Quarterlytics / Financial Services / Real Estate - Services / Savills

Savills

svs · LSE Financial Services
Claim this profile
Ticker svs
Exchange LSE
Sector Financial Services
Industry Real Estate - Services
Employees 10,000+
← All annual reports
FY2013 Annual Report · Savills
Sign in to download
Loading PDF…
S

a

v

i

l

l

s

p

l

c

R

e

p

o

r

t

a

n

d

A

c

c

o

u

n

t

s

2

0

1

3

 
 
 
 
 
Introduction

Savills is a global real estate services provider listed on the 
London Stock Exchange. We have an international network 
of over 600 offices and associates and over 26,000 staff 
throughout the Americas, the UK, Continental Europe, Asia 
Pacific, Africa and the Middle East, offering a broad range 
of specialist advisory, management and transactional 
services to clients all over the world. 

Our vision

To advise private, institutional and corporate clients seeking 
to acquire, manage, lease, develop or realise the value of 
prime residential and commercial property in the world’s 
key locations.

Selected market insights

San Francisco 
Page 22

Dublin 
Page 07

London 
Page 14

Madrid 
Page 10

Barcelona
Page 18

Seoul
Page 20

Tokyo
Page 12

Sydney
Page 08

Contents

Overview 
01  Group overview

Strategy 
02  Chairman’s statement
04  Group Chief Executive’s review
06  Business model
07   Market insights
16  Key performance indicators
17  Segmental reviews 

Performance 
26 

  Group Chief Financial  
Officer’s report
 Risks and uncertainties  
facing the business
34  Corporate responsibilities

29 

Governance
38  Chairman’s introduction
42  Board of Directors
54  Directors’ Remuneration report
72  Director’s Responsibilities
73 

Independent auditors’ report

78 

79 

Financial statements
76  Consolidated income statement
 Consolidated statement of 
77 
comprehensive income
 Consolidated and Company 
statements of financial position
 Consolidated statement of 
changes in equity
 Company statement of changes  
in equity
 Consolidated and Company 
statements of cash flows
82   Notes to the financial statements
127  Shareholder information

80 

81 

O
v
e
r
v
e
w

i

|

S
t
r
a
t
e
g
y

|

P
e
r
f
o
r
m
a
n
c
e

|

G
o
v
e
r
n
a
n
c
e

|

i

F
n
a
n
c
a

i

l

s
t
a
t
e
m
e
n
t
s

Group overview

Our services
Transaction Advisory

Consultancy

Property and Facilities 
Management

Investment 
Management

The Transaction Advisory 
business stream comprises 
commercial, residential, 
leisure and agricultural agency 
and investment advice on 
purchases and sales.

See page 17

Provision of a wide range of 
professional property services 
including valuation, building 
and housing consultancy, 
environmental consultancy, 
landlord and tenant, rating, 
development, planning, 
strategic projects, corporate 
services and research. 

See page 20

Management of commercial, 
residential, leisure and 
agricultural property for 
owners. Provision of a 
comprehensive range  
of services to occupiers of 
property, ranging from  
strategic advice through  
project management to all 
services relating to a property. 

See page 23

Investment management of 
commercial and residential 
property portfolios for 
institutional, corporate or 
private investors, on a pooled 
or segregated account basis. 

See page 25

Our markets

1. United Kingdom

2. Asia Pacific

3. Continental Europe

4. United States

Revenue

£462.3m

Total staff

3,718

Offices

95

Revenue

£354.4m

Total staff

21,691

Offices

44

Revenue

£81.3m

Total staff

845

Offices

30

Revenue

£6.8m

Total staff

33

Offices

4

Total staff

26,287

International and associate offices

+600

Group highlights

Revenue 

IFRS profit after tax 

Geographical spread  
(% non-uk)

Property under management  
(sq ft)

£904.8m

(2012: £806.4m)

£51.4m

(2012: £37.1m)

49%

(2012: 51%)

2,032m

(2012: 1,755m)

Underlying profit* 

Operating cash generation 

£75.2m

(2012: £58.6m)

£70.8m

(2012: £59.7m)

Breadth of service 
(% non-transactional income)

60%

(2012: 62%)

Underlying profit margin 

Underlying earnings per share 

Assets under management 

8.3%

(2012: 7.3%)

43.1p

(2012: 33.9p)

£4.2bn

(2012: £3.6bn)

*  Underlying profit is calculated by 

adjusting reported pre-tax profit for 
profit/loss on disposals, share-based 
payment adjustment, impairment and 
amortisation of goodwill and intangible 
assets (excluding software), other 
impairments and restructuring costs 
(refer to Note 2 to the financial 
statements).

Savills plc  
Report and Accounts 2013

01

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Chairman’s statement

Strong revenue growth and margin 
improvement, reflecting improved 
transactional activity in many of our 
key markets together with robust 
Property Management and 
Consultancy operations, underpinned 
the Group’s strong performance in 
2013 and demonstrates the benefit  
of the business development 
activities of recent years.

02

Savills plc  Report and Accounts 2013Results
The Group’s underlying profit before tax for the year increased  
by 28% to £75.2m (2012: £58.6m restated for IAS 19), on  
revenue which improved by 12% to £904.8m (2012: £806.4m). 
The Group’s reported profit before tax increased by 35% to 
£70.1m (2012: £52.0m restated for IAS 19).

Overview
2013 demonstrated the importance of Savills position in the 
prime markets of the world’s key cities and the benefits of the 
progressive growth strategy we have pursued in recent years. 
Our Transaction Advisory revenue grew by 16%, our Consultancy 
business revenue by 11% and our Property Management revenue 
by 9%. Many of the principal commercial markets in which we 
operate experienced an exceptionally strong finish to the year, 
including a record performance in the UK where Savills advised 
on over a third of all commercial office investment transactions 
(by value). Our Residential business also continued to benefit 
from a strong market particularly in Prime Central London. In 
Asia, strong performances in Japan, mainland China, Korea  
and Australia outweighed the effect of a substantial reduction  
in transaction volumes in Hong Kong and Singapore. 

In Continental Europe, an improvement in economic conditions 
benefited our predominantly transaction orientated businesses 
with revenue increasing by 16% and overall losses reduced by 
44% in line with our original aspirations for the year. 

Cordea Savills, the Group’s Investment Management business, 
delivered a solid performance across its European platform 
increasing Assets Under Management (‘AUM’) by 17% and 
winning some high quality mandates, which drove an increase  
in revenue of 11%.

Business development
Savills strategy is to be a leading adviser in the key markets in 
which we operate. Our global strategy is delivered locally by 
those close to the market with flexibility to adapt quickly to 
changes in circumstances and opportunities. They are supported 
by our regional and cross-border investment and occupier 
service specialists. Over the last few years we have acquired a 
number of small businesses and added teams and individual 
hires to our strong core business, particularly when markets  
have been weak.

During the year the Board considered the longer term strategic 
and geographic development of the business in the context of 
both investment and occupier markets which are becoming 
increasingly global in outlook and service requirement. We 
concluded that the current strategy of focused geographic and 
service expansion, both organically and by acquisition, is the right 
approach. As part of this, we have considered how best to build 
on Savills capabilities in the US and will continue to investigate 
options for expansion in that market. In addition, we have looked 
at expanding the geographical coverage of the Cordea Savills 
investment management platform. During the year Cordea Savills 
took its first step outside Europe with the agreement to acquire 
Merchant Capital KK, a small investment management firm in 
Tokyo with approximately £250m AUM. The acquisition is 
expected to complete in the second quarter of 2014.

At the beginning of 2013 we merged the two principal Savills 
businesses in the UK to form Savills (UK) Limited. In conjunction 
with the merger, the decision was taken to move the two head 
offices in the West End of London into one new head office at  
33 Margaret Street. This took place between May and June  

2013 and has resulted in a highly successful combination of 
capabilities and skills from each of the historic businesses 
merging into a well functioning single operation. The benefits of 
this merger have already become apparent in a number of areas, 
most particularly in Savills ability to marshall many different skills 
from across the business to identify and support complex client 
projects. The costs of this merger together with a small number 
of restructuring activities in Europe gave rise to an aggregate 
restructuring cost of £5.2m (2012: £4.0m) during the year.

The Board’s ongoing focus on improving margin continued to 
drive an increase in profitability, with the Group’s underlying  
pre-tax profit margin advancing to 8.3% from 7.3% in 2012. 
Considerable performance improvement in the broader UK 
market, together with the reduction in losses in Continental 
Europe and the US, represented the principal contributors  
to the overall increase in margin. 

Board
Due to other commitments, Clare Hollingsworth has indicated her 
intention to retire from the Board at the end of the next Annual 
General Meeting. On behalf of the Board I would like to thank her 
for her considerable contribution during her time at Savills both 
as a Director and as Chairman of the Remuneration Committee.

Following Clare’s retirement, Tim Freshwater has kindly agreed to 
take on the chairmanship of the Remuneration Committee. The 
Board is now commencing a search for Clare’s replacement. 

Dividends
An initial interim dividend of 3.5p per share (2012: 3.3p) 
amounting to £4.5m was paid on 14 October 2013, and a final 
ordinary dividend of 7.0p (2012: 6.7p) is recommended, making 
the ordinary dividend 10.5p for the year (2012: 10.0p). In addition, 
a supplemental interim dividend of 8.5p (2012: 6.0p) is declared, 
based upon the underlying performance of our Transaction 
Advisory business. Taken together, the ordinary and 
supplemental dividends comprise an aggregate distribution for 
the year of 19.0p per share, representing an increase of 19% on 
the 2012 aggregate dividend of 16.0p. The final ordinary dividend 
of 7.0p per ordinary share will, subject to shareholders’ approval 
at the Annual General Meeting on 12 May 2014, be paid 
alongside the supplemental interim dividend of 8.5p per share  
on 21 May 2014 to shareholders on the register at 22 April 2014.

People
On behalf of the Board, I wish to express my thanks to all  
our people worldwide for their hard work, commitment and 
continued focus on client service, enabling the Group to  
deliver a very strong performance in 2013.

Outlook
We have made a solid start to 2014 with performance in line with 
management expectations. In the UK, we expect continuing 
demand for London property and recovery in the regional markets 
although availability of commercial stock, in particular, is increasingly 
a challenge. In Asia, whilst we expect the reduction in trading 
volumes in Hong Kong to persist for at least the first half of the year, 
this will be mitigated, in part, by the strength of other regions across 
Asia. We also expect to show a continued improvement in our 
businesses in Continental Europe and the US. Looking ahead, we 
are well positioned with a clear strategy for extending the depth  
and breadth of our services in the world’s key markets.

Peter Smith
Chairman

03

Overview | Strategy | Performance | Governance | Financial statementsSavills plc  Report and Accounts 2013Group Chief Executive’s review 
Operations review

As a number of markets began to 
recover during the year, the strength 
of the Savills network showed 
through in the improved results of 
2013. Our core capabilities in both 
the commercial and prime residential 
sectors in increasingly global 
markets, represent a strong platform 
from which to expand our business 
by meeting the growing needs of  
our worldwide client base.

Jeremy Helsby
Group Chief Executive

04

Savills plc  Report and Accounts 2013Our strategy 
Our strategy is to deliver value as a leading adviser to private, 
institutional and corporate clients seeking to occupy, acquire, 
manage, lease, develop or realise the value of prime residential 
and commercial property in the world’s key locations. The key 
components of our business strategy are as follows:

1. 

 Commitment to clients – We aim to deliver the highest 
standards of client service through motivated and  
high calibre people.

2.  Business diversification.

3.  Geographical diversification.

4.  Maintain financial strength.

5. 

 Strength in both prime residential  
and commercial property.

Key Operating highlights  

 –

 –

 –

UK Commercial transaction profits up 58% reflecting 
increased market share in Prime Central London transactions 
and a progressive recovery in the regional markets.

Asia Pacific Commercial transaction profits up 14%  
with growth in Australia, Korea and Japan mitigating  
the anticipated slowdown in Hong Kong.

UK Residential transaction profits up 34% reflecting  
higher market volumes; three new offices opened  
during the year.

 – Continued revenue growth of over 9% in Property 

Management segment underlying profits down 2%  
through reorganisation costs in Europe and investment  
in business growth.

 – Consultancy profits up 26% with strong performances  

in the UK and Continental Europe.

 – Cordea Savills investment management business 

increased AUM by 17% to £4.2bn.

The strength of our key commercial and residential market 
positions drove an improved performance for Savills in 
2013. As anticipated, we experienced a quieter market in 
Hong Kong and Singapore, particularly in the final quarter; 
but improved trading conditions elsewhere in Asia 
counter-balanced the shortfall.

Our business in the Asia Pacific region had a record year and  
the newly merged UK business got off to an excellent start.  
The US business saw a slight improvement and it has a strong 
pipeline going into 2014. Cordea Savills underlying business 
continued to grow, but profitability was temporarily affected by 
expansion and reorganisation costs. In Continental Europe, in  
line with our plans, we substantially reduced losses with most 
countries breaking even at an operating level. Overall we 
increased our underlying profit before tax (‘underlying profit’)  
by 28% to £75.2m (2012: £58.6m). 

On a statutory basis, profit before tax increased 35% to  
£70.1m (2012: £52.0m).

O
v
e
r
v
e
w

i

|

S
t
r
a
t
e
g
y

|

P
e
r
f
o
r
m
a
n
c
e

|

G
o
v
e
r
n
a
n
c
e

|

i

F
n
a
n
c
a

i

l

s
t
a
t
e
m
e
n
t
s

Savills geographic and business diversity were key to achieving 
the year’s result. Our performance analysed by region was  
as follows:

Revenue £m

2013

UK
Asia Pacific
Continental Europe 81.3
United States
6.8
Unallocated Cost
n/a
Total

462.3 399.1
354.4 331.0
70.2
6.1
n/a
904.8 806.4

2012 % growth
16
7
16
11
n/a
12

Underlying Profit/(Loss) £m
2012 % growth
26
43.8
9
32.6
44
(7.0)
24
(2.1)
(16)
(8.7)
28
58.6

2013
55.3
35.5
(3.9)
(1.6)
(10.1)
75.2

Our Asia Pacific business represented 39% of Group revenue 
(2012: 41%) and our overseas businesses as a whole represented 
49% of Group revenue (2012: 51%), reflecting, in part, the strong 
revenue growth in the UK. Our Commercial Transaction Advisory 
businesses in both Asia and the UK grew strongly on the back of 
increased international inflows of investment capital; indeed in the 
UK we acted on over 40% of transactions involving Asian or 
Middle Eastern investors.

Our performance by service line is set out below:

Transaction 
Advisory
Property 
Management
Consultancy
Investment 
Management
Other/Unallocated
Total

Revenue £m

2013

2012 % growth

Underlying Profit/(Loss) £m
2012 % growth

2013

358.2 310.0

16

47.2

31.8

329.0 300.6
191.6 172.2

26.0
n/a

23.5
0.1
904.8 806.4

9
11

11
n/a
12

17.6
17.6

17.9
14.0

2.9
(10.1)
75.2

3.6
(8.7)
58.6

48

(2)
26

(19)
(16)
28

Overall our Prime Commercial and Residential Transaction 
business revenues together represented 40% of Group revenue 
(2012: 38%). Of this, the Residential Transaction Advisory 
business represented 16% of Group revenue for the year  
(2012: 14%). Our Property and Facilities Management businesses 
continued to perform well, growing overall revenue by 9%,  
with expansion costs holding back profit growth. The business 
represented 36% of revenue (2012: 37%). Consultancy remained 
proportionately constant at 21% of revenue but substantially 
increased profits by 26%. The Investment Management business 
showed growth in revenue and AUM, but acquisition, 
reorganisation and expansion costs adversely affected 
profitability during the period. 

People
I am delighted that Savills business was awarded property 
agency of the year awards in the UK, Malaysia, Singapore and 
Vietnam. Also in the UK, Savills was named the Property Industry 
Superbrand of the Year for the fifth consecutive year and we  
won The Times Graduate Recruitment Award for Property for  
the seventh consecutive year. In the UK we were ranked no. 1  
in the first annual Agents League table by EGi London Offices 
Research. In the competitive Prime Central London Office market 
we topped the list of advisers with a market share of over 30%. 
These awards are a testament to the strength of our people and 
as always I thank them for their continued commitment, loyalty 
and hard work.

05

 Savills plc  Report and Accounts 2013 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Business model

Our business model

A global network  
of connected people

Market intelligence 
and local knowledge

Brand

Our people, our clients 
and relationships

Reputation

A diverse and  
coherent offer

Advisory, management  
and transactional  
services

Our business model above illustrates in simple terms how we 
create shareholder value, qualitatively, through improving the 
strength of our premium brand, and quantitatively, through  
the delivery of profits and dividends to shareholders. We treat 
every client as an individual and take time to understand what 
they need and how we can best service them. We do this by:

Delivering value
We deliver consistently high quality, client-focused real estate 
advisory services, offering a broad range of specialist advisory, 
management and transactional services in the key global markets 
in which we operate. Recognising that owners and occupiers  
are increasingly global in their outlook, we deliver this through  
the disciplined development of our operational capability, which 
creates opportunity and progressively enhances our service 
offering in our chosen markets. Approximately 40% of our revenue 
is generated by Transaction advisory fees; the remainder comes 
from non-transactional business by way of fees for Property  
and Facilities Management and Consultancy services and  
the remainder from Investment Management fees. 

A diverse, coherent offer
We actively diversify from a business and geographic perspective 
with the aim of mitigating the risk of exposure to any one 
economy or market. We have cultivated a diverse client base 
drawn from small local businesses, private individuals, global 
blue-chip investors and occupiers, government departments  
and local government and health authorities. We have built and 
maintained our position as a leading player in both the prime 
residential and prime commercial real estate markets, aligning 
with the global trend amongst private and institutional investors to 
recognise both types of real estate as an investment asset class.  

06

Strong cash 
generation

Financial discipline, 
risk mitigation and 
strong governance

Sustainable growth 
and shareholder value

This also supports our ability to advise on all aspects of multi-use 
development schemes worldwide. We recognise that real estate 
transaction markets are cyclical, so we seek to provide a 
combination of services, in part to mitigate transactional volatility 
with less cyclical offerings. This is combined with our ongoing 
drive for cost efficiency and margin improvement and the 
maintenance of a prudent capital structure to enable us better to 
withstand the overall cyclicality of our core transactional markets.

People at the core
We have ensured that our stakeholders choose us by building our 
brand and reputation on the quality of our people, relationships, 
resources and processes. All that we do is underpinned by strong 
governance and high standards of responsibility, which supports  
the sustainable development of our business. More detail of our 
governance structure, policies and practices can be found later  
in this Annual Report on pages 38 to 72. 

Because of our personal approach to business, our people  
are fundamental to our business and we have worked hard  
to ensure that they enjoy working at Savills, to promote their 
personal and professional development, to encourage them  
to develop their careers within the Group and to share in the 
success of the business. 

We firmly believe that our people are key to delivering excellent 
service to our clients and achieving our objectives, they give us  
a unique perspective of the markets in which we operate and 
connect our clients with real estate opportunities and market 
intelligence. By choosing Savills, our clients have access to over 
26,000 staff with a broad range of experience, competencies  
and local knowledge, based in offices in key real estate  
locations across the globe and benefit from our extensive  
market research material.

Savills plc  Report and Accounts 2013Market insights

Dublin

Ireland’s improving economic 
performance was reflected  
in the level of activity in the 
commercial property market  
in 2013, with transactions in  
all sectors increasing year  
on year.

The investment property market 
saw almost €2bn worth of deals 
completed by the end of the 
year. This is compared to a 
figure of just €25m in 2010.

O
v
e
r
v
e
w

i

|

S
t
r
a
t
e
g
y

|

P
e
r
f
o
r
m
a
n
c
e

|

G
o
v
e
r
n
a
n
c
e

|

i

F
n
a
n
c
a

i

l

s
t
a
t
e
m
e
n
t
s

Understanding our business and the markets in which 
we operate is vital to providing the services that our 
clients require. We do this by using a combination  
of comprehensive market and economic research 
complemented by the knowledge and experience of 
our people. We believe this gives us a unique perspective 
of the prime real estate markets around the world and 
helps us connect clients with opportunities. 

We estimate that the value of all global real estate totals 
around US$180tn, of which c.83% are residential assets 
and the remainder commercial. Investable commercial 
property totals around US$20tn globally divided almost 
equally between private and corporate/institutional 
investors. In 2013, large real estate transactions were 
distributed in similar proportions between sectors across 
the globe, with the notable exception of China where there 
were very high levels 

of development land deals. In commercial, cross‑border 
investable real estate, offices continued to dominate the 
large deals, followed by retail – except in the US where 
let residential apartments in purpose‑built blocks were 
favoured ahead of retail property. Industrial units and 
hotels by volume represent small asset allocations in  
all jurisdictions.

In the world of private wealth, directly‑owned residential 
property forms an important component of real estate 
portfolios. We have identified total global residential 
holdings of US$5.2tn among ultra high net worth 
individuals – averaging US$15m per individual.
Highlights from a few of the cities in which we operate, 
chosen to give context to our business model and 
corporate strategy are on pages 7 to 25.

Savills plc  
Report and Accounts 2013

07

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Market insights
continued

Sydney

One of very few AAA rated 
economies left on the planet, 
Sydney attracts investors  
due to its large, stable, 
transparent and liquid property 
market. Annual investment 
volume in all Sydney office 
markets reached AU$4.7bn, 
industrial AU$1.4bn and  
retail AU$2.4bn.

08

Savills plc  
Report and Accounts 2013

O
v
e
r
v
e
w

i

|

S
t
r
a
t
e
g
y

|

P
e
r
f
o
r
m
a
n
c
e

|

G
o
v
e
r
n
a
n
c
e

|

i

F
n
a
n
c
a

i

l

s
t
a
t
e
m
e
n
t
s

Savills plc  
Report and Accounts 2013

09

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Market insights
continued

10

Savills plc  
Report and Accounts 2013

Madrid

Improved economic forecasts 
and prime market indicators 
have drawn international 
investors’ attention and 
confidence back to Spain. 
Annual investment volume  
in 2013 reached c.€500m  
with a significant increase  
in overseas investors: 55%  
in 2013 (2012: 24%).

O
v
e
r
v
e
w

i

|

S
t
r
a
t
e
g
y

|

P
e
r
f
o
r
m
a
n
c
e

|

G
o
v
e
r
n
a
n
c
e

|

i

F
n
a
n
c
a

i

l

s
t
a
t
e
m
e
n
t
s

Savills plc  
Report and Accounts 2013

11

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Market insights
continued

Tokyo

Amid signs of a cyclical 
recovery in property 
fundamentals, Japan’s 
improved economic outlook  
has fostered strong competition 
for investment opportunities in 
the capital city. Tokyo’s total 
property transaction volume 
jumped 71% compared to  
2012, with strong demand  
from both onshore and  
offshore investors.

12

Savills plc  
Report and Accounts 2013

O
v
e
r
v
e
w

i

|

S
t
r
a
t
e
g
y

|

P
e
r
f
o
r
m
a
n
c
e

|

G
o
v
e
r
n
a
n
c
e

|

i

F
n
a
n
c
a

i

l

s
t
a
t
e
m
e
n
t
s

Savills plc  
Report and Accounts 2013

13

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Market insights
continued

14

Savills plc  
Report and Accounts 2013

O
v
e
r
v
e
w

i

|

S
t
r
a
t
e
g
y

|

P
e
r
f
o
r
m
a
n
c
e

|

G
o
v
e
r
n
a
n
c
e

|

i

F
n
a
n
c
a

i

l

s
t
a
t
e
m
e
n
t
s

London

Central London is the number 
one global destination for 
cross-border investment into 
commercial real estate with 
some £15bn of investment 
flowing to the capital in 2013.

The prime London residential 
market continued to perform 
strongly. Price growth at 11.4% 
was driven by a combination  
of overseas and domestic 
demand, with the strongest 
growth seen in the south west 
London markets. New buyers 
registering with Savills remain 
at a high level.

Savills plc  
Report and Accounts 2013

15

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Key performance indicators

Financial KPIs

Revenue 
(£m)

Underlying profit 
(£m)

Underlying profit margin 
(%)*

2013
2012
2011
2010
2009

 904.8

 806.4

 721.5
 677.0

 560.7

2013
2012
2011
2010
2009

 75.2

 58.6

 50.4

 47.3

2013
2012
2011
2010
2009

 25.2

 8.3    

 7.3
 7.0
 7.0

 4.5

The measure: Revenue growth is the 
increase/decrease in revenue year  
on year.

The measure: Underlying profit growth 
is the increase/decrease in underlying 
profit year on year. 

The target: To deliver growth in revenue 
from expansion both geographically and 
by business segment.

The target: To deliver sustainable 
growth in underlying profit.

The measure: Profitability after all 
operating costs but before the impact  
of exceptional costs, financing, taxation, 
and the results of associates and  
joint ventures.

The target: To deliver growth in 
operating margin by improving the 
efficiency with which services are offered.

*  Underlying profit is calculated by 
adjusting reported pre-tax profit  
for profit/loss on disposals,  
share-based payment adjustment, 
impairment and amortisation of  
goodwill and intangible assets 
(excluding software), other 
impairments and restructuring  
costs (refer to Note 2 to the  
Financial statements).

Cash generation 
(£m)

Underlying earnings  
per share (p)

2013
2012
2011
2010
2009

 70.8

 59.7

 68.4

2013
2012
2011
2010
2009

 35.7

 39.7

 43.1

 33.9

 29.0
 27.9

 14.5

The measure: The amount of cash  
the business has generated from 
operating activities.

The target: To maintain strong cash 
generation to fund working capital 
requirements, shareholder dividends and 
strategic initiatives of the Group.

The measure: Earnings per share 
(‘EPS’) is the measure of profit 
generation. EPS is calculated by dividing 
underlying profit by the weighted average 
number of shares in issue.

The target: To deliver growth in EPS to 
enhance shareholder value.

Non‑financial KPIs

Property under management 
(million sq ft)

Geographical spread 
(% non-UK)

2013
2012
2011
2010
2009

 2,031.7

 1,754.5

 1,359.6

 1,104.6

 896.2

2013
2012
2011
2010
2009

 48.9
 51.0
 51.2
 50.8

 48.6

The measure: Total sq ft property  
under management.

The target: To progressively increase  
the global square footage under 
management. 

The measure: Geographical diversity is 
measured by the spread of revenues  
by region.

The target: To progressively balance  
the Group’s geographical exposure 
through expansion in our chosen 
geographic markets.

Breadth of service offering
(% non-Transactional income)

Assets under management
(£bn)

2013
2012
2011
2010
2009

 60.4
 61.6
 61.8
 60.0

 64.8

2013
2012
2011
2010
2009

 4.2

 3.6

 2.8
 2.8

 2.5

The measure: Revenue by type  
of business.

The target: To maintain a healthy 
balance of Transactional and non-
Transactional business revenues.

The measure: Growth in assets  
under management of our Investment 
Management business Cordea  
Savills LLP.

The target: To increase the value of 
investment portfolios through portfolio 
management, new mandates and  
the launch of new funds.

16

Savills plc  Report and Accounts 2013O
v
e
r
v
e
w

i

|

S
t
r
a
t
e
g
y

|

P
e
r
f
o
r
m
a
n
c
e

|

G
o
v
e
r
n
a
n
c
e

|

i

F
n
a
n
c
a

i

l

s
t
a
t
e
m
e
n
t
s

Segmental reviews

The Savills Group advises on commercial, rural, 
residential and leisure property. We also provide 
corporate finance advice, investment management  
and a range of property related financial services. 
Operations are conducted internationally through  
four business streams:

Transaction Advisory

Revenue  
£358.2m +16%

Underlying profit before tax*  
£47.2m +48%

2013
2012
2011
2010
2009

 358.2

 310.0

 275.3
 270.7

 197.5

2013
2012
2011
2010
2009

 6.3

 47.2

 31.8

 24.2

 30.8

Contribution to Group revenue
a. Transaction Advisory – 40%
b. Rest of Group – 60%

 a.

 b.

Services
Acquisitions
Divestments
Leasing and rentals
Sales and leaseback
Capital raising

2013 clearly demonstrated the strength of our geographic  
spread of businesses as improved performances in a number  
of countries outweighed the anticipated significant reduction in 
activity in Hong Kong and Singapore. This, in conjunction with  
an exceptionally strong finish to the year in the UK, resulted in  
the substantial increase in revenue, profit and margin delivered  
by our Transactional Advisory business as a whole. Revenue 
grew by 16% to £358.2m (2012: £310.0m) and underlying profit 
increased by 48% to £47.2m (2012: £31.8m). The underlying  
profit margin of the Transaction Advisory business increased  
to 13.2% (2012: 10.3%).

UK Residential
The prime residential market, where Savills is a market leader, 
continued to perform well with Savills trading volumes increasing 
by 8% year on year. The value of UK residential property 
(excluding new developments) sold by Savills during the year rose 
15% to £6.1bn. In the London market the volume of property 
transactions increased by approximately 13% year on year with a 
similar increase in average price to £3.2m. In the Country market 
the volume of exchanges increased by approximately 5%, with 
the average price remaining stable at £1.0m. In the last quarter 
there was a significant rise in prime regional house prices of 
1.5%; the strongest quarterly rise in this market for three years.  
In the new development market we saw a significant increase  
in transactions with the volume exchanged increasing by 24%  
to £1.9bn, buoyed by continued strong interest in high quality 
developments in London from both domestic and overseas 
buyers and good levels of stock availability. The Residential 
Transaction Advisory business overall increased revenue by  
22% to £118.0m (2012: £97.0m).

Despite Central London’s relative strength as a market, Savills 
sales volumes in this market still remain 15% below the 2007 
peak. Equity-rich full time London residents represent the 
principal buyers in this market. Outside Central London improved 
availability of mortgage finance began to help transaction 
volumes but they still remain 26% below the 2007 peak. In 
addition, strong price recovery of over 10% in prime ‘outer 

commuter’ zone cities such as Oxford, Cambridge and 
Winchester demonstrated the impact of the continued buying 
power of London equity as it was selectively deployed regionally.

During the year we opened new offices in London, Brook Green, 
Clapham, Marylebone and also in Reading and rationalised some 
regional office space as part of the Savills UK merger.

The Residential Transaction Advisory business, as a whole, 
recorded a 34% increase in underlying profits to £19.0m  
(2012: £14.2m).

Asia Pacific Commercial
The Asia Pacific Commercial business enjoyed a stronger year 
than we originally expected, driven by substantially improved 
earnings in Australia, Korea and Japan. This mitigated the effect 
of the anticipated reduction in transaction volumes in Hong Kong 
as investors reacted to the impact of significant tax increases  
on commercial investments in that market. Revenue grew by  
1% to £99.3m (2012: £98.4m). On a constant currency basis,  
this represented an increase of 3% year on year. 

In mainland China, where we have 13 offices, our business 
continued to grow well with Transaction Advisory revenues 
increasing by 15% year on year. Our Hong Kong Commercial 
transaction revenue declined by 19% as market volumes reduced 
significantly during the latter part of the year. Our Japanese 
business grew transaction revenue by over 120% on further 
strengthening of activity levels in the region. Our businesses in 
Australia and Korea, also increased transaction revenues which 
made up for shortfalls primarily in Hong Kong. Overall, the Asia 
Pacific Commercial Transaction Advisory business recorded a 
14% increase in underlying profit to £16.6m (2012: £14.6m).  
The increase in underlying profit in constant currency was 19%.

UK Commercial
Revenue from UK commercial transactions increased 22% to 
£73.4m (2012: £60.4m). This performance reflected significant 
gains in our share of Prime Central London transactions where 
we were involved in over 30% of office transactions by value and 
over 40% of all transactions involving Middle Eastern or Asian 
investors. London continued to be the focal point for overseas 
investment interest which drove the overall market value of 
transactions to a record £20.6bn.

The Central London occupier market saw a strong recovery in 
tenant demand in 2013, with the overall take-up for the City, West 
End and Docklands reaching 12m sq ft (a 46% increase on the 
previous year). Take-up in the West End of London was 37% up 
on the total for 2012 at 4m sq ft, and in the City the total rose by 
52% to just over 7m sq ft. The City of London saw a particularly 
strong rise in the number of lettings of 50,000 sq ft and above, 
with 29 lettings in 2013 compared to 15 in 2012.

Our regional business benefited from the recovery in tenant 
demand for office space with take-up inside the M25 and top  
seven regional city office markets rising by 37% to reach  
nearly 9m sq ft. 

As economic conditions improved in regional markets, we saw  
a significant recovery in investment volumes as investors sought 
improved returns outside London. All asset classes benefited, 
with retail logistics particularly strong. Overall the regional 

17

Savills plc  Report and Accounts 2013 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Segmental reviews
continued

Las Ramblas, Barcelona

Exclusive agent in the  
€30m sale of approximately  
38,000 sq ft of retail space 
located on the iconic  
Barcelona thoroughfare,  
Las Ramblas.

18

Savills plc  
Report and Accounts 2013

O
v
e
r
v
e
w

i

|

S
t
r
a
t
e
g
y

|

P
e
r
f
o
r
m
a
n
c
e

|

G
o
v
e
r
n
a
n
c
e

|

i

F
n
a
n
c
a

i

l

s
t
a
t
e
m
e
n
t
s

Commercial business reported a 27% rise in revenue and an 
increase in profits of approximately 90% demonstrating the 
strength of this business. 

The strength of London and progressive recovery in the regions 
resulted in the UK Commercial Transaction Advisory business 
increasing underlying profit by 58% to £10.3m (2012: £6.5m)  
with margin improvement to 14.0% (2012: 10.8%).

Continental Europe
The Continental European Commercial business saw revenue 
increase by 28% to £38.0m (2012: £29.6m). In constant currency 
the underlying increase was 23%. There was a substantial 
improvement in Ireland, where Savills had the majority share of the 
transactional market, which was itself characterised by demand 
from international private equity funds for distressed asset and 
portfolio sales. Transactional Advisory revenues also improved 
significantly in Germany, Spain, Sweden and Poland as investor 
sentiment began to recover. By comparison, leasing markets 
particularly in France and Germany remained relatively subdued.

In Q4 2013, the residual Savills business in Italy was restructured 
to focus solely on valuation and consultancy. In Germany, new 
management undertook a substantial reorganisation of both  
the investment and leasing teams, with each now under new 
leadership. In addition the management team in Sweden was 
reorganised. These activities gave rise to significant recruitment 
and termination costs, which were included in an improved 
Transactional Advisory underlying pre tax loss of £3.0m  
(2012: £6.0m loss). Overall, the Continental European 
Transactional Advisory business commenced 2014 in a 
substantially improved position both operationally and in  
respect of its pipeline of instructions.

Asia Pacific Residential
The Residential Transaction Advisory business in Asia is focused 
primarily on new developments and secondary sales and leasing 
of prime properties in selected markets. It excludes mixed use 
developments, which represent a significant proportion of the 
region’s activity and are accounted for within the Commercial 
Transaction Advisory business. Overall, the Asia Pacific 
Residential business recorded a 23% increase in revenue to 
£22.7m (2012: £18.5m). The primary contributors to this increase 
were Australia and China, with significant intra-regional cross- 
border activity in the prime markets. Due to its focus on the high 
end market only, our Hong Kong residential agency saw revenue 
decline by only 8% against broader mass market volumes which 
declined substantially by c. 40% as a result of further government 
control measures introduced in the first half of the year. These 
factors, together with tight cost control in uncertain markets 
resulted in the region reporting a 28% increase in underlying 
profit to £5.9m (2012: £4.6m).

US
The revenue of our New York based Investment Advisory 
business improved by 11% to £6.8m (2012: £6.1m). The  
Multifamily and Cross-border teams acted on a number of 
substantial transactions during the period and the overall 
business has a much improved pipeline going into 2014. 

The underlying loss for the year reduced to £1.6m  
(2012: £2.1m loss).

19

Savills plc  Report and Accounts 2013 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Twin Tree Towers, Seoul

Acting as exclusive adviser  
to the vendor, we were 
instrumental in achieving  
a sale price of $316m for  
the Twin Tree Towers,  
Seoul, Korea comprising 
approximately 594,200 sq ft  
of prime office space.

Segmental reviews
continued

Consultancy

Revenue  
£191.6m +11%

2013
2012
2011
2010
2009

Underlying profit before tax*  
£17.6m +26%

 191.6

 172.2

 143.4

 134.2

 119.4

2013
2012
2011
2010
2009

 17.6

 14.0

 12.6

 10.6
 10.9

Contribution to Group revenue
a. Consultancy – 21%
b. Rest of Group – 79%

 a.

 b.

Services
Affordable Housing and Student 
Accommodation 
Building Consultancy
Capital Allowances and Rating
Development 
Environmental Consultancy
Housing Consultancy
Lease Consultancy
Planning
Public Sector
Research
Strategic Projects

Our Consultancy business substantially improved both revenue 
and profits, demonstrating the strength of its diversified spread  
of services. Global Consultancy revenue increased by 11% to 
£191.6m (2012: £172.2m) and underlying pre-tax profit grew by 
26% to £17.6m (2012: £14.0m).

UK
Consultancy service revenue in the UK increased by 12%  
to £148.7m (2012: £132.3m). There were strong all round 
performances in Valuation, Planning, Development Services and 
Rural energy and project advisory services which contributed to 
this improvement. Our Planning and Valuations teams enjoyed 
strong revenue growth as the regional market began to recover. 
Overall underlying profit from the UK Consultancy business 
increased by 23% to £14.3m (2012: £11.6m).

Asia Pacific
Revenue in the Asia Pacific Consultancy business was flat at 
£27.3m (2012: £27.6m) with increased valuation and feasibility 
study assignments in mainland China, Japan and Singapore 
being offset by reductions in activity, particularly in Hong Kong 
and Korea. Underlying profit declined by 34% to £1.9m  
(2012: £2.9m) as a result of one off termination costs in relation  
to a non core business line and fewer high value IPO-related 
consultancy assignments. 

Continental Europe
Our Continental European Consultancy business, which 
principally comprises valuation and corporate finance advisory 
services, increased revenue by 27% to £15.6m (2012: £12.3m). 
There were significantly stronger performances in Germany, 
Ireland, Sweden and France. Improved trading performance 
together with cost reduction measures taken in Sweden in late 
2012 enabled the Continental European Consultancy business  
to return to profitability, posting an underlying profit of £1.4m 
(2012: loss £0.5m).

20

Savills plc  Report and Accounts 2013O
v
e
r
v
e
w

i

|

S
t
r
a
t
e
g
y

|

P
e
r
f
o
r
m
a
n
c
e

|

G
o
v
e
r
n
a
n
c
e

|

i

F
n
a
n
c
a

i

l

s
t
a
t
e
m
e
n
t
s

Savills plc  
Report and Accounts 2013

21

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Segmental reviews
continued

One Stockton Street,
San Francisco

Acted as advisor in the portfolio 
sale of two landmark retail 
assets in San Francisco’s ultra-
prime Union Square submarket 
at One Stockton Street which 
comprises a highly prominent 
purpose built retail store of 
16,987 sq ft. The portfolio  
sold for a total investment 
consideration of $160m to  
a US-based private investor.

22

Savills plc  
Report and Accounts 2013

O
v
e
r
v
e
w

i

|

S
t
r
a
t
e
g
y

|

P
e
r
f
o
r
m
a
n
c
e

|

G
o
v
e
r
n
a
n
c
e

|

i

F
n
a
n
c
a

i

l

s
t
a
t
e
m
e
n
t
s

Property and Facilities Management

Revenue  
£329m +9%

2013
2012
2011
2010
2009

Underlying profit before tax*  
£17.6m -2%

 329.0

 300.6

 278.6

 243.7

 215.2

2013
2012
2011
2010
2009

 17.6
 17.9

 16.7

 14.4

 12.6

Contribution to Group revenue
a.  Property and Facilities  
Management – 36%
b. Rest of Group – 64%

 a.

 b.

Services
Asset Management
Facilities Management
Commercial Management
Rural Management
Project Management

Our Property and Facilities Management businesses continued  
to perform strongly, growing revenue by 9% overall. Underlying 
profit declined by 2% to £17.6m (2012: £17.9m) due primarily  
to reorganisation costs in Europe and recruitment costs in  
UK residential management, primarily related to growing our 
London lettings business.

Asia Pacific
Overall the business grew revenue by 10% to £205.1m  
(2012: £186.5m). The Property and Facilities Management 
business is a significant strength for Savills in Asia, complementing 
our Transaction Advisory businesses in the region. The total  
square footage under management in the region was up 16% to 
approximately 1.8bn sq ft (2012: 1.6bn sq ft). In mainland China, 
revenue increased by 22% and profits returned to growth of  
19%. In Hong Kong, Property and Facilities Management revenue 
grew by just under 12% and profits by 10% as the benefits of 
2012’s management reorganisation started to come through. 
Improved results from Project Management also contributed to  
a strong recovery in profits in Australia. In the Japanese Asset 
Management business the 2012 comparative included an 
unusually significant one-off refinancing assignment fee which 
limited growth to 6% in the underlying profit of the Asia Pacific 
Property Management business at £11.1m (2012: £10.5m).

UK
Overall, our UK Property Management teams, comprising 
Commercial, Residential and Rural, grew revenue by 12% to 
£96.2m (2012: £85.8m). The core UK Commercial Property 
Management business performed well with revenue growth of 
12% and an 18% improvement in underlying profit. Our Residential 
Property Management businesses, including lettings, increased 
revenue by 12%. The Residential management business and the 
UK Commercial business together grew area under management 
by 25% to approximately 170m sq ft (2012: 136m sq ft). Underlying 
profit growth was restricted as a result of the significant expansion 
of the Lettings and Management business through office openings 
and team recruitment during the period, which reduced profit by 
£0.4m. Overall the net effect of revenue growth and investment  
in the UK business improved underlying profit by 11% to £8.8m 
(2012: £7.9m).

Continental Europe
In Continental Europe revenue declined by 2% to £27.7m  
(2012: £28.3m). The underlying loss for the year increased to 
£2.3m (2012: loss £0.5m). The loss of a significant contract in 
Sweden, the impact of successful asset sales in Ireland and 
significant expansion costs in Poland temporarily masked the 
effect of improved performances and contract wins elsewhere in 
the region, most notably in France. By the year end the total area 
under management had decreased by 13%; however, there are 
some significant contract wins due to come on stream in 2014.

23

Savills plc  Report and Accounts 2013 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Segmental reviews
continued

Lloyds of London

Acting as an adviser to  
our client, CommerzReal,  
achieving £260m on the  
sale of the iconic London 
landmark building, Lloyds  
of London, to a leading 
Chinese insurance company.

24

Savills plc  
Report and Accounts 2013

O
v
e
r
v
e
w

i

|

S
t
r
a
t
e
g
y

|

P
e
r
f
o
r
m
a
n
c
e

|

G
o
v
e
r
n
a
n
c
e

|

i

F
n
a
n
c
a

i

l

s
t
a
t
e
m
e
n
t
s

Investment Management

Revenue  
£26m +11%

2013
2012
2011
2010
2009

Underlying profit before tax* 
£2.9m -19%

 26.0

 23.5

 20.8

 19.0

 17.4

2013
2012
2011
2010
2009

 2.9

 3.6

 3.4

 2.9

 4.7

Contribution to Group revenue
a. Investment Management – 3%
b. Rest of Group – 97%

 a.

 b.

Services
Pooled Funds
Portfolio Management
Segregated Accounts
Investment Mandates

Cordea Savills revenue increased by 11% to £26.0m  
(2012: £23.5m). AUM increased by 17% to £4.2bn (2012: £3.6bn) 
through the combination of new segregated mandates, 
investment performance and inflows into existing funds. The 
Prime London Residential Development Fund successfully 
completed a number of development funding transactions and 
substantial investment capacity was deployed both through 
increases in existing mandates and new advisory appointments. 
In the summer, Cordea Savills entered an agreement to purchase 
Merchant Capital KK in Japan. Completion is expected to occur 
in Q2 2014 and the acquisition gave rise to costs of £0.3m which 
were charged in 2013. These, together with certain UK-related 
restructuring costs, temporarily reduced the underlying profit 
margin to 11.2% (2012: 15.3%) reducing underlying profits by  
19% to £2.9m (2012: £3.6m). Having completed a year of change 
and operational development, Cordea Savills is well positioned  
to grow its business and entered 2014 with new investment 
capacity of over £500m.

Summary
Overall in 2013, Savills delivered a strong performance helped by 
a strengthening of the UK economy and Central London retaining 
its status as the number one destination for worldwide real estate 
investor demand. Our leading market shares in both the prime 
residential and commercial markets enabled us to benefit from 
improvements in the UK market as a whole. In Asia the breadth 
of our business ensured that we successfully withstood the 
current decline in activity in Hong Kong through the considerably 
improved performance of our businesses in the major markets  
of China, Japan and Australia. 

Our Continental European business delivered its target of  
a material reduction in losses, despite incurring significant 
reorganisation and expansion costs and our Cordea Savills 
Investment Management business continued to grow its  
AUM, with further expansion in the pipeline for 2014. Whilst the 
Transactional Advisory business provided the majority of our 
profit improvement, our strong Property Management and 
Consultancy businesses continued to provide a solid foundation 
and support for this performance. We entered 2014 with 
confidence and a continued focus on improving the breadth  
and depth of our services across the globe to our increasingly 
multi-national client base.

Jeremy Helsby
Group Chief Executive

25

Savills plc  Report and Accounts 2013 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Group Chief Financial Officer’s report
Financial review

Strong revenue and profit growth 
including margin improvement led 
to the Group’s robust £112m net 
cash position at year end and 
supports a 19% increase in the 
dividends for the year.

Simon Shaw
Group Chief Financial Officer

26

Savills plc  Report and Accounts 2013O
v
e
r
v
e
w

i

|

S
t
r
a
t
e
g
y

|

P
e
r
f
o
r
m
a
n
c
e

|

G
o
v
e
r
n
a
n
c
e

|

i

F
n
a
n
c
a

i

l

s
t
a
t
e
m
e
n
t
s

Financial highlights 

 –

 –

 –

 –

 –

 –

 Group revenue up 12% to £904.8m (2012: £806.4m)

 Underlying Group profit before tax* up 28% to £75.2m  
(2012: £58.6m restated for IAS 19)

 Group profit before tax up 35% to £70.1m  
(2012: £52.0m restated for IAS 19)

Underlying pre-tax profit margin increased to 8.3%  
(2012: 7.3%)

Underlying basic EPS grew 27% to 43.1p  
(2012: 33.9p restated for IAS 19)

Total dividend for the year up 19%. Final ordinary and 
supplementary interim dividends total 15.5p per share 
(2012: 12.7p) taking the total dividend for the year to  
19.0p per share (2012: 16.0p)

Underlying profit margin
Underlying profit margin increased to 8.3% (2012: 7.3%) reflecting 
the effect of improved margins in Transaction Advisory and 
Consultancy businesses and the temporary margin reductions 
associated with Property Management and Investment 
Management growth and restructuring initiatives.

Net interest
Net finance cost in the year was £0.6m (2012: £1.3m restated for 
IAS 19). With continuing low interest rates this primarily reflects 
efficiencies in treasury management and higher average net  
cash balances during the year.

Taxation
The tax charge for the year increased to £18.7m (2012: £14.9m 
restated for IAS 19). The effective tax rate on reported profits 
decreased to 26.7% (2012: 28.7% restated for IAS 19) largely 
reflecting the reduction in the UK tax rate. The underlying 
effective tax rate was 25.9% (2012: 27.3% restated for IAS 19).

Restructuring and impairment charges
During the period the Group incurred an aggregate restructuring 
charge of £5.2m (2012: £4.0m). This primarily related to the 
merger of the two UK trading businesses into Savills (UK) Limited, 
which became effective on 1 January 2013. The charge 
comprised amounts in respect of the closure of some regional 
offices, an onerous lease provision and the amalgamation of two 
West End offices into one new head office at 33 Margaret Street. 
Of the overall £5.2m charge, approximately £0.6m related to the 
reduction of the range of business services provided in Italy to 
focus on Consultancy and Investment Management. Other 
reorganisation costs of approximately £1.2m were incurred in 
parts of Continental Europe and the Investment Management 
division in the normal course of business and have been included 
within the calculation of Underlying pre-tax profit for the year.

No impairment charges were recognised during the year  
(2012: £1.2m). 

The £5.2m restructuring charge has been excluded from the 
calculation of underlying profit before tax in line with existing 
Group policy. 

Earnings per share
Basic earnings per share increased by 35% to 39.8p  
(2012: 29.4p restated for IAS 19). Adjusting on a consistent basis 
for restructuring costs and impairment charges, profits and 
losses on disposals, certain share-based payment charges and 
amortisation of intangible assets (excluding software), underlying 
basic earnings per share increased by 27% to 43.1p (2012: 33.9p 
restated for IAS 19).

Fully diluted earnings per share increased by 35% to 38.1p 
(2012: 28.2p restated for IAS 19). The underlying fully  
diluted earnings per share increased by 28% to 41.4p  
(2012: 32.4p restated for IAS 19).

Cash resources, borrowings and liquidity
Year end gross cash and cash equivalents increased 32% to 
£122.2m (2012: £92.8m) reflecting improved profits and working 
capital during the period.

Gross borrowings at year end increased to £9.8m (2012: £1.2m). 
These included £0.8m in respect of a working capital loan in 
Australia and a £9.0m term loan to finance the fit out of the 
Group’s new UK Headquarters in London. The original amount  
of the loan was £12.0m. This will be amortised over the residual 
rent free period (to May 2015), which was granted on the 
inception of the lease in December 2012.

Cash is typically retained in a number of subsidiaries in order  
to meet the requirements of commercial contracts or capital 
adequacy. In addition, cash in certain territories is retained to 
meet future growth requirements where to remit it would result  
in the Group suffering withholding taxes.

The Group’s cash flow profile is biased towards the second half 
of the year. This is as a result of seasonality in trading and the 
major cash outflows associated with dividends, profit related 
remuneration payments and related payroll taxes in the first half. 
The Group cash inflow for the year from operating activities was 
£70.8m (2012: £59.7m), primarily as a result of improved trading 
in the Transaction Advisory business. As much of the Group’s 
revenue is transactional in nature, the Board’s strategy is to 
maintain low levels of gearing, but retain sufficient credit facilities 
to enable it to meet cash requirements during the year and 
finance the majority of business development opportunities as 
they arise. During the year the Group’s £65.0m revolving credit 
facility (‘RCF’), which was due to expire on 31 March 2014, was 
replaced with a £90.0m RCF provided by three banks. The RCF 
expires on 19 June 2017 and includes an ‘Accordion’ facility  
to enable the Group to borrow up to an additional £90.0m, 
should an appropriate need arise. 

Capital and shareholders’ interests
During the year ended 31 December 2013, 1.0m new shares 
were allotted to participants exercising their options under the 
Sharesave Scheme and the Executive Share Option Scheme 
(2001). No shares were repurchased for cancellation (2012: nil). 
The total number of ordinary shares in issue at 31 December 
2013 was 134.3m (2012: 133.3m).

*  Refer to definition on page 16.

27

Savills plc  Report and Accounts 2013 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest rate risk
The Group finances its operations through a mixture of retained 
profits and bank borrowings, at both fixed and floating interest 
rates. Borrowings issued at variable rates expose the Group cash 
flow to interest rate risk, which is partially offset by cash held at 
variable rates. Borrowings issued at fixed rates expose the Group 
to fair value interest rate risk. Group policy is to maintain at least 
70% of its borrowings in fixed rate instruments.

Liquidity risk
The Group prepares an annual funding plan which is approved 
by the Board and sets out the Group’s expected financing 
requirements for the next 12 months. These requirements are 
ordinarily expected to be met through existing cash balances, 
loan facilities and expected cash flows for the year.

Foreign currency
The Group operates internationally and is exposed to foreign 
exchange risks. As both revenue and costs in each location are 
generally denominated in the same currency, transaction related 
risks are relatively low and generally associated with intra group 
activities. Consequently, the overriding foreign currency risk 
relates to the translation of overseas profits and losses into 
sterling on consolidation. The Group does not actively seek  
to hedge risks arising from foreign currency translations due 
to their non-cash nature and the high costs associated with  
such hedging. The net impact of foreign exchange rate 
movements in 2013 was a £1.8m increase in revenue  
(2012: £0.6m decrease) and a decrease of £0.4m in  
underlying profit (2012: £0.6m increase).

Simon Shaw
Group Chief Financial Officer

Group Chief Financial Officer’s report
Financial review continued

Savills Pension Scheme
The funding level of the Savills Pension Scheme, which is closed 
to future service-based accrual, improved during the year as a 
result of the rise in asset values through increased contributions 
and investment returns. The plan deficit at the year end 
amounted to £12.7m (2012: £27.9m).

Comparative figures in the financial statements have been 
adjusted to give effect to revised International Accounting 
Standard no. 19 ‘Employee Benefits’, which came into  
effect from 2013. The net effect on underlying pre-tax profit 
(‘UPBT’) was to reduce the reported comparative for 2012 by 
£2.2m to £58.6m (2012: previously reported UPBT £60.8m).

Net assets
Net assets as at 31 December 2013 were £270.8m  
(2012: £233.1m). This movement reflected increased tangible 
assets, receivables and cash balances derived from the Group’s 
trading performance together with reduced provisions for 
retirement and employee benefit obligations.

Key performance indicators
The Group uses a number of key performance indicators  
(KPIs) to measure its performance and review the impact of 
management strategies. These KPIs are detailed under the  
Key Performance Indicators section on page 16. The Group 
continues to review the mix of KPIs to ensure that these best 
measure our performance against our strategic objectives, in 
both financial and non-financial areas.

Financial policies and risk management
The Group has financial risk management policies which cover 
financial risks considered material to the Group’s operations  
and results. These policies are subject to continuous review in 
light of developing regulation, accounting standards and practice. 
Compliance with these policies is mandatory for all Group 
companies and is reviewed regularly by the Board.

Treasury policies and objectives
The Group Treasury policy is designed to reduce the financial 
risks faced by the Group, which primarily relate to funding and 
liquidity, interest rate exposure and currency rate exposures.  
The Group does not engage in trades of a speculative nature  
and only uses derivative financial instruments to hedge certain 
risk exposures. The Group’s financial instruments comprise 
borrowings, cash and liquid resources and various other items 
such as trade receivables and trade payables that arise directly 
from its operations. Surplus cash balances are generally held 
with A rated banks and the Group places surplus deposits  
with AAA rated institutional money market funds.

28

Savills plc  Report and Accounts 2013Risks and uncertainties facing the business

Identifying and managing our risks 

The Board is responsible for our system of risk management  
and internal control. Risk is a recognised part of the Group’s 
every day activities. Risk management is viewed as the 
systematic identification and treatment of those risks that  
pose a threat to our business strategy and objectives. 

Roles and responsibilities 
The Board regularly reviews the Group’s key risks and is supported in 
the discharge of this responsibility by various committees, specifically 
the plc Audit Committee and the Group Risk Committee. 

The risk management roles and responsibilities of the Board,  
its Committees, and business management are set out below.

The Board sets the Group’s appetite for risk in pursuit of strategic 
objectives, and the level of risk that can be taken by the Group 
and its operating companies without specific Board approval. 
Group policies and delegated authority levels set by the Board 
provide the means by which risks are reviewed and escalated to 
the appropriate level within the Group, up to and including the 
Board, for review and confirmation. 

We have a clear framework for identifying and managing risk,  
both at an operational and strategic level. Our risk identification  
and mitigation processes have been designed to be responsive  
to the ever changing environments in which we operate. 

The following chart summarises our business risk  
management structure. 

plc Board 

Review and confirmation
Review and confirmation  
by the Board

plc Audit Committee 

Process
Risks and mitigation reviewed by  
Audit Committee after validation  
by the Group Risk Committee and 
Executive Boards

Group Executive Board 

1. plc Board

Responsibilities 
 –

Responsible for the Group’s systems of risk management 
and internal control
Determine Group appetite for risk in achieving its  
strategic objectives
plc Audit Committee
Review the effectiveness of Group internal controls, including 
systems to identify, assess, manage and monitor risks

Actions 
 –
 –

Issue and review Group risk management policy
Annually review effectiveness of Group risk management  
and internal control systems
Receive regular reports on internal and external audit and 
other assurance activities
Receive regular risk updates from subsidiaries and functions
Evaluate and assess Group-wide risks and the effectiveness 
of mitigating actions
Review and approve Group Policies

2. Group Executive Board

Responsibilities 
 –
 –

Strategic leadership of the Group
Responsible for ensuring that the Group’s risk management 
and other policies are implemented and embedded
Ensure appropriate actions are taken to manage strategic 
risks and key risks arising
Group Risk Committee
Review by Group management of Group and subsidiary  
risks and effectiveness of risk management processes

 –

 –

 –

 –
 –

 –

 –

 –

Group Risk Committee 

Ongoing review and control
There is ongoing review of the  
risks and the controls in place  
to mitigate these risks

Actions 
 –

Review of risk management and assurance activities  
and processes

 – Monthly/quarterly finance and performance reviews

3. Executive Boards

Executive Boards 

Group Risk

Heads of Group 
functions

Heads of 
operating 
companies

Key risks:
Heads of Group 
functions  
identify the key 
risks and  
develop 
mitigating  
actions

Key risks:
Heads of 
operating 
companies  
create a register 
of their top risks  
and mitigating 
actions

Responsibilities 
 –

Responsible for risk management and internal control 
systems within their regions
Ensure that operating companies’ responsibilities are discharged

 –

Review and assessment
Group Director of Risk and Internal  
Audit consolidates the operating 
companies’ functional and  
Group risks to compile the  
Group’s key risks

Actions 
 –
 –
 –

Review key risks and mitigation plans
Review results of assurance activities
Escalate key risks to Group management and Group 
Executive or plc Boards

4. Heads of the Group functions and operating companies

Responsibilities 
 – Maintain an effective system of risk management and  
internal control within their function/operating company

Actions 
 –
 –
 –

Regularly review operational, project, functional and strategic risks
Review mitigation plans
Plan, execute and report on assurance activities as  
required by region or Group

29

Overview | Strategy | Performance | Governance | Financial statementsSavills plc  Report and Accounts 2013 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Risks and uncertainties facing the business
continued

Principal risks
Our consideration of the key risks and uncertainties relating to  
the Group’s operations, along with their potential impact and the 
mitigation in place, is set out below. It is not possible to mitigate 
fully all of our risks and there may be other risks and uncertainties 

besides those listed below which may also adversely affect  
the Group and its performance. More detail can be found  
in the Audit Committee Report on pages 47 to 50.

 Key risk: Achieving the right market positioning in response to the needs of our clients 

Strategic objective: • Business diversification • Strength in residential and commercial markets 
• Geographical diversification • Commitment to clients

Change  
from 2012

Description

Mitigation

The markets in which we operate remain highly competitive. 
Competition could lead to a reduction in market share and a 
decline in revenue. Our focus is on both retaining existing clients 
as well as acquiring new ones by ensuring that we continue to 
reflect the changing needs of those clients.

To remain competitive in all markets, it is imperative that we 
continue to promote and differentiate our strengths while 
continuing to provide the quality of client care and service  
that our clients expect from us. This need drives our strategy  
to continuously grow the capabilities and strengthen the  
services offered by the Group. We continue to invest in the 
development of client relationships globally and associated  
systems to support our client service offering.

 Key risk: Economic/country and currency risks

Strategic objective: • Geographic diversification • Financial strength

Description

Mitigation

Change  
from 2012

Global market conditions remain volatile, with economic 
uncertainty in certain of our sectors and markets (particularly 
Hong Kong). Group earnings and/or our financial condition  
could be adversely affected by these macroeconomic 
uncertainties. Savills operates in a large number of countries 
which increases the risk that we will be affected by geopolitical 
and/or economic uncertainties associated with doing business  
in those jurisdictions.

Our strategy of diversifying our service offering and geographic 
spread mitigates the impact on the business of weak market 
conditions in specific geographies, but these factors cannot 
entirely mitigate the overall risk to earnings. To reduce the 
potential impact of these risks, we continually focus on our  
cost base and seek to improve operational efficiencies. 

Our continual monitoring of market conditions and review of 
market changes against our Group strategy, supported by the 
quarterly reforecasting and reporting undertaken by all of our 
businesses, remain key to our ability to respond rapidly to 
changes in our operating environment.

Our exposure to countries currently with financial difficulties/ 
implementing austerity measures is balanced by our business  
in other more stable markets. When considering entry into a 
new country we undertake due diligence to assess the impact 
of any political or economic issues in that particular country.

We recognise that there is a currency risk attached to operating 
in a large number of countries, particularly given the transaction 
element of our business.

We minimise the risk as far as possible in local operations 
through natural hedging by ensuring that revenue and costs  
are managed in the local currency.

30

Savills plc  Report and Accounts 2013 Key risk: Changes in the regulatory environment could affect our business

Strategic objective: • Commitment to clients

Change  
from 2012

Description

Mitigation

We are required to meet a broad range of regulatory compliance 
requirements in each of the markets in which we operate.  
For example:  

Our Group Policy Framework, which sets out our standards 
regarding professional, regulatory, statutory compliance and 
business conduct, is subject to regular review.

To support this Framework each of our businesses has its own 
regulatory and statutory compliance resources who monitor 
regulatory developments and maintain the internal processes  
and controls required to fulfil our compliance obligations. 

Our compliance environment, at all levels, is subject to regular 
review by internal audit and external assurance providers.

 –

 –

in many jurisdictions (eg China) we operate under strictly 
enforced licences, which are subject to periodic review
in the UK, the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) regulates 
the conduct of Savills Capital Advisors and Cordea Savills 
Investment Management, and the insurance intermediary 
services we provide to clients in Savills UK; the UK Office  
of Fair Trading regulates our Residential business in the UK 
and a number of the services we provide through our UK 
businesses are regulated by The Royal Institution of 
Chartered Surveyors (RICS).

Failure to satisfy regulatory compliance requirements may result 
in fines being imposed, adverse publicity, brand-reputational 
damage and ultimately the withdrawal of regulatory approvals.

We also have a number of key statutory obligations including  
the protection of the health, safety and welfare of our staff and 
others affected by our activities. Recent environmental reporting 
requirements place additional data gathering responsibilities  
on our business in common with other FTSE companies.

 Key risk: Recruitment and retention of high‑calibre staff 

Strategic objective: • Financial strength • Commitment to clients

Change  
from 2012

Description

Mitigation

We recognise that our ability to deliver our strategy is dependent 
on us attracting, developing, motivating and retaining people of 
the highest quality. This is fundamental to the future success of 
our business.

We continue to invest in the development of our people and 
extend our training and development programmes across a 
number of businesses.

Our profit sharing approach to remuneration is combined with 
selective use of share-based and other longer term incentives  
to ensure that our people are incentivised to perform over the 
longer term and to remain with the business. Team scorecards 
and individual appraisals ensure that rewards are based on 
improvements in client service, business development, people 
management, delivery of personal and financial objectives  
(such as working in co-operation with teams from other parts  
of the business) as well as financial performance.

31

Overview | Strategy | Performance | Governance | Financial statementsSavills plc  Report and Accounts 2013Risks and uncertainties facing the business
continued

 Key risk: Reputational and brand risk 

Strategic objective: • Strength in residential and commercial markets • Commitment to clients

Change  
from 2012

Description

Mitigation

Savills is a brand with an excellent reputation in the markets  
in which we operate. We recognise the need to maintain this 
reputation by ensuring the quality of the service we provide.

We recognise that our brand strength is vital to maintaining 
market share and expanding into new markets. To this end,  
we have a brand management programme in place to  
ensure the brand’s positioning and identity is clearly and 
consistently promoted.

We recognise that the quality of the service we offer is vital to 
maintaining the brand and we have in place policies, controls  
and processes to monitor the quality of our client service to 
support our programme of continuous improvement.

 Key risk: Legal risk

Strategic objective: • Financial strength • Commitment to clients

Description

Mitigation

Change  
from 2012

Failure to fulfil our legal or contractual obligations to clients  
could subject the Group to action and/or claims from clients.  
The adverse outcome of such actions/claims could negatively 
impact our reputation, financial condition and/or the results of  
our businesses. For example:

 –

 –

 –

In accepting client engagements, Group companies may  
be subject to duty of care obligations. Failure to satisfy  
these obligations could result in claims being made against 
the relevant operating company.
In our Property Management business, we may assume 
responsibility for appointing and/or supervising third party 
contractors that provide construction and engineering 
services for our managed properties. Again, failure to 
discharge these responsibilities in accordance with our 
obligations could result in claims being made against the 
operating companies. 
In our Valuation Consultancy businesses, we can be  
subject to claims alleging the over-valuation of a property.

The Group has legal and regulatory compliance policies and  
Best Practice groups which are designed to mitigate against  
the risk of such actions/claims being made and where such  
claims occur, to limit liability, particularly in relation to 
consultancy services such as Valuations. Such policies  
are regularly reviewed and communicated.

The Group maintains appropriate levels of professional 
indemnity insurance to respond to and mitigate the Group’s 
financial exposure to such claims.

As described opposite, our strong emphasis on appropriate 
business conduct by all our employees, contractors and 
associates provides further mitigation to this risk.

32

Savills plc  Report and Accounts 2013 Key risk: Failure or significant interruption to our IT systems causing disruption to client service

Strategic objective: • Financial strength • Commitment to clients

New key risk  
for 2013

Description

Mitigation

Major failures in our IT systems may result in service  
being interrupted or data being lost/corrupted causing  
damage to our reputation and consequential customer  
and revenue loss.

Specific back-up and resilience requirements are built into  
our systems. Our critical infrastructure is set up so far as is 
reasonably practical to prevent unauthorised access and  
reduce the likelihood and impact of a successful attack.

There is a risk that an attack on our infrastructure by a  
malicious individual or group could be successful and  
impact the availability of critical systems.

Business continuity and disaster recovery plans are in  
place to cover the residual risks that cannot be mitigated.

Our data centres are accredited to international information 
security standards.

O
v
e
r
v
e
w

i

|

S
t
r
a
t
e
g
y

|

P
e
r
f
o
r
m
a
n
c
e

|

G
o
v
e
r
n
a
n
c
e

|

 Key risk: Business conduct

Strategic objective: • Business diversification • Geographical diversification • Commitment to clients

i

F
n
a
n
c
a

i

New key risk  
for 2013

l

s
t
a
t
e
m
e
n
t
s

Description

Mitigation

We operate in various international markets that may present 
business conduct related risks involving, for example, fraud, 
bribery or corruption.

Failure by the Group and its employees to observe the highest 
standards of integrity and conduct in dealing with clients, 
suppliers and other stakeholders could result in civil and/or 
criminal penalties, debarring and reputational damage.

Throughout the Group we rigorously assess and address  
such corruption risks. We have programmes to promote 
compliance with our Code of Conduct, particularly in areas  
of higher risk such as procurement.

We adopt a zero tolerance approach to corruption. 

33

Savills plc  Report and Accounts 2013 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Corporate responsibilities

Key highlights in 2013

People. 
We:
 – Continued with our strategy of investing in people by  

creating a competency framework designed to develop  
the personal and business skills relevant to our business  
and our clients’ commitment.
Participated in an apprenticeship creation programme 
to create jobs for those without a degree.

 –

Clients. 
We:
 – Maintained our commitment to delivering the high quality 

services expected by our clients and demanded by our 
business by building on the strength of our existing cross-
border/inter-regional service capacity, by sharing best 
practice and experiences and by listening to client feedback.
Further enhanced our client service offering with significant 
investment in systems and the creation of client  
advocate roles.

 –

Our business philosophy

Take great pride in delivering the highest quality service.

Pride in everything we do. 
We:
 –
 – Go the extra mile.
 –
 –

Seek to employ only the best people.
Enjoy what we do.

Always act with integrity. 
We:
 –
 –
 –

Behave responsibly.
Act with honesty and respect for other people.
Adhere to the highest standards of professional ethics.

 –

Take an entrepreneurial approach to business. 
We:
 –
 –

Seek out new markets and opportunities for clients.
Take a creative and entrepreneurial approach to  
delivering value.
Are forward thinking, and always aim to build long term  
client relationships.
Aim to be a leader in every market we enter.

 –
 – Commit ourselves with passion, energy and expertise.
 –

Approach problems with a proactive, practical attitude, 
delivering robust solutions.

Environment. 
We:
 –

Increased the number of UK offices achieving IS014001 
2004 accreditation.

 – Were awarded a BREEAM excellent rating for our UK 

 –

corporate head office.
Incorporated global greenhouse gas emission reporting  
into our environmental processes.

Community. 
We:
 – Continued to be actively involved in supporting ‘good 
causes’ in the communities in which we live and work.
Retained our membership of FTSE4Good, evidencing our 
commitment to meeting globally recognised corporate 
responsibility standards.

 –

Corporate responsibility at Savills 
Corporate responsibility (‘CR’) is our commitment to the positive 
impact that our business can make, through our people, to our 
stakeholders and the communities in which we live and work. 

Overall responsibility for our CR programme sits with the Group 
Chief Executive and the Board. CR strategy is overseen by our 
CR Steering Group, comprising senior representatives from a 
range of business and central teams. CR strategy is implemented 
and delivered at country level across the four areas of CR which 
we believe are key to the success of our business: People, 
Clients, Environment and Community. By focusing on these key 
areas we give our businesses the freedom to adapt quickly and 
to respond at local level to new opportunities in the markets in 
which they operate. The Board receives annual and ad hoc 
updates on CR activities and progress. To ensure that we can 
readily identify emerging issues and respond to them on a timely 
basis, we continue to include the consideration of CR-related 
issues in our Key Risk Registers.

Help our people fulfil their true potential. 
We:
 –

Encourage an open and supportive culture in which every 
individual is respected.

 – Help our people to excel through appropriate training  

and development.
Share success and reward achievement.
Recognise that our people’s diverse strengths combined 
with good teamwork produce the best results.
Believe that a rewarding workplace inspires and motivates.
Strive to provide an environment in which our people can 
flourish and succeed – this allows us to recruit, motivate  
and retain talented people and build on our status as an 
employer of choice.
Engage with our people to communicate our vision and 
strategy through well established internal channels.

 –
 –

 –
 –

 –

34

The FTSE Group confirms that Savills plc has been independently assessed 
according to the FTSE4Good criteria, and has satisfied the requirements to  
remain a constituent of the FTSE4Good Index Series. Created by the global index 
company FTSE Group, FTSE4Good is an equity index series that is designed  
to facilitate investment in companies that meet globally recognised corporate 
responsibility standards. Companies in the FTSE4Good Index Series have met 
stringent environmental, social and governance criteria, and are positioned to 
capitalise on the benefits of responsible business practice.

BREEAM is a registered trademark of BRE (the Building Research Establishment 
Ltd. Community Trade Mark E5778551). The BREEAM marks, logos and symbols 
are the Copyright of BRE and are reproduced by permission.

Savills plc  Report and Accounts 2013Policy
Our CR policy focuses on those key areas where we believe  
we can make a difference: People, Training and Development, 
Ethics, Client Commitment and Health, Safety and Environment.  
All of our businesses are expected to comply with local legal 
standards as an absolute minimum, while our established global 
framework provides the flexibility required to have meaning and 
impact at local level. At Savills, we learn through experience and 
we actively encourage our businesses to share their experiences 
and develop best practice to ensure that we continue to improve 
as an organisation. 

People
Throughout this Report we refer to the importance of our people. 
They are key to our continued success. It is our vision to be the 
real estate adviser of choice in our selected markets and deliver 
superior financial performance and this can only be achieved 
through the dedication, commitment and excellence of our people.

Savills is committed to providing employment on an equal basis 
irrespective of gender, sexual orientation, marital or civil partner 
status, gender reassignment, race, colour, nationality, ethnic or 
national origin, religion or belief, disability or age. We support  
the Core Conventions of the International Labour Organization.

Our people strategy remains focused on supporting delivery of 
the highest standards of client service through motivated and 
engaged people. We believe that a positive culture is essential to 
high quality client service. This positive culture is encapsulated  
in our business philosophy. Our reputation has been built on our 
people and we believe that staff whose behaviours reflect in our 
business philosophy deliver the excellent client service that we 
strive to provide. Our business philosophy also captures our 
commitment to ethical, professional and responsible conduct 
and our entrepreneurial value-enhancing approach. 

Training and development
We firmly believe in the value of developing future talent from within 
the Group and the wider business community and we are working 
hard to help nurture the entrepreneurs and leaders of the future.  
In this regard, we continued our significant investment in people 
development. In the UK our graduate programme was recognised 
for the seventh year running as the Graduate Employer of Choice 
(Property) in The Times Graduate Recruitment Awards 2013 and 
we continue to see a record number of applicants for this and our 
student summer scheme and work placement programmes. 

We are proud to have linked up with some of our industry peers 
on the Changing the Face of Property (‘CTFOP’) initiative which  
has a group aim to increase diversity within the property industry 
from under-represented groups. The initiative includes, amongst 
other things, developing an apprenticeship programme to offer 
jobs to school leavers and other junior candidates without a 
university education.

During 2013 our UK business rolled out a detailed People 
Development programme, which included a competency 
framework and career roadmap for all staff to provide them  
with a clear understanding of what skills are required and  
what they need to do to progress from Graduate to Director.  
The programme looked in detail at the different areas and sectors 
and sought to develop appropriate training that would enhance 
both personal and client-based relevant skills throughout the 
business. Taking this forward, in 2014 we will be piloting a formal 
mentoring and coaching programme to provide all staff at all levels 
with improved guidance on their career within Savills. Depending 
on the success of the UK pilot scheme, consideration will be given 
to rolling the programme out to other parts of the Group over time.

Savills remains committed to further developing these 
programmes and inspiring all staff to perform to their  
maximum potential. 

Ethical commitment
Savills is committed to doing business legally and ethically 
wherever it operates – doing the right thing in the right way. 
Savills Ethical Trading Policy is detailed in our Group Code of 
Conduct which is readily accessible in local languages to all  
staff, to support their day to day decision making. We continue  
to maintain our focus on ensuring that our people worldwide 
work within our specified financial, operational and compliance 
framework, and that these standards are consistently applied. 
We demand the highest professional standards from all of our 
people all of the time and have a zero tolerance to breaches. 
However, given the breadth of activities and the number of 
people we employ there may be occasions when we do not meet 
the high standards we aspire to. Where we fail to reach these 
high standards, we treat any breach with the utmost seriousness.

O
v
e
r
v
e
w

i

|

S
t
r
a
t
e
g
y

|

P
e
r
f
o
r
m
a
n
c
e

|

G
o
v
e
r
n
a
n
c
e

|

i

F
n
a
n
c
a

i

Human Rights
At Savills we recognise our responsibility as a global corporate 
citizen and we consider the concerns of the wider communities 
where we conduct our business.

l

s
t
a
t
e
m
e
n
t
s

We are committed to doing the right thing in the right way and 
this is reflected in the Savills Code of Conduct. The Code, which 
underpins our social, ethical and environmental commitments, 
clearly sets out the standards of behaviour that we expect our 
employees to demonstrate and adhere to in their day to day 
working life at Savills.

As an absolute minimum, our employee policies comply with  
local legislation in the jurisdictions in which we operate. We fully 
support the principles of UN Global Compact, the UN Declaration 
of Human Rights and the International Labour Organization’s 
(ILO) Core Conventions and we expect our business partners to 
operate in accordance with these standards.

Any breaches of our Code of Conduct may be reported  
in accordance with Company’s whistle-blowing procedure.

Diversity and inclusion
Savills is a global company and across all parts of our business, 
we look to create an inclusive culture in which difference is 
accepted and valued. We believe that our ‘inclusive’ approach 
gives us a competitive advantage and underpins the success of 
our business by giving us the ability to select our employees from 
the highest quality individuals in the widest available pool of talent. 

Our employees come from a wide range of backgrounds and 
have a diverse range of skills and experience. We have created  
a culture in which those skills, experience and perspectives are 
nurtured and encouraged.

At Savills, we have long realised that our reputation as a quality 
global real estate provider of choice is built on our people and 
that they are fundamental to the success of the business. 

We respect our people for who they are, their knowledge, skills 
and experience, as individuals and as valued members of the 
Savills team. We work together to bring out the best in each  
other and to sustain the strong working relationship ethic that has 
nurtured our ‘can do’ attitude. As at 31 December 2013 our total 
global workforce of 26,287 colleagues, comprised 14,420 males 
and 11,867 females. Of these 159 were senior executives (138 
male, 21 female) comprising members of the Group Executive 
Board and board members of the corporate entities whose 

35

Savills plc  Report and Accounts 2013 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Corporate responsibilities
continued

financial information is incorporated in the Group’s 2013 
consolidated accounts in this Annual Report. The Company’s 
Board of Directors comprised seven members, six males and 
one female.

Historically ours has been an industry which has struggled  
to recruit a high percentage of female graduates and we are 
encouraged that our graduate recruitment programme is helping 
to redress the balance at Savills where we have a 50/50 male  
to female ratio of graduates. 

Health, Safety and Environment
Environment
Savills and its associates operate more than 600 offices around 
the world. We also manage buildings for clients through our 
property management teams. We are committed to reducing our 
impact on the environment and, at our corporate head offices and 
business premises, our approach is to reuse, reduce and recycle. 
We also try to make a difference by helping our associates and 
clients to achieve their environmental goals, by providing quality 
advice, incorporating the principles of sustainability. 

However, we continue to view diversity in its widest sense and  
prior to any new appointment consideration is given to gender  
and diversity in its broadest sense, with a view to appointing the 
best placed candidate for the role.

How we support diversity and inclusion?
Our aim is to have a workforce that is representative of the 
countries and the communities in which we live and work and  
we will continue to endeavour to improve the representation of 
women at Board and senior levels within the organisation and  
to sustain an inclusive culture in which all talent can thrive.

As an organisation committed to diversity in its workforce, we  
will continue to strengthen our policies, processes and practices 
to develop our diversity and inclusion plans within the Group’s 
markets and geographies, in alignment with our corporate goals. 

Clients
Client care
We are committed to delivering a high quality service and 
creating long term partnerships with all our clients. To do this  
we need to deliver exceptional client service over the long term 
through forging sustained relationships and ensuring that the 
client experience of Savills is second to none. Client review 
meetings are a necessary and vital part of our approach to client 
care and we invest in an independent client review programme to 
focus on how well we are doing in the way we plan and execute 
the services we provide, how well we communicate and what 
additional value we give our clients. This provides an important 
independent rating of the standard of our client service which is 
reviewed regularly and used to refine service delivery. 

Following a successful pilot in 2012, our top 100 clients now  
have a dedicated client advocate whose core responsibility is to 
act as a focal point for client servicing enquiries, and in particular 
to allow any service issues on current instructions to be quickly 
identified and addressed. These client advocates also play a key 
role in reviewing our performance with the client in tandem with 
the client research programme to ensure that we understand 
where we have met or exceeded expectations and those areas in 
which we can do better. It also ensures that we have awareness 
of the client’s real estate plans over the coming 12 months so 
that we can make the appropriate support services available.  
Our client advocates are supported by an IT platform which 
harmonises client data from across the UK business into  
readily accessible client intelligence reports. 

Complementing this initiative we recognise that there are clients 
that would benefit from a full Savills service offering and in 2013 
we introduced the ‘Savills Pilot 7’ with a dedicated CRM team. 
The team is responsible for managing the client care plan  
which includes a review of the current year, meeting schedule  
for key contracts, financials for the year to date and future years, 
a client communication plan and a list of agreed actions and 
responsibilities. The CRM team meet quarterly and report 
annually into the UK Board. 

By actively seeking to reduce our environmental impact we  
are able to achieve increased operational efficiencies and 
savings, both internally and for our clients. 

Our policy and these principles are implemented through  
our operating businesses and day to day actions. 

As part of our drive to control our environmental impact and to 
act as a hallmark of quality for our clients, our offices continue to 
work to secure ISO14001 2004: the international standard for 
environmental management systems. This is designed to achieve 
sound environmental performance by using a proactive range of 
practical office management measures consistent with our aim of 
carbon reduction. During 2013 a further 26 UK offices achieved 
this accreditation bringing the total number of accredited UK 
offices to 66. 

During the year, our London teams moved to a new head office 
which has achieved a BREEAM excellent rating. BREEAM is an 
assessment method whereby the environmental credentials of 
buildings are measured against a universally recognised and 
benchmarked set of standards. 

We will continue to adopt innovative technology to deliver 
research information, marketing materials, web-based 
collaborative forums and marketing brochures, so as to reduce 
paper, transport costs and waste, all of which have an impact  
on the environment.

In many countries, food is a scarce natural resource. In 2013, our 
Hong Kong business signed up to an initiative sponsored by the 
Hong Kong Government, the ‘Food Wise Charter’. The Charter’s 
aim is to raise consumer awareness of the amount of food waste 
produced daily and to promote the use of good practices to 
encourage consumers to use natural resource sensibly. It is 
hoped that this initiative will help to protect the environment by 
reducing the amount of food waste sent unnecessarily to landfill 
each year.

In response to the Government’s request for support from  
the business community, our colleagues in Hong Kong have 
committed their business to implementing an action plan to 
promote best practices and behavioural changes to reduce  
food waste in their workplace. To help them achieve their  
goals, the business has agreed to instigate a scheme which 
includes conducting in-house waste audits to improve waste 
management performance, measuring and monitoring 
performance and promoting awareness of the principles  
of the Charter to its stakeholders. 

This year, our environmental reporting has been updated to 
reflect new legislative requirements that came into effect in 
October 2013, requiring us to measure and report our global 
greenhouse gas (‘GHG’) emissions. In this regard, 2013 is our 
base year for reporting. For practical reasons, however, in 2013 
we are only reporting on GHG emissions from our UK, Rest of

36

Savills plc  Report and Accounts 2013Europe, Australia, New Zealand and Hong Kong operations.  
We have taken this approach in these locations because we  
have been able to analyse all the emission sources required  
by the new legislation that fall under our operational control,  
ie their assets and liabilities are consolidated in the Savills Group 
financial statements. In subsequent years, we will seek to  
expand the scope of our reporting to include more locations. 

We are extremely pleased to report that Savills has been 
successfully cleared of any breaches in Health and Safety 
legislation following an appeal against the local authority 
prosecution in respect of an accident which took place at the 
Brewery Shopping Centre, Essex, UK in 2009, when a youth 
playing a game of ‘dare’ fell and sustained injuries after losing  
his grip on the outside of a rail of an escalator.

We have used the GHG Protocol Corporate Accounting and 
Reporting Standard methodology to identify our GHG inventory 
of Scope 1 (direct) and Scope 2 (indirect) emissions. The UK 
Government’s GHG Conversion Factors for Company Reporting 
have then been applied to complete the calculations. In a very 
few cases, of necessity, we have extrapolated total emissions by 
using available information from part of the reporting period. So 
as to express our annual emissions in relation to a quantifiable 
factor relevant to our wide ranging activities, we have used a per 
capita intensity ratio, as this provides the best comparative 
measure over time. Details are below.

Community
Charitable giving
Our offices and our people are actively involved in their 
communities. At a local level, we have developed a series of 
community engagement programmes which have a positive 
impact on the areas where our people live and work to ensure 
that Savills is firmly engaged with the communities we serve.  
The stories below represent only a few examples from across  
the globe of the wide variety of activities undertaken by Savills 
and its employees during 2013.

Total Global Emissions for Carbon Reporting (2013) 
GHG Emissions ( Scopes 1+2) TCO2e/yr(1)

Scope 1 (Direct) – 1,256.58

Scope 2 (Energy Indirect) – 5,608.71

Total Gross Emissions – 6,865.29

Total Employees (FTE av.) – 3,890
GHG Intensity Ratio(2) – 1.76

Notes:
(1)  Emissions Factors based on Defra/DECC Guidelines 2011.
(2)  Total Gross Emissions, divided by Total Full Time Equivalent Employees (FTE) 

Year Average.

(3)  Total global emissions for Carbon Reporting 2013: UK, Rest of Europe, 

Australia/New Zealand and Hong Kong.

Once again, we took part in the International Carbon Disclosure 
Project (‘CDP’) during the year. Some 4,000 organisations around 
the globe measure and disclose their greenhouse gas emissions 
and climate change strategies as part of the CDP. This data is 
collected annually on behalf of institutional investors, purchasing 
organisations and various government bodies.  

Health and safety
Savills is committed to the health, safety and welfare of its staff 
and others affected by our business operations. Safe working 
practices form an integral part of our day to day business and we 
aim to find practical solutions to Health and Safety risks. To this 
end our safety strategy is focused on priorities such as reducing 
significant occupational exposure to workplace hazards and 
maintaining regulatory compliance. 

In 2013, we continued to promote our ‘positive safety’ programme, 
by rolling out a number of upgraded health and safety processes, 
including the employee induction programme. We also expanded 
areas of our Health and Safety team, demonstrating our ongoing 
commitment to safety in the workplace.

For the coming year, our key priorities are to run further training 
programmes to refresh the knowledge of safe working practices 
amongst our employees. We will continue to promote locally-
based activities and initiatives to enhance Health and Safety 
awareness, thus further promoting the existing positive  
company Health and Safety culture.

During the year, Savills UK main charity of choice was Honeypot, 
a children’s charity which works to enhance the lives of 
vulnerable children and young carers aged 5–12 years by 
providing respite breaks and ongoing outreach support. To raise 
money our employees took part in many fundraising events large 
and small. A significant fundraiser was the Great River Race 
2013, a gruelling 21-mile marathon row from Docklands to Ham 
in Surrey where Savills UK employees put up a 16-strong crew  
to compete against 300 boats from around the globe.

This year, in support of the charity Countryside Learning,  
the Rural team at Savills UK travelled from Land’s End to  
John O’Groats. Over a six-week period, 240 staff undertook a 
series of gruelling disciplines including cycling, running, walking, 
riding and kayaking over the 1,221-mile route, visiting 50 estates 
in the process, raising over £35,000 and highlighting the Charity’s 
important work. Countryside Learning inspires children, parents 
and teachers to learn more about the issues faced by the rural 
sector. Last year, the Charity’s estate day programme and 
Countryside Live events, allowed over 20,000 children and  
650 teachers to be introduced to the UK countryside.

During 2013 our Australian business chose to focus on one major 
fundraising initiative in partnership with ‘Youngcare’ a charitable 
organisation which works to help young Australians who require 
24 hour care to stay at home with their family and friends.

Organised by Youngcare, a Savills employee took on a mentally 
and physically challenging 10-day trek across sand dunes in 
temperatures in excess of 30 degrees. He was supported in this 
by his colleagues who helped him to raise funds towards the 
AU$644,000 raised by 12 walkers who took part in the trek. 

The UK operates a Give As You Earn scheme which allows staff 
to donate a portion of their monthly salary to a registered charity. 
We also operate a profit share waiver scheme whereby staff can 
elect to waive an element of any annual profit share in favour of 
registered charities of their choice upon which the Group 
augments the donation to the chosen charity by 10%. 

Future plans
It has been another year of significant development and  
progress and this is reflected in this year’s CR report and 
throughout this document. Going forward, we will seek to  
further develop and strengthen our CR approach by continuing  
to focus on those activities where we are best placed to make  
a significant contribution.

37

Overview | Strategy | Performance | Governance | Financial statementsSavills plc  Report and Accounts 2013 
The Board consisted of a majority of independent Non-Executive 
Directors (excluding the Chairman) throughout the year.  
Details of all the current Directors, their skills and experience  
are set out on page 42. In accordance with the UK Corporate 
Governance Code, all Directors will stand for re-election at the 
Annual General Meeting (‘AGM’), with the exception of Clare 
Hollingsworth who will stand down as a Non-Executive Director 
at the conclusion of the AGM on 12 May 2014. 

Diversity
We believe that a diverse culture is a key factor in driving the success 
of the business, and we fully support the Davies Report’s aspiration 
to promote greater female representation on listed company 
boards. During the year, the Savills Board had one female Non-
Executive Director, representing 20% of Non-Executive Board 
membership and another Non-Executive Director is based in 
Hong Kong. As and when Board appointments arise, we will look 
to follow the procedures recommended by the Davies’ Report 
and by the Code to maintain a balanced Board. Our policy on 
page 44 summarises our approach to diversity and what this 
means for our business and our people.

People and training 
At Savills, our people are the key to our continued success.  
We will ensure that our employees are equipped with the skills 
and insight required to deliver the high quality service we demand 
for our clients. We do this by continuing to invest in our future by 
recruiting, training, developing and retaining the best people and 
providing them with the necessary tools and supporting systems 
and infrastructure. This positions us to both drive key growth  
and deliver our ambitions and allows our people to develop on  
a professional and personal level as individuals. Details of our 
Corporate Responsibility activities and progress made during  
the year can be found in our Corporate Responsibility Report  
on pages 34 to 37. 

Remuneration 
We have a clear and transparent approach to remuneration, 
including Directors’ remuneration. Our approach is a simple  
one, where greater emphasis is placed on the performance 
related elements of the total remuneration package to ensure  
a close alignment between performance and reward and so  
with shareholders’ interests. More details of the Remuneration 
Committee’s activities during the year, a breakdown of Directors’ 
remuneration and Non-Executives’ fees for the year and our 
forward looking remuneration policy, can be found on pages  
57 to 64.

Monitoring risk
Risk management is and will remain a fundamental element of 
the Board and Audit Committee’s agendas and our governance 
efforts across the Group as a whole. The Audit Committee’s 
Report on pages 47 to 50 sets out in more detail the systems of 
risk management and internal control which help us to safeguard 
the Company’s assets and our shareholders’ investment. Details 
of our principal risks can be found on pages 29 to 33.

Report of the Directors 
Corporate Governance Statement 

Peter Smith
Chairman of Savills plc and Chairman  
of the Nomination Committee

Chairman’s introduction 

The Board of Savills is committed to maintaining the highest 
standards of corporate governance. The Directors and I see 
good governance as fundamental to the effective management  
of the business and the delivery of long term shareholder value.

We continue to work hard to create a culture where ‘doing  
the right thing’ is at the core of how we do business. I firmly 
believe that the tone set at the top of the organisation sets the 
standard for the rest of the Group and from the Board down  
we are committed to maintaining the highest standards of 
corporate governance. We fully recognise that in an increasingly 
regulated global market, at the heart of every successful 
organisation is a good corporate governance structure and we 
seek to create an environment in which transparency, honesty, 
integrity and fairness are valued and practiced by our people 
every day. Our Code of Conduct is readily accessible in all local 
languages to all staff to support their day to day decision making. 
We demand the highest professional standards from all of our 
people all of the time and we have a zero tolerance approach  
to breaches of the Code of Conduct.

Composition and independence
Ensuring that we do the right thing in the right way requires the 
right leadership. For the last four years we have conducted a 
formal, externally facilitated review of each Director’s skills and 
contribution and that of the Board as a whole and its Committees 
in the context of the Company’s business model and the evolving 
strategic needs of the business. It is described in more detail on 
pages 4 to 25.

The Board also reviews Non-Executive Director independence  
on an annual basis and takes into account the individual’s 
professional characteristics, their behaviour at Board meetings 
and their contribution to unbiased and independent debate. All  
of the Non-Executive Directors are considered by the Board to  
be independent, including Charles McVeigh, notwithstanding  
his long service.

We are pleased that as confirmed by this year’s Board review 
good progress has been made against the actions that the Board 
set itself in 2012 and we are confident that your Board has the 
right balance of skills, experience and diversity of personality to 
continue to encourage open, transparent debate and challenge.

We recognise the importance of planning for the future.  
Our corporate strategy and business model are underpinned  
by a succession planning policy designed to progressively  
bring new skills and different perspectives to the Board and  
to complement the experience of our longer serving Directors  
so as to achieve an appropriate balance and position us to 
continue to challenge and debate corporate strategy. 

38

Savills plc  Report and Accounts 2013 
Communication and shareholder engagement
As a responsible organisation, we believe that engaging with 
shareholders and encouraging open, meaningful dialogue with 
the Company is vital to ensuring mutual understanding. You can 
read more about shareholder engagement in this section and in 
the meantime, my fellow Directors and I look forward to continued 
dialogue and meeting with shareholders at our AGM in May. 

It has been another year of significant progress and I remain 
happy with the Board’s activity across our governance agenda. 
However, we will continue to challenge ourselves and the 
business and to consider and to learn from our decisions  
to ensure that we build upon the existing strength of our 
governance structure.

Peter Smith
Chairman of Savills plc
19 March 2014

UK Corporate Governance Code
The governance rules applicable to all UK companies admitted 
to the Official List of the UK Listing Authority are set out in the 
UK Corporate Governance Code 2012 (the ‘Code’) published  
by the Financial Reporting Council and publicly available at 
www.frc.org.uk. We were early adopters of the Code in 2012 and  
it remained the standard against which we measured ourselves 
throughout the financial year to 31 December 2013. The Board 
fully supports the principles set out in the Code and confirms 
that throughout the year ended 31 December 2013 and to  
the date of this Report, we applied the main Principles and 
complied with the relevant Provisions of the Code. The Report 
that follows sets out our governance policies and practices  
and includes details of how the Group has applied the main 
Principles and complied with the relevant Provisions of the 
Code using the key themes of the Code as the framework 
within which we articulate our governance.

Our approach to Leadership, Effectiveness and Accountability 
is set out in more detail on pages 39 to 43, 44 to 46 and 47 to 
50, respectively. 

Leadership

Governance structure
The Group’s corporate governance framework is set out below.

Board
(Chairman, 2 Executive Directors and 4 Non-Executive Directors)

Audit  
Committee

Remuneration  
Committee

Nomination  
Committee

Group Chief  
Executive

Role of the Board
The primary responsibility of the Board is to provide entrepreneurial 
leadership and to oversee the overall strategic development of 
the Group. In addition, the Board sets the Group’s values and 
standards and ensures that the Group’s businesses act ethically 
and that its obligations to its shareholders are understood  
and met. The Board delegates to management the day to  
day operation of the business to the Group Chief Executive, 
supported by the Group Executive Board, subject to  
appropriate risk parameters. 

Group Executive 
Board

Group Risk 
Committee

CR Steering  
Group

Matters reserved to the Board
The Board has adopted a formal schedule of matters specifically 
reserved to it for decision making. A full schedule of matters 
reserved for the Board’s decision along with the Terms of 
Reference of the Board’s principal committees can be found  
on the Company’s website at www.savills.com.

39

Overview | Strategy | Performance | Governance | Financial statementsSavills plc  Report and Accounts 2013Report of the Directors 
Corporate Governance Statement continued

The Board is specifically responsible for:
Strategy and objectives
Reviewing and approving the Group’s strategy, objectives, business  
plans and budgets with a view to maintaining the Group’s established 
entrepreneurial driven business culture. Following implementation  
the Board continuously monitors and analyses actual performance 
against desired outcomes and where necessary, agrees adjustments  
or changes to the strategic plan to ensure the Group achieves its  
short, medium and long term objectives.

Considering, testing and approving significant capital investment projects 
in line with strategy and taking a measured approach with the aim of: 
maintaining our position as a market leader; strengthening our presence 
in an existing market; or establishing the Savills brand in new markets 
through acquisitions or partnerships with well established high calibre 
local businesses with the skills to complement our existing capabilities 
and the ability to sit comfortably within the Savills business model.  
Where necessary, reviewing and approving divesting initiatives.

Governance
Overseeing the performance of the Board and its principal Committees  
and that of individual Directors to ensure that they continue to be effective  
in support of Group strategy, policy and practice.

Planning to refresh or replace retiring or outgoing Directors so as to ensure 
that the different skills, experience and knowledge of the Directors is such 
that the Group remains capable of adapting to the changing environment  
as a consequence of it being directed by a set of competent, well rounded 
individuals who have the ability to formulate sensible and practical ideas 
capable of being translated into strategies which deliver results. 

In line with the Board’s commitment to operate the Group’s businesses on 
an ethical, moral and legally sound basis from the top down – overseeing 
the development and approval of the Group’s governance structure and 
policies such as the Group’s Code of Conduct, standards of ethics and 
policy in relation to business practice, health, safety, environment, social 
and community responsibilities to ensure that the Group continues to do 
the ‘right thing’ and remains compliant with regulatory and legal 
requirements in each of the jurisdictions in which it operates. 

The Board has delegated day to day operational decisions to the 
Group Chief Executive supported by the Group Executive Board 
referred to on page 41. 

Board meetings
Attendance table 

Non-Executive Directors
Peter Smith
Martin Angle
Tim Freshwater
Clare Hollingsworth
Charles McVeigh
Executive Directors
Jeremy Helsby*
Simon Shaw*

* 

Members of the Group Executive Board.

Meetings 
attended

Meetings 
eligible to 
attend

8
8
8
8
8

8
8

8
8
8
8
8

8
8

The Board met formally eight times during the year and there  
was full attendance at all meetings by Directors, as shown  
in the table above. 

– 

– 

Risk management
Establishing, monitoring and regulating the levels of risk which the Group 
is willing to accept in return for economic success and implementing 
systems of internal control, governance and approval authorities to 
safeguard shareholder investments. 

Regularly analysing the impact of the Group’s adopted risk to reward 
ratio against expected outcomes to ensure that the level of risk adopted 
by the Board is appropriate such that it can be effectively managed by 
the Group’s businesses and neither constrains growth nor has a negative 
impact on the Group’s reputation or finances. In response to actual 
outcomes and/or changes in the internal and external environments, 
regulating acceptable risk levels to reflect the evolution of strategy. 

Finance performance
Reviewing the performance of the Group’s businesses profits and cash 
management initiatives, assessed against the Group’s strategy, objectives, 
business plans and budgets to ensure that the financial resources 
generated by the businesses work to create additional value, costs are 
controlled and/or eliminated and that resource can be made available 
at the appropriate time to exploit business opportunities. 

Reviewing changes to the Group’s capital structure and the issue of 
any securities in the context of achieving efficiencies or reducing the 
cost of capital to the Group. 

Approving annual and half year results and interim management 
statements, and accounting policies so as to ensure that 
communication with the Group’s shareholders is fair, understandable 
and balanced; and, subject to shareholder approval, the appointment 
and the remuneration of the External Auditor

Approving the dividend policy and interim and supplemental dividends 
and recommending final dividends which are appropriate to the Group’s 
strategy, reflect the performance of the Group and give Savills the 
ability to continue to attract inward investment.

Board activity
As detailed above, although the Board has a schedule of matters 
reserved to it for formal decision, there has to be a level of flexibility 
to meet the evolving needs of the business and we endeavour to 
develop our processes in order to support growth and to achieve 
continuous improvement across the Group.

Below is a chart which shows in simple terms those areas on 
which your Board has been focused during 2013 and which  
will remain key in the coming year.

Strategy 
–  Strategy setting
– 
 Target delivery
–  Achievement of goals

Leadership and risk
–  Entrepreneurial support
–   Succession planning
–  

 Oversight of operational 
management 

Governance
– 

 Assurance and 
compliance
 Board management  
and effectiveness
 Remuneration policy in 
support of strategy

Finance
– 

 Setting internal  
control framework
 Capital management
 Overview and preparation  
of financial statements

– 
– 

At its meetings during the year, the Board discharged the duties 
above and received updates on the Group’s financial performance; 
key management changes; material new projects; financial plans; 
and legal and regulatory updates. 

40

Savills plc  Report and Accounts 2013 
 
 
The Directors receive management information, including financial, 
operating and strategic reports, in advance of Board meetings. 

The Board receives presentations from the Heads of the Principal 
Businesses and Functions on matters of significance and 
periodically meetings are held in regional centres to give the Board 
greater insight into the business in that region. The Group Legal 
Director & Company Secretary provides the Board with updates 
and reports covering legal developments and regulatory changes.

One of the Board’s meetings during the year was specifically 
devoted to the review and reconfirmation of the Group’s strategy. 
This meeting benefited from presentations and discussions with 
a number of the Heads of the Principal Businesses. The delivery 
of strategic plans is continually monitored and reviewed by the 
Board and periodic updates on progress and market developments 
are presented by the Heads of the Principal Businesses.

The Board and Committee meetings are structured to allow open 
discussion. All Directors receive detailed papers in advance of 
Board meetings to ensure that they are properly briefed on the 
matters to be discussed. When unable to be present in person, 
Directors may attend by audio or video conference. When 
Directors are unable to attend a Board or Committee meeting, 
their comments on the matters to be considered at that meeting 
are relayed in advance to the Chairman of that meeting.

The Non-Executive Directors meet separately at least once each 
year without the presence of the Executive Directors and also 
meet at least once a year without the Chairman, at which time 
the Chairman’s performance is appraised.

The Group Legal Director & Company Secretary, whose appointment 
is a matter reserved for the Board, is responsible for advising and 
supporting the Chairman and the Board on company law and 
corporate governance matters and for ensuring that Board 
procedures are followed, as well as ensuring that there is a 
smooth flow of information to enable effective decision making. 
All the Directors have access to the advice and services of the 
Group Legal Director & Company Secretary and through him 
have access to independent professional advice in respect of 
their duties at the Company’s expense.

In accordance with the Company’s Articles of Association, the 
Company has granted Directors and the Group Legal Director  
& Company Secretary an indemnity, to the extent permitted by 
law, in respect of any liabilities incurred as a result of their holding 
office. Such indemnities were in force during the financial year  
to 31 December 2013 and up to the date of this Report. The 
indemnities would not, however, provide cover where a Director 
or the Group Legal Director and Company Secretary is proved  
to have acted dishonestly or fraudulently. The Company has also 
arranged appropriate insurance cover in respect of legal action 
against its Directors and Officers. 

Board Committees
The principal Committees of the Board are listed below.  
A more detailed account of each of the Committees including  
an introduction from the Committee Chairman can be found  
in the pages which follow.

Nomination Committee
The Nomination Committee is responsible for the size, structure 
and composition of the Board, for reviewing and progressing 
appointments and for successional planning to ensure that  
the Board is progressively refreshed such that the balance of 
skills and experience remains appropriate to the needs of the 
business. The Committee also makes recommendations to  
the Board on the membership of the principal Committees of  
the Board. Details of the Nomination Committee can be found  
on page 46.

Audit Committee
The Audit Committee is responsible for assisting the Board in 
fulfilling its financial and risk responsibilities, in particular for 
ensuring that the financial statements are fair, balanced and 
understandable. It oversees financial reporting, internal control, 
risk management and reviews the work of the Internal and 
External Auditors and advises the Board on the appointment  
of the External Auditor. 

Remuneration Committee
The Remuneration Committee is responsible for determining  
the remuneration of the Chairman and the Executive Directors 
and for reviewing that of the Group members and the Group 
Executive Board. The Directors’ Remuneration Report can  
be found on pages 54 to 71.

Group Executive Board (‘GEB’)
The GEB is the key management committee for the Group and 
comprises the Group Chief Executive, the Group Chief Financial 
Officer, the Heads of the Principal Businesses and the Group 
Legal Director & Company Secretary. The GEB meets regularly 
and under the leadership of the Group Chief Executive, the GEB 
is responsible for the day to day management of the Group 
including overseeing the development and implementation of 
strategy, capital expenditure, and investment budgets, for ongoing 
review and control of Group risks as detailed on page 29 and 
reporting on these areas to the Board for approval, implementing 
Group policy, monitoring financial and operational performance 
of the Group and other specific matters delegated to it by  
the Board.

An explanation of how the Group creates and preserves value, 
and the strategy for delivering its objectives is included in the 
Group Chief Executive’s review on pages 4 to 25.

Members of the GEB are detailed on page 43.

41

Overview | Strategy | Performance | Governance | Financial statementsSavills plc  Report and Accounts 2013 
 
Report of the Directors 
Corporate Governance Statement continued

Board of Directors

1. Peter Smith
Chairman of Savills plc and Chairman of the 
Nomination Committee

4. Martin Angle
Senior Independent Non-Executive Director and 
Chairman of the Audit Committee 

6. Tim Freshwater
Independent Non-Executive Director

Appointment to the Board: Peter was appointed  
to the Board as a Non-Executive Director on 24 May 
2004 and was elected Chairman with effect from  
1 November 2004.

Appointment to the Board: Martin was appointed 
to the Board on 2 January 2007 and replaced Timothy 
Ingram as the Senior Independent Non-Executive 
Director from 9 May 2012.

Background and relevant experience: Formerly 
UK Senior Partner of PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) 
Peter served for two years as Chairman of Coopers  
& Lybrand International and as a member of the global 
leadership team of PwC. He served as Chairman of 
RAC plc and was a Non-Executive Director of 
Safeway plc and the Equitable Life Assurance Society.

Other appointments: Non-Executive Director of 
Associated British Foods plc and Paris Orleans SCA 
and Chairman of Templeton Emerging Markets 
Investment Trust plc.

Committee membership: Remuneration and 
Nomination Committees.

2. Jeremy Helsby
Group Chief Executive

Appointment to the Board: Jeremy joined Savills  
in 1980 and was appointed to the Board in 1999.

Background and relevant experience: He was 
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Savills 
Commercial and Savills Europe for seven years  
until he was appointed as Group Chief Executive  
on 7 May 2008. 

Committee membership: Nomination Committee.

3. Simon Shaw
Group Chief Financial Officer

Appointment to the Board: Simon joined Savills  
as Group Chief Financial Officer in March 2009.

Background and relevant experience: Simon  
is a Chartered Accountant. He was formerly Chief 
Financial Officer of Gyrus Group PLC, a position  
he held for five years until its sale to the Olympus 
Corporation. Simon was Chief Operating Officer  
of Profile Therapeutics plc for five years and also 
worked as a corporate financier, latterly at  
Hambros Bank Limited.

Other appointments: Non-Executive Chairman  
of Synairgen plc.

Background and relevant experience: Formerly, 
he was Group Finance Director of TI Group plc and 
held various executive roles with Terra Firma Capital 
Partners and its portfolio companies, including The 
Waste Recycling Group (Executive Chairman) and Le 
Meridien Hotel Group (Deputy Chairman). Prior to that 
he held a number of senior positions in investment 
banking with S G Warburg & Co., Morgan Stanley and 
Dresdner Kleinwort.

Other appointments: Non-Executive Director of 
Pennon Group plc, OAO Severstal, Shuaa Capital psc 
(Dubai), Chairman of The National Exhibition Group, 
and Chairman and Treasurer of FIA Foundation.

Committee membership: Audit, Remuneration and 
Nomination Committees.

5. Charles McVeigh
Independent Non-Executive Director

Appointment to the Board: Charles was  
appointed to the Board as a Non-Executive Director 
on 1 August 2000.

Background and relevant experience: Formerly, 
he was Co-Chairman of Citigroup’s European 
Investment Bank and served on the Boards of Witan 
Investment Company plc, Clearstream, the London 
Stock Exchange, LIFFE, British American Business  
Inc and was a member of both the Development 
Board and Advisory Council of the Prince’s Trust.  
He was also appointed by the Bank of England to 
serve on the City Capital Markets Committee and the 
Legal Risk Review Committee and was a member of 
the Fulbright Commission.

Other appointments: A Senior Adviser at Citigroup, 
Charles also serves on the Board of EFG-Hermes, 
Petropavlovsk plc (formerly Peter Hambro Mining plc) 
and is a Trustee of the Landmark Trust and the  
Natural History Museum Development Board.

Appointment to the Board: Tim was appointed  
to the Board as a Non-Executive Director on  
1 January 2012.

Background and relevant experience: Until 
recently Tim was a Non- Executive Director of Chong 
Hing Bank Limited. Formerly he was Chairman of 
Grosvenor Asia Pacific Limited, Managing Director and 
Chairman of Corporate Finance Goldman Sachs (Asia) 
from 2001 until 2005 and Vice-Chairman of Goldman 
Sachs (Asia) from 2005 until 2012. Tim previously 
worked at Jardine Fleming, becoming Group Chairman 
in 1999, and was a Partner at Slaughter and May from 
1975 to 1996.

Other appointments: A Non-Executive Director of 
Aquarius Platinum Limited, COSCO Pacific Limited, 
Swire Pacific Limited and Hong Kong Exchanges  
and Clearing Limited.

Committee membership: Audit, Remuneration  
and Nomination Committee.

7. Clare Hollingsworth
Independent Non-Executive Director and Chairman  
of the Remuneration Committee

Appointment to the Board: Clare was appointed  
to the Board as a Non-Executive Director on  
2 April 2012.

Background and relevant experience: Clare is 
Chairman of Eurostar International Limited. Formerly, 
she was Chief Executive Officer of Spire Healthcare 
and its predecessor business, BUPA Hospitals. Clare 
is a former Managing Director of Caledonian Airways 
having been appointed as part of the leadership team 
when the airline was established by British Airways. 
She is a former Non-Executive Director of Caledonian 
Airways, Ambea ABand and the Assurance Group Ltd.

Other appointments: Chairman of Eurostar 
International Limited and Non-Executive Director of 
Spire Healthcare Limited, Virgin Healthcare Holdings 
Limited and Mölnlycke AB.

Committee membership: Audit, Remuneration  
and Nomination Committees.

1

5

42

2

6

3

4

7

Savills plc  Report and Accounts 2013 
 
Group Executive Board

2. Jeremy Helsby
Group Chief Executive
For photograph and full biography see  
opposite page.

3. Simon Shaw
Group Chief Financial Officer
For photograph and full biography see  
opposite page.

8. Chris Lee
Group Legal Director & Company Secretary

Appointment to the Group Executive Board: 
Chris joined Savills in June 2008 and was appointed 
to the Group Executive Board in August 2008.  
He has responsibility for legal and compliance  
issues globally.

Background and relevant experience: He held 
equivalent roles with Alfred McAlpine plc, Courts plc 
and Scholl plc between 1997 and 2008, prior to 
which he was Deputy Group Secretary of Delta plc 
from 1990 to 1997.

9. Rupert Sebag-Montefiore
Head of Global Residential

Appointment to the Group Executive Board: 
Rupert joined Savills in 1980 and was appointed to 
the Group Executive Board when it was formed in 
February 2008.

Background and relevant experience: He was 
appointed as Head of Global Residential in January 
2013 having until then, served as Managing Director 
and Chairman and Chief Executive of Savills (L&P) 
Limited from May 2000 and October 2004 
respectively to 31 December 2012.

Other appointments: Rupert is currently a Director 
of Pigeon Land Ltd, Penshurst Properties Ltd and 
English Concert. He is also a member of the Investment 
Committees of Winchester College and Christ 
Church, Oxford.

10. Mark Ridley
Chief Executive – Savills UK

13. Simon Hope
Global Head of Capital Markets

Appointment to the Group Executive Board: 
Mark was appointed to the Group Executive Board 
when it was formed in February 2008.

Appointment to the Group Executive Board: 
Simon was appointed to the Group Executive Board 
when it was formed in February 2008.

Background and relevant experience: He 
became Chief Executive of Savills (UK) Limited 
following the merger of the Commercial and L&P 
businesses in January 2013. He previously served  
as Chairman and Chief Executive of Savills 
Commercial Limited from January 2008 and prior  
to this was Head of the Manchester office which he 
opened for Savills from when he joined in July 1996.

Background and relevant experience: He joined 
Savills in September 1986 and he is responsible for 
our Global Capital Markets business and Head of 
Savills Commercial Investment. He is also a member 
of the Board of the Charities Property Fund.

14. Borja Sierra
Chief Executive – Continental Europe

11. Rob McKellar
Chief Executive – Asia Pacific

Appointment to the Group Executive Board: 
Rob was appointed to the Group Executive Board 
when it was formed in February 2008.

Background and relevant experience: He was 
appointed Chief Executive of Asia Pacific on  
31 March 2005 having served as the Group Finance 
Director since June 2000 and prior to this since 
December 1994 was Finance Director of Savills 
Commercial Limited.

12. Raymond Lee
Chief Executive – Hong Kong,  
Macau and Greater China

Appointment to the Group Executive Board: 
Raymond was appointed to the Group Executive 
Board in January 2011.

Background and relevant experience: He joined 
Savills in 1989. In 2009, Raymond became the CEO 
in Hong Kong and Macau and in 2010 was appointed 
CEO of Greater China. Raymond is a Fellow of the 
Hong Kong Institute of Directors and is a Guangdong 
Province Zhuhai Municipal Committee Member, 
CPPCC.

Appointment to the Group Executive Board: 
Borja was appointed to the Group Executive Board  
in January 2011.

Background and relevant experience: He joined 
Savills in 1998 and is responsible for Savills Continental 
European businesses. Formerly he was Head of Savills 
in Spain for 10 years, and in February 2008 he was 
appointed as Executive Managing Director of Savills 
US, where he assumed responsibility for Savills 
cross-border investment business.

15. Justin O’Connor
Chief Executive – Cordea Savills

Appointment to the Group Executive Board: 
Justin was appointed to the Group Executive Board 
in September 2010.

Background and relevant experience: He joined 
Cordea Savills in January 2004 as Head of Business 
Development. He was subsequently appointed Chief 
Executive of Cordea Savills in January 2006. Justin 
previously held a number of senior positions at 
Henderson Global Investors, Lend Lease and the 
AMP Society. 

8

12

9

13

10

11

14

15

43

Overview | Strategy | Performance | Governance | Financial statementsSavills plc  Report and Accounts 2013Report of the Directors 
Corporate Governance Statement continued

Effectiveness

Board composition and balance

Balance of Non-Executive Directors and Executive Directors

Non-Executive Chairman – 1

Non-Executive Directors – 4

Executive Directors – 2

Length of Tenure of Non-Executive Directors

0-4 years – 2

5-9 years – 2

10+ years – 1

At all times during the year at least half of the Board members, 
excluding the Chairman, were Independent Non-Executive 
Directors.

The posts of Chairman and Group Chief Executive are distinct 
and separate. The Chairman leads the Board and ensures the 
effective engagement and contribution of all Executive and  
Non-Executive Directors. The Group Chief Executive has 
responsibility for all Group businesses and acts in accordance 
with the authority delegated by the Board. There are a number  
of areas where the Board has delegated specific responsibility  
to management, including responsibility for the operational 
management of the Group’s businesses as well as reviewing 
strategic issues and risk matters in advance of these being 
considered by the Board and/or its Committees.

Accordingly, the Board considers that throughout the year the 
Company was in full compliance with the Code.

In this regard, the Board considers Martin Angle, Tim Freshwater, 
Clare Hollingsworth and Charles McVeigh to be Independent 
Non-Executive Directors, as they are independent of management 
and have no business or other relationship which could interfere 
materially with the exercise of their judgement. In particular, and 
notwithstanding his long service on the Board, the Board 
continues to consider that Charles McVeigh remains entirely 
independent in character and judgement. Martin Angle is the 
Senior Independent Director and is available to shareholders if 
they have concerns which have not been addressed by contact 
with the Chairman and/or Group Chief Executive.

The Board is satisfied that the Chairman and each of the  
Non-Executive Directors committed sufficient time during  
the year to enable them to fulfil their duties as Directors of the 
Company. None of the Non-Executive Directors has any  
conflict of interest which has not been disclosed to the Board 
in accordance with the Company’s Articles of Association 
(‘Articles’).

In accordance with the provisions of the Code it is our intention 
to conduct an external independent evaluation of Board 
effectiveness and performance and that of its principal 
Committees at least every three years. 

In this regard, IDDAS was engaged by the Board to conduct  
an independent assessment of board effectiveness in 2013.  
The review was designed to build upon the learning gained in  
the previous reviews to measure progress year on year and  
to confirm that the actions agreed by the Board in the light of 
previous reviews had been addressed. IDDAS met with individual 
Board members separately to undertake their review.

On completion of the review process, IDDAS presented their 
report, covering the key themes and issues raised, and 
made a number of recommendations to further enhance Board 
effectiveness. In the light of this review the Board has reconfirmed 
its objectives for 2014 as being (i) to further develop the Group’s 
global approach to client servicing, (ii) to ensure, having agreed 
plans at senior level, that management has implemented 
appropriate succession plans at business level and continued  
to develop the Group’s talent management initiatives and (iii) to 
ensure the continued interaction with executives and teams 
individual businesses.

The report also concluded that the contribution made by  
each Director continued to be effective and that each Director 
continued to demonstrate commitment to the role and that  
the Company should therefore support their re-election to  
the Board at the AGM in May.

The skills and experience of the Directors, are set out on 
page 42.

Diversity
The Board is aware that the number of women on boards 
remains a topic for debate for companies and regulators.  
We agree fully with the spirit and aspirations of the Davies’  
Report to increase the number of women on company  
boards. However, we continue to view diversity in its broadest 
sense with a view to appointing the best placed individual  
for the role. 

In a sector which historically has struggled to retain a high 
percentage of female leaders, we are striving to redress the 
balance with our successful graduate recruitment programme 
which aims to have a balanced intake of males and females  
and should help to ensure that there continues to be a diversity  
of talent within the Company from which we can draw the  
future leaders of our Company.

The biographies of the Board members appear on page 42.

44

Savills plc  Report and Accounts 2013Board induction and training
To ensure a full understanding of Savills and its businesses,  
on appointment each new Director undergoes an induction 
programme which introduces the Director to the Group’s 
business, its operations, strategic plans, key risks and its 
governance arrangements, and includes one to one briefings 
from the Heads of the Principal Businesses and an introduction 
to each Group business’s development strategy.

Ongoing training courses are available and Directors also receive 
regular updates on developments in legal and regulatory matters.

Directors’ conflicts of interest
Directors have a statutory duty to avoid situations in which they 
have, or could have, an interest that conflicts or possibly may 
conflict with the interests of the Company. A Director will not be  
in breach of that duty if the relevant matter has been authorised 
by the other Directors in accordance with the Articles. The Board 
has adopted a set of guiding principles on managing conflicts 
and approved a process for identifying current and future actual 
and potential conflicts of interest. It was also agreed that the 
Nomination Committee would review authorised conflicts at least 
annually or if and when a new potential conflict situation was 
identified or a potential conflict situation materialised. During 
2013, actual and potential conflicts of interest that were identified 
by each Director were subsequently authorised by the Nomination 
Committee, subject to appropriate conditions in accordance with 
the guiding principles.

45

Overview | Strategy | Performance | Governance | Financial statementsSavills plc  Report and Accounts 2013 
Report of the Directors 
Corporate Governance Statement continued

Nomination Committee Report

Peter Smith
Chairman of the  
Nomination Committee

The Nomination Committee has an important role to play in 
ensuring that the Board and its principal Committees have the 
right mix of skills, experience and diversity to deliver Group 
strategy and to create value.

In consultation with the Chairmen of the principal Committees,  
the Nomination Committee will continue to monitor the needs of 
the Board and its Committees in the context of Group strategy, 
with the aim of ensuring that the Group’s succession planning 
policy evolves such that there is an identifiable supply of talent 
and experience available to the Board and its Committees from 
which to select successors.

Meetings
Attendance table 

Committee member
Peter Smith
Martin Angle
Tim Freshwater
Clare Hollingsworth
Jeremy Helsby

Meetings 
attended
2
2
2
2
2

Meetings 
eligible to 
attend
2
2
2
2
2

As at 31 December 2013 and up to the date of this Report, the Nomination 
Committee was primarily composed of Independent Non-Executive Directors. 
Biographical details relating to each of the Committee members is shown  
on page 42.

During the year, the Committee comprised the Independent  
Non-Executive Directors, together with the Chairman and the 
Group Chief Executive. The Committee Chairman is Group 
Chairman, Peter Smith (save in circumstances where the 
Chairman’s succession is considered). Any other Director,  
Group Legal Director & Company Secretary or an external 
adviser may be invited by the Committee to attend the  
meetings from time to time, as appropriate. 

The Committee meets at least twice a year, or as required,  
and met twice during 2013. There was full attendance at all 
meetings by members, as shown in the table above. Members  
of the Committee also attend the Company’s AGM at which  
there is an opportunity to meet with shareholders. The Committee 
Chairman is on hand to answer questions in the event that 
shareholders ask specific questions related to the Nomination 
Committee and its activities.

Committee objective and activities
The primary objective of the Committee is to review the size and 
composition of the Board and its key Committees and to plan for 
its progressive refreshing, with regard to balance and structure. 

The Committee has standing items that it considers regularly 
under its Terms of Reference, for example the Committee 
considered and approved the Directors’ potential Conflicts of 
Interest and reviewed its own Terms of Reference (which are 
reviewed at least annually or as required, eg to reflect changes  
to the UK Corporate Governance Code or as a result of  
changes in regulations or best practice). 

More detailed information on the role and responsibilities  
of the Committee can be found in the Committee’s Terms  
of Reference which can be accessed on the Company’s  
website at www.savills.com. 

Succession planning and diversity
The Company adopts a formal, rigorous and transparent procedure 
for the appointment of new Directors and key Senior Executives 
with consideration to gender and diversity in its widest sense. 
Before making an appointment, the Committee assesses the 
balance of skills, knowledge, independence, experience and 
diversity of the Board and, in view of this assessment, will draw 
up a description of the role and competencies needed, with a 
view to appointing the best placed individual for the role. The 
Company uses recruitment consultants to assist the Committee 
in delivering its objectives and responsibilities. No Director is 
involved in decisions regarding his or her own succession.

Coming year
In the coming year we will continue will keep the Board’s 
composition under review and the Committee will consider  
how it may be enhanced to ensure that the Board continues  
to reflect the needs of the Company and its shareholders.

46

Savills plc  Report and Accounts 2013 
Accountability

Risk and internal control 
The Board has overall responsibility for ensuring that risk is 
effectively managed across the Group. Risk management is 
implemented from the top down. The Board is supported by  
the Audit Committee in discharging its oversight duties with 
regard to internal control and risk management. 

The Board is responsible for establishing and maintaining the 
Group’s system of risk management and internal control to 
safeguard shareholders’ investments and the Group’s Assets  
and for reviewing the effectiveness of this system. However,  
such a system is designed to manage rather than eliminate  
the risk of failure to achieve business objectives and can provide 
only reasonable and not absolute assurance against material 
misstatement or loss.

The Board’s attitude and appetite to risk is communicated to the 
Group’s businesses through the strategy planning processes and 
the Audit Committee monitors the ongoing status and progress 
of action plans against key risks on a regular basis and reports  
its findings to the Board. 

Going Concern
The Group’s business activities, together with the factors likely  
to affect its future development, performance and position are  
set out in the Strategic Report on pages 2 to 37. The financial 
position of the Group, its cash flows, liquidity position and 
borrowing facilities are described on pages 26 to 28. In addition, 
Note 3 to the financial statements includes the Group’s objectives, 
policies and processes for managing its capital, its financial risk 
management objectives, details of its financial instruments  
and hedging activities; and its exposures to credit risk and 
liquidity risk.

The Group has considerable financial resources, including  
a £90m committed revolving credit facility augmented by  
a £90m ‘accordion’ facility extension option that runs to  
June 2017, together with a broad spread of businesses across  
different geographic areas and sectors. As a consequence,  
the Directors believe that the Group is well placed to manage  
its business risks successfully.

After making enquiries, the Directors have a reasonable 
expectation that the Company and the Group have adequate 
resources to continue in operational existence for the foreseeable 
future. Accordingly, they continue to adopt the going concern 
basis in preparing the Report and Accounts. 

Audit Committee Report

Martin Angle
Chairman of the  
Audit Committee

The Audit Committee has a key role in ensuring the integrity of  
the Group’s financial statements and the effectiveness of its risk 
management processes and internal controls. During the year,  
its activities continued to be focused on the integrity and quality  
of the Group’s financial reporting, the performance of the internal 
and external audit processes, the suitability of the Group’s  
system of internal governance and control (including receiving  
and considering reports from Internal Audit and a broad range  
of compliance related matters). The Committee will continue to 
monitor its activities in the light of regulatory and best practice 
developments.

The Audit Committee has reviewed the content of this year’s 
Annual Report and Accounts and advised the Board that,  
in its view, the Report taken as a whole is fair, balanced and 
understandable and provides the information necessary for 
shareholders to assess the Group’s performance, business  
model and strategy.

The Committee noted the unqualified opinion from the  
External Auditors.

Meetings
Attendance table 

Committee member
Martin Angle
Tim Freshwater
Clare Hollingsworth

Meetings 
attended
4 
4
4

Meetings 
eligible to 
attend
4
4
4

As at 31 December 2013 and up to the date of this Report, the Audit Committee 
was composed entirely of Independent Non-Executive Directors. Every member  
of the Committee is considered to have recent and relevant financial experience 
as required by the UK Corporate Governance Code. Biographical details of the 
Committee members are shown on page 42.

The Committee met four times during the year and there was  
full attendance at all meetings by members, as shown in the  
table above. 

Committee meetings are attended by Committee members  
and, by invitation, the Non-Executive Chairman, Group Chief 
Executive, Group Chief Financial Officer, Group Financial 
Controller, Group Risk Director, Group Legal Director & Company 
Secretary and other senior executives of the Group. 

47

Overview | Strategy | Performance | Governance | Financial statementsSavills plc  Report and Accounts 2013 
The principal activities of the Committee during the year are set 
out below:

 –

 –

 –

 –

 –

 –

 –

 –

 –

review and discussion of the key accounting considerations 
and judgements reflected in the Group’s results for the Half 
Year ended on 30 June 2013; 
agreement of the external audit strategy and scope for the 
year ended 31 December 2013;
review and discussion of the key accounting considerations 
and judgements reflected in the Group’s results for the year 
ended on 31 December 2013;
review and consideration of the External Auditors’ Report  
for the year ended 31 December 2013, including the  
External Auditors’ observations on the Group’s Internal 
Control environment;
review the valuation practices and controls across the 
Group’s business;
review the strategies and policies being pursued to mitigate 
risks and reconfirm the Group’s risk appetite;
review of the Group’s whistle-blowing arrangements, reports 
made under these during the year ended 31 December 2013 
and the result of consequent investigations; 
receiving and considering reports from the Group’s Internal 
Audit team covering various aspects of the Group’s 
operations, controls and processes and monitoring the 
progress made by management in addressing 
recommendations arising out of these reports;
considering and where appropriate approving the instruction  
of the Group’s External Auditors on non-audit assignments 
during the year ended 31 December 2013. 

In particular, the Committee also considered the global threat  
of cyber crime on businesses by criminals using online tools  
to extract intellectual property and other competitive data.  
To establish the level of potential risk, the Committee used the 
Cabinet Office/BIS ‘10 steps to cyber security’ model to review 
the key elements of the Group’s information risk management 
arrangements. The Committee will continue to review, develop 
and monitor the Group’s information risk management 
arrangements so as to manage the risk of cyber crime to  
the Group’s businesses.

Report of the Directors 
Corporate Governance Statement continued

The Chairman of the Committee meets informally and is in regular 
contact with the Group Chief Financial Officer, Group Risk Director 
and Group Legal Director & Company Secretary and senior 
members of the external audit team. This group generally meets 
ahead of each full Committee meeting to prepare and identify key 
areas for consideration by the Committee. At least once a year, 
the Committee meets separately with the External Auditor and 
with management without the other being present. 

The Chairman of the Committee also attends the AGM to respond 
to shareholder questions that might be raised on its activities. 

Composition
The Audit Committee is chaired by Martin Angle; he is supported 
by two independent Non-Executive Directors Tim Freshwater and 
Clare Hollingsworth. 

Members of the Committee are appointed by the Board following 
recommendations by the Nomination Committee and membership 
is reviewed annually by the Nomination Committee as part of the 
annual Board performance evaluation. 

All members of the Committee receive an appropriate induction 
which includes an overview of the business, its financial dynamics 
and risks. Committee members are expected to have an 
understanding of the principles of, and recent developments  
in, financial reporting and their application as well as the roles  
of the internal and external audit functions. 

Role, objectives and responsibilities
The Committee’s role is to assist the Board in discharging its duties 
and responsibilities for financial reporting, internal control and in 
making recommendations to the Board on the appointment of the 
independent External Auditors. The Committee is responsible for 
the scope and results of the audit work, its cost effectiveness and 
the independence and objectivity of the External Auditors. 

The Committee is authorised to investigate any matter within  
its Terms of Reference (a copy of which can be found on the 
Company’s website at www.savills.com) and has access to the 
services of the Group Legal Director & Company Secretary and, 
where necessary, the authority to obtain external legal or other 
independent professional advice in the fulfilment of its duties.

The Committee has responsibility for reviewing the Group’s 
whistle-blowing arrangements and ensuring that appropriate 
arrangements are in place for employees to be able to raise,  
in confidence, matters of alleged impropriety, and for ensuring 
that appropriate follow-up actions are taken.

Activities 
The Committee works to a planned programme of activities 
focussed on key events in the annual financial reporting cycle  
and standing items that it considers regularly under its Terms of 
Reference. To enable the Committee to carry out its duties and 
responsibilities effectively, it relies on information and support 
from management across the business. The Committee reviews 
reports and presentations from management and the Internal and 
External Auditors, questions and where appropriate, challenges 
information and reports its findings back to the Board. 

48

Savills plc  Report and Accounts 2013Significant accounting issues
The significant accounting issues considered by the Committee 
and discussed with the External Auditor during the year were: 

 – Management override of internal controls: the 

Having reviewed the effectiveness of the system of internal 
control, the Committee was satisfied that necessary actions  
have been, or are being taken to remedy any significant failings  
or weaknesses identified.

Committee considered the presumed risk of management 
override of internal controls as defined by the auditing 
standards. In so doing, the Committee reviewed the 
robustness and effectiveness of the overall control 
environment of the Group, including consideration of the 
Group’s whistle-blowing arrangements and the reviews 
conducted by the Internal and External Auditors and,  
was satisfied that there were no issues arising. 

The integrity of the Group’s relationship with the External 
Auditor and the effectiveness of the External Audit process 
The Committee carried out a review of the effectiveness of the 
external audit process and considered the re-appointment of 
PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP (‘PwC’) and the appropriateness 
of its fees. The review covered a broad range of matters, including 
amongst other factors the quality of PwC staff, its expertise and 
resources and the independence of the PwC audit. 

 – Goodwill impairment: the Committee received reports  
from management on the carrying value of the Group’s 
businesses, including goodwill. The Committee reviewed 
management’s recommendations, which were also 
considered by the External Auditors, including evaluation  
of the appropriateness of the assumptions applied in 
determining asset carrying values, After review, the 
Committee was satisfied with the assumptions and 
judgements applied by management and, with the  
support of the External Auditors, concluded that no 
impairment of carrying values was required.

 –

 –

Presumed risk of fraud in revenue recognition:  
The Committee considered the presumed risk of fraud  
as defined by the auditing standards and was satisfied  
that there were no issues arising.

Litigation: The Group is subject to various legal actions  
and proceedings in the ordinary course of business. The 
Committee reviewed the provisions held in relation to each 
significant legal case and assessed the appropriateness  
of these as at 31 December 2013 taking into account the 
Group’s insurance cover and the advice received from 
external counsel to ensure that appropriate provision had 
been made. The Committee agreed with the position taken 
by management in respect of this matter.

The effectiveness of Internal Audit
The provision of Internal Audit services during 2013 was  
jointly delivered by the Group’s Internal Audit team and a  
panel arrangement with BDO LLP and Grant Thornton LLP.  
The Board’s responsibility for internal control and risk is  
detailed on page 29 and is incorporated into this Report  
by reference.

During the year, the Committee reviewed and approved the 
Internal Audit plan, having regard to the complementary roles  
of the Internal and External Audit functions. The Committee 
ensured that the Internal Audit team had the necessary resources 
and information made available to it to enable it to fulfil its mandate 
to the appropriate professional standards. The Committee 
reviewed Internal Audit reports on a regular basis and the Group 
Risk Director and the Head of Internal Audit attended meetings 
and presented to the Committee. In assessing the performance  
of the Internal Audit function, the Committee considered and 
monitored their effectiveness in the context of the Company’s  
risk management system and took into account management’s 
assessment of and responsiveness to the Internal Auditor’s 
findings and recommendations and reports from the External 
Auditor on any issues identified during the course of their work. 

In the course of its review the Committee considered the  
audit plan for the year and determined how the Auditors had 
performed to the plan. In deciding whether to recommend  
the reappointment of PwC the Committee considered the 
robustness of challenge and findings on areas which require 
judgement; the strength and depth of the lead partners at  
key locations; and feedback from Savills management. 

There were no significant findings arising from the evaluation this 
year and the Committee concluded that both the audit and the 
audit process were effective. It therefore recommended to the 
Board that PwC be re-appointed as Auditors for a further year. 
Accordingly, a resolution recommending their reappointment  
will be put to shareholders at the 2014 AGM. 

In 2012, the Financial Reporting Council (‘FRC’) amended the UK 
Corporate Governance Code to introduce audit tendering every 
ten years on a comply or explain basis for FTSE350 Companies 
such as Savills. This new provision applied to financial years 
beginning on or after 1 October 2012. The FRC also suggested 
non-binding transitional arrangements with respect to audit 
tendering. In 2013, the Competition Commission (‘CC’) published 
its report into the FTSE350 audit market and proposed remedies 
similar to those of the FRC, albeit that the CC’s proposals will be 
mandatory and were not expected to come into effect until late in 
2014. Further in December 2013, EU regulations were finalised to 
require Auditors of public interest entities to be rotated every ten 
years. Alongside the decision on Auditor engagement, the EU 
agreed new arrangements on the provision of non-audit services 
whereby a cap of 70% of the audit fee will be imposed (based  
on a three-year average at the group level) and there will be an 
extensive list of prohibited services.

Due to the complexity arising from the three sets of regulations, 
there is still a considerable degree of uncertainty and further 
consultation is underway by the FRC and the CC in relation to 
auditor rotation, the outcome of which will not be known until 
sometime later in 2014. 

PwC has been the Company’s Auditors since 2001 when it won  
a tender for the external audit. The senior partner responsible  
for the Group’s audit must be rotated every five years to ensure 
objectivity. The last lead partner change took place in 2011. 

The Committee has considered the FRC’s suggested non-
binding transitional arrangements with respect to audit tendering 
and as a consequence, will consider the tendering arrangements 
towards the conclusion of the current audit partner’s period in 
office or earlier if there is cause to do so. 

49

Overview | Strategy | Performance | Governance | Financial statementsSavills plc  Report and Accounts 2013 
Relations with shareholders
The Group recognises the importance of maintaining regular 
dialogue with its shareholders. The Group Chief Executive and 
Group Chief Financial Officer lead a regular programme of 
meetings and presentations with analysts and investors, including 
presentations following the publication of the Company’s full and 
half year results. This programme maintains an ongoing two-way 
dialogue between the Company and shareholders, and helps to 
ensure that the Board is aware of shareholders’ views on a timely 
basis. The Board also receives feedback at least twice each  
year from its corporate brokers on investors’ and the market’s 
perceptions of the Company. The Chairman and the Senior 
Independent Director are also available to shareholders. Details  
of how the Company has considered shareholders’ views with 
regard to the Group’s remuneration policy can be found on  
page 55.

The AGM provides the Board with a valuable opportunity to 
communicate with private shareholders and is generally attended 
by all of the Directors. Shareholders are given the opportunity to 
ask questions during the meeting and to meet Directors following 
the conclusion of the formal part of the meeting. In accordance 
with the Code, the level and manner of voting of proxies lodged  
on each resolution at the AGM is declared at the meeting and 
published on the Company’s website. The outcome of the  
votes cast at the 2013 AGM in respect of the 2012 Directors’ 
Remuneration Report can be found on page 71. The Directors aim 
to give as much notice of the AGM as possible, which is at least  
21 clear days, as required by the Companies Act 2006 (‘CA2006’). 
However, in order to preserve the Directors’ flexibility to call general 
meetings (other than an AGM), the Directors sought and received 
authority from shareholders at its 2013 AGM to call such meetings 
on 14 clear days’ notice. It is the Directors’ intention to seek to 
renew this authority at the AGM to be held on 12 May 2014. The 
Directors confirm that the shorter notice period would not be used 
as a matter of course, but only in situations where flexibility is 
merited by the business of the meeting and is in the interests of 
shareholders. More details of all of the resolutions to be proposed 
at the 2014 AGM can be found in the AGM Notice which 
accompanies the Report and Accounts.

In accordance with the Articles, electronic and paper proxy 
appointments and voting instructions must be received not  
later than 48 hours before a general meeting.

The Company has taken advantage of the provisions within  
the ‘CA2006’ which allow communications with shareholders  
to be made electronically where shareholders have not requested 
hard copy documentation. Details of the information available  
to shareholders can be found on page 127. Information about  
the Company is also available on the Company’s website  
(www.savills.com).

Report of the Directors 
Corporate Governance Statement continued

The Committee will keep these matters under review to ensure 
that the Company continues to comply with the prevailing 
provisions in respect of Auditor engagement, rotation of the 
senior partner and the provision of non-audit services by  
the Auditors. 

The Committee considers on an ongoing basis, the 
independence of the External Auditors and has established 
policies to consider the appropriateness or otherwise of 
appointing the External Auditors to perform non-audit  
services, including consideration as to whether the External 
Auditors are the most suitable supplier of such services. 

During the year, PwC was paid £0.9m for audit services.  
PwC has also provided certain non-audit services to the Group, 
principally advice on taxation and transaction related matters for 
which it has been paid a further £0.6m. Details of the fees paid to 
the Auditors can be found in Note 7(c) to the financial statements. 
Contracts for non-audit services in excess of £100,000 require 
Committee approval. Below this level the Chairman of the Audit 
Committee is notified of new instructions for the delivery of non-
audit services.

The Committee is satisfied that in view of their knowledge and 
experience of the Company PwC was best placed to provide 
such non-audit services and that their objectivity has not been 
impaired by reason of this further work. However, in line with 
Company’s policy on the provision of non-audit work, the 
Committee will review the provision of non-audit work provided 
by the External Auditors on a case by case basis. 

The following non-audit services may not be provided by the 
External Auditors:

 –

bookkeeping or other services related to the accounting 
records or financial statements;
financial information systems design and implementation;
Internal Audit outsourcing services;

 –
 –
 – management functions or human resources advice; or
 –

advising on senior executive (including Executive Director) 
remuneration.

To further safeguard the independence of the Company’s 
External Auditors and the integrity of the audit process, 
recruitment of senior employees from the External Auditors  
is not allowed for an appropriate period after they cease  
to provide services to the Company. 

Disclosure of relevant audit information
The Directors confirm that, insofar as they are each aware, there 
is no relevant audit information of which PwC is unaware and 
each Director has taken the steps that ought to have been taken 
as a Director to be aware of any relevant audit information and  
to establish that PwC is aware of that information.

50

Savills plc  Report and Accounts 2013 
 
 
Report of the Directors 
Other statutory information

The information below, is incorporated into this Report by reference.

Operations
The Company and its subsidiaries (together the ‘Group’) operate 
through a network of offices and associates throughout the 
Americas, the UK, Continental Europe, Asia Pacific, Africa and 
the Middle East.

Results for the year
The results for the Group are set out in the consolidated income 
statement on page 76 which shows a reported profit for the 
financial year attributable to the shareholders of the Company  
of £50.8m (2012: £36.8m).

Dividend
An interim dividend of 3.5p per ordinary share amounting  
to £4.5m (2012: £4.1m) was paid on 14 October 2013. It is 
recommended that a final dividend of 7.0p per ordinary  
share (amounting to £9.0m) is paid, together with a supplemental 
interim dividend of 8.5p per ordinary share (amounting to £11.0m) 
to be declared by the Board on 19 March 2014, on 21 May 2014 
and paid to shareholders on the register at 22 April 2014.  
More details of the proposed dividend and the Company’s 
performance can be found in the Chairman’s statement on  
pages 2 and 3.

Principal developments
The development of the business is detailed in the Strategic 
Report on pages 2 to 37.

The principal risks and uncertainties are detailed on pages  
29 to 33.

Directors
Short biographical details of the current Directors are  
shown on page 42. All the Board members served  
throughout the year. The Board comprises the Non-Executive 
Chairman, two Executive Directors and four Independent  
Non-Executive Directors.

Clare Hollingsworth will stand down from the Board at  
the conclusion of the AGM on 12 May 2014 following  
which Tim Freshwater will become the Chairman of the 
Remuneration Committee.

Interests in the issued share capital of the Company held  
at the beginning under review and up to the date of this Report 
by the Directors or their families are set out on page 69 of the 
Remuneration Report. Details of share options held by the 
Directors pursuant to the Company’s share option schemes  
are provided in the Remuneration Report on page 70. It is the 
Board’s policy that the GEB Members should retain at least 
105,000 shares (value at 31 December 2013: £678,300) in the 
Company and that the Group Chief Executive retains at least 
150,000 shares (value at 31 December 2013: £969,000)  
(based on the mid-market share price of 646p per share  
on 31 December 2013) at all times.

Directors’ interests in significant contracts
No Directors were materially interested in any contract  
of significance.

Statement of Directors’ responsibilities
In accordance with the Code and the Disclosure and 
Transparency Rules (‘DTR’) DTR4, the Directors’ Responsibilities 
Statement is set out on page 72 and is incorporated into this 
report by reference.

Management Report
This Directors’ Report, on pages 38 to 53, together with the 
Strategic Report on pages 2 to 37, form the Management Report 
for the purposes of DTR 4.1.5R.

Additional Information Disclosure
Pursuant to regulations made under the CA2006 the Company  
is required to disclose certain additional information. Those 
disclosures not covered elsewhere within this Annual Report  
are as follows:

Share capital and major shareholdings
The issued share capital of the Company as at 31 December 
2013 comprised 134,280,732 2.5p ordinary shares details  
of which may be found on page 119.

The Company has only one class of share capital formed  
of ordinary shares. All shares forming part of the ordinary  
share capital have the same rights and each carries one vote. 

Votes may be exercised in person, by proxy or by corporate 
representatives (in relation to corporate members). The Articles 
provide a deadline for the submission of proxy forms (electronically 
or by paper ) of not less than 48 hours before the time appointed 
for the holding of the meeting or the adjourned meeting.

There are no unusual restrictions on the transfer of ordinary 
shares. The Directors may refuse to register a transfer of a 
certificated share unless the instrument of transfer is: (i) lodged  
at the registered office of the Company or any other place as the 
Board may decide accompanied by the certificate for the shares 
to be transferred and such other evidence as the Directors may 
reasonably require to show the right of the transferor to make  
the transfer; or (ii) in respect of only one class of shares.

The Directors may also refuse to register a transfer of a share 
(whether certificated or uncertificated), whether fully paid or not, 
in favour of more than four persons jointly. The Board may also 
close the register of shareholders for up to 30 days effectively 
suspending the registration of all transfers; however, in respect  
of uncertificated shares, consent from CREST would be required 
for such a closure.

As at 19 March 2014 the Company had been notified of the 
following interests in the Company’s ordinary share capital  
in accordance with Chapter 5 of the UK Listing Authority’s 
Disclosure and Transparency Rules:

Number of shares
13,419,706
8,177,923

Shareholders
Franklin Templeton Institutional, LLC
Old Mutual plc
Franklin Templeton Investment 
6,705,679
Management Limited
Artisan Partners Limited Partnership 
6,530,863
Heronbridge Investment Management LLP 5,404,296
5,378,874
Ignis Investment Services Limited
4,227,835
BlackRock, Inc

%
9.99
6.09

5.02
4.90
4.05
4.01
3.17

As at 31 December 2013, the Savills plc 1992 Employee Benefit 
Trust (the ‘EBT’) held 5,525,661 shares. Any voting or other 
similar decisions relating to these shares are taken by the trustees 
of the EBT, who may take account of any recommendation of the 
Company. The EBT waives all but 0.01p per share of its dividend 
entitlement. For further details of the EBT please refer to Note 2 
to the financial statements.

51

Overview | Strategy | Performance | Governance | Financial statementsSavills plc  Report and Accounts 2013Report of the Directors 
Other statutory information continued

Purchase of own shares
In accordance with the Listing Rules, at the AGM on 8 May 2013, 
shareholders gave authority for a limited purchase of Savills shares 
of up to 10% of the issued share capital. During the year, no shares 
were purchased under the authority.

The Board proposes to seek shareholder approval at the AGM 
on 12 May 2014 to renew the Company’s authority to make 
market purchases of its own ordinary shares of 2.5p each for 
cancellation or to be held in treasury. Details of the proposed 
resolution are included in the Notice of AGM circulated to 
shareholders with this Annual Report (the ‘AGM Notice’).

Change of control
There are no significant agreements which take effect, alter  
or terminate in the event of change of control of the Company 
except that under its banking arrangements, a change of control 
may trigger an early repayment obligation.

Articles of Association
The Company’s Articles are governed by relevant statutes and 
may be amended by special resolution of the shareholders in  
a general meeting.

The Company’s rules about the appointment and replacement  
of Directors are contained in the Articles. The powers of the 
Directors are determined by UK legislation and the Articles  
in force from time to time.

Unless determined by ordinary resolution of the Company,  
the number of Directors shall be not less than three and not  
more than 18. A Director is not required to hold any shares in  
the Company by way of qualification. However, as more fully 
described on page 51, in accordance with Board policy, the 
members of the GEB (which includes the Executive Directors)  
are expected to build up and maintain a shareholding in the 
Company. The Board may appoint any person to be a Director 
and such Director shall hold office only until the next AGM  
when he or she shall then be eligible for reappointment by the 
shareholders. The Articles provide that each Director shall retire 
from office at the third AGM after the AGM at which he or she 
was last elected. A retiring Director shall be eligible for re-election. 
However, in accordance with the Code. All Directors of the 
Company are subject to annual re-election.

Annual General Meeting
The AGM is to be held at 33 Margaret Street, London W1G 0JD 
at 12 noon on 12 May 2014; details are contained in the AGM 
Notice circulated to shareholders with this Report.

Half Year Report
Like many other listed public companies, we no longer circulate 
printed Half Year reports to shareholders. Rather, Half Year 
results’ statements are published on the Company’s website. 
This is consistent with our target of saving printing and 
distribution costs.

Political contributions
There were no political contributions during the year (2012: £nil).

Employees’ policies and involvement
The Directors recognise that the quality, commitment and 
motivation of Savills staff is a key element in the success 
of the Group; see pages 34 to 37 for more information.

The Group provides regular updates covering performance, 
developments and progress to employees through regular 
newsletters, video addresses, the Group’s intranet, and 
social media and through formal and informal briefings. 
These arrangements also aim at ensuring that all of our staff 
understands our strategy and to build knowledge on the part 
of employees of matters affecting the performance of the 
Group. The Group also consults with employees so as to 
ascertain their views in relation to decisions which are likely 
to affect their interests.

Employees are able to share in the Group’s success through 
performance related profit share schemes (see page 59 for more 
details) and for UK employees (including Executive Directors), 
share plans which include a Sharesave Scheme and a Share 
Incentive Plan (‘SIP’). The Sharesave Scheme is an HMRC 
approved save-as-you-earn share option scheme which allows 
participants to purchase shares out of the proceeds of a linked 
savings contract at a price set at the time of option grant. 
Participants may elect to save up to £500 per month and options 
may normally be exercised in the six months following the maturity 
of the linked three-year savings contract. The potential for 
extending the Sharesave Scheme internationally remains under 
consideration. The SIP is also HMRC approved and through  
which participants may make regular purchases of shares  
(up to £150 per month which is the current statutory limit) from 
pre-tax income. Shares under the SIP normally vest after five 
years free from income tax and national insurance contributions.  

Human Rights and equal opportunities
We support the principles of the UN Universal Declaration  
of Human Rights and the Core Principles of the International 
Labour Organization. 

It is Group policy to provide employment on an equal basis 
irrespective of gender, sexual orientation, marital or civil partner 
status, gender reassignment, race, colour, nationality, ethnic  
or national origin, religion or belief, disability or age. In particular, 
the Group gives full consideration to applications for employment 
from disabled persons. Where existing employees become 
disabled, it is the Group’s policy wherever practicable to  
provide continuing employment and to provide training and 
career development and promotion to disabled employees.

52

Savills plc  Report and Accounts 2013Independent Auditors
In accordance with Section 489 of the CA2006, a resolution for 
the reappointment of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP as Auditors 
of the Company will be proposed at the forthcoming AGM.

Whistle-blowing
The Group encourages staff to report any concerns which they 
feel need to be brought to the attention of management. Whistle-
blowing procedures, which are published on the Group’s intranet 
site, are available to staff who are concerned about possible 
impropriety, financial or otherwise, and who may wish to ensure 
that action is taken without fear or victimisation or reprisal.

Greenhouse Gas Emissions
Details of the Group’s global greenhouse gas emissions for  
the financial year under review can be found on page 37.

By order of the Board

Chris Lee
Group Legal Director & Company Secretary

19 March 2014

Savills plc
Registered in England No. 2122174

53

Overview | Strategy | Performance | Governance | Financial statementsSavills plc  Report and Accounts 2013Directors’ Remuneration report

Annual statement

Dear Shareholder

Clare Hollingsworth
Chairman of the Remuneration 
Committee

2009 – 2013 Overview

Underlying Profit Before Tax

Dividend Payments to Shareholders*

Executive Director Remuneration**

Total Shareholder Return

On behalf of the Board, I am pleased to introduce our 2013 
Directors’ Annual Remuneration report (the ‘Report’) which  
sets out our philosophy and policy in relation to Directors’ 
remuneration and the activities of the Remuneration Committee 
(the ‘Committee’) for the period to 31 December 2013. 

The Report is divided into two sections as follows:

 –

 the Company’s remuneration strategy and our proposed 
formal Directors’ remuneration policy (the ‘Policy’) on pages  
57 to 64, being the components of Directors’ remuneration 
and which will, subject to shareholder approval at the 
Company’s AGM on 12 May 2014, apply from that date; and
the implementation of remuneration policy in the year to  
31 December 2013 on pages 65 to 71.

198%

 –

Our remuneration philosophy 
Our focus and business policy is founded on the premise that 
staff in our sector are motivated through highly incentive based 
(and therefore variable) remuneration consistent with our 
partnership style culture. We firmly believe that this approach 
best aligns shareholders’ and management’s interests and 
incentivises superior performance and the creation of long term 
shareholder value. This approach also ensures that our reward 
arrangements are consistent with and sensitive to the cyclical 
nature of real estate markets.

123%

142%

236%

* 

** 

 The dividend cost stated for 2013 comprises the cost of the final dividend 
recommended by the Board (amounting to £9m), payment of which is subject 
to shareholder approval at the Company’s AGM scheduled to be held on  
12 May 2014, and the cost of the supplemental dividend (£11m) declared  
by the Board on 19 March 2014 (payable to shareholders on the Register  
of Members as at 22 April 2014) and the interim dividend (£4.5m) paid on  
14 October 2013 and is based on the number of shares in issue as at  
31 December 2013.
 Executive Director remuneration comprises the remuneration paid to 
the Group Chief Executive and Group Chief Financial Officer role holders 
between 2009 and 2013. Since 1 July 2010 the Executive representation 
on the Board has comprised these role holders.

Our Policy is designed to deliver these objectives and to provide 
the reward potential necessary for the Company to attract, retain 
and motivate the high calibre individuals on whom its continued 
growth and development depend. Reflecting this philosophy,  
the salaries for the Executive Directors, GEB members and senior 
fee-earners are set below market medians for similar businesses, 
with a greater emphasis on the performance related elements of 
profit share and/or, outside of the UK, commission in the total 
reward package. 

The Committee believes that the current executive remuneration 
strategy has worked well both in the near term and over the 
longer term in motivating and retaining our executive team  
as well as supporting the delivery of superior returns to 
shareholders. Our performance related remuneration structure 
has meant that in years where the business has performed well, 
executives have shared in the returns delivered to shareholders, 
whilst in more challenging years (for example during and for the 
period after the global financial crisis) executive reward reduced 
in line with profit delivery. This link is demonstrated in the table 
above where, in the five years between 2009 and 2013, 
underlying profit grew by more than 198% and dividend 
payments to shareholders* increased by 123%. This is 
notwithstanding the variable market conditions, which were 
sometimes challenging. Over the same period we pursued  
our strategy of progressively building our non-transactional 
businesses, which provide more stable, long term earnings,  
to balance our transactional businesses which are more 
dependent on the cycle. We also broadened our geographic 
footprint. Reward during this period overall for Executive 
Directors** rose by 142% reflecting this performance and our 
progress in delivering our strategy, albeit in some years reward 
reduced year on year reflecting performance. 

54

Savills plc  Report and Accounts 2013Underlying Profit Before Tax

2013
2012

28.3%

   £75.2m

Reflecting the Group’s very strong performance in 2013,  
profit share awards of 86% of maximum potential were earned  
by the Executive Directors (compared with approximately 65%  
in respect of 2012), of which 27% will be delivered in the  
form of Savills shares, deferred for a further three years.

   £58.6m

Underlying Earnings per Share (‘EPS’)

2013
2012

27.1%

   43.1p

   33.9p

Total Shareholder Return (‘TSR’) (rebased)
1 year to 31 December 2013

42.4%

150

125

100

75

Jan

Feb Mar Apr May

Jun

Jul

Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

Savills

FTSE 250 (excluding investment trusts)

The Committee is mindful of its responsibility to reward appropriately, 
but not excessively, and rigorously assesses competitive 
positioning in setting remuneration and determining targets to 
ensure that reward properly reflects performance, that it supports 
the delivery of our strategic and operational objectives and that it 
is fair to management and shareholders alike. Overall, we expect 
employment costs over the cycle to be in the range of 60% to 
65% of revenues. 

To ensure that the Committee was receiving appropriate  
external advice, particularly in the context of the complexity  
of the new remuneration reporting regime, it reviewed its ongoing 
external advice requirements. Following a formal review process, 
Deloitte LLP was appointed external independent adviser to  
the Committee.

There were no changes to our remuneration policy in 2013, and 
none are anticipated in the coming three years to 31 December 
2016, although the Committee will continue to keep the reward 
structure under review. 

The 2011 Performance Share Plan (‘PSP’) awards are due  
to vest in May 2014 based on performance to 31 December  
2013. Both the TSR and EPS growth targets were exceeded  
and the awards should therefore vest in full.

2014 remuneration
The operation of executive remuneration will remain largely 
unchanged in 2014. The base salaries of the Executive  
Directors have been reviewed, but will not be increased.  
The established incentive policy will continue to be applied.  
Under the PSP the Group Chief Executive is also eligible to 
receive awards up to the value of £450,000 and the Group  
Chief Financial Officer £250,000.

During 2013, we received feedback from some institutional 
shareholders on the operation of the PSP. In the light of this and 
having taken into account market conditions, the Committee 
reviewed the EPS target attaching to PSP awards, and resolved 
that the vesting maximum for EPS growth targets for awards 
granted in 2014 should be increased from RPI plus 8% p.a. 
compound to RPI plus 10% p.a. compound. The Committee  
is satisfied that this level is both appropriately stretching  
and incentivising.

New reporting framework
This year’s Report complies with the new reporting requirements 
and other developments in respect of Directors’ remuneration, 
particularly with regard to the simplification and separation of 
future policy, past pay, and transparency. 

Shareholders will be asked to vote separately on our proposed  
Policy and other aspects of our Annual Remuneration Report 
covering Directors’ remuneration arrangements at our AGM to  
be held on 12 May 2014. 

The Committee is appreciative of the significant shareholder 
support it has enjoyed in recent years and welcomed shareholders’ 
endorsement in favour of the 2012 Directors’ Remuneration 
report. We hope that you find this year’s Report just as clear and 
informative and that you will continue to support us by voting in 
favour of the resolutions at the Company’s AGM on 12 May 2014.

Finally, this is my last year as Chairman of the Remuneration 
Committee as I will be stepping down from the Board at the  
2014 Annual General Meeting and I wanted to thank my fellow 
Committee members and our shareholders for their support over 
the past two years. Tim Freshwater, who has been a member  
of the Committee since January 2012, will be succeeding me in  
this role. I am sure that under Tim’s leadership the Remuneration 
Committee is well placed to support the Company in the future. 

2013 remuneration
During 2013 the base salaries of the Executive Directors were 
reviewed, but not increased.

Clare Hollingsworth 
Chairman of the Remuneration Committee

Profit share awards for the Executive Directors for the  
year were assessed against a combination of the Group’s  
financial performance, which exceeded expectations, and 
personal performance, measured in terms of the delivery  
of, or progress towards, strategic and operational objectives. 

55

Overview | Strategy | Performance | Governance | Financial statementsSavills plc  Report and Accounts 2013Directors’ Remuneration report continued

Remuneration Committee report

Role of the Committee 
The principal role of the Remuneration Committee is to support 
the Group to achieve its strategic objectives by designing a 
remuneration policy consistent with the Group’s business  
model such that we have the ability to attract, recruit, retain  
and motivate the high calibre individuals needed to deliver the 
Group’s strategy. The Committee is responsible for the broad 
policy governing senior staff pay and remuneration. It sets the 
actual levels of all elements of the remuneration of the Executive 
Directors and reviews that of GEB members. The Policy remains 
under periodic review to ensure that it remains consistent  
with the Company’s scale and scope of operations, supports 
business strategy and growth plans and helps drive the creation 
of shareholder value. The Committee also oversees the operation 
of Savills employee share schemes. 

Remuneration Committee members and attendees
As shown in the table below, the Committee comprises the 
Independent Non-Executive Directors and the Non-Executive 
Chairman: 

Remuneration 
Committee  
member
Clare 
Hollingsworth
Martin
Angle
Tim 
Freshwater
Peter
Smith

Remuneration 
Committee  
attendee
Jeremy 
Helsby
Chris Lee

Position
Chair of the Committee

Status
Independent

Member of the Committee 

Independent

Member of the Committee

Independent

Member of the Committee

Non-Executive 
Chairman

Position
Group Chief 
Executive
Group Legal 
Director & 
Company 
Secretary

Status
Attends by invitation (except when 
his own remuneration is discussed)
Provides advice and support as 
well as acting as Secretary to the 
Committee (except when his own 
remuneration is discussed)

Meetings
Attendance table 

Committee member
Clare Hollingsworth
Martin Angle
Tim Freshwater
Peter Smith

Meetings 
attended
3
3
3
3

Meetings 
eligible to 
attend
3
3
3
3

As at 31 December 2013 and up to the date of this Report, the Remuneration 
Committee comprised Independent Non-Executive Directors and the Non-
Executive Chairman. Biographical details relating to each of the Committee 
members is shown on page 42.

The Remuneration Committee met three times during the year. 
The principal agenda items considered by the Committee during 
the year were as follows:

 –

 –

 –
 –

 –

 –

reconfirming the Group’s remuneration policy in  
the context of the proposed new legislation relating 
to executive remuneration;
agreeing the remuneration packages of the Executive 
Directors and review of those for GEB members;
approving the grant of PSP awards;
approving the grant of share awards to other levels  
of management; 
reviewing and consequently appointing Deloitte LLP 
as the Committee’s advisers; and
preparing a Directors’ Remuneration Report and formal 
Remuneration Policy Statement consistent with the new 
legislation relating to executive remuneration.

Responsibilities of the Committee
The Committee’s principal responsibilities are to determine 
Company policy on senior executive remuneration and to set the 
remuneration arrangements of the Executive Directors and to review 
those of the members of the GEB. The Committee (excluding the 
Non-Executive Chairman) also determines the level of fees payable 
to the Non-Executive Chairman. In these respects, the Committee is 
advised by Deloitte LLP, who provide an independent commentary 
on matters under consideration by the Committee and updates on 
market developments, legislative requirements and best practice, 
and internally by the Group Legal Director & Company Secretary.

Given the fundamental role that remuneration plays in the success  
of the Group, in terms of the recruitment, motivation and retention  
of high quality staff, the Group Chief Executive attends meetings  
by invitation and is consulted on the remuneration packages of the 
Group Chief Financial Officer and GEB members.

Advisers to the Committee
In determining Executive Director remuneration, the Committee  
has access to detailed external information and research on market 
trends and peer practice provided by its independent external 
adviser. To ensure that the Committee continued to receive 
appropriate external advice, particularly in the context of the 
complexity of the new remuneration reporting regime, it reviewed  
its ongoing external advice requirements. Following a formal review 
process, Deloitte LLP, was appointed external independent adviser. 
Deloitte’s fees are based on time spent advising the Committee, 
within the parameters of an overall annual budget. In 2013, Deloitte 
received fees of £23,500 in relation to advice provided to the 
Committee. The outgoing adviser, Towers Watson received a fee  
of £18,900 inclusive for services provided to the Committee during 
the year, prior to the appointment of Deloitte. 

The Committee is satisfied that the advice received from  
both Towers Watson and Deloitte during the year was entirely 
objective and independent. The Committee will continue to  
keep these arrangements under review to ensure that they 
remain appropriate to the needs of the Committee in developing 
remuneration policy to support the delivery of Group strategy.

Terms of reference
The Committee’s terms of reference, which are reviewed annually,  
or by exception to take account of regulatory changes or best 
practice, are available from the Group Legal Director & Company 
Secretary upon request or can be viewed on the Company’s 
website (www.savills.com). 

56

Savills plc  Report and Accounts 2013Directors’ Remuneration Policy

The Group’s remuneration arrangements for the Executive Directors, GEB members and senior fee-earners are structured to provide 
a competitive mix of variable performance related (ie annual profit share and longer term incentives) and fixed remuneration (principally 
base salary) to reflect individual and corporate performance. The objective is to set targets which are both achievable and stretching. 

In determining the remuneration of the Executive Directors and reviewing that of the GEB members, the Committee reviews the  
role and responsibility of the individual, their performance and the arrangements applying across the wider employee group. It also 
considers sector and broader market practice in the context of the prevailing economic conditions and corporate performance  
on environmental, social and governance issues.

The Policy and its application to the Executive Directors is described in more detail in the pages which follow. The information in  
this Report has not been audited unless otherwise stated.

Summary policy
The chart and table below and accompanying tables on pages 58 to 63, together provide a summary of the different elements of 
remuneration, their purpose and linkage to our corporate strategy, and the key features of each component. 

Fixed remuneration

Variable remuneration 

Base Salary

Near term –  Annual Performance  

Long term –  Performance Share Plan 

Related Profit Share

(‘PSP’)

Pension – Defined contribution

Benefits  
include 

–  Private medical insurance 

and car/car allowance

Delivered in part in 
cash immediately 
(subject to 
clawback)

Delivered in part  
in the form of 
shares, deferred 
for three years 
(subject to 
clawback)

Awards vest subject to satisfaction  
of performance conditions, currently 
comparative TSR performance  
(50% of award) and EPS growth  
(50% of award) (subject to malus)

Fixed remuneration comprises base salary, benefits and the cost of employer pension contributions, while variable remuneration 
comprises the annual profit share and long term incentive potential (the ‘PSP’).

Directors’ Remuneration Policy 
This part of the Report sets out the Policy which will be put forward for shareholder approval at the 2014 AGM in accordance  
with section 439A of the Companies Act 2006. This policy will apply from the 2014 AGM, subject to shareholder approval. 

Policy table
The following table sets out the Policy for each component of Executive Directors’ remuneration. 

Purpose and  
link to strategy

Base Salary
 – A core component of the total 
reward package, which overall  
is designed to attract, motivate 
and retain individuals of the 
highest quality.

Operation

Potential

Performance measures

The Committee considers base 
salary levels annually taking into 
consideration:

 – The Group’s philosophy to place 
greater emphasis on variable, 
performance related 
remuneration.

 – The individual’s experience.
 – The size and scope of the role.
 – The general level of salary  
reviews across the Group.
 – Appropriate external market 

competitive data.

Set significantly below market 
median levels with greater emphasis 
on the performance related elements 
of reward.

n/a

For 2014 salaries are:
 – Group Chief Executive: £225,000.
 – Group Chief Financial Officer: 

£175,000.

Although salaries are reviewed 
annually, in line with the Group’s 
philosophy, the Committee does not 
intend to make annual incremental 
salary increases for Executive 
Directors. However, the Committee 
retains the discretion to award salary 
increases taking into consideration 
the factors considered as part of the 
annual review. There is no overall 
maximum salary or increase.

57

Overview | Strategy | Performance | Governance | Financial statementsSavills plc  Report and Accounts 2013Operation

Potential

Performance measures

Directors’ Remuneration report continued

Purpose and  
link to strategy

 Pension
 – Provides appropriate  
retirement benefits.
 – Rewards sustained  

contribution.

Defined contribution pension 
arrangements are provided.

HMRC approved salary and profit 
share sacrifice arrangements are in 
place. Pension benefits are provided 
either through a Group personal 
pension plan, as a non-pensionable 
salary supplement, contribution to  
a personal pension arrangement,  
or equivalent arrangement for 
overseas jurisdictions.

For former members of the defined 
benefit Pension Plan (the ‘Plan’) 
transitional funding arrangements  
are in place.

n/a

For 2014 the pension contribution 
arrangements are:
 – Group Chief Executive Officer: 
20% of annual base salary.
 – Group Chief Financial Officer: 
18% of annual base salary.

As part of the transitional funding 
arrangements the Group Chief 
Executive will receive a minimum 
contribution from 2015 of 14%.  
The maximum contribution will be no 
more than the maximum contribution 
for all former members of the Plan. 
The maximum contribution for the 
current Chief Financial Officer is 18%.

The Plan is closed to future accruals. 
However legacy arrangements will  
be honoured.

New recruits would normally 
participate in defined contribution 
arrangements or take a non-
pensionable salary supplement.  
The level of contribution would be 
determined at the time of appointment 
and may be set at a higher level than 
the current policy. For international 
appointments, the Committee may 
determine that alternative pension 
provisions will operate, and when 
determining arrangements the 
Committee will give regard to the cost 
of the arrangements, market practice 
in the relevant international jurisdiction 
and the pension arrangements 
received elsewhere in the Group.

Car allowance up to a maximum  
of £9,000 p.a.

n/a

There is no overall maximum as the 
cost of insurance benefits depends 
on the individual’s circumstances  
and the costs of relocation and 
international benefits will also  
depend on the jurisdiction.

 Benefits
 – To provide market  

competitive benefits.

Benefits currently comprise:
 – Medical insurance benefits;
 – Car/car allowance;
 – Permanent Health Insurance;
 – Life insurance; and
 – Directors’ and Officers’  

liability insurance.

Other benefits may be provided  
if the Committee considers it 
appropriate.

Where an Executive Director is 
located in a different international 
jurisdiction benefits may reflect 
market practice in that jurisdiction.

In the event that an existing Executive 
Director or new Executive Director is 
required by the Group to relocate, 
other benefits may be provided 
including (but not limited to) a 
relocation allowance, housing 
allowance and tax equalisation.

58

Savills plc  Report and Accounts 2013Purpose and  
link to strategy

Operation

Potential

Performance measures

In line with the Group’s philosophy, 
there is greater emphasis on variable 
performance related pay, while base 
salaries are set significantly below 
market median levels.

Maximum annual profit share  
awards are:
 – £2m p.a. for the Group  

Chief Executive.

 – £1.5m p.a. for the Group  
Chief Financial Officer.

Performance is primarily measured 
based on the Group’s annual profit 
performance with at least 70% of 
awards subject to profit performance. 
The remainder of the award is based 
on an appropriate mix of strategic, 
operational and/or personal 
performance goals.

The award potential at threshold  
is £0. For on-target performance 
currently around 50% of the profit 
share award is awarded.

For a new Executive Director the 
Committee would determine the 
appropriate normal maximum taking 
into account the role and responsibility, 
subject to a maximum of £2m p.a.

 Annual Performance Related Profit Share
To encourage the achievement  
of challenging financial, strategic 
and/or operational targets.

Annual profit share awards  
reflect the Group’s annual profit 
performance and personal 
performance and contribution.

Further alignment with  
shareholders’ interests through 
deferral of a portion into shares.

Awards are delivered part in cash 
and part in shares (subject to a 
minimum cash threshold). The 
proportion delivered in shares is 
determined on a progressively 
increasing scale, up to one third.

Shares are normally deferred for  
a period of at least three years.

The Committee awards dividend 
equivalents in respect of dividends 
declared over the deferral period.

The Committee may exercise its 
judgement to adjust individual  
annual bonus payouts should  
they not reflect overall business 
performance or individual contribution.

Clawback provisions apply in 
exceptional circumstances such as a 
material misstatement of the Group’s 
financial results or gross misconduct.

 Performance Share Plan (‘PSP’)
To drive and reward the delivery  
of longer term sustainable 
shareholder value, aid retention  
and ensure alignment of senior 
management and shareholder 
interests.

Awards of shares subject to a 
performance period of normally  
no less than three years.

PSP awards may be in the form  
of nil cost options or conditional 
awards over shares. Awards may 
incorporate an award of Company 
Share Option Plan Options  
(approved by HMRC).

The Committee awards dividend 
equivalents on a reinvested basis in 
respect of dividends over the vesting 
or exercise period.

Malus provisions apply, allowing  
for the reduction of awards in 
exceptional circumstances of material 
misstatement or gross misconduct.

The Committee may adjust vesting  
of awards if it considers that the 
outcome of the measurement of the 
performance conditions does not 
accurately reflect the underlying 
performance or financial health of the 
Company. In the event the Committee 
proposes to make an upward 
adjustment the Committee will  
consult with major shareholders  
in advance. The Committee may  
adjust or amend awards in 
accordance with the PSP rules.

Maximum annual award potential  
of 200% of salary (plan rules limit).

Award policy for 2014 is:
 – Up to £450k for the Group  

Chief Executive.

 – Up to £250k for the Group  
Chief Financial Officer.

Subject to an overall maximum of 
£1m per annum per participant.

For a new Executive Director the 
Committee would determine the 
appropriate normal maximum  
taking into account the role  
and responsibility, subject to  
a maximum of 200% of salary 
(or if lower £1m p.a.) p.a. 

Performance conditions for future 
awards are reviewed annually to 
ensure that the measures and their 
targets remain appropriate to 
business strategy and are sufficiently 
challenging, and that the relative 
balance of the performance measures 
remains appropriate for properly 
incentivising and rewarding the 
creation of longer term sustainable 
shareholder value.

Performance conditions are  
currently based on two measures:

 – Relative TSR against the 

FTSE 250 (excluding investment 
trusts) or other appropriate 
comparator group.
 – A selected earnings 
based measure.

The Committee may review the 
performance measures for the PSP 
to ensure they remain aligned to the 
strategy. The Committee would 
consult with major shareholders in 
advance of a change in performance 
measures used for the PSP.

No more than 25% of an award  
vests for threshold performance.

59

Overview | Strategy | Performance | Governance | Financial statementsSavills plc  Report and Accounts 2013Directors’ Remuneration report continued

Purpose and  
link to strategy

Operation

Potential

Performance measures

 Tax advantaged all-employee share plans complying with HMRC regulations
Share plans available to all UK 
employees in the Group who  
satisfy the statutory requirements.

Executive Directors are eligible to 
participate in any of the Group’s 
all-employee share plans on the 
same terms as other UK employees.

Maximum in accordance  
with HMRC defined limits.

n/a

 Legacy plans
The Executive Share Option Scheme (‘ESOS’) expired in 2011. Options granted under this plan were subject to performance criteria. Outstanding 
options granted up to and including May 2011 continue to be exercisable in the normal fashion, having satisfied the performance criteria  
attaching to them.

The Group also operates a shareholding policy for Executive Directors – details of this can be found on page 51 of this Report.

The Committee may make minor amendments to the Policy (for example for regulatory, exchange control, tax or administrative 
purposes or to take account of a change in legislation) without obtaining shareholder approval for that amendment.

The Committee reserves the right to make any remuneration payments and 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 before the Policy came into effect or  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 pension payments under legacy defined benefit 
pension plans and the satisfaction of awards of variable remuneration and, in relation to an award over shares, the terms of the 
payment were ‘agreed’ at the time the award was granted.

Clawback or malus may apply where stated in the above table. Other elements of remuneration are not subject to clawback  
or malus.

The Committee may increase the proportion of annual performance related profit share deferred into shares.

The PSP will be operated in accordance with the rules of the plan as approved by shareholders. In accordance with those rules  
the Committee has discretion in the following areas (as well as general administrative discretion):

 –

 –

 –

 –

the Committee may adjust the number of shares under award if there is a capitalisation, rights issue, subdivision, reduction  
or any other variation in the share capital, a demerger or special dividend;
a performance condition for an existing award may be amended if an event occurs which causes the Committee to consider  
that an amended performance condition would be a fairer measure of performance and would be no less difficult to satisfy;
on a change of control or winding up the number of shares will be subject to any relevant performance conditions and time  
pro-rated. The Committee has discretion not to apply this reduction or to apply an alternative or no performance condition. 
Additionally, participants may have the opportunity to exchange their awards for equivalent awards in the new holding  
Company; and
the Committee has the discretion to treat a demerger as an early vesting event on the same basis as a change of control.

Performance measures and target setting
Annual Performance Related Profit Share
Performance measures for the Annual Performance Related 
Profit Share are intended to provide a balance between 
incentivising executives to meet near term profit objectives  
and the creation of longer term shareholder value through  
an appropriate mix of strategic, operational and personal 
performance goals.

Consistent with the Group’s partnership style culture, annual 
profit performance is the primary performance measure.  
Targets are set to be appropriately stretching, by reference  
to the Group’s internal business plans and to align with 
returns to shareholders over the cycle. 

A portion of the award relates to strategic, operational and 
personal objectives. These objectives are determined annually  
by the Committee and incentivise sustainable improvements  
in the underlying drivers of performance and the continued 
development and further growth of the Group.

Performance Share Plan
For the PSP, the use of a mix of relative shareholder return and 
earnings measures ensures that the Group’s Executive Directors  
are focused on delivering both absolute bottom line growth  
and strong returns to shareholders relative to an appropriate  
comparator group.

In the event the Committee considered it appropriate to change 
the performance measures for the PSP, any new measure  
would be selected to be in line with the Group’s long term 
business strategy and to support long term shareholder value 
creation. The Committee would consult with major shareholders 
in advance of a change in a performance measure used for  
the PSP.

The performance targets for the PSP are reviewed periodically 
and set taking into account market conditions, external market 
forecasts, internal business forecasts and market practice.  
The Committee may also adjust the targets in the light of 
corporate activity (eg merger and acquisition activity), capital 
events or changes to accounting rules to ensure that targets 
remain appropriate.

60

Savills plc  Report and Accounts 2013 
Remuneration arrangements throughout the Group
The remuneration policy for Executive Directors follows the same 
key principle as that for all senior employees in the Group – that 
salaries are below the market median with a greater emphasis  
on variable, performance related remuneration. Any differences  
in the specific policies generally reflect differences in market 
practice for differences in seniority. For support staff, salaries  
are set around market median levels to ensure the Group is  
able to recruit and retain high quality individuals.

Other than Executive Directors, only GEB members are currently 
eligible to receive awards under the PSP on an annual basis. 
Other senior staff may be granted share awards under the 
Company’s Deferred Share Plan (‘DSP’) if there are particular 
business reasons for applying a retention element to 
remuneration.

Group Chief Executive Officer

Maximum

10%

On-target performance

21%

Threshold

Fixed pay
Annual reward
Long term reward

73%

71%

100%

Group Chief Financal Officer

Illustrations of application of the remuneration Policy
The charts opposite illustrate how much the current Executive 
Directors could earn under three different performance scenarios 
for 2014: ‘Threshold’, ‘On-target performance’ and ‘Maximum’  
– based on the assumptions below:

Maximum

11%

On-target performance

22%

Threshold

Fixed pay
Annual reward
Long term reward

76%

72%

100%

£2.73m

17%

£1.37m

8%

£0.28m

£1.97m

13%

£1.02m

6%

£0.22m

Element in the above chart
Fixed Pay

Component

Base salary
Pension

Benefits

‘Threshold’

‘On-target’

‘Maximum’

2014 annual base salary
20% of salary for the Group Chief Executive,  
18% of salary for the Group Chief Financial Officer

Annual taxable value of benefits provided in 2013

Annual reward

Annual performance  
related profit share

0% of  
maximum award

49% of  
maximum award

Long term reward

PSP

0% of 
maximum award

25% of 
maximum award

Group Chief Executive  
Officer – £2,000,000 
Group Chief Financial 
Officer – £1,500,000

Group Chief Executive  
Officer – £450,000
Group Chief Financial 
Officer – £250,000

Other assumptions

 – A constant share price has been used.
 – Excludes additional shares representing the value of dividends declared during the vesting period which may  
attach to the deferred element of any annual performance related profit share award or PSP award at vesting.

 – Assumes that no awards are made under tax advantaged all-employee share plans.

61

Overview | Strategy | Performance | Governance | Financial statementsSavills plc  Report and Accounts 2013Directors’ Remuneration report continued

Remuneration policy for Non-Executive Directors

Approach to fees
Fees for the Chairman and other Non-Executive 
Directors are set at an appropriate level  
taking into consideration individual roles  
and responsibilities, the time commitment  
required and external market practice.

Fees are reviewed annually.

Basic fees for membership of the Board  
are subject to the maximum payable to 
Non-Executive Directors (excluding the 
Non-Executive Chairman) as stated in  
the Company’s Articles of Association.

Operation
Fees payable to the Non-Executive Directors are 
determined by the Non-Executive Chairman and 
the Executive Directors.

Other items
Non-Executive Directors are not entitled to 
participate in any of the Group’s incentive 
arrangements or share schemes.

Fees payable to the Chairman are determined  
by the Remuneration Committee (excluding the 
Non-Executive Chairman).

Non-Executive Directors do not currently receive 
any taxable benefits (however they are covered 
by Directors’ and Officers’ liability insurance).

Expenses incurred in the performance of 
Non-Executive duties for the Company may be 
reimbursed or paid for directly by the Company, 
including any tax due on the benefits.

Additional benefits may be provided in the future  
if the Board considered this appropriate.

The Non-Executive Director fee policy is to pay:

 – A basic fee for membership of the Board;  

and

 – Committee chairmanship and Senior 

Independent Director fees to reflect the 
additional responsibilities and time 
commitment of the roles.

The Chairman receives an all-inclusive fee  
for the role. 

Additional fees for membership of a Committee  
or chairmanship or membership of subsidiary 
boards or other fixed fees may be introduced  
if considered appropriate.

Approach to remuneration on recruitment
In the event that the Board appointed a new Executive Director, in determining his or her new remuneration package the Committee 
would take into consideration all relevant factors including the calibre, skills and experience of the individual and the market from 
which they are recruited. In determining the remuneration package the Committee remains mindful of the need to avoid paying  
more than is necessary on recruitment.

‘Buy outs’
To facilitate the recruitment of a new Executive Director, the Committee may make awards to ‘buy out’ remuneration forfeited on 
leaving the previous employer. In doing so the Committee would take into account all relevant factors including the form of awards, 
the vesting conditions attached to the awards and any performance conditions. The overriding principle will be that any replacement 
‘buy out’ awards will be of up to a comparable commercial value of the awards that have been forfeited. The Committee may make 
use of LR9.4.2 of the Listing Rules for the purpose of buy outs only.

Fixed remuneration
The remuneration policy for current Executive Directors reflects the Group’s overall philosophy of paying below market median 
salaries and a greater emphasis on performance related elements. However the Committee is mindful of the need to retain flexibility 
for the purpose of recruitment, taking into account the range of potential circumstances which might give rise to the need to recruit  
a new Executive Director. Against that background the policy for the fixed element of reward for a new Executive Director allows:

 –
 –

the salary for a new appointment to be set in line with market levels rather than below market levels; or
provision of a salary supplement for a period of time as an Executive Director transitions to a lower fixed pay over time. 

Where an Executive Director is located in a different international jurisdiction benefits may reflect market practice in that jurisdiction.

New recruits would normally participate in defined contribution arrangements or take a non-pensionable salary supplement. The  
level of contribution would be determined at the time of appointment and may be set at a higher level than the current policy. This might 
arise, for example, where a newly appointed Executive Director is recruited on a significantly lower salary than in their previous position 
taking into account the structure of remuneration at Savills. For international appointments, the Committee may determine that alternative 
pension provisions will operate, and when determining arrangements the Committee will give regard to the cost of the arrangements, 
market practice in the relevant international jurisdiction and the pension arrangements received elsewhere in the Group.

Variable remuneration
The variable remuneration (annual performance related profit share and PSP awards) for a new recruit would be consistent with the 
policy in the table on page 59 (excluding buy outs).

In the case of an employee who is promoted to the position of Executive Director (including if an Executive Director is appointed 
following an acquisition or merger), it is the Company’s policy to honour pre-existing awards and contractual commitments.

Non-Executive Directors
In the event of the appointment of a new Non-Executive Director, remuneration arrangements will normally be in line with those 
detailed in the relevant table above.

62

Savills plc  Report and Accounts 2013Interim appointments
In the event that an interim appointment is made to fill an Executive Director role on a short term basis or a Non-Executive Director 
taking on an executive function on a short term basis then an additional fee or salary supplement may be provided.

Director service contracts and termination policy
When determining the leaving arrangements for an Executive Director, the Committee takes into account any pre-established 
agreements including the provision of any incentives plans, typical market practice, the performance and conduct of the individual 
and the commercial justification for any payments. 

The following summarises our policy in relation to Executive Director service contracts and payments in the event of a loss of office:

Notice periods

Contract dates

Expiry dates
Elements of remuneration

Termination payments  
and treatment of the  
annual performance  
related profit share

Treatment of share  
incentives

Other awards

Other information

12 months’ notice by either the Company or the Executive Director.
For new appointments the Committee reserves the right to increase the period of notice required from the Company  
in the first year of employment to up to 24 months, decreasing on a monthly basis to 12 months on the first  
anniversary of employment.
 – Jeremy Helsby – 1 May 1999
 – Simon Shaw – 16 March 2009
Contracts are rolling service contracts with no expiry date.
Executive Directors’ service contracts contain provisions relating to base salary, pension, private medical insurance, 
car allowance (or the provision of a Company car) and confirm their eligibility to participate (although not necessarily 
receive any award) in the Company’s annual performance related profit share arrangements, the PSP and other 
employee share schemes.
If an Executive Director’s employment is to be terminated, the Committee’s policy in respect of the contract of 
employment, in the absence of a breach of the Service Agreement by the Director, is to agree a termination payment 
based on the value of base salary and contractual benefits and pension entitlements in their notice period and, provided 
they are classified as ‘good leavers’ as defined in their Service Agreements (which expression does not include dismissal 
due to poor performance) a pro-rata annual performance related profit share. The policy is that, as is considered 
appropriate at the time, the departing Executive Director may work, or be placed on garden leave, for all or part of his/her 
notice period, or receive a payment in lieu of notice in accordance with the Service Agreement. The Committee will 
consider mitigation to reduce the termination payment to a leaving Director when appropriate to do so, having regard to 
the circumstances. No performance related profit share element would be paid in respect of notice periods not worked.

In addition, where the Director may be entitled to pursue a claim against the Company in respect of his/her statutory 
employment rights or any other claim arising from the employment or its termination, the Company will be entitled to 
negotiate settlement terms (financial or otherwise) with the Director that the Committee considers to be reasonable  
in all the circumstances and in the best interests of the Company and to enter into a Settlement Agreement with the 
Director to effect both the terms agreed under the Service Agreement and any additional statutory or other claims,  
and to record any agreement in relation to any annual performance related profit share award, in line with the policies 
described above and/or, as below, share awards.
Deferred share awards
Deferred share awards made under the annual performance related profit share scheme are subject to forfeiture  
if the award holder leaves service prior to the vesting date other than in defined ‘good leaver’ situations. Good leaver 
circumstances are death, ill-health, injury or disability, redundancy, retirement, the employing Company being sold  
or transferred outside of the Group, or any other reason at the discretion of the Committee. 

For good leavers, any outstanding deferred share award will normally vest on the date of cessation. Where a good 
leaver circumstance is at the Committee’s discretion rather than a prescribed circumstance, vesting may be on such 
date and such terms as it may determine.

PSP
In the event that a participant is a ‘good leaver’ any outstanding unvested PSP awards will normally be pro-rated for time 
in service during the relevant performance period and will vest based on performance to the end of the performance 
period. In particular circumstances (eg death), the Committee has the power to vary these provisions, including to allow 
for early vesting. For all other leavers, outstanding unvested awards lapse. Good leaver circumstances are leaving due  
to death, injury, ill-health, disability, redundancy, or any other reason at the discretion of the Committee (for example, 
retirement).

If an award has been granted as an option and a participant ceases to work for the Group after the option has become 
exercisable, he/she will normally be permitted to exercise outstanding options within a period of six months following  
the end of the performance period or cessation of employment where this is after the end of the performance period  
(as appropriate). In the event of the death of a participant the personal representatives will be able to exercise an option  
in accordance with the PSP rules.

All-employee share plans
Awards vest in accordance with their terms, under which ‘good leavers’ are entitled to receive shares on or shortly 
after cessation, but other leavers normally forfeit any awards.
Where an award is made for the purpose of recruitment (for example a buy out award under LR 9.4.2) then the leaver 
provisions would be determined at the time of award having regard to the circumstances of the recruitment, the terms 
of awards being bought out and the principles for leavers in the current policy.
Executive Directors are subject to post employment restrictive covenants for a period of six months post cessation.

The Company may also meet ancillary costs, such as outplacement consultancy and/or reasonable legal costs,  
if the Company terminates an Executive Director’s service contract.

63

Overview | Strategy | Performance | Governance | Financial statementsSavills plc  Report and Accounts 2013Directors’ Remuneration report continued

Non-Executive Directors
Non-Executive Directors and the Chairman have letters of appointment setting out their duties and the time commitment expected. 
Non-Executive Directors are initially appointed for a period of three years. These appointments may be renewed for subsequent 
terms. In line with the UK Corporate Governance Code (the ‘Code’), all Directors are subject to annual re-election at the AGM.
The Chairman’s letter of engagement allows for six months’ notice. Appointments of other Non-Executive Directors may be 
terminated by either party with three months’ notice. The Company reserves the right to make a cash payment in lieu of notice.

The following table sets out the date each Non-Executive Director was appointed to the Board and the end date of the current 
letter of appointment. 

Non-Executive
Peter Smith
Martin Angle
Tim Freshwater
Clare Hollingsworth
Charles McVeigh

Date appointed to Board
24 May 2004
2 January 2007
1 January 2012
2 April 2012
1 August 2000

End date of current letter of appointment
24 May 2016
2 January 2016
1 January 2015
2 April 2015
1 August 2014

Consideration of conditions elsewhere in the Group
In making remuneration decisions, the Committee considers the pay and employment conditions elsewhere in the Group. As part of 
decisions being made on the annual pay review, the Committee is informed about the approach to salary increase and the outcome 
of profit share (and other incentive arrangements such as fee earner commission schemes) across the Group. The Committee is also 
provided with comparative metrics on total employment costs across the Group as a percentage of revenue.

The Company operates a consistent remuneration philosophy across the Group. In this context the Committee does not consider  
it necessary to consult with employees in the Group on the specific remuneration policy for Executive Directors.

Consideration of shareholder views
The Committee takes into account the views of the Group’s shareholders and investor bodies. The Board and the Committee 
(through its Chairman) has open and regular dialogue with our major shareholders on remuneration matters, including consulting  
with major shareholders where the Committee is considering making material changes to the remuneration policy.

64

Savills plc  Report and Accounts 2013Annual Report on Remuneration

Total remuneration for 2013

In accordance with the policy, set out on pages 57 to 64 below are details of Executive Director remuneration in 2013.

Executive Directors’ ‘single figure’ for the financial year ended 31 December 2013 and as a comparison for the financial year  
ended 31 December 2012 (audited).

Salary 
Benefits(1) 
Pension: contribution(4)
Pension: defined benefit deferred pension(4)
Annual profit share – cash(2) 
Annual profit share – deferred shares
Near term remuneration 
Notional gain on long term share based awards (not realised to date)
PSP-performance element (notional)(3)
PSP/ESOS-share appreciation element (notional)(3)
Long term share based reward (non cash) (notional)
Total

Jeremy Helsby
2013
£
225,000
10,782
45,000
18,428
1,199,422
462,115
1,960,747

2012
£
225,000
11,216
45,000
0
997,407
301,280
1,579,903

Simon Shaw
2013
£
175,000
11,216
31,500
−
916,589
346,409
1,480,714

2012
£
175,000
11,216
31,500
−
758,464
217,448
1,193,628

450,000
162,462
612,462
2,573,209

−
206,524
206,524
1,786,427

250,000
132,789
382,789
1,863,503

−
111,205
111,205
1,304,833

The aggregate near term remuneration paid to the Executive Directors in the year ended 31 December 2013 was £3.4m (2012: £2.8m).

Notes:
1 
2 

3 

4 

Benefits comprise private medical insurance and car allowance.
 The 2013 and 2012 figures exclude any charity/pension waiver. For 2013, J C Helsby waived £50,000 (2012: £25,313) and S J B Shaw waived £20,000  
(2012: £12,488) in favour of contributions to registered charities.
 For 2013 the notional value of the PSP award with a performance period ended 31 December 2013 (ie where the award will vest in May 2014) has been  
valued in accordance with the Regulations based on the number of shares that will vest and the three month average share for the period to 31 December 2013  
(631.3 pence per share). For 2012 the value shown is the notional gain on share options that vested for the performance period ending on 31 December 2012 
(ie awards that became exercisable in April 2013 as at the date of vesting). These options have not been exercised to date.
The cost reflects the cost of the annual uplift in the defined benefit pension, which uplift applies to all deferred pensions under the defined benefit pension plan.

The information in this table has been audited by the independent Auditors, PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP.

Performance related remuneration for 2013
Profit share
Reflecting the Group’s very strong performance in 2013, profit share awards of 86% of maximum potential were earned by the 
Executive Directors (compared to approximately 65% in respect of 2012), of which 27% will be delivered in the form of Savills shares, 
deferred for a further three years.

The following near term performance measures applied to the 2013 performance related profit share arrangements.

70% of the award was based on profit performance, defined as underlying PBT performance. The target range, and Savills 
performance were as follows:

First hurdle
(20% of element)
£54m

Maximum target
(100% of element)
£80m

Savills performance
£75.2m

Bonus award
(% of element)
86.3%

There are pre-defined hurdles between the first hurdle and maximum rather than straightline vesting. 

The remaining 30% of performance profit share awards was based on individual performance against key strategic and 
operational objectives.

Jeremy Helsby’s personal objectives included ensuring the successful integration of the Group’s two UK businesses  
effective 1 January 2013, delivering the targeted improvement in the Group’s overall margin, progressing the expansion  
of the Group’s geographic footprint and broadening and strengthening the Group’s service line offerings in all markets.

Simon Shaw’s personal objectives included ensuring that the Group maintained a strong control environment, managing and 
developing the Group’s investor programmes and the successful delivery of the Group’s programme of system enhancements, 
including the implementation of the new CRM system.

65

Overview | Strategy | Performance | Governance | Financial statementsSavills plc  Report and Accounts 2013 
 
 
Directors’ Remuneration report continued

Long term incentives
The PSP award granted in 2011 will vest in May 2014, subject to performance in the three years to 31 December 2013. Following  
an assessment of Savills performance against targets set at grant, the Committee determined that 100% of the award should vest. 
The targets and Savills performance were as follows:

Relative TSR  
versus FTSE Mid 250 
index (excluding 
investment trusts)
EPS growth

Weighting
50%

50%

Total

Threshold target 
(25% vesting)
Equal to index

Maximum target
100% vesting
Outperform index by 
8% p.a. compound

Savills performance
Exceeded target

Vesting (% of maximum)
100%

RPI plus 3% p.a. 
compound

RPI plus 8% p.a. 
compound

Exceeded target

100%
100%

Non-Executive Directors fees (audited)
The Non-Executive Director fees for 2013 were as follows:

Basic Fee
Additional fees
Senior Independent Director
Remuneration Committee Chairman
Audit Committee Chairman
2013 Total
2012 Total

Peter Smith 
(Chairman)
£150,000

£150,000
£150,000

Martin Angle
£45,000

£5,000

£10,000
£60,000
£58,225

Tim
Freshwater
£45,000

Clare
Hollingsworth
£45,000

Charles
McVeigh
£45,000

£7,500

£45,000
£45,000

£52,500
£39,375

£45,000
£46,875

The fees payable to the Non-Executive Directors are determined by the Non-Executive Chairman and the Executive Directors  
after considering external market research and individual roles and responsibilities. The fees for the Non-Executive Chairman  
are determined by the Remuneration Committee (excluding the Non-Executive Chairman).

There were no increases to the Non-Executive Director fee levels in the year, but the annual base fee will be increased to 
£50,000 p.a. effective 1 July 2014. Fees for acting as a Chairman of a Committee or as the Senior Independent Director,  
remain unchanged.  

The Chairman’s fee will be increased to £165,000 p.a. effective 1 July 2014.

The Non-Executive Directors do not participate in incentive arrangements or share schemes.

The information in this table has been audited by the independent Auditor, PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP.

Operation of policy in 2014
The base salaries of the Executive Directors will not be increased in 2014. 

For the profit share, the target weighting will be 70% in relation to the Group’s annual profit performance and 30% in relation to 
delivery against a mix of strategic and operational objectives. The Committee will keep the weighting of reward for delivery of 
corporate and strategic/operational objectives under review for future years. 

The Committee considers prospective disclosure of performance pay targets to be commercially sensitive and disclosure will 
therefore be on a retrospective basis.

The established policy in relation to PSP awards will continue to be applied, with the Group Chief Executive eligible to receive an 
award of up to £450k and the Group Chief Financial Officer of up to £250k. During 2013, in light of some shareholder feedback,  
the Committee reviewed targets for the EPS element of the PSP awards and taking into account market conditions determined  
that the maximum EPS performance target for 2014 awards should be increased. The EPS targets for 2014 awards are as follows:

 –
 –

25% (ie threshold) of the element to vest if the Company’s EPS growth is RPI plus 3% p.a. compound
100% (ie the maximum) of the element to vest if the Company’s EPS growth is RPI plus 10% p.a. compound or more  
(historically 8% p.a. compound). Straight-line vesting between the two points.

The other 50% of the award will be subject to relative TSR performance versus the FTSE Mid 250 index (excluding investment trusts). 
25% of the element will vest for equalling the index, with 100% vesting for outperforming the index by 8% p.a. compound or more. 
Straight-line vesting will apply between these points. 

66

Savills plc  Report and Accounts 2013 
 
Relative spend on pay
To provide context and outline how remuneration for Executive Directors compares with other disbursements, such as dividends  
and general employment costs. The table below illustrates general employment costs, Executive Director reward, tax charges and 
dividend payments to shareholders in 2013 and 2012

Employment costs
Underlying profit before tax
Dividend payment to shareholders
Executive Director remuneration
Tax

2013
£m
567.0
75.2
24.5
3.4
72.2

2012
£m
511.1
58.6
20.2
2.8
62.0

%
increase
11%
28%
21%
21%
16%

 –

 –
 –

 –

Employment costs (excluding arrangements for Executive Directors) comprise basic salaries, profit share and commissions, 
social security costs, other pension costs and share-based payments.
Tax charge comprises corporation tax, social security and business rates and equivalent payments.
 The dividend cost stated for 2013 comprises the cost of the final dividend recommended by the Board (amounting to £9m), 
payment of which is subject to shareholder approval at the Company’s AGM scheduled to be held on 12 May 2014, and the  
cost of the supplemental dividend (£11m) declared by the Board on 19 March 2014 (payable to shareholders on the Register of 
Members as at 22 April 2014) and the interim dividend (£4.5m) paid on 14 October 2013 and is based on the number of shares  
in issue as at 31 December 2013.
Executive Director remuneration comprises the remuneration paid to the Group Chief Executive and Group Chief Financial 
Officer role holders.

67

Overview | Strategy | Performance | Governance | Financial statementsSavills plc  Report and Accounts 2013Directors’ Remuneration report continued

Total shareholder return and CEO remuneration 
The total shareholder return delivered by the Company over the last five years is shown in the chart below. Over this period  
the Company has delivered total shareholder return of 27% per annum (FTSE 250 (excluding investment trusts): 25% per  
annum; FTSE 350 Super Sector Real Estate: 12% per annum). Savills was ranked 80th by TSR performance in the FTSE 250 
(excluding investment trusts) and ranked fourth by performance in the FTSE 350 Super Sector Real Estate over the five years  
to 31 December 2013.

Total Shareholder Return (rebased) 
Five years to 31 December 2013 
400

360

320

280

240

200

160

120

80

20

0

9
0
-
n
a
J

9
0
-
r
p
A

9
0
-
l
u
J

9
0
-
t
c
O

0
1
-
n
a
J

0
1
-
r
p
A

0
1
-
l
u
J

0
1
-
t
c
O

1
1
-
n
a
J

1
1
-
r
p
A

1
1
-
l
u
J

1
1
-
t
c
O

2
1
-
n
a
J

2
1
-
r
p
A

2
1
-
l
u
J

2
1
-
t
c
O

3
1
-
n
a
J

3
1
-
r
p
A

3
1
-
l
u
J

3
1
-
t
c
O

3
1
-
c
e
D

Savills

FTSE 250 (excluding investment trusts)

FTSE 350 Super Sector Real Estate

The Board believes that the FTSE 250 (excluding investment trusts) remains the most appropriate index against which to compare 
TSR over the medium term as it is an index of companies of similar size to Savills. Savills TSR relative to that of the FTSE 350  
Super Sector Real Estate Index is also shown, as this index better reflects conditions in real estate markets over recent years.

Pay for performance 

Year
2013
2012
2011
2010
2009

Total
Single Figure
Remuneration
£’000
2,573
1,786
1,268
1,178
 771

Underlying
Profit Before  
Tax
£m
75.2 
58.6 
50.4 
47.3 
25.2 

Underlying
Profit Before
Tax % change 
+28.3
+16.3
+6.6
+87.7
-24.0

Annual Variable element: 
Performance Profit Share – award 
against maximum potential
%
86
65
49
45
27

Long Term 
Incentive fully vested 
(maximum potential of award)
100%
100
100
0
n/a
0

As shown in the table above, the CEO’s total remuneration increased 44% year on year. Total remuneration in 2012 and 2013 
includes, as required, the notional value of PSP awards and executive share options which vested (but were not exercised) in those 
years. The awards granted in 2006 and 2008 lapsed in 2009 and 2011 respectively. The CEO’s base salary was unchanged in 2013 
(as it was in 2012), which compares to an overall salary increase across UK Group employees of 7.6% for the 2013 financial year.

68

Savills plc  Report and Accounts 2013CEO pay increase in relation to all UK employees

CEO
All UK employees

Percentage change in remuneration
from 31/12/2012 to 31/12/2013
Percentage
change in
profit share
award %
28%
29.9%

Percentage
change in
benefits %
-3.9%
8.4%

Percentage
change in
base salary %
0.0%
7.6%

Note: Salary, benefits and bonus is compared against full time equivalent UK employees. The UK workforce was chosen as a suitable comparator group as  
JC Helsby is based in the UK (notwithstanding his global role and responsibilities) and is in line with policy benefits which vary across the Group by reference to local  
market conditions and practice. Audited information.

Pensions disclosure  
The Group Chief Executive receives a non-pensionable salary supplement equal to 20% of pensionable earnings to March 2015 and 
a minimum of 14% thereafter. For the Group Chief Financial Officer, the Company contributes 18% of pensionable earnings to his 
personal pension plan.

The Group Chief Executive no longer accrues a pension benefit under the Savills Pension Plan (the ‘Plan’). The value of the legacy 
benefit is shown below.

Executive Director
JC Helsby 

Defined
benefit pension
accrued at
31 December
2013 
56,636

Defined
benefit pension
accrued at
31 December
2012 
54,515

Defined benefit
pensions value
for 2013 
remuneration
table
18,428

Defined benefit
pensions value
for 2012
remuneration
table
–

Notes
1. 

2. 

3. 
4. 

 The accrued pension entitlement shown is that which would have been paid annually by the Plan, from the Plan’s Normal Retirement Age of 60 based on 
pensionable service in the Plan. 
 Pensionable service ceased at 31 March 2010 for all members of the Plan. J C Helsby became a deferred pensioner at 30 April 2010 and benefits now increase  
in the period to payment in line with the revaluation rules that apply to all members of the Plan. There are no additional benefits payable on early retirement. 
 These figures do not allow for benefits and contributions in respect of the defined contribution scheme.
 The valuation of the increase in the defined benefit pension over the year has been determined in accordance with the prescribed methodology for  
remuneration reporting.

Share interests
Details of shares in the Company which the Directors beneficially held or had a beneficial interest in as at 31 December 2013 are 
shown below:

Executive Directors
JC Helsby
SJB Shaw

Deferred 
share
bonus plan
awards
(vesting not
subject to
performance
conditions)
(DSBP)
604,849 211,402 126,796 174,551
70,442 132,903

Performance 
conditions 
satisfied: 
award yet to 
be exercised
(ESOS)

Unvested
shares
subject to
performance
conditions
(PSP)

29,014 246,902

Number of
shares

Extent to
which
shareholding
guideline met
403%
28%

The Company operates shareholding requirements of 150,000 shares for the Group Chief Executive and 105,000 shares for the 
Group Chief Financial Officer. Executive Directors are expected to build holdings to these levels over time, principally through the 
retention of shares released to them (after settling any tax due) following the vesting of share awards.

Non-Executive Directors
Martin Angle
Tim Freshwater
Clare Hollingsworth
Charles McVeigh
Peter Smith

At 31
 December
 2013
–
–
–
–
20,000

As at 19 March 2014, no Director had bought or sold shares since 31 December 2013, with the exception of Simon Shaw who 
participates in the SIP and as such has acquired 59 shares through the SIP since 31 December 2013.

69

Overview | Strategy | Performance | Governance | Financial statementsSavills plc  Report and Accounts 2013 
Directors’ Remuneration report continued

The Sharesave Scheme
No Directors hold outstanding options under the Sharesave Scheme and no options were exercised during the year.

The Performance Share Plan (‘PSP’)

Directors
JC Helsby

SJB Shaw

At 31
December
2012
97,016
118,343
8,453
60,635
70,442

Awarded
during year

HMRC 
Approved/
Unapproved
– Unapproved
– Unapproved
–
Approved 
– Unapproved
– Unapproved

Vested
At 31
during
December
year
2013
–
97,016
– 118,343
 –
8,453
60,635
–
70,442
–

Closing
mid-market
price of a
share the
day before
grant
412.3p
354.9p 
354.9p
412.3p
354.9p

Market value
at date of
vesting

First
vesting
date
– 27.05.14
– 17.04.15
– 17.04.15
– 27.05.14
– 17.04.15

The Executive Share Option Scheme (2001)
The ESOS reached the end of its 10 year agreed life span in May 2011, although options granted up to and including May 2011 
continue to be exercisable in the normal fashion, and subject to the satisfaction of performance criteria attaching to them.

Number of shares

Directors

JC Helsby

SJB Shaw

At 31
December
2012

135,064
114,386
10,389
114,286
61,592

Granted 
during year

HMRC
Approved/
Unapproved

Exercised
during year

Lapsed 
during year

At 31
December
2013

Market price
on date of
exercise

Exercise 
price 
per share

Date 
normally first
exercisable

Expiry date

– Unapproved 135,064
–
– Unapproved
–
Approved 
–
–
– Unapproved
–
– Unapproved

–
–
– 114,386
10,389
–
– 114,286
61,592
–

600p 288.75p 17.04.12 17.04.19
– 340.95p 19.04.13 19.04.20
– 288.75p 17.04.12 17.04.19
– 288.75p 17.04.12 17.04.19
– 340.95p 19.04.13 19.04.20

Options over 135,064 shares granted under the ESOS were exercised by Directors during the year.  

The total pre-tax gain on options exercised during the year was £420,387.

The Deferred Share Bonus Plan (‘DSBP’)
Number of shares

Directors

JC Helsby

SJB Shaw

At 31
December
2012

34,538
76,238
48,100
–
42,621
63,986
32,676
–

Awarded
during year

Vested 
during year

–
–
–
54,828
–
–

39,571

34,538
–
–
–
42,621
–
–
–

Closing
mid-market
price of a
Savills plc
share the day
before grant

340.2p
363.2p
350.6p
549.5p
340.2p
363.2p
350.6p
549.5p

At 31
December
2013

–
76,238
48,100
54,828
–
63,986
32,676
39,571

Market value
at date of
exercising

Normal 
vesting date

600p 13.04.13
– 30.03.14
– 19.04.15
– 26.06.16
600p 13.04.13
– 30.03.14
– 19.04.15
– 26.06.16

The total pre-tax gain on shares which vested during the year was £462,954.

Under the DSBP 77,159 shares vested during the year; no DSBP awards lapsed. During the year, the aggregate gain on the exercise 
of share options and shares vested was £883,341. The mid-market closing price of the shares at 31 December 2013 was 646p and 
the range during the year was 457.50p to 664.50p.

70

Savills plc  Report and Accounts 2013 
Exit payments
No Executive Directors left the Company during the year ended 31 December 2013 and therefore no payments for compensation  
for loss of office were paid to, or receivable by, any Director.

External directorships
Savills recognises that its Executive Directors may be invited to become Non-Executive Directors of other companies. Such Non-
Executive duties can broaden experience and knowledge which can benefit Savills. Subject to approval by the Board and any conditions 
that it might impose, the Executive Directors and GEB members are allowed to accept external Non-Executive Directorships and retain 
the fees received, provided that these appointments are not likely to lead to conflicts of interest. For Non-Executive Directorships which 
are considered to arise by virtue of an Executive Director’s or GEB member’s position within Savills, the fees are paid directly to Savills. 

During 2013, Simon Shaw received a fee of £30,000 in relation to his continuing appointment as Non-Executive Chairman of 
Synairgen plc which he was permitted to keep.

Shareholder votes on remuneration matters
The table below shows the voting outcome for the 2012 Directors’ Remuneration report at the AGM held on 8 May 2013.

Number of votes ‘For’ 
and discretionary
90,405,206

* 

A vote withheld is not a vote in law.

% of votes cast
91.3%

Number of votes ‘Against’
6,421,281

% of votes cast
6.48%

Total number of votes cast Number of votes ‘Withheld*’
2,188,292

99,014,779

Governance
This Report has been prepared on behalf of the Board by the Remuneration Committee in accordance with the requirements of the 
Companies Act 2006 and the Large and Medium-sized Companies and Groups (Accounts and Reports) (Amendment) Regulations 
2013 (Regulations) and the auditable disclosures referred to in the Auditor’s Report on pages 73 to 75 as specified by the UK Listing 
Authority and the Regulations have been identified. 

71

Overview | Strategy | Performance | Governance | Financial statementsSavills plc  Report and Accounts 2013Directors’ Responsibilities

Directors’ responsibility statement
The Directors are responsible for preparing the Annual Report, 
the Directors’ Remuneration report and the Financial statements 
in accordance with applicable law and regulations.

Company law requires the Directors to prepare financial 
statements for each financial year. Under that law the  
Directors have prepared the Group and Parent Company 
Financial statements in accordance with International Financial 
Reporting Standards (‘IFRSs’) as adopted by the European 
Union. 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 Group and the Company 
and of the profit or loss of the Company and Group 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 accounting estimates that are 

 –

 –

reasonable and prudent;
state whether applicable IFRSs as adopted by the European 
Union have been followed, subject to any material departures 
disclosed and explained in the Financial statements; and
prepare the Financial statements on the going concern basis 
unless it is inappropriate to presume that the Company will 
continue in business.

The Directors are responsible for keeping adequate accounting 
records that are sufficient to show and explain the Company’s 
transactions and disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time 
the financial position of the Company and the Group and enable 
them to ensure that the Financial statements and the Directors’ 
Remuneration Report comply with the Companies Act 2006  
and, as regards the Group Financial statements, Article 4 of  
the IAS Regulation. They are also responsible for safeguarding 
the assets of the Company and the Group and hence for taking 
reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and 
other irregularities.

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

The Directors consider that the Annual Report and Accounts, 
taken as a whole, is fair, balanced and understandable and 
provides the information necessary for shareholders to assess 
the Company’s performance, business model and strategy. 

Each of the Directors, whose names and functions are listed  
on page 42 confirm that, to the best of their knowledge:

 –

 –

the Group Financial statements, which have been prepared 
in accordance with IFRSs as adopted by the EU, give a true 
and fair view of the assets, liabilities, financial position and 
profit of the Group; and
the Statutory Information set out on pages 51 to 53  
includes a fair review of the development and performance 
of the business and the position of the Group, together  
with a description of the principal risks and uncertainties  
that it faces.

In accordance with Section 418, Directors’ Reports shall include 
a statement, in the case of each Director in office at the date the 
Directors’ Report is approved, that:

 –

 –

so far as the Director is aware, there is no relevant audit 
information of which the Company’s Auditor is unaware; and
he/she has taken all the steps that he/she ought to have 
taken as a Director in order to make himself/herself aware  
of any relevant audit information and to establish that the 
Company’s Auditor is aware of that information.

After making enquiries, the Directors have a reasonable 
expectation that the Company and the Group have adequate 
resources to continue in operational existence for the foreseeable 
future. Accordingly, they continue to adopt the going concern 
basis in preparing the Annual Report and Accounts.

On behalf of the Board

Jeremy Helsby
Group Chief Executive

Chris Lee
Group Legal Director & Company Secretary

19 March 2014

72

Savills plc  Report and Accounts 2013Independent auditors’ report  
to the members of Savills plc

Report on the financial statements
Our opinion
In our opinion:

 –

 –

 –

 –

The financial statements, defined below, give a true and fair 
view of the state of the Group’s and of the Parent Company’s 
affairs as at 31 December 2013 and of the Group’s profit and 
of the Group’s and Parent Company’s cash flows for the year 
then ended;
The Group financial statements have been properly  
prepared in accordance with IFRSs as adopted by  
the European Union;
The Parent Company Financial statements have been 
properly prepared in accordance with IFRSs as adopted by 
the European Union and as applied in accordance with the 
provisions of the Companies Act 2006; and
The Financial statements have been prepared in accordance 
with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006 and,  
as regards the Group Financial statements, Article 4 of  
the IAS Regulation.

This opinion is to be read in the context of what we say in the 
remainder of this report.

What we have audited
The Group financial statements and Parent Company financial 
statements (the ‘Financial statements’), which are prepared by 
Savills plc, comprise:

 –

 –

 –

 –

the Consolidated and Company statements of financial 
position as at 31 December 2013;
the Consolidated income statement and statement of 
comprehensive income for the year then ended;
the Consolidated and Company statements of changes  
in equity and statements of cash flows for the year then 
ended; and
the notes to the financial statements, which include a 
summary of significant accounting policies and other 
explanatory information.

The financial reporting framework that has been applied in their 
preparation comprises applicable law and IFRSs as adopted by the 
European Union and, as regards the Parent Company, as applied  
in accordance with the provisions of the Companies Act 2006.

What an audit of financial statements involves 
We conducted our audit in accordance with International 
Standards on Auditing (UK and Ireland) (‘ISAs (UK & Ireland)’).  
An audit involves obtaining evidence about the amounts and 
disclosures in the financial statements sufficient to give 
reasonable assurance that the financial statements are free  
from material misstatement, whether caused by fraud or error. 
This includes an assessment of:

 – whether the accounting policies are appropriate to the 

Group’s and Parent Company’s circumstances and have 
been consistently applied and adequately disclosed;
the reasonableness of significant accounting estimates 
made by the directors; and 
the overall presentation of the financial statements. 

 –

 –

In addition, we read all the financial and non-financial information 
in the Annual Report and Accounts (the ‘Annual Report’) to 
identify material inconsistencies with the audited financial 
statements and to identify any information that is apparently 
materially incorrect based on, or materially inconsistent with, the 
knowledge acquired by us in the course of performing the audit. 
If we become aware of any apparent material misstatements or 
inconsistencies we consider the implications for our report.

Overview of our audit approach
Materiality
We set certain thresholds for materiality. These helped us to 
determine the nature, timing and extent of our audit procedures 
and to evaluate the effect of misstatements, both individually  
and on the financial statements as a whole. 

Based on our professional judgement, we determined materiality 
for the Group financial statements as a whole to be £3.8m,  
being 5% of underlying profit before tax. We believe that 
underlying profit before tax is the most appropriate measure  
of recurring Group performance. 

We agreed with the Audit Committee that we would report to 
them misstatements identified during our audit above £0.2m  
as well as misstatements below that amount that, in our view, 
warranted reporting for qualitative reasons.

Overview of the scope of our audit
The Group is structured along four business lines, being 
transaction advisory, consultancy, property and facilities 
management, and investment management services. The Group 
financial statements are a consolidation of reporting units that 
make up the four business lines, spread across four geographic 
regions, UK, Asia, Europe and America, and the centralised 
functions (see note 6 to the financial statements). 

In establishing the overall approach to the group audit, we 
determined the type of work that needed to be performed  
at the reporting units by us, as the group engagement team,  
or component auditors within PwC UK and from other PwC 
network firms operating under our instruction. Where the work 
was performed by component auditors, we determined the level 
of involvement we needed to have in the audit work at those 
reporting units to be able to conclude whether sufficient 
appropriate audit evidence had been obtained as a basis for  
our opinion on the Group financial statements as a whole. 

Accordingly, of the group’s four geographic regions, we  
identified two which, in our view, required an audit of their 
complete financial information, due to their size. Specific  
audit procedures on certain balances and transactions were 
performed on the remaining geographic regions. This, together 
with additional procedures performed at the Group level, gave  
us the evidence we needed for our opinion on the Group  
financial statements as a whole.

73

Overview | Strategy | Performance | Governance | Financial statementsSavills plc  Report and Accounts 2013 
Independent auditors’ report  
to the members of Savills plc continued

Areas of particular audit focus
In preparing the financial statements, the directors made a 
number of subjective judgements, for example in respect of 
significant accounting estimates. This required them to make 
assumptions and consider future events that are inherently 
uncertain. We primarily focused our work in these areas  
by assessing the directors’ judgements against available 
evidence, forming our own judgements, and evaluating  
the disclosures in the financial statements.

In our audit, we tested and examined information, using sampling 
and other auditing techniques, to the extent we considered 
necessary to provide a reasonable basis for us to draw conclusions. 
We obtained audit evidence through testing the effectiveness of 
controls, substantive procedures or a combination of both. 

We considered the following areas to be those that required 
particular focus in the current year. This is not a complete list of 
all risks or areas of focus identified by our audit. We discussed 
these areas of focus with the Audit Committee. Their report on 
those matters that they considered to be significant issues in 
relation to the financial statements is set out on pages 47 to 50.

Area of focus
Goodwill impairment assessment
We focused on this area because the determination of whether  
or not an impairment charge for goodwill was necessary involved 
significant judgements about the future results of the business.

How the scope of our audit addressed the area of focus
We evaluated the directors’ future cash flow forecasts,  
and the process by which they were drawn up, including 
comparing them to the latest Board approved budgets,  
and testing the underlying calculations. We challenged:

No impairment charge was booked in the year ended  
31 December 2013. 

Refer also to Note 15 to the financial statements.

Provision for litigation 
The Group is subject to various legal actions and proceedings  
in the normal course of business. The assessment of the 
provisions required is judgemental and could be subject  
to management bias.

Refer also to Note 25(a) to the financial statements. 

Our audit procedures had to take into account both the potential 
exposure and the extent to which liabilities are likely to crystallise, 
as well as the adequacy of the insurance cover held by the Group.

There is also the risk that legal exposures may arise or may exist 
for which appropriate provisions are not held. 
Risk of management override of internal controls 

ISAs (UK & Ireland) require that we consider this.

Risk of fraud in revenue recognition 

ISAs (UK & Ireland) presume there is a risk of fraud  
in revenue recognition.

We focused on the risk that revenue may have been  
inaccurately recorded and/or recorded in the incorrect  
period for the transaction advisory and consultancy  
revenue streams.

74

 –

 –

the directors’ key assumptions for long term growth  
rates in the forecasts by comparing them to historical  
results, economic and industry forecasts; and
the discount rate by assessing the cost of capital for  
the company and comparable organisations.

We also performed sensitivity analysis around the key drivers  
of the cash flow forecasts, including historic profit margins 
achieved, growth rates, and the benefits from cost reduction 
programmes. Having ascertained the extent of change in those 
assumptions that either individually or collectively would be 
required for the goodwill to be impaired, we considered the 
likelihood of such a movement in those key assumptions arising.

We met with the Group’s internal and external legal  
counsel to discuss significant legal cases, and assessed  
the appropriateness of the provisions held at the balance  
sheet date, taking into account the Group’s insurance cover. 

Legal cases settled during the year were reviewed to assess  
the accuracy of past provisions. 

To test further that the list of legal cases provided  
by management was complete, we examined the legal 
expenses incurred during the year and any litigation-related 
matters arising after the year-end.

We assessed the overall control environment of the Group, 
including the arrangements for staff to ‘whistle-blow’ 
inappropriate actions, and interviewed senior management  
and the Group’s internal audit function. 

We examined the significant accounting estimates and 
judgements relevant to the financial statements for evidence  
of bias by the directors that may represent a risk of material 
misstatement due to fraud. 

We also tested journal entries to determine the rationale for 
manual adjustments.
As part of the evidence we obtained regarding the revenue 
recognised during the year, we evaluated the relevant IT systems 
and tested the internal controls over the completeness, accuracy 
and timing of revenue recognised in the financial statements.

We tested a sample of revenue transactions back to cash 
receipts and the related contracts, for example a property  
sale completion statement, or an asset or property 
management contract.

Where revenue was recorded through journal entries,  
we performed testing to appropriate supporting documentation 
to establish whether a service had been provided or a sale  
had occurred in the financial year.

Savills plc  Report and Accounts 2013Going Concern
Under the Listing Rules we are required to review the directors’ 
statement, set out on page 72, in relation to going concern.  
We have nothing to report having performed our review.

As noted in the directors’ statement, the directors have 
concluded that it is appropriate to prepare the Group’s and 
Parent Company’s financial statements using the going concern 
basis of accounting. The going concern basis presumes that 
the Group and Parent Company have adequate resources to 
remain in operation, and that the directors intend them to do  
so, for at least one year from the date the financial statements 
were signed. As part of our audit we have concluded that the 
directors’ use of the going concern basis is appropriate.

However, because not all future events or conditions can be 
predicted, these statements are not a guarantee as to the 
Group’s and the Parent Company’s ability to continue as a  
going concern.

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

 –

 –

the information given in the Strategic Report and the  
Report of the Directors for the financial year for which the  
financial statements are prepared is consistent with the 
financial statements; and
the part of the Directors’ Remuneration Report to be  
audited has been properly prepared in accordance  
with the Companies Act 2006.

On page 72 of the Annual Report, as required by the Code 
Provision C.1.1, the directors state that they consider the Annual 
Report taken as a whole to be fair, balanced and understandable 
and provides the information necessary for members to assess 
the Group’s performance, business model and strategy. On page 
49, as required by C.3.8 of the Code, the Audit Committee has 
set out the significant issues that it considered in relation to the 
financial statements, and how they were addressed. Under ISAs 
(UK & Ireland) we are required to report to you if, in our opinion:

 –

 –

the statement given by the directors is materially inconsistent 
with our knowledge of the Group acquired in the course of 
performing our audit; or
the section of the Annual Report describing the work of the 
Audit Committee does not appropriately address matters 
communicated by us to the Audit Committee. 

We have no exceptions to report arising from this responsibility.

Other information in the Annual Report 
Under ISAs (UK & Ireland), we are required to report to you if,  
in our opinion, information in the Annual Report is:

 – materially inconsistent with the information in the audited 

financial statements; or
apparently materially incorrect based on, or materially 
inconsistent with, our knowledge of the Group and Parent 
Company acquired in the course of performing our audit; or
is otherwise misleading.

 –

 –

We have no exceptions to report arising from this responsibility.

Other matters on which we are required to report  
by exception
Adequacy of accounting records and information and 
explanations received
Under the Companies Act 2006 we are required to report to  
you if, in our opinion:

Responsibilities for the financial statements and the audit
Our responsibilities and those of the directors 
As explained more fully in the Directors’ Responsibilities Statement 
set out on page 72, the directors are responsible for the preparation 
of the Group and Parent Company financial statements and for 
being satisfied that they give a true and fair view. 

 – we have not received all the information and explanations  

 –

 –

we require for our audit; or
adequate accounting records have not been kept by the 
Parent Company, or returns adequate for our audit have  
not been received from branches not visited by us; or
the Parent Company financial statements and the part of  
the Directors’ Remuneration Report to be audited are not  
in agreement with the accounting records and returns. 

We have no exceptions to report arising from this responsibility.

Directors’ remuneration
Under the Companies Act 2006 we are required to report to you 
if, in our opinion, certain disclosures of directors’ remuneration 
specified by law have not been made, and under the Listing 
Rules we are required to review certain elements of the report to 
shareholders by the Board on directors’ remuneration. We have 
no exceptions to report arising from these responsibilities.

Corporate Governance Statement
Under the Listing Rules we are required to review the part of  
the Corporate Governance Statement relating to the Parent 
Company’s compliance with nine provisions of the UK Corporate 
Governance Code (‘the Code’). We have nothing to report having 
performed our review.

Our responsibility is to audit and express an opinion on the Group 
and Parent Company financial statements in accordance with 
applicable law and ISAs (UK & Ireland). Those standards require  
us to comply with the Auditing Practices Board’s Ethical Standards 
for Auditors. 

This report, including the opinions, has been prepared for and  
only for the Company’s members as a body in accordance with 
Chapter 3 of Part 16 of the Companies Act 2006 and for no other 
purpose. We do not, in giving these opinions, accept or assume 
responsibility for any other purpose or to any other person to whom 
this report is shown or into whose hands it may come save where 
expressly agreed by our prior consent in writing.

David A Snell
Senior Statutory Auditor
for and on behalf of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP
Chartered Accountants and Statutory Auditors
London 

19 March 2014

75

Overview | Strategy | Performance | Governance | Financial statementsSavills plc  Report and Accounts 2013Consolidated income statement
for the year ended 31 December 2013

Revenue
Less:
Employee benefits expense
Depreciation
Amortisation of intangible assets
Other operating expenses
Other operating income
(Loss)/profit on disposal of available-for-sale investments
Operating profit

Finance income
Finance costs

Share of post-tax profit from joint ventures and associates
Profit before income tax

Income tax expense

Profit for the year

Attributable to:
Owners of the Company
Non-controlling interests

Earnings per share
Basic earnings per share
Diluted earnings per share

Underlying earnings per share
Basic earnings per share
Diluted earnings per share

Notes
6

9(a)
16
15
7(a)
7(a)
17(b)

11
11

17(a)

2013
£m
904.8

(570.4)
(7.6)
(3.9)
(259.5)
0.4
(0.3)
63.5

1.2
(1.8)
(0.6)

7.2
70.1

 2012
(restated)*

£m
806.4

(513.9)
(7.2)
(3.7)
(237.6)
0.5
1.7
46.2

1.2
(2.5)
(1.3)

7.1
52.0

12

(18.7)

(14.9)

51.4

37.1

50.8
0.6
51.4

36.8
0.3
37.1

14(a)
14(a)

39.8p
38.1p

29.4p
28.2p

14(b)
14(b)

43.1p
41.4p

33.9p
32.4p

* 

 Restated due to retrospective application of amendment to IAS 19: ‘Employee Benefits’, which is explained in Note 2. This restatement also impacts the  
consolidated statement of comprehensive income and the consolidated statement of changes in equity for 2012, as well as the Company statement of  
changes in equity for that year. 

76

Savills plc  Report and Accounts 2013Consolidated statement of comprehensive income
for the year ended 31 December 2013

Profit for the year

Other comprehensive income
Items that will not be reclassified to profit or loss:
Remeasurement of defined benefit pension scheme obligation
Tax on items that will not be reclassified
Total items that will not be reclassified to profit or loss

Items that may be reclassified subsequently to profit or loss:
Fair value gain on available-for-sale investments
Fair value loss on available-for-sale investments released to income statement
Currency translation differences
Tax on items that may be reclassified
Total items that may be reclassified subsequently to profit or loss

Other comprehensive income for the year, net of tax

Total comprehensive income for the year

Total comprehensive income attributable to:
Owners of the Company
Non-controlling interests

Notes

10
12

17(b)
17(b)

12

2013 
£m
51.4

2012
(restated)
£m
37.1

7.0
(1.7)
5.3

1.8
–
(5.2)
3.0
(0.4)

2.1
(0.5)
1.6

0.2
0.9
(3.6)
1.4
(1.1)

4.9

0.5

56.3

37.6

55.9
0.4
56.3

37.2
0.4
37.6

77

Savills plc  Report and Accounts 2013Overview | Strategy | Performance | Governance | Financial statementsConsolidated and Company statements of financial position
at 31 December 2013

Assets: Non-current assets
Property, plant and equipment
Goodwill
Intangible assets
Investments in subsidiaries
Investments in joint ventures and associates
Deferred income tax assets
Available-for-sale investments
Non-current receivables

Assets: Current assets
Work in progress
Trade and other receivables
Current income tax receivable
Derivative financial instruments
Cash and cash equivalents

Liabilities: Current liabilities
Borrowings
Derivative financial instruments
Trade and other payables
Current income tax liabilities
Employee benefit obligations
Provisions for other liabilities and charges

Net current assets
Total assets less current liabilities
Liabilities: Non-current liabilities
Borrowings
Trade and other payables
Retirement and employee benefit obligations
Provisions for other liabilities and charges
Deferred income tax liabilities

Net assets

Notes

16
15
15
17(c)
17(a)
18
17(b)

19

24
20

23
24
21

25(b)
25(a)

23
22
10 & 25(b)
25(a)
18

Equity: Capital and reserves attributable to owners of the Company
Share capital
Share premium
Other reserves
Retained earnings

26

28
28

Non-controlling interests
Total equity

Group

2013
£m

2012
£m

33.4
135.6
15.5
–
16.7
26.8
14.8
1.4
244.2

3.3
240.5
1.0
0.1
122.2
367.1

6.8
–
266.3
9.2
6.3
10.9
299.5
67.6
311.8

3.0
0.2
20.6
15.7
1.5
41.0
270.8

3.4
90.1
17.1
159.4
270.0
0.8
270.8

18.5
136.7
17.1
–
14.7
29.9
15.0
1.3
233.2

3.0
220.8
0.9
–
92.8
317.5

1.2
0.1
236.8
10.1
5.9
7.9
262.0
55.5
288.7

–
0.6
35.6
17.7
1.7
55.6
233.1

3.3
87.3
20.8
121.1
232.5
0.6
233.1

Company

2013
£m

2.6
–
0.9
79.5
–
3.2
–
–
86.2

–
16.0
3.0
–
70.9
89.9

–
–
19.1
–
–
–
19.1
70.8
157.0

–
7.0
0.7
1.2
–
8.9
148.1

3.4
90.1
3.3
51.3
148.1
–
148.1

2012
£m

2.3
–
1.8
103.9
–
2.5
–
–
110.5

–
15.2
1.4
–
21.2
37.8

–
–
16.3
–
–
0.1
16.4
21.4
131.9

–
6.1
1.5
1.2
–
8.8
123.1

3.3
87.3
3.3
29.2
123.1
–
123.1

The consolidated financial statements on pages 76 to 126 to were authorised for issue by the Board of Directors on 19 March 2014 
and were signed on its behalf by:

J C Helsby
S J B Shaw

Savills plc
Registered in England and Wales
No. 2122174

78

Savills plc  Report and Accounts 2013Other 
reserves* 

Retained 
earnings** 

Non- 
controlling 
interests
£m
0.6
0.6

Total 
£m
232.5
50.8

Total 
equity 
£m
233.1
51.4

–

1.8

–

1.8

Consolidated statement of changes in equity
for the year ended 31 December 2013

Attributable to owners of the Company

Notes

17(b)

10
12

17(b)
13
17(f)

Notes

17(b)

17(b)

10

12

Balance at 1 January 2013
Profit for the year
Other comprehensive income/(loss):
Fair value gain on available-for-sale investments
Remeasurement of defined benefit pension 
scheme obligation
Tax on items directly taken to reserves
Currency translation differences
Total comprehensive (loss)/income for the year
Transactions with owners:
Employee share option scheme:
– Value of services provided
Purchase of treasury shares
Share-based payment settlement
Issue of share capital
Disposal of available-for-sale investments 
(net of tax)
Dividends
Transactions with non-controlling interests
Balance at 31 December 2013

28
28
28
27(a) & (b)

Balance at 1 January 2012
Profit for the year (restated)
Other comprehensive income/(loss):
Fair value gain on available-for-sale investments
Fair value loss on available-for-sale investments 
released to income statement
Remeasurement of defined benefit pension 
scheme obligation (restated)
Tax on items directly taken to reserves 
(restated)
Currency translation differences
Total comprehensive (loss)/income for the year
Transactions with owners:
Employee share option scheme:
– Value of services provided
Purchase of treasury shares
Issue of share capital
Dividends
Transactions with non-controlling interests
Balance at 31 December 2012

28
28
27(a) & (b)
13

Share 
capital 
£m
3.3
–

Share
 premium 
£m
87.3
–

–

–
–
–
–

–
–
–
0.1

–
–
–
3.4

–

–
–
–
–

–
–
–
2.8

–
–
–
90.1

£m
20.8
–

1.8

–
(0.2)
(5.0)
(3.4)

–
–
–
–

(0.3)
–
–
17.1

£m
121.1
50.8

7.0
1.5
–
59.3

10.4
(2.2)
(7.3)
–

–
(20.6)
(1.3)
159.4

Attributable to owners of the Company

Share 
capital 
£m
3.3
–

Share
 premium 
£m
85.3
–

–

–

–

–
–
–

–
–
–
–
–
3.3

–

–

–

–
–
–

–
–
2.0
–
–
87.3

Other 
reserves* 

Retained
earnings** 

£m
23.6
–

0.2

0.9

–

(0.2)
(3.7)
(2.8)

–
–
–
–
–
20.8

£m
93.4
36.8

–

–

2.1

1.1
–
40.0

10.4
(1.6)
–
(16.9)
(4.2)
121.1

7.0
1.3
(5.0)
55.9

10.4
(2.2)
(7.3)
2.9

(0.3)
(20.6)
(1.3)
270.0

Total 
£m
205.6
36.8

0.2

0.9

2.1

0.9
(3.7)
37.2

10.4
(1.6)
2.0
(16.9)
(4.2)
232.5

–
–
(0.2)
0.4

–
–
–
–

7.0
1.3
(5.2)
56.3

10.4
(2.2)
(7.3)
2.9

–
(0.4)
0.2
0.8

(0.3)
(21.0)
(1.1)
270.8

Non- 
controlling 
interests
£m
(1.2)
0.3

–

–

–

–
0.1
0.4

–
–
–
(0.8)
2.2
0.6

Total 
equity 
£m
204.4
37.1

0.2

0.9

2.1

0.9
(3.6)
37.6

10.4
(1.6)
2.0
(17.7)
(2.0)
233.1

* 

** 

 Included within other reserves on the face of the statement of financial position are the capital redemption reserve, foreign exchange reserve and revaluation  
reserve as disclosed in Note 28.
 Included within retained earnings on the face of the statement of financial position are treasury shares, share-based payments reserve and the profit and loss 
account as disclosed in Note 28.

79

Savills plc  Report and Accounts 2013Overview | Strategy | Performance | Governance | Financial statementsCompany statement of changes in equity
for the year ended 31 December 2013

Balance at 1 January 2013
Profit for the year
Other comprehensive income:
Remeasurement of defined benefit pension 
scheme obligation
Tax on items directly taken to reserves
Total comprehensive income for the year
Employee share option scheme:
– Value of services provided
– Exercise of share options
Share-based payment settlement
Issue of share capital
Dividends
Balance at 31 December 2013

Notes

7(b)

10
12

27(a) & (b)
13

Attributable to owners of the Company

Share 
capital 
£m
3.3
–

Share 
premium 
£m
87.3
–

–
–
–

–
–
–
0.1
–
3.4

–
–
–

–
–
–
2.8
–
90.1

Capital 
redemption 
reserve* 

Other 
reserves* 

£m
0.3
–

–
–
–

–
–
–
–
–
0.3

£m
3.0
–

–
–
–

–
–
–
–
–
3.0

Share-based 
payments 

reserve** 
£m
3.5
–

–
–
–

2.3
(1.0)
–
–
–
4.8

Attributable to owners of the Company

Retained 
earnings** 

Total 
shareholders’
equity 
£m
123.1
44.6

£m
25.7
44.6

0.4
0.7
45.7

–
(3.9)
(0.4)
–
(20.6)
46.5

0.4
0.7
45.7

2.3
(4.9)
(0.4)
2.9
(20.6)
148.1

Balance at 1 January 2012
Loss for the year (restated)
Other comprehensive income:
Remeasurement of defined benefit  
pension scheme obligation (restated)
Tax on items directly taken to  
reserves (restated)
Total comprehensive loss for the year
Employee share option scheme:
– Value of services provided
– Exercise of share options
Issue of share capital
Distribution for Employee Benefit Trust
Dividends
Balance at 31 December 2012

Notes

7(b)

10

12

27(a) & (b)

13

Share 
capital 
£m
3.3
–

Share 
premium 
£m
85.3
–

–

–
–

–
–
–
–
–
3.3

–

–
–

–
–
2.0
–
–
87.3

Capital 
redemption 
reserve* 

£m
0.3
–

–

–
–

–
–
–
–
–
0.3

Other 
reserves* 

£m
3.0
–

Share-based 
payments 

reserve** 
£m
1.8
–

Retained 
earnings** 

£m
50.9
(0.8)

Total 
shareholders’ 
equity 
£m
144.6
(0.8)

–

–
–

–
–
–
–
–
3.0

–

–
–

2.1
(0.4)
–
–
–
3.5

0.1

0.2
(0.5)

–
(7.6)
–
(0.2)
(16.9)
25.7

0.1

0.2
(0.5)

2.1
(8.0)
2.0
(0.2)
(16.9)
123.1

* 
** 

Included within other reserves on the face of the statement of financial position are the capital redemption reserve and other reserves as disclosed above.
 Included within retained earnings on the face of the statement of financial position are share-based payments reserve and retained earnings as disclosed above.

80

Savills plc  Report and Accounts 2013Consolidated and Company statements of cash flows
for the year ended 31 December 2013

Cash flows from operating activities
Cash generated from/(used in) operations
Interest received
Interest paid
Income tax (paid)/received
Net cash generated from operating activities
Cash flows from investing activities
Proceeds from sale of property, plant and equipment
Proceeds from sale of intangible assets
Proceeds from sale of available-for-sale investments
Deferred consideration received in relation to prior year disposals
Dividends received from joint ventures and associates
Repayment of loans by joint ventures, associates and subsidiaries
Loans to joint ventures, associates and subsidiaries
Loans from subsidiaries
Acquisition of subsidiaries, net of cash acquired
Deferred consideration paid in relation to prior year acquisitions
Purchase of property, plant and equipment
Purchase of intangible assets
Purchase of investment in joint ventures, associates and  
available-for-sale investments
Net cash (used in)/generated from investing activities
Cash flows from financing activities
Proceeds from issue of share capital
Proceeds from borrowings
Share-based payment settlement
Purchase of own shares for Employee Benefit Trust
Contribution to Employee Benefit Trust
Purchase of non-controlling interests
Deferred consideration paid to non-controlling interests in relation  
to prior year acquisitions
Repayments of borrowings
Dividends paid
Net cash used in financing activities
Net increase in cash, cash equivalents and bank overdrafts
Cash, cash equivalents and bank overdrafts at beginning of year
Effect of exchange rate fluctuations on cash held
Cash, cash equivalents and bank overdrafts at end of year

Notes

32

16
15

17(a) & (b)

27(a) & (b)

28

17(f)

13

20, 23

Group

2013
£m

Company

2012
£m

2013
£m

86.0
1.0
(0.6)
(15.6)
70.8

0.1
–
1.7
0.4
5.3
0.3
(0.4)
–
1.0
(0.4)
(23.3)
(2.5)

(0.7)
(18.5)

2.9
63.5
(7.3)
(2.2)
–
(1.1)

–
(54.8)
(21.0)
(20.0)
32.3
92.7
(2.8)
122.2

71.5
1.0
(0.8)
(12.0)
59.7

0.7
–
2.8
0.7
6.0
0.7
–
–
(2.5)
(3.9)
(7.7)
(3.1)

(1.7)
(8.0)

2.0
49.0
–
(1.6)
–
(11.8)

(3.3)
(52.9)
(17.7)
(36.3)
15.4
78.8
(1.5)
92.7

40.3
1.1
(0.1)
1.8
43.1

12.8
0.7
–
–
–
27.0
(2.3)
0.8
–
–
(14.0)
(0.3)

–
24.7

2.9
–
(0.4)
–
–
–

–
–
(20.6)
(18.1)
49.7
21.2
–
70.9

2012
£m

(3.8)
1.6
–
2.5
0.3

–
–
–
–
–
22.8
–
–
–
–
(1.7)
(0.9)

–
20.2

2.0
–
–
–
(0.2)
–

–
–
(16.9)
(15.1)
5.4
15.8
–
21.2

81

Savills plc  Report and Accounts 2013Overview | Strategy | Performance | Governance | Financial statementsNotes to the financial statements
Year ended 31 December 2013

1. General information
Savills plc (the ‘Company’) and its subsidiaries (together the 
‘Group’) is a global real estate services Group. The Group 
operates through a network of offices in the UK, Continental 
Europe, Asia Pacific, US, Africa and the Middle East. Savills is 
listed on the London Stock Exchange and employs 26,287 staff 
worldwide.

The Company is a public limited company incorporated and 
domiciled in England and Wales. The address of its registered 
office is 33 Margaret Street, London W1G 0JD.

These consolidated financial statements were approved for issue 
by the Board of Directors on 19 March 2014.

2. Accounting policies
The principal accounting policies applied in the preparation of 
these consolidated financial statements are set out below. These 
policies have been consistently applied to all the years presented, 
unless otherwise stated, and are also applicable to the parent 
Company.

Basis of preparation
These financial statements have been prepared in accordance 
with International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) and IFRS 
– IC interpretations as adopted by the European Union and with 
those parts of the Companies Act 2006 applicable to companies 
reporting under IFRS.

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with IFRS 
requires the use of certain critical accounting estimates and for 
management to exercise judgement in the process of applying 
the Group’s accounting policies. The areas involving a higher 
degree of judgement or complexity, or areas where assumptions 
and estimates are significant to the consolidated financial 
statements, are disclosed in Note 5.

The financial statements are prepared on a going concern basis 
and under the historical cost convention as modified by the 
revaluation of available-for-sale investments and derivative 
financial instruments.

Use of non-GAAP measures
The Group believes that the consistent presentation of Underlying 
profit before tax, Underlying effective tax rate, Underlying basic 
earnings per share and Underlying diluted earnings per share 
provides additional useful information to shareholders on the 
underlying trends and comparable performance of the Group 
over time. They are used by Savills for internal performance 
analysis and incentive compensation arrangements for 
employees. These terms are not defined terms under IFRS  
and may therefore not be comparable with similarly titled profit 
measures reported by other companies. They are not intended  
to be a substitute for, or superior to, GAAP measures.

82

The term ‘underlying’ refers to the relevant measure of profit, 
earnings or taxation being reported excluding the following items:

 –
 –
 –

 –

 –

 –

 –

 amortisation of intangible assets (excluding software);
 impairment of goodwill and intangible assets;
impairment of investment in available-for-sale investments, 
joint ventures or associated undertakings;
the difference between IFRS 2 charges related to in year 
profit related performance compensation subject to deferral 
and the opportunity cash cost of such compensation  
(refer to Note 8 and Note 14(b) for further explanation);
 restructuring costs that are not considered part of the normal 
course of business;
 significant acquisition costs related to business combinations; 
and
profits or losses on disposals of subsidiaries, investments  
in available-for-sale investments, joint ventures and 
associated undertakings.

Consolidation
The consolidated financial statements include those of the 
Company and its subsidiary undertakings, together with the 
Group’s share of results of its associates and joint ventures.

Subsidiaries
Subsidiaries are all entities (including special purpose entities) 
over which the Group has the power to govern the financial  
and operating policies generally accompanying a shareholding  
of more than one half of the voting rights. The existence and 
effect of potential voting rights that are currently exercisable  
or convertible are considered when assessing whether the  
Group controls another entity. The Group also assesses 
existence of control where it does not have more than 50%  
of the voting power but is able to govern the financial and 
operating policies by virtue of de-facto control. De-facto control 
may arise in circumstances where the size of the Group’s voting 
rights relative to the size and dispersion of holdings of other 
shareholders give the Group the power to govern the financial 
and operating policies.

Subsidiaries are fully consolidated from the date on which control 
is transferred to the Group. They are de-consolidated from the 
date that control ceases.

The Group applies the acquisition method of accounting to 
account for business combinations. The consideration 
transferred for the acquisition of a subsidiary is the fair values  
of the assets transferred, the liabilities incurred and the equity 
interests issued by the Group. The consideration transferred 
includes the fair value of any asset or liability resulting from  
a contingent consideration arrangement. Identifiable assets 
acquired and liabilities and contingent liabilities assumed  
in a business combination are measured initially at their fair 
values at the acquisition date. The Group recognises any  
non-controlling interest in the acquiree on an acquisition-by-
acquisition basis, either at fair value or at the non-controlling 
interest’s proportionate share of the recognised amounts of  
the acquiree’s identifiable net assets.

Acquisition related costs are expensed as incurred.

If the business combination is achieved in stages, the acquisition 
date fair value of the acquirer’s previously held equity interest in 
the acquiree is remeasured to fair value at the acquisition date 
through profit or loss.

Savills plc  Report and Accounts 2013Any contingent consideration to be transferred by the Group is 
recognised at fair value at the acquisition date. Subsequent 
changes to the fair value of the contingent consideration that is 
deemed to be an asset or liability is recognised in accordance 
with IAS 39 either in profit or loss or as a change to other 
comprehensive income. Contingent consideration that is 
classified as equity is not remeasured, and its subsequent 
settlement is accounted for within equity.

Goodwill is initially measured as the excess of the aggregate of 
the consideration transferred and the fair value of non-controlling 
interest over the net identifiable assets acquired and liabilities 
assumed. If this consideration is lower than the fair value of the 
net assets of the subsidiary acquired, the difference is recognised 
in profit or loss.

Inter-company transactions, balances, income and expenses on 
transactions between Group companies are eliminated. Profits 
and losses resulting from inter-company transactions that are 
recognised in assets are also eliminated. Accounting policies  
of subsidiaries have been changed where necessary to ensure 
consistency with the policies adopted by the Group.

Investments in subsidiaries held by the Company are held at 
cost, less any provision for impairment.

Non-controlling interests
Transactions with non-controlling interests that do not result in 
loss of control are accounted for as equity transactions – that  
is, as transactions with the owners in their capacity as owners. 
The difference between fair value of any consideration paid and 
the relevant share acquired of the carrying value of net assets of 
the subsidiary is recorded in equity. Gains or losses on disposals 
to non-controlling interests are also recorded in equity.

When the Group ceases to have control or significant influence, 
any retained interest in the entity is remeasured to its fair value, 
with the change in carrying amount recognised in profit or  
loss. The fair value is the initial carrying amount for the purpose  
of subsequently accounting for the retained interest as an 
associate, joint venture or financial asset. In addition, any 
amounts previously recognised in other comprehensive  
income in respect of that entity are accounted for as if the  
Group had directly disposed of the related assets or liabilities. 
This may mean that amounts previously recognised in other 
comprehensive income are reclassified to profit or loss.

If the ownership interest in an associate is reduced but significant 
influence is retained, only a proportionate share of the amounts 
previously recognised in other comprehensive income are 
reclassified to profit or loss where appropriate.

Associates
Associates are all entities over which the Group has significant 
influence but not control, generally accompanying a shareholding 
of between 20% and 50% of the voting rights. Investments in 
associates are accounted for using the equity method and are 
initially recognised at cost. The Group’s investment in associates 
includes goodwill (net of any accumulated impairment loss) 
identified on acquisition (see Note 17(a)).

The Group’s share of its associates’ post-acquisition profits or 
losses is recognised in the income statement and its share of 
post-acquisition movements in other comprehensive income  
is recognised in other comprehensive income. The cumulative  
post-acquisition movements are adjusted against the carrying 
amount of the investment. When the Group’s share of losses  
in an associate equals or exceeds its interest in the associate, 
including any other unsecured receivables, the Group does  
not recognise further losses unless it has incurred legal or 
constructive obligations or made payments on behalf of  
the associate.

Unrealised gains on transactions between the Group and its 
associates are eliminated to the extent of the Group’s interest  
in the associates. Unrealised losses are also eliminated unless 
the transaction provides evidence of an impairment of the  
asset transferred.

Accounting policies of associates have been aligned to ensure 
consistency with the policies adopted by the Group. Gains and 
losses on dilution of the Group’s share of equity in associates  
are recognised in the income statement.

Joint ventures
A joint venture is a contractual arrangement whereby two or  
more parties undertake an economic activity that is subject to 
joint control, which exists only when the strategic financial and 
operating decisions relating to the activity require the unanimous 
consent of the venturers. The Group’s joint ventures are 
accounted for using the equity method.

Segment reporting
Operating segments are reported in a manner consistent with  
the internal reporting provided to the chief operating decision 
maker. The chief operating decision maker, who is responsible for 
allocating resources and assessing performance of the operating 
segments, has been identified as the Group Executive Board.

A business segment is a group of assets and operations 
engaged in providing products or services that are subject to 
risks and returns that are different from those of other business 
segments. A geographical segment is engaged in providing 
products or services within a particular economic environment 
that is subject to risks and returns that are different from those  
of segments operating in other economic environments.

As the Group is strongly affected by both differences in the types 
of services it provides and the geographical areas in which it 
operates, the matrix approach of disclosing both the business 
and geographical segments formats is used.

Revenues and expenses are allocated to segments on the basis 
that they are directly attributable or the relevant portion can be 
allocated on a reasonable basis.

Foreign currency translation
– Functional and presentation currency
Items included in the financial statements of each of the  
Group’s entities are measured using the currency of the  
primary economic environment in which the entity operates  
(‘the functional currency’). The consolidated financial statements 
are presented in Sterling, which is also the Company’s functional 
and presentation currency.

83

Overview | Strategy | Performance | Governance | Financial statementsSavills plc  Report and Accounts 2013Notes to the financial statements
Year ended 31 December 2013 continued

– Transactions and balances
Foreign currency transactions are translated into the functional 
currency using the exchange rates prevailing at the dates of the 
transactions. Foreign exchange gains and losses resulting from 
the settlement of such transactions and from the translation at 
year end exchange rates of monetary assets and liabilities 
denominated in foreign currencies are recognised in the income 
statement, except when deferred in other comprehensive income 
as qualifying cash flow hedges.

Translation differences on non-monetary financial assets and 
liabilities are reported as part of the fair value gain or loss and are 
recognised in the income statement, except for available-for-sale 
equity investments, which are recognised in other comprehensive 
income. Non-monetary items carried at historical cost are 
reported using the exchange rate at the date of the transaction.

– Group entities
The assets and liabilities of foreign operations, including goodwill 
and fair value adjustments arising on consolidation, are translated 
to the Group’s presentational currency at foreign exchange rates 
ruling at the reporting date. The income and expenses of foreign 
operations are translated at an average rate for the year where 
this rate approximates to the foreign exchange rates ruling at the 
dates of the transactions. 

Goodwill is carried at cost less accumulated impairment losses. 
Separately recognised goodwill is tested annually for impairment, 
or more frequently if events or changes in circumstances indicate 
potential impairment. An impairment loss is recognised for the 
amount by which the carrying value exceeds the recoverable 
amount. The recoverable amount is the higher of value in use and 
fair value less costs of disposal. Impairment losses on goodwill 
are not reversed. 

Goodwill is allocated to cash-generating units for the purpose  
of impairment testing. The allocation is made to those cash-
generating units or groups of cash-generating units that are 
expected to benefit from the business combination in which the 
goodwill arose. The Group allocates goodwill to each business 
segment in the geographical region in which it operates (Note 15).

Gains and losses on the disposal of an entity include the carrying 
amount of goodwill relating to the entity sold.

Intangible assets other than goodwill
Intangible assets acquired as part of business combinations  
and incremental contract costs are valued at fair value  
on acquisition and amortised over the useful life. Fair value on 
acquisition is determined by third-party valuation where  
the acquisition is significant.

Exchange differences arising from this translation of foreign 
operations are taken directly to the foreign exchange reserve. 
When a foreign operation is disposed of, in part or in full, the 
relevant amount in the foreign exchange reserve is transferred  
to the income statement. 

Property, plant and equipment
Property, plant and equipment is stated at historical cost less 
accumulated depreciation and impairment. Historical cost 
includes expenditure directly attributable to acquisition.

Subsequent costs are included in the asset’s carrying amount  
or recognised as a separate asset, as appropriate, only when  
it is probable that the future economic benefits associated with 
the item will flow to the Group and the cost of the item can be 
measured reliably.

Provision for depreciation is made at rates calculated on a 
straight-line basis to write off the assets over their estimated 
useful lives as follows:

Freehold property
Short leasehold property  
(less than 50 years)
Equipment and motor vehicles

50 years
Over unexpired 
term of lease
3 – 6 years

Residual values and useful lives are reviewed and adjusted if 
appropriate, at each reporting date.

An asset’s carrying amount is written down immediately to its 
recoverable amount if the asset’s carrying amount is greater  
than its estimated recoverable amount.

Goodwill
Goodwill represents the excess of the cost of acquisition of a 
subsidiary or associate over the Group’s share of the fair value  
of identifiable net assets acquired.

In respect of associates, goodwill is included in the carrying value 
of the investment.

84

Acquired computer software licences are capitalised on the  
basis of the costs incurred to acquire and bring to use the 
specific software. Costs associated with maintaining computer 
software programs are recognised as an expense as incurred. 
Development costs that are directly attributable to the design and 
testing of identifiable and unique software products controlled by 
the Group are recognised as intangible assets when the following 
criteria are met:

 –

 –

 –
 –

 –

 –

it is technically feasible to complete the software product  
so that it will be available for use;
 management intends to complete the software product  
and use or sell it;
 there is an ability to use or sell the software product;
 it can be demonstrated how the software product will 
generate probable future economic benefits;
 adequate technical, financial and other resources to 
complete the development and to use or sell the software 
product are available; and
 the expenditure attributable to the software product during 
its development can be reliably measured.

Measurement subsequent to initial recognition is at cost less 
accumulated amortisation and impairment.

Amortisation charges are spread on a straight-line basis over the 
period of the assets’ estimated useful lives as follows:

Customer/business relationships
Brands
Investment and property management contracts
Computer software

6 – 10 years
5 years
2 – 10 years
3 – 5 years

Acquired investment management contracts relating to open-
ended funds have been attributed indefinite useful lives.

Savills plc  Report and Accounts 2013 
Impairment of other non-financial assets
Assets that have indefinite useful lives are not subject to 
amortisation or depreciation and are tested annually for 
impairment or whenever an indicator of impairment exists.  
Assets that are subject to amortisation or depreciation are 
reviewed for impairment whenever an indicator of impairment 
exists. An impairment loss is recognised to the extent that the 
carrying value exceeds the higher of the asset’s fair value less 
cost to sell and its value-in-use. Prior impairments of non-
financial assets (other than goodwill) are reviewed for possible 
reversal at each reporting date.

Value-in-use is determined using the discounted cash flow 
method, with an appropriate discount rate to reflect market rates 
and specific risks associated with the asset.

For the purposes of assessing impairment, assets are grouped  
at the lowest levels for which there are separately identifiable 
cash flows (cash-generating units). Where it is not possible to 
estimate the recoverable amount of an individual asset, the 
Group estimates the recoverable amount of the cash-generating 
unit to which the asset belongs.

Financial instruments
Financial assets and liabilities are recognised on the Group’s 
statement of financial position at fair value when the Group 
becomes party to the contractual provisions of the instrument. 
Subsequent measurement depends on the classification and is 
discussed in the following paragraphs.

Available-for-sale investments
Available-for-sale investments are stated at fair value, with 
changes in fair value being recognised in other comprehensive 
income. When such investments are disposed or become 
impaired, the accumulated gains and losses, previously 
recognised in other comprehensive income, are recognised  
in the income statement.

Trade receivables
Trade receivables are recognised initially at fair value and 
subsequently measured at amortised cost less provision for 
impairment. Receivables are discounted where the time value  
of money is material.

A provision for impairment of trade receivables is established 
when there is objective evidence that the Group will not be able 
to collect all amounts due according to the original terms of  
the receivables. Significant financial difficulties of the debtor, 
probability that the debtor will enter bankruptcy or financial 
reorganisation, and default or delinquency in payments are 
considered indicators that the trade receivable is impaired.  
The amount of the provision is the difference between the  
asset’s carrying amount and the present value of estimated 
future cash flows, discounted at the original effective interest rate.

The carrying amount of the asset is reduced through the use of 
an allowance account, and the amount of the loss is recognised 
in the income statement within ‘other operating expenses’. When 
a trade receivable is uncollected, it is written off against the 
allowance account for trade receivables. Subsequent recoveries 
of amounts previously written off are credited against ‘other 
operating expenses’ in the income statement.

Cash and cash equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents include cash in hand and deposits 
held on call with banks, together with other short-term highly 
liquid investments with original maturities of three months or  
less and working capital overdrafts, which are subject to an 
insignificant risk of changes in value. Bank overdrafts are 
included under borrowings in the statement of financial position.

Bank borrowings
Interest-bearing bank loans and overdrafts are initially  
measured at fair value, net of transaction costs incurred, and 
subsequently measured at amortised cost using the effective 
interest rate method.

Trade payables
Trade payables are initially measured at fair value and 
subsequently measured at amortised cost, using the effective 
interest rate method. Trade payables are classified as current 
liabilities if payment is due within one year or less. If not, they  
are presented as non-current liabilities.

Derivative financial instruments and hedging
Derivatives are initially recognised at fair value on the date  
a derivative contract is entered into and are subsequently 
remeasured at fair value. The method of recognising the  
resulting gain or loss depends on whether the derivative is 
designated as a hedging instrument and if so, the nature of  
the item being hedged. 

Certain derivatives do not qualify for hedge accounting. In these 
cases, changes in the fair value of all derivative instruments are 
recognised immediately in the income statement.

Offsetting financial instruments
Financial assets and liabilities are offset and the net amount 
reported in the balance sheet where there is a legally enforceable 
right to offset the recognised amounts and there is an intention to 
settle on a net basis or realise the asset and settle the liability 
simultaneously.

Share capital
Ordinary shares are classified as equity. Incremental costs 
directly attributable to the issue of new shares or options are 
shown in equity as a deduction, net of tax, from the proceeds. 
When share capital is repurchased, the amount of consideration 
paid, including directly attributable costs, is recognised as a 
charge to equity. Repurchased shares which are not cancelled, 
or shares purchased for the Employee Benefit Trust, are 
classified as treasury shares and presented as a deduction  
from total equity.

Taxation
The tax expense for the period comprises current and deferred 
tax. Tax is recognised in the income statement, except to the 
extent that it relates to items recognised in other comprehensive 
income or directly in equity. In this case, the tax is also 
recognised in other comprehensive income or directly in equity.

The current income tax charge is calculated on the basis of the 
tax laws enacted or substantively enacted at the balance sheet 
date in the countries where the company and its subsidiaries 
operate and generate taxable income. Management periodically 
evaluates positions taken in tax returns with respect to situations 
in which applicable tax regulation is subject to interpretation. It 
establishes provisions where appropriate on the basis of 
amounts expected to be paid to the tax authorities.

85

Overview | Strategy | Performance | Governance | Financial statementsSavills plc  Report and Accounts 2013Notes to the financial statements
Year ended 31 December 2013 continued

Deferred income tax is recognised, using the liability method, on 
temporary differences arising between the tax bases of assets 
and liabilities and their carrying amounts in the consolidated 
financial statements. However, deferred tax liabilities are not 
recognised if they arise from the initial recognition of goodwill; 
deferred income tax is not accounted for if it arises from the initial 
recognition of an asset or liability in a transaction other than a 
business combination that at the time of the transaction affects 
neither accounting nor taxable profit or loss. Deferred income  
tax is determined using tax rates (and laws) that have been 
enacted or substantially enacted by the balance sheet date and 
are expected to apply when the related deferred income tax 
asset is realised or the deferred income tax liability is settled.

Deferred income tax assets are recognised only to the extent  
that it is probable that future taxable profit will be available 
against which the temporary differences can be utilised.

Deferred income tax is provided on temporary differences  
arising on investments in subsidiaries and associates except  
for deferred income tax liability where the timing of the reversal  
of the temporary difference is controlled by the Group and it is 
probable that the temporary difference will not reverse in the 
foreseeable future.

Deferred income tax assets and liabilities are offset when there  
is a legally enforceable right to offset current tax assets against 
current tax liabilities and when the deferred income tax assets 
and liabilities relate to income tax levied by the same taxation 
authority on either the same taxable entity or different taxable 
entities where there is an intention to settle the balances on a  
net basis.

Pension obligations
The Group operates both defined benefit and defined 
contribution plans. A defined contribution plan is a pension plan 
under which the Group pays fixed contributions into a separate 
entity. The Group has no legal or constructive obligations to pay 
further contributions if the fund does not hold sufficient assets  
to pay all employees the benefits relating to employee service in 
the current and prior periods. A defined benefit plan is a pension 
plan that defines an amount of pension benefit that an employee 
will receive on retirement, usually dependent on one or more 
factors, such as age, years of service and compensation.

The liability recognised in the statement of financial position in 
respect of defined benefit pension plans is the present value of 
the defined benefit obligation at the reporting date less the fair 
value of plan assets. The defined benefit obligation is calculated 
annually by independent actuaries using the projected unit credit 
method. The present value of the defined benefit obligation is 
determined by discounting the estimated future cash outflows.

The defined benefit scheme charge consists of net interest  
costs, past service costs and the impact of any settlements or 
curtailments and is charged as an expense as they fall due.

All actuarial gains and losses are recognised immediately in  
other comprehensive income in the period in which they arise.

86

The Group also operates a defined contribution Group Personal 
Pension Plan for new entrants and a number of defined 
contribution individual pension plans. Contributions in respect  
of defined contribution pension schemes are charged to the 
income statement when they are payable. The Group has no 
further payment obligations once the contributions have been 
paid. Prepaid contributions are recognised as an asset to the 
extent that a cash refund or a reduction in the future payments  
is available.

The net defined benefit cost is allocated amongst participating 
Group subsidiaries on the basis of pensionable salaries.

Share-based payments
The Group operates equity-settled share-based compensation 
plans. The fair value of the employee services received in 
exchange for the grant of the options is recognised as  
an expense.

Non-market vesting conditions are included in assumptions 
about the number of options that are expected to vest. The  
total expense is recognised over the vesting period, which is the 
period over which all of the specified vesting conditions are to be 
satisfied. At the end of each reporting period, the Group revises 
its estimate of the number of options that are expected to vest 
based on the non-market vesting conditions. It recognises the 
impact of the revision to original estimates, if any, in the income 
statement, with a corresponding adjustment to equity.

All equity-settled share-based payments are measured at fair 
value at the date of grant. The fair value determined at the grant 
date of the equity-settled share-based payments is expensed  
on a straight-line basis over the vesting period, based on the 
Group’s estimate of shares that will eventually vest.

The fair value of equity-settled share-based payments is 
measured by the use of the Actuarial Binomial option pricing 
model. At each reporting date, the Group revises its estimates of 
the number of options that are expected to become exercisable. 
It recognises the impact of the revision of original estimates, if 
any, in the income statement, and a corresponding adjustment  
to equity over the remaining vesting period. The cash proceeds 
received net of any directly attributable transaction costs are 
credited to share capital (nominal value) and share premium 
when the options are exercised.

Employee Benefit Trust
The Company has established the Savills plc 1992 Employee 
Benefit Trust (the ‘EBT’), the purposes of which are to grant 
awards to employees, to acquire shares in the Company 
pursuant to the Savills Deferred Share Bonus Plan and the  
Savills Deferred Share Plan and to hold shares in the Company 
for subsequent transfer to employees on the vesting of the 
awards granted under the schemes. The assets and liabilities 
of the EBT are included in the Group statement of financial 
position. Investments in the Group’s own shares are shown  
as a deduction from equity.

Provisions
Provisions are recognised when the Group has a present legal  
or constructive obligation as a result of a past event, it is probable 
that the Group will be required to settle that obligation and the 
amount has been reliably estimated. Provisions are measured at 
the Directors’ best estimate of the expenditure required to settle 
the obligation at the reporting date and are discounted to present 
value where the effect is material.

Savills plc  Report and Accounts 2013Annual management fees are recognised, gross of costs, in the 
period to which the service has been provided, in accordance 
with the contracted fee agreements. Transaction fees are 
recognised on the date of completion of a purchase or sale 
transaction. Distribution fees are recognised on the completion  
of a signed subscription agreement and performance fees are 
recognised as earned and when approved by the fund.

– Work in progress
Work in progress generally relates to consultancy revenue and is 
stated at the lower of cost and net realisable value. Cost includes 
an appropriate proportion of overheads.

– Interest income
Interest income is recognised on a time-proportion basis using 
the effective interest method.

– Dividend income
Dividend income is recognised when the right to receive payment 
is established.

– Other income
Other income includes interest and dividend income on available-
for-sale investments plus fair value gains and losses on assets at 
fair value through profit or loss.

Leases
Leases of property, plant and equipment where the Group has 
substantially all the risks and rewards of ownership are classified 
as finance leases.

Finance lease assets are initially recognised at an amount  
equal to the lower of their fair value and the present value of the 
minimum lease payments at inception of the lease. The assets 
are then depreciated over the lower of the lease terms or the 
estimated useful lives of the assets.

The capital elements of future obligations under finance leases 
are included as liabilities in the statement of financial position. 
Leasing payments comprise capital and finance elements and 
the finance element is charged to the income statement.

The annual payments under all other lease agreements (operating 
leases) are charged to the income statement on a straight-line 
basis over the lease term. Benefits received and receivable as an 
incentive to enter into the operating lease are also spread on a 
straight-line basis over the lease term.

A lease is classified as onerous where the unavoidable costs of 
meeting the obligations under the contract exceed the economic 
benefits expected to be received under it.

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

Interim dividends are recognised when paid.

– Professional indemnity claims
Provisions on professional indemnity claims are recognised  
when it is probable that the Group will be required to settle  
claims against it as a result of a past event and the amount 
of the obligation can be reliably estimated.

– Dilapidation provisions
The Group is required to perform dilapidation repairs and  
restore properties to agreed specifications on leased properties 
prior to the properties being vacated at the end of their lease 
term. Provision for such cost is made where a legal obligation  
is identified and the liability can be reasonably quantified.

– Onerous leases
A provision is recognised where the costs of meeting the 
obligations under a lease contract exceed the economic benefits 
expected to be received and is measured as the net least cost of 
exiting the contract, being the lower of the cost of fulfilling it and 
any compensation or penalties arising from the failure to fulfil it.

– Restructuring provision
A provision is recognised when there is a present constructive 
obligation to meet the costs of restructure. This arises when  
there is a detailed formal plan for the restructuring, identifying  
at least the business or part of the business concerned,  
principal locations affected and the location, function and 
approximate number of employees to be compensated for 
terminating their services and when the plan has been 
communicated to those affected by it, raising an expectation  
that the plan will be carried out.

Revenue
Revenue comprises the fair value of the consideration received or 
receivable for the provision of services in the ordinary course of 
the Group’s activities. Revenue is shown net of value-added tax 
and amounts due to third parties and after elimination of revenue 
within the Group.

– Residential transactional fees
Generally, where contracts are unconditional, revenue is 
recognised on exchange of contracts. However, on more 
complex contracts, revenue will be recognised on the date of 
completion. On multi-unit developments, revenue is recognised 
on a staged basis, based on each contract, commencing when 
the underlying contracts are exchanged.

– Commercial transactional fees
Generally, revenue is recognised on the date of completion  
or when unconditional contracts have been exchanged.

– Property consultancy
Revenue in respect of property consultancy represents 
commissions and fees recognised on a time basis, fixed fee or 
percentage of completion. Percentage of completion is principally 
measured by the proportion of actual costs incurred in relation  
to the best estimate of total costs expected for completion of  
the contract.

– Property and facilities management
Revenue represents fees earned for managing properties and 
providing facilities and is generally recognised in the period the 
services are provided using a straight-line basis over the term  
of the contract.

– Investment management
Revenue represents commissions and fees receivable, net of 
marketing costs in accordance with the relevant fee agreements.

87

Overview | Strategy | Performance | Governance | Financial statementsSavills plc  Report and Accounts 2013Notes to the financial statements
Year ended 31 December 2013 continued

Adoption of standards, amendments and interpretations  
to standards
The following standards and amendments to published 
standards have been adopted by the Group for the first time  
for the financial year beginning 1 January 2013 and do not  
have a material impact on the Group:

 –

 –

 –

 –

 –

IAS 1 (amendment), ‘Financial statement presentation’, 
regarding other comprehensive income. These amendments 
require entities to group items presented in other 
comprehensive income on the basis of whether they are 
potentially reclassifiable to profit or loss subsequently 
(reclassification adjustments). The adoption of this amendment 
does not impact the Group’s profit or net assets.
IAS 19 (amendment), ‘Employee benefits’, amends the 
accounting for employee benefits. The Group has applied 
the standard retrospectively in accordance with the transition 
provisions of the standard. These amendments change a 
number of disclosure requirements for post-employment 
arrangements and restrict the options previously available  
on how to account for defined benefit pension plans. The 
most significant change that has impacted the Group is the 
amendment that requires the expected returns on pension 
plan assets, previously calculated based on management’s 
estimate of expected returns, to be replaced by a credit on 
the pension plan assets calculated at the liability discount 
rate. The impact to the Group of the adoption of the revised 
IAS 19 results in an additional pre-tax charge to the income 
statement for the year ended 31 December 2012 of £2.2m 
(post-tax charge of £1.7m) and additional post-tax income 
recognised in other comprehensive income of £1.7m. The 
change does not impact the Group’s net assets. The 2012 
figures have been restated. 
IFRS 7 (amendment), ‘Financial instruments: Disclosures’, 
regarding asset and liability offsetting. The amendment 
includes new disclosures to facilitate comparison between 
those entities that prepare IFRS financial statements to those 
that prepare financial statements in accordance with US 
GAAP. The adoption of this amendment does not impact  
the Group’s profit or net assets.
 IFRS 13, ‘Fair value measurement’, the standard aims to 
improve consistency and reduce complexity by providing a 
precise definition of fair value and a single source of fair value 
measurement and disclosure requirements for use across 
IFRSs. The requirements do not extend the use of fair value 
accounting but provide guidance on how it should be 
applied. The adoption of this amendment does not impact 
the Group’s profit or net assets.
 IAS 1 (amendment), ‘Financial statement presentation’, 
distinguishes between minimum required comparative 
information and voluntary additional comparative information. 
The adoption of this amendment does not impact the 
Group’s profit or net assets.

Other standards, amendments and interpretations mandatorily 
effective for the first time for the financial year beginning  
1 January 2013 and not discussed above are not relevant  
to the Group.

 –

 –

 –

 –

 –

 –

 –

 –

 IFRS 10, ‘Consolidated financial statements’ including 
amendments, effective for accounting periods beginning on 
or after 1 January 2014. The standard establishes principles 
for the presentation and preparation of consolidated financial 
statements when an entity controls one or more other 
entities. It defines the principle of control and establishes  
this as the basis for consolidation. The standard is not 
expected to have a material impact on the Group.
 IFRS 11, ‘Joint arrangements’, including amendments, 
effective for accounting periods beginning on or after  
1 January 2014. The standard defines two types of joint 
arrangements: joint operations and joint ventures, based on 
the rights and obligations of the parties to the arrangement. 
Proportional consolidation of joint ventures will no longer be 
allowed and must be accounted for using the equity method. 
The standard is not expected to have a material impact on 
the Group.
 IFRS 12, ‘Disclosures of interests in other entities’, including 
amendments, effective for accounting periods beginning  
on or after 1 January 2014. The standard sets out the 
disclosure requirements for all forms of interests in other 
entities, including joint arrangements, associates, special 
purpose vehicles and other off balance sheet vehicles.
 IAS 27 (amendment), ‘Separate financial statements’, 
includes the provisions on separate financial statements  
that are left after the control provisions of IAS 27 have been 
included in the new IFRS 10. The amendment is effective  
for accounting periods beginning on or after 1 January 2014 
and is not expected to have a material impact on the Group.
 IAS 28 (amendment), ‘Investments in associates and joint 
ventures’, includes requirements for joint ventures, as well  
as associates, to be equity accounted following the issue of 
IFRS 11. The amendment is effective for accounting periods 
beginning on or after 1 January 2014 and is not expected  
to have a material impact on the Group.
 IAS 32 (amendment), ‘Financial instruments: Presentation’, 
regarding asset and liability offsetting, effective for 
accounting periods beginning on or after 1 January 2014. 
These amendments clarify some of the requirements for 
offsetting financial assets and financial liabilities on the 
balance sheet and are not expected to have a material 
impact on the Group.
 IAS 36 (amendment), ‘Impairment of assets’, regarding 
recoverable amount disclosures, effective for accounting 
periods beginning on or after 1 January 2014. This 
amendment addresses the disclosure of information  
about the recoverable amount of impaired assets if that 
amount is based on fair value less costs of disposal.
 IFRS 9, ‘Financial instruments’, including amendments.  
This standard is the first step in the process to replace  
IAS 39, ‘Financial instruments: recognition and 
measurement’. The mandatory effective date has been 
deferred by the IASB and has been left open pending the 
finalisation of the impairment and classification and 
measurement requirements. Early adoption is permitted, 
however, the standard has not yet been endorsed by  
the EU. The Group has yet to assess IFRS 9’s full impact.

The following standards and amendments to published 
standards are mandatory for accounting periods beginning on  
or after 1 January 2014, and have not been early adopted:

Other standards, amendments and interpretations not yet 
effective and not discussed above are not relevant to the Group 
or have not yet been endorsed by the EU. 

88

Savills plc  Report and Accounts 20133. Financial risk management
Financial risk factors
The Group’s activities expose it to a variety of financial risks.  
The Group has in place a risk management programme that 
seeks to limit the adverse effects on the financial performance  
of the Group. Occasionally, the Group uses financial instruments 
to manage foreign currency and interest rate risk.

The treasury function is responsible for implementing risk 
management policies applied by the Group and has a policy and 
procedures manual that sets out specific guidelines on financial 
risks and the use of financial instruments to manage these.

Foreign exchange risk
The Group operates internationally and is exposed to foreign 
exchange risks primarily with respect to the Euro, Hong Kong 
dollar and US dollar. Foreign exchange risk arises from future 
commercial transactions, recognised assets and liabilities and 
net investments in foreign operations. The Group may finance 
some overseas investments through the use of foreign currency 
borrowings. The Group does not actively seek to hedge risks 
arising from foreign currency translations due to their non-cash 
nature and the high costs associated with such hedging; 
however when there is a material committed foreign currency 
exposure the foreign exchange risk will be hedged.

The sensitivity analysis has been prepared for the major 
currencies to which the Group is exposed. The movements in 
these currencies over the last three years has been considered 
and it has been concluded that a 5 – 10% movement in rates is  
a reasonable benchmark.

For the year ended 31 December 2013, if the average currency 
conversion rates against Sterling for the year had changed with 
all other variables held constant, the Group post tax profit for the 
year would have increased or decreased as shown below:

Movement of currency against Sterling
–10.0% –5.0% +5.0% +10.0%

£m
2013
Estimated impact on post-tax profit
Euro
Hong Kong dollar
US dollar
Estimated impact on components of equity
Euro
Hong Kong dollar
US dollar

3.0
(11.4)
(2.8)

0.1
(0.5)
0.2

2012
Estimated impact on post-tax profit
Euro
Hong Kong dollar
US dollar
Estimated impact on components of equity
Euro
Hong Kong dollar
US dollar

4.0
(10.3)
(0.5)

0.8
(0.8)
0.2

–
(0.2)
0.1

1.6
(6.0)
(1.5)

0.4
(0.4)
0.1

2.1
(5.4)
(0.3)

–
0.3
(0.1)

(1.7)
6.6
1.6

(0.1)
0.6
(0.2)

(3.6)
13.9
3.4

(0.5)
0.4
(0.1)

(2.3)
6.0
0.3

(1.0)
0.9
(0.3)

(4.9)
12.6
0.6

Interest rate risk
The Group has both interest-bearing assets and liabilities. The 
Group finances its operations through a mixture of retained 
profits and bank borrowings, at both fixed and floating interest 
rates. Borrowings issued at variable rates expose the Group cash 
flow to interest rate risk, which is partially offset by cash held at 
variable rates. Borrowings issued at fixed rates expose the Group 
to fair value interest rate risk. Group policy is to maintain at least 
70% of its borrowings in fixed rate instruments.

For the year ended 31 December 2013, if the average interest 
rate for the year had changed with all other variables held 
constant, the Group’s post-tax profit for the year and equity 
would have increased or decreased as shown below:

£m
2013
Estimated impact on  
post-tax profit and equity
2012
Estimated impact on  
post-tax profit and equity

£m
2013
Estimated impact on  
post-tax profit and equity
2012
Estimated impact on  
post-tax profit and equity

Increase in interest rates
+0.5% +1.0% +1.5% +2.0%

0.3

0.5

0.8

1.0

0.1

0.2

0.3

0.5

Decrease in interest rates
–0.5% –1.0% –1.5% –2.0%

(0.3)

(0.5)

(0.6)

(0.6)

(0.1)

(0.2)

(0.3)

(0.3)

The rationale behind the 2.0% sensitivity analysis is based upon 
historic trends in interest rate movements and the short-term 
expectation that any increase or decrease greater than 2.0% is 
unlikely to occur.

Credit risk
Credit risk arises from cash and cash equivalents, available-for-
sale investments, derivative financial instruments and deposits 
with banks and financial institutions, as well as credit exposures 
to clients, including outstanding receivables and committed 
transactions. The Group has policies that require appropriate 
credit checks on potential customers before engaging with them. 
A risk control framework is used to assess the credit quality of 
clients, taking into account financial position, past experience 
and other factors.

Individual risk limits for banks and financial institutions are set 
based on external ratings and in accordance with limits set by  
the Board. The utilisation of credit limits is regularly monitored.

As at the reporting date, no significant credit risk existed in 
relation to banking counterparties. No credit limits were 
exceeded during the reporting period, and management  
does not expect any losses from non-performance by these 
counterparties. There were no other significant receivables or 
individual trade receivable balances as at 31 December 2013. 
Refer to Note 19 for information on the credit quality of trade 
receivables and the maximum exposure to credit risk arising on 
outstanding receivables from clients.

89

Overview | Strategy | Performance | Governance | Financial statementsSavills plc  Report and Accounts 2013Notes to the financial statements
Year ended 31 December 2013 continued

The table below shows Group cash balances split by 
counterparty ratings at the reporting date:

Counterparty rating (provided by S&P)
AA–
A+
A
A–
BBB+ or below
Total

2013
£m
37.8
7.7
57.8
0.7
18.2
122.2

2012
£m
52.6
16.4
12.2
0.1
11.5
92.8

Liquidity risk
The Group maintains appropriate committed facilities to ensure 
the Group has sufficient funds available for operations and 
expansion. The Group prepares an annual funding plan approved 
by the Board which sets out the Group’s expected financing 
requirements for the next 12 months.

Management monitors rolling forecasts of the Group’s liquidity 
reserve (comprising undrawn borrowing facilities (Note 23) and 
cash and cash equivalents (Note 20)) on the basis of expected 
cash flow. This is carried out at local level in the operating 
companies of the Group in accordance with Group practice  
as well as on a Group consolidated basis.

The table below analyses the Group’s financial liabilities and  
net-settled derivative financial liabilities into relevant maturity 
groupings based on the remaining period from the reporting  
date to the contractual maturity date. The amounts disclosed in 
the table are the contractual undiscounted cash flows. Amounts 
due within 12 months and non-current amounts both equal their 
carrying balances, as the impact of discounting is not significant.

£m
2013
Borrowings
Trade and other payables

£m
2012
Borrowings
Finance leases
Derivative financial instruments
Trade and other payables

Less than
1 year

Between
1 and 2 years

Between
2 and 5 years

6.8
231.0
237.8

3.0
–
3.0

–
0.2
0.2

Less than
1 year

Between
1 and 2 years

Between
2 and 5 years

1.1
0.1
0.1
206.3
207.6

–
–
–
0.4
0.4

–
–
–
0.2
0.2

Capital risk management
The Group’s objectives when managing capital are:

 –

 –

 to safeguard the Group’s ability to provide returns for 
shareholders and benefits for other stakeholders; and
 to maintain an optimal capital structure to reduce the  
cost of capital.

Savills plc is not subject to any externally imposed capital 
requirements, with the exception of its FCA (Financial Conduct 
Authority) regulated entities, which complied with all capital 
requirements during the year ended 31 December 2013. For 
more information on FCA capital adequacy requirements,  
please visit www.cordeasavills.com.

In order to maintain an optimal capital structure, the Group may 
adjust the amount of dividends paid to shareholders, return 
capital to shareholders, issue new shares or sell assets to  
reduce debt.

The Board has put in place a distribution policy which takes  
into account the degree of maintainability of Savills different  
profit streams and the Group’s overall exposure to cyclical 
Transaction Advisory profits, as well as the requirement to 
maintain a certain level of cash resources for working capital and 
corporate development purposes. The Board will recommend an 
ordinary dividend broadly reflecting the profits derived from the 
Group’s less volatile businesses. In addition, when profits from 
the cyclical Transaction Advisory business are strong, the Board 
will consider and, if appropriate, recommend the payment of a 
supplemental dividend alongside the final ordinary dividend. The 
value of any such supplemental dividend will vary depending on 
the performance of the Group’s Transaction Advisory business 
and the Group’s anticipated working capital and corporate 
development requirements through the cycle. It is intended that, 
in normal circumstances, the combined value of the ordinary and 
supplemental dividends declared in respect of any year are 
covered at least 1.5 times by statutory retained earnings and/or 
at least 2.0 times by underlying profits after taxation.

The Group’s policy is to borrow centrally if required to meet 
anticipated funding requirements. These borrowings, together 
with cash generated from operations, are then on-lent or 
contributed as equity to certain subsidiaries. The Board of 
Directors monitors a number of debt measures on a rolling 
forward 12-month basis including gross cash by location; gross 
debt by location; cash subject to restrictions; total debt servicing 
cost to operating profit; gross borrowings as a percentage of 
EBITDA (earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and 
amortisation); and forecast headroom against available facilities. 
These internal measures indicate the levels of debt that the 
Group has and are closely monitored to ensure compliance with 
banking covenants and to confirm that the Group has sufficient 
unused facilities.

The capital structure is as follows:

£m
Equity

Cash and cash 
equivalents
Bank overdrafts
Borrowings
Net cash

Group

Company

2013
270.8

2012
233.1

2013
148.1

2012
123.1

122.2
–
(9.8)
112.4

92.8
(0.1)
(1.1)
91.6

70.9
–
–
70.9

21.2
–
–
21.2

90

Savills plc  Report and Accounts 2013Categories of financial instruments

Financial assets:
Available-for-sale investments
Trade and other receivables
Derivative financial instruments
Cash and cash equivalents
Total financial assets

Financial liabilities:
Borrowings
Derivative financial instruments
Trade and other payables
Total financial liabilities

Available-
for-sale 
financial 
assets
2013
£m

Financial 
assets at 
amortised 
cost
2013
£m

Held for
trading
2013
£m

–
–
0.1
–
0.1

14.8
–
–
–
14.8

–
207.7
–
122.2
329.9

Total
carrying
amount
2013
£m

14.8
207.7
0.1
122.2
344.8

Financial 
liabilities at 
amortised 
cost
2013
£m

Held for
trading
2013
£m

–
–
–
–

9.8
–
80.5
90.3

Available-
for-sale
 financial 
assets
2012
£m

Financial 
assets at 
amortised 
cost
2012
£m

Held for
trading
2012
£m

–
–
–
–
–

Total
carrying
amount
2013
£m

9.8
–
80.5
90.3

15.0
–
–
–
15.0

Held for
trading
2012
£m

–
0.1
–
0.1

–
192.8
–
92.8
285.6

Financial 
liabilities at 
amortised 
cost
2012
£m

1.2
–
83.7
84.9

Total
carrying
amount
2012
£m

15.0
192.8
–
92.8
300.6

Total
carrying
amount
2012
£m

1.2
0.1
83.7
85.0

Fair value estimation
The following table presents the Group’s assets and liabilities that are measured at fair value at 31 December 2013:

£m
2013
Assets
Available-for-sale investments
– Unlisted
Derivative financial instruments
Total assets
Liabilities
Derivative financial instruments
Total liabilities

Level 1

Level 2

Level 3

Total

–
–
–

–
–

14.8
0.1
14.9

–
–

–
–
–

–
–

14.8
0.1
14.9

–
–

The following table presents the Group’s assets and liabilities that are measured at fair value at 31 December 2012:

£m
2012
Assets
Available-for-sale investments
– Unlisted
Total assets
Liabilities
Derivative financial instruments
Total liabilities

Level 1

Level 2

Level 3

Total

–
–

–
–

15.0
15.0

0.1
0.1

–
–

–
–

15.0
15.0

0.1
0.1

The fair value of unlisted available-for-sale investments is determined using valuation techniques using observable market data  
where available and rely as little as possible on entity estimates. The fair value of investment funds is based on underlying asset 
values determined by the Fund Manager’s audited annual financial statements. The fair value of other unlisted investments is based 
on price earnings models. These instruments are included in Level 2.

The fair value of derivative financial instruments is determined by using valuation techniques using observable market data. The fair 
value of derivative financial instruments is based on the market value of similar instruments with similar maturities. These instruments 
are included in Level 2.

If one or more of the significant inputs is not based on observable market data, the instrument is included in Level 3.

Level 1 instruments are those whose fair values are based on quoted market prices. The Group has no Level 1 instruments.

91

Savills plc  Report and Accounts 2013Overview | Strategy | Performance | Governance | Financial statementsGross amounts 
of recognised 
financial 
liabilities set off 
in the statement 
of financial 
position

Net amounts 
of financial 
assets 
presented in 
the statement 
of financial
 position

Gross amounts 
of recognised 
financial assets

249.2
249.2

(127.0)
(127.0)

122.2
122.2

Gross amounts 
of recognised 
financial 
liabilities set off 
in the statement 
of financial 
position

Net amounts 
of financial 
assets 
presented in 
the statement 
of financial
 position

Gross amounts 
of recognised 
financial assets

172.0
172.0

(79.2)
(79.2)

92.8
92.8

Gross amounts 
of recognised 
financial 
assets set off 
in the statement 
of financial 
position

Net amounts 
of financial 
liabilities 
presented in 
the statement 
of financial
 position

Gross amounts 
of recognised
financial 
liabilities

127.0
127.0

(127.0)
(127.0)

–
–

Gross amounts 
of recognised 
financial 
assets set off 
in the statement 
of financial 
position

Net amounts 
of financial 
liabilities 
presented in 
the statement 
of financial
 position

Gross amounts 
of recognised
financial 
liabilities

79.3
79.3

(79.2)
(79.2)

0.1
0.1

Notes to the financial statements
Year ended 31 December 2013 continued

4(a). Offsetting financial assets
The following financial assets are subject to offsetting:

£m
As at 31 December 2013
Cash and cash equivalents
Total

£m
As at 31 December 2012
Cash and cash equivalents
Total

4(b). Offsetting financial liabilities
The following financial liabilities are subject to offsetting:

£m
As at 31 December 2013
Bank overdrafts
Total

£m
As at 31 December 2012
Bank overdrafts
Total

92

Savills plc  Report and Accounts 2013Estimated impairment of assets
The Group tests annually whether goodwill has suffered any 
impairment. All other assets are tested for impairment where 
there are indicators of impairment.

The recoverable amounts of cash-generating units have been 
determined based on value-in-use calculations. The use of this 
method requires the estimate of future cash flows expected to 
arise from the continuing operation of the cash-generating unit 
and the choice of a suitable discount rate in order to calculate  
the present value. Actual outcomes could vary significantly from 
these estimates. The estimates used in these financial statements 
are contained in Note 15.

Valuation of intangible assets and useful life
The Group has made assumptions in relation to the potential 
future cash flows to be determined from separable intangible 
assets acquired as part of business combinations. This 
assessment involves assumptions relating to potential future 
revenues, appropriate discount rates and the useful life of such 
assets. These assumptions impact the income statement over 
the useful life of the intangible asset.

Provisions 
The Group and its subsidiaries are party to various legal claims. 
Provisions made within these financial statements and further 
details are contained in Note 25(a). Additional claims could be 
made which might not be covered by existing provisions or by 
insurance as detailed in Note 29.

Critical judgements in applying the entity’s accounting policies
The application of the Group’s accounting policies may require 
management to make judgements, apart from those involving 
estimates, that can affect the amounts recognised in the 
consolidated financial statements. Such judgements include:

Award of options and deferred shares to employees
The Group applies judgement in deciding the proportion of the 
available bonus pool to be awarded to employees under its long-
term share-based incentive scheme. The Group’s current policy 
is to deduct from the bonus pool an amount equal to the market 
value of the share price on the date of award. Under IFRS, the 
value of award is spread over the vesting period and charged to 
the income statement. 

5. Critical accounting estimates and  
management judgements
Critical accounting estimates and assumptions
Estimates and judgements are continually evaluated and are 
based on historical experience, current market conditions  
and other factors including expectations of future events  
that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances.  
Actual results may differ from these estimates. Changes in 
accounting estimates may be necessary if there are changes  
in circumstances on which the estimate was based, or as a  
result of new information or more experience. The estimates and 
assumptions that have a significant risk of causing a material 
adjustment to the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities  
within the next financial year are discussed below.

Pension benefits
The present value of the defined benefit pension obligations 
depends on a number of factors that are determined on an 
actuarial basis using a number of assumptions including the 
discount rate. Any changes in these assumptions will impact  
the carrying amount of pension obligations. The Group 
determines the appropriate discount rate at the end of each  
year. In determining the appropriate discount rate, the Group 
considers the interest rates of high-quality corporate bonds  
that are denominated in the currency in which the benefits will  
be paid and that have terms to maturity approximating the  
terms of the related pension liability. Other key assumptions  
for pension obligations are based in part on current market 
conditions. Additional information is disclosed in Note 10.

Income taxes
The Group is subject to income taxes in numerous jurisdictions. 
Judgement is required in determining the provision for income 
taxes. There are transactions and calculations for which the 
ultimate tax determination is uncertain. Where the final tax 
outcome of these matters is different from the amounts that  
were initially recorded, such differences will impact the income 
tax and deferred tax provisions in the period in which such 
determination is made.

Deferred taxes
The recognition of deferred tax assets is based upon whether  
it is probable that sufficient and suitable taxable profits will be 
available in the future, against which the reversal of temporary 
differences can be deducted. Recognition, therefore, involves 
judgement regarding the future financial performance of the 
particular legal entity or tax group in which the deferred tax asset 
has been recognised, especially with regard to the extent that 
future taxable profits will be available against which losses can  
be utilised. Additional information is disclosed in Note 18.

Fair value of options granted to employees
The Group uses the Binomial Model in determining the fair  
value of options granted to employees under the Group’s  
various schemes as detailed in the Remuneration report. 
Information on such assumptions is contained in Note 27.  
The alteration of these assumptions may impact charges  
to the income statement over the vesting period of the award.

93

Savills plc  Report and Accounts 2013Overview | Strategy | Performance | Governance | Financial statementsNotes to the financial statements
Year ended 31 December 2013 continued

6. Segment analysis
Operating segments reflect internal management reporting to the Group’s chief operating decision maker, defined as the Group 
Executive Board (GEB). The operating segments are determined based on differences in the nature of their services. Geographical 
location also strongly affects the Group and both are therefore disclosed. The reportable operating segments derive their revenue 
primarily from property related services. Refer to the Group overview on page 1 and the Segmental reviews on pages 17 to 25  
for further information on revenue sources.

Operations are based in four main geographical areas. The UK is the home of the parent Company with segment operations 
throughout the region. Asia Pacific segment operations are based in Hong Kong, Macau, China, Korea, Japan, Taiwan, Thailand, 
Singapore, Vietnam and Australia. Continental Europe segment operations are based in Germany, France, Spain, Netherlands, 
Belgium, Sweden, Italy, Ireland and Poland. America segment operations are based in New York. The sales location of the client  
is not materially different from the location where fees are received and where the segment assets are located.

Within the UK, both commercial and residential services are provided. Other geographical areas, although largely commercial based, 
also provide residential services, in particular Hong Kong, China, Vietnam, Singapore, Australia, Taiwan and Thailand.

The GEB assesses the performance of operating segments based on a measure of underlying profit before tax which adjusts 
reported pre-tax profit by profit on disposals, share-based payment adjustment, restructuring costs, amortisation and impairment  
of goodwill and intangible assets (excluding software) and impairment of available-for-sale investments, joint ventures or associated 
undertakings. Segmental assets and liabilities are not measured or reported to the GEB, but non-current assets are disclosed 
geographically on page 95.

The segment information provided to the GEB for revenue and profits for the year ended 31 December 2013 is as follows:

2013
Revenue
United Kingdom – commercial

– residential

Total United Kingdom
Continental Europe
Asia Pacific – commercial

– residential

Total Asia Pacific*
United States
Total revenue
Underlying profit/(loss) before tax
United Kingdom – commercial

– residential

Total United Kingdom
Continental Europe
Asia Pacific – commercial

– residential

Total Asia Pacific
United States
Underlying profit/(loss) before tax**

Transaction 
Advisory 
£m

Consultancy
£m

Property and
Facilities
Management
£m

Investment 
Management
£m

Other
£m

Total
£m

73.4
118.0
191.4
38.0
99.3
22.7
122.0
6.8
358.2

10.3
19.0
29.3
(3.0)
16.6
5.9
22.5
(1.6)
47.2

115.6
33.1
148.7
15.6
27.3
–
27.3
–
191.6

9.4
4.9
14.3
1.4
1.9
–
1.9
–
17.6

73.2
23.0
96.2
27.7
205.1
–
205.1
–
329.0

6.5
2.3
8.8
(2.3)
11.1
–
11.1
–
17.6

26.0
–
26.0
–
–
–
–
–
26.0

2.9
–
2.9
–
–
–
–
–
2.9

–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–

(10.1)
–
(10.1)
–
–
–
–
–
(10.1)

288.2
174.1
462.3
81.3
331.7
22.7
354.4
6.8
904.8

19.0
26.2
45.2
(3.9)
29.6
5.9
35.5
(1.6)
75.2

94

Savills plc  Report and Accounts 2013 
 
 
 
The segment information provided to the GEB for revenue and profits for the year ended 31 December 2012 is as follows:

2012 (restated)
Revenue
United Kingdom – commercial

– residential

Total United Kingdom
Continental Europe
Asia Pacific – commercial

– residential

Total Asia Pacific*
United States
Total revenue
Underlying profit/(loss) before tax
United Kingdom – commercial

– residential

Total United Kingdom
Continental Europe
Asia Pacific – commercial

– residential

Total Asia Pacific
United States
Underlying profit/(loss) before tax**

Transaction 
Advisory 
£m

Consultancy
£m

Property and
Facilities
Management
£m

Investment 
Management
£m

Other
£m

Total
£m

60.4
97.0
157.4
29.6
98.4
18.5
116.9
6.1
310.0

6.5
14.2
20.7
(6.0)
14.6
4.6
19.2
(2.1)
31.8

104.2
28.1
132.3
12.3
27.6
–
27.6
–
172.2

8.1
3.5
11.6
(0.5)
2.9
–
2.9
–
14.0

65.2
20.6
85.8
28.3
186.5
–
186.5
–
300.6

5.5
2.4
7.9
(0.5)
10.5
–
10.5
–
17.9

23.5
–
23.5
–
–
–
–
–
23.5

3.6
–
3.6
–
–
–
–
–
3.6

0.1
–
0.1
–
–
–
–
–
0.1

(8.7)
–
(8.7)
–
–
–
–
–
(8.7)

253.4
145.7
399.1
70.2
312.5
18.5
331.0
6.1
806.4

15.0
20.1
35.1
(7.0)
28.0
4.6
32.6
(2.1)
58.6

*  Revenues of approximately £156.1m (2012: £153.8m) are attributable to the Hong Kong and Macau region.
** 

 Transaction Advisory underlying profit before tax includes depreciation of £2.9m (2012: £2.7m), software amortisation of £0.4m (2012: £0.3m) and share of post-tax 
profit from associates and joint ventures of £3.9m (2012: £4.5m). Consultancy underlying profit before tax includes depreciation of £1.5m (2012: £1.3m), software 
amortisation of £0.3m (2012: £0.1m) and share of post-tax profit from associates and joint ventures of £0.1m (2012: £nil). Property and Facilities Management 
underlying profit before tax includes depreciation of £2.2m (2012: £2.3m), software amortisation of £0.4m (2012: £0.3m) and share of post-tax profit from associates 
and joint ventures of £3.1m (2012: £2.6m). Investment management underlying profit before tax includes depreciation of £0.1m (2012: £0.1m), software amortisation  
of £0.1m (2012: £nil) and share of post-tax profit from associates and joint ventures of £nil (2012: £nil). Included in Other underlying profit is depreciation of £0.9m 
(2012: £0.8m), software amortisation of £0.6m (2012: £0.6m) and share of post-tax profit from associates and joint ventures of £0.1m (2012: £nil).

The Other segment includes costs and other expenses at holding company and subsidiary levels, which are not directly attributable 
to the operating activities of the Group’s business segments.

A reconciliation of underlying profit before tax to profit before tax is provided in Note 8.

Inter-segmental revenue is not material.

Non-current assets by geography are set out below:

Non-current assets
United Kingdom
Continental Europe
Asia Pacific
United States
Total non-current assets

2013 
£m

2012
£m

79.6
43.2
62.9
15.5
201.2

63.9
43.5
63.3
16.3
187.0

Non-current assets include goodwill and intangible assets, plant, property and equipment and investments in joint ventures and 
associates. Available-for-sale investments, non-current receivables and deferred tax assets are not included.

95

Savills plc  Report and Accounts 2013Overview | Strategy | Performance | Governance | Financial statements 
 
 
 
Notes to the financial statements
Year ended 31 December 2013 continued

7(a). Operating profit
Operating profit is stated after charging/(crediting):

Other operating expenses include:
– Net foreign exchange losses (excluding net gains on forward foreign exchange contracts)
– Net gain on forward foreign exchange contracts
– Provision for receivables impairment
– Restructuring costs*
– Loss on sale of property, plant and equipment
– Operating lease costs
– Impairment of available-for-sale investment (Note 17(b))

Other income – dividend and investment income

Group

2013 
£m

0.4
(0.1)
6.8
5.2
0.4
31.8
–

2012
£m 

0.2
(0.1)
3.6
4.0
0.1
27.3
1.2

(0.4)

(0.5)

* 

 Restructuring costs include onerous lease and related property costs of £3.8m (2012: £2.9m), staff costs of £1.2m (2012: £0.4m) and legal and other costs of  
£0.2m (2012: £0.7m).

7(b). Income Statement of the Company
As permitted by Section 408 of the Companies Act 2006, the income statement and statement of comprehensive income of the 
Company are not presented as part of these financial statements. The Company has produced its own income statement and 
statement of comprehensive income for approval by its Board. The Company receives dividends from subsidiaries and charges 
subsidiaries for the provision of Group-related services. The profit after income tax of the Company for the year was £44.6m  
(2012 (restated): £0.8m loss).

7(c). Fees payable to the Company’s auditor, PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, and its associates

Audit services
Fees payable to the Company’s auditors for the audit of parent Company
Fees payable to the Company’s auditors for the audit of the Company’s subsidiaries

Other services
Other assurance services
Tax advisory services
Tax compliance services
Advisory services*

Total

* 

 Primarily services relating to transaction advisory related matters.

Group

2013 
£m

2012
£m 

0.2
0.7
0.9

0.1
0.1
0.1
0.3
0.6
1.5

0.1
0.8
0.9

0.1
0.2
0.3
0.1
0.7
1.6

96

Savills plc  Report and Accounts 20138. Underlying profit before tax

Reported profit before tax
Adjustments:
Amortisation of intangible assets (excluding software) (Note 15)
Impairment of available-for-sale investment (Note 17(b))
Share-based payment adjustment
Restructuring costs
Loss/(profit) on disposal of available-for-sale investment (Note 17(b))
Underlying profit before tax

2013
£m
70.1

2.1
–
(2.5)
5.2
0.3
75.2

2012
(restated)
£m
52.0

2.4
1.2
0.7
4.0
(1.7)
58.6

The Directors regard the above adjustments necessary to give a fair picture of the underlying results of the Group for the year.

The adjustment for share-based payment relates to the impact of the accounting standard for share-based compensation.  
The annual bonus is paid in a mixture of cash and deferred shares and the proportions can vary from one year to another.  
Under IFRS the deferred share element is amortised to the income statement over the vesting period whilst the cash element  
is expensed in the year. The adjustment above addresses this by adding to or deducting from profit the difference between the  
IFRS 2 charge and the effective value of the annual share award in order better to match the underlying staff costs in the year  
with the revenue recognised in the same period.

Restructuring costs of £4.6m (2012: £4.0m) were recognised as a result of the merger of the two UK businesses. This included  
the vacant property costs incurred in advance of the occupation of the new headquarters at 33 Margaret Street. Restructuring costs 
of £0.6m (2012: £nil) were recognised as a result of the closure of an office in Italy.

9(a). Employee benefits expense – Staff and Directors

Basic salaries and wages
Profit share and commissions
Wages and salaries
Social security costs
Other pension costs
Share-based payments

9(b). Staff numbers
The monthly average number of employees (including Directors) for the year was:

United Kingdom
Continental Europe
Asia Pacific
United States

Group

2013
£m
328.2
168.9
497.1
44.9
18.0
10.4
570.4

2012
(restated) 

£m
309.5
137.5
447.0
38.6
17.9
10.4
513.9

Group

2013
3,718
845
21,691
33
26,287

2012
3,503
817
20,657
39
25,016

The average number of UK employees (including Directors) during the year included 160 employed under fixed-term and temporary 
contracts (2012: 128).

97

Savills plc  Report and Accounts 2013Overview | Strategy | Performance | Governance | Financial statementsNotes to the financial statements
Year ended 31 December 2013 continued

9(c). Key management compensation

Key management
– Short-term employee benefits
– Post-employment benefits
– Share-based payments

Group

2013
£m

14.0
0.2
2.8
17.0

2012
£m

15.7
0.5
2.3
18.5

The key management of the Group for the year ended 31 December 2013 comprised Executive Directors and the GEB members. 
Details of Directors’ remuneration is contained in the Remuneration report on pages 65 to 71.

During the year eight (2012: seven) GEB members made aggregate gains totalling £3.7m (2012: £1.2m) on the exercise of options 
under the DSBP, DSP, ESOP and Sharesave Schemes.

Retirement benefits under the defined benefit scheme are accruing for three (2012: three) GEB members and benefits are accruing 
under a defined contribution scheme in Hong Kong for two (2012: two) GEB members.

10. Pension scheme
Defined contribution plans
The Group operates the Savills UK Group Personal Pension Plan, a defined contribution scheme, a number of defined contribution 
individual pension plans and a Mandatory Provident Fund Scheme in Hong Kong, to which it contributes. The total pension charges 
in respect of these plans were £18.0m (2012: £17.9m). The amount outstanding as at 31 December 2013 in relation to defined 
contribution schemes is £1.1m (2012: £1.4m).

Defined benefit plan 
The Pension Plan of Savills (the ‘Plan’) provided final salary pension benefits to some employees, but was closed with regard to future 
service-based benefit accrual with effect from 31 March 2010. From 1 April 2010, pension benefits for former employees of the Plan 
are provided through the Group’s defined contribution Personal Pension Plan.

The assets of the scheme are held separately from those of the Group, and invested in managed fund units. The contributions are 
determined by an independent qualified actuary on the basis of triennial valuations.

A full actuarial valuation is currently being carried out as at 31 March 2013 and has been updated to 31 December 2013 by a qualified 
independent actuary. 

The table below outlines the Group’s and Company’s defined benefit pension amounts:

Liability in the statement of financial position
Income statement charge included in finance costs
Actuarial gains included in other comprehensive income

The amounts recognised in the statement of financial position are as follows:

Present value of funded obligations
Fair value of plan assets
Liability recognised in the statement of financial position

Group

Company

 2013
£m
12.7
1.1
7.0

2012
£m
27.9
1.6
2.1

2013
£m
0.7
0.1
0.4

Group

Company

 2013
£m
189.0
(176.3)
12.7

2012
£m
179.6
(151.7)
27.9

2013
£m
10.4
(9.7)
0.7

2012
£m
1.5
–
0.1

2012
£m
9.9
(8.4)
1.5

98

Savills plc  Report and Accounts 2013The movement in the defined benefit obligation over the year is as follows:

At 1 January 2013 (restated)
Interest expense/(income)
Remeasurements:
–  Return on plan assets, excluding amounts included in interest  

income

– Loss from change in financial assumptions
– Loss from change in demographic assumptions
– Experience gains
Employer contributions
Benefit payments
At 31 December 2013 

At 1 January 2012 (restated)
Interest expense/(income)
Remeasurements:
–  Return on plan assets, excluding amounts included in interest  

income

– Loss from change in financial assumptions
– Experience gains
Employer contributions
Benefit payments
At 31 December 2012 (restated)

The significant actuarial assumptions were as follows:

Significant actuarial assumptions at 31 December
Expected rate of salary increases
Rate of increase to pensions in payment
– accrued before 6 April 1997
– accrued after 5 April 1997
– accrued after 5 April 2005
Rate of increase to pensions in deferment
– accrued before 6 April 2001
– accrued after 5 April 2001
– accrued after 5 April 2009
Discount rate
Inflation assumption

Present 
value of 
obligation
£m
179.6
8.2

Group

Fair 
value of 
plan assets
£m 
(151.7)
(7.1)

–
6.3
2.4
(5.6)
–
(1.9)
189.0

(10.1)
–
–
–
(9.3)
1.9
(176.3)

Present 
value of 
obligation
£m
164.6
8.0

Group

Fair 
value of 
plan assets
£m 
(129.0)
(6.4)

–
10.9
(1.6)
–
(2.3)
179.6

(11.4)
–
–
(7.2)
2.3
(151.7)

Present 
value of
 obligation
£m
9.9
0.5

Company
Fair 
value of 
plan assets
£m
(8.4)
(0.4)

–
0.3
0.1
(0.3)
–
(0.1)
10.4

(0.5)
–
–
–
(0.5)
0.1
(9.7)

Present 
value of
 obligation
£m
9.1
0.4

Company
Fair 
value of 
plan assets
£m 
(7.1)
(0.4)

–
0.6
(0.1)
–
(0.1)
9.9

(0.6)
–
–
(0.4)
0.1
(8.4)

Total
£m
27.9
1.1

(10.1)
6.3
2.4
(5.6)
(9.3)
–
12.7

Total
£m
35.6
1.6

(11.4)
10.9
(1.6)
(7.2)
–
27.9

Total
£m
1.5
0.1

(0.5)
0.3
0.1
(0.3)
(0.5)
–
0.7

Total
£m
2.0
–

(0.6)
0.6
(0.1)
(0.4)
–
1.5

Group

2013

2012
3.85% 4.50%

3.00% 3.00%
3.50% 3.00%
2.40% 2.30%

5.00% 5.00%
2.50% 2.40%
2.50% 2.40%
4.50% 4.60%
3.50% 3.00%

Assumptions regarding future mortality are set based on actuarial advice in accordance with published statistics and experience. 
These assumptions translate into an average life expectancy in years for a pensioner retiring at age 60:

Retiring at the end of the reporting period

Retiring 20 years after the end of the reporting period

– Male
– Female
– Male
– Female

Group

2013
88.6
89.8
90.5
91.8

2012
88.1
89.3
89.6
90.9

99

Savills plc  Report and Accounts 2013Overview | Strategy | Performance | Governance | Financial statementsNotes to the financial statements
Year ended 31 December 2013 continued

The sensitivity of the defined benefit obligation to changes in the principal assumptions is:

0.1% increase in discount rates
0.1% increase in inflation rate
0.1% increase in salary increase rate
1 year increase in life expectancy

Impact on present value 
of scheme obligations
£m
(4.0)
1.7
0.8
5.1

The above sensitivity analysis is based on a change in an assumption holding all other assumptions constant. In practice, this is 
unlikely to occur, and changes in some of the assumptions may be correlated. 

Plan assets are comprised as follows:

Equity instruments
Diversified growth funds
Bonds
Cash and cash equivalents
Total

2013

2012

Quoted
£m
74.1
51.2
49.6
1.4
176.3

%
42%
29%
28%
1%
100%

Quoted
£m
61.8
42.4
46.9
0.6
151.7

%
41%
28%
31%
–
100%

No plan assets are the Group’s own financial instruments or property occupied or used by the Group.

Through the defined benefit plan, the Group is exposed to a number of risks, the most significant of which are detailed below:

Asset volatility
The plan liabilities are calculated using a discount rate set with reference to corporate bond yields; if plan assets underperform this 
yield, this will create a deficit. The Plan holds a significant proportion of equities and diversified growth funds, which are expected  
to outperform corporate bonds in the long-term while providing volatility and risk in the short-term.

Changes in bond yields
A decrease in corporate bond yields will increase plan liabilities, although this will be partially offset by an increase in the value of  
the Plan’s bond holdings.

Inflation risk
Higher inflation will lead to higher liabilities. The majority of the Plan’s assets are either unaffected by or are loosely correlated with 
inflation, meaning that an increase in inflation will also increase the deficit.

Life expectancy
The majority of the Plan’s obligations are to provide benefits for the life of the member, so increases in life expectancy will result in  
an increase in the Plan’s liabilities. 

Expected contributions to post-employment benefit plans for the year ending 31 December 2014 are £10.0m. The Company expects 
to contribute £0.6m.

The weighted average duration of the defined benefit obligation is 23 years.

Expected maturity analysis of the undiscounted pension benefits:

At 31 December 2013
Pension benefit payments

11. Finance income and costs

Bank interest receivable
Fair value gain – interest rate swaps
Finance income
Bank interest payable
Net interest on defined benefit pension obligation
Finance costs
Net finance cost

100

Less than
 a year
£m
2.1

Between 
1 – 2 years
£m
2.4

Between 
2 – 5 years
£m
9.1

Over 
5 years
£m
624.7

Total
£m
638.3

Group

2013
£m
1.1
0.1
1.2
(0.7)
(1.1)
(1.8)
(0.6)

2012
(restated)
£m
1.1
0.1
1.2
(0.9)
(1.6)
(2.5)
(1.3)

Savills plc  Report and Accounts 201312. Income tax expense

Analysis of tax expense for the year
Current tax
United Kingdom:
Corporation tax on profits for the year
Adjustment in respect of prior years

Foreign tax
Adjustment in respect of prior years
Total current tax
Deferred tax
Representing:
United Kingdom
Effect of change in UK tax rate on deferred tax
Foreign tax
Adjustment in respect of prior years
Total deferred tax (Note 18)
Income tax expense

Group

2013
£m

2012
(restated)
£m

12.9
(0.2)
12.7

8.7
(0.7)
20.7

(2.9)
1.2
(0.5)
0.2
(2.0)
18.7

12.2
0.8
13.0

6.8
(0.2)
19.6

(5.0)
0.6
(1.2)
0.9
(4.7)
14.9

The weighted average applicable UK corporation tax rate was 23.25% (2012: 24.5%) due to the reduction of the UK corporation  
tax rate from 24% to 23% which was effective from 1 April 2013. The tax on the Group’s profit before tax differs from the theoretical 
amount that would arise using the weighted average tax rate applicable to Group profits. The tax for the year is higher (2012: higher) 
than the weighted average rate of 23.25% (2012: 24.5%). The total tax charge on profit can be reconciled to the accounting profit  
as follows:

Profit before tax

Tax on profit at 23.25% (2012: 24.5%)
Effects of:
Adjustment in respect of prior years
Adjustments in respect of foreign tax rates
Utilisation of previously unprovided tax losses
Impact of falling/(rising) share price compared to the fair value of share awards/options at date of grant
Income not subject to tax
Non-deductible tax losses
Expenses and other charges not deductible for tax purposes
Tax on joint ventures and associates
Effect of change in UK tax rate on deferred tax
Income tax expense on profit

Group

2013
£m
70.1

2012
(restated)
£m
52.0

16.3

12.8

(0.7)
(1.0)
(0.4)
0.1
(0.2)
2.0
3.1
(1.7)
1.2
18.7

1.5
(1.7)
(1.1)
(0.9)
(0.1)
1.4
3.8
(1.4)
0.6
14.9

The effective tax rate of the Group for the year ended 31 December 2013 is 26.7% (2012 (restated): 28.7%).

The Finance Act 2013 substantively enacted on 2 July 2013 included legislation reducing the UK corporation tax rate from 23% to 
21% with effect from 1 April 2014 and to 20% from 1 April 2015.

Deferred tax expected to reverse in the year ended 31 December 2014 has been remeasured using the effective rate that is expected 
to apply in the year (21.25%) and at 20.25% to 20% for reversals expected after that date.

101

Savills plc  Report and Accounts 2013Overview | Strategy | Performance | Governance | Financial statementsNotes to the financial statements
Year ended 31 December 2013 continued

The tax (charged)/credited to other comprehensive income is as follows:

Tax on items that will not be reclassified to profit or loss
Deferred tax charge on pension actuarial gains

Tax on items that may subsequently be reclassified to profit or loss
Current tax credit on employee benefits
Current tax (charge)/credit on foreign exchange reserves
Current tax credit on retirement benefits
Deferred tax on additional pension contributions
Deferred tax on pension – effect of tax rate change
Deferred tax (charge)/credit on employee benefits
Deferred tax charge on revaluations of available-for-sale investments
Deferred tax credit on foreign exchange reserves

Tax on items relating to components of other comprehensive income

13. Dividends – Group and Company

Amounts recognised as distribution to owners in the year:
Ordinary final dividend for 2012 of 6.7p per share (2011: 6.35p)
Supplemental interim dividend for 2012 of 6.0p per share (2011: 4.0p)
Interim dividend of 3.5p per share (2012: 3.3p)

Group

Company

2013
£m

(1.7)
(1.7)

4.0
(0.1)
2.1
(2.1)
(0.2)
(0.6)
(0.2)
0.1
3.0
1.3

2012
(restated)
£m

(0.5)
(0.5)

2.5
0.2
1.7
(1.7)
(0.6)
(0.5)
(0.2)
–
1.4
0.9

2013
£m

(0.2)
(0.2)

0.5
–
0.1
–
–
0.3
–
–
0.9
0.7

 2013
£m

8.5
7.6
4.5
20.6

2012
£m

(0.1)
(0.1)

–
–
0.1
–
–
0.2
–
–
0.3
0.2

2012
£m

7.8
5.0
4.1
16.9

The Board recommends a final dividend of 7.0p (net) per ordinary share (amounting to £9.0m) is paid, alongside the supplemental 
interim dividend of 8.5p per ordinary share (amounting to £11.0m), to be paid on 21 May 2014 to shareholders on the register at  
22 April 2014. These financial statements do not reflect this dividend payable.

Under the terms of the Savills plc 1992 Employee Benefit Trust (the ‘EBT’), the Trustee has waived all but 0.01p of any dividend  
on each share held by the Trust. 

The total paid and recommended ordinary and supplemental dividends for the 2013 financial year comprises an aggregate 
distribution of 19.0p per ordinary share (2012: 16.0p per ordinary share).

14(a). Basic and diluted earnings per share
Basic earnings per share (‘EPS’) are based on the profit attributable to owners of the Company and the weighted average number  
of ordinary shares in issue during the year, excluding the shares held by the EBT, 5,525,661 shares (2012: 7,183,049 shares).

For diluted earnings per share, the weighted average number of ordinary shares in issue is adjusted to assume conversion of  
dilutive potential ordinary shares, being the share options granted to employees where the exercise price is less than the average 
market price of the Company’s ordinary shares during the year and where performance conditions have been met.

The earnings and the shares used in the calculations are as follows:

Basic earnings per share
Effect of additional shares issuable under option
Diluted earnings per share

2013 
Earnings
£m
50.8
–
50.8

2013
Shares
million
127.7
5.6
133.3

2013
EPS
pence
39.8
(1.7)
38.1

2012 
Earnings
(restated)
£m
36.8
–
36.8

2012
Shares
million
124.8
5.7
130.5

2012
EPS
(restated)
pence
29.4
(1.2)
28.2

102

Savills plc  Report and Accounts 201314(b). Underlying basic and diluted earnings per share
Excludes profit on disposals, share-based payment adjustment, impairment and amortisation of goodwill and intangible assets 
(excluding software), impairment of available-for-sale investment and associate undertaking and restructuring costs.

Basic earnings per share
Amortisation of intangible assets (excluding software) after tax
Impairment of available-for-sale investment after tax
Share-based payment adjustment after tax
Restructuring costs after tax
Loss/(profit) on disposal of available-for-sale investment after tax
Underlying basic earnings per share
Effect of additional shares issuable under option
Underlying diluted earnings per share

2013 
Earnings
£m
50.8
1.7
–
(1.8)
4.1
0.3
55.1
–
55.1

2013
Shares
million
127.7
–
–
–
–
–
127.7
5.6
133.3

2013
EPS
pence
39.8
1.3
–
(1.4)
3.2
0.2
43.1
(1.7)
41.4

2012 
Earnings
(restated)
£m
36.8
1.9
1.2
0.5
3.2
(1.3)
42.3
–
42.3

2012
Shares
million
124.8
–
–
–
–
–
124.8
5.7
130.5

2012
EPS
(restated)
pence
29.4
1.5
1.0
0.4
2.6
(1.0)
33.9
(1.5)
32.4

The Directors regard the above adjustments necessary to give a fair picture of the underlying results of the Group for the year.  
The adjustment for share-based payment relates to the impact of the accounting standard for share-based compensation.

The annual bonus is paid in a mixture of cash and deferred shares and the proportions can vary from one year to another. Under 
IFRS the deferred share element is amortised to the income statement over the vesting period whilst the cash element is expensed 
in the year. The adjustment above addresses this by adding to or deducting from profit the difference between the IFRS 2 charge  
and the effective value of the annual share award in order better to match the underlying staff costs in the year with the revenue 
recognised in the same period.

The gross amounts of the above adjustments (Note 8) are amortisation of intangible assets (excluding software) £2.1m (2012: £2.4m), 
impairment of available-for-sale investment of £nil (2012: £1.2m), share-based payment adjustment £2.5m credit (2012: £0.7m charge), 
restructuring costs of £5.2m (2012: £4.0m) and loss on disposals of £0.3m (2012: profit of £1.7m).

15. Goodwill and intangible assets

Acquired goodwill and intangible assets
Cost
At 1 January 2013
Additions through business combinations (Note 17(e))
Other additions
Disposals
Exchange movement
At 31 December 2013
Accumulated amortisation and impairment
At 1 January 2013
Amortisation charge for the year
Disposals
Exchange movement
At 31 December 2013
Net book value
At 31 December 2013

Customer/
business
relationships 
£m

Investment
and property
management 
contracts
£m

Goodwill
£m

Computer
software
£m

179.3
1.3
–
–
(2.5)
178.1

42.6
–
–
(0.1)
42.5

135.6

20.5
–
0.2
–
–
20.7

13.6
1.8
–
–
15.4

5.3

11.8
–
–
–
(0.4)
11.4

6.1
0.3
–
(0.3)
6.1

14.6
–
2.3
(1.5)
(0.2)
15.2

10.1
1.8
(1.5)
(0.1)
10.3

Group

Company

Total
£m

226.2
1.3
2.5
(1.5)
(3.1)
225.4

72.4
3.9
(1.5)
(0.5)
74.3

Total
£m

4.7
–
0.3
(1.6)
–
3.4

2.9
0.5
(0.9)
–
2.5

5.3

4.9

151.1

0.9

All intangible amortisation charges in the year are disclosed on the face of the income statement. The Company’s intangible assets 
consist of computer software only.

103

Savills plc  Report and Accounts 2013Overview | Strategy | Performance | Governance | Financial statements 
Notes to the financial statements
Year ended 31 December 2013 continued

Acquired goodwill and intangible assets
Cost
At 1 January 2012
Additions through business combinations
Initial recognition of deferred tax on intangible assets
Other additions
Disposals
Derecognition of fully amortised intangible assets
Exchange movement
At 31 December 2012
Accumulated amortisation and impairment
At 1 January 2012
Amortisation charge for the year
Disposals
Derecognition of fully amortised intangible assets
Exchange movement
At 31 December 2012
Net book value
At 1 January 2012
At 31 December 2012

Goodwill
£m

179.5
2.5
0.2
–
–
–
(2.9)
179.3

43.9
–
–
–
(1.3)
42.6

135.6
136.7

Customer/
business
relationships 
£m

Investment
and property
management 
contracts
£m

Computer
software
£m

Group

Company

Total
£m

223.7
3.6
0.2
3.1
(0.4)
(0.8)
(3.2)
226.2

71.2
3.7
(0.4)
(0.8)
(1.3)
72.4

12.2
–
–
3.0
(0.4)
–
(0.2)
14.6

9.3
1.3
(0.4)
–
(0.1)
10.1

2.9
4.5

152.5
153.8

Total
£m

3.8
–
–
0.9
–
–
–
4.7

2.4
0.5
–
–
–
2.9

1.4
1.8

21.2
0.7
–
–
–
(0.8)
(0.6)
20.5

12.8
2.0
–
(0.8)
(0.4)
13.6

8.4
6.9

10.8
0.4
–
0.1
–
–
0.5
11.8

5.2
0.4
–
–
0.5
6.1

5.6
5.7

During the year, goodwill and intangible assets were tested for impairment in accordance with IAS 36. Goodwill and intangible assets 
are allocated to the Group’s cash-generating units (CGUs) identified according to country of operation and business segment. In 
most cases, the CGU is an individual subsidiary or operation and these have been separately assessed and tested. A segment-level 
summary of the allocation of goodwill and indefinite useful life intangible assets is presented below:

2013
United Kingdom
Continental Europe
Asia Pacific
United States
Total goodwill and indefinite life intangible assets

2012
United Kingdom
Continental Europe
Asia Pacific
United States
Total goodwill and indefinite life intangible assets

Transaction 
Advisory
£m
25.6
31.7
10.6
14.4
82.3

Consultancy 
£m
9.8
–
4.0
–
13.8

Transaction 
Advisory
£m
24.9
24.9
11.2
14.7
75.7

Consultancy 
£m
10.2
1.1
3.0
–
14.3

Property and
Facilities 
Management 
£m
4.5
5.3
28.0
–
37.8

Property and
Facilities 
Management 
£m
4.9
10.5
29.7
–
45.1

Investment 
Management 
£m
4.0
–
–
–
4.0

Investment 
Management 
£m
3.6
–
–
–
3.6

Total 
£m
43.9
37.0
42.6
14.4
137.9

Total 
£m
43.6
36.5
43.9
14.7
138.7

Method of impairment testing
All recoverable amounts were determined based on value-in-use calculations. These calculations use discounted cash flow 
projections based on financial budgets and strategic plans approved by management covering a five-year period. Cash flows  
beyond the five-year period are extrapolated using a terminal value. There was no impairment charge for goodwill and intangible 
assets arising from the annual impairment tests conducted (2012: £nil).

Assumptions
Market recovery
In each case the models used assume that the property markets in which the Group operates (which drive its revenue growth)  
will continue to improve during 2014 and remain stable beyond this. 

104

Savills plc  Report and Accounts 2013 
Discount rate
The discount rate applied to cash flows of each CGU is based on the Group’s Weighted Average Cost of Capital (WACC). WACC is 
the average cost of sources of financing (debt and equity), each of which is weighted by its respective use.

Key inputs to the WACC calculation are the risk free rate, the equity market risk premium (the return that Savills shares provide  
over the risk free rate), beta (reflecting the risk of the Group relative to the market as a whole) and the Group’s borrowing rates.

Group WACC was adjusted for risk relative to the country in which the assets were located. The risk-adjusted pre-tax discount  
range of rates used in each region for impairment testing are as follows:

United Kingdom
Continental Europe
Asia Pacific
United States

 2013
Pre-tax discount rate range
10.9%
10.9%
9.3% – 21.0%
10.9%

2012
Pre-tax discount rate range
10.9%
10.9 – 11.9%
9.5 – 21.3%
12.9%

Long-term growth rate
To forecast beyond the five years covered by detailed forecasts, a terminal value was calculated, using average long-term growth 
rates. The long-term growth rates used to calculate terminal values ranged from 1.5% – 5.6% (2012: 1.5%). The rates are based on 
the long-term growth rate in the countries in which the Group operates.

Sensitivity to changes in assumptions
The level of impairment is a reflection of best estimates in arriving at value-in-use, future growth rates and the discount rate applied  
to cash flow projections. Nonetheless, there are no CGUs which management considers a reasonable possible change in a key 
assumption would give rise to an impairment, apart from the Group’s US business. In the US business, the recoverable amount 
calculated based on value-in-use exceeded carrying value by 56.7%. The value-in-use calculation is sensitive to achievement of 2014 
budget and future revenue growth rate assumptions. If 2014 revenue is 20% below budget or if assumed future revenue growth rates 
decreased by 750bps per annum the available headroom would be reduced to nil.

Future impairments on goodwill and intangible assets relating to any of the Group’s investments may be impacted by the  
following factors:

Market conditions – the timing and growth expectations for further market improvements are key assumptions in the determination  
of the cash flow projections. For the purposes of the impairment tests, management expects the market to continue to improve from 
2014 onwards.

Cost base – the cost base assumptions reflect 2013’s costs with limited growth in the fixed cost base going forward. Commissions 
and profit shares are correlated to the Group’s revenue and profits and the percentage payout. These are assumed to be consistent 
with existing rates.

16. Property, plant and equipment

Group
Cost
At 1 January 2013
Additions through business combinations (Note 17(e))
Additions
Disposals
Exchange movement
At 31 December 2013
Accumulated depreciation and impairment
At 1 January 2013
Charge for the year
Impairment
Disposals
Exchange movement
At 31 December 2013
Net book value
At 31 December 2013

Freehold 
property 
£m

Short
 leasehold 
property
£m

Equipment 
and motor 
vehicles 
Owned
£m

Equipment 
and motor 
vehicles 
Leased
£m

0.1
–
–
–
–
0.1

–
–
–
–
–
–

20.6
–
14.8
(2.4)
–
33.0

12.9
2.0
–
(2.3)
–
12.6

50.8
0.1
8.5
(4.4)
(0.8)
54.2

40.1
5.6
0.1
(4.0)
(0.5)
41.3

0.1
–
–
(0.1)
–
–

0.1
–
–
(0.1)
–
–

Total
£m

71.6
0.1
23.3
(6.9)
(0.8)
87.3

53.1
7.6
0.1
(6.4)
(0.5)
53.9

0.1

20.4

12.9

–

33.4

The Directors consider that the fair value of property, plant and equipment approximates carrying value.

105

Savills plc  Report and Accounts 2013Overview | Strategy | Performance | Governance | Financial statementsNotes to the financial statements
Year ended 31 December 2013 continued

Group
Cost
At 1 January 2012
Additions
Disposals
Exchange movement
At 31 December 2012
Accumulated depreciation and impairment
At 1 January 2012
Charge for the year
Disposals
Exchange movement
At 31 December 2012
Net book value
At 1 January 2012
At 31 December 2012

Company
Cost
At 1 January 2013
Additions
Disposals
At 31 December 2013
Accumulated depreciation and impairment
At 1 January 2013
Charge for the year
Disposals
At 31 December 2013
Net book value
At 31 December 2013

Company
Cost
At 1 January 2012
Additions
Disposals
At 31 December 2012
Accumulated depreciation and impairment
At 1 January 2012
Charge for the year
Disposals
At 31 December 2012
Net book value
At 1 January 2012
At 31 December 2012

Freehold 
property 
£m

Short
 leasehold 
property
£m

Equipment 
and motor 
vehicles 
Owned
£m

Equipment 
and motor 
vehicles 
Leased
£m

0.1
–
–
–
0.1

–
–
–
–
–

0.1
0.1

18.4
3.2
(0.9)
(0.1)
20.6

11.9
1.8
(0.8)
–
12.9

6.5
7.7

53.7
4.5
(6.7)
(0.7)
50.8

41.9
5.4
(6.5)
(0.7)
40.1

11.8
10.7

0.1
–
–
–
0.1

0.1
–
–
–
0.1

–
–

Freehold
property
£m

Short
Leasehold
Property
£m

Equipment
and motor
vehicles
£m

Total
£m

72.3
7.7
(7.6)
(0.8)
71.6

53.9
7.2
(7.3)
(0.7)
53.1

18.4
18.5

Total
£m

6.8
14.0
(14.9)
5.9

4.5
0.9
(2.1)
3.3

0.1
–
–
0.1

–
–
–
–

0.1

1.4
11.8
(12.8)
0.4

0.2
–
–
0.2

0.2

5.3
2.2
(2.1)
5.4

4.3
0.9
(2.1)
3.1

2.3

2.6

Freehold
property
£m

Short
Leasehold
Property
£m

Equipment
and motor
vehicles
£m

0.1
–
–
0.1

–
–
–
–

0.1
0.1

0.8
1.2
(0.6)
1.4

0.8
–
(0.6)
0.2

–
1.2

9.5
0.5
(4.7)
5.3

8.2
0.8
(4.7)
4.3

1.3
1.0

Total
£m

10.4
1.7
(5.3)
6.8

9.0
0.8
(5.3)
4.5

1.4
2.3

During the year the Company disposed of £12.8m (2012: £nil) of short leasehold property assets to a subsidiary company. 

106

Savills plc  Report and Accounts 2013 
17(a). Group – Investments in joint ventures and associated undertakings

Cost or valuation
At 1 January 2013
Additions
Loans advanced
Loans repaid
Exchange movement
At 31 December 2013
Share of profit
At 1 January 2013
Group’s share of retained profit
Dividends received
Exchange movement
At 31 December 2013
Total
At 31 December 2013

Cost or valuation
At 1 January 2012
Additions
Loans repaid
Disposals
Exchange movement
At 31 December 2012
Share of profit
At 1 January 2012
Group’s share of retained profit
Dividends received
Disposals
Exchange movement
At 31 December 2012
Total
At 31 December 2012

 Joint ventures

Investment
£m

Loans
£m

Associated undertakings
Goodwill
£m

Investment
£m

Total
£m

Total
£m

2.4
0.4
–
–
(0.2)
2.6

5.3
3.0
(4.0)
–
4.3

2.5
–
0.3
(0.3)
–
2.5

–
–
–
–
–

4.9
0.4
0.3
(0.3)
(0.2)
5.1

5.3
3.0
(4.0)
–
4.3

1.9
–
0.1
–
(0.2)
1.8

2.4
4.2
(1.3)
(0.1)
5.2

0.2
0.1
–
–
–
0.3

–
–
–
–
–

2.1
0.1
0.1
–
(0.2)
2.1

2.4
4.2
(1.3)
(0.1)
5.2

6.9

2.5

9.4

7.0

0.3

7.3

 Joint ventures

Investment
£m

Loans
£m

2.2
0.4
–
(0.1)
(0.1)
2.4

3.4
2.5
(0.9)
0.4
(0.1)
5.3

3.3
–
(0.4)
(0.4)
–
2.5

–
–
–
–
–
–

Total
£m

5.5
0.4
(0.4)
(0.5)
(0.1)
4.9

3.4
2.5
(0.9)
0.4
(0.1)
5.3

Associated undertakings
Goodwill
£m

Investment
£m

2.1
0.1
(0.3)
–
–
1.9

2.8
4.6
(5.1)
–
0.1
2.4

–
0.2
–
–
–
0.2

–
–
–
–
–
–

Total
£m

2.1
0.3
(0.3)
–
–
2.1

2.8
4.6
(5.1)
–
0.1
2.4

7.7

2.5

10.2

4.3

0.2

4.5

In relation to the Group’s interests in joint ventures, the assets, liabilities, income and expenses are shown below:

Current assets
Non-current assets
Current liabilities
Non-current liabilities
Net assets
Revenue
Expenses
Income tax
Share of post-tax profit from joint ventures

2013
£m
15.9
4.7
(11.8)
(1.9)
6.9
21.3
(17.4)
(0.9)
3.0

2012
£m
13.1
6.4
(9.8)
(2.0)
7.7
21.7
(18.8)
(0.4)
2.5

107

Savills plc  Report and Accounts 2013Overview | Strategy | Performance | Governance | Financial statementsNotes to the financial statements
Year ended 31 December 2013 continued

In relation to the Group’s associated undertakings, the assets, liabilities, income and expenses are shown below:

Current assets
Non-current assets
Current liabilities
Non-current liabilities
Net assets
Revenue
Expenses
Income tax
Share of post-tax profit from associates

2013
£m
13.8
1.0
(7.7)
(0.1)
7.0
51.4
(46.4)
(0.8)
4.2

2012
£m
9.4
1.2
(6.3)
–
4.3
54.0
(48.4)
(1.0)
4.6

The joint ventures and associates have no significant liabilities to which the Group is exposed, nor has the Group any significant 
contingent liabilities or capital commitments in relation to its interests in the joint ventures and associates.

Group 
2013 
£m
15.0
0.2
(2.3)
1.8
–
0.1
14.8

2.0
0.6
2.8
0.1
9.0
0.3
14.8

Group 
2013
 £m
5.4
9.1
0.3
14.8

Group 
2012 
£m
14.4
1.0
–
0.2
(0.3)
(0.3)
15.0

0.9
0.6
2.7
0.1
10.3
0.4
15.0

Group 
2012 
£m
4.2
10.4
0.4
15.0

17(b). Available-for-sale investments

At 1 January
Additions
Disposals
Net fair value gain transferred to other comprehensive income
Impairment through the income statement
Exchange movement
At 31 December
Available-for-sale investments comprise the following:
Unlisted securities  UK – equity securities

UK – limited partnership
UK – investment funds
European – limited partnerships
European – investment funds
Asia Pacific – equity securities

Available-for-sale investments are denominated in the following currencies:

Sterling
Euro
Other

108

Savills plc  Report and Accounts 2013 
 
 
 
 
 
At 31 December 2013, the Group held the following principal available-for-sale investments:

Investment
SPF Private Clients Limited (registered in England and Wales)

Holding

Principal activity

19.99% General insurance, mortgage broking  

and personal financial planning services

Pinnacle Regeneration Group Limited (registered in England and Wales)
Cordea Savills Dawn Syndication LP (registered in England and Wales)
Cordea Savills Student Hall Fund (registered in Jersey)
Cordea Savills Italian Opportunities Fund 1 (registered in Luxembourg)*
Cordea Savills Italian Opportunities Fund 2 (registered in Luxembourg)
Serviced Land No. 2 LP (registered in England and Wales)
Cordea Savills German Retail Fund (registered in Luxembourg)
Cordea Savills Nordic Retail Fund (registered in Luxembourg)
Cordea Savills UK Property Ventures No. 1 LP (registered in England and Wales) 4.15% UK land investment fund
Prime London Residential Development Fund (registered in England and Wales)

3.03% Social housing services
3.50% Investment property fund
2.03% Student accommodation property fund
2.81% Investment property fund
1.34% Investment property fund
1.97% UK land investment fund
1.94% Retail investment property fund
11.33% Retail investment property fund

3.19% London Residential Development Fund

*  This holding relates to Class C ordinary shares. The Group also holds 100% of Class A1 preference shares and 4.0% of Class B preference shares in this fund.

An impairment charge of £nil (2012: £0.3m, in addition to £0.9m of losses transferred from equity into the income statement) was 
recognised directly in the income statement.

In October 2013 the Group recognised a loss on disposal of £0.3m in relation to its shareholding in Cordea Savills Italian 
Opportunities Fund 1, following a capital distribution received in advance of the fund being liquidated. 

The Group does not exert significant influence over these businesses, and therefore does not equity account for these investments. 
These shareholdings are treated as trade investments and held at fair value.

The fair value of unlisted securities is based on underlying asset values and price earnings models. The fair value of investment funds 
is determined by the Fund Manager’s annual audited financial statements.

At 31 December 2013 the Group held conditional commitments to co-invest £0.4m (2012: £0.5m) in the Cordea Savills UK Property 
Ventures Fund No. 1 LP, £0.1m (2012: £0.1m) in the Cordea Savills Italian Opportunities Fund 2, £nil (2012: £0.2m) in the Cordea 
Savills Italian Opportunities Fund 1 and £0.5m in the Prime London Residential Development Fund (2012: £0.5m).

The Company made no available-for-sale investments during the year (2012: £nil).

17(c). Company – Investments in subsidiaries

Cost
At 1 January 2012
Loans repaid
Disposals
Exchange movement
At 31 December 2012
Loans advanced
Loans repaid
Exchange movement
At 31 December 2013

Shares
in Group
undertaking
£m

Loans
to Group
undertaking
£m

22.4
–
(0.1)
–
22.3
–
–
–
22.3

103.6
(21.6)
–
(0.4)
81.6
2.3
(27.0)
0.3
57.2

Total
£m

126.0
(21.6)
(0.1)
(0.4)
103.9
2.3
(27.0)
0.3
79.5

109

Savills plc  Report and Accounts 2013Overview | Strategy | Performance | Governance | Financial statementsNotes to the financial statements
Year ended 31 December 2013 continued

17(d). Investments in subsidiaries, joint ventures and associated undertakings
The principal subsidiaries, joint ventures and associated undertakings of the Group which, in the Directors’ opinion principally affect 
the figures shown in the financial statements, are shown below together with details of their main activities. Except where otherwise 
noted, they are wholly-owned, have share capital wholly comprised of ordinary shares, are registered in England and Wales, operate 
in the UK and are consolidated into the Group financial statements. Holding interests are the same as voting interests.

A full list of the Group’s subsidiaries, joint ventures and associated undertakings is available from the registered office of Savills plc.

Main activities
Holding
Investment management
100%
Property agency, consultants and management
100%
Property buying company
100%
Asset manager
100%
Property consultants
100%
Property consultants
100%
Property consultants
100%
100%
Property consultants
99.97% Property consultants
Property consultants
100%
Property consultants
87%
Property consultants
100%
Project management
100%
Facilities management
70%
Property consultants
100%
Property consultants
70%
Mixed practice agency, valuation and research
100%

Subsidiary undertakings
Cordea Savills LLP*+
Savills (UK) Limited*
Prime Purchase Limited*
Cordea Savills Investment Management Limited*
Savills LLC*++ (registered in the US)
Savills Commercial (Ireland) Limited* (registered in Ireland)
Savills Consultores Inmobiliarios SA* (registered in Spain)
Savills Immobilien Beratungs GmbH* (registered in Germany)
Savills SA* (registered in France)
Savills Italy SRL* (registered in Italy)
Savills Nederland Holding BV* (registered in the Netherlands)
Savills Sweden AB* (registered in Sweden)
Förvaltningsaktiebolaget Stadsmuren* (registered in Sweden)
Loudden Bygg-och Fastighetsservice AB* (registered in Sweden)
Savills Spolka z Organiczona* (registered in Poland)
Savills Belux Group SA (registered in Belgium)
Savills (Hong Kong) Limited* (registered in Hong Kong)
Savills Valuation and Professional Services Limited* (registered in 
Valuation and research
Hong Kong)
100%
Property management
100%
Savills Property Management Limited* (registered in Hong Kong)
Property management
Guardian Property Management Limited* (registered in Hong Kong) 100%
Property management and agency
100%
Savills (Singapore) Pte Limited* (registered in Singapore)
Property management and agency
Savills Japan KK* (registered in Japan)
100%
Property management
Savills Property Services (Shanghai) Co Limited* (registered in China)100%
Property management
100%
Savills Property Services (Beijing) Co Limited* (registered in China)
Property management
100%
Savills Korea Asset Management Limited* (registered in Korea)
Property agency and consultants
100%
Savills Korea Co. Limited* (registered in Korea)
Property management and agency
98%
Savills (Vietnam) Limited* (registered in BVI)
Property agency, consultants and management
100%
Savills (Thailand) Limited* (registered in Thailand)
Property agency and consultants
100%
Savills (Taiwan) Limited* (registered in Taiwan)
100%
Savills (Myanmar) Limited* (registered in Myanmar)
Property agency, consultants and management
96.19% Property agency, consultants and management
Savills (Aust) Pty Limited* (registered in Australia)
Joint ventures
GES Holdings Limited* (Macau)
Associated undertakings
Hutton Asia Pte Ltd* (Singapore)

Property management

Property agency

50%

48%

 Shares/interests held indirectly by the Company.
 Limited Liability Partnership.

* 
+ 
++   Limited Liability Company.

17(e). Acquisitions of subsidiaries
During the year, the Group obtained effective control and consolidated some small businesses in China. These businesses provide 
real estate and land valuation services and will open up this market in mainland China for the Group. Goodwill of £1.3m has been 
determined, and is attributable to industry reputation and synergies the Group expects to gain.

For these businesses, there was no difference between the fair value and carrying value of net assets consolidated, except for 
intangible assets. The Group acquires businesses intended for use on a continuing basis. There were no significant changes to the 
provisional goodwill that arose in the previous year on acquisitions.

110

Savills plc  Report and Accounts 201317(f). Transactions with non-controlling interests
During the year, the Group undertook the following transactions with non-controlling interests:

Name
Savills (Vietnam) Limited
Savills Sweden AB
Cordea Savills SGR SpA

Date
January 2013
December 2013
June 2013

Holding 
acquired/
(disposed)
5.9%
1.6%
(10.0%)

Total holding at 
31 December 2013
98.0%
100.0%
90.0%

Acquisitions
Under IAS 27 (revised), transactions with non-controlling interests must be accounted for as equity transactions, therefore no goodwill 
has been recognised. Acquisition costs related to these transactions were not significant.

In January 2013, the Group acquired an additional 5.9% of the shares in Savills (Vietnam) Limited for cash consideration of £1.0m. 
This takes the Group’s shareholding to 98.0%. The carrying amount of Savills (Vietnam) Limited’s net assets on the date of acquisition 
was £1.1m. The Group recognised a decrease in non-controlling interest of £nil. The amount charged to retained earnings in respect 
of this transaction was £1.0m.

In December 2013, the Group acquired an additional 1.6% of the shares in Savills Sweden AB for cash consideration of £0.1m. This 
takes the Group’s shareholding to 100.0%. The carrying amount of Savills Sweden AB’s net assets on the date of acquisition was 
£6.6m. The Group recognised a decrease in non-controlling interest of £0.1m. The amount charged to retained earnings in respect of 
this transaction was £nil.

In 2012 the Group acquired additional stakes in Savills LLC and Savills (Vietnam) Limited for a total consideration of £11.8m. 

Disposals
In June 2013, the Group disposed of 10.0% of the shares in Cordea Savills SGR SpA for cash consideration of £nil. This reduced the 
Group’s shareholding to 90.0%. The carrying amount of Cordea Savills SGR SpA on the date of disposal was £3.5m. The Group 
recognised an increase in non-controlling interest of £0.3m. The amount charged to retained earnings in respect of this transaction 
was £0.3m.

18. Deferred income tax
Deferred income tax assets and liabilities are only offset where there are legally enforceable rights to offset current tax assets against 
current tax liabilities and when the deferred income tax relates to the same fiscal authority. The deferred tax assets and liabilities are 
offset when realised through current tax. The deferred income tax assets and liabilities at 31 December, without taking into 
consideration the offsetting balances within the same jurisdiction, are as follows:

The movement on the deferred tax account is shown below:

Deferred tax assets
– Deferred tax asset to be recovered after more than 12 months
– Deferred tax asset to be recovered within 12 months

Deferred tax liabilities
– Deferred tax liability to be recovered after more than 12 months
– Deferred tax liability to be recovered within 12 months

Group

2013 
£m

23.3
3.5
26.8

(0.9)
(0.6)
(1.5)

2012 
£m

21.4
8.5
29.9

(1.2)
(0.5)
(1.7)

Company

2013 
£m

2012 
£m

2.9
0.3
3.2

–
–
–

1.8
0.7
2.5

–
–
–

Deferred tax asset – net

25.3

28.2

3.2

2.5

111

Savills plc  Report and Accounts 2013Overview | Strategy | Performance | Governance | Financial statementsNotes to the financial statements
Year ended 31 December 2013 continued

At 1 January – asset
Amount credited to the income statement (Note 12)
Effect of UK tax rate change within the income statement (Note 12)
Tax charged to other comprehensive income
– Pension asset on actuarial gain
– Pension asset on additional contributions
– Pension asset – effect of UK tax rate change within other comprehensive income
– Employee benefits
– Revaluations of available-for-sale investments
– Movement on foreign exchange reserves
Exchange movement
Initial recognition of intangible assets
At 31 December – asset

Group

Company

2013
£m
28.2
3.2
(1.2)

(1.7)
(2.1)
(0.2)
(0.6)
(0.2)
0.1
(0.2)
–
25.3

2012
(restated)
£m
27.3
5.3
(0.6)

(0.5)
(1.7)
(0.6)
(0.5)
(0.2)
–
(0.1)
(0.2)
28.2

2013
£m
2.5
0.7
(0.1)

(0.2)
–
–
0.3
–
–
–
–
3.2

2012
£m
1.9
0.6
(0.1)

(0.1)
–
–
0.2
–
–
–
–
2.5

Deferred income tax assets have been recognised in respect of all tax losses and other temporary differences to the extent that the 
realisation of the related tax benefit through the future taxable profits is probable.

As at the reporting date the Group did not recognise deferred tax income tax assets of £7.6m (2012: £8.5m) in respect of losses 
amounting to £23.5m (2012: £24.9m) that can be carried forward indefinitely against future taxable income (2012: losses of £0.7m 
expired within 2 years, £1.1m expired between 3 and 8 years, £23.1m remained available for offset indefinitely).

Deferred tax assets – Group
At 1 January 2012
Amount credited/(charged) to the income statement 
(restated)
Effect of UK tax rate change within the income statement
Tax charged to other comprehensive income (restated)
Effect of UK tax rate change within other comprehensive 
income
Exchange movement
At 31 December 2012
Amount (charged)/credited to the income statement 
(Note 12)
Effect of UK tax rate change within the income statement 
(Note 12)
Tax charged to other comprehensive income (Note 12)
Effect of UK tax rate change within other comprehensive 
income (Note 12)
Exchange movement
At 31 December 2013

Accelerated 
capital 
allowances
£m
0.9

Other 
including
 provisions
£m
7.1

Tax losses 
£m
5.7

Retirement 
benefits
£m
9.0

Revaluation
 £m
0.3

Employee 
benefits
£m
6.4

0.1
–
–

–
–
1.0

(0.3)

–
–

–
–
0.7

1.1
(0.3)
–

–
0.1
8.0

0.3

(0.6)
–

–
(0.2)
7.5

1.4
–
–

–
(0.2)
6.9

0.6

–
–

–
–
7.5

0.2
–
(2.2)

(0.6)
–
6.4

0.3

–
(3.8)

(0.2)
–
2.7

–
–
(0.3)

–
–
–

–

–
–

–
–
–

2.1
(0.4)
(0.5)

–
–
7.6

2.1

(0.7)
(0.6)

–
–
8.4

Total 
£m
29.4

4.9
(0.7)
(3.0)

(0.6)
(0.1)
29.9

3.0

(1.3)
(4.4)

(0.2)
(0.2)
26.8

112

Savills plc  Report and Accounts 2013Deferred tax liabilities – Group
At 1 January 2012
Amount (charged)/credited to the income statement
Effect of UK tax rate change within the income statement
Effect of UK tax rate change within other comprehensive income
Initial recognition of intangible assets
At 31 December 2012
Amount (charged)/credited to the income statement (Note 12)
Effect of UK tax rate change within the income statement (Note 12)
Tax credited/(charged) to other comprehensive income (Note 12)
At 31 December 2013
Net deferred tax asset
At 31 December 2013
At 31 December 2012

Deferred tax assets – Company
At 1 January 2012
Amount credited to income statement
Effect of UK tax rate change within income statement
Tax (charged)/credited to other comprehensive income 
As at 31 December 2012
Amount credited/(charged) to the income statement
Effect of UK tax rate change within the income statement
Tax (charged)/credited to other comprehensive income (Note 12)
At 31 December 2013
Net deferred tax asset
At 31 December 2013
At 31 December 2012

19. Trade and other receivables

Trade receivables
Less: provision for impairment of receivables
Trade receivables – net
Amounts owed by subsidiary undertakings
Other receivables
Prepayments and accrued income

Accelerated
capital 
allowances
£m
–
–
–
–
–
–
(0.1)
–
–
(0.1)

Other
including
provisions
£m 
(0.2)
(0.1)
–
–
–
(0.3)
–
–
0.1
(0.2)

Revaluations
£m
(0.2)
–
–
0.1
–
(0.1)
–
–
(0.2)
(0.3)

Intangible
 assets 
£m
(1.7)
0.5
0.1
–
(0.2)
(1.3)
0.3
0.1
–
(0.9)

Accelerated
capital 
allowances
£m
0.3
–
–
–
0.3
–
–
–
0.3

Other
including 
provisions
£m
0.6
–
(0.1)
–
0.5
0.3
(0.1)
–
0.7

Retirement 
benefits
£m
0.5
–
–
(0.1)
0.4
(0.1)
–
(0.2)
0.1

Employee
 benefits
£m
0.5
0.6
–
0.2
1.3
0.5
–
0.3
2.1

Group

Company

2013
£m
201.7
(13.0)
188.7
–
17.6
34.2
240.5

2012
£m
182.5
(8.4)
174.1
–
17.4
29.3
220.8

2013
£m
–
–
–
14.1
0.3
1.6
16.0

Total 
£m
(2.1)
0.4
0.1
0.1
(0.2)
(1.7)
0.2
0.1
(0.1)
(1.5)

25.3
28.2

Total 
£m
1.9
0.6
(0.1)
0.1
2.5
0.7
(0.1)
0.1
3.2

3.2
2.5

2012
£m
–
–
–
13.8
0.6
0.8
15.2

The carrying value of trade and other receivables is approximate to their fair value.

There is no concentration of credit risk with respect to trade and other receivables as the Group has a large number of clients 
internationally dispersed with no individual client owing a significant amount. The credit quality of receivables is managed at a local 
subsidiary level with uncollectable amounts being impaired where necessary.

Amounts owed by subsidiary undertakings are unsecured, interest free and generally cleared within the month.

As at 31 December 2013, trade receivables of £127.8m (2012: £125.5m) were neither past due nor impaired and fully performing. 

113

Savills plc  Report and Accounts 2013Overview | Strategy | Performance | Governance | Financial statementsNotes to the financial statements
Year ended 31 December 2013 continued

As at 31 December 2013, trade receivables of £13.0m (2012: £8.4m) were impaired and provided for. The individually impaired 
receivables mainly relate to receivables from clients that have been affected by the uncertain economic conditions where funding  
and completion have been delayed and cash flow has become uncertain.

The ageing of these receivables is as follows:

Up to 3 months
3 to 6 months
Over 6 months

Group

2013 
£m
0.6
3.8
8.6
13.0

2012 
£m
0.9
1.5
6.0
8.4

As at 31 December 2013, trade receivables of £60.9m (2012: £48.6m) were past due but not impaired. These relate to trade 
receivables which are past due at the reporting date but are not considered impaired as there has not been a significant change  
in credit quality and the amounts are still considered recoverable.

The ageing of these receivables is as follows:

Up to 3 months
3 to 6 months
Over 6 months

The carrying amounts of the Group’s trade and other receivables are denominated in the following currencies:

Sterling
Euro
Hong Kong dollar
Australian dollar
Other*

*  Other currencies include US dollar, Chinese renminbi, South Korean won, Singapore dollar, Polish zloty and Swedish krona.

Movement on the provision for impairment of trade receivables is as follows:

At 1 January
Provisions for receivables impairment
Receivables written off during the year as uncollectible
Unused provisions released
Exchange movements
At 31 December

Group

2013 
£m
43.5
10.0
7.4
60.9

2012 
£m
35.8
8.4
4.4
48.6

Group

2013 
£m
127.9
30.3
30.5
18.1
33.7
240.5

2012 
£m
107.1
25.3
39.1
14.9
34.4
220.8

Group

2013 
£m
(8.4)
(6.8)
1.2
0.8
0.2
(13.0)

2012 
£m
(7.9)
(3.6)
1.9
1.1
0.1
(8.4)

The creation and release of the provision for impaired receivables have been included in other operating expenses in the  
income statement.

The other classes within trade and other receivables do not contain impaired assets.

The maximum exposure to credit risk at the reporting date is the carrying value of each class of receivables mentioned above.  
The Group does not hold any collateral as security.

114

Savills plc  Report and Accounts 201320. Cash and cash equivalents

Cash at bank and in hand
Short-term bank deposits

Group

Company

2013 
£m
115.5
6.7
122.2

2012 
£m
85.8
7.0
92.8

2013
 £m
70.9
–
70.9

2012 
£m
21.2
–
21.2

The carrying value of cash and cash equivalents approximates their fair value.

The effective interest rate on short-term bank deposits as at 31 December 2013 was 1.98% (2012: 1.81%); these deposits have an 
average maturity of 62 days (2012: 55 days).

Cash subject to restrictions in Asia Pacific amounts to £20.0m (2012: £15.9m) which is cash pledged to banks in relation to property 
management contracts and cash remittance restrictions in certain countries. These amounts are consolidated.

Cash, cash equivalents and bank overdrafts include the following for the purposes of the cash flow statement:

Cash and cash equivalents
Bank overdrafts (Note 23)

Cash and cash equivalents are denominated in the following currencies:
Sterling
Euro
Hong Kong dollar
Singapore dollar
Australian dollar
Chinese renminbi
South Korean won
Japanese yen
US dollar
Other currencies*

Group

Company

2013 
£m
122.2
–
122.2

31.0
6.4
36.9
3.1
7.1
21.4
3.5
6.4
2.3
4.1
122.2

2012 
£m
92.8
(0.1)
92.7

15.7
3.5
36.8
6.6
4.4
14.8
2.3
2.7
1.2
4.8
92.8

2013 
£m
70.9
–
70.9

70.9
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
70.9

*  Other currencies include New Taiwan dollar, Macau pataca, Thai baht, Vietnamese dong, New Zealand dollar, Polish zloty and Swedish krona.

21. Trade and other payables – current

Deferred consideration
Trade payables
Amounts owed to subsidiary undertakings
Other taxation and social security
Other payables
Accruals and deferred income*

* 

Includes accruals for profit shares.

Group

Company

2013
£m
0.5
33.5
–
35.3
11.0
186.0
266.3

2012 
£m
0.6
43.0
–
30.5
9.0
153.7
236.8

2013 
£m
–
0.3
0.9
7.4
–
10.5
19.1

The carrying value of trade and other payables is approximate to their fair value.

Amounts due to subsidiary undertakings are unsecured, interest free and repayable on demand. 

2012 
£m
21.2
–
21.2

21.2
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
21.2

2012 
£m
–
2.4
0.8
5.9
–
7.2
16.3

115

Savills plc  Report and Accounts 2013Overview | Strategy | Performance | Governance | Financial statementsNotes to the financial statements
Year ended 31 December 2013 continued

22. Trade and other payables – non-current

Deferred consideration
Other payables
Amounts owed to subsidiary undertakings

23. Borrowings

Current
Bank overdrafts
Unsecured bank loans due within one year or on demand
Finance leases

Non-current 
Unsecured bank loans

Group

Company

2013 
£m
–
0.2
–
0.2

Group

2013 
£m

–
6.8
–
6.8

3.0
3.0

2012
 £m
0.4
0.2
–
0.6

2012
 £m

0.1
1.0
0.1
1.2

–
–

2013 
£m
–
–
7.0
7.0

2012 
£m
–
–
6.1
6.1

Company

2013 
£m

2012 
£m

–
–
–
–

–
–

–
–
–
–

–
–

In February 2013 the Group entered into a £12.0m amortising term loan to finance the fit out costs for the Group’s new head office. 
Interest is fixed at 2.7% via an interest rate swap until maturity date. The loan is repaid in equal quarterly instalments until May 2015. 
At 31 December 2013, £9.0m was outstanding with £6.0m due within one year.

In October 2013 Savills (Aust) Pty Limited borrowed £1.2m as a working capital loan. The borrowings are denominated in Australian 
dollars and have an effective interest rate of 5.3%. The loan is repaid in equal monthly instalments until July 2014. At 31 December,  
at the year end exchange rate, £0.8m was outstanding (2012: £1.0m) and is due within one year. A similar loan entered into in  
October 2012 was fully repaid during the year.

The exposure of the Group’s borrowings to interest rate changes and the contractual repricing dates at the reporting date are:

Group

Company

2013
 £m
6.8
3.0
9.8

2012 
£m
1.2
–
1.2

2013 
£m
–
–
–

Group

Company

2013
 £m
3.0
3.0

2012 
£m
–
–

2013 
£m
–
–

Group

2012 
£m
–
–
–

2012 
£m
–
–

2013
 £m
–

2012 
£m
6.75%
2.91% 6.28%
9.72%

–

Less than 1 year
Between 1 and 2 years

The maturity of non-current borrowings is as follows:

Between 1 and 2 years

The effective interest rates at the reporting date were as follows:

Bank overdraft
Bank loans
Finance leases

The carrying amounts of borrowings are approximate to their fair value.

116

Savills plc  Report and Accounts 2013The carrying amounts of the Group’s borrowings are denominated in the following currencies:

Sterling
Australian dollar
Thai baht

The Group has the following undrawn borrowing facilities:
Floating rate – expiring within 1 year or on demand
Floating rate – expiring between 1 and 5 years

Group

Company

2013 
£m
9.0
0.8
–
9.8

2012 
£m
–
1.1
0.1
1.2

20.5
90.0

21.3
65.0

2013 
£m
–
–
–
–

–
–

2012 
£m
–
–
–
–

–
–

In December 2013 the Group’s £65.0m multi-currency revolving credit facility was cancelled and replaced with a new £90.0m multi-
currency revolving credit facility, which expires in June 2017. As at 31 December 2013 this facility was undrawn. 

24. Derivative financial instruments

2013
Forward foreign exchange contracts – at fair value

2012
Forward foreign exchange contracts – at fair value

Group

Company

Assets 
£m
0.1

Liabilities 
£m
–

Assets 
£m
–

Liabilities 
£m
–

Group

Assets 
£m
–

Liabilities
£m
0.1

Company

Assets 
£m
–

Liabilities 
£m
–

Forward foreign exchange contracts
The gross notional principal amounts of the outstanding forward foreign exchange contracts at 31 December 2013 were £7.0m  
(2012: £7.8m). All contracts mature within one year and are classed as current.

Gains and losses on forward foreign exchange contracts are recognised in net foreign exchange gains and losses in the  
income statement.

25(a). Provisions for other liabilities and charges

At 1 January 2013
Provided during the year
Utilised during the year
Released during the year
Total
Less non-current portion
Current portion

2012
Current
Non-current
Total

Professional 
indemnity 
claims 
£m
19.0
8.9
(6.6)
(1.2)
20.1
11.8
8.3

Professional 
indemnity 
claims 
£m
5.3
13.7
19.0

Dilapidation 
provisions 
£m
2.8
1.0
(0.3)
–
3.5
2.3
1.2

Dilapidation 
provisions 
£m
1.1
1.7
2.8

Onerous 
leases 
£m
3.4
0.5
(1.2)
(0.5)
2.2
1.6
0.6

Restructuring 
provision 
£m
0.4
0.7
(0.3)
–
0.8
–
0.8

Onerous 
leases 
£m
1.1
2.3
3.4

Restructuring 
provision 
£m
0.4
–
0.4

Group 
Total 
£m
25.6
11.1
(8.4)
(1.7)
26.6
15.7
10.9

Group 
Total 
£m
7.9
17.7
25.6

Company
£m
1.3
–
–
(0.1)
1.2
1.2
–

Company 
£m
0.1
1.2
1.3

117

Savills plc  Report and Accounts 2013Overview | Strategy | Performance | Governance | Financial statementsNotes to the financial statements
Year ended 31 December 2013 continued

Professional indemnity claims
These arise from various legal actions, proceedings and other claims that are pending against the Group and are based on 
reasonable estimates, taking into account the opinions of legal counsel. The nature of the amounts provided in respect of legal 
actions, proceedings and other claims is such that the extent and timing of cash flows can be difficult to estimate and the ultimate 
liability may vary from the amounts provided. The non-current portion of these provisions is expected to be utilised within the next 
two to five years. Included are provisions for claims relating to subsidiaries prior to their disposal.

Dilapidation provisions
The Group is required to perform dilapidation repairs and in certain instances restore properties to agreed specifications prior to the 
properties being vacated at the end of their lease term. These amounts are based on estimates of repair and restoration costs at a 
future date and therefore a degree of uncertainty exists over the future outflows given that these are subject to repair and restoration 
cost price fluctuations and the extent of repairs to be completed. The majority of the non-current portion of these provisions is 
expected to be utilised within the next two to six years.

Onerous leases
A provision is recognised where the costs of meeting the obligations under a lease contract exceed the economic benefits  
expected to be received and is measured as the net least cost of exiting the contract, being the lower of the cost of fulfilling it  
and any compensation or penalties arising from the failure to fulfil it. The majority of the non-current portion of these provisions is 
expected to be utilised within the next two to four years. 

Restructuring provision
This provision comprises termination payments to employees affected by restructuring and lease termination penalties.

25(b). Employee benefit obligations
In addition to the defined benefit obligation pension scheme disclosed in Note 10, the following are included in employee  
benefit obligations:

Group
At 1 January 2013
Provided during the year
Utilised during the year
Exchange movements
At 31 December 2013

Total 
£m
13.6
7.1
(5.3)
(1.2)
14.2

The above provisions relate to holiday pay and long service leave in UK, Asia Pacific and Europe. Profit shares are included within 
accruals (Note 21).

The Company had no employee benefit obligations at 31 December 2013 or 31 December 2012.

The above employee benefit obligations have been analysed between current and non-current as follows:

Group

2013 
£m
6.3
7.9
14.2

2012 
£m
5.9
7.7
13.6

Current
Non-current

118

Savills plc  Report and Accounts 201326. Share capital – Group and Company

Authorised and allotted
Ordinary shares of 2.5p each:
Authorised
Issued, called up and fully paid

Movement in issued, called up and fully paid share capital

At 1 January
Issued to direct participants on exercise of options under the Sharesave 
Scheme
Issued to direct participants on exercise of options under the Executive 
Share Option Scheme (2001)
At 31 December

2013
Number of shares

2012 
Number of shares

202,000,000
134,280,732

202,000,000
133,342,240

2013
£m

5.1
3.4

2013
Number of shares
133,342,240

243,879

694,613
134,280,732

£m  
3.3

–

0.1
3.4

2012
Number of shares
132,589,303

680,210

72,727
133,342,240

2012 
£m

5.1
3.3

£m
3.3

–

–
3.3

Each issued, called up and fully paid ordinary share of 2.5p is a voting share in the capital of the Company, is entitled to participate  
in the profits of the Company and on winding-up is entitled to participate in the assets of the Company. 

As at 31 December 2013, the Savills plc 1992 Employee Benefit Trust (the ‘EBT’) held 5,525,661 shares (2012: 7,183,049 shares). 
These shares are held as ‘treasury shares’. Any voting or other similar decisions relating to these shares are taken by the trustees  
of the EBT, who may take account of any recommendation of the Company. The EBT waives all but 0.01p per share of its dividend 
entitlement. For further details of the EBT refer to Note 2. 

At the Annual General Meeting (AGM) held on 8 May 2013, the shareholders gave the Company authority, subject to stated 
conditions, to purchase for cancellation up to 13,347,638 of its own ordinary shares (AGM held on 9 May 2012: 13,259,678).  
Such authority remains valid until the conclusion of the next AGM or 1 July 2014, whichever is the earlier.

27. Share-based payment
Details of the terms of the following schemes are contained in the Remuneration report on pages 57 to 64.

27(a). Executive Share Option Scheme (2001)
The following share options have been granted under the Executive Share Option Scheme (2001) and were outstanding at  
31 December 2013:

Date of grant
14 March 2005
14 March 2005
17 April 2009
17 April 2009
19 April 2010

Exercise period
7 years from 14 March 2008
7 years from 14 March 2008
7 years from 17 April 2012
7 years from 17 April 2012
7 years from 19 April 2013

Approved/
 unapproved
Approved
Unapproved
Approved
Unapproved
Unapproved

Exercise price
321.3p
321.3p
288.8p
288.8p
341.0p

2013
Number of 
shares 
’000
–
–
10
114
176
300

2012
Number of 
shares 
’000
28
67
21
457
422
995

A reconciliation of option movements over the year to 31 December 2013 is shown below:

Outstanding at 1 January
Exercised
Outstanding at 31 December
Exercisable at 31 December

2013

2012

Number of 
shares 
’000
995
(695)
300
300

Weighted 
average 
exercise 
price
314.0p
311.7p
319.3p
319.3p

Number of 
shares 
’000
1,068
(73)
995
573

Weighted 
average 
exercise 
price
312.3p
288.8p
314.0p
294.1p

The weighted average share price on the date of exercise during the year was 566.3p (2012: 461.0p) and total consideration of £2.2m 
(2012: £0.2m) was received.

The weighted average remaining contractual life of share options outstanding at 31 December 2013 is 5.9 years (2012: 6.3 years).

119

Savills plc  Report and Accounts 2013Overview | Strategy | Performance | Governance | Financial statementsNotes to the financial statements
Year ended 31 December 2013 continued

27(b). Sharesave Scheme
During the year 243,879 shares (2012: 680,210 shares) were allotted directly to participants on the exercise of options under the  
Sharesave Scheme, for consideration of £0.7m (2012: £1.8m). The following table shows the options remaining outstanding  
as at 31 December 2013:

Date of grant
29 October 2009

Exercise price
267.0p

Exercise period
01.12.12 – 01.06.13

A reconciliation of option movements over the year to 31 December 2013 is shown below:

2013
Number 
of shares 
’000
–
–

2012
Number 
of shares 
’000
245
245

Outstanding at 1 January
Lapsed
Exercised
Outstanding at 31 December
Exercisable at 31 December

2013

2012

Number 
of shares 
’000
245
(1)
(244)
–
–

Weighted 
average 
exercise 
price
267.0p
267.0p
267.0p
–
–

Number 
of shares 
’000
976
(51)
(680)
245
245

Weighted 
average 
exercise 
price
267.0p
267.0p
267.0p
267.0p
267.0p

The weighted average share price on the date of exercise during the year was 615.8p (2012: 445.5p) and the weighted average 
remaining contractual life of share options outstanding at 31 December 2013 is nil years (2012: 0.4 years).

27(c). Deferred Share Bonus Plan
The following awards of deferred shares, without exercise price, have been granted under the Deferred Share Bonus Plan (the ‘DSBP’) 
and were outstanding at 31 December 2013:

Date of award
17 March 2008
17 April 2009
13 April 2010
13 April 2010
30 March 2011
30 March 2011
19 April 2012
19 April 2012
11 April 2013
11 April 2013
11 April 2013
18 June 2013

Deferred period
5 years
5 years
3 years
5 years
3 years
5 years
3 years
5 years
3 years
4 years
5 years
3 years

Vesting date
17 March 2013
17 April 2014
13 April 2013
13 April 2015
30 March 2014
30 March 2016
19 April 2015
19 April 2017
11 April 2016
11 April 2017
11 April 2018
18 June 2016

2013 
Number of 
shares 
’000
–
494
–
40
710
571
419
324
202
274
8
326
3,368

2012 
Number of 
shares 
’000
1,128
505
446
49
719
599
422
345
–
–
–
–
4,213

As at 31 December 2013, 289 (2012: 327) individuals held outstanding awards under the DSBP. Awards made under the DSBP from 
2006 onwards are subject to rolled-up dividends whereby the number of shares awarded will be increased on the vesting date to 
reflect dividends paid to shareholders throughout the deferred period.

120

Savills plc  Report and Accounts 2013A reconciliation of award movements over the year to 31 December 2013 is shown below:

Outstanding at 1 January
Granted
Forfeited
Exercised
Outstanding at 31 December
Exercisable at 31 December

2013

2012

Weighted 
average 
share price 
at date 
of exercise
–
–
–
582.6p
–
–

Number of 
shares 
’000
4,213
831
(91)
(1,585)
3,368
–

Weighted 
average 
share price 
at date 
of exercise
–
–
–
360.7p
–
–

Number of 
shares 
’000
4,968
773
(133)
(1,395)
4,213
–

The weighted average exercise price for awards granted under this scheme is £nil (2012: £nil). No awards were exercisable under  
this scheme as at 31 December 2013 (31 December 2012: nil).

The weighted average remaining contractual life of share options outstanding at 31 December 2013 is 1.6 years (2012: 2.3 years).

27(d). Deferred Share Plan
The following awards of deferred shares, without exercise price, have been granted under the Deferred Share Plan (the ‘DSP’) and 
remained outstanding at 31 December 2013:

Date of grant
17 March 2008
10 September 2009
13 April 2010
13 April 2010
13 April 2010
8 September 2010
30 March 2011
30 March 2011
30 March 2011
27 September 2011
27 September 2011
19 April 2012
19 April 2012
19 April 2012
13 September 2012
13 September 2012
11 April 2013
11 April 2013
11 April 2013
26 June 2013
26 June 2013
19 September 2013
19 September 2013
19 September 2013

Deferred period
5 years
5 years
3 years
4 years
5 years
3 years
3 years
4 years
5 years
3 years
5 years
3 years
4 years
5 years
3 years
5 years
3 years
4 years
5 years
3 years
5 years
3 years
4 years
5 years

Vesting date
17 March 2013
10 September 2014
13 April 2013
13 April 2014
13 April 2015
8 September 2013
30 March 2014
30 March 2015
30 March 2016
27 September 2014
27 September 2016
19 April 2015
19 April 2016
19 April 2017
13 September 2015
13 September 2017
11 April 2016
11 April 2017
11 April 2018
26 June 2016
26 June 2018
19 September 2016
19 September 2017
19 September 2018

2013 
Number of 
shares 
’000
–
6
–
331
1,412
–
643
362
348
110
43
508
6
21
112
12
75
632
52
10
33
78
13
2
4,809

2012
Number of 
shares 
’000
30
6
1,225
338
1,458
297
656
362
357
113
43
512
6
21
112
12
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
5,548

As at 31 December 2013, 246 individuals (2012: 271) held outstanding awards under the DSP. Awards made under the DSP are 
subject to rolled-up dividends whereby the number of shares awarded will be increased on the vesting date to reflect dividends  
paid to shareholders during the deferred period.

121

Savills plc  Report and Accounts 2013Overview | Strategy | Performance | Governance | Financial statementsNotes to the financial statements
Year ended 31 December 2013 continued

A reconciliation of award movements over the year to 31 December 2013 is shown below:

Outstanding at 1 January
Granted
Forfeited
Exercised
Outstanding at 31 December
Exercisable at 31 December

2013

2012

Weighted 
average 
share price 
at date 
of exercise
–
–
–
546.5p
–
–

Number 
of shares 
’000
5,548
909
(115)
(1,533)
4,809
–

Weighted 
average 
share price 
at date 
of exercise
–
–
–
359.6p
–
–

Number 
of shares 
’000
5,781
664
(111)
(786)
5,548
–

The weighted average exercise price for awards granted under this scheme is £nil (2012: £nil). No awards were exercisable under  
this scheme as at 31 December 2013 (31 December 2012: nil).

The weighted average remaining contractual life of share options outstanding at 31 December 2013 is 1.5 years (2012: 1.6 years).

27(e). Performance Share Plan
The following awards of deferred shares, without exercise price, have been granted under the Performance Share Plan (the ‘PSP’)  
and were outstanding at 31 December 2013:

Date of award
27 May 2011
17 April 2012
17 April 2012

Approved/
 unapproved

Vesting date
27 May 2014
17 April 2015
Approved
17 April 2015 Unapproved

2013
Number of 
shares 
’000
552
34
621
1,207

2012 
Number of 
shares 
’000
552
34
621
1,207

As at 31 December 2013, 9 individuals (2012: 9) held outstanding awards under the PSP. Awards made under the PSP are subject to 
rolled-up dividends whereby the number of shares awarded will be increased on the vesting date to reflect dividends paid to 
shareholders during the deferred period.

A reconciliation of award movements over the year to 31 December 2013 is shown below:

Outstanding at 1 January
Granted
Outstanding at 31 December
Exercisable at 31 December

2013

2012

Weighted 
average
share price
at date 
of exercise
–
–
–
–

Number of
shares
’000
1,207
–
1,207
–

Weighted
average
share price
at date
of exercise
–
–
–
–

Number of
shares 
’000
552
655
1,207
–

The weighted average remaining contractual life of share options outstanding at 31 December 2013 is 0.9 years (2012: 1.9 years).

122

Savills plc  Report and Accounts 201327(f). Fair value of options
Options and awards for the Sharesave Scheme, PSP and ESOS were valued at fair value using the Actuarial Binomial model of 
actuaries Lane Clark & Peacock LLP.

The key assumptions used in the calculation are as follows:

Risk-free rate 
Volatility
Correlation
Employee turnover
Early exercise
Performance criteria

0.5% p.a. – 4.9% p.a. depending on grant date and expected life 
29% p.a. – 51% p.a. depending on grant date 
46% – 57% correlation for Company share price against comparator index at grant date (PSP only) 
Zero for ESOS and PSP, 2.5% p.a. for Sharesave
50% of employees exercise early when options and awards are 20% in the money (ESOS and SAYE)
All vest after three years (only relevant for ESOS)

The expected volatility is measured over the three years prior to the date of grant to match the vesting period of the award. The risk 
free rate is the yield on a zero coupon UK Government bond at each grant date, with term based on the expected life of the option  
or award.

Fair value of options and awards at grant dates are:

Grant
DSBP 2008
DSBP 2009
DSBP 2010
DSBP 2011
DSBP 2012
DSBP 2013
DSBP 2013
Sharesave 2009
DSP 2008
DSP 2009
DSP 2010
DSP 2010
DSP 2011
DSP 2011
DSP 2012
DSP 2012
DSP 2013
DSP 2013
DSP 2013
ESOS 2005
ESOS 2009
ESOS 2010
PSP 2011
PSP 2012

Grant date
17 March 2008
17 April 2009
13 April 2010
30 March 2011
19 April 2012
11 April 2013
18 June 2013
29 October 2009
17 March 2008
10 September 2009
13 April 2010
8 September 2010
30 March 2011
27 September 2011
19 April 2012
13 September 2012
11 April 2013
26 June 2013
19 September 2013
14 March 2005
17 April 2009
17 April 2010
27 May 2011
17 April 2012

Fair value pence
328.3
288.9
340.2
363.2
350.6
510.0
600.0
129.9
328.3
351.9
340.2
317.0
363.2
300.0
350.6
411.6
510.0
549.5
597.5
102.8
136.8
150.3
313.0
244.3

The total charge for the year relating to employee share-based payments plans was £10.4m (2012: £10.4m), all of which related to 
equity-settled share-based payment transactions.

123

Savills plc  Report and Accounts 2013Overview | Strategy | Performance | Governance | Financial statementsNotes to the financial statements
Year ended 31 December 2013 continued

28. Retained earnings and other reserves

Group

Balance at 1 January 2013
Profit attributable to owners of the Company
Other comprehensive income
Employee share option scheme:
– Value of services provided
– Exercise of options
Purchase of treasury shares
Cash settled share based payments
Disposal of available-for-sale investments  
(net of tax)
Dividends
Transactions with non-controlling interests
Balance at 31 December 2013

Balance at 1 January 2012
Profit attributable to owners of the Company 
(restated)
Other comprehensive income (restated)
Employee share option scheme:
– Value of services provided
– Exercise of options
Purchase of treasury shares
Dividends
Transactions with non-controlling interests
Balance at 31 December 2012

Share-based
payments
reserve
£m

25.2
–
–

10.4
(11.6)
–
–

–

–
–
24.0

Treasury
shares
£m

(23.6)
–
–

Profit
and loss
account*
£m

119.5
50.8
8.5

–
6.6
(2.2)
–

–

–
–
(19.2)

–
5.0
–
(7.3)

–

(20.6)
(1.3)
154.6

121.1
50.8
8.5

10.4
–
(2.2)
(7.3)

–

(20.6)
(1.3)
159.4

24.1

(30.1)

99.4

93.4

–
–

10.4
(9.3)
–
–
–
25.2

–
–

36.8
3.2

36.8
3.2

–
8.1
(1.6)
–
–
(23.6)

–
1.2
–
(16.9)
(4.2)
119.5

10.4
–
(1.6)
(16.9)
(4.2)
121.1

Total
retained
earnings*
£m

Capital
redemption
reserve
£m

Foreign
exchange
reserve
£m

Revaluation
reserve
£m

Total other
reserves
£m

0.3
–
–

–
–
–
–

–

–
–
0.3

0.3

–
–

–
–
–
–
–
0.3

20.2
–
(5.0)

–
–
–
–

(0.3)

–
–
14.9

0.3
–
1.6

–
–
–
–

–

–
–
1.9

20.8
–
(3.4)

–
–
–
–

(0.3)

–
–
17.1

23.8

(0.5)

23.6

–
(3.6)

–
–
–
–
–
20.2

–
0.8

–
–
–
–
–
0.3

–
(2.8)

–
–
–
–
–
20.8

* 

Included within Profit and loss account is tax on items taken directly to equity (Note 12) as disclosed above.

29. Contingent liabilities
In common with comparable professional services businesses, the Group is involved in a number of disputes in the ordinary course 
of business. Provision is made in the financial statements for all claims where costs are likely to be incurred and represents the cost  
of defending and concluding claims. The Group carries professional indemnity insurance and no separate disclosure is made of the 
cost of claims covered by insurance as to do so could seriously prejudice the position of the Group.

30. Operating lease commitments – minimum lease payments
The future aggregate minimum lease payments under non-cancellable operating leases are as follows:

Amounts due within:
Within 1 year
Between 1 to 5 years
After 5 years

Group

2013
£m

Company

2012
£m

2013
£m

2012
£m

21.2
72.2
127.8
221.2

21.8
67.8
143.9
233.5

0.6
31.4
109.7
141.7

–
16.8
121.1
137.9

Significant operating leases relate to the various property leases for Savills offices in the United Kingdom, Europe and Asia Pacific. 
There are no significant non-cancellable subleases.

124

Savills plc  Report and Accounts 201331. Capital commitments

Contracts placed for future expenditure not provided for in the financial statements

Group

Company

2013
£m
–

2012
£m
7.1

2013
£m
–

2012
£m
7.1

Capital commitments of £7.1m as at 31 December 2012 reflected contracts placed for the fit out of the Group’s new head office at  
33 Margaret Street, London, which was completed during 2013.

32. Cash generated from/(used in) operations

Profit/(loss) for the year 
Adjustments for:
Income tax (Note 12) 
Depreciation (Note 16)
Amortisation of intangible assets (Note 15)
Loss on sale of property, plant and equipment
Loss/(profit) on disposal of available-for-sale investment (Note 17(b))
Net finance cost/(income) (Note 11) 
Share of post-tax profit from joint ventures and associates (Note 17(a))
Decrease in employee and retirement obligations
Exchange movement on operating activities
Increase/(decrease) in provisions
Impairment of available-for-sale investment included within operating income
Charge for share-based compensation (Note 27(f))
Exercise of share options
Operating cash flows before movements in working capital
(Increase)/decrease in work in progress
(Increase)/decrease in trade and other receivables
Increase in trade and other payables
Cash generated from/(used in) operations

33. Analysis of cash net of debt

2013
Cash and cash equivalents
Bank overdrafts

Bank loans
Finance leases
Cash and cash equivalents net of debt

2012
Cash and cash equivalents
Bank overdrafts

Bank loans
Finance leases
Cash and cash equivalents net of debt

Group

Company

2013
£m
51.4

18.7
7.6
3.9
0.4
0.3
0.6
(7.2)
(7.4)
0.4
1.1
–
10.4
–
80.2
(0.3)
(23.7)
29.8
86.0

2012
(restated)
£m
37.1

14.9
7.2
3.7
0.1
(1.7)
1.3
(7.1)
(7.4)
(0.1)
5.1
1.2
10.4
–
64.7
1.2
(31.3)
36.9
71.5

2013
£m
44.6

(3.4)
0.9
0.5
–
–
(0.9)
–
(0.5)
(0.2)
(0.1)
–
2.3
(4.9)
38.3
–
(0.8)
2.8
40.3

2012
(restated)
£m
(0.8)

(2.8)
0.8
0.5
–
–
(1.5)
–
(0.3)
0.2
–
–
2.1
(8.0)
(9.8)
–
1.5
4.5
(3.8)

At 
1 January
£m
92.8
(0.1)
92.7
(1.0)
(0.1)
91.6

At 
1 January
£m
80.0
(1.2)
78.8
(5.0)
(0.2)
73.6

Cash flows
£m
32.2
0.1
32.3
(8.8)
0.1
23.6

Exchange
movement
£m
(2.8)
–
(2.8)
–
–
(2.8)

At 
31 December
£m
122.2
–
122.2
(9.8)
–
112.4

Cash flows
£m
14.4
1.0
15.4
3.8
0.1
19.3

Exchange
movement
£m
(1.6)
0.1
(1.5)
0.2
–
(1.3)

At 
31 December
£m
92.8
(0.1)
92.7
(1.0)
(0.1)
91.6

125

Savills plc  Report and Accounts 2013Overview | Strategy | Performance | Governance | Financial statementsNotes to the financial statements
Year ended 31 December 2013 continued

34. Related party transactions
There were no significant related party transactions during the year. All related party transactions take place on an arm’s length  
basis under the same terms as those available to other customers in the ordinary course of business.

Loans to related parties
Loans to associates and joint ventures are disclosed in Note 17(a).

Company transactions
The Company provided corporate function services to its subsidiaries at an arm’s-length value of £13.5m (2012: £12.5m).

Dividends of £50.0m were received from subsidiaries during the year (2012: £nil). Amounts outstanding to and from subsidiaries  
as at 31 December 2013 are disclosed in Notes 19, 21 and 22.

35. Events after the balance sheet date
Pinnacle Regeneration Group Limited
On 2 January 2014, the Group sold its 3.03% holding in Pinnacle Regeneration Group Limited for cash consideration of £2.4m.  
The profit on disposal is £1.7m. 

126

Savills plc  Report and Accounts 2013Shareholder information

Key dates for 2014
Annual General Meeting
Financial half year end
Announcement of half year results

Website
Visit our investor relations website www.savills.com for full up  
to date investor relations information, including the latest share 
price, recent annual and half year reports, results presentations 
and financial news.

Shareholder enquiries
For shareholder enquiries please contact our Registrars, 
Equiniti. For general enquiries please call our Shareholder 
Services helpline on: 0871 384 2018 (overseas holders need  
to ring +44 (0)121 415 7047). Calls to Equiniti’s 0871 numbers 
are charged at 8p per minute plus network extras. Other 
network service providers’ costs may vary. Lines are open  
from 8.30am to 5.30pm, Monday to Friday, excluding bank 
holidays. For further administrative queries in respect of  
your shareholding please access our Registrars’ website  
at www.shareview.co.uk

Electronic communications
If you would prefer to receive shareholder communications 
electronically in future, including your annual and half-yearly 
reports and notices of meetings, please visit our Registrars’ 
website, www.shareview.co.uk and follow the link to ‘Sign up  
for paper-free communications’.

Half Year Report
Like many other listed public companies, we no longer circulate 
printed Half Year reports to shareholders. Rather, Half Year 
results’ statements are published on the Company’s website.  
We believe that this is of benefit to those shareholders who do 
not wish to be burdened with such paper documents, and to  
the Company, as it is consistent with our target of saving printing 
and distribution costs.

Professional advisers and service providers
Solicitors
CMS Cameron McKenna LLP 
Mitre House 
160 Aldersgate Street 
London 
EC1A 4DD

Registrars
Equiniti 
Aspect House 
Spencer Road 
Lancing 
West Sussex 
BN99 6DA

Auditor
PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP 
1 Embankment Place 
London WC2N 6RH

Joint Stockbrokers
UBS Investment Bank 
1 Finsbury Avenue 
London EC2M 2PP

Numis Securities Ltd 
The London Stock 
Exchange Building 
10 Paternoster Square 
London EC4M 7LT

Principal Bankers
Barclays Bank PLC 
1 Churchill Place 
London E14 5HP

Date
12 May
30 June
August

O
v
e
r
v
e
w

i

|

S
t
r
a
t
e
g
y

|

P
e
r
f
o
r
m
a
n
c
e

|

G
o
v
e
r
n
a
n
c
e

|

i

F
n
a
n
c
a

i

l

s
t
a
t
e
m
e
n
t
s

127

Savills plc  Report and Accounts 2013 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cautionary note regarding forward-looking statements
Certain statements included in this Annual Report are forward-
looking and are therefore subject to risks, assumptions and 
uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially 
from those expressed or implied because they relate to future 
events. These forward-looking statements include, but are not 
limited to, statements relating to the Company’s expectations. 
Forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of 
relevant terminology including the words: ‘believes’, ‘estimates’, 
‘anticipates’, ‘expects’, ‘intends’, ‘forecasts’, ‘plans’, ‘goal’, 
‘target’, ‘aim’, ‘may’, ‘will’, ‘would’, ‘could’ or ‘should’ or, in  
each case, their negative or other variations or comparable 
terminology and include all matters that are not historical facts. 
They appear in a number of places throughout this Annual 
Report and include statements regarding our intentions, beliefs  
or current expectations and those of our Officers, Directors and 
employees concerning, amongst other things, our results of 
operations, financial condition, liquidity, prospects, growth, 
strategies and the businesses we operate.

Other factors that could cause actual results to differ materially 
from those estimated by the forward-looking statements include, 
but are not limited to:

 – Global economic business conditions;
 – Monetary and interest rate policies;
 –
 –
 –
 –
 – Changes to consumer saving and spending habits; and
 – Our success in managing the above factors.

Foreign currency exchange rates;
Equity and property prices;
The impact of competition, inflation;
 Changes to regulations, taxes;

Consequently, our actual future financial condition, performance 
and results could differ materially from the plans, goals and 
expectations set out in our forward-looking statements. 
Accordingly, no assurance can be given that any particular 
expectation will be met and readers are cautioned not to place 
undue reliance on forward-looking statements which speak only 
at their respective dates.

The Company undertakes no obligation to publicly update any 
forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new 
information, future events or otherwise. 

Shareholder information
continued

Warning about unsolicited investment contacts
Share fraud includes scams where investors are contacted 
unexpectedly and offered shares that often turn out to be 
worthless or non-existent or offered an inflated price for  
shares they own. These calls come from fraudsters operating  
in ‘boiler rooms’ that are mostly based abroad.

Shareholders who buy or sell their shares in this way usually  
lose their money. The Financial Conduct Authority (‘FCA’) has 
found most share fraud victims are experienced investors who 
lose an average of £20,000, with around £200m lost in the UK 
each year.

Protect yourself – if you are offered discounted shares, 
unsolicited investment advice, an inflated price for your  
shares or free company or research reports, you should take 
precautionary measures before handing over your money.

1.  Get the name of the person and organisation contacting you.
2. 

 Check the Financial Services Register at  
www.fca.org.uk/register to ensure that they are authorised.
 Contact the firm using the details on the Financial Services 
Register. If there are no details or you are told they are out of  
date, contact FCA Helpline on 0800 111 6768 or fill out  
a share fraud reporting form which can be found on the  
FCA website.
 Search the list of unauthorised firms and individuals  
to avoid at www.fca.org.uk/scams and remember: if it 
sounds too good to be true, it probably is! 

3. 

4. 

If you have already paid money to share fraudsters you  
should inform the FCA by calling its Helpline 0800 111 6768  
or by calling Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040.

If you use an unauthorised firm to buy or sell shares or  
other investments, you will not have access to the Financial 
Ombudsman Service or the Financial Services Compensation 
Scheme if things go wrong.

128

Savills plc  Report and Accounts 2013Design and production:
Carnegie Orr +44 (0)20 7610 6140
www.carnegieorr.co.uk

The paper used in this Report is  
derived from sustainable sources

Savills plc
33 Margaret Street
London W1G 0JD 
T: +44 (0)20 7499 8644
F: +44 (0)20 7495 3773

Registered in England
No. 2122174

S

a

v

i

l

l

s

p

l

c

R

e

p

o

r

t

a

n

d

A

c

c

o

u

n

t

s

2

0

1

3