate 
Governance Report.

Dear Shareholder
This year we have transitioned to a more 
normal working balance as we have moved 
out	of	the	Covid-19	pandemic.	We	have	
maintained our schedule of Board and 
Committee meetings throughout the year 
and have started holding our main meetings 
in person. We intend to continue with a 
blend of physical and virtual meetings over 
the coming year to maximise productivity 
and social capital as a Board and with the 
wider team.

As with last year we held our Annual 
General Meeting virtually but also  
included a presentation to shareholders  
by the Executive team, which I hope  
was useful and informative. 

Visit our website picton.co.uk

68

Picton Property Income Limited Annual Report 2022

Our people and culture
This	year	we	have	started	to	return	to	office	working,	whilst	
embracing	more	flexibility	for	our	employees.	The	team	are	
currently	working	in	the	office	three	days	a	week,	with	two	
from home. We will continue to keep this policy under 
review. In last year’s employee survey, it was clear that 
flexible	arrangements	were	valued	and	that	the	team	
would like to see them continued. Returning to physical 
Board meetings has also given the Directors the opportunity 
to	meet	the	whole	team	on	an	informal	basis,	for	the	first	
time since the pandemic started. I believe that this will 
help us to maintain strong working relationships across the 
whole team, including the Board. 

We have again carried out an employee engagement 
survey this year, and the feedback is set out on page 65. 
Due to the small number of employees it is possible that 
the	results	may	be	skewed	from	year-to-year,	but	overall	
the feedback was very positive.

Our stakeholders
Our occupier focused approach is a key part of our 
business culture. During the pandemic our engagement 
with occupiers was invaluable, ensuring that appropriate 
support was given when needed. We will continue to 
maintain this approach, which will become increasingly 
important as we seek to reduce carbon emissions, both 
our own	and	those	of	our	occupiers,	along	our	net	zero	
carbon pathway.

Reporting
I am pleased to report that last year’s Annual Report and 
Sustainability Report both received an EPRA Gold award, 
reflecting	our	aim	to	report	our	activities	and	results	clearly	
and concisely.

Board evaluation
This year we have carried out a Board evaluation, the 
results of	which	are	set	out	in	the	Composition,	Succession	
and Evaluation section. It was appropriate that this year 
should be an internal review, since I had recently joined as 
Chair and the pandemic had created unusual working 
conditions. Leading the evaluation myself also gave me the 
opportunity	for	in-depth	conversations	with	each	Director.	
We intend for the next Board evaluation to be carried 
out externally.

Lena Wilson CBE
Chair
25 May 2022

This year we will hold our Annual 
General Meeting in September, 
earlier than usual.

Lena Wilson CBE
Chair

Board activities
Under	the	Leadership	section	of	this	Report	we	have	
set out the	activities	of	the	Board	and	its	Committees	
during the year. We have had a busy and productive year, 
with a particular	focus	on	sustainability	issues	and	the	
development of our pathway to net zero carbon, which 
is discussed	more	fully	elsewhere	within	this	Report	and	
our Sustainability Report.

Board composition
There have been no changes in the composition of the 
Board this year.

UK Corporate Governance Code
Our Statement of Compliance with the Corporate 
Governance Code is set out within the Directors’ Report. 
I am	pleased	to	report	that	we	have	fully	complied	with	
the Code	this	year.

The following sections describe the workings of the 
Board and	the	Committees	and	how	these	interact	
with the	provisions	of	the	Corporate	Governance	Code.

Annual General Meeting
At last year’s Annual General Meeting we put forward our 
new Directors’ Remuneration Policy to shareholders for 
their approval. Although the new Policy received over 
96% of	votes	in	favour,	our	Annual	Remuneration	Report	
for 2020/21, while still approved, received some 72% of 
votes	in favour.	We	recognised	that	the	new	remuneration	
proposals for our Executive Directors were being made at 
a time	of	increased	sensitivities	around	executive	pay,	but	
we	believe	that	the	proposals	are	fair	and	justified	in	our	
particular circumstances. We have published an update to 
the voting outcome, and within this year’s Remuneration 
Report there is a full response set out.

This year we will hold our Annual General Meeting in 
September, earlier than usual, and we will provide further 
information on this shortly.

  Picton Property Income Limited  Annual Report 2022

69

Strategic ReportGovernanceFinancial StatementsAdditional InformationBoard of Directors

We have the relevant 
skills and experience 
for future growth.

Lena Wilson CBE

Chair 
Chair of the Nomination 
Committee

Mark Batten

Maria Bentley

Chair of the Audit and 
Risk Committee 
Senior Independent Director

Chair of the Remuneration  
Committee 

Appointed to the Board
January 2021

Appointed to the Board
October 2017

Appointed to the Board
October 2018

–  Multi-disciplinary global career across private 

most sub-sectors

Responsible for ensuring the Board is 
effective in setting and implementing the 
Company’s direction and strategy, including 
reviewing and evaluating the performance of 
the CEO.

Key strengths and skills
–  Over a decade of Non-Executive, Senior 

Independent Director and Chair experience 
including FTSE 100 companies across the 
financial and industrial sectors

and public sectors

–  Experienced CEO leading organisations with 

an international footprint

Principal external commitments
–  Chair of Chiene + Tait LLP
–  Non-Executive Director NatWest Group plc 
–  Non-Executive Director and Senior 

Independent Director Argentex Group PLC 

–  Chair of AGS Group

Previous experience and appointments
–  Chief Executive of Scottish Enterprise
–  Senior Investment Advisor at the World Bank 
–  Non-Executive Director Intertek PLC
–  Non-Executive Director Scottish 

Power Renewables

Responsible for financial reporting and 
accounting policies, audit strategy and the 
evaluation of internal controls and risk 
management systems.

Responsible for leading on the 
recommendation of remuneration policies 
and levels, for effective succession planning 
and employee engagement.

Key strengths and skills
–  Chartered Accountant and 
restructuring specialist 

Key strengths and skills
–  Business head leading change across 

global teams

–  Extensive experience in banking, insurance, 

real estate, debt structuring and restructuring

–  Expertise in human resources
–  Extensive experience in financial services

–  Broad real estate knowledge, covering 

Principal external commitments
–  Chair, Assured Guaranty UK
–  Non-Executive Director and Chair of the 
Audit and Risk Committee – Reliance 
National Insurance Company (Europe)

Principal external commitments
–  Non-Executive Director of BlueBay Asset 

Management LLP and Chair of the 
Remuneration Committee

–  Non-Executive Director of Daiwa Capital 
Markets Europe Limited and Chair of the 
Remuneration Committee

–  Chair, Governing Body, Westminster School

–  Non-Executive Director of Peel Hunt Limited

Previous experience and appointments
–  Partner, PricewaterhouseCoopers 

LLP (restructuring and corporate valuation 
practices)

–  Non-Executive Director, L&F Indemnity
–  Senior adviser to UK Government 

Investments

–  Non-Executive adviser and Chair of the 

Finance Committee, Royal Brompton and 
Harefield NHS Clinical Group

Previous experience and appointments
–  Senior Managing Director & Global Head 
of HR, Wholesale & Head of HR EMEA at 
Nomura International plc

–  Group Managing Director & Global Head 

of HR, UBS Investment Bank

–  Managing Director, Global Head of HR 

for Equities and Fixed Income, Goldman 
Sachs International

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Picton Property Income Limited Annual Report 2022

The Board is responsible for the long-term 
success of the business, providing leadership 
and direction with due regard and consideration 
to all stakeholders in the business.

Richard Jones

Chair of the Property Valuation 
Committee 

Michael Morris

Chief Executive 

Andrew Dewhirst

Finance Director 

Appointed to the Board
September 2020

Appointed to the Board
October 2015

Appointed to the Board
October 2018

Responsible for overseeing the review of the 
quarterly valuation process and making 
recommendations to the Board as 
appropriate. 

Key strengths and skills
–  Significant real estate investment experience
–  Broad experience of property asset 

management

Responsible for overall strategic direction and 
execution of the Group’s business model.

Responsible for strategic financial planning 
and reporting for the Group.

Key strengths and skills
–  Successful track record of driving 

investment strategy and delivering results 
for shareholders

–  Proven leadership skills 
–  In-depth understanding of real estate 

Key strengths and skills
–  Chartered accountant with extensive 
experience in financial planning and 
reporting

–  In-depth knowledge of financial services, 
capital markets and real estate funds
–  Expertise in debt and equity financing

–  Extensive experience of property valuation

equity capital markets

Principal external commitments
–  Investment Committee of Henley 

Secure Income Property Unit Trust 
–  Transport for London’s Commercial 

Property Advisory Group

–  Special Advisor to Clearbell UK Strategic Trust

Previous experience and appointments
–  UK Managing Director on Aviva’s Investors’ 

Global Real Estate Board 

–  Special Director of Ribston UK Industrial 

Property Unit Trust

–  Non-Executive Director of Royal Brompton 

and Harefield Hospital NHS Foundation Trust

Principal external commitments
None

Principal external commitments
None

Previous experience and appointments
–  25 years’ wide-ranging commercial real 

Previous experience and appointments
–  Director of Client Accounting at ING Real 

estate market experience

Estate Investment Management

–  Senior Director and Fund Manager at ING 
Real Estate Investment Management

–  Director at Hermes Administration Services

  Picton Property Income Limited  Annual Report 2022

71

Strategic ReportGovernanceFinancial StatementsAdditional Information 
 
Our Team

With extensive experience across 
real estate management and financial 
services, our team have an in-depth 
knowledge and understanding of the 
UK commercial property market. 

01

Louisa McAleenan
Research Analyst

06

Tim Hamlin
Director of Asset Management

Louisa has 15 years of experience in real estate 
research and is responsible for all aspects of 
research and analysis, contributing to the direction 
of the Group’s investment strategy and is a 
member of the Responsibility Committee.

Tim is a Chartered Surveyor with over 14 years 
of real	estate	experience	and	is	responsible	
for creating	and	implementing	asset	level	
business plans in line with the portfolio’s 
strategic direction	and	is	a	member	of	the	
Responsibility Committee.

07

Andrew Dewhirst
Finance Director 

Responsible	for	the	financial	strategy	and	
reporting	for	the	Group,	Andrew	has	over	30 years	
of	experience	within	the	financial	services	and real	
estate sectors.

08

Jay Cable 
Senior Director and Head of Asset Management 

A Chartered Surveyor with over 20 years of real 
estate experience, Jay has worked with the Group 
since its launch in 2005. He is responsible for the 
proactive asset management of the portfolio and 
overseeing its strategic direction, and is a member 
of the Executive Committee and the Transaction 
and Finance Committee.

09

Lucy Stearman 
Assistant Accountant 

Lucy has over ten years of experience within 
financial	services	and	joined	the	Group	in	
April 2019	to	assist	with	the	accounting	and	
financial	reporting.	

02

James Forman 
Director of Accounting 

James	is	a	Certified	Accountant	and	has	worked	
with the Group since its launch in 2005 and has 
over 20 years of experience in the real estate 
sector. He is responsible for all the accounting and 
financial	reporting	for	the	Group	and	is	a	member	
of the Transaction and Finance Committee.

03

Mark Alder
Head of Occupier Services

Mark is a Chartered Surveyor with over 35 years 
of property management experience. He is 
responsible for delivering effective property 
management and strengthening our relationship 
with our occupiers.

04

Michael Morris 
Chief Executive

Michael has over 25 years of experience within 
the UK	commercial	property	sector	and	is	
responsible for the strategic direction and effective 
execution of the Group’s business model.

05

 Melissa Ricardo
Office Manager

Melissa joined in 2017 and is responsible for 
the day-to-day	management	of	the	office	
and oversees	the	administrative	aspects	of	
the Company.

72

Picton Property Income Limited Annual Report 2022

01

02

03

04

05

06

07

08

09

  Picton Property Income Limited  Annual Report 2022

73

Strategic ReportGovernanceFinancial StatementsAdditional InformationLeadership and Purpose

Leadership and purpose

Purpose

Our purpose is to be a responsible 
owner of commercial real estate, 
helping our occupiers succeed and 
being valued by all our stakeholders.

The role of the Board
The	Board	is	responsible	for	the	long-term	success	of	
the business.	It	provides	leadership	and	direction,	with	
due regard to the views of all of the stakeholders in the 
business. The Board operates in an open and transparent 
way, and seeks to engage with its shareholders, 
employees, occupiers and local communities. 

The Board has full responsibility for the direction and 
control of the business, and sets and implements 
strategy, within a framework of strong internal controls 
and risk management. It establishes the culture and 
values	of	the Group.	

The Board has a schedule of matters reserved for its 
attention.	This	includes	all	acquisitions	and	significant	
disposals,	significant	leasing	transactions,	dividend	
policy, gearing and major expenditure.

The Board has collectively a range of skills and experience 
that are complementary and relevant to the business.

These are set out in the biographies of the individual 
Directors on pages 70 and 71.

Our culture and values
Principled
We are professional, diligent and strategic. 

Demonstrated through our transparent reporting, occupier 
focused approach, alignment with shareholders, delivery of 
our Picton Promise, our commitment to sustainability and 
positive environmental initiatives. 

Perceptive 
We are insightful, thoughtful and intuitive.

Demonstrated	through	our	long-term	track	record,	
our gearing	strategy,	diverse	sector	allocation	and	
engagement with our occupiers. 

Progressive 
We	are	forward-thinking,	enterprising,	and	continually	
advancing.

Demonstrated through our culture, work ethic, and 
proactive asset management. 

Board meetings
The Board has a regular schedule of meetings throughout 
the year. There are normally two scheduled Board 
meetings	each	quarter;	the	first	to	deal	with	regular	
operational matters such as approval of the dividend 
and to review key portfolio activity; and the second to 
consider more strategic matters and thematic discussions. 
Meetings are also scheduled for the approval of the 
annual	and	half-year	results.	External	advisers	are	invited	
to attend Board meetings on a regular basis. Meetings 
this year have been a mixture of in person and virtual.

74

Picton Property Income Limited Annual Report 2022

Attendance at Board and Committee meetings

Board members

Date appointed

Board

Audit and Risk

Remuneration

Property 
Valuation

Nomination

Lena Wilson
Michael Morris
Andrew Dewhirst
Mark Batten
Maria Bentley
Richard Jones

Total number of meetings

01.01.2021
01.10.2015
01.10.2018
01.10.2017
01.10.2018
01.09.2020

9/10
10/10
10/10
10/10
10/10
10/10

10

–
–
–
4/4
4/4
4/4

4

5/5
–
–
5/5
5/5
5/5

5

4/4
–
–
4/4
4/4
4/4

4

2/2
–
–
2/2
2/2
2/2

2

The above meetings were the scheduled Board and Committee meetings. Additional meetings were held to deal with 
other	matters	as	required	and	are	not	included	above.	Lena	Wilson	was	unable	to	attend	one	Board	meeting	due	to	a	
medical issue.

Board Committees
The	Board	has	established	four	Committees: 
Audit and Risk, Remuneration, Property Valuation and 
Nomination.	These	are	comprised	entirely	of	Non-Executive	
Directors	and	operate	within	defined	terms	of	reference.	

The terms of reference are available 
on the Company’s website. 

Conflicts of interest
Directors	are	required	to	notify	the	Company	of	any	
potential	conflicts	of	interest	that	they	may	have.	
Any conflicts	are	recorded	and	reviewed	by	the	Board	
at each	meeting.	No	conflicts	have	been	recorded	
during the year.

  Picton Property Income Limited  Annual Report 2022

75

Strategic ReportGovernanceFinancial StatementsAdditional InformationLeadership and Purpose continued

Board activities in 2021/22
The Board met on ten occasions during the year, as well as having a more informal Strategy Day. Here we have set 
out the key activities and approvals over the year. Throughout the year we have maintained a programme of Board 
education within the schedule of regular meetings, with relevant external input. How the Board has engaged with all its 
stakeholders is set out on pages 78 and 79, and consideration of Section 172 matters is described on pages 58 and 59.

2021

The following 
recurring matters 
were considered 
and discussed at 
these meetings

The Board 
considered and 
approved the 
following matters

April/May

June/July

September

–  Review	of	quarterly	

management accounts
–  Review of portfolio activity

–  Review of portfolio and 

–  Review of portfolio and 

financial forecasts

financial forecasts

–  Market update from the 

–  Market update from the 

–  Review	of	quarterly 

management accounts

–  Review of portfolio 

and	financial	forecasts

–  Review	of	quarterly 

management accounts

–  Review of portfolio 

and	financial	forecasts

–  Review of portfolio activity

–  Market update from the 

–  Review of portfolio activity

–  Market update from the 

Company’s brokers

–  Report from the 

Company Secretary

–  Health and Safety matters 

Company’s brokers

across the portfolio

–  Report from the 

–  Review of the external auditor

Company Secretary

Company’s brokers

–  Report from the 

Company Secretary

Company’s brokers

–  Report from the 

Company Secretary
–  Review	of	quarterly	

management accounts
–  Review of portfolio activity
–  Health and safety matters 

across the portfolio

–  The	quarterly	dividend	for	the	

January to March 2021 period at 
the rate of 0.8 pence per share

–  The disposal of Victoria 
Street Huddersfield

–  The updated Health and 

–  The Company’s Modern Slavery 
Statement for the year ended 
31 March 2021

–  Acceptance of the 

Safety policy	

recommendation from the 
Property Valuation Committee in 
respect of the 31 March 2021 
independent valuation

–  The	significant	rent	review	at 
Washington, Tyne and Wear.

–  The new fee rates for the 

Non-Executive	Directors	with	
effect from 1 April 2021.

–  The Annual Report for the year 
ended 31 March 2021 and the 
Stock Exchange announcement 
of the results
–  The Directors’ 

Remuneration Policy	

–  The salary and bonus awards for 
the year ended 31 March 2021

–  Deferred Bonus and LTIP share 

awards for the team

–  The	acquisition	of	Madleaze	
Trading Estate Gloucester

–  The	quarterly	dividend	for	the	
April to June 2021 period at an 
increased rate of 0.85 pence 
per share

–  Acceptance of the 
recommendation 
from the Property 
Valuation Committee 
in respect of the 30 June 2021 
independent valuation

–  Corporate bonus objectives 
for the	Executive	Directors	
for 2021/22

–  The	quarterly	dividend	for 

–  The Half Year Report 

–  The	quarterly	dividend	for	the 

–  The	acquisition	of	Charlotte 

the July to September 2021 

to 30 September 2021 and the 

October to December 2021 

Terrace London

period at the rate of 0.85 pence 

Stock Exchange announcement 

period, increasing the rate to 

–  The additional loan facility to 

per share

of the results

0.875 pence per share

–  Acceptance of the 

–  Capital expenditure at 

–  Acceptance of the 

be provided by Canada Life, 

and amendment to the terms 

recommendation from the 

180 West George Street Glasgow

recommendation from the 

of the existing facility

Property Valuation Committee in 

–  The proposed net zero carbon 

respect of the 31 December 2021 

pathway, with a target date 

independent valuation

of 2040

–  The annual approval of policies

Property Valuation Committee in 

respect of reappointments to the 

various Committees

–  Acceptance of the 

recommendation from the 

Nomination Committee in 

respect of the 30 September 

2021 independent valuation

–  The updated ESG Policy 

–  The	acquisition	of	Mill	

Place Gloucester

The Board discussed 
the following one-off 
items of business

–  Actions arising from the previous 
Strategy Day and the agenda for 
the forthcoming Strategy Day
–  Initial salary review and bonus 

–  Consideration of a corporate 
transaction proposal and 
feedback received from 
financial	adviser

–  Results and action points from 
the previous Board evaluation

–  Format of the forthcoming 
Annual General meeting

proposals for the team

–  Review of independent 

–  Options for increasing the 

–  Progress on the development 

–  The results of the Board 

–  Reviewed the feedback from 

Group’s loan facilities

of the carbon net zero pathway

Evaluation and actions arising

the latest employee 

–  Consideration of resource 

–  Feedback from the Annual 

–  Review of feedback received on 

engagement survey, and 

within the team

General Meeting, and in particular 

corporate proposal

considered actions arising

–  Feedback from shareholders in 

relation to the Policy consultation

benchmarking report on market 
remuneration levels, both for 
employees and directors
–  The appointment of JLL as 

consultant for the net zero and 
TCFD projects

76

Picton Property Income Limited Annual Report 2022

–  Making the Better Buildings 

the communications received 

Partnership Climate Change 

from shareholders in respect of 

Commitment once the net zero 

the Remuneration report

pathway has been completed

–  A presentation on property 

–  Arrangements for the 

technology and how this could 

forthcoming Annual 

General Meeting

be of relevance to Picton

–  Consideration of corporate 

transaction proposal and 

offer letter

–  Review	of	quarterly	

management accounts

–  Review of portfolio and 

–  Review of portfolio and 

financial forecasts

financial forecasts

–  Review of portfolio activity

–  Market update from the 

–  Market update from the 

Company’s brokers

–  Report from the 

Company Secretary

Company’s brokers

–  Report from the 

Company Secretary

–  Review	of	quarterly	

management accounts

–  Review of portfolio activity

–  Health and safety matters 

across the portfolio

The following 

recurring matters 

were considered 

and discussed at 

these meetings

The Board 

considered and 

approved the 

following matters

–  Acceptance of the 

Safety policy	

recommendation from the 

–  Deferred Bonus and LTIP share 

Property Valuation Committee in 

awards for the team

respect of the 31 March 2021 

–  The	acquisition	of	Madleaze	

independent valuation

Trading Estate Gloucester

–  The	significant	rent	review	at 

–  The	quarterly	dividend	for	the	

Washington, Tyne and Wear.

–  The new fee rates for the 

April to June 2021 period at an 

increased rate of 0.85 pence 

Non-Executive	Directors	with	

per share

effect from 1 April 2021.

–  The Annual Report for the year 

ended 31 March 2021 and the 

–  Acceptance of the 

recommendation 

from the Property 

Stock Exchange announcement 

Valuation Committee 

of the results

–  The Directors’ 

in respect of the 30 June 2021 

independent valuation

Remuneration Policy	

–  Corporate bonus objectives 

–  The salary and bonus awards for 

for the	Executive	Directors	

the year ended 31 March 2021

for 2021/22

The Board discussed 

the following one-off 

items of business

–  Actions arising from the previous 

–  Consideration of a corporate 

–  Results and action points from 

Strategy Day and the agenda for 

transaction proposal and 

the previous Board evaluation

the forthcoming Strategy Day

feedback received from 

–  Format of the forthcoming 

–  Initial salary review and bonus 

financial	adviser

Annual General meeting

proposals for the team

–  Review of independent 

–  Feedback from shareholders in 

benchmarking report on market 

relation to the Policy consultation

remuneration levels, both for 

employees and directors

–  The appointment of JLL as 

consultant for the net zero and 

TCFD projects

October

December

2022

January

March

–  Review	of	quarterly 

management accounts
–  Review of portfolio activity
–  Health and Safety matters 

across the portfolio

–  Review of portfolio 

and	financial	forecasts
–  Market update from the 

Company’s brokers

–  Report from the 

–  Review of the external auditor

Company Secretary

–  Review	of	quarterly 

management accounts
–  Review of portfolio activity

–  Review of portfolio 

and	financial	forecasts
–  Market update from the 

Company’s brokers

–  Report from the 

Company Secretary

–  The	quarterly	dividend	for	the	

–  The disposal of Victoria 

–  The Company’s Modern Slavery 

–  The	quarterly	dividend	for 

–  The Half Year Report 

January to March 2021 period at 

Street Huddersfield

Statement for the year ended 

the rate of 0.8 pence per share

–  The updated Health and 

31 March 2021

the July to September 2021 
period at the rate of 0.85 pence 
per share

to 30 September 2021 and the 
Stock Exchange announcement 
of the results

–  The	quarterly	dividend	for	the 
October to December 2021 
period, increasing the rate to 
0.875 pence per share

–  Acceptance of the 

–  Capital expenditure at 

–  Acceptance of the 

180 West George Street Glasgow

recommendation from the 
Property Valuation Committee in 
respect of the 31 December 2021 
independent valuation

recommendation from the 
Property Valuation Committee in 
respect of reappointments to the 
various Committees

–  Acceptance of the 

recommendation from the 
Nomination Committee in 
respect of the 30 September 
2021 independent valuation

–  The updated ESG Policy 
–  The	acquisition	of	Mill	

Place Gloucester

–  The	acquisition	of	Charlotte 

Terrace London

–  The additional loan facility to 
be provided by Canada Life, 
and amendment to the terms 
of the existing facility

–  The proposed net zero carbon 
pathway, with a target date 
of 2040

–  The annual approval of policies

–  Options for increasing the 

Group’s loan facilities

–  Progress on the development 
of the carbon net zero pathway

–  Consideration of resource 

–  Feedback from the Annual 

within the team

–  Making the Better Buildings 
Partnership Climate Change 
Commitment once the net zero 
pathway has been completed

–  Arrangements for the 
forthcoming Annual 
General Meeting

General Meeting, and in particular 
the communications received 
from shareholders in respect of 
the Remuneration report
–  A presentation on property 

technology and how this could 
be of relevance to Picton
–  Consideration of corporate 
transaction proposal and 
offer letter

–  The results of the Board 

–  Reviewed the feedback from 

Evaluation and actions arising
–  Review of feedback received on 

corporate proposal

the latest employee 
engagement survey, and 
considered actions arising

  Picton Property Income Limited  Annual Report 2022

77

Strategic ReportGovernanceFinancial StatementsAdditional InformationLeadership and Purpose continued

Engagement  
with stakeholders
We believe that taking into account the views 
of	our	key	stakeholders	is	critical	to	the	long-term	
success of the business. We engage with all of our 
stakeholders to understand what is important to them. 
The following table sets out our key stakeholders 
and how we effectively engage with them.

Our section 172 statement for the year ended 31 March 
2022 is on pages 58 to 59 and sets out how some 
of the key decisions made by the Board during the 
year were guided by stakeholder engagement.

78

Picton Property Income Limited Annual Report 2022

Stakeholders and what is important to them

How we engage

What we have done this year

Our people
 ‒ Fair	and	equal	treatment
 ‒ Career development
 ‒ Fair pay and conditions
 ‒ Good work/life balance
 ‒ Positive work culture and values

We have a small team and engage regularly with them. 

We	have	returned	to	the	office	this	year	on	a	flexible	basis,	

We have an appraisal process where each member of the 

so	that	the	team	spend	three	days	a	week	in	the	office.	

team will discuss their performance and objectives with 

The results of the employee survey showed the team 

their line manager twice a year. We carry out an annual 

remained positive and morale was good.

employee survey, and the results of this are discussed at a 

meeting	held	with	our	designated	Non-Executive	Director	

for employee engagement, Maria Bentley.

Local communities 
and charities
 ‒ Local employment opportunities
 ‒  Positive contribution to local economy
 ‒ Safe and clean environment

We are committed to improving local communities 

Our charitable donations for the year were £16,000. We 

where we own buildings, whether providing space to 

supported a range of charities, including the children’s 

local businesses, improvement of local areas or 

charity Coram. Tim Hamlin, our Director of Asset 

minimising the environmental impact of buildings 

Management, successfully completed the London 

Marathon in October, raising funds for Coram.

themselves. We engage through our charity and 

community initiatives and through our occupier 

engagement programme.

Our occupiers
 ‒ Cost effective space suited to their needs
 ‒ Fair lease terms
 ‒ Well-managed,	efficiently	run	and	

sustainable buildings

 ‒ Good relationships

One of our key priorities is to work with our occupiers, so 

We have continued our engagement with occupiers this 

that we can understand their needs and aim to meet 

year as the impacts of the pandemic have still been felt. 

their	current	and	future	requirements.	Our	asset	

We have also engaged with occupiers on the impacts of 

managers, guided by our Picton Promise, maintain 

climate change, and what actions can be taken to 

regular contact with occupiers and discuss with them any 

improve	energy	efficiency	at	our	properties	and	reducing	

issues regarding the buildings and any future plans we 

carbon emissions.

have. Our Head of Occupier Services has developed an 

occupier engagement programme and attends occupier 

meetings and other events. We send out an occupier 

newsletter regularly with relevant and helpful information.

Our investors
 ‒ Clear strategy
 ‒ Regular dividends
 ‒ Financial performance
 ‒  Clear and transparent reporting

We value the views of all our shareholders and senior 

We have increased the dividend on two occasions this year, 

management hold regular meetings to update 

and	we	have	now	restored	it	back	to	the	pre-pandemic	

shareholders on progress and activity. We issue regular 

level, as our rent collection rates have returned to normal.

investor	updates	with	key	financial	highlights	and	updates	

on	the	portfolio.	Our	website	provides	investors	with	up-

to-date	information	about	the	Group.	This	year	we	again	

held the Annual General Meeting as a closed meeting but 

hope in the future that we will be able to return to open 

meetings and would welcome shareholder attendance.

We sought consultation from our major shareholders 

regarding our new Directors’ Remuneration Policy ahead 

of it being put to the Annual General Meeting. We have 

subsequently	had	further	discussions	with	shareholders	

following the meeting and will consult further ahead of 

this year’s Annual General Meeting.

Suppliers
 ‒ Prompt payment
 ‒ Fair terms of business
 ‒ Long-term	relationships

We	seek	to	maintain	productive	and	long-term	

relationships with our business partners. We have 

in place a framework for conducting business 

across the Group in a way that makes a positive 

contribution to society, while minimising any 

negative impact on people and the environment

We have continued to ensure that our suppliers are paid 

promptly and within payment terms.

Stakeholders and what is important to them

How we engage

What we have done this year

Our people

 ‒ Fair	and	equal	treatment

 ‒ Career development

 ‒ Fair pay and conditions

 ‒ Good work/life balance

 ‒ Positive work culture and values

We have a small team and engage regularly with them. 
We have an appraisal process where each member of the 
team will discuss their performance and objectives with 
their line manager twice a year. We carry out an annual 
employee survey, and the results of this are discussed at a 
meeting	held	with	our	designated	Non-Executive	Director	
for employee engagement, Maria Bentley.

We	have	returned	to	the	office	this	year	on	a	flexible	basis,	
so	that	the	team	spend	three	days	a	week	in	the	office.	
The results of the employee survey showed the team 
remained positive and morale was good.

Local communities 

and charities

 ‒ Local employment opportunities

 ‒  Positive contribution to local economy

 ‒ Safe and clean environment

We are committed to improving local communities 
where we own buildings, whether providing space to 
local businesses, improvement of local areas or 
minimising the environmental impact of buildings 
themselves. We engage through our charity and 
community initiatives and through our occupier 
engagement programme.

Our charitable donations for the year were £16,000. We 
supported a range of charities, including the children’s 
charity Coram. Tim Hamlin, our Director of Asset 
Management, successfully completed the London 
Marathon in October, raising funds for Coram.

Our occupiers

 ‒ Cost effective space suited to their needs

 ‒ Fair lease terms

 ‒ Well-managed,	efficiently	run	and	

sustainable buildings

 ‒ Good relationships

One of our key priorities is to work with our occupiers, so 
that we can understand their needs and aim to meet 
their	current	and	future	requirements.	Our	asset	
managers, guided by our Picton Promise, maintain 
regular contact with occupiers and discuss with them any 
issues regarding the buildings and any future plans we 
have. Our Head of Occupier Services has developed an 
occupier engagement programme and attends occupier 
meetings and other events. We send out an occupier 
newsletter regularly with relevant and helpful information.

We have continued our engagement with occupiers this 
year as the impacts of the pandemic have still been felt. 
We have also engaged with occupiers on the impacts of 
climate change, and what actions can be taken to 
improve	energy	efficiency	at	our	properties	and	reducing	
carbon emissions.

Our investors

 ‒ Clear strategy

 ‒ Regular dividends

 ‒ Financial performance

 ‒  Clear and transparent reporting

We value the views of all our shareholders and senior 
management hold regular meetings to update 
shareholders on progress and activity. We issue regular 
investor	updates	with	key	financial	highlights	and	updates	
on	the	portfolio.	Our	website	provides	investors	with	up-
to-date	information	about	the	Group.	This	year	we	again	
held the Annual General Meeting as a closed meeting but 
hope in the future that we will be able to return to open 
meetings and would welcome shareholder attendance.

We have increased the dividend on two occasions this year, 
and	we	have	now	restored	it	back	to	the	pre-pandemic	
level, as our rent collection rates have returned to normal.

We sought consultation from our major shareholders 
regarding our new Directors’ Remuneration Policy ahead 
of it being put to the Annual General Meeting. We have 
subsequently	had	further	discussions	with	shareholders	
following the meeting and will consult further ahead of 
this year’s Annual General Meeting.

Suppliers

 ‒ Prompt payment

 ‒ Fair terms of business

 ‒ Long-term	relationships

We	seek	to	maintain	productive	and	long-term	
relationships with our business partners. We have 
in place a framework for conducting business 
across the Group in a way that makes a positive 
contribution to society, while minimising any 
negative impact on people and the environment

We have continued to ensure that our suppliers are paid 
promptly and within payment terms.

  Picton Property Income Limited  Annual Report 2022

79

Strategic ReportGovernanceFinancial StatementsAdditional InformationDivision of Responsibilities 

The role of the Board and its Committees

The Board

Chair: Lena Wilson CBE

Comprises: 2	Executive	Directors	and	4	Non-Executive	Directors

Responsibilities:

–  Direction and control of the business
–  Overall	long-term	success
–  Sets and implements strategy 
–  Establishes the culture and values of the business
–  Promotes wider stakeholder relationships

Board Committees

Audit and Risk 
Chair:  
Mark Batten

Remuneration 
Chair:  
Maria Bentley

Property Valuation 
Chair:  
Richard Jones

Nomination 
Chair:  
Lena Wilson CBE

Comprises:  
3	Non-Executive	Directors

Comprises:  
4	Non-Executive	Directors

Comprises:  
4	Non-Executive	Directors

Comprises:  
4	Non-Executive	Directors

Responsibilities:
–  Oversees	financial	

reporting
–  Monitors risk 
management

–  Reviews system of 
internal controls

–  Evaluates external auditor

Responsibilities:
–  Determines 

remuneration policy
–  Sets remuneration of 
Executive Directors
–  Reviews remuneration 
of whole workforce

–  Approves bonus 
and LTIP awards

Responsibilities:
–  Oversees the 
independent 
valuation process
–  Recommends the 
appointment and 
remuneration 
of the valuer

–  Ensures compliance with 

applicable standards

Responsibilities:
–  Recommends Board 

appointments

–  Considers succession 

planning

–  Board evaluation
–  Board composition 

and diversity

Management Committees

Executive Committee

Chair: Michael Morris

Comprises: 2 Executive Directors and 1 senior executive

Responsibilities:
–  Implementation of strategy
–  Manages operations
–  Day-to-day	management	of	the	business
–  Employee remuneration and development

Transaction and Finance

Chair: Michael Morris

Responsibility

Chair: Andrew Dewhirst

Comprises: 2 Executive Directors and senior management

Comprises: 1 Executive Director and senior management

Responsibilities:
–  Reviews and recommends portfolio transactions
–  Monitors portfolio costs
–  Reviews compliance with lending covenants

Responsibilities:
–  Determines sustainability policy and strategy
–  Monitors compliance with relevant standards and legislation
–  Oversees Health and Safety Committee
–  Approves sustainability reporting
–  Employee wellbeing

80

Picton Property Income Limited Annual Report 2022

Responsibilities of the Directors

The	roles	and	responsibilities	of	each	of	the	Directors	are	explained	below:

Role

Chair
Lena Wilson CBE

Chief Executive
Michael Morris

Responsibilities

 ‒ Leads the Board 
 ‒ Responsible for overall Board effectiveness
 ‒ Promotes Company culture and values
 ‒ Sets the agenda and tone of Board discussions
 ‒ Ensures that all Directors receive full and timely information to enable effective 

decision making

 ‒ Promotes open debate at meetings
 ‒ Ensures effective communication with stakeholders
 ‒ Fosters	productive	relationships	between	Executive	and	Non-Executive	Directors

 ‒ Develops and recommends strategy to the Board
 ‒ Responsible for the implementation of strategy set by the Board
 ‒ Manages	the	business	on	a	day-to-day	basis
 ‒ Manages communication with shareholders and ensures that their views are 

represented to the Board

Senior Independent Director
Mark Batten

 ‒ Leads the evaluation of the Chair
 ‒ Available for communication with shareholders when other channels are not 

appropriate

Non-Executive Directors
Mark Batten
Maria Bentley
Richard Jones

Executive Director
Andrew Dewhirst

 ‒ Bring independent judgement and scrutiny to the decisions of the Board
 ‒ Bring a range of skills and experience to the deliberations of the Board
 ‒ Monitor business progress against agreed strategy
 ‒ Review	the	risk	management	framework	and	the	integrity	of	financial	information
 ‒ Determine the remuneration policy for the Group and approve performance 

targets in line with strategy

 ‒ Supports the Chief Executive in the formulation of strategy
 ‒ Manages	the	financial	operations	of	the	Group
 ‒ Develops	and	maintains	the	system	of	financial	controls	within	the	Group
 ‒ Recommends the risk management framework to the Audit and Risk Committee 

and the Board

  Picton Property Income Limited  Annual Report 2022

81

Strategic ReportGovernanceFinancial StatementsAdditional InformationComposition, Succession and Evaluation

Board composition 
and diversity

These charts set out the Board’s composition, 
tenure and diversity characteristics.

The Board currently comprises the Chair, two Executive 
Directors	and	three	independent	Non-Executive	
Directors.	The	Non-Executive	Directors	bring	a	variety	
of skills	and	business	experience	to	the	Board.	Their	
role is	to	bring	independent	judgement	and	scrutiny	
to the	recommendations	of	the	Executive	Directors.	
Each	of	the	Non-Executive	Directors	is	considered	
to be independent	in	character	and	judgement.

As at 31 March 2022 the Board comprised 50% 
independent	Non-Executive	Directors.

The biographies of the Directors can be found 
on pages 70	and	71, which set out their skills and 
experience, and their membership of each of 
the Committees.

82

Picton Property Income Limited Annual Report 2022

Function

	 Non-Executive	Chair	–	1	(17%)

	 Executive	Directors	–	2	(33%)

	 	Independent	Non-Executive	 
Directors	–	3	(50%)

Tenure

	 0	to	3	years	–	2	(33%)

	 3	to	6	years	–	3	(50%)

	 6	to	9	years	–	1	(17%)

Diversity

	 Male	–	4	(67%)

	 Female	–	2	(33%)

Age

	 45	to	50	years	–	1	(17%)

	 55	to	60	years	–	1	(17%)

	 60	to	65	years	–	4	(66%)

Nomination Committee

The members of the Nomination 
Committee are Lena Wilson, 
Richard Jones, Mark Batten  
and Maria Bentley. 

The role of the Committee is to consider the 
size, structure and composition of the Board 
to ensure that it has the right balance of skills, 
knowledge, experience and diversity to carry 
out its duties and provide effective leadership. 
In making any new appointment the Board 
will consider a number of factors, but 
principally the skills and experience that will 
be	relevant	to	the	specific	role	and	that	will	
complement the existing Board members.

It is also the Committee’s role to consider 
succession planning for the Board and for 
the Executive team, and to lead on the 
appointment process, ensuring that this 
is formal, rigorous and transparent.

The Committee makes recommendations 
to the Board regarding the composition  
of the Remuneration, Audit and Risk, 
Nomination and Property Valuation 
Committees, taking into account 
individuals’ time commitments  
and experience.

  Picton Property Income Limited  Annual Report 2022

83

Strategic ReportGovernanceFinancial StatementsAdditional InformationAudit, Risks and Internal Controls

Audit, risks and 
internal controls

The Board has established procedures to manage 
risk, oversee the framework of internal controls 
and determine its risk appetite to achieve its long-
term strategic objectives.

The Board and the Audit and Risk Committee are 
responsible for ensuring that the Group has an effective 
internal control and risk management system and that 
the	Annual	Report	provides	a	fair	reflection	of	the	
Group’s activities during the year following its review of 
the methodology.

The Property Valuation Committee has oversight of 
the independent	valuers	and	the	valuation	process.	
It recommends	the	adoption	of	the	quarterly	valuations	
by the Board, following its review of the methodology 
and assumptions used by CBRE Limited, the 
independent valuers.

the internal control systems in place. The Board 
continues to place reliance on the Company’s 
Administrator’s internal control systems.

These systems are designed to ensure effective and 
efficient	operations,	internal	control	and	compliance	
with laws and regulations. In establishing the 
systems of internal control, regard is paid to the 
materiality of relevant risks, the likelihood of costs 
being incurred and costs of control. It follows, 
therefore, that the systems of internal control can 
only provide reasonable, but not absolute, assurance 
against the risk of material misstatement or loss.

The effectiveness of the internal control systems is 
reviewed annually by the Audit and Risk Committee 
and the Board. The Audit and Risk Committee has a 
discussion annually with the auditor to ensure that there 
are no issues of concern in relation to the audit opinion 
on	the	financial	statements	and	representatives	of	
senior management are excluded from that discussion.

Internal control and risk management
The Board is responsible for establishing and 
maintaining the Group’s system of internal controls and 
reviewing its effectiveness. Internal control systems are 
designed to manage the achievement of business 
objectives, rather than eliminate the failure to achieve 
them and can only provide reasonable, and not absolute, 
assurance against material misstatement or loss. They 
have therefore established an ongoing process designed 
to meet the particular needs of the Group in managing 
the risks to which it is exposed, consistent with the 
guidance provided by the Turnbull Committee. Such 
review procedures have been in place throughout the 
full	financial	year,	and	up	to	the	date	of	the	approval	of	
the	financial	statements,	and	the	Board	is	satisfied	with	
their effectiveness.

This process involves a review by the Board of the control 
environment within the Group’s service providers to 
ensure	that	the	Group’s	requirements	are	met.

The Group does not have an internal audit function. 
Given the scale of the Group’s operations, the Board 
determined that additional procedures carried 
out by the external auditor in conjunction with 
the audit of the Group’s accounts would provide 
the	Board	with	sufficient	assurance	regarding	

  Picton Property Income Limited  Annual Report 2022

85

Strategic ReportGovernanceFinancial StatementsAdditional InformationAudit, Risks and Internal Controls continued

Audit and Risk  
Committee

The Audit and Risk Committee is 
chaired by Mark Batten. The other 
members of the Committee are 
Richard Jones and Maria Bentley.

Meetings of the Audit and Risk Committee are attended 
by the Group’s Finance Director and other members of 
the	finance	team,	and	the	external	auditor.	The	external	
auditor is given the opportunity to discuss matters 
without management presence.

The Committee was satisfied 
that the 2022 Annual Report 
is fair, balanced and 
understandable.

Mark Batten
Chair of the Audit  
and Risk Committee

86

Picton Property Income Limited Annual Report 2022

Terms of reference
The Committee’s terms of reference include consideration 
of	the	following	issues:

 ‒ Financial	reporting,	including	significant	accounting	

judgements and accounting policies;

 ‒ Development of a comprehensive Risk Management 

Policy for the adoption by the Group;

 ‒ Evaluation	of	the	Group’s	risk	profile	and	risk	

appetite, and	whether	these	are	aligned	with	its	
investment objectives;

 ‒ Ensuring	that	key	risks,	including	climate-related	risks,	

are	being	effectively	identified,	measured,	managed,	
mitigated and reported; 

 ‒ Internal controls, controls testing and risk 

management systems;

 ‒ The Group’s relationship with the external auditor, 

including effectiveness and independence;

 ‒ Internal audit; and
 ‒ Reporting responsibilities.

Visit our website picton.co.uk

Activity
The Audit and Risk Committee met four times during 
the year	ended	31	March	2022	and	considered	the	
following	matters:

 ‒ External audit strategy and plan;
 ‒ Audit	and	accounting	issues	of	significance;
 ‒ The Annual and Interim Reports of the Group;
 ‒ Reports from the external auditor;
 ‒ The effectiveness of the audit process and the 

independence of KPMG Channel Islands Limited;

 ‒ Review of the Group’s Risk Management Policy 

and appetite;

 ‒ Review of the risk matrix and mitigating controls;
 ‒ Review of internal audit services; and
 ‒ Stock Exchange announcements.

Financial reporting and significant reporting matters
The	Committee	considers	all	financial	information	
published	in	the	annual	and	half-year	financial	statements	
and considers accounting policies adopted by the Group, 
presentation	and	disclosure	of	the	financial	information	
and the key judgements made by management in 
preparing	the	financial	statements.

The Directors are responsible for preparing the Annual 
Report.	At	the	request	of	the	Board,	the	Committee	
considered whether the 2022 Annual Report was fair, 
balanced and understandable and whether it provided 
the necessary	information	for	shareholders	to	assess	the	
Group’s strategy, business model and performance. 

The key area of judgement that the Committee considered 
in	reviewing	the	financial	statements	was	the	valuation	of	
the Group’s investment properties.

The	valuation	is	conducted	on	a	quarterly	basis	by	
independent valuers and is subject to oversight by the 
Property Valuation Committee. It is a key component of the 
annual	and	half-year	financial	statements	and	is	inherently	
subjective,	requiring	significant	judgement.	Members	of	
the Property Valuation Committee, together with members 
of the Picton team, meet with the independent valuer on a 
quarterly	basis	to	review	the	valuations	and	underlying	
assumptions,	including	the	year-end	valuation	process.	The	
Chair of the Property Valuation Committee reported to the 
Audit and Risk Committee at its meeting in April 2022 and 
confirmed	that	the	following	matters	had	been	considered	
in	discussions	with	the	independent	valuers:

 ‒ Property market conditions;
 ‒ Yields on properties within the portfolio;
 ‒ Letting activity and vacant properties;
 ‒ Covenant strength and lease lengths;
 ‒ Estimated rental values; and
 ‒ Comparable market evidence.

The Audit and Risk Committee reviewed the Report 
from the Chair of the Property Valuation Committee 
including the assumptions applied to the valuation and 
considered their appropriateness, as well as considering 
current market trends and conditions, and valuation 
movements	compared	to	previous	quarters.	The	
Committee considered the valuation and agreed that 
this	was	appropriate	for	the	financial	statements.	

The	Committee	was	satisfied	that	the	2022	Annual	Report	
is fair, balanced and understandable and included the 
necessary information as set out above, and it has 
confirmed	this	to	the	Board.

Risk Management Policy
The Committee has considered and developed a 
comprehensive Risk Management Policy which has 
been adopted	by	the	Group.

The purpose of the Risk Management Policy is to 
strengthen the proper management of risks through 
proactive	risk	identification,	measurement,	management,	
mitigation and reporting in respect of all activities 
undertaken by the Group. The Risk Management Policy is 
intended	to:

 ‒ Ensure that major risks are reported to the Board 

for review;

 ‒ Result in the management of those risks that may 

significantly	affect	the	pursuit	of	the	stated	strategic	
goals and objectives;

 ‒ Embed a culture of evaluation and identify risks at 

multiple levels within the Group; and
 ‒ Meet	legal	and	regulatory	requirements.	

Internal controls and internal audit
The Board is responsible for the Company’s internal control 
system and for reviewing its effectiveness. It has therefore 
established a process designed to meet the particular 
needs of the Company in managing the risks to which it 
is exposed.

  Picton Property Income Limited  Annual Report 2022

87

Strategic ReportGovernanceFinancial StatementsAdditional InformationAnnual auditor assessment
On an annual basis, the Committee assesses the 
qualifications,	expertise	and	independence	of	the	
Group’s external auditor, as well as the effectiveness of 
the audit process. It does this through discussion and 
enquiry	with	senior	management,	review	of	a	detailed	
assessment	questionnaire	and	confirmation	from	
the external auditor. The Committee also considers 
the external audit plan, setting out the auditor’s 
assessment of the key audit risk areas and reporting 
received from the external auditor in respect of both 
the	half-year	and	year-end	reports	and	accounts.

As part of the review of auditor independence and 
effectiveness, KPMG Channel Islands Limited have 
confirmed	that:

 ‒ They have internal procedures in place to identify any 
aspects	of	non-audit	work	which	could	compromise	
their role as auditor and to ensure the objectivity of the 
audit report;

 ‒ The total fees paid by the Group during the year do not 
represent a material part of their total fee income; and

 ‒ They consider that they have maintained their 

independence throughout the year.

In evaluating KPMG Channel Islands Limited, the 
Committee completed its assessment of the external 
auditor	for	the	financial	period	under	review.	It	has	satisfied	
itself	as	to	their	qualifications	and	expertise	and	remains	
confident	that	their	objectivity	and	independence	are	not	
in	any	way	impaired	by	reason	of	the	non-audit	services	
which they provide to the Group.

KPMG Channel Islands Limited have been auditor to the 
Group since the year ended 31 December 2009. They were 
reappointed as the Group’s auditor following a tender 
process in February 2020. The current audit engagement 
partner,	Deborah	Smith,	has	now	served	five	years	as	audit	
partner, and will rotate away from the audit after this year.

The Committee recommends that KPMG Channel Islands 
Limited are recommended for reappointment at the next 
Annual General Meeting.

Mark Batten
Chair of the Audit and Risk Committee
25 May 2022

Audit, Risks and Internal Controls continued

As part of this process, a risk matrix has been prepared 
that	identifies	the	Company’s	key	functions	and	the	
individual activities undertaken within those functions. 
From	this,	the	Board	has	identified	the	Company’s	
principal risks and the controls employed to manage 
those risks. These are reviewed at each Audit and Risk 
Committee meeting. Also, the Committee has agreed 
a programme of additional controls testing which is 
carried out by the external auditor, in order to provide 
the Board with comfort that the controls are operating 
as intended and have been in place throughout the 
year. The Board also monitors the performance of the 
Company against its strategy and receives regular reports 
from management covering all business activities.

The Committee has received and reviewed a copy 
of CBRE Limited’s Real Estate Accounting Services – 
Service Organisation Control Report as at 31 December 
2021, prepared in accordance with International 
Standard on Assurance Engagements 3402, in 
respect of property management accounting services 
provided to Picton Property Income Limited.

The Committee has reviewed the current arrangements 
in place for the testing of internal controls and has 
recommended to the Board that an internal audit 
service provided by a third party would provide 
greater assurance that the Group’s internal controls are 
robust and are operating effectively. The Committee 
intends to make an appointment shortly for a third 
party provider to undertake internal audit services on 
behalf	of	the	Group	for	the	financial	year	2022/23.

Independence of auditor
It	is	the	policy	of	the	Group	that	non-audit	work	will	
not be awarded to the external auditor if there is a risk 
their	independence	may	be	conflicted.	The	Committee	
monitors	the	level	of	fees	incurred	for	non-audit	services	to	
ensure	that	this	is	not	material,	and	obtains	confirmation,	
where appropriate, that separate personnel are involved 
in	any	non-audit	services	provided	to	the	Group.	The	
Committee	must	approve	in	advance	all	non-audit	
assignments to be carried out by the external auditor.

The fees payable to the Group’s auditor and its member 
firms	are	as	follows:

Audit fees
Interim review fees
Non-audit	fees

2022 
£000

174
16
16

206

2021 
£000

174
16
16

206

The	non-audit	fees	include	£16,000	for	additional	controls	
testing, carried out by KPMG Channel Islands Limited.

88

Picton Property Income Limited Annual Report 2022

Property Valuation 
Committee

The Property Valuation Committee 
is chaired by Richard Jones.  
The other members of the Committee  
are Lena Wilson, Mark Batten  
and Maria Bentley. 

  Picton Property Income Limited  Annual Report 2022

89

Strategic ReportGovernanceFinancial StatementsAdditional InformationAudit, Risks and Internal Controls continued

Terms of reference
The	Committee	shall	review	the	quarterly	valuation	
reports produced	by	the	independent	valuers	before	
their submission	to	the	Board,	looking	in	particular	at:

 ‒ Significant	adjustments	from	previous	quarters;
 ‒ Individual property valuations;
 ‒ Commentary from management;
 ‒ Significant	issues	that	should	be	raised	with	

management;

 ‒ Material and unexplained movements in the Company’s 

net asset value;

 ‒ Compliance with applicable standards and guidelines;
 ‒ Reviewing	findings	or	recommendations	of	the	

valuers; and

 ‒ The appointment, remuneration and removal of the 

Company’s valuers, making such recommendations to 
the Board as appropriate.

Visit our website picton.co.uk

Activity
The Committee met four times during the year ended 
31 March 2022. Members of the Property Valuation 
Committee, together with management, met with the 
independent	valuer	each	quarter	to	review	the	valuations	
and	considered	the	following	matters:

 ‒ Property market conditions and trends;
 ‒ Movements	compared	to	previous	quarters;
 ‒ Yields on properties within the portfolio;
 ‒ Letting activity and vacant properties;
 ‒ Covenant strength and lease lengths;
 ‒ Estimated rental values; and
 ‒ Comparable market evidence.

The	Committee	was	satisfied	with	the	valuation	process	
throughout the year.

The Committee was satisfied with 
the valuation process throughout 
the year.

Richard Jones
Chair of the Property Valuation Committee

External valuer
CBRE Limited are appointed as the external valuer of 
the Group and they carry out a valuation of the Group’s 
property	assets	each	quarter,	the	results	of	which	are	
incorporated	into	the	Group’s	half-year	and	annual	financial	
statements,	and	the	quarterly	net	asset	statements.	The	
valuations are done in accordance with the Royal Institution 
of Chartered Surveyors Red Book valuation standards.

The Committee reviewed the performance of the valuer 
and recommended that the appointment be continued 
for a	further	12	months.

The Committee is aware of the recent RICS Review of 
Real Estate	Investment	Valuations	and	the	proposed	
recommendations. We have responded to the consultation 
and will be monitoring the results.

Richard Jones
Chair of the Property Valuation Committee
25 May 2022

90

Picton Property Income Limited Annual Report 2022

Remuneration Report

Remuneration Committee

The Remuneration Committee is chaired 
by Maria Bentley. The other members  
of the Committee are Lena Wilson,  
Mark Batten and Richard Jones.

Other attendees at Committee meetings during the  
year were Michael Morris and Andrew Dewhirst.  
Neither participated in discussions relating to their  
own remuneration.

Our objective is to provide 
straightforward remuneration 
packages for our Executive 
Directors, fair and reasonable  
for all stakeholders.

Maria Bentley
Chair of the  
Remuneration Committee

  Picton Property Income Limited  Annual Report 2022

91

Strategic ReportGovernanceFinancial StatementsAdditional InformationRemuneration Report continued

Terms of reference
The Committee’s terms of reference are available on 
the Company’s	website.	The	principal	functions	of	the	
Committee as set out in the terms of reference include 
the following	matters:

 ‒ Review the ongoing appropriateness and relevance of 

the Directors’ Remuneration Policy;

 ‒ Determine the remuneration of the Chairman, 

Executive Directors and such members of the executive 
management as it is designated to consider;
 ‒ Review the design of all share incentive plans for 

approval by the Board; and

 ‒ Appoint and set the terms of reference for any 

remuneration consultants.

Visit our website picton.co.uk

Advisers
During the year, Deloitte LLP has provided independent 
advice in relation to market data, share valuations, share 
plan administration and content of the Remuneration 
Report. Total fees for the year were £36,150 (calculated 
on	a	time	spent	basis).	Deloitte	LLP	is	a	founding	
member of the Remuneration Consultants Group and, 
as such, voluntarily operates under the code of conduct 
in relation to executive remuneration consulting in 
the	UK.	In	addition,	Deloitte	also	provided	taxation	
services and advice to the Company during the year. The 
Committee has reviewed the nature of this additional 
advice	and	is	satisfied	that	it	does	not	compromise	
the independence of the advice that it has received.

92

Picton Property Income Limited Annual Report 2022

Annual statement
Dear Shareholders

Introduction
On behalf of the Board, I am pleased to introduce the 
Remuneration Committee report for the year ended 
31 March 2022. 

This	report	comprises	three	sections:

 ‒ This annual statement;
 ‒ A Summary of the Directors’ Remuneration Policy; and
 ‒ The Annual Report on Remuneration for the year ended 

31 March 2022.

The	Committee	met	five	times	during	the	year	and	set	out	
below is a summary of its activity.

Implementation of the Remuneration Policy in 2022/23
Our objective is to provide straightforward remuneration 
packages for our Executive Directors, fair and reasonable 
for all stakeholders, which are designed so as to attract 
and retain the right talent and to fairly reward delivery of 
strategic priorities and enhanced shareholder value. In 
last year’s Remuneration Report, I explained why we had 
not	met	aspects	of	this	objective.	I	also	set	out	a	three-
year transitional plan to address those issues whereby 
the Executive Directors’ remuneration packages would 
be	adjusted	to	more	fairly	reflect	their	responsibilities	as	
Directors of a listed company (an adjustment that did not 
take	place	when	we	transitioned	to	a	UK	REIT	in	2018).	That	
transitional plan was the subject of a prior consultation 
in early 2021 with larger shareholders, proxy agencies 
and other stakeholders and I would like to again thank 
all those who were willing to engage in this exercise.

At the 2021 Annual General Meeting, we sought 
shareholder	support	for	our	transitional	three-year	plan.	
The resolution approving the new Remuneration Policy 
had	near	unanimous	support	(97%	in	favour)	but	the	
resolution approving the Remuneration Report for the year 
ended 31 March 2021 was passed albeit with lower overall 
support	(72%	in	favour).

The Committee was pleased by the high level of 
shareholder support for the new Policy and also that 
a majority of shareholders were supportive of the 
Remuneration Report. The Remuneration Committee gave 
careful consideration to executive remuneration during 
the early part of 2021 and sought external input including a 
prior consultation with larger shareholders, proxy agencies 
and other stakeholders prior to determining its proposals 
for Executive Directors under the new Remuneration 
Policy. The views of all our shareholders are important to 
us and as such we have taken feedback from shareholders 
whom we are were aware voted against the Remuneration 
Report	resolution	to	better	understand	their	specific	
concerns. The feedback that we received indicated some 
concerns	primarily	related	to	the	proposed	phased	three-
year transition of the Executive Directors’ remuneration 
packages	and	specifically	to	the	proposed	percentage	
salary increases, despite the proposed reduction in annual 
variable pay, which was intended to offset these increases.

In order to appropriately align 
executive remuneration with 
business performance we 
incorporate KPIs within our 
incentive schemes.

Maria Bentley
Chair of the Remuneration Committee

Recognising these concerns, the Committee has carefully 
considered the Company’s and the Executive Directors’ 
performance	in	the	last	year	to	ensure	that	the approved	
Policy terms for 2022/23 remain appropriate. 

The key performance highlights noted 
by	the	Committee	included:

 ‒ The	Group’s	profit	for	the	year	was	£147	million,	giving	
a total	return	of	28%,	significantly	higher	than	the	
previous year;

 ‒ The Group’s net asset value increased by 24% to £657 

million, or 120 pence per share;

 ‒ The	total	property	return	was	ahead	of	the	MSCI	UK	

Quarterly	Property	Index	for	the	year,	and	our	long-term	
record of outperformance has been maintained over 
one,	three,	five	and	ten	years,	and	since	inception;
 ‒ EPRA earnings rose by 5% compared to 2020/21, 

reflecting	an	increase	in	occupancy,	reduced	provisions	
against debtors and additional income from 
acquisitions;

 ‒ Dividends were increased twice during the year, 

returning	to	the	pre-pandemic	level;

 ‒ One	of	the	loan	facilities	was	re-financed,	increasing	
the term	and	re-setting	the	interest	to	a	lower	rate;
 ‒ The net zero carbon pathway has been published;
 ‒ An	assessment	of	the	Group’s	climate-related	risks	has	

been undertaken;

 ‒ The	proportion	of	the	portfolio’s	EPC	ratings	(A	to	C)	has	

increased to 71% from 64% last year;

 ‒ The number of green leases in place increased by 42 

over the year, and

 ‒ Scope	1	and	2	greenhouse	gas	emissions	fell	by	-27%	

compared to the 2019 baseline.

The	Committee	is	satisfied	that	it	is	appropriate	for	the	
second stage of the transition to proceed. Accordingly, 
as outlined in last year’s Remuneration Report, the base 
salaries of the Chief Executive and Finance Director will be 
increased by 15% to £330,625 and £224,825 respectively 
from 1 April 2022 and their annual bonus opportunity for 
2022/23	will	be	reduced	to	155%	of	salary	(2021/22:	165%).	
The Committee will undertake a similar review next year 
ahead	of	the	proposed	final	stage	of	the	transitional	plan.	

Group performance and alignment
We have set out on pages 28 to 31, the key performance 
indicators	(KPIs)	that	we	currently	use	to	monitor	the	
success of the business. In order to appropriately align 
executive remuneration with business performance we 
incorporate KPIs within our incentive schemes. In both 
2021/22 and 2022/23 the KPIs that we are using to 
determine variable remuneration are set out below.

Measure

Comparator

Annual bonus

Total return

Relative to 
comparator group

 (30% 
weighting)

Long-term	
Incentive Plan

Total
property 
return

Total 
shareholder 
return

EPRA EPS

Relative to MSCI  
UK	Quarterly	
Property index

Relative to 
comparator group

Absolute target 
range

 (30% 
weighting)

 (33% 
weighting)

 (33% 
weighting)

 (33% 
weighting)

The remaining 40% of the annual bonus is determined by 
corporate objectives.

Annual bonus awards for 2021/22
The Executive Directors were set a number of challenging 
targets	for	this	year,	comprising	a	combination	of	financial	
measures and corporate and personal objectives. 

The	two	financial	measures	were	total	return	and	total	
property return. The actual outcomes are set out in the 
Annual Remuneration Report, but the overall result was 
that the Directors earned an estimated 46% of the 
maximum	award	available	under	these	financial	measures.

The	corporate	objectives	were	set	to	ensure	that	specific	
key strategic targets were reached. These included targets 
relating to ESG matters, such as the publication of a net 
zero carbon pathway. The Committee considered that 
the Executive Directors had largely met the corporate 
objectives,	evidenced	by	the	record	profit,	growth	in	
earnings and environmental progress. More detail is 
provided later in this Remuneration Report, but overall 
the Committee considered that outcomes of 90% of 
the maximum award for the two Executive Directors 
were merited against the corporate objectives.

In aggregate, annual bonus awards for the two Executive 
Directors are 64% of the maximum award (2020/21 – 76% 
of maximum).

The Committee considered the formulaic bonus outcome 
in the context of the Group’s overall performance for 
the year.	The	key	highlights	of	performance	for	the	year	are	
set out earlier in this Statement. 

The	Committee	concluded	that	it	was	satisfied	the	
formulaic	bonus	outcome	was	a	fair	reflection	of	overall	
Group	performance	during	the	past	financial	year.

  Picton Property Income Limited  Annual Report 2022

93

Strategic ReportGovernanceFinancial StatementsAdditional InformationRemuneration Report continued

In	my	role	as	designated	Non-Executive	Director	with	
responsibility for employee engagement I had an informal 
meeting with the whole team, excluding the Executive 
Directors, in May 2021, which covered a number of 
topics including	the	remuneration	process	and	how	the	
Committee considered market data and other factors in 
determining salary and bonus awards. Additionally, we 
have carried out the annual employee survey, the results 
of which	are	set	out	elsewhere	in	the	Report.

Corporate Governance Code 2018
We have considered the provisions of the 2018 Code in 
respect of remuneration and believe that our approach 
remains compliant. In particular, we operate a consistent 
level of pension provision across our workforce; LTIP awards 
are	only	released	to	Executive	Directors	five	years	after	
award; and malus and clawback provisions apply to all 
incentive awards. We have provisions in the rules of our 
remuneration	share	plans	that prevent,	other	than	in	
exceptional circumstances, accelerated vesting of awards 
when	an	employee	leaves	Picton.	We	also	have	post-
employment shareholding guidelines in place.

Long-term Incentive Plan awards  
(performance period to 31 March 2022)
The	awards	made	under	the	Long-term	Incentive	Plan	
(LTIP)	in	June	2019	were	based	on	three	performance	
conditions	measured	over	the	three-year	period	ended	
on 31	March	2022.	The	LTIP	provides	the	link	between	the	
long-term	success	of	the	Company	and	the	remuneration	
of the whole team. The Committee has assessed the 
extent to	which	these	three	performance	conditions	have	
been met.

The	three	equally	weighted	performance	conditions	were	
total shareholder return, total property return and growth 
in EPRA earnings per share. The actual outcomes for these 
conditions are set out in the Annual Remuneration Report 
and give rise to an overall award of 54% of the maximum 
granted. As explained above, the Committee concluded 
that	it	was	satisfied	the	formulaic	outcome	was	a	fair	
reflection	of	overall	Group	performance	over	the	
performance period.

Employee remuneration and engagement
As in prior years, the Committee received an independent 
benchmarking report covering each of the roles, 
which detailed market trends. Having considered 
the	report,	the Committee	determined	that,	for	the	
team	as	a	whole	(excluding	the	Executive	Directors),	
there would be an overall average rise of 8.8% in base 
salaries with effect from 1 April 2022. The average 
employee	bonus	(excluding	the	Executive	Directors)	
increased	by	13.2%	reflecting	alignment	between	
employee pay and our strong business performance.

94

Picton Property Income Limited Annual Report 2022

Our remuneration structure will 
be in accordance with the Policy 
for the year to 31 March 2023.

Maria Bentley
Chair of the Remuneration Committee

The	awards	under	the	Long-term	Incentive	Plan	will	be	at	
a level	consistent	with	last	year.	For	the	awards	to	be	made	
in	June	2022	for	the	three-year	period	to	31	March	2025	
we will	retain	the	three	performance	measures	used	
previously,	being:

 ‒ Total shareholder return, compared to a 

comparator group

 ‒ Total property return, compared to the 
MSCI UK Quarterly	Property	Index

 ‒ Growth in EPRA earnings per share

For the growth in EPRA earnings per share, we intend to 
use an absolute range of targets based on forecasts over 
the performance period.

As a Committee, we are committed to ongoing dialogue 
with our shareholders and welcome any feedback 
regarding our remuneration practices. We look forward 
to receiving	your continued	support	at	the	forthcoming	
Annual	General Meeting.

Maria Bentley
Chair of the Remuneration Committee
25 May 2022

The remuneration arrangements provide alignment with 
shareholders	through	the	use	of	financial	metrics	and	
corporate objectives. All members of the team participate 
in the annual bonus and LTIP, not just the Executive 
Directors. The Remuneration Policy and its components 
are clearly set out in this Report and the rules of the 
variable remuneration schemes are available to the whole 
team. We use standard performance metrics, which are 
also key performance indicators for the business, to 
determine awards. There are clear target and maximum 
levels for each metric.

The Committee believes that the variable remuneration 
schemes in place are fair and proportionate and align the 
remuneration of the team with the Group’s performance. 
We	are	also	satisfied	that	the	remuneration	structure	does	
not	encourage	inappropriate	risk-taking.	The	Committee	
does retain discretion over formulaic outcomes if it 
considers	that	these	are	not	a	fair	reflection	of	the	
Group’s performance.

Implementation of Policy
Our remuneration structure will be in accordance with 
the Policy	for	the	year	to	31	March	2023.

The bonus deferral policy for Executive Directors will 
continue, with 50% of any annual bonus award being 
deferred into Picton shares for a period of two years before 
vesting. The maximum annual bonus potential for 2022/23 
will fall to 155% from 165% of base salary for the Executive 
Directors	as outlined	above.	As	in	previous	years	the	annual	
bonus	will	be	determined	60%	by	financial	metrics	and	
40%	by corporate	objectives.	For	2022/23	we	will	continue	
to	use	two	financial	metrics,	being	total	return,	relative	to	a	
comparator group, and total property return, relative to 
the MSCI	UK	Quarterly	Property	Index.	

  Picton Property Income Limited  Annual Report 2022

95

Strategic ReportGovernanceFinancial StatementsAdditional InformationRemuneration Report continued

Remuneration at a glance

The components of remuneration for 2021/22 are:

Fixed pay

Read more 
on pages 101–107

Base salary

Benefits

Pension contributions

Variable pay

The annual bonus for 2021/22 is determined by:

The LTIP is based on three financial metrics, 
each measured over three years:

rate objectiv e s

o
p
r
o
c
d
n
a

l
a
n
o
s

r

e

P

4%

4%

6%

30%

33%

33%

6%

2%

4%

6%

8%

Annual  
(and	deferred) 
bonus

Up	to	50%	of	the 
annual bonus is deferred 
into shares which will vest 
in two years’ time

30%

i

F
n
a
n
c
i
a
l c
o
n

ditions

Long-term 
Incentive Plan 
(LTIP)

33%

Personal and corporate objectives

Improve	occupancy	and	income	profile

Devise and publish net zero carbon pathway 

Improve portfolio environmental factors 

Embed	Picton	flexi-leasing	on	smaller	assets

Complete key refurbishment projects on 
budget and on time

Consider options to improve operating 
efficiency

Positive stakeholder engagement 

Identify and evaluate growth opportunities

Financial conditions

Total return

Total property return

Growth in EPRA earnings per share

96

Picton Property Income Limited Annual Report 2022

 
 
The single figure of remuneration for the Directors for the year 2021/22 (in £ thousands) is:

Chief Executive

Finance Director

Non-Executive Directors

195

830

302

497

288

2

43

333

127

196

227

559

332

205

2

29

        198

3

279

276

x
x
x
x

Salary

Benefits

Pension

Annual bonus

Long-term	
Incentive Pay

Total	fixed

Total variable

The potential remuneration of the Executive Directors for the year to 31 March 2023 is:

The following charts show the composition of 
the Executive Directors’ remuneration at three 
performance	levels:

 ‒ Fixed pay – base salary from 1 April 2022, benefits and 

pension salary supplement of 15% of base salary

 ‒ On target – fixed pay plus target vesting for 

the annual bonus (at 50% of maximum opportunity 
for illustrative purposes) and threshold vesting for 
the LTIP (at 25% of maximum award)

 ‒ Maximum – fixed pay plus maximum vesting for both 
the annual bonus (155% of base salary) and the LTIP 
(125% (Chief Executive) and 110% (Finance Director) of 
base salary)

 ‒ Maximum with share price growth – maximum 
scenario incorporating assumption of 50% share 
price growth during LTIP vesting period

Other than where stated, the charts do not incorporate 
share price growth or dividend equivalent awards.

Chief Executive

Finance Director

100%

£382K

100%

£261K

52%

34%

14%

£741K

53%

35%

12%

£497K

29%

39%

32%

£1,307K

30%

41%

29%

£856K

25%

34%

27%

14%

£1,514K

27%

35%

25%

13%

£980K

 Total fixed

Annual bonus

LTIP

Share growth

Percentage change in remuneration 
The table below shows the percentage change in total remuneration for each of the Directors between the years 2019/20 
to 2020/21 and 2020/21 to 2021/22 compared to the average remuneration of the employees of the Group. 

Change from 31 March 2021 to 31 March 2022

Change from 31 March 2020 to 31 March 2021

Base salary/ Fees

Benefits

Annual bonus Base salary/ Fees

Benefits

Annual bonus

Michael Morris
Andrew Dewhirst
Lena Wilson
Mark Batten
Maria Bentley
Richard Jones
Nicholas Thompson
Roger Lewis
Average of all other employees

15.0%
15.0%
11.2%
10.5%
16.7%
16.7%
n/a
n/a
6.4%

15.8%
16.1%
–
–
–
–
n/a
n/a
15.0%

-9.4%
-9.4%
–
–
–
–
n/a
n/a
13.2%

0%
0%
n/a
0%
0%
n/a
0%
0%
4.6%

0.6%
0.8%
n/a
–
–
n/a
–
–
8.1%

14.4%
8.6%
n/a
–
–
n/a
–
–
15.4%

The Non-Executive Director fees were last reviewed in 2018, and then in 2021. 

  Picton Property Income Limited  Annual Report 2022

97

Strategic ReportGovernanceFinancial StatementsAdditional Information 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
                                             
 
 
 
 
Remuneration Report continued

Summary of Directors’ 
Remuneration Policy

Principles
The objective of the Group’s Remuneration Policy is to have a simple and transparent remuneration structure aligned 
with the Group’s strategy. 

The Group aims to provide a remuneration package which will retain Directors who possess the skills and experience 
necessary	to	manage	the	Group	and	maximise	shareholder	value	on	a	long-term	basis.	The	Remuneration	Policy	aims	to	
incentivise Directors by rewarding performance through enhanced shareholder value.

A summary of the Directors’ Remuneration Policy approved by shareholders at the 2021 Annual General Meeting is set 
out below. The full Policy is contained in our 2021 Annual Report which is available on our website at www.picton.co.uk.

Executive Directors’ Remuneration Policy Table
Base salary

Purpose

Operation

A	base	salary	to	attract	and	retain	Executives	of	appropriate	quality	to	deliver	the	Group’s	strategy.

Base salaries are normally reviewed annually with changes effective on 1 April. When setting base 
salaries the Committee will consider relevant market data, as well as the scope of the role and the 
individual’s skills and experience.

Maximum

No absolute maximum has been set for Executive Director base salaries.

Any annual increase in salaries is set at the discretion of the Remuneration Committee taking 
into account	the	factors	stated	in	this	table	and	the	following	principles:

–  Salaries would typically be increased at a rate consistent with the average employee 

salary increase.

–  Larger increases may be considered appropriate in certain circumstances (including, but 
not limited	to,	a	change	in	an	individual’s	responsibilities	or	in	the	scale	of	their	role	or	in	
the size and	complexity	of	the	Group).

–  Larger increases may also be considered appropriate if a Director has been initially appointed 

to the	Board	at	a	lower	than	typical	salary.

Performance measures None

Clawback

Pension

Purpose

Operation

Maximum

None

Part of competitive remuneration package.

The	Company	has	established	defined	contribution	pension	arrangements	for	all	employees.	
For Executive	Directors	the	Company	pays	a	monthly	salary	supplement	in	lieu	of	Company	
pension contributions. 

A	consistent	rate	of	pension	provision	(15%	of	base	salary)	applies	to	all	employees	including	
Executive Directors.

Performance measures None

Clawback

None

98

Picton Property Income Limited Annual Report 2022

Benefits

Purpose

Operation

Part of a competitive remuneration package.

This	principally	comprises:

–  Private medical insurance

–  Life assurance

–  Permanent health insurance

The	Committee	may	agree	to	provide	other	benefits	as	it	considers	appropriate.

Maximum

Benefits	are	provided	at	market	rates.

Performance measures None

Clawback

Annual bonus

Purpose

Operation

Maximum

Performance measures

Clawback

Long-term Incentive Plan

Purpose

Operation

None

A	short-term	incentive	to	reward	Executive	Directors	on	meeting	the	Company’s	annual	financial	
and strategic targets and on their personal performance.

The Committee may determine that up to 50% of the annual bonus will be paid in the Company’s 
shares	and	deferred	for	two	years.	Dividend	equivalents	will	be	paid	at	the	end	of	the	deferral	
period	(in	the	form	of	shares	or	cash).

The maximum bonus permitted under the Policy will be 175% of base salary. The level of bonus 
opportunity within this maximum will be determined by the Committee each year. In 2022/23, 
the maximum	opportunity	will	be	limited	to	155%	of	base	salary.

The	annual	bonus	is	based	on	a	range	of	financial,	strategic,	ESG,	operational	and	individual	
targets	(measured	over	a	period	of	up	to	one	year)	set	by	the	Committee.	The	weightings	will	
also be	determined	annually	to	ensure	alignment	with	the	Company’s	strategic	priorities	
although at	least	50%	of	the	award	will	be	assessed	on	corporate	financial	measures.

For	corporate	financial	measures,	50%	of	the	maximum	bonus	opportunity	will	be	payable	for	
on target	performance	and,	if	applicable,	up	to	25%	for	threshold	performance.

Malus and clawback provisions may be applied in the event (within two years of bonus 
determination/grant	of	the	deferred	bonus	shares)	of	a	material	misstatement	of	the	audited	
financial	results,	an	error	in	assessing	a	performance	condition	applicable	to	the	award	or	in	the	
information or assumptions on which the award was granted or is released, a material failure of 
risk management, material misconduct on the part of the award holder or a corporate failure.

A	long-term	incentive	plan	to	align	Executive	Directors’	interests	with	those	of	shareholders	and	
to promote	the	long-term	success	of	the	Company.

Awards are granted annually usually in the form of a conditional share award or nil cost option.

Awards	will	normally	vest	at	the	end	of	a	three-year	period	subject	to	meeting	the	performance	
conditions and continuing employment.

The	Remuneration	Committee	may	award	dividend	equivalents	(in	the	form	of	shares	or	cash)	
on awards	that	vest.

The Committee will usually apply a holding period of a further two years to awards that vest.

Maximum

Annual awards with a maximum value of up to 150% of base salary may be made.

Performance measures

Clawback

Vesting will be subject to performance conditions, aligned to the corporate strategy, as 
determined by the Committee on an annual basis. There will be three performance conditions, 
each	measured	over	a	three-year	performance	period.	Each	condition	will	be	equally	weighted,	
but	the	Committee	has	the	flexibility	to	vary	this	for	each	award.

For	threshold	levels	of	performance	up	to	25%	of	the	award	vests,	rising	usually	on	a	straight-line	
basis to 100% for maximum performance.

Malus	and	clawback	provisions	may	be	applied	in	the	event	(within	five	years	of	grant)	of	a	material	
misstatement	of	the	audited	financial	results,	an	error	in	assessing	a	performance	condition	
applicable to the award or in the information or assumptions on which the award was granted or 
is released, a material failure of risk management, material misconduct on the part of the award 
holder or a corporate failure.

  Picton Property Income Limited  Annual Report 2022

99

Strategic ReportGovernanceFinancial StatementsAdditional InformationRemuneration Report continued

Shareholding guidelines

Purpose

Operation

To align Executive Directors with the interests of shareholders.

Whilst in employment, Executive Directors are expected to build up and thereafter maintain a 
minimum	shareholding	equivalent	to	200%	of	base	salary.

The Committee will review progress towards the guideline on an annual basis and has the 
discretion to adjust the guideline in what it feels are appropriate circumstances.

Executive Directors will also be expected to remain compliant with the above guideline for a 
period	of	two	years	post-employment.	

Maximum

Not applicable

Performance measures Not applicable

Clawback

Not applicable

Non-Executive Directors Policy Table
Fees

Purpose

Operation

To provide competitive Director fees.

Annual	fee	for	the	Chair,	and	annual	base	fees	for	other	Non-Executive	Directors.	

Additional fees for those Directors with additional responsibilities such as chairing a Board 
Committee. All fees will be payable monthly in arrears in cash.

Fees will usually be reviewed independently every three years.

The	independent	Non-Executive	Directors	are	not	eligible	to	receive	share	options	or	other	
performance-related	elements	or	receive	any	other	benefits	other	than	where	travel	to	the	
Company’s	registered	office	is	recognised	as	taxable	benefit	in	which	case	a	Non-Executive	
Director	may	receive	the	grossed-up	costs	of	travel	as	a	benefit.	Non-Executive	Directors	are	
entitled to reimbursement of reasonable expenses.

Maximum

The	Company’s	Articles	set	an	annual	limit	for	the	total	of	Non-Executive	Directors’	remuneration	
of £300,000.

Performance measures None

Clawback

Notes	to	table:

None

1. The Committee may amend or substitute any performance condition(s) if one or more events occur which cause it to determine that an amended or substituted performance 
condition would be more appropriate, provided that any such amended or substituted performance condition would not be materially less difficult to satisfy than the original 
condition (in its opinion). The Committee may adjust the calculation of performance targets and vesting outcomes (for instance for material acquisitions, disposals or 
investments and events not foreseen at the time the targets were set) to ensure they remain a fair reflection of performance over the relevant period. The Committee also 
retains discretion to make downward or upward adjustments resulting from the application of the performance measures if it considers that an adjustment is appropriate (for 
example, if the outcomes are not deemed by the Committee to be a fair and accurate reflection of business performance). In the event that the Committee was to make an 
adjustment of this sort, a full explanation would be provided in the next Remuneration Report.

2. Performance measures – annual bonus. The annual bonus measures are reviewed annually and chosen to focus executive rewards on delivery of key financial targets for the 

forthcoming year as well as key strategic or operational goals relevant to an individual. Specific targets for bonus measures are set at the start of each year by the Remuneration 
Committee based on a range of relevant reference points, including for Group financial targets, the Company’s business plan and are designed to be appropriately stretching.

3. The Committee may amend the terms of awards granted under the share schemes referred to above in accordance with the rules of the relevant plans. 

4. Performance measures – LTIP. The LTIP performance measures will be chosen to provide alignment with our longer-term strategy of growing the business in a sustainable 
manner that will be in the best interests of shareholders and other key stakeholders in the Company. Targets are considered ahead of each grant of LTIP awards by the 
Remuneration Committee taking into account relevant external and internal reference points and are designed to be appropriately stretching.

5. The Committee reserves the right to make any remuneration payments and/or payments for loss of office (including exercising any discretions available to it in connection with 
such payments) notwithstanding that they are not in line with the Policy set out above where the terms of the payment were agreed (i) before the Policy set out above came 
into effect, provided that the terms of the payment were consistent with the shareholder approved Remuneration Policy in force at the time they were agreed; or (ii) at a time 
when the relevant individual was not a Director of the Company and, in the opinion of the Committee, the payment was not in consideration for the individual becoming a 
Director of the Company. For these purposes ‘payments’ includes the Committee satisfying awards of variable remuneration and, in relation to an award over shares, the terms 
of the payment are ‘agreed’ at the time the award is granted.

6. The Committee may make minor amendments to the Remuneration Policy for regulatory, exchange control, tax or administrative purposes or to take account of a change in 

legislation, without obtaining shareholder approval for that amendment.

Policy for other employees
Remuneration	for	other	employees	broadly	follows	the	same	principles	as	for	Executive	Directors.	A	significant	element	
of remuneration	is	linked	to	performance	measures.	All	employees	usually	participate	in	the	Long-term	Incentive	Plan,	
and in the annual bonus. The weighting of individual and corporate measures is dependent on an individual’s role.

The Committee does not formally consult with employees when determining Executive Director pay. However, the 
Committee is kept informed of general management decisions made in relation to employee pay and is conscious of 
the importance	of	ensuring	that	its	pay	decisions	for	Executive	Directors	are	regarded	as	fair	and	reasonable	within	
the business.

100

Picton Property Income Limited Annual Report 2022

Annual Report  
on Remuneration

The	table	below	sets	out	the	total	remuneration	receivable	by	each	of	the	Directors	who	held	office	during	the	year	to	
31	March	2022,	with	a	comparison	to	the	previous	financial	year:

Salary/
fees 
£000

Benefits	
£000

Pension 
salary 
supplement 
£000

Total 
fixed 
£000

Annual 
bonus 
£000

Deferred 
bonus 
£000

Long-term	
Incentive 
Plan 
£000

Total 
variable 
£000

Executive
Michael Morris

Andrew Dewhirst

Non-Executive
Lena Wilson

Mark Batten

Maria Bentley

Richard Jones

Nicholas Thompson

Roger Lewis

Nicholas Wiles

Total (audited)

2022
2021

2022
2021

2022
2021

2022
2021

2022
2021

2022
2021

2022
2021

2022
2021

2022
2021

2022
2021

288
250

196
170

117
21

53
48

53
45

53
26

–
82

–
22

–
6

760
670

2
2

2
2

3
–

–
–

–
–

–
–

–
–

–
–

–
–

7
4

43
38

29
26

–
–

–
–

–
–

–
–

–
–

–
–

–
–

333
290

227
198

120
21

53
48

53
45

53
26

–
82

–
22

–
6

151
167

103
113

151
166

102
113

195
213

127
125

497
546

332
351

–
–

–
–

–
–

–
–

–
–

–
–

–
–

–
–

–
–

–
–

–
–

–
–

–
–

–
–

–
–

–
–

–
–

–
–

–
–

–
–

–
–

–
–

–
–

–
–

–
–

–
–

–
–

–
–

72
64

839
738

254
280

253
279

322
338

829 1,668
897 1,635

Total 
£000

830
836

559
549

120
21

53
48

53
45

53
26

–
82

–
22

–
6

Lena	Wilson	and	Richard	Jones	were	new	appointments	to	the	Board	during	the	financial	year	to	31	March	2021.

Benefits	for	the	Executive	Directors	comprise	private	medical	insurance	and	life	assurance.	Non-Executive	Directors	are	
reimbursed expenses incurred in connection with travel and attendance at Board meetings. These expenses are taxable 
where	the	meetings	take	place	at	the	Company’s	main	office.	The	Company	settles	the	tax	on	behalf	of	the	Non-
Executive Directors.

Executive Directors receive a salary supplement of 15% of base salary in lieu of company pension contributions.

The	above	figures	for	2021	for	the	Executive	Directors	for	annual	bonus	and	LTIP	awards	have	been	re-stated.	The	
estimated	figures	for	annual	bonus	included	in	last	year’s	report	were	£348,600	(Michael	Morris)	and	£237,000	(Andrew	
Dewhirst).	The	estimates	included	an	outcome	of	100%	for	the	relative	total	return	metric.	The	final	outcome	was	
determined	to	be	82%	and	the	awards	were	adjusted	to	£332,600	(Michael	Morris)	and	£226,000	(Andrew	Dewhirst).	
The above	2021	LTIP	figures	for	the	Executive	Directors	have	been	restated	to	reflect	the	actual	share	price	at	vesting	
(87.1 pence)	rather	than	the	average	for	the	quarter	ended	31	March	2021	(84.7	pence).	This	restatement	represents	an	
increase in the value of the 2021 LTIP awards of £5,000 for Michael Morris and of £3,000 for Andrew Dewhirst.

The value of LTIP awards for 2022 is based on the number of shares to be awarded to the Executive Directors in respect of 
the	June	2019	LTIP	awards	and	the	average	share	price	over	the	quarter	ended	31	March	2022	of	100.06	pence,	and	the	
estimated	value	of	dividend	equivalents.

  Picton Property Income Limited  Annual Report 2022

101

Strategic ReportGovernanceFinancial StatementsAdditional InformationRemuneration Report continued

Annual bonus for 2021/22
The	annual	bonus	for	the	year	ended	31	March	2022	for	the	Executive	Directors	was	based	on	a	combination	of	financial	
metrics	(60%)	and	corporate	objectives	(40%).

The targets set for the year ended 31 March 2022 and the assessment of actual performance achieved are set out in the 
table below.

The	financial	metrics	comprised	two	equally	weighted	components:	total	return	relative	to	a	comparator	group	of	similar	
companies,	set	out	later	in	this	Report;	and	total	property	return	compared	to	the	MSCI	UK	Quarterly	Property	Index.

At the date of this Report not all of the companies in the total return comparator group had announced their results 
to 31	March	2022	and	the	Committee	has	estimated,	based	on	the	results	to	date,	that	this	condition	will	not	be	met,	
resulting	in	an	award	of	0%.	The	Committee	will	determine	the	actual	outcome	of	this	condition	once	all companies	have	
reported,	and	any	adjustment	required	between	the	estimate	and	actual	will	be	made	in	next	year’s	Remuneration	
Report.	There	will	be	no	payout	of	the	bonus	until	a	finalised	result	can	be	confirmed.

Performance condition

Basis of calculation

Range

Actual

Awarded (% 
of	maximum)

Awarded (% 
of	salary)

Total return versus  
comparator group

Bonus weighting: 30%

Total property return  
versus MSCI Index

Bonus weighting: 30%

Less than median – 0%
Equal	to	median	–	50%
Equal	to	upper	quartile	–	100%

Less than median – 0%
Equal	to	median	–	50%
Equal	to	upper	quartile	–	100%

Not yet available

28.3%

0% 
(estimate)	

0% 
(estimate)	

Median 20.9% 

24.3%

92.5%

45.8%

Upper	quartile	
24.9%

The corporate objectives for the Executive Directors for the year to 31 March 2022 were determined by the Remuneration 
Committee and accounted for 40% of the maximum award. 

The	corporate	objectives	applying	to	both	Executives,	and	the	assessment	of	performance	against	these,	are	as	follows:

Performance condition

Assessment

Improve occupancy and income 
profile

Bonus weighting: 8%

Occupancy has increased from 91% to 93% and rental income 
has increased by nearly 10% this year. EPRA earnings have risen 
by 5%.

Awarded 
(%	of	maximum)

Awarded (% 
of	salary)

100%

13.2%

Devise and publish net zero 
carbon pathway

The net zero carbon pathway has been completed and was 
published in April 2022.

95%

9.4%

Bonus weighting: 6%

Improve portfolio environmental 
factors

Bonus weighting: 4%

The portfolio’s EPC weightings have improved this year, with 71% 
rated A to C on an ERV basis. There are 42 more green leases in 
place. Scope 1 and 2 GHG emissions have reduced by over 27% 
compared to the 2019 baseline. More biodiversity initiatives have 
been introduced.

90%

5.9%

Embedded	Picton	flexileasing	on	
smaller assets

SwiftSpace	was	developed	and	launched	in	the	year	and	five	
short form leases have been completed at four properties.

70%

2.3%

Bonus weighting: 2%

Complete key refurbishment 
projects on budget and on time 

Bonus weighting: 6%

Some	projects	have	been	subject	to	inflationary	increases	and	
additional works in certain cases. Key projects at Regency Wharf, 
Birmingham and at 180 West George Street, Glasgow have been 
completed on time and on budget.

Consider options to improve 
operating	efficiencies

Bonus weighting: 6%

The Group’s weighted average interest rate has been reduced to 
3.7%	following	the	refinancing	of	the	Canada	Life	facility.	The	
EPRA cost ratios are both lower this year, although the Group 
cost ratio remained at 1.0%.

Positive stakeholder engagement

Bonus weighting: 4%

The	dividend	has	now	been	restored	to	its	pre-pandemic	level,	
and there has been positive share price growth. Employee 
satisfaction remains high at 82%.

80%

7.9%

85%

8.4%

90%

5.9%

Identify and evaluate growth 
opportunities 

Opportunities have been considered and progressed during the 
year.

90%

5.9%

Bonus weighting: 4%

102

Picton Property Income Limited Annual Report 2022

 
As discussed in the Committee Chair’s statement on pages 91 to 95, the Committee considered the formulaic bonus 
outcome	in	the	context	of	the	Group’s	overall	performance	for	the	year	and	concluded	that	it	was	satisfied	that	the	
formulaic	bonus	outcome	was	a	fair	reflection	of	overall	Group	performance	during	the	year.	The	Committee	was	also	
satisfied	that	the	above	performance	was	achieved	within	an	acceptable	risk	profile.

Subject to the estimated total return component noted above, the overall annual bonus outcome for the Executive 
Directors	is,	therefore,	as	follows:

Michael Morris

Andrew Dewhirst

Financial 
metrics (out of 
maximum 
60%)

Corporate 
objectives (out 
of maximum 
40%)

27.8

27.8

35.8

35.8

Overall
 bonus % of 
maximum

63.6

63.6

Bonus % 
of salary

Total bonus 
£

104.9

104.9

301,500

205,000

In accordance with the Directors’ Remuneration Policy the Committee has determined that 50% of the annual bonuses 
awarded	to	the	Executive	Directors	should	be	deferred	and	payable	in	shares	in	two	years’	time.	Dividend	equivalents	will	
accrue on the shares and these will be paid in cash when the awards vest.

Long-term Incentive Plan
The LTIP awards granted on 19 June 2019 were subject to performance conditions for the three years ended 31 March 
2022.	The	performance	conditions	and	the	actual	performance	for	these	were	as	follows:

Performance condition

Basis of calculation

Range

Total shareholder return 
versus comparator group

Total property return 
versus MSCI Index

Growth in EPRA EPS

Less than median – 0%
Equal	to	median	–	25%
Equal	to	upper	quartile	–	100%

Less than median – 0%
Equal	to	median	–	25%
Equal	to	upper	quartile	–	100%

Less than 3% per annum – 0%
Equal	to	3%	per	annum	–	25%
Equal	or	greater	than	9%	per	
annum – 100%

Actual

18.4%

Weighting 
(%	of	award)

Awarded 
(% of 
maximum)

33.3%

62.5%

Median – 5.0%
Upper	quartile	–	31.8%

Median – 7.7%
Upper	quartile	–	9.7%

12.0%  
(above upper 
quartile)

33.3%

100%

3% – 4.65p
9% – 5.51p

3.88p

33.3%

0%

The	Committee	was	satisfied	that	the	above	performance	was	achieved	within	an	acceptable	risk	profile.	As	discussed	in	
the Committee Chair’s statement on pages 91 to 95, the Committee considered the formulaic LTIP outcome in the 
context	of	the	Group’s	overall	performance	over	the	performance	period	and	concluded	that	it	was	satisfied	the	formulaic	
outcome	was	a	fair	reflection	of	overall	Group	performance	during	the	period.	Based	on	the	vesting	percentage	above,	
the	shares	awarded	and	their	estimated	values,	using	an	average	share	price	of	100.06	pence	for	the	quarter	ended	
31	March	2022,	are:

Director

Michael Morris

Andrew Dewhirst

Maximum 
number of 
shares at grant

Number of 
shares vesting

Number of 
lapsed shares

328,153

214,218

177,760

116,041

150,393

98,177

Estimated 
value1,2

£

194,980

127,280

1. The estimated value includes dividend equivalent awards which will be made in relation to vested LTIP awards at the point of vesting. The value of the dividend equivalent 

awards is £17,109 (Michael Morris) and £11,169 (Andrew Dewhirst).

2. £8,586 (Michael Morris) and £5,605 (Andrew Dewhirst) of this value relates to share price growth since the date of grant.

The	following	awards	in	the	Long-term	Incentive	Plan	were	granted	to	the	Executive	Directors	on	22	June	2021:

Michael Morris

Andrew Dewhirst

Number of 
shares

Basis 
(%	of	salary)

403,339

241,358

125%

110%

Face value
 per share 
(£)

0.8910

0.8910

Award 
face value 
(£)

Performance period

359,375

1 April 2021 to 31 March 2024

215,050

1 April 2021 to 31 March 2024

Threshold 
vesting

25%

25%

  Picton Property Income Limited  Annual Report 2022

103

Strategic ReportGovernanceFinancial StatementsAdditional InformationRemuneration Report continued

The face value is based on a weighted average price per share, being the average of the closing share prices over the 
three business days immediately preceding the award date. Awards will vest after three years subject to continued service 
and	the	achievement	of	three	equally	weighted	performance	conditions	(relative	total	shareholder	return,	relative	total	
property	return	and	EPRA	EPS).	The	vesting	schedule	for	the	relative	measures	will	be	as	applied	to	the	June	2019	LTIP	set	
out above. The EPS element will vest at 25% for achievement of EPRA EPS of 3.85 pence in the year ended 31 March 2024 
increasing on a straight line basis to 100% vesting for EPRA EPS of 4.25 pence.

Any	LTIP	vesting	will	also	be	subject	to	the	Remuneration	Committee	confirming	that,	in	its	assessment,	the	vesting	
outturn	was	achieved	within	an	acceptable	risk	profile.	

The	Executive	Directors	have	the	following	outstanding	share	awards	under	the	Long-term	Incentive	Plan	and	Deferred	
Bonus	Plan:

Date of grant

Performance period

Market value 
on date of 
grant

At 1 April 
2021

Granted in 
year

Exercised in 
year

Lapsed in 
year

As at 
31 March 
2022

Michael Morris

2018 LTIP

8 June 2018

2019 LTIP

19 June 2019

2020 LTIP

29 June 2020

2021 LTIP

22 June 2021

2019 DBP

19 June 2019

2020 DBP

29 June 2020

2021 DBP

22 June 2021

Andrew Dewhirst

2018 LTIP

8 June 2018

2019 LTIP

19 June 2019

2020 LTIP

29 June 2020

2021 LTIP

22 June 2021

2019 DBP

19 June 2019

2020 DBP

29 June 2020

2021 DBP

22 June 2021

1 April 2018 to  
31 March 2021

1 April 2019 to  
31 March 2022

1 April 2020 to  
31 March 2023

1 April 2021 to  
31 March 2024

1 April 2018 to  
31 March 2019

1 April 2019 to  
31 March 2020

1 April 2020 to  
31 March 2021

1 April 2018 to 
31 March	2021

1 April 2019 to 
31 March	2022

1 April 2020 to 
31 March	2023

1 April 2021 to 
31 March	2024

1 April 2018 to 
31 March	2019

1 April 2019 to 
31 March	2020

1 April 2020 to 
31 March	2021

90.80p

330,396

95.23p

328,153

70.73p

309,275

–

–

–

89.10p

–

403,339

95.23p

175,137

70.73p

215,333

–

–

89.10p

–

186,666

(220,264)

(110,132)

–

–

–

–

(175,137)

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

328,153

309,275

403,339

–

215,333

186,666

1,358,294

590,005

(395,401)

(110,132) 1,442,766

(129,222)

(64,611)

–

90.80p

193,833

95.23p

214,218

70.73p

185,070

–

–

–

89.10p

–

241,358

–

–

–

95.23p

116,758

70.73p

154,312

–

–

89.10p

–

126,933

(116,758)

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

214,218

185,070

241,358

–

154,312

126,933

Awards	under	the	Long-term	Incentive	Plan	normally	vest	three	years	after	the	grant	date.	Awards	from	2019	onwards	
are subject	to	a	further	two-year	holding	period.	Awards	under	the	Deferred	Bonus	Plan	normally	vest	two	years	after	
the grant	date.

864,191

368,291

(245,980)

(64,611)

921,891

104

Picton Property Income Limited Annual Report 2022

Comparator group
The Committee has agreed that the following companies will be used as a comparator group for the total shareholder 
return and total return metrics in determining variable remuneration for 2022/23 awards. A smaller group is used for the 
total return metric due to the different reporting periods of some companies. 

Total shareholder 
return

Total return

Company

AEW	UK	REIT	plc
BMO Commercial Property Trust Limited
BMO	UK	Real	Estate	Investments	Limited
Capital & Regional plc
Custodian REIT plc
Ediston Property Investment Company PLC
Industrial REIT Limited
NewRiver REIT PLC
Regional REIT Limited
Schroder Real Estate Investment Trust Limited
Standard Life Investments Property Income Trust Limited
Supermarket Income REIT PLC
UK	Commercial	Property	REIT	Limited
Warehouse REIT plc

The	above	group	was	also	used	for	previous	awards	with	the	following	amendments:

 ‒ Supermarket Income REIT and Warehouse REIT were added to the group for awards made from 2019 onwards;
 ‒ McKay Securities PLC was included in the group for awards made up to and including 2021;
 ‒ Hansteen	Holdings	plc	and	Mucklow	(A.&J.)	PLC	were	additionally	included	in	the	group	for	awards	made	up	to	and	

including 2019; and 

 ‒ LondonMetric Property PLC and RDI REIT plc were additionally included in the group for awards made up to and 

including 2020.

Statement of Directors’ shareholdings
Directors and employees are encouraged to maintain a shareholding in the Company’s shares to provide alignment with 
investors. 

The	numbers	of	shares	beneficially	held	by	each	Director	(including	connected	persons)	as	at	31	March	2022,	were	as	follows:

Michael Morris

Andrew Dewhirst

Lena Wilson

Mark Batten

Maria Bentley

Richard Jones

Holding as a 
% of salary

Outstanding
 LTIP awards

Outstanding 
DBP awards

184

167

1,040,767

401,999

640,646

281,245

Beneficial	
holding 
2022

537,673

332,113

30,000

–

74,436

53,845

Beneficial	
holding 
2021

328,485

201,978

30,000

–

74,436

53,845

The percentage holding for the Executive Directors is based on base salaries as at 31 March 2022 and a share price of 
£0.983.	The	beneficial	holdings	of	shares	include	any	held	by	connected	persons.

Executive	Directors	are	required	to	maintain	a	shareholding	of	200%	of	base	salary	and	both	Directors	are	currently	in	the	
process	of	building	up	to	that	level.	The	Executive	Directors	intend	to	retain	at	least	50%	of	any	share	awards	(post-tax)	
until the guidelines are met.

There	have	been	no	changes	in	these	shareholdings	between	the	year-end	and	the	date	of	this	report.

Payments to past Directors or payments for loss of office
There	were	no	payments	to	past	Directors	or	payments	for	loss	of	office	to	Directors	during	the	year	ended	31	March	2022.

  Picton Property Income Limited  Annual Report 2022

105

Strategic ReportGovernanceFinancial StatementsAdditional InformationRemuneration Report continued

Historical total shareholder return performance
The	graph	below	shows	the	Company’s	total	shareholder	return	(TSR)	since	31	March	2012	as	represented	by	share	price	
growth	with	dividends	reinvested,	against	the	FTSE	All-Share	Index	and	the	FTSE	EPRA	NAREIT	UK	Index.	These	indices	
have	been	chosen	as	they	provide	comparison	against	relevant	sectoral	and	pan-sectoral	benchmarks.

TSR chart

500

450

400

350

300

250

200

150

100

50

M ar 2 012

S e p 2 012

M ar 2 013

S e p 2 013

M ar 2 014

S e p 2 014

M ar 2 015

S e p 2 015

M ar 2 016

S e p 2 016

M ar 2 017

S e p 2 017

M ar 2 018

S e p 2 018

M ar 2 019

S e p 2 019

M ar 2 0 2 0

S e p 2 0 2 0

M ar 2 0 21

S e p 2 0 21

M ar 2 0 22

Key:

Picton

FTSE EPRA NAREIT UK

FTSE All-Share

The table below shows the remuneration of the Chief Executive for the past four years, together with the annual bonus 
percentage and LTIP vesting level. The Company has only had a Chief Executive since 1 October 2018 and therefore the 
table below shows his remuneration for the past four years.

2022

2021

2020

2019

Total 
remuneration 
(£000)

Annual bonus
	(%	of	maximum)

LTIP vesting
 (% of maximum 
award)

830

836

769

920

64%

76%

70%

79%

54%

67%

67%

83%

Relative importance of spend on pay
The	table	below	shows	the	expenditure	and	percentage	change	in	staff	costs	compared	to	other	key	financial	indicators.

Employee costs
Dividends
EPRA earnings

31 March 2022
£000

31 March 2021 
£000 

3,415
18,425
21,188

3,219
15,002
20,072

% 
change 

6.1%
22.8%
5.6%

106

Picton Property Income Limited Annual Report 2022

Implementation of Remuneration Policy in 2022/23

Executive Directors
Base salaries

Michael	Morris	(Chief	Executive)	–	£330,625

Andrew	Dewhirst	(Finance	Director)	–	£224,825

Pension and 
benefits

15% salary supplement in lieu of pension plus standard 
other	benefits

Annual bonus*

Maximum bonus of 155% of salary with 50% of any bonus 
deferred in shares for two years

60%	of	bonus	to	be	determined	by	corporate	financial	
metrics of relative total return and relative total property 
return (using the same performance target ranges as in 
2021/22)	with	the	remaining	40%	determined	by	corporate	
and personal measures

Change from prior year

As outlined in last year’s Remuneration 
Report base salaries for the Executive 
Directors are being transitioned over a 
three-year	period	–	2022/23	will	be	the	
second year of that transition. The average 
increase for the rest of the workforce is 
8.8%.

No change. All employees receive company 
pension contributions at the rate of 15% of 
base salary or 15% salary supplement in lieu 
of company contributions.

As outlined in last year’s Remuneration 
Report the maximum bonus potential for 
Executive Directors will decrease from 
165% of salary to 155% of salary this year.

LTIP*

Award	of	shares	worth:

No change 

 ‒ Michael	Morris	(Chief	Executive)	125%	of	salary

 ‒ 	Andrew	Dewhirst	(Finance	Director)	110%	of	salary

Shares	released	after	three-year	performance	and	two-year	
holding	period.	Vesting	of	shares	based	equally	on	relative	
total shareholder return, relative total property return and 
growth in EPRA earnings per share measures. Target ranges 
for the relative measures are as set out on page 103.

Targets for the EPS measure for the year ended 31 March 
2025	are:

Less than 4.15 pence per share – 0%

Equal	to	4.15	pence	per	share	–	25%

Greater than 4.50 pence per share – 100%

A result between 4.15 pence and 4.50 pence will be 
calculated	on	a	straight-line	basis	between	25%	and	100%

Non-Executive Directors

Fees

Chair – £116,800

Director – £45,000

Supplementary fee for Committee Chairs – £7,500

No change.

*  The Remuneration Committee has discretion to override the formulaic outcomes in both the annual bonus and LTIP.

The	Committee	also	confirms	that	performance	has	been	achieved	within	an	acceptable	risk	profile	before	payouts	are	
made. Incentive payouts are subject to malus and clawback provisions.

  Picton Property Income Limited  Annual Report 2022

107

Strategic ReportGovernanceFinancial StatementsAdditional InformationRemuneration Report continued

Statement of voting at the last Annual General Meeting
The following table sets out the voting for the Remuneration Report and Remuneration Policy, which were approved by 
shareholders at the Annual General Meeting held on 17 November 2021, representing 63% of the issued share capital of 
the Company. 

For

Against

Votes cast

Withheld

Remuneration Report

Remuneration Policy

Votes cast

%

Votes cast

246,927,948

72.2 333,280,593

95,213,590

27.8

12,044,009

%

96.5

3.5

342,141,538

100.0 345,324,602

100.0

3,487,899

304,835

Discussion	of	the	vote	relating	to	the	Remuneration	Report	resolution	and	subsequent	actions	taken	by	the	Board	are	set	
out in the Committee Chair’s statement.

Maria Bentley 
Chair of the Remuneration Committee
25 May 2022

108

Picton Property Income Limited Annual Report 2022

Directors’ Report

Directors’ Report

The Directors of Picton Property Income Limited present 
the	Annual	Report	and	audited	financial	statements	for	the	
year ended 31 March 2022.

Listing
The Company is listed on the main market of the London 
Stock Exchange.

The Company is registered under the provisions of the 
Companies	(Guernsey)	Law,	2008.

Principal activity
The principal activity of the Group is commercial property 
investment	in	the	United	Kingdom.

Results and dividends
The results for the year are set out in the Consolidated 
Statement of Comprehensive Income.

The	Company	is	a	UK	Real	Estate	Investment	Trust	(REIT)	
and must distribute to its shareholders at least 90% of the 
profits	on	its	property	rental	business	for	each	accounting	
period	as	a	Property	Income	Distribution	(PID).

As set out in Note 10	to	the	consolidated	financial	
statements, the Company has paid four interim dividends 
in the year, one at 0.8 pence per share, two at 0.85 pence 
per share and one at 0.875 pence per share, making a total 
dividend for the year ended 31 March 2022 of 3.375 pence 
per	share	(2021:	2.75	pence).	All	four	interim	dividends	were	
paid as PIDs.

Directors
The Directors of the Company who served throughout the 
year	are:

 ‒ Lena Wilson 
 ‒ Maria Bentley
 ‒ Mark Batten
 ‒ Andrew Dewhirst
 ‒ Richard Jones 
 ‒ Michael Morris

The Directors’ interests in the shares of the Company as at 
31 March 2022 are set out in the Remuneration Report.

All	of	the	Directors	will	offer	themselves	for	re-election	at	
the forthcoming Annual General Meeting.

2018 UK Corporate Governance Code Compliance 
Statement
The	Board	confirms	that	for	the	year	ended	31	March	2022	
the principles of good corporate governance contained in 
the	2018	UK	Corporate	Governance	Code	have	been	
consistently applied.

The Company is fully compliant with the Code.

Share capital
The issued share capital of the Company as at 31 March 
2022	was	547,605,596	(2021:	547,605,596)	ordinary	shares	of	
no par value, including 1,974,253 ordinary shares which are 
held	by	the	Trustee	of	the	Company’s	Employee	Benefit	
Trust	(2021:	2,052,269	ordinary	shares).

The Directors have authority to buy back up to 14.99% of 
the Company’s ordinary shares in issue, subject to the 
renewal of this authority from shareholders at each Annual 
General	Meeting.	Any	buy-back	of	ordinary	shares	is,	and	
will be, made subject to Guernsey law, and the making and 
timing	of	any	buy-backs	are	at	the	absolute	discretion	of	
the Board. No ordinary shares were purchased under this 
authority during the year.

At the 2021 Annual General Meeting shareholders gave the 
Directors authority to issue up to 54,760,558 shares (being 
10% of the Company’s issued share capital as at 15 October 
2021)	without	having	to	first	offer	those	shares	to	existing	
shareholders. No ordinary shares have been issued under 
this authority, which expires at this year’s Annual General 
Meeting and resolutions will be proposed for its renewal.

Shares held in the Employee Benefit Trust
The	Trustee	of	the	Picton	Property	Income	Limited	Long-
term Incentive Plan holds 1,974,253 ordinary shares in the 
Company in a trust to satisfy awards made under the 
Long-term	Incentive	Plan	and	the	Deferred	Bonus	Plan.	
During	the	year	the	Trustee	acquired	750,000	ordinary	
shares at an average price of 97.2 pence per share. The 
Trustee has waived its right to receive dividends on the 
shares it holds.

Statement of going concern
The Directors have focused on assessing whether the going 
concern basis remains appropriate for the preparation of 
the	financial	statements	for	the	year	ended	31	March	2022.	
In making their assessment the Directors have considered 
the principal and emerging risks relating to the Group, its 
loan	covenants,	access	to	funding	and	liquidity	position.	
They have also considered a number of scenarios in 
particular regarding the impact of different levels of rent 
collection across the portfolio and over varying timescales, 
and	the	potential	consequences	on	financial	performance,	
asset values, capital projects and loan covenants. Leasing 
and investment transactions have been assumed to be 
curtailed throughout the assessment period. Future lease 
events over the assessment period have been considered 
on	a	case-by-case	basis	to	determine	the	range	of	most	
likely outcomes. More details regarding the Group’s business 
activities, together with the factors affecting performance, 
investment activities and future development are set out in 
the Strategic Report. 

  Picton Property Income Limited  Annual Report 2022

109

Strategic ReportGovernanceFinancial StatementsAdditional InformationThese matters were assessed over the period to 31 March 
2027	and	will	continue	to	be	assessed	over	rolling	five-year	
periods.

The Directors consider that the stress testing performed 
was	sufficiently	robust	that	even	under	extreme	conditions	
the Company remains viable.

Based on their assessment, and in the context of the 
Group’s business model and strategy, the Directors expect 
that the Group will be able to continue in operation and 
meet	its	liabilities	as	they	fall	due	over	the	five-year	period	
to 31 March 2027.

Substantial shareholdings
Based	on	notifications	received	and	on	information	
provided by the Company’s brokers, the Company 
understands	the	following	shareholders	held	a	beneficial	
interest of 3% or more of the Company’s issued share 
capital as at 5 May 2022.

Investec Wealth & Investment Limited
Ameriprise Financial Inc.
BlackRock Inc.
The Vanguard Group Inc.
Tilney Smith & Williamson
Brewin Dolphin Limited

% of issued  

share capital

16.2
9.3
5.6
4.1
3.8
3.2

Directors’ Report continued

Further	information	on	the	financial	position	of	the	Group,	
including	its	liquidity	position,	borrowing	facilities	and	debt	
maturity	profile,	is	set	out	in	the	Financial	Review	and	in	the	
consolidated	financial	statements.

Under	all	of	these	scenarios	the	Group	has	sufficient	cash	
resources to continue its operations, and remain within its 
loan covenants, for a period of at least 12 months from the 
date	of	these	financial	statements.

Based on their assessment and knowledge of the portfolio 
and market, the Directors have therefore continued to 
adopt	the	going	concern	basis	in	preparing	the	financial	
statements.

Viability assessment and statement
The	UK	Corporate	Governance	Code	requires	the	Board	to	
make a ‘viability statement’ which considers the Company’s 
current position and principal and emerging risks and 
uncertainties combined with an assessment of the future 
prospects for the Company, in order that the Board can 
state that the Company will be able to continue its 
operations over the period of their assessment.

The	Board	conducted	this	review	over	a	five-year	timescale,	
considered	to	be	the	most	appropriate	for	long-term	
investment in commercial property. The assessment has 
been undertaken taking into account the principal and 
emerging risks and uncertainties faced by the Group which 
could impact its investment strategy, future performance, 
loan	covenants	and	liquidity.

The	major	risks	identified	were	those	relating	to	rising	
inflation,	geopolitical	tensions	and	the	legacy	effects	of	the	
Covid-19	pandemic	on	the	UK	economy	and	commercial	
property market over the period of the assessment. In the 
ordinary course of business, the Board reviews a detailed 
financial	model	on	a quarterly	basis,	including	forecast	
market returns. This model allows for different assumptions 
regarding lease expiries, breaks and incentives. For the 
purposes of the viability assessment of the Group, the 
model	covers	a	five-year	period	and	is	stress	tested	under	
various scenarios.

The Board considered a number of scenarios and their 
impact	on	the	Group’s	property	portfolio	and	financial	
position. These scenarios included different levels of rent 
collection, occupier defaults, void periods and incentives 
within	the	portfolio,	and	the	consequential	impact	on	
property costs and loan covenants. All lease events and 
assumptions were reviewed over the period under the 
different scenarios including their impact on revenue and 
cash	flow.	Forecast	movements	in	capital	values	were	
included in these scenarios including their potential impact 
on	the Group’s	loan	covenants.	The	Group’s	long-term	loan	
facilities are contracted to be in place throughout the 
assessment period, while the Board has assumed that the 
Group	will	continue	to	have	access	to	its	short-term	
facilities. The Board considered the impact of these 
scenarios on its ability to continue to pay dividends at 
different rates over the assessment period.

110

Picton Property Income Limited Annual Report 2022

Disclosure of information to auditor
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 auditor is unaware and each Director has 
taken all	the	steps	that	he	or	she	ought	to	have	taken	as	a	
Director to make themselves aware of any relevant audit 
information and to establish that the Company’s auditor is 
aware of that information.

Auditor
KPMG	Channel	Islands	Limited	(the	‘Auditor’)	has	expressed	
its	willingness	to	continue	in	office	as	the	Company’s	
auditor and a resolution proposing its reappointment will 
be submitted at the Annual General Meeting.

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

Company	law	requires	the	Directors	to	prepare	financial	
statements	for	each	financial	year.	Under	that	law	they	are	
required	to	prepare	the	financial	statements	in	accordance	
with International Financial Reporting Standards, as issued 
by the IASB, and applicable law. 

Under	company	law	the	Directors	must	not	approve	the	
financial	statements	unless	they	are	satisfied	that	they	give	
a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the Company 
and	of	its	profit	or	loss	for	that	period.	

In	preparing	these	financial	statements,	the	Directors	are	
required	to:

 ‒ select suitable accounting policies and then apply them 

consistently;

 ‒ make judgements and estimates that are reasonable, 

relevant and reliable;

 ‒ state whether applicable accounting standards have 
been followed, subject to any material departures 
disclosed	and	explained	in	the	financial	statements;
 ‒ assess the Group and Company’s ability to continue as a 
going concern, disclosing, as applicable, matters related 
to going concern; and

 ‒ use the going concern basis of accounting unless they 
either	intend	to	liquidate	the	Group	or	the	Company	or	
to cease operations, or have no realistic alternative but 
to do so.

The Directors are responsible for keeping proper 
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	its	financial	statements	
comply	with	the	Companies	(Guernsey)	Law,	2008.	They	
are responsible for such internal controls as they determine 
are	necessary	to	enable	the	preparation	of	the	financial	
statements that are free from material misstatement, 
whether due to fraud or error, and have a general 
responsibility for taking such steps as are reasonably open 
to them to safeguard the assets of the Group and to 
prevent and detect 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, and for the 
preparation	and	dissemination	of	financial	statements.	
Legislation in Guernsey governing the preparation and 
dissemination	of	financial	statements	may	differ	from	
legislation in other jurisdictions.

Directors’ responsibility statement in respect of the 
Annual Report and financial statements
We	confirm	that	to	the	best	of	our	knowledge:

 ‒ the	financial	statements,	prepared	in	accordance	with	
the applicable set of accounting standards, give a true 
and	fair	view	of	the	assets,	liabilities,	financial	position	
and	profit	or	loss	of	the	Company;	and

 ‒ the Strategic Report includes a fair review of the 

development and performance of the business and the 
position of the Issuer, together with a description of the 
principal risks and uncertainties that they face.

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

By Order of the Board

Andrew Dewhirst
25 May 2022

  Picton Property Income Limited  Annual Report 2022

111

Strategic ReportGovernanceFinancial StatementsAdditional InformationWelcome to 
    our Financial 
        Statements

This section sets out the Group’s 
Financial Statements for the year 
ended 31 March 2022.

Financial Statements

Independent Auditor’s Report

113 
117	 Consolidated	Statement	of	Comprehensive Income
118	 Consolidated	Statement	of	Changes	in Equity
119  Consolidated Balance Sheet
120  Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows
121  Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

Additional Information

139  Supplementary Disclosures
143  Property Portfolio
144  Five Year Financial Summary
145  Glossary
146  Financial Calendar
147   Shareholder Information 

112

Picton Property Income Limited Annual Report 2022

Financial StatementsIndependent Auditor’s Report  
to the Members of Picton Property Income Limited

Our opinion is unmodified
We	have	audited	the	consolidated	financial	statements	of	
Picton	Property	Income	Limited	(the	“Company”)	and	its	
subsidiaries	(together,	the	“Group”),	which	comprise	the	
consolidated balance sheet as at 31 March 2022, the 
consolidated statements of comprehensive income, 
changes	in	equity	and	cash	flows	for	the	year	then	ended,	
and	notes,	comprising	significant	accounting	policies	and	
other explanatory information.

In our opinion, the accompanying consolidated 
financial statements:
 ‒ give	a	true	and	fair	view	of	the	financial	position	of	the	
Group	as	at	31	March	2022,	and	of	the	Group’s	financial	
performance	and	cash	flows	for	the	year	then	ended;

 ‒ are prepared in accordance with International 

Financial Reporting	Standards;	and

 ‒ comply	with	the	Companies	(Guernsey)	Law,	2008.

Basis for opinion
We conducted our audit in accordance with International 
Standards	on	Auditing	(UK)	(‘ISAs	(UK)’)	and	applicable	law.	
Our	responsibilities	are	described	below.	We	have	fulfilled	

our ethical responsibilities under, and are independent 
of the	Company	and	Group	in	accordance	with,	UK	
ethical requirements	including	the	FRC	Ethical	Standard	
as required	by	the	Crown	Dependencies’	Audit	Rules	
and Guidance.	We	believe	that	the	audit	evidence	we	
have obtained	is	a	sufficient	and	appropriate	basis	for	
our opinion.

Key audit matters: our assessment of the risks of 
material misstatement
Key audit matters are those matters that, in our 
professional	judgement,	were	of	most	significance	in	
the audit	of	the	consolidated	financial	statements	and	
include	the	most	significant	assessed	risks	of	material	
misstatement	(whether	or	not	due	to	fraud)	identified	by	
us,	including	those	which	had	the	greatest	effect	on:	the	
overall audit strategy; the allocation of resources in the 
audit; and directing the efforts of the engagement team. 
These matters were addressed in the context of our audit 
of	the	consolidated	financial	statements	as	a	whole,	and	
informing our opinion thereon, and we do not provide a 
separate opinion on these matters. In arriving at our audit 
opinion above, the key audit matter was as follows 
(unchanged	from	2021):

Valuation of investment 
properties

£830	million	(2021:	
£665.4 million)

Refer to page 87 of the 
Audit and Risk Committee 
Report, Note	2	significant	
accounting policies and 
Note 13 investment 
properties disclosures

The risk

Our response

Basis:
The Group’s investment 
properties accounted for 
93%	(2021:	93%)	of	the	
Group’s total assets as at 31 
March 2022. The fair value of 
investment properties at 31 
March 2022 was assessed by 
the Board of Directors based 
on independent valuations 
prepared by the Group’s 
third party independent 
valuer	(the	‘Valuer’).

Risk:
The valuation of the Group’s 
investment properties is a 
significant	area	of	our	audit	
given that it represents the 
majority of the total assets of 
the Group and in view of the 
significance	of	the	estimates	
and judgements that may be 
involved in the determination 
of their fair value.

Our audit procedures included:

Control Evaluation:
We assessed the design, implementation and operating 
effectiveness of controls over the valuation of investment 
properties including the capture and recording of information 
contained in the lease database for investment properties.

Evaluating experts engaged by management:
We assessed the competence, capabilities and objectivity of 
the Valuer. We also assessed the independence of the Valuer 
by considering the scope of their work and the terms of their 
engagement.

Evaluating assumptions and inputs used in the valuation:
With the assistance of our own real estate valuation specialist 
we	assessed	the	valuations	prepared	by	the	Valuer	by:

 ‒ evaluating the appropriateness of the valuation 

methodologies and assumptions used

 ‒ undertaking	discussions	on	key	findings	with	the	Valuer	

and challenging the valuations based on market 
information and knowledge

We also compared a sample of the key inputs used to 
calculate the valuations such as annual rent and tenancy 
contracts	for	consistency	with	other	audit	findings.

Assessing disclosures:
We also considered the Group’s investment property 
valuation policies and their application as described in the 
notes	to	the	consolidated	financial	statements	for	compliance	
with	IFRS	in	addition	to	the	adequacy	of	disclosures	in	Note 13 
in relation to fair value of the investment properties.

  Picton Property Income Limited  Annual Report 2022

113

Strategic ReportGovernanceFinancial StatementsAdditional InformationIndependent Auditor’s Report 
to the Members of Picton Property Income Limited continued
Our application of materiality and an overview of the 
scope of our audit
Materiality	for	the	consolidated	financial	statements	as	a	
whole was set at £8.96 million, determined with reference 
to a benchmark of group total assets of £895.8 million, of 
which	it	represents	approximately	1.0%	(2021:	1%).

from these risks individually and collectively against the 
level	of	available	financial	resources	indicated	by	the	
Group’s	financial	forecasts.

We considered whether the going concern disclosure in 
Note 2	to	the	financial	statements	gives	a	full	and	accurate	
description of the Directors’ assessment of going concern.

In line with our audit methodology, our procedures on 
individual account balances and disclosures were 
performed to a lower threshold, performance materiality, 
so as to reduce to an acceptable level the risk that 
individually immaterial misstatements in individual 
account balances add up to a material amount across the 
financial	statements	as	a	whole.	Performance	materiality	
for	the	Group	was	set	at	75%	(2021:	75%)	of	materiality	for	
the	financial	statements	as	a	whole,	which	equates	to	£6.72	
million. We applied this percentage in our determination of 
performance materiality because we did not identify any 
factors indicating an elevated level of risk.

We reported to the Audit Committee any corrected or 
uncorrected	identified	misstatements	exceeding	£447,000,	
in	addition	to	other	identified	misstatements	that	
warranted	reporting	on	qualitative	grounds.	

Our audit of the Group was undertaken to the materiality 
level	specified	above,	which	has	informed	our	identification	
of	significant	risks	of	material	misstatement	and	the	
associated audit procedures performed in those areas as 
detailed above. 

The group team performed the audit of the Group as if 
it was	a	single	aggregated	set	of	financial	information.	
The audit	was	performed	using	the	materiality	level	set	
out above	and	covered	100%	of	total	group	revenue,	
total group	profit	before	tax,	and	total	group	assets	
and liabilities.

Going concern
The	Directors	have	prepared	the	consolidated	financial	
statements on the going concern basis as they do not 
intend	to	liquidate	the	Group	or	the	Company	or	to	cease	
their operations, and as they have concluded that the 
Group	and	the	Company’s	financial	position	means	that	
this is realistic. They have also concluded that there are 
no material	uncertainties	that	could	have	cast	significant	
doubt over their ability to continue as a going concern for 
at least a year from the date of approval of the consolidated 
financial	statements	(the	‘going	concern	period’).

In our evaluation of the Directors’ conclusions, we 
considered the inherent risks to the Group and the 
Company’s business model and analysed how those risks 
might	affect	the	Group	and	the	Company’s	financial	
resources or ability to continue operations over the going 
concern period. The risks that we considered most likely to 
affect	the	Group	and	the	Company’s	financial	resources	or	
ability	to	continue	operations	over	this	period	were:

 ‒ Availability of capital to meet operating costs and other 

financial	commitments;

 ‒ The	ability	to	successfully	refinance	or	repay	debt;	and
 ‒ The ability of the Company to comply with 

debt covenants

We considered whether these risks could plausibly affect 
the	liquidity	in	the	going	concern	period	by	comparing	
severe, but plausible downside scenarios that could arise 

114

Picton Property Income Limited Annual Report 2022

Our	conclusions	based	on	this	work:

 ‒ we consider that the Directors’ use of the going 

concern basis	of	accounting	in	the	preparation	of	
the consolidated	financial	statements	is	appropriate;
 ‒ we	have	not	identified,	and	concur	with	the	Directors’	
assessment that there is not, a material uncertainty 
related to events or conditions that, individually or 
collectively,	may	cast	significant	doubt	on	the	
Group and	the	Company’s	ability	to	continue	as	a	
going concern	for	the	going	concern	period;	and

 ‒ we have nothing material to add or draw attention to in 
relation to the Directors’ statement in the notes to the 
consolidated	financial	statements	on	the	use	of	the	
going concern basis of accounting with no material 
uncertainties	that	may	cast	significant	doubt	over	the	
Group and the Company’s use of that basis for the 
going concern period, and that statement is materially 
consistent	with	the	consolidated	financial	statements	
and our audit knowledge.

However, as we cannot predict all future events or 
conditions	and	as	subsequent	events	may	result	in	
outcomes that are inconsistent with judgements that 
were reasonable	at	the	time	they	were	made,	the	above	
conclusions are not a guarantee that the Group and the 
Company will continue in operation.

Fraud and breaches of laws and regulations –  
ability to detect
Identifying and responding to risks of material 
misstatement due to fraud
To identify risks of material misstatement due to fraud 
(‘fraud	risks’)	we	assessed	events	or	conditions	that	could	
indicate an incentive or pressure to commit fraud or 
provide an opportunity to commit fraud. Our risk 
assessment	procedures	included:

 ‒ enquiring	of	management	as	to	the	Group’s	policies	

and procedures to prevent and detect fraud as well as 
enquiring	whether	management	have	knowledge	of	
any actual, suspected or alleged fraud;

 ‒ reading minutes of meetings of those charged with 

governance; and

 ‒ using analytical procedures to identify any unusual or 

unexpected relationships.

As	required	by	auditing	standards,	we	perform	procedures	
to address the risk of management override of controls, in 
particular the risk that management may be in a position 
to make inappropriate accounting entries. On this audit 
we do	not	believe	there	is	a	fraud	risk	related	to	revenue	
recognition because the Group’s revenue streams are 
simple in nature with respect to accounting policy choice, 
and	are	easily	verifiable	to	external	data	sources	or	
agreements	with	little	or	no	requirement	for	estimation	
from management. We did not identify any additional 
fraud risks.

Financial StatementsWe	performed	procedures	including:

 ‒ Identifying journal entries and other adjustments to test 
based	on	risk	criteria	and	comparing	any	identified	
entries to supporting documentation; and

 ‒ incorporating an element of unpredictability in our 

audit procedures.

Identifying and responding to risks of material 
misstatement due to non-compliance with laws 
and regulations
We	identified	areas	of	laws	and	regulations	that	could	
reasonably be expected to have a material effect on 
the consolidated	financial	statements	from	our	sector	
experience and through discussion with management 
(as required	by	auditing	standards),	and	from	inspection	
of the	Group’s	regulatory	and	legal	correspondence,	
if any, and	discussed	with	management	the	policies	
and procedures	regarding	compliance	with	laws	and	
regulations. As the Group is regulated, our assessment 
of risks	involved	gaining	an	understanding	of	the	control	
environment including the entity’s procedures for 
complying	with	regulatory	requirements.

The Group is subject to laws and regulations that directly 
affect	the	consolidated	financial	statements	including	
financial	reporting	legislation	and	taxation	legislation	and	
we assessed the extent of compliance with these laws and 
regulations as part of our procedures on the related 
financial	statement	items.

The Group is subject to other laws and regulations 
where the	consequences	of	non-compliance	could	
have a material	effect	on	amounts	or	disclosures	in	the	
consolidated	financial	statements,	for	instance	through	
the imposition	of	fines	or	litigation	or	impacts	on	the	
Group and	the	Company’s	ability	to	operate.	We	identified	
financial	services	regulation	as	being	the	area	most	likely	
to have	such	an	effect,	recognising	the	regulated	nature	of	
the Group’s activities and its legal form. Auditing standards 
limit	the	required	audit	procedures	to	identify	non-
compliance	with	these	laws	and	regulations	to	enquiry	of	
management and inspection of regulatory and legal 
correspondence, if any. Therefore if a breach of operational 
regulations is not disclosed to us or evident from relevant 
correspondence, an audit will not detect that breach.

Context of the ability of the audit to detect fraud or 
breaches of law or regulation
Owing to the inherent limitations of an audit, there is an 
unavoidable risk that we may not have detected some 
material	misstatements	in	the	consolidated	financial	
statements, even though we have properly planned and 
performed our audit in accordance with auditing 
standards.	For	example,	the	further	removed	non-
compliance with laws and regulations is from the events 
and	transactions	reflected	in	the	consolidated	financial	
statements, the less likely the inherently limited procedures 
required	by	auditing	standards	would	identify	it.	

In addition, as with any audit, there remains a higher risk 
of non-detection	of	fraud,	as	this	may	involve	collusion,	
forgery, intentional omissions, misrepresentations, or the 
override of internal controls. Our audit procedures are 
designed to detect material misstatement. We are not 
responsible	for	preventing	non-compliance	or	fraud	and	
cannot	be	expected	to	detect	non-compliance	with	all	
laws and regulations.

Other information
The Directors are responsible for the other information. The 
other information comprises the information included in 
the annual report but does not include the consolidated 
financial	statements	and	our	auditor’s	report	thereon.	Our	
opinion	on	the	consolidated	financial	statements	does	not	
cover the other information and we do not express an audit 
opinion or any form of assurance conclusion thereon.

In	connection	with	our	audit	of	the	consolidated	financial	
statements, our responsibility is to read the other 
information and, in doing so, consider whether the other 
information is materially inconsistent with the consolidated 
financial	statements	or	our	knowledge	obtained	in	the	
audit, or otherwise appears to be materially misstated. If, 
based on the work we have performed, we conclude that 
there is a material misstatement of this other information, 
we	are	required	to	report	that	fact.	We	have	nothing	to	
report in this regard.

Disclosures of emerging and principal risks and longer 
term viability
We	are	required	to	perform	procedures	to	identify	whether	
there is a material inconsistency between the Directors’ 
disclosures in respect of emerging and principal risks and 
the	viability	statement,	and	the	consolidated	financial	
statements and our audit knowledge. We have nothing 
material	to	add	or	draw	attention	to	in	relation	to:

 ‒ the	Directors’	confirmation	within	the	Viability	

assessment and statement (page 110)	that	they	have	
carried out a robust assessment of the emerging and 
principal risks facing the Group, including those that 
would threaten its business model, future performance, 
solvency	or	liquidity;

 ‒ the emerging and principal risks disclosures describing 

these risks and explaining how they are being managed 
or mitigated;

 ‒ the Directors’ explanation in the Viability assessment 

and statement (page 110)	as	to	how	they	have	assessed	
the prospects of the Group, over what period they have 
done so and why they consider that period to be 
appropriate, and their statement as to whether they 
have a reasonable expectation that the Group will be 
able to continue in operation and meet its liabilities as 
they fall due over the period of their assessment, 
including any related disclosures drawing attention to 
any	necessary	qualifications	or	assumptions.

We	are	also	required	to	review	the	Viability	assessment	
and statement,	set	out	on	page 110 under the Listing Rules. 
Based	on	the	above	procedures,	we	have	concluded that	
the above disclosures are materially consistent with the 
consolidated	financial	statements	and our	audit	
knowledge.

  Picton Property Income Limited  Annual Report 2022

115

Strategic ReportGovernanceFinancial StatementsAdditional InformationIndependent Auditor’s Report 
to the Members of Picton Property Income Limited continued
Corporate governance disclosures
We	are	required	to	perform	procedures	to	identify	whether	
there is a material inconsistency between the directors’ 
corporate governance disclosures and the consolidated 
financial	statements	and	our	audit	knowledge.

Auditor’s responsibilities
Our objectives are to obtain reasonable assurance about 
whether	the	consolidated	financial	statements	as	a	whole	
are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud 
or error, and to issue our opinion in an auditor’s report. 
Reasonable assurance is a high level of assurance, but does 
not guarantee that an audit conducted in accordance with 
ISAs	(UK)	will	always	detect	a	material	misstatement	when	
it exists. Misstatements can arise from fraud or error and 
are considered material if, individually or in aggregate, they 
could	reasonably	be	expected	to	influence	the	economic	
decisions of users taken on the basis of the consolidated 
financial	statements.	

A fuller description of our responsibilities is provided on the 
FRC’s website at www.frc.org.uk/auditorsresponsibilities.

The purpose of this report and restrictions on its use by 
persons other than the Company’s members as a body
This report is made solely to the Company’s members, as 
a body,	in	accordance	with	section	262	of	the	Companies	
(Guernsey)	Law,	2008.	Our	audit	work	has	been	undertaken	
so that we might state to the Company’s members those 
matters	we	are	required	to	state	to	them	in	an	auditor’s	
report and for no other purpose. To the fullest extent 
permitted by law, we do not accept or assume responsibility 
to anyone other than the Company and the Company’s 
members, as a body, for our audit work, for this report, or 
for the opinions we have formed.

Deborah Smith
For and on behalf of KPMG Channel Islands Limited
Chartered Accountants and Recognised Auditors
Guernsey
25 May 2022

Based	on	those	procedures,	we	have	concluded	that	each of	
the	following	is	materially	consistent	with	the consolidated	
financial	statements	and	our	audit	knowledge:	

 ‒ the Directors’ statement that they consider that the 

annual	report	and	consolidated	financial	statements	
taken as a whole is fair, balanced and understandable, 
and provides the information necessary for shareholders 
to assess the Company’s position and performance, 
business model and strategy;

 ‒ the section of the annual report describing the work of 
the	Audit	Committee,	including	the	significant	issues	
that the audit committee considered in relation to the 
financial	statements,	and	how	these	issues	were	
addressed; and

 ‒ the section of the annual report that describes the 
review of the effectiveness of the Company’s risk 
management and internal control systems.

We	are	required	to	review	the	part	of	Corporate	
Governance Statement relating to the Company’s 
compliance	with	the	provisions	of	the	UK	Corporate	
Governance	Code	specified	by	the	Listing	Rules	for	our	
review. We have nothing to report in this respect. 

We have nothing to report on other matters on which 
we are required to report by exception
We have nothing to report in respect of the following 
matters	where	the	Companies	(Guernsey)	Law,	2008	
requires	us	to	report	to	you	if,	in	our	opinion:

 ‒ the Company has not kept proper accounting 

records; or

 ‒ the	consolidated	financial	statements	are	not	in	

agreement with the accounting records; or
 ‒ we have not received all the information and 

explanations, which to the best of our knowledge 
and belief	are	necessary	for	the	purpose	of	our	audit.

Respective responsibilities
Directors’ responsibilities
As explained more fully in their statement set out on 
page 111,	the Directors	are	responsible	for:	the	preparation	
of	the	consolidated	financial	statements	including	being	
satisfied	that	they	give	a	true	and	fair	view;	such	internal	
control as they determine is necessary to enable the 
preparation	of	consolidated	financial	statements	that	are	
free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or 
error; assessing the Group and Company’s ability to 
continue	as	a going	concern,	disclosing,	as	applicable,	
matters related to going concern; and using the going 
concern basis of accounting unless they either intend to 
liquidate	the	Group	or	the	Company	or	to	cease	operations,	
or have no realistic alternative but to do so. 

116

Picton Property Income Limited Annual Report 2022

Financial StatementsConsolidated statement of comprehensive income
for the year ended 31 March 2022

Income

Revenue from properties
Property expenses

Net property income

Expenses

Administrative expenses

Total operating expenses

Operating profit before movement on investments

Investments

Profit	on	disposal	of	investment	properties
Investment property valuation movements

Total profit on investments

Operating profit

Financing

Interest received
Interest paid
Debt prepayment fees

Total finance costs

Profit before tax
Tax
Profit after tax

Other comprehensive income

Revaluation	of	owner-occupied	property

Total other comprehensive income for the year

Total comprehensive income for the year

Earnings per share

Basic 

Diluted

Notes

2022 
£000

2021 
£000

3
4

46,543
(11,098)

43,331
(9,877)

35,445

33,454

6

(5,755)

(5,388)

(5,755)

(5,388)

29,690

28,066

13
42
13 129,801

868
12,861

129,843

13,729

159,533

41,795

8
18

–
(8,502)
(4,045)

5
(7,999)
–

(12,547)

(7,994)

9

146,986
–
146,986

33,801
–
33,801

14

434

434

–

–

147,420

33,801

11

11

27.0p

26.9p

6.2p

6.2p

All items in the above statement derive from continuing operations.

All	of	the	profit	and	total	comprehensive	income	for	the	year	is	attributable	to	the	equity	holders	of	the	Company.

Notes 1 to 27	form	part	of	these	consolidated	financial	statements.

  Picton Property Income Limited  Annual Report 2022

117

Strategic ReportGovernanceFinancial StatementsAdditional InformationConsolidated statement of changes in equity
for the year ended 31 March 2022

Balance as at 31 March 2020
Profit	for	the	year
Dividends paid
Share-based	awards
Purchase of shares held in trust

Balance as at 31 March 2021
Profit	for	the	year
Dividends paid
Share-based	awards
Purchase of shares held in trust
Other comprehensive income for the year

Share 
capital 
£000

Retained 
earnings 
£000

Other 
reserves 
£000

Revaluation 
reserve 
£000

Total 
£000

Notes

164,400 345,667
33,801
(15,002)
–
–

–
–
–
–

164,400 364,466
– 146,986
(18,425)
–
–
–
–
–
–
–

10

7

10

7
14

(784)
–
–
758
(643)

(669)
–
–
668
(730)
–

– 509,283
33,801
–
(15,002)
–
758
–
(643)
–

– 528,197
– 146,986
(18,425)
–
668
–
(730)
–
434
434

Balance as at 31 March 2022

164,400 493,027

(731)

434 657,130

Notes 1 to 27	form	part	of	these	consolidated	financial	statements.

118

Picton Property Income Limited Annual Report 2022

Financial StatementsConsolidated balance sheet
as at 31 March 2022

Non-current assets 

Investment properties
Property,	plant	and	equipment

Total non-current assets

Current assets 

Accounts receivable
Cash	and	cash	equivalents

Total current assets

Total assets

Current liabilities

Accounts payable and accruals
Loans and borrowings
Obligations under leases

Total current liabilities

Non-current liabilities 

Loans and borrowings
Obligations under leases

Total non-current liabilities

Total liabilities

Net assets

Equity

Share capital
Retained earnings
Other reserves
Revaluation reserve

Total equity

Net asset value per share

Notes

2022 
£000

2021
 £000

13 830,027 665,418
4,111
14

4,383

834,410 669,529

15
16

22,850
38,547

19,584
23,358

61,397

42,942

895,807 712,471

17
18
22

(19,138)
(1,068)
(114)

(18,805)
(944)
(107)

(20,320)

(19,856)

18 (215,764)
22
(2,593)

(162,711)
(1,707)

(218,357)

(164,418)

(238,677)

(184,274)

657,130 528,197

20 164,400 164,400
493,027 364,466
(669)
–

(731)
434

657,130 528,197

23

120p

97p

These	consolidated	financial	statements	were	approved	by	the	Board	of	Directors	on	25	May	2022	and	signed	on	its	
behalf	by:

Andrew Dewhirst
Director
25 May 2022

Notes 1 to 27	form	part	of	these	consolidated	financial	statements.

  Picton Property Income Limited  Annual Report 2022

119

Strategic ReportGovernanceFinancial StatementsAdditional InformationConsolidated statement of cash flows
for the year ended 31 March 2022 

Operating activities

Operating	profit
Adjustments	for	non-cash	items
Interest received
Interest paid
Tax received
Increase in accounts receivable
Increase/(decrease)	in	accounts	payable	and	accruals

Cash inflows from operating activities

Investing activities

Purchase of investment properties
Capital expenditure on investment properties
Disposal of investment properties
Purchase of tangible assets

Cash outflows from investing activities

Financing activities

Borrowings repaid
Borrowings drawn
Debt prepayment fees
Financing costs
Purchase of shares held in trust
Dividends paid

Cash inflows/(outflows) from financing activities

Net increase/(decrease) in cash and cash equivalents
Cash	and	cash	equivalents	at	beginning	of	year

Notes

2022 
£000

2021
 £000

159,533
21 (129,010)
–
(8,102)
–
(3,305)
897

41,795
(12,964)
5
(7,515)
56
(1,983)
(825)

20,013

18,569

13
13

14

(25,005)
(9,551)
726
(3)

–
(4,961)
3,928
(268)

(33,833)

(1,301)

18
18
18
18
7
10

(26,917)
79,545
(4,045)
(419)
(730)
(18,425)

(1,258)
–
–
(574)
(643)
(15,002)

29,009

(17,477)

15,189
23,358

(209)
23,567

Cash and cash equivalents at end of year

16

38,547

23,358

Notes 1 to 27	form	part	of	these	consolidated	financial	statements.

120

Picton Property Income Limited Annual Report 2022

Financial StatementsNotes to the consolidated financial statements
for the year ended 31 March 2022

1. General information
Picton	Property	Income	Limited	(the	‘Company’	and	together	with	its	subsidiaries	the	‘Group’)	was	established	on	
15	September	2005	as	a	closed	ended	Guernsey	domiciled	investment	company	and	entered	the	UK	REIT	regime	on	
1	October	2018.	The	consolidated	financial	statements	are	prepared	for	the	year	ended	31	March	2022	with	comparatives	
for the year ended 31 March 2021.

2. Significant accounting policies
Basis of accounting
The	financial	statements	have	been	prepared	on	a	going	concern	basis	and	adopt	the	historical	cost	basis,	except	for	
the revaluation	of	investment	properties.	Historical	cost	is	generally	based	on	the	fair	value	of	the	consideration	given	in	
exchange	for	the	assets.	The	financial	statements,	which	give	a	true	and	fair	view,	are	prepared	in	accordance	with	
International	Financial	Reporting	Standards	(IFRS)	as	issued	by	the	IASB	and	the	Companies	(Guernsey)	Law,	2008.

The	Directors	have	assessed	whether	the	going	concern	basis	remains	appropriate	for	the	preparation	of	the	financial	
statements. They have reviewed the Group’s principal and emerging risks, existing loan facilities, access to funding and 
liquidity	position	and	then	considered	a	number	of	scenarios	around	different	levels	of	rent	collection,	(and	the	potential	
consequences	on	financial	performance),	asset	values,	capital	projects	and	loan	covenants.	Under	all	of	these	scenarios	
the	Group	has	sufficient	resources	to	continue	its	operations,	and	remain	within	its	loan	covenants,	for	a	period	of	at	least	
12	months	from	the	date	of	these	financial	statements.

Based on their assessment and knowledge of the portfolio and market, the Directors have therefore continued to adopt 
the	going	concern	basis	in	preparing	the	financial	statements.

The	financial	statements	are	presented	in	pounds	sterling,	which	is	the	Company’s	functional	currency.	All	financial	
information presented in pounds sterling has been rounded to the nearest thousand, except when otherwise indicated.

New or amended standards issued
The	accounting	policies	adopted	are	consistent	with	those	of	the	previous	financial	period,	as	amended	to	reflect	the	
adoption of new standards, amendments and interpretations which became effective in the year as shown below.

 ‒ Interest Rate Benchmark Reform – Phase 2
 ‒ Covid-19	Related	Rent	Concessions	(Amendment	to	IFRS	16)

The	adoption	of	these	standards	has	had	no	material	effect	on	the	consolidated	financial	statements	of	the	Group.

At	the	date	of	approval	of	these	financial	statements	there	are	a	number	of	new	and	amended	standards	in	issue	but	not	
yet	effective	for	the	financial	year	ended	31	March	2022	and	thus	have	not	been	applied	by	the	Group.

 ‒ Classification	of	liabilities	as	current	or	non-current	(Amendments	to	IAS	1)
 ‒ Disclosure	of	Accounting	Policies	(Amendments	to	IAS	1	and	IFRS	Practice	Statement	2)
 ‒ Definition	of	Accounting	Estimate	(Amendment	to	IAS	8)
 ‒ Sale	or	Contribution	of	Assets	between	an	Investor	and	its	Associate	or	Joint	Venture	(Amendment	to	IFRS	10	and	IAS	28)

 ‒ Onerous	Contracts	–	Cost	of	fulfilling	a	Contract	(Amendments	to	IAS	37)
 ‒ Annual	Improvements	to	IFRS	Standards	2018-2020

The adoption of these new and amended standards, together with any other IFRSs or IFRIC interpretations that are not 
yet	effective,	are	not	expected	to	have	a	material	impact	on	the	financial	statements	of	the	Group.

Use of estimates and judgements
The	preparation	of	financial	statements	in	conformity	with	IFRS	requires	management	to	make	judgements,	estimates	
and assumptions that affect the application of policies and the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, income and 
expenses. The estimates and associated assumptions are based on historical experience and various other factors that are 
believed to be reasonable under the circumstances, the results of which form the basis of estimates about the carrying 
values of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. Actual results may differ from these 
estimates. The estimates and underlying assumptions are reviewed on an ongoing basis.

Significant judgements and estimates
Judgements	made	by	management	in	the	application	of	IFRSs	that	have	a	significant	effect	on	the	financial	statements	
and major sources of estimation uncertainty are disclosed in Note 13.

The	critical	estimates	and	assumptions	relate	to	the	investment	property	and	owner-occupied	property	valuations	
applied by the Group’s independent valuer. Revisions to accounting estimates are recognised in the year in which the 
estimate is revised if the revision affects only that year, or in the year of the revision and future years if the revision affects 
both current and future years.

  Picton Property Income Limited  Annual Report 2022

121

Strategic ReportGovernanceFinancial StatementsAdditional Information2. Significant accounting policies continued
Basis of consolidation
The	consolidated	financial	statements	incorporate	the	financial	statements	of	the	Company	and	entities	controlled	by	the	
Company at the reporting date. The Group controls an entity when it is exposed to, or has rights to, variable returns from 
its involvement with the entity and has the ability to affect these returns through its control over the entity.

Subsidiaries are consolidated from the date on which control is transferred to the Group and cease to be consolidated 
from	the	date	on	which	control	is	transferred	out	of	the	Group.	These	financial	statements	include	the	results	of	the	
subsidiaries disclosed in Note 12.	All	intra-group	transactions,	balances,	income	and	expenses	are	eliminated	on	
consolidation.

Fair value hierarchy
The fair value measurement for the Group’s assets and liabilities is categorised into different levels in the fair value 
hierarchy	based	on	the	inputs	to	valuation	techniques	used.	The	different	levels	have	been	defined	as	follows:

Level	1:	quoted	prices	(unadjusted)	in	active	markets	for	identical	assets	or	liabilities	that	the	Group	can	access	at	the	
measurement date.

Level	2:	inputs	other	than	quoted	prices	included	within	Level	1	that	are	observable	for	the	asset	or	liability,	either	directly	
or indirectly.

Level	3:	unobservable	inputs	for	the	asset	or	liability.

The Group recognises transfers between levels of the fair value hierarchy as of the end of the reporting period during 
which the transfer has occurred.

Investment properties
Freehold	property	held	by	the	Group	to	earn	income	or	for	capital	appreciation,	or	both,	is	classified	as	investment	
property in accordance with IAS 40 ‘Investment Property’. Property held under head leases for similar purposes is also 
classified	as	investment	property.	Investment	property	is	initially	recognised	at	purchase	cost	plus	directly	attributable	
acquisition	expenses	and	subsequently	measured	at	fair	value.	The	fair	value	of	investment	property	is	based	on	a	
valuation	by	an	independent	valuer	who	holds	a	recognised	and	relevant	professional	qualification	and	who	has	recent	
experience in the location and category of the investment property being valued.

The fair value of investment properties is measured based on each property’s highest and best use from a market 
participant’s perspective and considers the potential uses of the property that are physically possible, legally permissible 
and	financially	feasible.

The	fair	value	of	investment	property	generally	involves	consideration	of:

 ‒ Market evidence on comparable transactions for similar properties;
 ‒ The actual current market for that type of property in that type of location at the reporting date and current market 

expectations;

 ‒ Rental income from leases and market expectations regarding possible future lease terms;
 ‒ Hypothetical sellers and buyers, who are reasonably informed about the current market and who are motivated, but 

not compelled, to transact in that market on an arm’s length basis; and

 ‒ Investor expectations on matters such as future enhancement of rental income or market conditions.

Gains and losses arising from changes in fair value are included in the Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income 
in the year in which they arise. Purchases and sales of investment property are recognised when contracts have been 
unconditionally	exchanged	and	the	significant	risks	and	rewards	of	ownership	have	been	transferred.

An	investment	property	is	derecognised	for	accounting	purposes	upon	disposal	or	when	no	future	economic	benefits	are	
expected to arise from the continued use of the asset. Any gain or loss arising on derecognition of the asset (calculated as 
the	difference	between	the	net	disposal	proceeds	and	the	carrying	amount	of	the	item)	is	included	in	the	Consolidated	
Statement of Comprehensive Income in the year the asset is derecognised. Investment properties are not depreciated.

The	majority	of	the	investment	properties	are	charged	by	way	of	a	first	ranking	mortgage	as	security	for	the	loans	made	
to the Group; see Note 18.

122

Picton Property Income Limited Annual Report 2022

Financial StatementsNotes to the consolidated financial statements continuedfor the year ended 31 March 20222. Significant accounting policies continued
Property, plant and equipment
Owner-occupied property
Owner-occupied	property	is	stated	at	its	revalued	amount,	which	is	determined	in	the	same	manner	as	investment	
property.	It	is	depreciated	over	its	remaining	useful	life	(in	this	case	40	years)	with	the	depreciation	included	in	
administrative expenses. On revaluation, any accumulated depreciation is eliminated against the gross carrying amount 
of	the	property	concerned,	and	the	net	amount	restated	to	the	revalued	amount.	Subsequent	depreciation	charges	are	
adjusted based on the revalued amount. Any difference between the depreciation charge on the revalued amount and 
that which would have been charged under historic cost is transferred between the revaluation reserve and retained 
earnings	as	the	property	is	used.	Any	gain	arising	on	this	remeasurement	is	recognised	in	profit	or	loss	to	the	extent	that	it	
reverses	a	previous	impairment	loss	on	the	specific	property,	with	any	remaining	gain	recognised	in	other	comprehensive	
income	and	presented	in	the	revaluation	reserve.	Any	loss	is	recognised	in	profit	or	loss.	However,	to	the	extent	that	an	
amount is included in the revaluation surplus for that property, the loss is recognised in other comprehensive income and 
reduces	the	revaluation	surplus	within	equity.

Plant and equipment
Plant	and	equipment	is	depreciated	on	a	straight-line	basis	over	the	estimated	useful	lives	of	each	item	of	plant	and	
equipment.	The	estimated	useful	lives	are	between	three	and	five	years.	

Leases
Where	the	Group	holds	interest	in	investment	properties	other	than	as	freehold	interests	(e.g.	as	a	head	lease),	these	are	
accounted for as right of use assets, which is recognised at its fair value on the Balance Sheet, within the investment 
property	carrying	value.	Upon	initial	recognition,	a	corresponding	liability	is	included	as	a	finance	lease	liability.	Minimum	
lease	payments	are	apportioned	between	the	finance	charge	and	the	reduction	of	the	outstanding	liability	so	as	to	
produce	a	constant	periodic	rate	of	interest	on	the	remaining	finance	lease	liability.	Contingent	rent	payable,	being	the	
difference between the rent currently payable and the minimum lease payments when the lease liability was originally 
calculated, are charged as expenses within property expenditure in the years in which they are payable.

The Group leases its investment properties under commercial property leases which are held as operating leases. An 
operating	lease	is	a	lease	other	than	a	finance	lease.	A	finance	lease	is	one	whereby	substantially	all	the	risks	and	rewards	
of	ownership	are	passed	to	the	lessee.	Lease	income	is	recognised	as	income	on	a	straight-line	basis	over	the	lease	term.	
Direct costs incurred in negotiating and arranging an operating lease are added to the carrying amount of the leased 
asset	and	recognised	as	an	expense	over	the	lease	term	on	the	same	basis	as	the	lease	income.	Upon	receipt	of	a	
surrender	premium	for	the	early	termination	of	a	lease,	the	profit,	net	of	dilapidations	and	non-recoverable	outgoings	
relating	to	the	lease	concerned,	is	immediately	reflected	in	revenue	from	properties	if	there	are	no	relevant	conditions	
attached to the surrender.

Cash and cash equivalents
Cash	includes	cash	in	hand	and	cash	with	banks.	Cash	equivalents	are	short-term,	highly	liquid	investments	that	are	
readily convertible to known amounts of cash with original maturities in three months or less and that are subject to an 
insignificant	risk	of	change	in	value.

Income and expenses
Income and expenses are included in the Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income on an accruals basis. All of 
the Group’s income and expenses are derived from continuing operations.

Lease	incentive	payments	are	amortised	on	a	straight-line	basis	over	the	period	from	the	date	of	lease	inception	to	the	
end of the lease term and presented within accounts receivable. Lease incentives granted are recognised as a reduction 
of the total rental income, over the term of the lease.

Property	operating	costs	include	the	costs	of	professional	fees	on	letting	and	other	non-recoverable	costs.

The income charged to occupiers for property service charges and the costs associated with such service charges are 
shown separately in Notes 3 and 4	to	reflect	that,	notwithstanding	this	money	is	held	on	behalf	of	occupiers,	the	ultimate	
risk for paying and recovering these costs rests with the property owner.

Employee benefits
Defined contribution plans
A	defined	contribution	plan	is	a	retirement	benefit	plan	under	which	the	Company	pays	fixed	contributions	into	a	
separate entity and will have no legal or constructive obligation to pay further amounts. Obligations for contributions to 
defined	contribution	pension	plans	are	recognised	as	an	expense	in	the	Consolidated	Statement	of	Comprehensive	
Income in the periods during which services are rendered by employees.

  Picton Property Income Limited  Annual Report 2022

123

Strategic ReportGovernanceFinancial StatementsAdditional Information2. Significant accounting policies continued
Short-term benefits
Short-term	employee	benefit	obligations	are	measured	on	an	undiscounted	basis	and	are	expensed	as	the	related	service	
is	provided.	A	liability	is	recognised	for	the	amount	expected	to	be	paid	under	short-term	cash	bonus	or	profit-sharing	
plans if the Company has a present legal or constructive obligation to pay this amount as a result of past service provided 
by the employee and the obligation can be estimated reliably.

Share-based payments
The fair value of the amounts payable to employees in respect of the Deferred Bonus Plan, when these are to be settled 
in cash, is recognised as an expense with a corresponding increase in liabilities, over the period that the employees 
become	unconditionally	entitled	to	payment.	Where	the	awards	are	equity	settled,	the	fair	value	is	recognised	as	an	
expense,	with	a	corresponding	increase	in	equity.	The	liability	is	remeasured	at	each	reporting	date	and	at	settlement	
date. Any changes in the fair value of the liability are recognised under the category staff costs in the Consolidated 
Statement of Comprehensive Income.

The	grant	date	fair	value	of	awards	to	employees	made	under	the	Long-term	Incentive	Plan	is	recognised	as	an	expense,	
with	a	corresponding	increase	in	equity,	over	the	vesting	period	of	the	awards.	The	amount	recognised	as	an	expense	is	
adjusted	to	reflect	the	number	of	awards	for	which	the	related	non-market	performance	conditions	are	expected	to	be	
met,	such	that	the	amount	ultimately	recognised	is	based	on	the	number	of	awards	that	meet	the	related	non-market	
performance	conditions	at	the	vesting	date.	For	share-based	payment	awards	with	market	conditions,	the	grant	date	fair	
value	of	the	share-based	awards	is	measured	to	reflect	such	conditions	and	there	is	no	adjustment	between	expected	
and actual outcomes.

The	cost	of	the	Company’s	shares	held	by	the	Employee	Benefit	Trust	is	deducted	from	equity	in	the	Consolidated	
Balance Sheet. Any shares held by the Trust are not included in the calculation of earnings or net assets per share.

Dividends
Dividends are recognised in the period in which they are declared.

Accounts receivable
Accounts receivable are stated at their nominal amount as reduced by appropriate allowances for estimated irrecoverable 
amounts.	The	Group	applies	the	IFRS	9	simplified	approach	to	measuring	expected	credit	losses,	which	uses	a	lifetime	
expected	impairment	provision	for	all	applicable	accounts	receivable.	Bad	debts	are	written	off	when	identified.

Loans and borrowings
All loans and borrowings are initially recognised at cost, being the fair value of the consideration received net of issue 
costs	associated	with	the	borrowing.	After	initial	recognition,	loans	and	borrowings	are	subsequently	measured	at	
amortised cost using the effective interest method. Amortised cost is calculated by taking into account any issue costs, 
and	any	discount	or	premium	on	settlement.	Gains	and	losses	are	recognised	in	profit	or	loss	in	the	Consolidated	
Statement of Comprehensive Income when the liabilities are derecognised for accounting purposes, as well as through 
the amortisation process.

Assets classified as held for sale
Any investment properties on which contracts for sale have been exchanged but which had not completed at the period 
end are disclosed as properties held for sale. Investment properties included in the held for sale category continue to be 
measured in accordance with the accounting policy for investment properties.

Other assets and liabilities
Other assets and liabilities, including trade creditors, accruals, other creditors, and deferred rental income, which are not 
interest bearing are stated at their nominal value.

Share capital
Ordinary	shares	are	classified	as	equity.	

Revaluation reserve
Any	surplus	or	deficit	arising	from	the	revaluation	of	owner-occupied	property	is	taken	to	the	revaluation	reserve.

Taxation
The	Group	elected	to	be	treated	as	a	UK	REIT	with	effect	from	1	October	2018.	The	UK	REIT	rules	exempt	the	profits	of	the	
Group’s	UK	property	rental	business	from	UK	corporation	and	income	tax.	Gains	on	UK	properties	are	also	exempt	from	
tax,	provided	they	are	not	held	for	trading.	The	Group	is	otherwise	subject	to	UK	corporation	tax.

124

Picton Property Income Limited Annual Report 2022

Financial StatementsNotes to the consolidated financial statements continuedfor the year ended 31 March 20222. Significant accounting policies continued
Principles for the Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows
The Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows has been drawn up according to the indirect method, separating the cash 
flows	from	operating	activities,	investing	activities	and	financing	activities.	The	net	result	has	been	adjusted	for	amounts	
in the Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income and movements in the Consolidated Balance Sheet which 
have not resulted in cash income or expenditure in the related period.

The cash amounts in the Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows include those assets that can be converted into cash 
without any restrictions and without any material risk of decreases in value as a result of the transaction.

3. Revenue from properties

Rents	receivable	(adjusted	for	lease	incentives)
Surrender premiums
Dilapidation receipts
Other income
Service charge income

Rents	receivable	have	been	adjusted	for	lease	incentives	recognised	of	£2.8	million	(2021:	£2.0	million).

4. Property expenses

Property operating costs
Property void costs
Recoverable service charge costs

2022 
£000

2021 
£000

40,133
59
21
118
6,212

36,558
202
1,195
82
5,294

46,543

43,331

2022 
£000

2,477
2,409
6,212

11,098

2021 
£000

2,384
2,199
5,294

9,877

5. Operating segments
The Board is responsible for setting the Group’s strategy and business model. The key measure of performance used by 
the Board to assess the Group’s performance is the total return on the Group’s net asset value. As the total return on the 
Group’s net asset value is calculated based on the net asset value per share calculated under IFRS as shown at the foot of 
the Consolidated Balance Sheet, assuming dividends are reinvested, the key performance measure is that prepared 
under	IFRS.	Therefore,	no	reconciliation	is	required	between	the	measure	of	profit	or	loss	used	by	the	Board	and	that	
contained	in	the	financial	statements.

The	Board	has	considered	the	requirements	of	IFRS	8	‘Operating	Segments’.	The	Board	is	of	the	opinion	that	the	Group,	
through its subsidiary undertakings, operates in one reportable industry segment, namely real estate investment, and 
across	one	primary	geographical	area,	namely	the	United	Kingdom,	and	therefore	no	segmental	reporting	is	required.	
The	portfolio	consists	of	47	commercial	properties,	which	are	in	the	industrial,	office,	retail	and	leisure	sectors.

6. Administrative expenses

Director and staff costs
Auditor’s remuneration
Other administrative expenses

2022 
£000

3,415
206
2,134

5,755

2021 
£000

3,219
206
1,963

5,388

  Picton Property Income Limited  Annual Report 2022

125

Strategic ReportGovernanceFinancial StatementsAdditional Information6. Administrative expenses continued

Auditor’s	remuneration	comprises:

Audit fees:
Audit	of	Group	financial	statements
Audit	of	subsidiaries’	financial	statements

Audit-related fees:
Review	of	half-year	financial	statements

Non-audit fees:
Additional controls testing

7. Director and staff costs

Wages and salaries
Non-Executive	Directors’	fees
Social security costs
Other pension costs
Share-based	payments	–	cash	settled
Share-based	payments	–	equity	settled

2022 
£000

2021 
£000

92
82

16

190

16

16

206

2022 
£000

1,765
275
402
27
201
745

3,415

92
82

16

190

16

16

206

2021 
£000

1,724
250
358
28
166
693

3,219

The emoluments of the Directors are set out in detail within the Remuneration Committee report, including the audited 
totals on page 101.

Employees	participate	in	two	share-based	remuneration	arrangements:	the	Deferred	Bonus	Plan	and	the	Long-term	
Incentive	Plan	(the	‘LTIP’).

For all employees, a proportion of any discretionary annual bonus will be an award under the Deferred Bonus Plan. With 
the	exception	of	Executive	Directors,	awards	are	cash	settled	and	vest	after	two	years.	The	final	value	of	awards	is	
determined by the movement in the Company’s share price and dividends paid over the vesting period. For Executive 
Directors,	awards	are	equity	settled	and	also	vest	after	two	years.	On	22	June	2021,	awards	of	531,108	notional	shares	were	
made	which	vest	in	June	2023	(2021:	599,534	notional	shares).	The	next	awards	are	due	to	be	made	in	June	2022	for	
vesting in June 2024.

The table below summarises the awards made under the Deferred Bonus Plan. Employees have the option to defer the 
vesting date of their awards for a maximum of seven years.

Vesting date

31 March 2020
19 June 2021
29 June 2022
22 June 2023

Units	 
at 31 March 
2020

Units	
granted in 
the year

Units	
cancelled in 
the year

Units	
redeemed 
in the year

Units	 
at 31 March  

Units	
granted  

2021

in the year

Units	
cancelled  
in the year

Units	
redeemed 
in the year

242,509
438,907

–
–
– 599,534
–
–

681,416 599,534

–
–
–
–

–

(242,509)

–
– 438,907
– 599,534
–

–
–
–
– 531,108

(242,509) 1,038,441 531,108

–
–
–
–

–

–
(438,907)
–
–

(438,907) 1,130,642

Units  
at 31 March 
2022

–
–
599,534
531,108

The	Group	also	has	a	Long-term	Incentive	Plan	for	all	employees	which	is	equity	settled.	Awards	are	made	annually	and	
vest	three	years	from	the	grant	date.	Vesting	is	conditional	on	three	performance	metrics	measured	over	each	three-year	
period.	Awards	to	Executive	Directors	are	also	subject	to	a	further	two-year	holding	period.	On	22	June	2021,	awards	for	a	
maximum	of	1,107,155	shares	were	granted	to	employees	in	respect	of	the	three-year	period	ending	on	31	March	2024.	In	
the previous year, awards of 860,740 shares were made on 29 June 2020 for the period ending 31 March 2023.

126

Picton Property Income Limited Annual Report 2022

Financial StatementsNotes to the consolidated financial statements continuedfor the year ended 31 March 20227. Director and staff costs continued
The	three	performance	metrics	are:

 ‒ Total	shareholder	return	(TSR)	of	Picton	Property	Income	Limited,	compared	to	a	comparator	group	of	similar	listed	

companies;

 ‒ Total	property	return	(TPR)	of	the	property	assets	held	within	the	Group,	compared	to	the	MSCI	UK	Quarterly	Property	

Index; and

 ‒ Growth	in	EPRA	earnings	per	share	(EPS)	of	the	Group.

The	fair	value	of	share	grants	is	measured	using	a	combination	of	a	Monte	Carlo	model	for	the	market	conditions	(TSR)	
and	a	Black-Scholes	model	for	the	non-market	conditions	(TPR	and	EPS).	The	fair	value	is	recognised	over	the	expected	
vesting period. For the awards made during this year and the previous year the main inputs and assumptions of the 
models,	and	the	resulting	fair	values,	are:

Assumptions

Grant date
Share price at date of grant
Exercise price
Expected term
Risk-free	rate	–	TSR	condition
Share price volatility – TSR condition
Median volatility of comparator group – TSR condition
Correlation – TSR condition
TSR performance at grant date – TSR condition
Median TSR performance of comparator group at grant date – TSR condition
Fair	value	–	TSR	condition	(Monte	Carlo	method)
Fair	value	–	TPR	condition	(Black-Scholes	model)
Fair	value	–	EPS	condition	(Black-Scholes	model)

22 June 2021 29 June 2020
68.4p
Nil
3 years
(0.05)%
24.2%
24.5%
37.8%
(11.4)%
(10.7)%
26.7p
68.4p
68.4p

87.3p
Nil
3 years
0.23%
28.3%
31.8%
29.4%
0.3%
10.7%
37.7p
87.3p
87.3p

The	Trustee	of	the	Company’s	Employee	Benefit	Trust	acquired	750,000	ordinary	shares	during	the	year	for	£730,000	
(2021:	958,000	shares	for	£643,000).

The	Group	employed	nine	members	of	staff	at	31	March	2022	(2021:	ten).	The	average	number	of	people	employed	by	the	
Group	for	the	year	ended	31	March	2022	was	ten	(2021:	nine).

8. Interest paid

Interest payable on loans
Interest	on	obligations	under	finance	leases
Non-utilisation	fees

2022 
£000

8,134
129
239

8,502

2021 
£000

7,574
114
311

7,999

The	loan	arrangement	costs	incurred	to	31	March	2022	are	£3,325,000	(2021:	£4,590,000).	These	are	amortised	over	the	
duration of the loans with £967,000 amortised in the year ended 31 March 2022 and included in interest payable on loans 
(2021:	£531,000).

9. Tax
The	charge	for	the	year	is:

Tax expense in year

Total tax charge

2022 
£000

2021 
£000

–

–

–

–

  Picton Property Income Limited  Annual Report 2022

127

Strategic ReportGovernanceFinancial StatementsAdditional Information9. Tax continued
A	reconciliation	of	the	tax	charge	applicable	to	the	results	at	the	statutory	tax	rate	to	the	charge	for	the	year	is	as	follows:

Profit	before	taxation

Expected	tax	charge	on	ordinary	activities	at	the	standard	rate	of	taxation	of	19%	(2021:	19%)

Less:
UK	REIT	exemption	on	net	income
Revaluation movement not taxable
Gains on disposal not taxable

Total tax charge

2022 
£000

2021 
£000

146,986

33,801

27,927

6,422

(3,257)
(24,662)
(8)

(3,813)
(2,444)
(165)

–

–

As	a	UK	REIT,	the	income	profits	of	the	Group’s	UK	property	rental	business	are	exempt	from	corporation	tax,	as	are	any	
gains it makes from the disposal of its properties, provided they are not held for trading. The Group is otherwise subject to 
UK	corporation	tax	at	the	prevailing	rate.

As	the	principal	company	of	the	REIT,	the	Company	is	required	to	distribute	at	least	90%	of	the	income	profits	of	the	
Group’s	UK	property	rental	business.	There	are	a	number	of	other	conditions	that	are	also	required	to	be	met	by	the	
Company and the Group to maintain REIT tax status. These conditions were met in the year and the Board intends to 
conduct the Group’s affairs such that these conditions continue to be met for the foreseeable future. Accordingly, 
deferred tax is no longer recognised on temporary differences relating to the property rental business.

10. Dividends

Declared and paid:

Interim	dividend	for	the	period	ended	31	March	2020:	0.625	pence
Interim	dividend	for	the	period	ended	30	June	2020:	0.625	pence
Interim	dividend	for	the	period	ended	30	September	2020:	0.7	pence
Interim	dividend	for	the	period	ended	31	December	2020:	0.8	pence
Interim	dividend	for	the	period	ended	31	March	2021:	0.8	pence
Interim	dividend	for	the	period	ended	30	June	2021:	0.85	pence
Interim	dividend	for	the	period	ended	30	September	2021:	0.85	pence
Interim	dividend	for	the	period	ended	31	December	2021:	0.875	pence

2022 
£000

2021 
£000

–
–
–
–
4,365
4,644
4,640
4,776

3,409
3,410
3,819
4,364
–
–
–
–

18,425

15,002

The interim dividend of 0.875 pence per ordinary share in respect of the period ended 31 March 2022 has not been 
recognised	as	a	liability	as	it	was	declared	after	the	year-end.	This	dividend	of	£4,774,000	will	be	paid	on	31	May	2022.

11. Earnings per share
Basic	and	diluted	earnings	per	share	is	calculated	by	dividing	the	net	profit	for	the	year	attributable	to	ordinary	
shareholders of the Company by the weighted average number of ordinary shares in issue during the year, excluding the 
average	number	of	shares	held	by	the	Employee	Benefit	Trust	for	the	year.	The	diluted	number	of	shares	also	reflects	the	
contingent	shares	to	be	issued	under	the	Long-term	Incentive	Plan.

The	following	reflects	the	profit	and	share	data	used	in	the	basic	and	diluted	profit	per	share	calculation:

Net	profit	attributable	to	ordinary	shareholders	of	the	Company	
from	continuing	operations	(£000)
Weighted	average	number	of	ordinary	shares	for	basic	profit	per	share
Weighted	average	number	of	ordinary	shares	for	diluted	profit	per	share

2022

2021

147,420

33,801
545,904,197 545,590,722
 547,295,589 546,793,381

128

Picton Property Income Limited Annual Report 2022

Financial StatementsNotes to the consolidated financial statements continuedfor the year ended 31 March 202212. Investments in subsidiaries
The	Company	had	the	following	principal	subsidiaries	as	at	31	March	2022	and	31	March	2021:

Name

Place of incorporation

Ownership proportion

Picton	UK	Real	Estate	Trust	(Property)	Limited
Picton	(UK)	REIT	(SPV)	Limited
Picton	(UK)	Listed	Real	Estate
Picton	UK	Real	Estate	(Property)	No	2	Limited
Picton	(UK)	REIT	(SPV	No	2)	Limited
Picton Capital Limited
Picton	(General	Partner)	No	2	Limited
Picton	(General	Partner)	No	3	Limited
Picton No 2 Limited Partnership
Picton No 3 Limited Partnership
Picton	Financing	UK	Limited
Picton	Financing	UK	(No	2)	Limited	(established	on	28	February	2022)
Picton Property No 3 Limited

Guernsey
Guernsey
Guernsey
Guernsey
Guernsey
England & Wales
Guernsey
Guernsey
England & Wales
England & Wales
England & Wales
England & Wales
Guernsey

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

The	results	of	the	above	entities	are	consolidated	within	the	Group	financial	statements.

Picton	UK	Real	Estate	Trust	(Property)	Limited	and	Picton	(UK)	REIT	(SPV)	Limited	own	100%	of	the	units	in	Picton	(UK)	
Listed	Real	Estate,	a	Guernsey	Unit	Trust	(the	‘GPUT’).	The	GPUT	holds	a	99.9%	interest	in	both	Picton	No	2	Limited	
Partnership	and	Picton	No	3	Limited	Partnership,	the	remaining	balances	are	held	by	Picton	(General	Partner)	No	2	
Limited	and	Picton	(General	Partner)	No	3	Limited	respectively.

13. Investment properties
The	following	table	provides	a	reconciliation	of	the	opening	and	closing	amounts	of	investment	properties	classified	as	
Level 3 recorded at fair value.

Fair value at start of year
Capital expenditure on investment properties
Acquisitions
Disposals
Transfer	to	owner-occupied	property
Acquisition	of	right	of	use	asset
Realised gains on disposal
Unrealised	movement	on	investment	properties

Fair value at the end of the year

Historic cost at the end of the year

The	fair	value	of	investment	properties	reconciles	to	the	appraised	value	as	follows:

Appraised value
Valuation of assets held under head leases
Owner-occupied	property
Lease incentives held as debtors

Fair value at the end of the year

2022 
£000

2021 
£000

665,418 654,486
4,961
–
(3,928)
(3,830)
–
868
12,861

9,551
25,005
(687)
–
897
42
129,801

830,027 665,418

654,370 625,359

2022 
£000

2021 
£000

849,325 682,410
1,313
(3,830)
(14,475)

2,237
(4,168)
(17,367)

830,027 665,418

The investment properties were valued by independent valuers, CBRE Limited, Chartered Surveyors, as at 31 March 2022 
and 31 March 2021 on the basis of fair value in accordance with the version of the RICS Valuation – Global Standards 
(incorporating	the	International	Valuation	Standards)	and	the	UK	national	supplement	(the	Red	Book)	current	as	at	the	
valuation	date.	The	total	fees	earned	by	CBRE	Limited	from	the	Group	are	less	than	5%	of	their	total	UK	revenue.

The	fair	value	of	the	Group’s	investment	properties	has	been	determined	using	an	income	capitalisation	technique,	
whereby contracted and market rental values are capitalised with a market capitalisation rate. The resulting valuations are 
cross-checked	against	the	equivalent	yields	and	the	fair	market	values	per	square	foot	derived	from	comparable	market	
transactions on an arm’s length basis.

  Picton Property Income Limited  Annual Report 2022

129

Strategic ReportGovernanceFinancial StatementsAdditional Information13. Investment properties continued
In	addition,	the	Group’s	investment	properties	are	valued	quarterly	by	CBRE	Limited.	The	valuations	are	based	on:

 ‒ Information provided by the Group including rents, lease terms, revenue and capital expenditure. Such information is 
derived	from	the	Group’s	financial	and	property	systems	and	is	subject	to	the	Group’s	overall	control	environment.
 ‒ Valuation	models	used	by	the	valuers,	including	market-related	assumptions	based	on	their	professional	judgement	

and market observation.

The assumptions and valuation models used by the valuers, and supporting information, are reviewed by senior 
management and the Board through the Property Valuation Committee. Members of the Property Valuation Committee, 
together	with	senior	management,	meet	with	the	independent	valuer	on	a	quarterly	basis	to	review	the	valuations	and	
underlying assumptions, including considering current market trends and conditions, and changes from previous 
quarters.	The	Board	will	also	consider	whether	circumstances	at	specific	investment	properties,	such	as	alternative	uses	
and	issues	with	occupational	tenants,	are	appropriately	reflected	in	the	valuations.	The	fair	value	of	investment	properties	
is measured based on each property’s highest and best use from a market participant’s perspective and considers the 
potential	uses	of	the	property	that	are	physically	possible,	legally	permissible	and	financially	feasible.

As	at	31	March	2022	and	31	March	2021	all	of	the	Group’s	properties,	including	owner-occupied	property,	are	Level	3	in	the	
fair	value	hierarchy	as	it	involves	use	of	significant	judgement.	There	were	no	transfers	between	levels	during	the	year	and	
the prior year. Level 3 inputs used in valuing the properties are those which are unobservable, as opposed to Level 1 
(inputs	from	quoted	prices)	and	Level	2	(observable	inputs	either	directly,	i.e.	as	prices,	or	indirectly,	as	derived	from	prices).

Information	on	these	significant	unobservable	inputs	per	sector	of	investment	properties	is	disclosed	as	follows:

Appraised	value	(£000)
Area	(sq	ft,	000s)
Range of unobservable inputs:
Gross ERV (sq ft per annum)

– range

– weighted average
Net initial yield

– range

– weighted average
Reversionary yield

– range

– weighted average
True equivalent yield

– range

– weighted average

2022

2021

Office

Industrial

251,125
828

509,730
3,240

Retail and 
Leisure

88,470
692

Office

Industrial

245,385
828

360,740
2,570

Retail and 
Leisure

76,285
706

£10.96 to 
£82.32
£35.10

£2.82 to 
£26.77
£11.47

£3.23 to 
£28.49
£11.83

0.92% to 
9.00%
4.64%

0.00% to 
6.75%
3.25%

3.07% to 
25.00%
7.33%

4.29% to 
9.63%
7.00%

3.04% to 
7.37%
4.24%

6.19% to 
12.89%
7.42%

4.09% to 
9.95%
6.49%

3.00% to 
7.00%
4.11%

6.25% to 
13.02%
7.55%

£11.00 to 
£78.05
£34.10

0.00% to 
7.98%
4.35%

4.34% to 
10.83%
7.02%

4.42% to 
9.95%
6.82%

£3.75 to  
£21.18
£10.39

£3.46 to 
£29.65
£11.84

2.79% to 
7.63%
4.38%

3.68% to 
8.59%
4.97%

3.73% to 
8.39%
5.02%

3.07% to 
29.58%
7.64%

7.01% to 
26.95%
7.95%

7.80% to 
14.03%
8.99%

An increase/decrease in ERV will increase/decrease valuations, while an increase/decrease to yield decreases/increases 
valuations. We have reviewed the ranges used in assessing the impact of changes in unobservable inputs on the fair value 
of the Group’s property portfolio and concluded these were still reasonable. The table below sets out the sensitivity of the 
valuation to changes of 50 basis points in yield.

Sector

Industrial

Office

Retail and Leisure

Movement

2022 Impact on valuation

2021 Impact on valuation

Increase of 50 basis points
Decrease of 50 basis points
Increase of 50 basis points
Decrease of 50 basis points
Increase of 50 basis points
Decrease of 50 basis points

Decrease of £55.2m
Increase of £69.0m
Decrease of £11.9m
Increase of £12.5m
Decrease of £5.1m
Increase of £5.9m

Decrease of £36.3m
Increase of £45.4m
Decrease of £20.3m
Increase of £24.5m
Decrease of £5.2m
Increase of £6.7m

130

Picton Property Income Limited Annual Report 2022

Financial StatementsNotes to the consolidated financial statements continuedfor the year ended 31 March 202214. Property, plant and equipment
Property,	plant	and	equipment	principally	comprises	the	fair	value	of	owner-occupied	property.	The	fair	value	of	these	
premises is based on the appraised value at 31 March 2022. 

At 1 April 2020
Additions
Depreciation
Revaluation

At 31 March 2021
Additions
Depreciation
Revaluation

At 31 March 2022

15. Accounts receivable

Tenant	debtors	(net	of	provisions	for	bad	debts)
Lease incentives
Other debtors

Owner 
Occupied 
Property 
£000

Plant and 
equipment	
£000

–
3,830
–
–

3,830
–
(96)
434

4,168

20
268
(7)
–

281
3
(69)
–

215

Total 
£000

20
4,098
(7)
–

4,111
3
(165)
434

4,383

2022 
£000

4,618
17,367
865

2021 
£000

4,326
14,475
783

22,850

19,584

The	estimated	fair	values	of	receivables	are	the	discounted	amount	of	the	estimated	future	cash	flows	expected	to	be	
received and the approximate value of their carrying amounts.

Amounts are considered impaired using the lifetime expected credit loss method. Movement in the balance considered 
to be impaired has been included in the Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income. As at 31 March 2022, tenant 
debtors	of	£302,000	(2021:	£1,874,000)	were	considered	impaired	and	provided	for.

16. Cash and cash equivalents

Cash at bank and in hand
Short-term	deposits

2022 
£000

2021 
£000

38,542
5

23,353
5

38,547

23,358

Cash	at	bank	and	in	hand	earns	interest	at	floating	rates	based	on	daily	bank	deposit	rates.	Short-term	deposits	are	made	
for	varying	periods	of	between	one	day	and	one	month	depending	on	the	immediate	cash	requirements	of	the	Group	
and	earn	interest	at	the	respective	short-term	deposit	rates.	The	carrying	amounts	of	these	assets	approximate	to	their	fair	
value.

17. Accounts payable and accruals

Accruals
Deferred rental income
VAT liability
Trade creditors
Other creditors

2022 
£000

4,994
8,399
1,638
357
3,750

2021 
£000

4,496
7,596
1,780
596
4,337

19,138

18,805

  Picton Property Income Limited  Annual Report 2022

131

Strategic ReportGovernanceFinancial StatementsAdditional Information18. Loans and borrowings

Current

Aviva facility
Capitalised	finance	costs

Non-current

Canada Life facility
Aviva facility
NatWest revolving credit facility
Capitalised	finance	costs

Maturity

2022 
£000

2021 
£000

–
–

1,372
(304)

1,068

1,314
(370)

944

24	July	2031 129,045
24	July	2032
83,518
26	May	2025
4,900
–
(1,699)

80,000
84,894
–
(2,183)

215,764 162,711

216,832 163,655

The	following	table	provides	a	reconciliation	of	the	movement	in	loans	and	borrowings	to	cash	flows	arising	from	
financing	activities.

Balance at start of year

Changes from financing cash flows
Proceeds from loans and borrowings
Repayment of loans and borrowings
Financing costs paid

Other changes
Amortisation	of	financing	costs
Change	in	accrued	financing	costs

Balance as at 31 March

2022 
£000

2021 
£000

163,655 165,136

79,545
(26,917)
(419)

52,209

967
1

968

–
(1,258)
(574)

(1,832)

531
(180)

351

216,832 163,655

The	Group	has	refinanced	its	existing	loan	facility	with	Canada	Life	increasing	borrowings	to	£129.0	million	and	extending	
the	maturity	date	until	July	2031.	Interest	is	now	fixed	at	3.25%	(previously	4.08%)	over	the	remaining	life	of	the	loan.	A	
debt	prepayment	fee	of	£4.0 million	was	incurred	during	the	year	to	reset	the	interest	rate	on	the	existing	debt.	The	loan	
agreement	has	a loan	to	value	covenant	of	65%	and	an	interest	cover	test	of	1.75.	The	loan	is	secured	over	the	Group’s	
properties	held	by Picton	No	2	Limited	Partnership	and	Picton	UK	Real	Estate	Trust	(Property)	No	2	Limited,	valued	at	
£415.2	million	(2021: £330.0	million).

Additionally, the Group has a £95.3 million term loan facility with Aviva Commercial Finance Limited which matures in 
July	2032.	The	loan	is	for	a	term	of	20	years	and	was	fully	drawn	on	24	July	2012	with	approximately	one-third	repayable	
over	the	life	of	the	loan	in	accordance	with	a	scheduled	amortisation	profile.	The	Group	has	repaid	£1.3	million	in	the	year	
(2021:	£1.3	million).	Interest	on	the	loan	is	fixed	at	4.38%	over	the	life	of	the	loan.	The	facility	has	a	loan	to	value	covenant	
of 65%	and	a	debt	service	cover	ratio	of	1.4.	The	facility	is	secured	over	the	Group’s	properties	held	by	Picton	No	3	Limited	
Partnership	and	Picton	Property	No	3	Limited,	valued	at	£208.1	million	(2021:	£184.9	million).

The	Group	also	has	a	£50	million	revolving	credit	facility	(‘RCF’)	with	National	Westminster	Bank	Plc	which	matures	in	
May 2025.	There	is	currently	£4.9	million	drawn	under	the	facility,	interest	is	charged	at	150	basis	points	over	SONIA	from	
20	January	2022	(previously	150	basis	points	over	LIBOR)	on	drawn	balances	and	there	is	an	undrawn	commitment	fee	of	
60	basis	points.	The	facility	is	secured	on	properties	held	by	Picton	UK	Real	Estate	Trust	(Property)	Limited,	valued	at	
£163.2	million	(2021:	£131.7	million).

The	fair	value	of	the	drawn	loan	facilities	at	31	March	2022,	estimated	as	the	present	value	of	future	cash	flows	discounted	
at	the	market	rate	of	interest	at	that	date,	was	£225.6	million	(2021:	£187.2	million).	The	fair	value	of	the	secured	loan	
facilities	is	classified	as	Level	2	under	the	hierarchy	of	fair	value	measurements.

There were no transfers between levels of the fair value hierarchy during the current or prior years.

The	weighted	average	interest	rate	on	the	Group’s	borrowings	as	at	31	March	2022	was	3.7%	(2021:	4.2%).

132

Picton Property Income Limited Annual Report 2022

Financial StatementsNotes to the consolidated financial statements continuedfor the year ended 31 March 202219. Contingencies and capital commitments
The Group has entered into contracts for the refurbishment of six properties with commitments outstanding at 31 March 
2022	of	approximately	£2.4	million	(2021:	£6.7	million).	No	further	obligations	to	construct	or	develop	investment	property	
or	for	repairs,	maintenance	or	enhancements	were	in	place	as	at	31	March	2022	(2021:	£nil).

20. Share capital and other reserves

Authorised:

Unlimited	number	of	ordinary	shares	of	no	par	value

Issued and fully paid:

547,605,596	ordinary	shares	of	no	par	value	(31	March	2021:	547,605,596)

Share premium

The	Company	has	547,605,596	ordinary	shares	in	issue	of	no	par	value	(2021:	547,605,596).

No new ordinary shares were issued during the year ended 31 March 2022.

Ordinary share capital
Number	of	shares	held	in	Employee	Benefit	Trust

Number of ordinary shares

2022 
£000

2021 
£000

–

–

–

–

164,400 164,400

2022 
Number of shares

2021 
Number of shares

547,605,596
(1,974,253)

547,605,596
(2,052,269)

545,631,343

545,553,327

The	fair	value	of	awards	made	under	the	Long-term	Incentive	Plan	is	recognised	in	other	reserves.

Subject	to	the	solvency	test	contained	in	the	Companies	(Guernsey)	Law,	2008	being	satisfied,	ordinary	shareholders	are	
entitled to all dividends declared by the Company and to all of the Company’s assets after repayment of its borrowings 
and	ordinary	creditors.	The	Trustee	of	the	Company’s	Employee	Benefit	Trust	has	waived	its	right	to	receive	dividends	on	
the 1,974,253 shares it holds but continues to hold the right to vote. Ordinary shareholders have the right to vote at 
meetings	of	the	Company.	All	ordinary	shares	carry	equal	voting	rights.

The Directors have authority to buy back up to 14.99% of the Company’s ordinary shares in issue, subject to the annual 
renewal	of	the	authority	from	shareholders.	Any	buy-back	of	ordinary	shares	will	be	made	subject	to	Guernsey	law,	and	
the	making	and	timing	of	any	buy-backs	will	be	at	the	absolute	discretion	of	the	Board.

21. Adjustment for non-cash movements in the cash flow statement

Profit	on	disposal	of	investment	properties
Movement in investment property valuation
Share-based	provisions
Depreciation of tangible assets

2022 
£000

(42)
(129,801)
668
165

2021 
£000

(868)
(12,861)
758
7

(129,010)

(12,964)

  Picton Property Income Limited  Annual Report 2022

133

Strategic ReportGovernanceFinancial StatementsAdditional Information22. Obligations under leases
The	Group	has	entered	into	a	number	of	head	leases	in	relation	to	its	investment	properties.	These	leases	are	for	fixed	
terms and subject to regular rent reviews. They contain no material provisions for contingent rents, renewal or purchase 
options nor any restrictions outside of the normal lease terms.

Lease	liabilities	in	respect	of	rents	on	leasehold	properties	were	payable	as	follows:

Future minimum payments due:
Within one year
In	the	second	to	fifth	years	inclusive
After	five	years

Less:	finance	charges	allocated	to	future	periods

Present value of minimum lease payments

The	present	value	of	minimum	lease	payments	is	analysed	as	follows:

Current

Within one year

Non-current

In	the	second	to	fifth	years	inclusive
After	five	years

2022 
£000

2021 
£000

185
740
9,083

10,008
(7,301)

2,707

116
466
7,150

7,732
(5,918)

1,814

2022 
£000

2021 
£000

114

114

107

107

410
2,183

2,593

2,707

379
1,328

1,707

1,814

Operating leases where the Group is lessor
The Group leases its investment properties under commercial property leases which are held as operating leases.

At the reporting date, the Group’s future income based on the unexpired lease length was as follows (based on annual 
rentals):

Within one year
One to two years
Two to three years
Three to four years
Four	to	five	years
After	five	years

2022 
£000

2021 
£000

41,928
39,244
35,416
29,972
24,748
99,788

37,744
33,954
32,008
27,937
23,235
91,294

271,096 246,172

These properties are measured under the fair value model as the properties are held to earn rentals. Commercial 
property	leases	typically	have	lease	terms	between	five	and	ten	years	and	include	clauses	to	enable	periodic	upward	
revision of the rental charge according to prevailing market conditions. Some leases contain options to break before the 
end of the lease term.

23. Net asset value
The	net	asset	value	per	share	calculation	uses	the	number	of	shares	in	issue	at	the	year-end	and	excludes	the	actual	
number	of	shares	held	by	the	Employee	Benefit	Trust	at	the	year-end;	see	Note 20.

134

Picton Property Income Limited Annual Report 2022

Financial StatementsNotes to the consolidated financial statements continuedfor the year ended 31 March 202224. Financial instruments
The	Group’s	financial	instruments	comprise	cash	and	cash	equivalents,	accounts	receivable,	secured	loans,	obligations	
under head leases and accounts payable that arise from its operations. The Group does not have exposure to any 
derivative	financial	instruments.	Apart	from	the	secured	loans,	as	disclosed	in	Note 18,	the	fair	value	of	the	financial	assets	
and	liabilities	is	not	materially	different	from	their	carrying	value	in	the	financial	statements.

Categories of financial instruments

31 March 2022

Financial assets

Debtors
Cash	and	cash	equivalents

Financial liabilities
Loans and borrowings
Obligations under head leases
Creditors and accruals

31 March 2021

Financial assets

Debtors
Cash	and	cash	equivalents

Financial liabilities

Loans and borrowings
Obligations under head leases
Creditors and accruals

Held at 
fair value 
through 
profit or 
loss 
£000

Financial 
assets and 
liabilities at 
amortised 
cost 
£000

Total 
£000

–
–

–

5,483
38,547

5,483
38,547

44,030

44,030

– 216,832 216,832
2,707
–
9,101
–

2,707
9,101

– 228,640 228,640

Held at
 fair value 
through 
profit	or	
loss 
£000

Financial 
assets and 
liabilities at 
amortised 
cost 
£000

Total 
£000

–
–

–

5,109
23,358

5,109
23,358

28,467

28,467

– 163,655 163,655
1,814
–
9,429
–

1,814
9,429

– 174,898 174,898

Notes

15
16

18
22
17

Notes

15
16

18
22
17

25. Risk management
The	Group	invests	in	commercial	properties	in	the	United	Kingdom.	The	following	describes	the	risks	involved	and	the	
risk management framework applied by the Group. Senior management reports regularly both verbally and formally to 
the Board, and its relevant committees, to allow them to monitor and review all the risks noted below.

Capital risk management
The Group aims to manage its capital to ensure that the entities in the Group will be able to continue as a going concern 
while maximising the return to stakeholders through optimising its capital structure. The Board’s policy is to maintain a 
strong	capital	base	so	as	to	maintain	investor,	creditor	and	market	confidence	and	to	sustain	future	development	of	the	
business.

The capital structure of the Group consists of debt, as disclosed in Note 18,	cash	and	cash	equivalents	and	equity	
attributable	to	equity	holders	of	the	Company,	comprising	issued	share	capital,	reserves,	retained	earnings	and	
revaluation	reserve.	The	Group	is	not	subject	to	any	external	capital	requirements.

The Group monitors capital on the basis of its gearing ratio. This ratio is calculated as the principal borrowings 
outstanding, as detailed under Note 18, divided by the gross assets. There is a limit of 65% as set out in the Articles of 
Association	of	the	Company.	Gross	assets	are	calculated	as	non-current	and	current	assets,	as	shown	in	the	Consolidated	
Balance Sheet.

  Picton Property Income Limited  Annual Report 2022

135

Strategic ReportGovernanceFinancial StatementsAdditional Information25. Risk management continued
At	the	reporting	date	the	gearing	ratios	were	as	follows:

Total borrowings
Gross assets

Gearing ratio (must not exceed 65%)

2022 
£000

2021 
£000

218,835 166,208
895,807 712,471

24.4%

23.3%

The Board of Directors monitors the return on capital as well as the level of dividends to ordinary shareholders. The Group 
has	managed	its	capital	risk	by	entering	into	long-term	loan	arrangements	with	different	maturities,	which	will	enable	the	
Group	to	manage	its	borrowings	in	an	orderly	manner	over	the	long-term.	The	Group	also	has	a	revolving	credit	facility	
which	provides	greater	flexibility	in	managing	the	level	of	borrowings.

The	Group’s	net	debt	to	equity	ratio	at	the	reporting	date	was	as	follows:

Total liabilities
Less:	cash	and	cash	equivalents

Net debt

Total equity

Net debt to equity ratio at end of year

2022 
£000

2021 
£000

238,677 184,274
(23,358)
(38,547)

200,130 160,916

657,130 528,197

0.30

0.30

Credit risk
The	following	tables	detail	the	balances	held	at	the	reporting	date	that	may	be	affected	by	credit	risk:

31 March 2022

Financial assets

Tenant debtors
Cash	and	cash	equivalents

31 March 2021

Financial assets

Tenant debtors
Cash	and	cash	equivalents

Held at  
fair value 
through 
profit  
or loss 
£000

Financial 
assets and 
liabilities at 
amortised 
cost 
£000

Total 
£000

–
–

–

4,618
38,547

4,618
38,547

43,165

43,165

Held at 
fair value 
through 
profit	
or loss 
£000

Financial 
assets and 
liabilities at 
amortised 
cost 
£000

Total 
£000

–
–

–

4,326
23,358

4,326
23,358

27,684

27,684

Notes

15
16

Notes

15
16

Credit	risk	refers	to	the	risk	that	a	counterparty	will	default	on	its	contractual	obligations	resulting	in	financial	loss	to	the	
Group.	The	Group	has	adopted	a	policy	of	only	dealing	with	creditworthy	counterparties	and	obtaining	sufficient	collateral	
where	appropriate,	as	a	means	of	mitigating	the	risk	of	financial	loss	from	defaults.	The	Group’s	exposure	to	and	credit	
ratings of, its counterparties are continuously monitored and the aggregate value of transactions concluded is spread 
amongst approved counterparties.

Tenant debtors consist of a large number of occupiers, spread across diverse industries and geographical areas. Ongoing 
credit	evaluations	are	performed	on	the	financial	condition	of	tenant	debtors	and,	where	appropriate,	credit	guarantees	or	
rent	deposits	are	acquired.	Rent	collection	is	outsourced	to	managing	agents	who	report	regularly	on	payment	
performance	and	provide	the	Group	with	intelligence	on	the	continuing	financial	viability	of	occupiers.	The	Group	does	
not	have	any	significant	concentration	risk	whether	in	terms	of	credit	risk	exposure	to	any	single	counterparty	or	any	
group	of	counterparties	having	similar	characteristics.	The	credit	risk	on	liquid	funds	is	limited	because	the	counterparties	
are banks with strong credit ratings assigned by international credit rating agencies.

136

Picton Property Income Limited Annual Report 2022

Financial StatementsNotes to the consolidated financial statements continuedfor the year ended 31 March 202225. Risk management continued
The	carrying	amount	of	financial	assets	recorded	in	the	financial	statements,	net	of	any	allowances	for	losses,	represents	
the Group’s maximum exposure to credit risk. The Board continues to monitor the Group’s overall exposure to credit risk.

The Group has a panel of banks with which it makes deposits, based on credit ratings assigned by international credit 
rating agencies and with set counterparty limits that are reviewed regularly. The Group’s main cash balances are held with 
National	Westminster	Bank	Plc	(‘NatWest’),	Nationwide	International	Limited	(‘Nationwide’)	and	Lloyds	Bank	Plc	(‘Lloyds’).	
Insolvency or resolution of the bank holding cash balances may cause the Group’s recovery of cash held by them to be 
delayed	or	limited.	The	Group	manages	its	risk	by	monitoring	the	credit	quality	of	its	bankers	on	an	ongoing	basis.	
NatWest,	Nationwide	and	Lloyds	are	rated	by	all	the	major	rating	agencies.	If	the	credit	quality	of	any	of	these	banks	were	
to	deteriorate,	the	Group	would	look	to	move	the	relevant	short-term	deposits	or	cash	to	another	bank.	Procedures	exist	
to ensure that cash balances are split between banks to minimise exposure. At 31 March 2022 and at 31 March 2021, 
Standard	&	Poor’s	short-term	credit	rating	for	each	of	the	Group’s	bankers	were	A-1.

There has been no change in the fair values of cash or receivables as a result of changes in credit risk in the current or 
prior periods, due to the actions taken to mitigate this risk, as stated above.

Liquidity risk
Ultimate	responsibility	for	liquidity	risk	management	rests	with	the	Board,	which	has	put	in	place	an	appropriate	liquidity	
risk	management	framework	for	the	management	of	the	Group’s	short,	medium	and	long-term	funding	and	liquidity	
management	requirements.	The	Group’s	liquidity	risk	is	managed	on	an	ongoing	basis	by	senior	management	and	
monitored	on	a	quarterly	basis	by	the	Board	by	maintaining	adequate	reserves	and	loan	facilities,	continuously	
monitoring	forecasts,	loan	maturity	profiles	and	actual	cash	flows	and	matching	the	maturity	profiles	of	financial	assets	
and liabilities for a period of at least 12 months.

The	table	below	has	been	drawn	up	based	on	the	undiscounted	contractual	maturities	of	the	financial	assets/(liabilities),	
including interest that will accrue to maturity.

31 March 2022

Cash	and	cash	equivalents
Debtors
Capitalised	finance	costs
Obligations under head leases
Fixed interest rate loans
Floating interest rate loans
Creditors and accruals

31 March 2021

Cash	and	cash	equivalents
Debtors
Capitalised	finance	costs
Obligations under head leases
Fixed interest rate loans
Floating interest rate loans
Creditors and accruals

Less than 
1 year 
£000

38,547
5,483
304
(185)
(8,524)
(113)
(9,101)

1 to 5 
years 
£000

More than 
5 years 
£000

Total 
£000

–
–
934
(740)

38,547
–
5,483
–
2,003
765
(10,008)
(9,083)
(37,049) (242,891) (288,464)
(5,144)
(9,101)

(5,031)
–

–
–

26,411

(41,886) (251,209) (266,684)

Less than 
1 year 
£000

23,358
5,109
370
(116)
(8,332)
(300)
(9,429)

1 to 5 
years
£000

More than 
5 years 
£000

Total 
£000

–
–
1,355
(466)
(33,329)
(346)
–

–
–
828
(7,150)
(184,927)
–
–

23,358
5,109
2,553
(7,732)
(226,588)
(646)
(9,429)

10,660

(32,786)

(191,249)

(213,375)

The	Group	expects	to	meet	its	financial	liabilities	through	the	various	available	liquidity	sources,	including	a	secure	rental	
income	profile,	asset	sales,	undrawn	committed	borrowing	facilities	and,	in	the	longer-term,	debt	refinancing.

Market risk
The	Group’s	activities	are	primarily	within	the	real	estate	market,	exposing	it	to	very	specific	industry	risks.

The yields available from investments in real estate depend primarily on the amount of revenue earned and capital 
appreciation	generated	by	the	relevant	properties	as	well	as	expenses	incurred.	If	properties	do	not	generate	sufficient	
revenues to meet operating expenses, including debt service costs and capital expenditure, the Group’s operating 
performance will be adversely affected.

Revenue from properties may be adversely affected by the general economic climate, local conditions such as oversupply 
of properties or a reduction in demand for properties in the market in which the Group operates, the attractiveness of the 
properties	to	occupiers,	the	quality	of	the	management,	competition	from	other	available	properties	and	increased	
operating costs.

  Picton Property Income Limited  Annual Report 2022

137

Strategic ReportGovernanceFinancial StatementsAdditional Information25. Risk management continued
In	addition,	the	Group’s	revenue	would	be	adversely	affected	if	a	significant	number	of	occupiers	were	unable	to	pay	rent	
or	its	properties	could	not	be	rented	on	favourable	terms.	Certain	significant	expenditure	associated	with	investment	in	
real	estate	(such	as	external	financing	costs	and	maintenance	costs)	is	generally	not	reduced	when	circumstances	cause	a	
reduction in revenue from properties. By diversifying in regions, sectors, risk categories and occupiers, senior 
management	expects	to	mitigate	the	risk	profile	of	the	portfolio	effectively.	The	Board	continues	to	oversee	the	profile	of	
the portfolio to ensure risks are managed.

The valuation of the Group’s property assets is subject to changes in market conditions. Such changes are taken to the 
Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income and thus impact on the Group’s net result. A 5% increase or decrease 
in	property	values	would	increase	or	decrease	the	Group’s	net	result	by	£42.5	million	(2021:	£34.1	million).

Interest rate risk management
Interest	rate	risk	arises	on	interest	payable	on	the	revolving	credit	facility	only.	The	Group’s	senior	debt	facilities	have	fixed	
interest rates over the terms of the loans. The amount drawn under the revolving credit facility makes up a small 
proportion of the overall debt, therefore the Group has limited exposure to interest rate risk on its borrowings and no 
sensitivity is presented.

Interest rate risk
The	following	table	sets	out	the	carrying	amount,	by	maturity,	of	the	Group’s	financial	assets/(liabilities).

31 March 2022

Floating

Cash	and	cash	equivalents
Secured loan facilities

Fixed

Secured loan facilities
Obligations under leases

31 March 2021

Floating

Cash	and	cash	equivalents

Fixed

Secured loan facilities
Obligations under leases

Less than 
1 year 
£000

1 to 5 
years 
£000

More than 
5 years 
£000

Total 
£000

38,547
–

–
(4,900)

–
–

38,547
(4,900)

(1,372)
(114)

(6,127) (206,436) (213,935)
(2,707)
(2,183)

(410)

37,061

(11,437) (208,619) (182,995)

Less than 
1 year 
£000

1 to 5 
years 
£000

More than 
5 years 
£000

Total 
£000

23,358

–

–

23,358

(1,314)
(107)

(5,867)
(379)

(159,027)
(1,328)

(166,208)
(1,814)

21,937

(6,246)

(160,355)

(144,664)

Concentration risk
As	discussed	above,	all	of	the	Group’s	investments	are	in	the	UK	and	therefore	the	Group	is	exposed	to	macroeconomic	
changes	in	the	UK	economy.	Furthermore,	the	Group	derives	its	rental	income	from	around	400	occupiers	with	the	single	
largest occupier accounting for only 5.0% of the Group’s annual contracted rental income.

Currency risk
The Group has no exposure to foreign currency risk.

26. Related party transactions
The	total	fees	earned	during	the	year	by	the	Non-Executive	Directors	of	the	Company	amounted	to	£275,000	
(2021: £250,000).	As	at	31	March	2022,	the	Group	owed	£nil	to	the	Non-Executive	Directors	(2021:	£nil).	

Picton Property Income Limited has no controlling parties.

27. Events after the Balance Sheet date
A	dividend	of	£4,774,000	(0.875	pence	per	share)	was	approved	by	the	Board	on	26	April	2022	and	will	be	paid	on	31	May	2022.

The	Group	has	completed	on	the	acquisition	of	one	property	for	£13.7	million.

138

Picton Property Income Limited Annual Report 2022

Financial StatementsNotes to the consolidated financial statements continuedfor the year ended 31 March 2022Supplementary disclosures (unaudited) 
for the year ended 31 March 2022

The	European	Public	Real	Estate	Association	(EPRA)	is	the	industry	body	representing	listed	companies	in	the	real	estate	
sector.	EPRA	publishes	Best	Practices	Recommendations	(BPR)	to	establish	consistent	reporting	by	European	property	
companies. Further information on the EPRA BPR can be found at www.epra.com.

EPRA earnings per share 
EPRA earnings represents the earnings from core operational activities, excluding investment property revaluations and 
gains/losses on asset disposals. It demonstrates the extent to which dividend payments are underpinned by recurring 
operational activities.

Profit	for	the	year	after	taxation
Exclude:
Investment property valuation movement
Gains on disposal of investment properties
Debt prepayment fees

EPRA earnings

Weighted	average	number	of	shares	in	issue	(000s)

EPRA earnings per share

2022
 £000

2021
 £000

2020 
£000

146,986

33,801

22,508

(129,801)
(42)
4,045

(12,861)
(868)
–

882
(3,478)
–

21,188

20,072

19,912

545,904 545,591 544,193

3.9p

3.7p

3.7p

EPRA NRV per share 
The	EPRA	net	reinstatement	value	measure	highlights	the	value	of	net	assets	on	a	long-term	basis.	Assets	and	liabilities	
that	are	not	expected	to	crystallise	in	normal	circumstances	such	as	the	fair	value	of	financial	derivatives	and	deferred	
taxes	on	property	valuation	surpluses	are	therefore	excluded.	Since	the	aim	of	the	metric	is	to	also	reflect	what	would	be	
needed	to	recreate	the	Company	through	the	investment	market	based	on	its	current	capital	and	financing	structure,	
related costs such as real estate transfer taxes should be included.

Balance Sheet net assets
Purchasers’ costs
Fair value of debt
Deferred tax

EPRA NRV

Shares	in	issue	(000s)

EPRA NRV per share

2022
 £000

2021
 £000

2020 
£000

657,130 528,197 509,283
44,847
46,029
–
–
–
–

57,449
–
–

714,579 574,226 554,130

545,631 545,553 545,502

131p

105p

102p

EPRA NTA per share 
The EPRA net tangible assets calculation assumes entities buy and sell assets, thereby crystallising certain levels of 
deferred	tax	liability.	EPRA	NTA	is	regarded	as	the	most	relevant	metric	for	the	business	as	this	focuses	on	reflecting	a	
company’s tangible assets.

2022
 £000

2021
 £000

2020 
£000

Balance Sheet net assets
Fair	value	of	financial	instruments
Deferred tax

EPRA NTA

Shares	in	issue	(000s)

EPRA NTA per share

657,130 528,197 509,283
–
–

–
–

–
–

657,130 528,197 509,283

545,631 545,553 545,502

120p

97p

93p

  Picton Property Income Limited  Annual Report 2022

139

Strategic ReportGovernanceFinancial StatementsAdditional InformationSupplementary disclosures (unaudited) continued
for the year ended 31 March 2022

EPRA NDV per share 
The EPRA net disposal value shows the impact to shareholder value if company assets are sold and/or liabilities are not 
held until maturity.

Balance Sheet net assets
Fair value of debt

EPRA NDV

Shares	in	issue	(000s)

EPRA NDV per share

2022
 £000

2021
 £000

2020 
£000

657,130 528,197 509,283
(29,569)
(21,012)

(6,766)

650,364 507,185

479,714

545,631 545,553 545,502

119p

93p

88p

EPRA net initial yield (NIY) 
EPRA NIY is calculated as the annualised rental income based on the cash rents passing at the Balance Sheet date, less 
non-recoverable	property	operating	expenses,	divided	by	the	gross	market	valuation	of	the	properties.

Investment property valuation
Allowance for estimated purchasers’ costs

Gross up property portfolio valuation

Annualised cash passing rental income
Property outgoings

Annualised net rents

EPRA net initial yield

2022
 £000

2021
 £000

2020 
£000

849,325 682,410 664,615
44,847
46,029

57,449

906,774 728,439 709,462

38,676
(1,721)

36,955

4.1%

36,504
(1,860)

36,236
(2,017)

34,644

34,219

4.8%

4.8%

EPRA ‘topped-up’ net initial yield 
The	EPRA	‘topped-up’	NIY	is	calculated	by	making	an	adjustment	to	the	EPRA	NIY	in	respect	of	the	expiration	of	rent-free	
periods	(or	other	unexpired	lease	incentives	such	as	discounted	rent	periods	and	step	rents).

EPRA NIY annualised net rents
Annualised cash rent that will apply at expiry of lease incentives

Topped-up annualised net rents

EPRA ‘topped-up’ NIY

2022
 £000

36,955
6,415

43,370

4.8%

2021
 £000

2020 
£000

34,644
5,411

34,219
3,910

40,055

38,129

5.5%

5.4%

EPRA vacancy rate 
The	EPRA	vacancy	rate	is	the	estimated	rental	value	(ERV)	of	vacant	space	divided	by	the	ERV	of	the	whole	property,	
expressed as a percentage.

Annualised potential rental value of vacant premises 
Annualised potential rental value for the complete property portfolio

EPRA vacancy rate

2022
 £000

3,594
49,776

7.2%

2021
 £000

2020 
£000

3,980
45,357

5,179
45,224

8.8%

11.5%

140

Picton Property Income Limited Annual Report 2022

Additional InformationEPRA cost ratio 
The	EPRA	cost	ratio	reflects	the	overheads	and	operating	costs	as	a	percentage	of	the	gross	rental	income.

Property operating costs
Property void costs
Administrative expenses
Less:
Ground rent costs

EPRA costs (including direct vacancy costs)
Property void costs

EPRA costs (excluding direct vacancy costs)
Gross rental income
Less ground rent costs

Gross rental income

EPRA cost ratio (including direct vacancy costs)

EPRA cost ratio (excluding direct vacancy costs)

2022
 £000

2,477
2,409
5,755

(283)

10,358
(2,409)

7,949
40,133
(283)

39,850

26.0%

19.9%

2021
 £000

2,384
2,199
5,388

2020 
£000

2,293
3,005
5,563

(207)

(259)

9,764
(2,199)

7,565
36,558
(207)

10,602
(3,005)

7,597
37,780
(259)

36,351

37,521

26.9%

28.3%

20.8%

20.2%

Capital expenditure
The	table	below	sets	out	the	capital	expenditure	incurred	over	the	financial	year,	in	accordance	with	EPRA	Best	Practices	
Recommendations.

Acquisitions
Development
Like-for-like	portfolio
Other

Total capital expenditure

2022 
£000

25,005
–
9,551
–

34,556

2021 
£000

–
–
4,961
–

4,961

Like-for-like rental growth
The	table	below	sets	out	the	like-for-like	rental	growth	of	the	portfolio,	by	sector,	in	accordance	with	EPRA	Best	Practices	
Recommendations.

Like-for-like	rental	income
Properties	acquired
Properties sold

Offices

Industrial

Retail and Leisure

Total

2022
 £000

14,363
–
–

14,363

2021 
£000

13,720
–
(1)

13,719

2022
 £000

17,400
523
–

17,923

2021 
£000

16,254
–
–

16,254

2022
 £000

7,752
–
95

7,847

2021 
£000

6,124
–
461

6,585

2022
 £000

39,515
523
95

2021 
£000

36,098
–
460

40,133

36,558

  Picton Property Income Limited  Annual Report 2022

141

Strategic ReportGovernanceFinancial StatementsAdditional InformationSupplementary disclosures (unaudited) continued
for the year ended 31 March 2022

Loan to value
The	loan	to	value	ratio	(LTV)	is	calculated	by	taking	the	Group’s	total	borrowings,	net	of	cash,	as	a	percentage	of	the	total	
portfolio value.

Total borrowings
Less:
Cash	and	cash	equivalents

Total net borrowings

Investment property valuation

Loan to value

2022
 £000

2021
 £000

2020 
£000

218,835 166,207 167,465

(38,547)

(23,358)

(23,567)

180,288 142,849 143,898

849,325 682,410 664,615

21.2%

20.9%

21.7%

Cost ratio
The cost ratio is based on historical information and provides shareholders with an indication of the likely level of cost of 
managing the Group. The cost ratio uses the annual recurring administrative expenses as a percentage of the average net 
asset value over the period.

Administrative expenses

Average net asset value over the year

Cost ratio

2022
 £000

5,755

2021
 £000

2020 
£000

5,388

5,563

598,022 514,574 511,868

1.0%

1.0%

1.1%

142

Picton Property Income Limited Annual Report 2022

Additional InformationProperty portfolio

Properties valued in excess of £100 million

Properties valued between £5 million and £10 million

 ‒ Parkbury Industrial Estate, Radlett, Herts.

 ‒ Angouleme Retail Park, George Street, Bury, Greater 

Manchester

 ‒ Trident House, Victoria Street, St Albans, Herts.
 ‒ Longcross, Newport Road, Cardiff
 ‒ Queens	House,	St	Vincent	Place,	Glasgow
 ‒ Regency Wharf, Broad Street, Birmingham
 ‒ Atlas House, Third Avenue, Marlow, Bucks.
 ‒ Thistle Express, The Mall, Luton, Beds.
 ‒ Sentinel House, Harvest Crescent, Fleet, Hants.

Properties valued under £5 million

 ‒ Scots Corner, High Street, Kings Heath, Birmingham
 ‒ Crown & Mitre Complex, English Street, Carlisle, Cumbria
 ‒ Waterside House, Kirkstall Road, Leeds
 ‒ Abbey Business Park, Mill Road, Newtownabbey, Belfast
 ‒ 53-57	Broadmead,	Bristol
 ‒ Magnet Trade Centre, 6 Kingstreet Lane, Winnersh, 

Reading

 ‒ 78-80	Briggate,	Leeds
 ‒ 17-19	Fishergate,	Preston,	Lancs.
 ‒ 72-78	Murraygate,	Dundee
 ‒ 7-9	Warren	Street,	Stockport
 ‒ 6-12	Parliament	Row,	Hanley,	Staffs.

Properties valued between £50 million and £75 million

 ‒ River Way Industrial Estate, River Way, Harlow, Essex

Properties valued between £30 million and £50 million

 ‒ Datapoint, Cody Road, London E16
 ‒ Lyon Business Park, Barking, Essex
 ‒ Stanford Building, Long Acre, London WC2
 ‒ Express Business Park, Shipton Way, Rushden, 

Northants.

 ‒ Angel Gate, City Road, London EC1

Properties valued between £20 million and £30 million

 ‒ Tower Wharf, Cheese Lane, Bristol
 ‒ 50 Farringdon Road, London EC1
 ‒ Sundon Business Park, Dencora Way, Luton, Beds.
 ‒ 30 & 50 Pembroke Court, Chatham, Kent
 ‒ Nonsuch Industrial Estate, Kiln Lane, Epsom, Surrey
 ‒ The Business Centre, Molly Millars Lane, Wokingham, 

Berks.

 ‒ Grantham Book Services, Trent Road, Grantham, Lincs.

Properties valued between £10 million and £20 million

 ‒ Colchester Business Park, The Crescent, Colchester, 

Essex

 ‒ Metro,	Salford	Quays,	Manchester
 ‒ B&Q,	Queens	Road,	Sheffield
 ‒ Parc Tawe North Retail Park, Link Road, Swansea
 ‒ Vigo 250, Birtley Road, Washington, Tyne and Wear
 ‒ 180 West George Street, Glasgow
 ‒ Gloucester Retail Park, Eastern Avenue, Gloucester
 ‒ Madleaze Trading Estate, Bristol Road, Gloucester
 ‒ 401 Grafton Gate East, Milton Keynes, Bucks.
 ‒ Easter Court, Europa Boulevard, Warrington
 ‒ Swiftbox, Haynes Way, Rugby, Warwickshire
 ‒ Units	1	&	2,	Kettlestring	Lane,	York
 ‒ Mill Place Trading Estate, Bristol Road, Gloucester
 ‒ Units	1	&	2,	Western	Industrial	Estate,	Downmill	Road,	

Bracknell, Berks.

  Picton Property Income Limited  Annual Report 2022

143

Strategic ReportGovernanceFinancial StatementsAdditional Information 
Five year financial summary

Income statements
Net property income
Administrative expenses
Exceptional costs

Net	finance	costs

Income profit before tax
Tax

Income profit 
Property gains and losses
Revaluation	of	owner-occupied	property
Debt prepayment fee

Profit/loss after tax
Dividends paid

Balance Sheets
Investment properties
Borrowings
Other assets and liabilities

Net assets

Net	asset	value	per	share	(pence)
EPRA	net	tangible	asset	per	share	(pence)
Earnings	per	share	(pence)
Dividends	per	share	(pence)
Dividend	cover	(%)
Share	price	(pence)

All	figures	are	in	£	million	unless	otherwise	stated.

2022

2021

2020

2019

2018

35.4
(5.7)
–
29.7
(8.5)

21.2
–

21.2
129.8
0.4
(4.0)

147.4
18.4

33.5
(5.4)
–
28.1
(8.0)

20.1
–

20.1
13.7
–
–

33.8
15.0

33.6
(5.6)
–
28.0
(8.2)

19.8
0.1

19.9
2.6
–
–

22.5
19.0

38.3
(5.6)
(0.2)
32.5
(9.1)

23.4
(0.5)

22.9
11.3
–
(3.2)

31.0
18.9

38.5
(5.3)
(0.3)
32.9
(9.7)

23.2
(0.5)

22.7
41.5
–
–

64.2
18.5

2022

2021

2020

2019

2018

830.0
(216.8)
43.9

665.4
(166.2)
29.0

654.5
(167.5)
22.3

676.1
(194.7)
18.0

670.7
(214.0)
30.7

657.1

528.2

509.3

499.4

487.4

120
120
27.0
3.4
115
98.3

97
97
6.2
2.8
134
85.8

93
93
4.1
3.5
105
89.0

93
93
5.7
3.5
122
89.2

90
90
11.9
3.4
122
84.3

144

Picton Property Income Limited Annual Report 2022

Additional InformationGlossary

Annual rental income

Cash rents passing at the Balance Sheet date.

Contracted rent

Cost ratio

DTR

Dividend cover

The contracted gross rent receivable which becomes payable after all the occupier 
incentives in the letting have expired.

Total	operating	expenses,	excluding	one-off	costs,	as	a	percentage	of	the	average	net	
asset value over the period.

Disclosure	and	Transparency	Rules,	issued	by	the	United	Kingdom	Listing	Authority.

EPRA earnings divided by dividends paid.

Earnings per share (EPS)

Profit	for	the	period	attributable	to	equity	shareholders	divided	by	the	average	number	
of shares in issue during the period.

EPC

EPRA

Estimated rental value (ERV)

Fair value

Energy	performance	certificate.

European Public Real Estate Association, the industry body representing listed 
companies in the real estate sector.

The external valuers’ opinion as to the open market rent which, on the date of the 
valuation, could reasonably be expected to be obtained on a new letting or rent review 
of a property.

The estimated amount for which a property should exchange on the valuation date 
between a willing buyer and a willing seller in an arm’s length transaction after the 
proper marketing and where parties had each acted knowledgeably, prudently and 
without compulsion.

Fair value movement

An accounting adjustment to change the book value of an asset or liability to its fair 
value.

FRI lease

Group

IASB

IFRS

Initial yield

Lease incentives

MEES

MSCI

NAV

A lease which imposes full repairing and insuring obligations on the tenant, relieving the 
landlord from all liability for the cost of insurance and repairs.

Picton Property Income Limited and its subsidiaries.

International Accounting Standards Board.

International Financial Reporting Standards.

Annual	cash	rents	receivable	(net	of	head	rents	and	the	cost	of	vacancy),	as	a	percentage	
of gross property value, as provided by the Group’s external valuers. Rents receivable 
following	the	expiry	of	rent-free	periods	are	not	included.

Incentives offered to occupiers to enter into a lease. Typically this will be an initial 
rent-free	period,	or	a	cash	contribution	to	fit-out.	Under	accounting	rules	the	value	of	the	
lease	incentives	is	amortised	through	the	Income	Statement	on	a	straight-line	basis	until	
the lease expiry.

Minimum	Energy	Efficiency	Standards.

An organisation supplying independent market indices and portfolio benchmarks to the 
property industry.

Net	asset	value	is	the	equity	attributable	to	shareholders	calculated	under	IFRS.

Over-rented

Space where the passing rent is above the ERV.

Property income return

The ungeared income return of the portfolio as calculated by MSCI.

Reversionary yield

The estimated rental value as a percentage of the gross property value.

TCFD 

Task	Force	on	Climate-related	Financial	Disclosures.

Total property return

Combined income and capital return from the property portfolio.

Total return

The change in the Group’s net asset value, in accordance with IFRS, plus dividends paid.

Total shareholder return

Measures the change in share price over the year plus dividends paid.

Weighted average debt maturity Each tranche of Group debt is multiplied by the remaining period to its maturity and the 

result is divided by total Group debt in issue at the period end.

Weighted average interest rate

The Group loan interest per annum at the period end, divided by total Group debt in 
issue at the period end.

Weighted average lease term

The	average	lease	term	remaining	to	first	break,	or	expiry,	across	the	portfolio	weighted	
by contracted rental income.

  Picton Property Income Limited  Annual Report 2022

145

Strategic ReportGovernanceFinancial StatementsAdditional InformationFinancial calendar

Annual results announced

Annual results posted to shareholders

June 2022 NAV announcement 

Annual General Meeting

2022	half-year	results	to	be	announced

December 2022 NAV announcement 

26 May 2022

June 2022

July 2022 

September 2022 

November 2022 

January 2023 

Dividend payment dates

August/November/February/May

146

Picton Property Income Limited Annual Report 2022

Additional InformationShareholder information

Directors
Lena	Wilson	(Chair)	
Mark Batten
Maria Bentley
Andrew Dewhirst
Richard Jones 
Michael Morris

Registered office
PO Box 255
Trafalgar Court
Les	Banques
St Peter Port
Guernsey
GY1	3QL
Registered	Number:	43673

UK office
Stanford Building
27A Floral Street
London
WC2E 9EZ
T:	020	7628	4800
E:	enquiries@picton.co.uk

Administrator and Secretary 
Northern Trust International Fund Administration
Services	(Guernsey)	Limited
PO Box 255, Trafalgar Court
Les	Banques
St Peter Port
Guernsey 
GY1	3QL
T:	01481	745001	
E:	team_picton@ntrs.com

Registrar
Computershare	Investor	Services	(Guernsey)	Limited
1st Floor
Tudor House
Le Bordage
St Peter Port
Guernsey
GY1 1DB
T:	0370	707	4040
E:	info@computershare.co.je

Corporate brokers
JP Morgan Securities Limited
25 Bank Street
London
E14 5JP

Stifel Nicolaus Europe Limited
150 Cheapside
London
EC2V 6ET

Independent auditor
KPMG Channel Islands Limited
Glategny Court
Glategny Esplanade
St Peter Port
Guernsey
GY1 1WR

Media
Tavistock Communications
1 Cornhill
London
EC3V 3ND
T:	020	7920	3150	
E:	james.verstringhe@tavistock.co.uk

Solicitors 
As to English law
Norton Rose Fulbright LLP
3 More London Riverside
London
SE1	2AQ

As to English property law
DLA	Piper	UK	LLP
Walker House
Exchange Flags
Liverpool
L2 3YL

As to Guernsey law 
Carey Olsen
PO Box 98
Carey House
Les	Banques
St Peter Port
Guernsey
GY1 4BZ

Property valuer
CBRE Limited
Henrietta House
Henrietta Place
London
W1G 0NB

Tax adviser
Deloitte LLP
Hill House
1 Little New Street
London
EC4A 3TR

Shareholder enquiries
All	enquiries	relating	to	holdings	in	Picton	Property	Income	
Limited,	including	notification	of	change	of	address,	queries	
regarding	dividend	payments	or	the	loss	of	a	certificate,	
should be addressed to the Company’s registrars.

Website
The Company has a corporate website which contains 
more detailed information about the Group. 
www.picton.co.uk

  Picton Property Income Limited  Annual Report 2022

147

Strategic ReportGovernanceFinancial StatementsAdditional InformationNotes

148

Picton Property Income Limited Annual Report 2022

Picton Property Income Limited  
Stanford Building 
27A Floral Street 
London 
WC2E 9EZ 
020 7628 4800

www.picton.co.uk

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